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Prepare a Guest List
It's easy to put off preparing a guest list until the last minute. However, this is one of the most critical aspects of planning a good Thanksgiving dinner. A solid guest list will let you know who's coming over so you can prepare an appropriate amount of food and come up with a few holiday game ideas like charades or card games.
It's also a great starting point for structuring apartment kitchens and seating arrangements. If you're having overnight guests, you should also consider additional arrangements to sleep comfortably during their stay.
Menu Plan and Organization
People are always thinking of new menus and ideas to come up with when cooking for Thanksgiving. This year, we recommend trying out a delicious turkey tetrazzini with some Caesar salad spears on the side, which are great for cooking in an apartment kitchen. With a pasta-based main dish, sides like whole roasted carrots or balsamic bruschetta are fantastic choices.
When it comes to decorating, why not add a few pops of color to your table this year? Create colorful card-themed designs to add to the center of your table and incorporate a little vibrance into the atmosphere.
Cooking in an Apartment Kitchen Has Never Been Easier
Not sure about doing Thanksgiving at your apartment? With an electric range and convenient built-in dishwasher, cooking and cleanup are easy this holiday season. So, invite family and friends over to your Kruseway Commons apartment and have an unforgettable Thanksgiving you'll remember for years to come.
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Valentine's Day is a romantic holiday, but people spend way too much of the night waiting for expensive food to be prepared on one of the busiest nights for restaurants. Join the ranks of smart couples who skip the wait to have a great meal in their Lake Oswego apartments.
Valentine's Day Date Ideas
Setting Up
Choose a small table for more intimate dining. Cover it with a red, pink, or red-and-white checked tablecloth. For convenience, you can use LED candles with low intensity, or you can go old school and use one or two tapered candles in small candleholders to set the mood. Depending on your budget, you can bring home real or fake rose petals to scatter on the table. To finish the look, place a single rose, tulip or carnation in a small vase for a lovely centerpiece.
Delicious Dinner
Nothing says romantic like a delicious Italian dinner. You can enjoy a fabulous Italian meal that takes about 30 minutes to prepare! You'll need a bag of salad mix and your favorite dressing, a box of penne pasta, and a jar of marinara spaghetti sauce. You can also add 1 pound each of ground Italian sausage and mozzarella cheese. Make the pasta per the instructions. Cook the Italian sausage or prepare it ahead of time to make date night go more smoothly. Then mix the cooked pasta, cooked sausage and the sauce together with your preferred seasonings.
You can eat the meal at this point, spreading the cheese over each plate as you serve it. Alternatively, you can place the mixture in a small baking pan, cover it with cheese, wrap it in foil, then bake it for 25 to 30 minutes at 350 degrees. You just need to leave it in long enough to melt the cheese.
Easy Dessert
Vanilla or strawberry ice cream are natural shoe-ins with Valentine's Day decor. Top your choice of ice cream with strawberries or cherries and serve to complete the meal.
This is a great way for couples or families to enjoy the evening in apartments in Lake Oswego, OR, without wasting half the night waiting for food in a crowded restaurant.
Call us with your questions regarding available floor plans for you and your loved ones at Kruseway Commons.
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Are you planning to host a St. Patrick’s Day party in your Lake Oswego apartments? Then you’ll want to study up on these perfect cocktails for the Irish holiday! Remember to stock up on cocktail party accessories, too, like cocktail napkins, stirrers, and beautiful serving glasses!
Irish Coffee
No St. Patrick’s Day party would be complete without the option of ending the evening with an Irish coffee. This traditional beverage is made by adding just a dram of Irish whiskey to a hot cup of regular coffee, along with a teaspoon of sugar and a dollop of whipped cream on top. Garnish with a sprinkling of nutmeg or cinnamon.
Irish Redhead
Serve in a short cocktail glass with plenty of ice. Make it with a two drams of whiskey, a dash of Sprite and a dash of grenadine for color and sweetness.
Jack Knife
Bailey’s Irish Cream is a favorite of the Irish, and the Jack Knife makes good use of this yummy beverage. Combine two drams of Irish whiskey with two drams of Bailey’s Irish Cream. Serve chilled.
Irish Derby
Named for the annual horse competition held each year in Ireland, the Irish Derby will be very welcome at your Kruseway Commons apartments St. Patrick’s Day party. Serve in a martini glass. Combine Irish whiskey, vermouth and lime juice for a smooth, strong finish.
Spiked Lemonade
If your St. Patrick’s Day party takes place on a hot day, consider this cooling cocktail straight from the shores of the Emerald Isle. To regular iced lemonade, add a dram of Irish whiskey and a tablespoon of honey. Stir to combine. Serve over ice.
Irish Doe
Aptly named for the beautiful deer of Ireland, the Irish Doe cocktail is made with a dram of Irish whiskey, plus a good amount of pomegranate liqueur. Garnish with a wedge of lime or lemon to add zing. Serve in a tall glass over ice.
Hot Buttered Jamie
If your St. Patrick’s Day party takes place on a chilly day, warm up guests with this concoction of Irish tea, a long pour of Irish whiskey, a tablespoon of honey and a teaspoon of melted butter.
Life at Kruseway Commons apartments in Oswego Lake is even better when you can share it with friends. Contact us today to check out our floor plans for great options for your friends and loved ones!
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Celebrate Valentine’s Day by hosting a dinner party for your favorite people at your home in the prestigious Kruseway Commons Apartments in Portland. Impress your guests with a Valentine-themed dinner and make it fun by serving only pink and red foods. Make it a tad more casual by keeping with a finger-food theme! Here are a few fun food ideas for your Valentine’s Day dinner party for your favorite friends in Lake Oswego.
The Perfect Valentine Themed Dinner Party Fare Menu
- Ham, Cream Cheese, and Red Pepper Jelly Canapés – These delicious canapés are the perfect bite for a casual, finger-food dinner!
- Mini-Cheesy Potato Gratin Stacks – Inspired by a recipe from Julia Child, these irresistible potato gratin stacks are great for vegetarians!
- Deviled Eggs with Ham – Spice up your ordinary deviled eggs with a distinctive, savory flavor from delicious smoked ham.
- Pomegranate Chicken – With a taste of comfort in every bite, this slow braised chicken with pomegranate molasses and chilies will delight even the pickiest guests!
- Red Velvet Cupcakes – Quite possibly the perfect hand-held Valentine’s dessert, everyone is sure to love this heavenly treat!
- Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries – So simple, yet so elegant, these cheesecake-stuffed strawberries will be the talk of the party, for sure.
- Raspberry Rosé Collins – A great adult-beverage party drink, this delicious and refreshing Valentine concoction is sure to please everyone!
- Tequila Smash – A winning combination of tequila and fresh fruit, this tempting libation might be pretty, but it has a real bite—perfect for kicking your Valentine's party up a notch!
- Homemade Valentine Candy Gifts – If you would like to give your dinner party guests a Valentine’s favor to take home with them, check out these homemade candies you can make yourself!
We have the perfect space for entertaining at Kruseway Commons Apartments in Portland. We welcome you to check out the floor plans here and take a tour of the property at your convenience. If you’re looking for a new home, Kruseway Commons Apartments in Lake Oswego is the perfect choice for quality living in Metropolitan Portland’s most prestigious suburban landscape!
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The Fourth is going to be a fun event if you choose to go down the traditional grill/fireworks/beer road, but once in awhile, it's fun to switch it up a little. Red, white and blue streamers and decorations are nostalgic, but maybe you want to create a new tradition with a little flash of glamor instead. For a party with a little twist, try these fun Fourth of July ideas!
Champagne Bar
People generally only drink champagne for toasts, or maybe just as a precursor to a pre-dinner dance. But champagne bars can really open people's eyes up to the beauty of the bubbles. With a little imagination and planning, you can set up a variety of brands and flavors to give guests a better idea of what they're missing. Infuse the champagne with your favorite fruits, get a few expensive bottles to compare against the mid-priced bottles, or have people vote on their favorites. Whatever you do, don't forget to clink your glasses during the fireworks!
Costume Challenge
There are a number of moments to celebrate when it comes to our nation's history, so why not celebrate them by getting more into the spirit of it all? A costume party doesn't mean that everyone has to dress up as Betsy Ross or Uncle Sam, and no one has to wear stilts! Give people a 1776 theme, and then watch how they try to outdo one another with cool costumes. It may not be Halloween, but that doesn't mean people won't want to dress up. Give out a few fun prizes for the winner, and let everyone know to keep their choices classy and cool!
Our Lake Oswego apartments give you the opportunity to entertain guests in a place you're proud to call your own, no matter what holiday you happen to be hosting. If you're looking for a community that's as chic as you are, it's time to give Kruseway Commons a call. Our apartment homes are practically tailor-made to leave a lasting first impression on both you and your party guests. Talk to us for more information about our available floor plans today!
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The residents of our Lake Oswego apartments know how to celebrate dad. And, of course, part of that is getting him a great gift. If you're stumped, here are some of our favorites that will be sure to be something he really wants.
7 of Our Favorite Father's Day Gifts
- Go local! Shop at one of our favorite men's stores, Tanner Goods. It has everything you'll need, from flannels to beautiful leather wallets, to make your dad the coolest dad in Oregon.
- Charm for miles. Boys Fort, as the name suggests, is one of the best places to find a plethora of boyishly charming gifts. Did you never get your dad a mug with that honorific on it? Find the perfect mug for your dad at the shop.
- Steak out. Whether or not dad is local, you can still treat him to a steak dinner with a delivery from Snake River Farms.
- Shave and a haircut. Make sure your dad gets to shave in style with a set from the Art of Shaving.
- Hey, watch this. There's nothing better than a good watch, and for one that's both classy and cool, you can't do better than the Shinola Runwell Watch.
- Put it in the bag. Dads will let a bag get ratty and go forever without replacing it. He might claim that he likes the familiarity of his old bag, but guaranteed, he won't like it nearly as much as a beautiful leather bag like the Suede Weekender Duffel Ralph Lauren.
- Check the tech. Is your dad always into the latest tech? Set him on his way to having a smart home with the Amazon Echo. You can expand the gift by getting him more products he can use, such as a Nest thermostat.
Of course, there's nothing dad appreciates more than a day spent with his kids. From screening a movie in our Theatre Room with surround sound and large HD display with Blu-Ray, to relaxing by the heated pool with relaxing sun deck, Kruseway Commons has no lack of ways to make the day perfect for your dad. To learn more about our amenities give us a call!
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New Year's Eve is always a fun time but you have to find the perfect place to ring in the new year. Whether you are wanting to celebrate with a few close friends or get together for a massive party, Lake Oswego is the place to be.
New Year's Eve Parties Near Lake Oswego
1. Champagne Ball
This year will be the 26th annual Champagne Ball in Portland, OR, which is not too far from Lake Oswego. It is known to be the best New Year's celebration in the area with the best entertainment around. Tickets range from $109-$249 per person. The event has four different party rooms, 17 bars, and three dance floors so you can get your groove on. There will be live bands, DJs, and even a Video Dance Party. With your tickets also comes access to late night pizza, appetizers, and desserts so you can fuel yourself. You will get access to photos taken by a professional photographer, a complimentary glass of champagne for the countdown, and party favors. At midnight, watch the huge champagne ball countdown to the new year.
2. Eve on the Lake
If you are looking to stay closer to Lake Oswego, then Eve on the Lake is the event for you. This event takes place at Stickman's Brewery and tickets are only $75. With your ticket you get access to finger foods, wireless headphones for the music, two drink tickets, party favors for the evening, a late night sandwich bar, and even a complimentary glass of champagne for the midnight toast to the new year. This is a unique party where there are options for music broadcasts and you can only hear the music through your headphones. Ring in the new year in a new way at this event.
If you are interested in any of these exciting events this year, go ahead and get your tickets or make your reservations before space runs out. New Year's is quickly approaching. Solidify your plans today.
This year, you will want to find the perfect place to call home and make 2017 great. If you are looking for apartments near Lake Oswego, be sure to stop in and see what we have available today.
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Thanksgiving is right around the corner! That means it is time to get ready for food and loved ones. Whether you have been in your Lake Oswego apartment for a few days or a few years, nothing says home like making dinner for the whole family. You can make your space feel even more comfortable and wow your visitors by creating your own Thanksgiving centerpiece for your table.
Rustic Charm
You don’t have to pull out the fine china this year. Instead, you can use natural centerpieces and give your entire event a more laid back feel. Use an arrangement of gourds, Indian corn, small pumpkins and squash. You can also incorporate wheat, pinecones and other natural elements as well.
Copper Coated Coloring
Thanksgiving is filled with rich oranges, reds and copper colorings. Bring that copper flair to your table by covering artificial fruits, like pomegranates or oranges, with copper leaf. They are easy to create, and you can use them over and over again. You can also use them for other holidays as well. Use skewers to prop the fake fruits in Styrofoam to coat and allow them to dry. They are affordable but look expensive — a perfect way to impress the in-laws.
Vintage Touches
Flowers are definitely a go-to option when it comes to an easy centerpiece. Use flowers with lots of oranges and reds to go with traditional fall colors. Then, instead of using a vase, try using an old watering pail, wooden spools, or unique buckets to add some flair to an otherwise traditional centerpiece. Mix in dried branches and leaves as well.
Pumpkin Vase
Pumpkins can make great vases if prepared correctly. All you have to do is find a pumpkin that will hide a flower vase, cut a hole in the top large enough to fit the vase and remove the pumpkin innards. These pumpkin vases are showstoppers when paired with the right Thanksgiving-inspired flowers (think deep orange and red roses). You may also want to use a foam block with water so you can arrange the flowers just how you like them.
Many of our floor plans offer ample space for a homey Lake Oswego Thanksgiving dinner. Visit our website for more information.
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Halloween in Lake Oswego offers the chance to see the changing colors that October brings alongside a host of creative and scary costumes. Celebrate all the town has to offer when you attend the following events.
Crosstoberfest Cyclocross Race
On October 29th, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., head over to the Luscher Farm for beer, music, shopping and food. If you can't get enough bike riding, this racing event is open to all though you will have to pay to both join the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association ($20 for a year or $5 for one event) and for the registration ($27 pre-registration and $30 the day of.) Or volunteer and race for free!
Zombie Garden Day
Also located at Luscher Farm, this activity is perfect for kids. Become immersed in the ways of the zombie, as rags, paint and music transform sweet, innocent children into brain-hungry nightmares. Comes with snacks, and takes place in the Children's Garden on October 28th. It will cost $60 for residents and $90 for non-residents.
Horse Drawn Wagon Rides
While not technically a Halloween event, considering it takes place on November 19th, this is a way to keep the fall spirit going past Halloween to approach Thanksgiving. For just $8 you can reserve seating and celebrate the harvest season through downtown. Rides are held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Trick Or Treating
A classic event for a reason, this town has a lot to see when you venture into the neighborhood. For those in the apartments of Lake Oswego, this is an excellent time to see what your fellow townspeople have done to stand out from the crowd this year. Even if you don't have your own tiny ghost or superhero to take out for candy, it's definitely a good time to go for a stroll. Hit up La Provence or Oswego Grill for some food and drinks, or just enjoy a quiet night with a scary movie and a Jack-o-lantern.
Halloween is just the start of your holiday season and Kruseway Commons wants you to enjoy it. Our apartments offer luxury, convenience and affordability in Lake Oswego every month of the year. Our amenities and location are both top notch, so give us a call to find out more.
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