Weekly Recap :: Krayl on Instagram August 27th

Happy Saturday!! 

This week behind the scenes on Instagram is full of images from a wild week of private client projects, time with friends, traveling to my favorite places and taking time to let the future in. I hope you will come on over and follow along on Instagram

Make space for your future quote on AnAppealingPLan.com by @KraylFunchIt’s been a crazy week with client projects, events, travel, time with friends and life in general. Now, I’m taking a few days to shut down, turn off the phone + computer and simply be. 💕

I can feel a change coming, not yet sure what it is but I’m ready and it’s time. Sometimes you need to clear space to allow your future to enter.
#MakeSpaceForYourFuture #BePresent

Krayl Funch on INstagram at the Standard High Line patio bar - lemon displayPretty sure I need this sign for my house.🍋🍋🍋

#fordisplayonly #12lemoncenterpiece #anappealingplan

Krayl Funch and Sara Peterson of HGTV at the Blogger Block PartyA pure pleasure to meet and chat with Sara Peterson, Editor in Chief of HGTV Magazine during the#BloggerBlockParty.  She was super sweet and even prettier in person!

Adding her to my girl crush list for sure!! How cute is that dress?!
I totally wanted to ask for the extra-large cover of the September issue to take home but chickened out… I did have the courage to ask for her to sign my copy of the issue. Don’t forget to pick up your copy and check out page 16 for my quote!!
#hgtvmagazine #hgtv

Krayl Funch on INstagram - Sunset on the Highline

When in doubt head to the @highlinenyc . Sunset over the Hudson. No filter needed.

IMG_7909

Design + Function. Would expect nothing less at the HGTV#bloggerblockparty 💕#anappealingplan#hgtvmagazinebloggerblockparty

IMG_7894#bloggerblockparty listening to my favorite HGTV designers + contributors. Reading the current issue. My quote and name in print.

Priceless!
Stay tuned for all the latest design trends from all my favs!! Tap image for all speakers accounts to follow along.

IMG_7781

Morning coffee view. #happycamper at Camp Susquehannock.

IMG_7736

Make the most out of the best days of summer! Plan a beach picnic {or a stay-picnic in your own back yard}!🍉
I’m sharing my Blueberry Chicken Salad recipe and tips to create your own picnic spread complete with selfie props!⚓️
See the recipe and my tips on The Sunday Supper Movement website + sign up to join the community!  http://bit.ly/SSBlueberryChickenSalad
#summereats #weekdaysupper #anappealingplan

IMG_7721

My Monday motivation. {from a recent visit to Hortulus Farm in Bucks County, PA}

IMG_7708

With a very busy week ahead I plan on slowing down today for a much deserved Sunday Funday. 🍍 I hope you are having a great weekend!! Cheers! 🍾
#sundayfunday #goodmorning #beapineapple

Weekly Recap :: Krayl On Instagram August 13th

Happy Weekend!! 

This week behind the scenes on Instagram is full of images celebrating my favorite season and month! I hope you are celebrating as well and will come on over and follow along on Instagram

This time of year people start talking about the end of summer and how they are ready for the sweaters and scarfs of fall…

Me? I’m trying to hang on to every bit of summertime. I just love everything about this season- morning coffee on the porch, neighborhood bbq’s with fresh corn, dips in the lake and sandy toes from the day at the beach.⚓️

So while I appreciate every season and will get on board when autumn arrives, right now I am happily savoring summer.☀️

Looking for more ways you can celebrate the seasons? Sign up for my updates and get my monthly calendar filled with seasonal celebrations and reminders! Simply click on the link in my profile or go to AnAppealingPlan.com/free-updates. See you there!

#SummerLovin #LiveInTheMoment #CelebrateEveryday


It’s #friyay !!! Spotted these chairs on a recent mini beach getaway. ⚓️

Anyone want to join me for a beverage and some people watching? 

Oh cabana boy…I will have another please.

#weekendgoals #cabanalife #anappealingplan

I have to admit, the first time I heard about a spiked Agua Fresca I was watching Shahs of Sunset on BRAVO, yes it’s true. #bravoholic

Reza had just arrived at MJ’s house and she greeted him with an Agua Fresca spiked with Tequilla. If you are a fan of the show you can image it was most likely heavy spiked however, it looked refreshing, super pretty and sounded exactly like something I would love to offer my guests this summer when they stop by.

My version has watermelon + basil and is just as tasty as it is pretty.

Making your own is easier than you think learn how here

{ps @rezafarahan if you are reading this, you are always welcome to knock on my door for a cocktail… just saying}.

#bravosuperfan #bravoandy #mjmademedoit


Apparently I was too busy reading to realize it was #nationalbookloversday yesterday!

I’m taking the opportunity to post the cover of my own book for those of you who are new around here and may not know about it!

Learn more about it here! http://bit.ly/AAPBook or click the “buy the book” flag at the top! .

An Appealing Plan : A Year of Everyday Celebrations was written with my goal of encouraging everyone to celebrate everyday. It’s part cookbook, part decorating, with menu and tablescape ideas for every season! .

I hope you will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it!

#anappealingplan #celebrateeveryday #bigmagic


The birthday celebration continues.

Feeling blessed to have wonderful friends to toast with.

@emily_ellyn @michaelrizzo69 #gingeraleoverchampagne #theshowmustgoon #epiccheftb #epicchef


“Don’t count the days, make the days count.”

It’s a rainy Monday here which makes me want to stay in bed and watch movies under the covers… But not today. My to-do list is long and I need to get them all crossed off early this week. Productivity is a key word for me this month so please pass the coffee. ☕️

What’s getting you motivated today? 

{grab your own motivational quote from my Pinterest board! }

#mondaymotivation #coffeetime #bosslady


Missing this two little faces on #nationalfriendshipday !

What a great time I had visiting with them recently. We hardly left the house all week {or even the pool for that matter}. ☀️Time with friends and family is so important our souls. It nourishes me and gives me memories to last until the next visit.

In the comments, Tag a friend you are thinking about today and wish them a happy #friendshipday2016

#friendshipgoals #anappealingplan #sundayfunday

Krayl On Instagram ~ Week of August 6th

#friyay 😃

I am ready to wash this week off and head into the weekend!!!👙

Who’s with me?? What are your plans for this perfect summer weekend? 🇺🇸⚓️


The August Calendar is here! This month we celebrate by hosting a BBQ with a gourmet hot dog bar, staying hydrated with herb infused water and creating a pineapple centerpiece to welcome a new neighbor. 🍍

Just a few of the special days in August 2016 are :: My Birthday! #NationalFriendshipDay, #NationalS’moresDay and so many other reasons to #CelebrateEveryday! So come along let’s get the summer celebration started!

Grab yours today + get my free updates :: http://bit.ly/KraylAugust2016Calendar

Happy Birthday to ME!!🍾🍾🍾

Stopping work a little early today to enjoy a little time by the pool.👙⚓️

THANK YOU to everyone for the birthday wishes, love + support over this past year! 😘😘😘

#happybirthdaytome #clink #champagnetoast #champagneproblems


Summertime and hot dogs go together like peanut and jelly. 🇺🇸

To make sure the menu at your next gathering is a crowd pleaser for guests of all ages {yes even those picky little ones}, set up a hotdog bar so guests can choose to make one of your specialty hotdog recipes or dream up their own creation by mixing and matching from a variety of toppings and flavors.🌭

I’m sharing my tips for Setting Up A Hot Dog Bar on the blog! http://2adw1ya 

#summerentertaining #anappealingplan #sundaysupper


Grilled summer corn… Is there anything better? 🌽

Well a farm fresh tomato might compete… 🍅

But that’s a story for another day.

In the farm world of yester-year there is a saying “knee-high by Fourth of July”. It means all is well with your corn crop and the growth is on schedule. Well these days you can get fresh corn as early as Memorial Day – or year round in some parts – but the I still believe the sweetest corn is late season corn grown in New Jersey {sorry… it’s the Jersey girl in me that I just can’t shake!}. 😍

Late season Jersey corn hardly needs butter, just a touch of salt and pepper and it is perfect! This weekend we are making regular grilled corn as well as Mexican Street Corn. 🌽

How do you take yours?

See the recipe on the blog :: http://bit.ly/GrilledMexicanCorn

#summergrillin #outdoorentertaining #anappealingplan


Yesterday after a client interior design consult I grabbed an ice coffee and took a stroll down to the small marina in town to check out the boats. {luckily I was in my nautical outfit and fit right in!}⚓️

It took me back to my summers growing up in CT… The sounds of the lines hitting the mast in the wind. The waves splashing against the edges of the dock. The smell of the salt air.🚤

I wish I could have stayed the rest of the afternoon but real life was calling … 💕

Where can you take 10 minutes today to take a break in your day and get outside and appreciate the summer season! Stroll down the street or in the garden. 🌱

#summerlovin #nauticallifestyle #anappealingplan


Rise + Shine!☕️

This week I am working on getting into more of a morning routine… And believe me I am not a morning person. So this night owl is waking up earlier, working out and committing to not letting technology be the first thing I reach for when I wake up.📲

Guess I better get off now….☀️

What’s your morning routine? Or what do you WANT your morning routine to look like?

#ownyourmorning

One pillow. Four ways.

On the blog today I’m showing you four ways to incorporate these summer inspired cabana striped pillow covers into your home!☀️

Fresh from my Seasonal Home Box – Summer 2016 – I love the pop of summertime they add to my bed and to the pool area!⚓️

See them all and find out more http://bit.ly/SummerHomeBoxReveal16

#seasonaldecor #seasonalliving #anappealingplan #seasonalhome

 Nothing like a summer stroll along the river to brighten your day! 😍

Make sure to get outside in nature everyday, even if it’s just for a moment! It will keep you grounded and serve as a reminder that the world is so much bigger than we are! 🌱🌳☀️

#nature #feetofinstagram #anappealingplan

This bed. Those tropical pillows. That green paint. The mirror. 

Good design makes me so happy! Loved all the special touches in our room for a mini getaway in Naples.🌴 

Where are you off to this weekend? 

#beachweekend #naples #anappealingplan #hoteldesign

Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.❤️Yesterday I experienced a major shift in my perspective that I have had for almost 20 years. MAJOR shift. It’s going to be interesting to see how this plays out in all aspects of my life. Stay tuned🍾What one thing can you shift your perspective on today to make a difference in your life? ☀️

#liveauthentic #anappealingplan #livebeautifully

Krayl’s August 2016 Printable Calendar + Summer Seasonal Inspirations!

The  August Calendar is here! This month we celebrate by hosting  a BBQ with a gourmet hot dog bar, staying hydrated with herb infused water and creating a pineapple centerpiece to welcome a new neighbor. 

Just a few of the special days in August 2016 are :: My Birthday!  National Friendship Day, National S’mores Day and so many other reasons to #CelebrateEveryday! So come along let’s get the summer celebration started!

Click here to get your August 2016 calendar sent to you + to automatically receive new updates.

AUGUST 2016 - An Appealing Plan by Krayl Funch Printable Calendar 750x

Click here to get your August 2016 calendar sent to you + to automatically receive new updates.

Celebrations + Happenings In the month of August ::

National Friendship Day is Sunday August 7th, 2016

Celebrate National Friendship Day by inviting a few of your besties over for a glass of bubbly!  Here are my picks! Champagne Selecting Tips , My Champagne Sisters Picks, and my interview on Bubbly Talk Radio!

#ChampagneSisters #ClinkandChat

National S’mores Day is Wednesday August 10th, 2016

Celebrate National S’mores Day by making your own! Here are a few of my favorites ::

Cook Butter S’mores Dip by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Gluten Free Chocolate Brownie S’mores Tarts by Fearless Dining 
S’mores Ice Cream by Tara’s Multicultural Table

National S'mores Day

 

National Hot Dog Day is Friday August 26th, 2016

Celebrate by creating your own Hot Dog Bar and invite the neighbors over!

How to set up a hotdog bar with toppings for your next summer gathering found on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch 4342

 

Krayl’s Week On Instagram ~ July 22nd

IMG_7461

Eggs of all different colors live together peacefully in one bowl….🐓
If only we could all take a cue from nature.
#peacebewithyou #learningfromnature

FarmTable Kitchen Seafood Appetizer on AnAppealingPLan.com by @KraylFunch

Dreaming of this tasty bite from a recent visit to FarmTable Kitchen.
Aren’t food memories amazing? A certain taste can bring you back to a vacation spot or to a childhood memory.🍴
For me it is usually seafood or fresh herbs. What is your favorite food memory or flavor?❤️
#foodmatters #anappealingplan#foodforthought

Pink + Gold Bridal Shower Tablescape - Krayl Funch 3441 1000x

This week I am collaborating with The Inspired Home who has sponsored my feature on Planning a Gold Themed Bridal Shower. I have to tell you it was a pure pleasure creating a pink and gold tablescape with their lovely brands and products. As you can see, I was in pink and gold heaven!💕💕

As I was thinking about my top tips for creating a pink + gold bridal shower tablescape I knew Peonies would be the star of the table. 🍾

The other stars of this table – gold stemware, rose gold flatware, clean white plates, rose inspired cloth napkins and of course rose wine to be served to all the guests!🍴 What’s your favorite color scheme for a tablescape??

#theinspiredhome #anappealingplan#pinkandgold #peonies

Hortulus Farm Bench on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch x750

Anyone else missing the weekend like I am today?😃

Over the last few weeks we have been lucky enough to travel to see friends in some of our favorite spots and find new ones to visit again. Most of our time has been spent outdoors which is my favorite place to be in the warm summer months. I just can get enough of the green of the gardens, blue of the pools, lushness of wooded trails and the feel of pure white sand of the beach!👙

Each has its own special value and I am truly grateful to be able to experience America in all her beauty!🇺🇸

This particular garden bench was spotted at Hortulus Farm in Bucks County on an Art in the Garden tour. If you are in the area be sure to stop into their nursery shop and tour the amazing property. I do it at least once a year and find something new each time.🌳

Where are your summer travels taking you this year?

#summerroadtrip #buckscounty


Some days are meant for relaxing in a shady rooftop garden sharing a bottle of rose with friends.😍

#lifeisgood #roseallday #anappealingplan


Fri-Yay! 🍾

We made it to through the week! Well, one more day of client projects and a meeting with my new assistant {#happydays } to close out what has been a interesting week for me, then off to the beach to relax with friends.😍

Looking forward to some time in the sunshine with my feet in the sand, laughing with good friends. Those are my happy days.👙⚓️

What’s one thing that makes you happy?😃

#happyday #anappealingplan #FriYay

charred toast | lemon burrata | fava beans hummus🌱

Yes I said 🍋 burrata…. Can’t decide which I want to do more, stare at this beauty all day or order another round!

Love it when restaurants get the seasonality of food and serve bright fresh ingredients in the summertime! ☀️

Goes perfect with rose or Chardonnay. Which would you select?🍾

#onswann #hydeparkvillage #anappealingplan

Basil, Basil everywhere! My garden is over flowing with one of my favorite summer herbs. So of course I’m looking for recipes daily in how to use it.🌱

This week I’m mixing it with heirloom tomatoes and burrata as a test run for our local National Night Out gathering.😍

Never heard of the National Night Out? Or perhaps your community already hosts one and you are looking for a few new ways to add to your event. This month I am sharing an heirloom tomato salad that would be perfect to bring to, a little history on the National Night Out program and fun ideas to get everyone involved on the Sunday Supper Movement blog.🇺🇸

Read more about it here and plan your own:: http://bit.ly/SSNightOutBurrataSalad

#sundaysupper #nationalnightout #anappealingplan

Summertime and Beach Parties go hand in hand. ☀️

To make sure that your gathering – intimate or grand – is the hit of the season, I have collected my Beach Party Must-Haves all in one place for you.🍍

Choose from fabulous wine carriers, classic wood lanterns, trendy Ikat round towels or good for the earth bamboo flatware… or on second hand why choose at all!🍾

Cheers to your next Beach Party gathering!👙⚓️🇺🇸

See all my picks in my Beach Party Must-Haves posts new on the blog! Link in profile or -> http://bit.ly/musthaveBeachParty

 #summerentertaining #anappealingplan #seasonaldecor


Seems I got #NationalMimosaMonth mixed up with #NationalPinaColadaDay 🍍🍾🍍

Guess I’m going to have to start over…

#hateitwhenthathappens #sundayfunday #anappealingplan

Summer Seasonal Inspirations + the June 2016 Printable Calendar

The June Calendar is here in all it’s glory! This month we celebrate by spending time in the garden, dining outdoors with friends + the heat of Summer Entertaining season. Just a few of the special days in June are :: Gourmet Soiree, Father’s Day, Summer Solstice and SO many more.

JUNE 2016 - An Appealing Plan by Krayl Funch Printable Calendar cover

It’s here! My June 2016 printable monthly calendar just for you. Print it out + mark the reminders in your day planner or digital calendar.

I hope this calendar inspires you to find new ways to celebrate everyday of the month + season!

Click here to download your June 2016 calendar + to automatically receive new updates.

 

Celebrations + Happenings In the month of June ::

Father’s Day 2016 is Sunday June 19th

Dad deserved the best all year long but on this special day makes sure he truly feels the love – gifts for the grilling dad, Bloody Mary Bar or grill out back!

Happy Fathers Day BBQ grill on An Appealing Plan by #KraylFunch

Summer Solstice 2016 is Monday June 20th

My favorite day of the year! It is the day when the sun shines the longest on this beautiful earth. Early morning and late night on the porch. Celebrate your summer solstice with a the perfect summer solstice cocktail, planting a garden or decorate your entranceway for summer!

live more worry less summertime quote on an appealing Plan by kraylfunch 

Seasonal Inspirations + My May 2016 Calendar

May has arrived and this month we celebrate the beauty of Spring + the start of the Summer Entertaining season. Just a few of the special days in May are :: Cinco de Mayo, The Kentucky Derby, Mothers Day, Memorial Day and SO many more.

april showers bring may flowers quote and flower image on AnAppealingplan.com @KraylFunch

 

It’s here! My May 2016 printable monthly calendar just for you. Print it out + mark the reminders in your day planner or digital calendar.

I hope this calendar inspires you to find new ways to celebrate everyday of the month + season!

{click here to download your May 2016 calendar + to automatically receive a monthly calendar to your inbox}

MAY 2016 - An Appealing Plan by Krayl Funch Printable Calendar cover

 

The Kentucky Derby 2016 is May 7th :: 

Celebrate by hosting a Kentucky Derby Party complete with Bourbon Bacon Deviled Eggs + Mint Juleps! Get your Kentucky Derby Party planning guide here.

Kentucky Derby Party ideas. Min Julep cocktail recipes. Starting with fresh mint and silver mint julep cups. AnAppealingPlan 1000x

Mother’s Day 2016 is May 8th ::

Celebrate Mom in style with breakfast in bed or a special brunch to honor her special day!

mothers day quotes #AnAppealingplan

 

Memorial Day 2016 is May 30th ::

Invite a few friends or neighbors over and cook out as we remember those who have given their lives for our country.

Land of the free home of the brave - #MemorialDay #USA

Summertime Decorating Ideas For Your Entranceway

Summer is just 94 days short but with these quick and easy decorating ideas for your entranceway  you will be loving your homes curb appeal all summer long.

Start the season with a fresh coat of paint to really make your front door pop! Add a new door knocker {even if you only use the doorbell they add a great design touch}, seasonal door mat, a potted plant and in one quick afternoon you are ready to welcome guests the entire summer entertaining season!

Inside the doorway place a collection of baskets or totes to keep clutter to a minimum. My bright yellow Hunter boots welcome me home everyday and it makes me smile just to see them – I promise rain boots will change your perception of a rainy summer day for ever, picking up a pair is totally worth it.

Krayls entranceway picks for summer 2015 by AnAppealingPlan.com #Summer #SeasonalLiving 700x

Shop my picks here ::

1 – Baldwin Ring Door Knocker :: Baldwin on Amazon.com
2 – Bright Blue Paint will give your home a fresh new look :: Blues By Benjamin Moore
3 – Yellow Hunter Boots :: HunterBoots.com
4 – Bicycle Hand-woven Doormat :: Wayfair.com
5 – A Potted Lime Tree Welcomes Guests :: See what to plant now article
6 – Three Piece Canvas Tote Set :: Signature Home

 

 * * * * * * *

 

An-Appealing-Plan-the book by Krayl Funch Cover Image 150xAnd, if you are looking for even more ways to seasonal inspiration check out An Appealing Plan the book.

Call it a trend or a return to the past, but I believe we are bringing back entertaining at home, lingering over a table after a lovingly prepared meal with friends. It has been a way of life and passion of mine my entire adult life, and I am thrilled to be able to invite you on this journey with me through a year of celebrating every day. Filled with recipes, tablescapes, floral inspiration and seasonal entertaining ideas An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations, is a dream come true for me a true honor to be able to share it with you. To learn more about An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations here. And of course, share how you are celebrating everyday.

3 Tips To Kickoff Your Summer Entertaining Season

Memorial Weekend! The official unofficial start to the summer. The beginning of the Summer Entertaining season! Recipes inspired by the garden and farmers market finds, neighborhood block parties and sunset garden gatherings.

In the media Summer is touted as the season of slowing down, sipping lemonade on the porch and reading at the beach. However to me it always seems to be a whirlwind of activity – every weekend on the calendar is filled with parties, road trips and adventures to make the most of the weather. I am not sure about you, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! So let’s get the fun started with 3 tips to kick off your summer entertaining season!

summer. here. at. last. get all your summer entertaining solutions and inspiration by visiting AnAppealingPlan.com fb header Krayl Funch AnAppealingPlan

3 Tips to Kickoff Your Summer Entertaining Season

#1 :: Have a Signature Cocktail. 

Having a go-to drink makes entertaining easy. You are sure to always have everything on hand if you simply restock when ingredients get low after a party, guests love trying new cocktails and really, who doesn’t love saying “It’s my signature cocktail”! A few of my favorites… The Paloma Cocktail, The Cilantro Margarita or a Fresh Squeezed Lime + Grapefruit Cocktail.

The Paloma Cocktail recipe. Fresh citrus and tequila combine to a fresh summertime cocktail! #AnAppealingPlan @KraylFunch thumbnail 5

#2 :: Plant an Herb Garden.

Fresh herbs are the key to making summer recipes taste their best. What could be more fresh than picking herbs right from your garden or patio container? Try creating an herb garden from seed or find out how easy it is to start a small space garden.

#OXOSpringGardening Container Patio Garden From Seed AnAppealingPlan.com by Krayl Funch Garden Trowel, Garden Rake, Garden Bypass Pruners Thumnail 1280x720

#3 :: Find Recipes That Save You Time But Look Great!

Yes, making everything from scratch is a home-cooks dream but for most of us busy women, it just can’t happen every time we entertain. Find a few recipes that incorporate time saving kitchen hacks then spend a few extra minutes creating a pretty table to wow your guests. Start with Homemade Whipped cream over store bought mini Shortcake with strawberries, Sesame Chicken Skewers or Chilled Mint and Pea soup.

Strawberry Shortcake with red flags fresh whipped cream red strawberries is the perfect dessert for a summer BBQ Memorial day, Fourth of July, Labor Day @KraylFunch AnAppealingPlan.com 5 1000x
Get solutions for your summer entertaining season by signing up for updates + our monthly calendar straight to your inbox! Sign up for updates here!

 * * * * * * *

An-Appealing-Plan-the book by Krayl Funch Cover Image 150x

And, if you are looking for even more ways to celebrate everyday check out An Appealing Plan the book.

Call it a trend or a return to the past, but I believe we are bringing back entertaining at home, lingering over a table after a lovingly prepared meal with friends. It has been a way of life and passion of mine my entire adult life, and I am thrilled to be able to invite you on this journey with me through a year of celebrating every day. Filled with recipes, tablescapes, floral inspiration and seasonal entertaining ideas An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations, is a dream come true for me a true honor to be able to share it with you. To learn more about An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations here. And of course, share how you are celebrating everyday.

Homemade Organic Lavender Honey {#SundaySupper}

Perfect to make and keep on hand to add to hot tea or to add a wonderful natural sweetness to your favorite cocktail, this Lavender Honey is also the perfect gift from the kitchen to bring as a hostess or “welcome to the neighborhood” gift.

Organic Lavender Honey

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/4 cup lavender flowers, organic or culinary
  • 2 cups local organic honey

METHOD

In a small pan, heat honey on low heat until it is thin and slides off a metal spoon easily.

Add lavender flowers to honey and stir to combine. Heat on low for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Using a fine strainer or cheese cloth, pour the honey through to remove lavender flowers, into an airtight container to store until ready to use.

USES
Mix Lavender Honey into hot water for a mid morning beverage, in hot tea before bed and let the aroma relax you, add a tablespoon into your favorite cocktail recipe to add a touch of natural sweetness with an herbal essence or spread some over butter onto warm toast.

FOR GIFT GIVING
Fill your favorite glass vessel with the Lavender Honey, add a few flowers on top, seal with an air tight lid – I suggest using Weck Jars due to their high quality and style but any airtight jar with work well.

Be sure vessel is free of any residue by wiping down the outside.

Tie a ribbon around the neck of the jar adding a gift tag with a recipe option on the back. .

Enjoy!

Be sure to visit all the other SundaySupper contributors pages {links below} to find inspiration for this seasons gift giving from the kitchen and head over to visit my Cookbook Round-up of my top 10 must have books for gifting this holiday season.

Now its your turn :: leave a comment below letting me know what was your favorite homemade gift you ever received.

Beverages:

Bread:

Appetizers and Snacks:

Condiments and Sauces:

Savory and Sweet Mixes:

Desserts and Sweets:

Garden Inspired Reading

GROW COOK EAT

Grow Cook Eat will inspire people who already buy fresh, seasonal, local, organic food to grow the food they love to eat. For those who already have experience getting their hands dirty in the garden, this handbook will help them refine their gardening skills and cultivate gourmet quality food. The book also gives readers easy-to-follow planting and growing information, specific instructions for harvesting all the edible parts of the plant, advice on storing food in a way that maximizes flavor, basic preparation techniques, and recipes. The recipes at the end of each guide help readers explore the foods they grow and demonstrate how to use unusual foods, like radish greens, garlic scapes, and green coriander seeds.

Available from Random House

Landscaping for Privacy: Innovative Ways to Turn Your Outdoor Space into a Peaceful Retreat

Landscaping for Privacy brims with creative ideas for minimizing or even eliminating the nuisances that intrude on your personal outdoor space. Real-world examples show you how to keep the outside world at bay by strategically placing buffers, barriers, and screens around your property. And the helpful plant lists tell you precisely which varieties to choose in order to enhance your sense of seclusion.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by the lack of privacy whenever you step outside your home, this inspiring book will steer you toward an achievable solution.

Available from Timber Press

Edible Cocktails

A unique cocktail guide encourages readers to use fresh, local, seasonal ingredients in their beverage recipes, in a book that offers advice on creating one’s own “cocktail garden;” infusing spirits and making homemade liqueurs; creating homemade syrups, purees and jams; and even using eggs, dairy and meat in their cocktails. Original.

Available from Strand NYC

Happy Gardening and Entertaining ~ krayl