Spring Entertaining
This category offers tips, inspiration and solutions for Spring Gatherings.
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The Modern Relish Tray
What exactly is a relish tray? Why should I serve a relish tray at my next entertaining opportunity? {speaking of entertaining… Let’s connect on instagram and share our entertaining images!} If you were born in the last 20 years, you may not have had the experience of Grandmom’s relish tray, but this vegetable filled pre-dinner plate, once popular, is making its way back into our gatherings, especially for entertaining during the holiday season. The beauty of this tray is the combination of flavors, the fresh crisp vegetables {carrots, radish}, the pickled { gherkins, cucumbers} and the brine {olives} . It’s a great starter for any meal and it resists being…
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Chilled Spring Pea +Mint Soup
Springtime is all about fresh ingredients. This chilled soup recipe combines two spring favorites Peas and Mint to one tasty chilled soup. It’s time to forget what you think about pea soup. The bright color and garden fresh flavors of this Spring Pea and Mint soup will make even the biggest doubters come around. CHILLED GREEN PEA + MINT SOUP INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 cups coarsely chopped onion Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper 4 cups vegetable broth 2 cups water 6 cups fresh peas 3 cups packed flat-leaf parsley leaves 1 cup packed mint leaves 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup crème fraiche, for garnish Pea…
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A Classic Blue + Silver Centerpiece
One of my favorite entertaining tips is for every host to have a “go-to” centerpiece or arrangement that they can easily pull together in a moments notice when friends or family give the word that they will be stopping by, or simply to have on your kitchen table to welcome you home each day. This classic Blue and Silver centerpiece using Hydrangeas is at the top of my list as it is a fantastic combination of simplicity and elegance. To watch this video click on the image below. My favorite silver vase to use is similar to the mint julep cups found at the Kentucky Derby. I love to mix…
- DESIGN AND DIY, DIY, EASTER, eHow, ENTERTAINING, GATHERINGS, HOLIDAYS, SEASONAL DECORATING, Spring Entertaining, TABLE IDEAS
Easy Spring Jelly Bean + Birds Nest Centerpiece
Is it me, or are jelly beans a sure sign of spring and that Easter is on it’s way! Create these fun jelly bean bird nest centerpieces using green moss, and other hints of spring, such as bunnies and butterflies. In this short video for eHow.com I show you how to easily make a jelly bean centerpiece for your spring tablescape. EASY BIRDS NEST CENTERPIECE For this centerpiece you will need: Tall Cake Plate Moss Moss Runner Jelly Beans Small Birds Nests – two sizes Faux Butterflies Begin with two different size bird’s nests. I like to use different sizes because they add a little bit of variety and also…
- DESIGN AND DIY, DIY, eHow, ENTERTAINING, EVERYDAY LIVING, Floral Arrangements, Spring Entertaining, Summer Entertaining, TABLE IDEAS, VIDEOS
DIY Garden Themed Centerpieces
Garden theme centerpieces are perfect any time of the year as they can reflect what’s going on in your own garden so they can be used summer, spring, winter or fall. To view the video click on the image or click here. SUPPLIES: floral oasis fishing line water sheet moss floral sticks garden sheers dried craft mushrooms decorative butterflies 3-4 flowers stems To cut the oasis, use the fishing line to draw a straight line down the center. Once you have this cut it will fit nicely into your container. If you need to take additional off the sides, just use your fishing line to make it the size…
- COCKTAILS, ENTERTAINING, For Your Bar, GATHERINGS, KENTUCKY DERBY, Spring Entertaining, Summer Entertaining
Cinco vs Derby. Lime vs Mint. The battle continues.
Kentucky Derby or Cinco de Mayo? Mint Julep or Margarita? It is an age-old question leading up to the first weekend in May. Well OK, maybe not age-old but still, a question that I have asked every year in May during my adult entertaining years. Living in the North East most of my life Cinco de Mayo was my excuse to have a party and my kick off to summer. One month before the traditional Memorial Day weekend, I would send out the invite and pray for a warm sunny day to host friends for guacamole, salsa, margaritas and the always popular “Cinco Brownies” outside on the patio. Then one…
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Celebrating Mom. Mother’s Day Solutions.
“I want to show Mom I really love her but due to my work schedule and family obligations, I really don’t have time to prepare for a brunch or lunch. What should I do?” Sound familiar? This was a recent panicked email from a client. I quickly responded to calm her nerves and we have since coordinated the entire brunch for 10 family members. Menu, drink selections, table décor, everything; Even scheduling the cleaning team for the Friday before so that she no longer needs to worry, simply needs to relax and enjoy. This situation can come up for any type of occasion or person you would like to show…
- EASTER, ENTERTAINING, GATHERINGS, HOLIDAYS, SEASONAL DECORATING, Setting the Table: Etiquette, Spring Entertaining
Last Minute Easter Entertaining & Tablescape Ideas
Entertaining friends and family for Easter Brunch or Dinner is a wonderful way to kick off the spring entertaining season. incorporating just a few easy tips you will feel confident about your hostess skills and head into a stress free holiday. Just for you! My Spring Entertaining Checklist. Download, print out and make your next gathering as enjoyable as a spring breeze. #1: You Can’t Go Wrong with Flowers. Pick up a few bunches from your corner grocery. Stick to all one variety for more impact. Place them on your entranceway table, dining table, bathroom and in your bedroom. #2: Choose a Theme and Run with It. Love green? Find green…
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Anniversary Gathering :: Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberries
It has been a while since I was able to participate in the Sunday Supper weekly posting but when Isabel, The Family Foodie, reached out and asked if I would be interested in adding a tablescape portion to the weekly blog posting, I was thrilled. {For those of you unfamiliar with the term; Tablescape, it is a word used to describe “the artistic arrangement of articles on a table”. It may be plates, napkins, flowers or other decor. It can relate to a table where food will be served or to an arrangement of items on a side table in a living room with out food.} It may not work for every topic but when it…
- CHRISTMAS, ENTERTAINING, Fall Entertaining, GATHERINGS, HOLIDAYS, Setting the Table: Etiquette, Spring Entertaining, Summer Entertaining, THANKSGIVING, TIPS & LISTS, Winter & Holiday Entertaining
Placesettings Explained
Although we live in a less formal world where pretty much anything goes when it comes to setting your table, it is always best to start with a knowledge of the proper way to do anything. Once you understand the proper etiquette of how to set each place setting you can manipulate it to achieve your preferred style. This image is a fantastic straight forward approach to learning the Formal and Informal versions. This biggest change most people make to the Formal setting is reducing the number of glasses. Most do not have enough glasses or table space to allow for three per guest. In most situations one wine glass…
