Classic Cucumber + Butter Tea Sandwich

Hosting a Tea Party is the best reason I can think to pull out your fancy dishes, iron your linen napkins, invite the ladies over and wear a frilly dress. Plus those cute little Tea Sandwiches… let’s start with a classic Cucumber + Butter Tea Sandwich recipe and add to the menu from there.

Tea Party Menu

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Variety of Hot Teas

Smoked Salmon + Dill Tea Sandwiches

Cucumber + Butter Tea Sandwiches

Mary’s Maine Spice Bars

Tea sandwiches are two bites of yumminess. Perfect for trying a few different flavors and still leaving room for the sweets on the table.

As the name suggests, Cucumber and Butter tea sandwiches have only a few ingredients so it is important they are high quality and fresh. Splurge a little and you will be able to tell the difference I promise.

Note:: although I always like to make entertaining easier, I will say that these beauties are best when made fresh the day of your tea party as the bread tends to absorb the moisture in the cucumbers after if left over night.

For a step-by-step demo of the recipe, you can watch my video tutorial below. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and never miss a recipe or design idea! {It’s free!}

[yumprint-recipe id=’34’]

September 2, 2016September 2, 2016

September 2016 Printable Calendar + Seasonal Inspiration

My September 2016 Seasonal Calendar is now available for your to download, print and add to your personal day planner or iCal, simply click here to grab yours and sign up for special updates.

This month we celebrate Labor Day, Creating Fall Entranceways to Welcome visitors, Pumpkin Everything, Apple Dumpling Day, the First Day of Autumn and the always popular Elephant Appreciation Day!

Click on the image above and you will receive yours in your inbox asap! Plus you will begin to receive special updates I share with my newsletter community – sign up here.

Labor Day 2016 is Monday September 5th, 2016

Summers final celebration! See How to Create a Hot Dog Bar, my favorite Beach Party Must Haves, and make a refreshing Spiked Agua Fresca to welcome guests.

Decorating with Pumpkins on Pinterest!

I have pulled together my favorite ways to decorate with pumpkins and am sharing them on Pinterest – check out my “Decorating with Pumpkins” board as I add more daily!

Apple Dumpling Day 2016 is Saturday September 17th, 2016

First Day of Autumn 2016 is Thursday September 22nd, 2016

Celebrate the season by decorating your entranceway with fall planters and decor, try new recipes including warming spices and all my favorite ways to celebrate Autumn!

Elephant Appreciation Day 2016 is Thursday September 22nd, 2016

November 22, 2015November 23, 2016

Creating an Easy Holiday Centerpiece with Flowers + Candles

To me flowers make the table! I like to use unexpected vessels for my arrangements but occasionally they aren’t water tight. Here is my quick fix for that and a how-to for creating an easy holiday centerpiece with flowers and candles using a few of my favorite greens – Seeded Eucalyptus and Boxwood clippings as well as a mixture of colorful flowers – Blue Eryngium Thistle Super Nova, Purple Liatris and Orange Safflower Seed. Please feel free to use whatever flowers you find at the market or garden.

Although I mention specific flowers and greens in this article, and in the video, the real take away is that you can create a base for your arrangements using any vessel that inspires you with just a few items you may even have around your home. Use this as an inspiration and let your creativity run wild!

Creating a Holiday Centerpiece with Flowers + Candles

SUPPLIES

oasis, wet floral foam
Ziploc style baggies – 1 gallon size or larger
2 taper candles
Stick Um
Fiskar garden clippers
Assorted Greens + Florals used in this arrangement:
- Seeded Eucalyptus
- Ornamental Cabbage or Flowering Kale heads
- Blue Eryngium Thistle Super Nova
- Purple Liatris
- Orange Safflower Seed
- Boxwood clippings

METHOD

Cut your oasis foam block in half and soak in water overnight to completely saturate with water.
Push your candle holders into the oasis foam deep enough to hold them straight and secure. If you are not using small candle holders the taper candles may be push directly into the oasis to ensure the stay upright.
Place each block into a water tight bag and roll down the edges so they are just above the top of the block but are below the top of your decorative vessel. Place block and bag into vessel, add the candles and center in the vessel.
Begin to cut and place Eucalyptus branches along the outside edge, be sure the cut ends are deep into the oasis for hydration and so the are secure. Insert large Ornamental Cabbage heads into oasis to create the main body of your arrangement. Cut and insert Blue Eryngium Thistle Super Nova and Orange Safflower Seeds then fill in with Boxwood Clippings.

This flower and candle arrangement is perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving or it can easily be updated for any entertaining opportunity that occurs at your home during the winter and Christmas entertaining season. Simply adjust the color pallet coordinate with your seasonal decor or tablescape as needed.

My Boxwood + Besties tablescape with my Roasted Butternut Squash + Cauliflower Soup recipe, perfect for entertaining friend during the holiday season has also been featured on The Inspired Home website.

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And, if you are looking for even more easy holiday entertaining, check out An Appealing Plan the book.

I believe we are bringing back entertaining at home, lingering over a table after a lovingly prepared meal with friends. 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. To learn more about An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations here.

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November 17, 2015August 25, 2020

5 Tips for Hosting Your Own Friendsgiving Gathering

Thanksgiving with the family is as American as apple pie and ice cream – a true iconic American holiday. But in the 2000’s most of us live miles from our family and have adopted, what I like to call, a chosen family consisting of friends and neighbors – the people we frequently spend the majority of our year with. And what better way than to host a Friendsgiving gathering to celebrate the harvest season with this special group of people.

{ All Photo credits in this post go to the amazing team of Caroline & Evan Photography. }

I was recently asked to be a part of a collaboration with several bloggers in the Tampa Bay + Orlando area to celebrate and create a styled shoot around the trend of hosting a Friendsgiving dinner, I jumped on the opportunity to share my tips on hosting your own Friendsgiving gathering. So many creative amazing women came together to create a beautiful day – I am honored to be apart of the opportunity {thank you Nicole Crews of Casa de Crews for pulling us all together}.

My Top 5 Tips for Planning Your own Friendsgiving Gathering

Tip #1 :: Begin With a Plan for Your Friendsgiving Gathering

I know it seems obvious however, trust me entertaining is a breeze when you have an actual plan in place before the date actually arrives. Grab a cup of coffee or wine, and it down for 30 minutes to plan the guest list, dinner location, beverage selections, menu concept, table and overall decor ideas and even the music play list as soon as the idea hits you. I promise this will make the entire entertaining experience much more enjoyable and less stressful!

Tip #2 :: Include Your Friends in the Friendsgiving Menu Planning

Don’t try to do it all yourself! These are the people you lean on all year-long – don’t let your Friendsgiving dinner be any different. Include guests in the menu selection and ask them to create their favorite dish to bring to the party! Plus this equals less dishes for you to wash

Tip #3 :: Serve a Signature Drink at Your Friendsgiving Gathering

Having a signature drink makes entertaining 10 times easier trust me! When you have a go to recipe you can simply make a batch ahead of time and when each guest arrives you will be ready to pour a glass rather than having to mix them up as you go. Another plus – when you offer a signature drink along with wine + beer you can skip offering a full bar!

Tip #4 :: An Easy Holiday Cheeseboard is a Must

Cheeseboards are my go to appetizer. They are always a hit, take very little time to plan and can be made one hour before to ensure you still have time to apply that last-minute coat of mascara.

Tip #5 :: Set your Friendsgiving Fall Inspired Tablescape the Night Before

This my rule for almost any gathering I am hosting for several reasons. First, it gives you time to ensure you have all your serving pieces cleaned and ready to go as well as time to run out and pick up anything you are missing. Second, it’s much more fun to set it the night before with a glass of wine and enjoy the process!

SUGGESTED FRIENDSGIVING MENU

First Course:

Cheese Plate with Figs and Honey by Casa de Crews

Cranberry and Goat Cheese Crostini by Casa de Crews

Second Course:

Harvest Kale Salad by Supper for a Steal

Entree:

Turkey with Dressing by Out of the Weeds

Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta Caesar Salad by An Appealing Plan by Krayl Funch

Spinach Gratin by Casa de Crews

Dessert:

No Bake Pumpkin Pie by Happily Audrey

Bundt Cake with a Cream Cheese Drizzle by Melissa Creates

Pear Sangria by The Flair Exchange

A huge thank you to our vendors who helped to make this shoot possible!

Photos by: Caroline & Evan Photography

Farm Table/Driftwood Chargers/Gold Flatware/Salt and Pepper Shakers from Set Event Rentals

Mismatched Wood Chairs from The Reserve Vintage Rentals

Floral from Belle Fleuer Tampa

Invitations and Menu cards from Tiny Prints

Creative Loafing Space, Ybor City, FL

October 29, 2015October 29, 2016

Krayl’s Nature Inspired Tablescape for A Fall Gathering

Fall is a season for falling – falling leaves, falling temperatures and for me, a time to fall back in love with your home. What better way to reconnect than to set the table, light a few candles and invite friends to gather around for a casual late afternoon meal of seasonally inspired comfort food – Pumpkin Soup and Mini Sage Grilled Cheese sandwiches.

The elements for this table, like the menu, are inspired by the beauty of nature happening outdoors. Well, actually more than inspired continue reading on Inspired Home…

As many of you already know, I have been selected by the International Housewares Association to be a contributor for The Inspired Home. While I have been compensated for my time, you know I LOVE tableware so the opinions, recipes, photography, reviews and ideas are my own.

October 21, 2015October 29, 2016

Krayl’s DIY Fall Themed Treat Bags

Have you ever wanted to be that person in the neighborhood who gave out the perfectly packaged treats at Halloween or the neighborhood Fall Fest? No? Me neither, until this year … For some reason I am on a mission to make my own treats and the pretty little bags to put them in. I have even considered stamping the names of the neighborhood kids on the Fall themed treat bags, but then I thought that might be slightly over the top so I pulled back. But just a bit.

While I realize the number of trick-or-treat visitors you get will determine how excited you might be about tackling this project, it really did not take very long and I was able to complete it while catching up on my BRAVO reruns after dinner. And I was even able to use pieces of scrap tissue paper that has been staring at me from the craft closet begging to be used for months. Crafting AND organizing? Does it get much better than that?

Bottom line, I feel confident you can get this done in one evening and feel like the Martha on your street – at least for one day. Let me know how it feels.

SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE DIY FALL THEMED TREAT BAGS::

Tissue paper, variety of colors
Card stock paper
Leaf craft punches, two or more shapes
Glassine bags
Crafting glue, such as Mod Podge
Small paint brush

DIRECTIONS FOR DIY FALL THEMED TREAT BAGS ::

1. Fold tissue paper over to create 3 to 4 layers, place card stock paper behind the tissue paper and using the leaf craft punch cut out several leaves. Repeat with all tissue paper colors. NOTE – the card stock prevents the tissue paper from tearing and allows for clean cutting edges.

2. On a protected surface, place leaves in the desired pattern on the glassine bags. Dip the paint brush into the glue and carefully spread over the leaves. NOTE – you may need to repeat this step to create a layered effect with the leaves. Allow to dry overnight then fill with your favorite treats!

What will you fill your Fall themed treat bags with? Up for a suggestion, how about my Homemade Candy Corn marshmallows? They are super easy to make, and their color comes from food based dyes’ so they are safe for little ones.

Let me know what you will be filling your Fall themed treat bags with in the comments and be sure to tag #AnAppealingPlan in your pictures if you give this DIY a try.

October 2, 2015November 12, 2015

The October 2015 An Appealing Plan Printable Calendar

Download + Print Your

October 2015 An Appealing Plan
Calendar Here!

This month we celebrate ::

Cool Weather Grilling Outdoors, Fall Foliage + Flavors and Halloween Decorating.

I hope it inspires you to celebrate everyday of this wonderful month!

Now available to download the October 2015 calendar with holidays. Full of seasonal inspiration + monthly reminders to create the home, garden + gatherings you dream of. Simply click on the image above to

get your monthly calendar sent to you today!

September 27, 2015August 25, 2020

The Perfect Autumn Bellini Recipe

Cooler temperatures and additional clothing layers have never stopped me from enjoying a chilled glass of champers. However, it does make me crave a slightly “warmer” version with spices such as cardamom and allspice found in this Autumn Bellini recipe.

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Breakfast

Apple-Currant Dutch Baby Pancake by The Weekend Gourmet
Apple Swirled Pumpkin Yeast Bread by What Smells So Good?
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread by Party Food and Entertaining
Giant Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart by Pies and Plots
Sweet Potato Buttermilk Biscuits by Tara’s Multicultural Table

Appetizers and Sides

Butternut Squash, Cauliflower and Cabbage Soup with Lentils by Monica’s Table
Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins by Pancake Warriors
Pumpkin Spice Roasted Sweet Potatoes by Love and Confections
Roasted Veggie Tart by Books n’ Cooks

Main Dishes

Acorn Squash Stuffed with Roasted Veggies & Couscous by Momma’s Meals
Butternut Squash Lentil Curry Soup by Food Done Light
Curry Beef Pies by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
Fantasy Rice by The Petit Gourmet
King Prawns in Red Sauce – Mauritian Style Creole Sauce by Peachy Tales
Pasta with Creamy Butternut & Bacon by Cooking Chat
Pork Chops with Apple Dijon Sauce and Arugula Salad by Crazy Foodie Stunts
Pork Chops with Glazed Apples and Vegetables by The Complete Savorist
Quinoa and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash by Feeding Big and More
Roasted Tomato Soup with Bacon/Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich by A Gouda Life
Salt Roasted Salmon over Roasted Butternut & Yam Soup by Lifestyle Food Artistry
Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken, Delicata Squash and Olives by Foodie Tots
Sweet Potato French Bean Lentil Salad by Food Lust People Love
Sweet Potato Alfredo Sauce by Sew You Think You Can Cook
Thai Curry Pumpkin Soup by Eating in Instead
Whole Roasted Chicken with Vegetables by Life Tastes Good

Desserts and Cocktails

Apfelkuchen by Curious Cuisiniere
Applesauce Cake with Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Swirls by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Apple Gingersnap Refrigerator Dessert by Recipes Food and Cooking
Autumn Bellini by An Appealing Plan
Autumn Spice Cookies by Desserts Required
Caramel Apple Napoleons by The Crumby Cupcake
Caramel Apple Pie Bundles by The Freshman Cook
Caramel Apple Streusel Muffins by The Redhead Baker
Caramel Apple Swirl Cheesecake No-Churn Ice Cream by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Cheesecake Swirl Pumpkin Muffins by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Chestnut and Pear Cupcakes with Caramel Buttercream by Caroline’s Cooking
Dark Chocolate-Espresso Pumpkin Tiramisu by Brunch with Joy
Dutch Apple Pie by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Butterscotch Drizzle by Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
Pumpkin Chocolate Bread Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce by Grumpy’s Honeybunch
Pumpkin Crisp by Cosmopolitan Cornbread
Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting by Fantastical Sharing of Recipes
Pumpkin Pecan Bundt Cake by Flour On My Face
Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter Cookies by Palatable Pastime
Roasted Maple Pears by Amee’s Savory Dish
Spiced Pear Cake by Simply Healthy Family
Spiced Pumpkin Bread by Renee’s Kitchen Adventures
Sweet Apple Skillet Cake by Nosh My Way

Plus, A Guide to Apples plus Best Fall Recipes Ideas for #SundaySupper

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

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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.

September 15, 2015April 30, 2016

Creating the Perfect Potluck Gathering

Planning a Fall Fete or just interested in doing more entertaining at home? A potluck gathering might just be the answer for you. Learn why I recommend hosting one and all my advice on my latest article for Inspired Home.

Here are a few images to inspire you …

I love to entertain at home. It is one of my true pleasures in life. I am energized by the planning, the inviting, menu creation, deciding what plates and napkins to use, picking out the perfect flowers to place on the table and what music should be playing in the background – I love all of it. But so often I hear friends tell me how the very idea of hosting a gathering at their home sends a wave of panic straight through them stopping the gathering before it even gets started. Trying to do it all can be overwhelming. My best advice – host a potluck gathering. Getting your guests involved in the preparation and cooking of the meal can help alleviate some of the pressure you may feel and allow you to have more time for aspects you actually find fun about entertaining at home.

Other words of advice to ensure a smooth potluck party: set the table with neutrals. Most likely you will not be able to control what color your friends platters and serveware will be, so don’t try to! By starting with a neutral base of plates, napkins and flowers, you create a welcoming neutral palette for any color or patterned plate that may arrive.

Once you have your table planned out, I always recommend the host make a main dish. It doesn’t need to be too elaborate or take too much prep work, however, Buttermilk Chicken {recipe coming soon} is a great dish that can be cooked the night before and is sure to be a crowd pleaser both aesthetically and to the taste buds. I also like to provide a bread or muffin type starch along with the main dish and this year I have been obsessed with Cast Iron Cornbread + Poblano Corn Sticks.

LEARN ALL MY TIPS FOR PLANNING THE PERFECT POTLUCK PARTY HERE

Disclosure: I have been selected by the International Housewares Association to be a contributor for Inspired Home. While I have been compensated for my time, my opinions, recipes, photography, reviews and ideas are my own.

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

October 14, 2014October 24, 2016

White + Orange Mini Pumpkin Tablescape

I love the vibrant colors of Fall but really, is there anything better than those little white mini pumpkins? They just call out my name to be part of a Fall or Thanksgiving table setting.

Keep it all white or mix them in with the mini orange pumpkins to create the perfect table to welcome your autumn guests to the table.

A neutral blue tablecloth works a blank canvas for your decor elements like, wooden charges, bright green reindeer moss, white birch votives and floral arrangements.

Keep the pallete clean with pretty flowers to complement the white but not fight with it. Purple adds color but won’t draw attention from your mini whites. Use a white birch box covered box as a container to arrange them in, consider using wild flowers as a filler {they look great and keeps the overall cost down, especially if you are making 3 or 4 to line the table}.

After placing your floral arrangements down the center, fill in the table with groupings of mini white pumpkins, white birch votives and Chartreuse green reindeer moss to add textural and visual variety.

For a special Fall table I love to use this equestrian inspired flatware, it is shiny and adds another layer to the story. I have literally had entire conversations based off the chic little buckle!

For the final touch add a single mini white pumpkin on top of white linens on your layered accent plates.

Sure you want it to be perfect but remember in the end, entertaining is all about connecting with your guests, keep that focus and your gathering will be a success.

What are your plans for Thanksgiving or Fall entertaining? What is your #1 concern when it comes to entertaining at home?? Leave a comment below and start the conversation.

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And, if you are looking for even more easy holiday entertaining, check out An Appealing Plan the book.

I believe we are bringing back entertaining at home, lingering over a table after a lovingly prepared meal with friends. 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.To learn more about An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations here.

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October 10, 2014November 17, 2016

First Signs Of Fall: A Gathering Tablescape

Unlike other seasons that loudly announce their arrival, Autumn quietly comes to us, each day slightly cooler, filling our gardens and tables with the warmer colors of nature.

Travel slows from the summer months but has not yet hit its’ holiday stride, it is the perfect time to host a Fall Gathering at home and set the table with the first signs of the season.

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Send out the invites for a Fall Gathering and suggest each guest brings along a dish to share, this helps reduce the amount of work you have to do and also encourages conversations about the recipes.

To create this Fall inspired tablescape with mini pumpkins use a Demin blue table covering to set a neutral backdrop for the colors of fall, even orange looks great against it! Stack Autumn tone leaf plates on wood charges, then set an orange mini pumpkin at each placesetting on top of a folded white linen napkin. Scatter mini pumpkins down the center of the table, be sure to pick the ones with perfect little stems!

This colorful yet still fall flower arrangement is easy to pull together and reminds me of the fields bursting with sunflowers flowers in most areas of the country this time of year. Mix in a few wildflowers and seeded Eucalyptus to keep the natural feel, and a few fading tulips to add a contrasting color

For this menu I would serve Stuffed Peppadew Peppers, Cheesy Thyme Baked Acorn Squash and a Dark & Stormy Cocktail.