Blog Swap- Cocktail Night In by Cher at Love, Actually blog

I'm excited to welcome back Cher to my blog for this blog swap. She has wonderful date ideas for you and that very special person in your life.
Hello, again! It's been a few weeks since I was here last...and I'm glad to be back! I hope you've taken the time to stop by my little blog, Love Actually. If not, come on over. You're welcome anytime! Okay, on to today's idea...

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Did any of you happen to watch "Four Christmases"? If not, allow me to explain why it's pertinent to this post. The opening scene of the movie shows a guy and girl meeting at a bar for the first time. He's apparently hitting on her and she's not interested... Soon after, however, sparks begin to fly and a make-out session goes into high-gear! What's funny is that we later find out that these two strangers are actually a couple! They came to the bar that night with alternate personalities to "meet" again for the first time....what a way to spice things up! It was a hoot to watch...I'm sure it'd be even better in real life!

So, in lieu of this brilliant roleplay, I've created a late-night date idea that allows you and your spouse to kick back and enjoy a drink...notice that I said nothing about a bar!

Invite your spouse "in" for cocktails....or "mocktails" in my case. (alcohol-free).

-Have your kitchen cleaned up and use your table or countertop as your bar. (or if it's nice outside, use your patio or deck)

-Prepare some drinks (great recipes below..or Sparkling Cider is easier, faster, and probably cheaper!) (the drinks look really convincing with grapes or olives on a toothpick, or limes on the side of the glass)
-Get some cheap martini or wine glasses ($ store)
-Put some cut cheese and crackers on a little tray
-Dress up just a little...throw on some lipstick, ladies!
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Get your act together... (pretend you don't know him/her, and they'll soon catch on and play along)
- "Do you come here often?"
- "Have I met you before? You look so familiar."
- Use some cheesy pickup lines (if it gets you both laughing, I'd be one happy blogger!)
- Make up interesting things about your "other" self (again, the movie provides excellent examples--I recommend watching it first!)

I designed these fun invites that you could give them that morning, when they get home from work/school, or just an hour before! Whatever works best.

Download Blue/White Invite HERE

Download Brown/Green Invite HERE

If you don't want to do the whole "alter ego" thing, then use this as a break from work, school, or the kids. Promise to only talk about each other, your love, but not all the stresses that have you down!

Here are some recipes (with my personal stamp of taste approval!) if you choose to make your own drinks:

Etsy: Great source for invitations and ideas

Etsy is the coolest website for individuals who sell home crafted items. You can find stationary, soaps, clothing, bedding, jewlery, and most everything that can be created.
I have enjoyed looking at their differently designed party invites. Here are some nice ones with the name of the seller and a link to their page on Etsy. The descriptions were written by the creators:
This invite is my favorite design. Look at all the little details!!! This would make a great vacation or tropical themed party. If you change the paper and the dangling charm it could be any other theme.


Florida, Mexico, Jamaica, the Caymans...a local seaside??? This shimmered signature pocketfold (4x5) invitation is petite sophistication that will make a lasting impression to your invited guests.
The above pocketfold is shown landscape style but could also be customed to a portrait style invitation. This invitation is perfect for any destination wedding or seaside/beach event in sage green and creame shimmered cardstock with bunches of large printed leaves.
Your invitation wording is printed on diamond white cardstock with a brown matte underlay and a elegant palm motif adds charm. As an embellishment a hemp cord is wrapped twice and tied into a bow with a dangling silver starfish. Just SWEET!!!

Wouldn't this make a lovely invite for a Ladies luncheon or a dinner in the Spring?
A round edge crisp white cardstock is mounted on a round edge shimmer pink cardstock (5 x 7). A soft pink and floral band of paper wraps securely around the invitation while a crystal flutter bug rests. (Please note, the flutter bug is adhered to the invitation). If your interested in the matching matchbox favor please convo me through my other shop Sweetrayne{dot}etsy{dot}com



This invitation design would work for ANY event. I especially love the belly band closure.
This (5x7) booklet invitation was inspired by precious poppies. Papers used have a gold shimmered tone to provide lusciousness. With this booklet invitation you can customize to include additional pages if needed.
Your RSVP and RECEPTION enclosure cards are held in place under the front cover with a matching belly band as the whole ensemble is held together with a belly band that's address to your guest. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27139939


This invite would be great for a Chinese New Year party or any Asian inspired gathering.

Terra Cotta and Cream are the hues that inspired this invitation style. This is a three layered 5 x 7 invitation, a textured terra cotta, circular print, and smooth creme cardstock. To set the theme a Chinese character "Happiness" motif is printed flat while a natural hemp cord is double wrapped around the invitation and tied into a knot.

Matching elements such as programs, menu's and escort cards are also available.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23547930


Inspired by all that is victorian or vintage elegance, I designed a romantic ceremony program that would compliment any garden or exquisite event.
Your ceremony and/or wedding participants are printed in flat ink on diamond white cardstock in the shape of a fan. Short lace adorns the top edge for extra softness and a double faced satin ribbon flows from the bottom.
This program can be customized in any way you choose: include your monogram, change the print color or even the ribbon color or add a special motif to add to your events theme!
All programs are hand cut and laced by me...This would also make a nice compliment to your tablescape as a menu card.Inspired by all that is victorian or vintage elegance, I designed a romantic ceremony program that would compliment any garden or exquisite event.
Your ceremony and/or wedding participants are printed in flat ink on diamond white cardstock in the shape of a fan. Short lace adorns the top edge for extra softness and a double faced satin ribbon flows from the bottom.
This program can be customized in any way you choose: include your monogram, change the print color or even the ribbon color or add a special motif to add to your events theme!
All programs are hand cut and laced by me...This would also make a nice compliment to your tablescape as a menu card.Inspired by all that is victorian or vintage elegance, I designed a romantic ceremony program that would compliment any garden or exquisite event.
Your ceremony and/or wedding participants are printed in flat ink on diamond white cardstock in the shape of a fan. Short lace adorns the top edge for extra softness and a double faced satin ribbon flows from the bottom.
This program can be customized in any way you choose: include your monogram, change the print color or even the ribbon color or add a special motif to add to your events theme!
All programs are hand cut and laced by me...This would also make a nice compliment to your tablescape as a menu card.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25817571

A fun invitation for any real celebration... do it in reds and black to celebrate New Years or red and green for Christmas

How fun and playful is this save the date announcement. The colors just scream out vibrant sensations, and with the confetti your letting your guest know that they are going to have a good time.White linen cardstock is layered atop a shimmer tangerine cardstock. A vellum envelope is attached to the announcement holding circle and vellum flower confetti giving your guest the instructions to "Don't Celebrate Yet"!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26481922

Wouldn't these be cute Luggage tag invites for a Dream Destination dinner party... I'm doing this theme for August.
I really love this invite and could totally picture it for a retro 60's or 70's themed party. If the color's were more flourescent it would be great for an 80's party!

This handmade triple layer invitation is made from shimmer cardstock... lime and fuchsia. The top is lined with a fuchsia satin ribbon with dangling beads and shiny circles.
This invitation measures 5x7 and a white envelope is included.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21100172