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Image by Jorge Fernández Salas

dine + create
spa time party planner

Create a delightful evening of creativity and relaxation to soothe your soul! Indulge in nourishing foods and refreshing sips while you craft your own spa products to take home. Enjoy a night of pampering and a wonderful sense of community among friends (and soon-to-be friends)

Suggestions to help you plan

Linens - soft blues and greens mixed with relaxing textures and patterns, or basic white table linens (cloth, runner, or mats), cloth lap napkins

 

Food menu & spa menu - white card stock (separate one for each)

 

Dinnerware & serving pieces - clear dinner and dessert plates, martini glasses for soup, bread and butter plate, glass salad bowl, water pitcher

 

Flatware - stainless or silver rolled into your napkin, tied off with a ribbon 

 

Stemware - water goblets and wine glasses

 

Accessories - white flower petals all over the buffet table, along with unscented votives and clear gems

 

Flowers - tropical plants, tropical flowers, or textual greens or monochromatic floral arrangements

 

Favors - pampering cone filled with small travel-size lotion, salts, and lip treatment.  To make the cone, use heavy scrapbook paper, roll it into a cone shape, glue the edges, punch holes on opposite sides at the top of the cone, and thread a ribbon through the holes, then tie it off with a decorative knot.

 

Music - Joshua Bell, Voice of the Violin, Sting, Songs from the Labyrinth, Enya (anything in her collection), Kyle Lovett, Instrumental

Menu

Spa Time Menu

 

Chilled Pear Bisque or Spicy Gazpacho 

Cool and Creamy Shrimp Salad or Mango Shrimp

Tzatziki with Pita or Hummus with Pita

Light Cannoli Bites or Grilled Pineapple with Green Tea Ice Cream

Peach Bellini

Light White Wine Spritzers

Cool Spa Water

 

Ready to Buy Menu

Fresh Fruit Salad 

Salad in a Bag topped with Steamed Shrimp

Tropical Island Treat

Cool Spa Water



 

Menu serves 4 - 8 people

Recipes

Chilled Pear Bisque

Rating: Easy

Time: 20 minutes

Yields 4 servings

Notes: Can be prepared a few hours prior to serving.  Keep chilled until serving.

 

8 large ripe pears, peeled and chopped

¼ cup sweet white wine

4 tablespoons coconut sugar

2 cups coconut milk

2 teaspoons allspice

Pear slices (optional garnish)

Poach pears in white wine until soft. Remove from heat and add sugar.  Stir until dissolved. Once cooled, add the pears and liquid to the food processor or blender on low speed, then pulse until smooth.  Add remaining ingredients and pulse until blended. Chill for at least 3 hours or overnight. Serve one-cup servings in a bowl and garnish with a pear slice.

 

Spicy Gazpacho

Rating: Easy

Time: 45 minutes

Yields 8 to 12 servings

Notes: Make the day before.  Garnish just prior to serving.

 

8 medium ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded

2 medium sweet onions, quartered

2 green peppers, quartered

1 red pepper, quartered

1 small stalk of celery, halved with ends removed

1 English cucumber, thick sliced (if using a regular cucumber, seed it)

1 small bunch green onions, chopped

1 small bunch cilantro, thoroughly washed and stems removed

2 quarts tomato juice

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons coconut aminos

⅛ cup hot pepper sauce (less if you do not want a lot of heat)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 (16-ounce) Plain Whole Milk Greek Yogurt

Avocado slices (optional garnish)

Shrimp (optional garnish)

 

Mix all ingredients, except sour cream and garnishes, together in a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine.  Pulse 2 cups of the mixture at a time in the food processor until smooth.  Refrigerate gazpacho overnight in an airtight container.  Garnished with a dollop of sour cream and optional garnishes.

 

Cool and Creamy Shrimp Salad

Rating: Easy

Time: 20 minutes

Yields 4 servings

Notes: Can be prepared a day in advance. 

 

1 cup sour cream

½ cup Greek yogurt

1 fresh large lemon, squeezed

1 bunch cilantro, finely chopped

1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

1 large English cucumber, diced

1 small red onion, finely diced

2 pounds large shrimp, cooked, peeled, and deveined 

2 small heads of Boston lettuce (optional garnish)

 

Blend sour cream, yogurt, lemon juice, cilantro, and Old Bay seasoning in a food processor.  Cut shrimp into bite-sized pieces. Add cucumber, onion, and shrimp to a large mixing bowl. Pour dressing over mixture and toss to coat.  Optional Presentation: Garnish the plate with a bed of lettuce, then place the shrimp salad in the center of the lettuce.

 

Mango Shrimp 

Rating: Easy

Time: 20 minutes

Yields 12 skewers

Notes: Marinate shrimp the day before

 

12 large shrimp, deveined, shelled, washed, tails on

2 tablespoons avocado oil

12 wooden skewers, soaked for 20 minutes in water

1 mango, peeled

1/4 cup coconut milk

½ lime, juiced, seeded

½ jalapeno, seeded

Baby greens, garnish

Lime wedges, garnish

 

Toss shrimp with oil, skewer, cover, and refrigerate until ready to grill.  Pulse remaining ingredients together in a food processor until smooth.  Preheat grill. Grill for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until no longer pink. (Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the shrimp.) Arrange shrimp on a platter atop a bed of greens, then drizzle with mango sauce, or serve on the side.  Garnish with a lime wedge.

 

Tzatziki 

Rating: Easy

Time: 10 minutes

Yields 2 cups

Notes: Can make the day prior. Place a paper towel on top of the mixture to absorb moisture.

 

12 ounces Full Fat Greek Yogurt

4 ounces good feta cheese

1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, grated, and squeezed dry

3 cloves of garlic

½ cup fresh dill, stems removed

1 teaspoon pepper

Fresh Pita Bread

 

Mix in a food processor and pulse until the desired consistency.  Serve with fresh pita bread.

 

Hummus

Rating: Easy

Time: 20 minutes

Yields 2 cups

Notes: Best made the day before.  My preference is Tahini, as other nut butters alter the taste.  Add more olive oil for a thinner consistency.

 

1 (19-ounce) can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained

⅓ cup tahini

2 fresh lemons, squeezed, seeds removed

4 garlic cloves

1 teaspoon cumin

⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil 

Salt and pepper

1 red pepper (optional garnish)

Fresh Pita Bread or fresh sourdough bread

 

Mix the first five ingredients in a food processor and pulse until mixed.  Drizzle olive oil into the mixture and season with pepper and salt.  Optional Presentations - Place hummus in a hollowed-out red pepper and serve with toasted Pita Points.

 

Light “Cannoli “Bites

Rating: Easy

Time: 30 minutes

Yields 6 to 8 servings

Notes: Make cannoli filling the day before.  Fill shells just prior to serving.

 

½ cup mascarpone cheese

¼ cup powdered sugar

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ cup dark chocolate, chopped finely, plus 3 tablespoons reserved

¼ cup pistachio nuts, chopped finely, plus 3 tablespoons reserved

1 (9-ounce) package mini phyllo shells, crisp according to package instructions

 

Pulse cheese, sugar, cinnamon, and chocolate in a food processor until blended. Put the mixture in a pastry bag or a plastic bag with the end nipped. Chill until ready to fill. Fill shells, top with reserved chocolate and nuts.  

 

Grilled Pineapple with Green Tea Ice Cream

Rating: Easy

Time: 10 minutes

Yields 6 servings

Notes: Marinate pineapple overnight.  Grill just prior to serving.

 

3 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon coconut or organic brown sugar

1 large lime, juiced, seeded

1 tablespoon cinnamon

Ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, sliced into 12 thick wedges

1-pint green tea ice cream

 

Mix the first four ingredients together in a bowl and add the pineapple. Toss to coat. Preheat grill to medium heat. Grill wedges approximately one minute on each side until caramelized.  Serve with a small scoop of green tea ice cream.

 

Peach Bellini

Rating: Easy

Time: 1 minute

Yields 1 serving

Notes: Make just before serving

 

2 ounces peach nectar

1 ounce fresh lemon juice

3 ounces sparkling white wine or white grape juice


Fresh mint, optional garnish

Peach wedges, optional garnish

 

Pour nectar and juice into a champagne glass.  Slowly pour wine into the glass. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig or a peach slice

 

Light White Wine Spritzers

Rating: Easy

Time: 1 minute

Yields 1 serving

Notes: Make just before serving

 

4 ounces club soda

2 ounces white wine

 

Pour club soda into a wine glass.  Add wine to soda.

 

Cool Spa Water

Rating: Easy

Time: 5 minutes

Yields 16 servings

Notes: Best made 4 hours prior

 

1 large lemon, sliced

½ cup mint leaves, fresh, bruised (bruise by gently rolling a spoon over the mint leaves)

1 gallon filtered or bottled water

Mint garnish

Lemon slice garnish

 

Mix the above ingredients (reserving eight mint leaves) together and chill.  Remove the mint and lemons from the pitcher, then strain the water.  Garnish the pitcher with a few lemon wedges and a few fresh mint leaves.

 

 Tropical Island Treat

Rating: Easy

Time: 15 minutes

Yields 10 to 12 servings

Notes: Can be made several hours prior

 

2 cups pineapple juice

1 cup coconut milk

1 whole vanilla bean, scraped (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)

4 cups pineapple sherbet, scooped

1 liter of ginger ale 

Pineapple wedge (optional garnish)

 

Combine juice, milk, vanilla, and sherbet into a pitcher.  Place in refrigerator until sherbet melts. Fill each glass with equal parts ginger ale and mix.  

A creative something to do

Spa Time Treatments

Suggested items for Spa Time Treatments, or if you prefer, DIY Recipes are listed below. 

Essential oils

Facial masks for different skin types

Cucumber slices

Facial toning spray

Cotton balls

Lip treatment/balm

Facial moisturizer for different skin types

Nail polish remover

Hand cream

Hand scrub

Vitamin E or cuticle oil

Nail file

Nail polish

Foot scrub

Foot salts

Foot moisturizer

Foot bath or large basin

 

I have a suggested menu for the three basic spa treatments. 

Print a menu card so they can use it as a guide throughout their time of pampering.

 

 

Facial Treatment

 

This treatment is to renew the skin.  Use the products suited for your skin type.  

Please perform the following steps in order.

 

Remove makeup with cleaning cloths.

Steam your face over a large bowl of hot water with a few drops of essential oil.   

Place a towel over your head to create a tent to trap the steam.  

Steam for approximately five to 10 minutes.  

Pat your face dry.

Apply the mask to the skin.  Use the mask for your skin type: normal/dry or oily.  

Leave the mask on for 10 minutes or until the face feels taut.

While the mask is setting, apply a cucumber to the eyes.

Wash your face with a washcloth to rinse your face thoroughly.

Mist face with toning spray.  Let the face air dry.  

Blot the T-zone with a cotton ball.

Apply lip treatment with a fingertip.  Rub gently to exfoliate dry skin.

Finish treatment with moisturizer for your skin type: normal/dry or oily.

 

Natural DIY Face Mask Recipes

Dry Skin Face Mask:

Mash 1/4 of a whole avocado with 1 teaspoon each of honey and olive oil. Spread evenly

over your face and leave for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

 

Sensitive Skin Face Mask:

Cut a baby cucumber into very thin slices and set aside. In a small pot, steep 1 cup of black tea for at least 5 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of honey and stir until dissolved. Add the cucumber slices. If desired, add one or two drops of essential oil. Let the cucumber soak for at least 10 minutes. Scoop the cucumber from the pot and place slices evenly over your face. Leave the slices on for 10 to 20 minutes before removing. Rinse your face with warm water.

 

Oily Skin Face Mask:

Mash 1/3 cup of blueberries with 2 tablespoons of yogurt, 1 tablespoon of rice floor, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Leave the mask on for 15 to 20 minutes, before rinsing with warm water.

 

Purifying Face Mask:

Stir together equal parts plain cooked oatmeal, plain full-fat yogurt, and honey. About 1 teaspoon of each is enough for a mask. Spread evenly over your face and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash off with warm water.

 

Redness and Blotchy Skin Face Mask:

Stir together 1 teaspoon of matcha and 1 teaspoon of aloe vera. Spread evenly over your face. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing off.

 

Calming Face Mask:

Mash together 2 tablespoons of raw oats, 1 teaspoon of honey, and half a banana. If desired, add 1 teaspoon of full-fat yogurt. Rub the mask in a circular motion on damp skin for a few minutes. Rinse off with warm water, pat your skin dry, and moisturize.

 

 Hand Treatment and DIY Manicure

This treatment will soften and restore your hands and cuticles.  

Please do these steps in the following order.

 

Remove nail polish.

Place fingers in warm hand cream for five to 10 minutes.  

Wipe off excess cream with a cloth.

Rub exfoliate all over your hands. (Make your own exfoliator or use ready buy)

Wrap hands in a dry cloth and let them sit for five to 10 minutes.  

Rinse with lukewarm water.

Rub vitamin E oil into your cuticles.

Apply moisturizer to hands and forearms. (Make your own moisturizer or use ready to buy)

File and polish nails if desired.

 

Natural DIY Hand Exfoliator and Moisturizer Recipes 

Hand Exfoliator

1/8 cup coconut oil

1/8 cup mild soap (like Castile)

1/2 cup sugar

5 drops of essential oil 

Scoop dollop into hands and scrub away. Rinse with fresh lukewarm water.

 

DIY Hand and Foot Moisture

1/2 cup of shea butter

1/4 cup of coconut oil

1/4 cup of another oil (avocado oil, almond, jojoba, or even olive oil)

3 tablespoons of non-GMO corn starch or arrowroot powder

2 tablespoons of distilled water 

10 drops of essential oil 

Melt coconut oil, avocado oil, and shea butter on the stovetop until the mixture is liquified

Add the essential oils and put the mixture into the fridge until it's solidified

Combine corn starch and water, then add to your mixture.

Pour the lotion into an airtight container

 

Foot Treatment and DIY Pedicure

This treatment exfoliates and relaxes tired feet.  

Please do these steps in the following order.

 

Apply foot scrub to the top and bottom of your feet.  

Wrap the foot in a warm, damp hand towel.  

Cover the wet towel with a dry body towel and sit for 10 minutes.

Massage scrub into feet and rinse with lukewarm water.  Pat feet dry.

Add a small amount of foot salts to the foot-massaging bath.  

Turn to the desired setting and soak for 10 minutes.  

Dry feet and apply moisturizer.

Natural DIY Foot Exfoliator and Moisturizer Recipes 

 

Peppermint Foot Exfoliator

½ cup coconut oil

1 ½ cups sugar

1 tablespoon peppermint extract

Mix and scrub into the feet.

 

Lemon Foot Exfoliator

½ cup coconut oil

  1. cup sugar

1 lemon

In a mixing bowl, add coconut oil. Cut your lemon in half and squeeze as much juice of possible from one half into the bowl. Use a zester or cheese grater to get some zest out of the lemon peel and add it to the bowl. Add one cup of sugar. Mix all ingredients together.

 

Brown Sugar Foot Exfoliator

½ cup coconut oil

2 cups sugar

2 tablespoons cinnamon

Mix and scrub into the feet.

 

Epsom Lavender Foot Exfoliator

½ cup coconut oil

1 cup Epsom Salt

10 drops Lavender Essential Oil

2 tablespoons honey

Mix together and scrub into the feet.

 

Orange Foot Exfoliator

½ cup coconut oil

½ cups sugar

1 orange, juiced and zested

15 drops of orange essential oil

Mix together and scrub into the feet.

Foot Soak

½ cup of Epsom salt

1/8 cup Baking Soda

3–6 drops of essential oil

1 tbsp of carrier oil (sweet almond is my favorite)

Mix together and store in an air-tight container.

DIY Hand and Foot Moisture

1/2 cup of shea butter

1/4 cup of coconut oil

1/4 cup of another oil (avocado oil, almond, jojoba, or even olive oil)

3 tablespoons of non-GMO corn starch or arrowroot powder

2 tablespoons of distilled water 

10 drops of essential oil 

Melt coconut oil, avocado oil, and shea butter on the stovetop until the mixture is liquified

Add the essential oils and put the mixture into the fridge until it’s solidified

Combine corn starch and water, then add to your mixture.

Pour the lotion into an airtight container

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