Party Tips: Sue ~ The Zhush

I am thrilled that Sue (the style maven behind the fabulous blog THE ZHUSH) has agreed to share some of her entertaining tips.

Favorite Cocktails:
Sue loves champagne and often serves a KIR ROYALE as the signature drink at her parties.

Sue often serves MOJITOS during the warmer months. 

Favorite Recipe:

This chocolate cake recipe has been in Sue's family for a long time. It's basically a doctored up cake mix, but it's so good and always a hit at any informal get together.

1 box Duncan Hines Deep Chocolate Cake Mix
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup water
1 pkg instant chocolate pudding mix
1 12 oz package chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine cake mix, eggs, sour cream, oil, water and pudding mix in mixer on high speed for 2 minutes.

2.  Add chocolate chips to mixture,  pour batter into large Teflon Bundt pan.

Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

Favorite Restaurants:
If looking for a great spot to dine close to home, Sue loves REBECCA'S in Greenwich, CT.

When heading to the city (New York that is) THE MODERN is Sue's favorite spot.

Favorite Party Sources:
SWEET LISA'S for great cakes, cupcakes and cookies

BEDFORD GOURMET when Sue needs speciality items for a party

Or PLUM PLUMS

Party Tips:
Dim all the lights and use lots of white votive candles.

Serves lots of cocktails!

Create a playlist from iTunes and turn up the volume.

Images: New York Times, BBC Good Food, Winewriter, Southern Living, Quick Candles, Cocktails.com