Monday, August 1, 2011

Dinner on a stick & SOLO Chalk cup GIVEAWAY!




I had an idea awhile ago to try to make every single part of a meal be served on a stick.  If a slice of cake can be magically put on a stick in the form of cake balls, then certainly everything else could too, right?

Last week I shared my Dad's Light up the Dark party.  The dinner I served for the party that night was a meal on sticks.  Here are the deTAILS:


Individual salads lined up PRETTY in a row instead of tossed in a bowl. 



Cherry tomatoes, lettuce, colored cauliflower, squash, zucchini, and cheese...with dressing for dipping.



And for the little people I served mini sandwiches on a stick. 




Bread on either side, lined with turkey, lettuce, tomato, and cheese in between.




For our buffet line, I used the new It's My SOLO cups that are being sold now!  Have you seen them?  They are too cool!  The cups are easily personalized to say whatever you want to say.  You simply peel off the label and scratch the writing straight onto the cup.  It looks like an adorable mini chalkboard label on the center of the cup.


You can obviously use these for EASY name labels on cups.  The chalkboard tags provide a convenient way to LABEL.  I used the SOLO cups to label the food on sticks in our dinner buffet line.  It created a uniquely AWESOME buffet!



Once the tag is peeled off, it's fun to scratch on words...

I will be GIVING AWAY a package of these fun cups at the end of this post!



To speed up the preparation of this dinner, I bought some of the meat already skewered on the sticks.  They were instantly ready for the grill.




 For some healthy sticks I made turkey meatballs with green onions and carrots.


 The complete line up looked so unique, very different than the typical buffet line.



Get Sauced!
At the end of the line, I set up a sauce bar with some delicious dippers!

- Pomegranate dressing for the salad skewers
- Paprika honey mustard
- Spicy ketchup (just add hot sauce to your ketchup)   
- Sweet BBQ
- Cilantro Yogurt dressing (a healthy dip made with plain greek yogurt and chopped cilantro)

 I found the potato crisp idea in the new book, On a Stick




Lightly seasoned, tossed in olive oil and put on the grill.  Summertime taters!


Our plates looked super fun and playful when they were loaded up with our dinner on a stick.  This meal is ideal for mid summer because it doesn't require a lot of kitchen time.  Food on sticks in a no hassle, laid back way to dine on a warm summertime night. 


OKAY! I'm offering a giveaway for one package of these It's My SOLO Cups to one lucky reader, compliments of Solo! 

There are so many creative ways to use these! I think letting kids draw pictures of their favorite things on them would be a cute way to personalize the cups as well...


 To easily enter, simply leave me a comment on this post! 

For extra entries (leave a separate comment for each entry):
1) follow Moore Minutes blog
2) tell me what CREATIVE ways you would use the My SOLO labeled cups.
3) Share this giveaway on facebook, twitter, or your blog.

*This giveaway is open to continental US citizens only.   I was given SOLO cups to review but opinions and thoughts are all my own.  This giveaway will close August 15th and the winner will be chosen using random.org. 

Disclaimer: The government makes me say that I was compensated for this post.  However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
 
This post is linked to: Under the Table & Dreamin, It's a Blog Party, Think Pink Sundays LambAround, DIY ShowoffSeasonal SundaysMet Monday, Making the World Cuter, A2Z Tips & Tutorials, Lettered Cottage How To, Tasty Tuesday, Tempt My Tummy, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On, Home Decor & Organizing, Outdoor Wednesday, Works for Me Wednesday, Blue Cricket Design, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Transformation Thursday, House of H, Tablescape Thursday, Show off Your Stuff, Strut Your Stuff, 36th Avenue Show and Share Day, Foodie Friday, Frugal Friday, I'm Lovin It, Tickled Pink, Friday Flair, Design Dazzle, T.G.I.F.,  Be Different Act Normal, Funky Junk Interiors, Weekend Wrap Up Jennifer Rizzo Giveaway

86 comments:

Judy@cutest-little-things.blogspot.com said...

SO cute!

I, too, do the sandwich on sticks! It's just so quick and easy for dining al fresco!

Enter me for the cups! I'd love to win!

Judy@cutest-little-things.blogspot.com

Jane said...

Those are the coolest glasses!!! I need to find them for my next gathering... Thanks for sharing your interesting idea of "meal on a stick". The imagination is running...I need to have a party!
Hugs,
Jane

Traci said...

I follow!! I haven't seen these cups. Such a great idea! All of your food looks delish!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I haven't seen these glasses as yet! Such a clever idea. I like the way you used them and I also would think they would be fun to use at a aprty as everyone could write their name on them and then keep track of whose glass is whose.

I was attracted to your blog as I saw your comment on Jenny's blog where you said you lived in Colorado--my adult kids live in your statet--I love it there. Your boys are adorable!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

PS I became a follower on your blog :0)

Christine said...

I will use them like you as a buffet serving piece! Great idea!!!

Theresa said...

Love these cups. I made something similar for Thanksgiving.

sncrawf@aol.com

Melanie said...

Thanks for offering this give-away!!

Melanie said...

I would use these to decorate and place party favors in!

Katherine Chalkley said...

Great party idea! Thank you. I have got to look for these cups in stores...especially b/c our friends call my husband "Chalk" due to our last-name...would be a great party addition.

BTW, meals on sticks reminds me of Cher in Mermaids. :) Love it!

Stephanie said...

I'm a follower! Love all your stick-foods :)

Stephanie said...

My kids would love to draw on their own cups!

Unknown said...

I'm love following this blog!

Unknown said...

I would use the cups for my back-to school activities in my classroom! LOVE THEM!

The Tuscan Home said...

You are so creative and you prepare and display things to perfection, such a cute idea! XO ~Liz

Angel said...

cute idea, as always! I'd love to win!

Angel said...

I follow you already

Angel said...

Creative.. maybe write numbers on the cups and have my preschooler put that number of items inside, or label things for my son's upcoming birthday..

LouAnn said...

I think I need to try the potatoes on a stick - yum!

cmkoepp said...

Too cute Lisa!!! I love it! You can send those cups to me! Justin could LOVE IT!!! Oooo if you hurry they can be here by my birthday. Hee hee
Love you
Chrissy

Anonymous said...

I'm happy follower!..wow,I can think of all kinds of ways to have fun with these,this is first time I've seen these,hope I win!
~JO

Ali Rae said...

The cups are AWESOME! No more trying to get the names on with a sharpie before they sweat too much!

Bonita said...

The cups look so fun and the food looks scrumptious!

Cindi @ Rustique Art said...

shared on facebook...great ideas for kids meals!

~Cindi
http://www.rustiqueartblog.com

Cindi @ Rustique Art said...

Now following Moore Minutes :)

Would love to have you join Rustique Art too!

~Cindi
http://www.rustiqueartblog.com

Cindi @ Rustique Art said...

Creative ways to use these cups...humm, how about when having a sundae party, you could use the cups for all of the different toppings. Yum...makes me hungry just thinking about it.

~Cindi
http://www.rustiqueartblog.com

Judy@cutest-little-things.blogspot.com said...

I'm a follower.

Judy@cutest-little-things.blogspot.com

Judy@cutest-little-things.blogspot.com said...

I'd use them for preschool back-to-school treat cups, loaded with cellophane baggies of sweet treats and school supplies...sweetly labeled with a word of encouragement for the start of a brand new school year!

Judy@cutest-little-things.blogspot.com

Boy oh Boy oh Boy! said...

Oh, those look like a lot of fun!

Amy
mypatzer(at)yahoo(dot)com

Boy oh Boy oh Boy! said...

I'm a follower!

Amy
mypatzer(at)yahoo(dot)com

Boy oh Boy oh Boy! said...

They could be used for a scavenger hunt with the next clue written on the cup.

Amy
mypatzer(at)yahoo(dot)com

The Single Nester said...

Everything looks so fun and delicious!

Jenny said...

I love these ideas Miss Lisa!

I'm sending this link to my daughter-in-law. What fun meals for hot summer nights!

And the sauce bar is totally brilliant!

caveman said...

Well, I don't need cups because I think I already have some... But I really enjoyed this dinner! I Especially liked that you seemed to have more time to spend with ME, instead of prepping the yummies. And as a male guest, I can't express enough that meat on a stick makes for a wonderful meal.

Miller Racing Family said...

What great ideas. I love the little sandwiches. I think those would be great for the school parties.
Blessings!

Miller Racing Family said...

Proud Follower!

Kelly Miller said...

That skewered meat made me hungry! The new cups were made for you.

Kelly Miller said...

I'm a follower.

Darla said...

You are so creative, please put my name in the drawing.

Darla said...

I'm already a follower and I could see these holding paintbrushes, pens/pencils or erasers or .... for our craft/school room.

sukyee28 said...

That is a great idea for the sandwiches.

sukyee

sukyee28@yahoo.com

Ruffles and Relics said...

never seen these before what a neat idea!

Kim Barlow said...

Hi, I would love to have those cups. You could use them at a "craft" birthday party. They can hold the craft supplies, like glitter, glue sticks, feathers, etc. Or they could be used for a lego build off...fill each cup with specific sized legos. Pick me please!!!

Unknown said...

How fun and creative! I would love for you to share this over on my mommy solution meme.

http://www.crystalandcomp.com/2011/08/the-mommy-club-share-your-resources-and-solutions-3/

Lytles said...

This would be a cute idea for a birthday party!
thelytles@hotmail.com

The Smith Hotel said...

What a fun party! I'm a new follower-I found you on Jennifer Rizzo's giveaway party! My kids would love to eat anything on a stick-I might just have to do this sometime!

Hugs,
Jody

Alicia Seeley said...

Super adorable. I definently could use these. With family parties where the kids outnumber the adults, and drinks get misplaced or garbaged would fur sure help with the waste!!! And for party gift bags, kids absolutely love it when it is personalized just for them. I am for sure a new follower!!! :)

Karin Şen Cankan said...

Love it.

Thank you for sharing

Love,
Karin Şen Cankan
karinsfairytale.blogspot.com

morsels of life said...

I'm featuring your mini-sandwiches on a stick today on Five Friday Finds at Morsels of Life. Isn't food on a stick just more fun? Thanks for sharing your recipe and please grab a featured button at http://morselsoflife.blogspot.com/2011/08/five-friday-finds.html !

Haden News said...

What a cute idea!!! I need to have a party and do this :-) Thanks for the chance to win the cups!!

Laura said...

I just wanted to comment that this is a fabulous idea and would be perfect for my older daycare kids!

Emilee said...

I would use them for birthday parties.

emileenreynolds@yahoo.com

Jamie said...

Wow, these are some great ideas! The photos are great. I think I would just let my kids draw on them before dinner for a personalized cup. They would love it!

Angie - Big Bears Wife said...

How fun would those be for a party!! Cute!

Barbara said...

How fun! I haven't seen these cups yet. You are full of clever ideas!

Mallory said...

I'm your 882nd follower! Yay! I'd love the cups!

Mallory said...

I tweeted about this! Look at my recent tweets, @purplestpecalin

Or here is the link of the tweet:
http://twitter.com/#!/purplestpecalin/status/99673381007405056

Mallory said...

I would use the My SOLO cups for a treat buffet on a stick (cookies, cake, brownies). Thanks for the inspiration!

Beverly {Flamingo Toes} said...

Your party is so cute! I love all the ideas - it looks like it was really fun. The cups are cool too - I hadn't seen those before.
Stopping by from TT&J! :)

Jeanine The Crafting Fiend said...

how fun! I love shish parties and foods! Hope to win!

Jeanine The Crafting Fiend said...

I now follow your blog!

Jeanine The Crafting Fiend said...

I would use the cups as painting jars - write the color on the side and take the kiddos canvas outside!

teresa said...

I hadn't seen those before. They are cool! Be great for my 4 kids who take a new glass every time they need a sip of water

CT said...

WOW... I love those cups! Def going to copy your idea of all different snacks on a stick. We have made fruit kabobs before, but the sandwich and the veggies are too cool! Thanks and I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Blissful & Domestic said...

absolutely fantastic! Kids love food on a stick, but I have never thought of doing sandwiches. Brilliant and those cups are awesome! I would love for you to link up to my linky party.

www.blissfulanddomestic.blogspot.com

All Things Beautiful said...

We love having get togethers, so it would be fun for everyone to personalize their own cups. I think these are a neat idea.

Anonymous said...

My 9 year old daughter loves anything I put on a stick! Its a great thing to do when you have a picky eater. I followed you and linked to the givaway on facebook.

Jane said...

This is SUCH a fun idea! I absolutely love it! I can't wait to try this for date night at home with my husband!

Dee Grace said...

GREAT idea!

. said...

Love this idea! thanks for sharing - I've just pinned it! :)

Kristine@thefoleyfam said...

AWESOME ideas and looks so yummy!!

We host a linky party "Help a Momma Out Tuesdays" This would be a perfect link up to share! Please add it and party with us :) Thank you :)

Kristine
www.jandmseyecandy.blogspot.com

Sol said...

These cups are fantastic! Perfect for baby showers and such!
laurakc181 at yahoo dot com

Sol said...

I follow your blog now!
laurakc181 at yahoo dot com

Sol said...

you could use them as planters for small veggies

The Ellis' said...

Oh my goodness! They all look SO GOOD! We would love for you to share this at our link party and come enter our free digital scrapbooking software giveaway!

Love,
The Sisters @ Six Sister's Stuff

http://sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com/search/label/Strut%20Your%20Stuff%20Saturday

http://sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com/2011/08/my-memories-digital-scrapbooking.html

Aiming4Simple said...

So very fun! My kids like to take apart their sandwiches anyway...this will be a neat alternative!

fourkidsmom said...

finally a way to mark the cups. I have always tried to do something like this with the names of kids on them so they won't be getting a new cup every 5 minutes.

fourkidsmom said...

I am a follower.

Tricia said...

Okay. How fun are these?! So smart. Thanks for sharing.

Mrs Happy Homemaker said...

I would LOVE to do the chalkboard idea...I am kind of addicted to chalkboard paint. :)

Mrs Happy Homemaker said...

I am following you on google :)

Mrs Happy Homemaker said...

I shared the giveaway on my personal facebook as well!

Kaytee said...

Wow, those are so cool! They would be great when I have the whole family over...
katelyn.j.stephens at gmail dot com

Kaytee said...

I could use them to teach my nephew how to plant things and we could write the names of the plants on the cups!!!
katelyn.j.stephens at gmail dot com

Lee D. Bug said...

These are just too cute. Every time our little family of 19 gets together at my Mother's for a family dinner, my daughters get out the Sharpie and write everyone's names on our solo cups. These cups would be great for us. I didn't even know these had been produced!

Tracy said...

Cool cups & I LOVE the dinner on a stick! I will be doing this soon! :)