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

:: :: ::

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’]

August 28, 2016March 31, 2023

Peach Burrata Pizza {#SundaySupper}

Say it isn’t so… summer can’t be coming to a close already. Can it? My garden is full of basil and the markets are full of peaches and other summer produce waiting to be discovered. I had to find a way to bring my late summer favorites together in one recipe – enter my Peach Burrata Pizza Recipe. With or without prosciutto the flavor combination of sweet late summer peaches, creamy cool burrata, fresh basil and pepper arugula are perfect for serving with chilled white wine out on the patio with friends or as a mid-week dinner date with your husband.

It’s not my first time combining peaches and burrata but it is my first time pulling them together on a warm pizza crust and I am sold! The combination came to together based on one of my favorite pizza’s I first had in Atlantic City, New Jersey over 10 years ago. In a dark Italian restaurant, sitting at the bar with a friend we ordered an Arugula and Prosciutto Pizza not really knowing what we were getting into. From the first bite, the perfect combination of salty peppery goodness became a favorite and remains one to this day. I can’t help but to order it anytime it is on a menu.

While the green arugula topped pizza is still my favorite, I have been looking for a new twists on it and with a container of burrata in my fridge just begging to be used up and a line of peaches ripening on the windowsill inspiration was easy to find.

KITCHEN TIPS::

Feel free to make your own pizza dough but for this recipe I used pre-made dough from the market. Store bought versions are easy to keep on hand and are perfect for a Sunday dinner or last minute weeknight supper.

Blue Cheese adds a bit of additional saltiness and works well with peaches however if you are sensitive to the flavor omit it in the recipe or replace it with feta.

PEACH AND BURRATA PIZZA RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

1/2 pound homemade or store-bought pizza dough
salt and pepper, to taste
olive oil, for drizzling
1 cup fresh basil leaves, julianned
3 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
4-5 slices, proscuitto
8 ounces burrata cheese
2 cups baby arrugula leaves
additional basil micro greens

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven and pizza stone to 450 degrees F.

On a chilled surface lightly dusted with corn meal, roll the dough out until it is thin in a rectangle or circle, depending upon your pizza stone shape. Transfer the dough to pizza stone. Drizzle dough with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, top with basil leaves, blue cheese and peaches.

Drizzle lightly with olive oil, salt and pepper lightly again. Place in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden, the cheese has melted and the peaches have caramelized.

Remove from the oven and top with burrata slices. Allow the burrata to sit on the pizza and warm through, about 5 minutes. Top with prosciutto and arugula. Sprinkle on the basil microgreens and serve warm.

“As summer comes to a close, many of us find our gardens overflowing with red, ripe tomatoes and foot-long zucchini. At the market, fresh sweet corn, cucumbers and berries are plentiful and reasonably priced. Everywhere we look this time of year, we can find produce at its peak! As foodies, we have the natural instinct to stretch out the goodness of the season as far as we can. We do this by finding the best ways to preserve the harvest. Of course, when foodies think about preserving the harvest, our first though is canning. But, preservation can be done in so many other ways besides canning.” Join the Sunday Supper Community this week as we celebrate How to Harvest Summer.

A Special Thank You to Caroline of Caroline’s Cooking for hosting this week!!

Condiments

Blackberry Lemon Thyme Syrup by Sunday Supper Movement
Brinjal pickle (Indian eggplant relish/aubergine chutney) by Caroline’s Cooking
Freezer Mixed Berry Puree by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Ginger Fig Jam by Palatable Pastime
Herbed Salsa by What Smells So Good?
Homemade Giardiniera by Curious Cuisiniere
Homemade Sriracha by Monica’s Table
Hot Pepper Oil by Feeding Big and more
Mediterranean Chutney by Wholistic Woman
Nanny’s 7-Day Sweet Pickles by Grumpy’s Honeybunch
Nectarine Kumquat Habanero Chutney by Food Lust People Love
No Pectin Mixed Berry Jam by My Imperfect Kitchen
Peach Butter by Redhead Baker
Pear Ginger Jam by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Simple Basil Butter by Momma’s Meals
Spicy Mango Jam by Family Foodie
Stove Top Roasted Garlic by Cricket’s Confections
Tomato and Chili Pepper Jam by Delaware Girl Eats

Main dishes

Grilled Peach and Burrata Pizza by An Appealing Plan
Oven Roasted Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce by Renee’s Kitchen Adventures
Tomato-Zucchini Pesto Flatbread with Chevre and Balsamic Drizzle by The Weekend Gourmet

Sides

Garden Rice by Basic N Delicious
Pickled Asian Vegetables by A Mind Full Mom

Snacks

Homemade Fruit Leather by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple Sauce by Books n’ Cooks

Dessert

Chocolate Zucchini Banana Muffins by The Bitter Side of Sweet
Drunken Peaches by Nosh My Way
Freeze and Bake Blueberry Pie by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
How to Freeze Peaches and Make Peach Sauce by The Freshman Cook
How to Make Chocolate Zucchini Bread by Asian In America
Mom’s Zucchini Bread by Cosmopolitan Cornbread
Peach Yogurt Popsicles by Food Done Light
Summer Fruit Crisp by Pies and Plots
Summer Fruit Popsicles by Powered By BLING

Beverage

Berry Shrubs + A Cocktail by Culinary Adventures with Camilla

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 7:00 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.

August 17, 2016March 31, 2023

Watermelon Blueberry Agua Fresca

ok… it’s official I am obsessed. Both with Blueberries AND Agua Fresca. My fridge is filled with them both and I LOVE it. Who knew Agua Fresca would be come my new favorite drink – perfect for a morning pick me up and as an refreshing spiked Agua Fresca cocktail on the weekends. Pure brilliance.

Although the traditional Agua Fresca recipes are a simple combination of fruit, sugar and ice I have found that making a batch of herb infused simple syrup adds a tasty twist to the classic and allows the sweetness of the syrup to fully dissolve in the mixture. Plus you get the added kick of the herbs with out actually biting into a basil leaf.

Most recipes for Watermelon Agua Fresca also call for the mixture to be strained of the pulp… while I can completely understand that tradition – especially with the addition of the blueberries – I actually prefer the texture with the pulp. Try it both ways and let me know what you think!

Watermelon Blueberry Agua Fresca

INGREDIENTS

4 cups cubed fresh watermelon
1 cup fresh blueberries
ice cubes
juice of one lime, to taste
1 tablespoon basil simple syrup
basil leaves, for garnish

METHOD

Place cubed watermelon in a blender pulse until all pieces are broken down and it has become a liquid. Add blueberries, simple syrup, ice cubes and lime juice, blend until combined.

For each serving, :: Serve cold and fresh in a serving glass or fill glass with ice, top with watermelon and blueberry mixture. Garnish with basil sprig and watermelon slice. Serve chilled.

MAKES 6 – 8 SERVINGS

Looking for the perfect picnic lunch combo… mix up a batch of this Watermelon Blueberry Agua Fresca and pack up my Blueberry Chicken Salad with Picnic Tips! or get a little crazy and make my Spiked Watermelon Basil Agua Fresca for your next date night!

August 9, 2016August 9, 2016

Spiked Watermelon + Basil Agua Fresca Cocktail

I have to admit, the first time I heard about a spiked Agua Fresca was watching Shahs of Sunset on BRAVO, yes I am one of those. Reza had just arrived at MJ’s house and she greeted him with an Agua Fresca spiked with Tequilla. If you are a fan 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 stopped by {Reza if you are reading this, you are always welcome to knock on my door… just saying}.

Traditionally Agua Fresca is a non-alcoholic drink served by street vendors, in bodegas, and at cafes in Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Coming in many flavor combinations Agua Fresca is made by combining fruits, seeds, and occasionally flowers, with sugar and water.

I had just picked up a fresh juicy watermelon at the market over the weekend and my patio garden is overflowing with fresh basil, so I figured I would give a Spiked Watermelon and Basil Agua Fresca a go as my first attempt at this “exotic” recipe.

On my first try I muddled the basil leaves in the cup leaving bits of them floating in the pink juice. The flavor was nice but the leaves ended up in your mouth which although I was ok with this, I figured not everyone would be. Especially as a guest at a party, you may then be worried about bits in your teeth – at least I would be – and thats never a good thing for a party guest to be concerned about.

So I switched instead to creating an easy basil simple syrup first which imparted the same flavor with out the bits. I feel this is probably the best method when serving to a group at your home for a summer BBQ or at a beach picnic.

WATERMELON + BASIL SPIKED AGUA FRESCA RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

4 cups cubed watermelon
1/4 cup basil simple syrup
1 cup ice cubes
juice of one lime
ice, for each serving
chilled vodka
basil sprig, for garnish
watermelon slice, for garnish

METHOD

Place cubed watermelon in a blender pulse until all pieces are broken down and it has become a liquid. Add simple syrup, ice cubes and lime juice, blend until combined.

For each serving, :: In serving glass filled 3/4 with ice add 1 1/2 ounces of vodka, top with approximately 1 cup of melon mixture. Stir well to combine and chill. Garnish with basil sprig and watermelon slice. Serve chilled.

MAKES 6 – 8 SERVINGS

An Appealing Plan Hostess Tip :: make the watermelon, syrup and lime combination the day before then simply add the vodka and ice as guests arrive.

August 6, 2016August 6, 2016

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

August 2, 2016

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

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.

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!

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 Hot Dog Day is Friday August 26th, 2016

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

July 31, 2016March 31, 2023

How To Set Up A Hot Dog Bar {#SundaySupper}

Hotdogs and Summer get togethers 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.

There is an updated version of this post on KraylFunch.com ~ 3 Creative Hot Dog Recipes.

The classic American hotdog, grilled to perfection, placed in a toasted top cut hotdog bun, topped with ketchup and mustard is still incredibly popular at summer BBQ’s, ball parks and county fairs across this great nation however, a new breed of hotdogs is also claiming it’s rightful place at summer gatherings.

These new species of dogs offer topping combinations and flavors previously only found on dishes ordered in your local hipster neighborhoods and food trucks. But with a little planning and prep, you can bring these combinations to your own party by setting up a hotdog bar!

It’s summer and you are serving hot dogs… Place a few America flags into a glass vase, add a blue and white tablecloth and pull out your best flag platter for this gathering!

Instead of plates, offer guests napkins, bakery papers, or in this case I cut a slit in a stack of glassine bags I had from and other event and they worked perfectly to hold the hot dogs and looks great on the hot dog bar!

When it comes to the actual star of the show – the hot dog – I prefer to offer an all beef option as well as turkey dogs and a soy dog option. This way all of your guests have something they feel comfortable eating and can join the fun!

Along with the traditional toppings, offer guests a few new alternatives. If you have a few combinations you are fond of, group the toppings and place small signs with the name and ingredients so guests can give them a try or create their own new versions.

A few to consider Tropical Hot Dogs {Pineapple, Lime + Cilantro}, Korean Hot Dogs {Kimchi + Sriracha}, or Oaxacan Hot Dogs {Avocado and radish – inspired by one spotted in the August 2016 Family Circle Issue}. {all recipes coming here soon!}

This week’s #SundaySupper event is all about the kids in your life and what they love to eat! No kids? No problem…any recipe that is kid-friendly is welcome in this event.

Thank you to the event host: Ellen Folkman from Family Around The Table

Check out all the kid, and adult, friendly recipes from the Sunday Supper Community below and let me know what your favorite hot dog topping combination is in the comments!

Appetizers

Dueling Gyozas – Pork vs. Tofu by Food Lust People Love
Kid-Approved Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips by Dessert Geek
S’mores Cheeseball by Fantastical Sharing of Recipes

Desserts

Aunt Deborah’s Snickerdoodles by Family Around The Table
Chocolate Frozen Custard by Sew You Think You Can Cook
Easy Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream by Where Latin Meets Lagniappe
Easy Nutella Mousse by Cosmopolitan Cornbread
Fairy Bread Funfetti Milkshakes by The Crumby Cake
Grape Juice Jigglers by Sunday Supper Movement
Gumdrop Cookies by What Smells So Good?
Homemade Cherry Popsicles by Pies and Plots
Japanese Peach Boy Ice Cream by The Ninja Baker
Mango Creamsicles by The Redhead Baker
No-Cook Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream by Hardly A Goddess
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes by Grumpy’s Honeybunch
S’mores Cheesecake by The Freshman Cook
Snickerdoodle Cookie Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Sandwiches by The Chef Next Door
Turtle Poke Cake by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Whoopie Pies by Monica’s Table

Main Dish

Broccoli Cheese Soup by Wholistic Woman
Corn Dog Muffins by A Mind “Full” Mom
Deep Dish Pizza Casserole by My World Simplified
Grilled Pizza Flatbread Bar by Momma’s Meals
How to Set Up a Hot Dog Bar by An Appealing Plan
Lobster Gnocchi by Caroline’s Cooking
Madison’s Shrimp Lasagna Rolls by Life Tastes Good
Orecchiette Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce by Pine Needles In My Salad
Pasta Quattro Formaggi by La Bella Vita Cucina
Slow Cooker Cauliflower Mac and Cheese by Dizzy Busy and Hungry
Spaghetti and Meatball Casserole by Cooking with Carlee
Tuna Salad Grinders by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings

Snacks

Caprese Quesadillas by Simple and Savory
Maple Brown Sugar Granola Clusters by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Waffle Parfait by Our Good Life

July 23, 2016July 23, 2016

Krayl’s Week On Instagram ~ July 22nd

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

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

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

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

July 21, 2016May 31, 2018

Krayl’s Seasonal Home Box – Summer REVEAL + Styling Tips

Imagine the perfect home accents delivered to your door, arriving just in time for each season, to refresh and renew your decor. That is exactly what members of my Seasonal Home Box Membership experienced this past month when the Summer Seasonal Home Box arrived at their door! Let’s take a peek inside the Summer Seasonal Home Box to see what items they are enjoying this season!

Is this the first you are hearing about the membership? Head over to learn more about the Seasonal Home Box Membership launch here. Or see the Krayl’s Spring Seasonal Home Box – Spring REVEAL here.

UPDATE :: The seasonal home box is currently “under construction”. The new improved Seasonal Home Decor Box will launch soon! Learn more here + sign up to find out when membership opens again.

This Summer Seasonal Home Box included a few of my favorite items for making the most of this summer entertaining season ~ White Paint Dipped Wood Salad Servers, Blue + White Guest Napkins, Gold Pineapple Stamped Rug, White Ceramic Fish Serving Platter, Nautically Inspired Cocktail Napkins and Sherpa Pink Himalayan Salt! Yes – everything I mentioned is included in the Summer Season Home Box.

White Paint Dipped Wood Salad Servers

Perfect for those big bowls of fresh summer salads, these oversized paint dipped wood salad servers are a functional as they are gorgeous! They look great on the table or in your kitchen.

Blue + White Striped Guest Napkins

Perfectly coordinated with the salad servers the Blue Die Striped Guest Towels can function as a dinner napkin at your next summer gathering or as a hand towel in your guest bathroom. Yes, guest towels are a little bit of an obsession for me and I always change them out for the season. Now you can too!

Gold Pineapple Stamped Mat

One of my favorite items in the Summer Seasonal Home Box was this oversized Gold Pineapple Stamped rug that can function as a bath mat or a welcome rug at your entranceway. Members received either a white or navy background rug and love them equally to add a touch of seasonal hospitality to your home.

Ceramic White Fish Platter

To me summer is all about eating outside with friends. During the week this white ceramic fish platter can hold the summers freshest produce on your kitchen counter, then on the weekends become a serving platter for a cheese plate, cracker tray or a place to put your keys near your doorway when you come home.

Nautical Inspired Cocktail Napkins

I came by my love of cocktail napkins honestly, in fact it might be in my bloodline.

My grandmother on my mother’s side always had a drawer full or the cutest, most appropriate cocktail napkins in a drawer in the kitchen. Family gatherings always had cocktail napkins… I continue that tradition to this day.

The Summer Seasonal Home Box members each received a summer or nautical themed set to add to their own entertaining collection.

Black + White Striped Cabana Pillow Covers – Outdoor Space Design

In my opinion there are a few design elements that make an immediate impact, one is paint and the other are pillow covers, I try to include one of these in every Seasonal Home Box.

Although not true “outdoor” fabric I encourage you to try these outdoors in your covered patio or pool cabana area. No cabana? Simply bring the pillows in or place them in a protected space when not in use to keep their vibrant stripes.

Black + White Striped Cabana Pillow Covers – Interior Design

Prefer to keep your new cabana pillow cases indoors? Try them on your bed with the Spring Seasonal Home Box garden inspired pillow or mix things up and add in an embroidered fish pillow to your master bedroom. Remember, the item in the seasonal box are meant to be seasonal pops to mix in with your existing decor. Try it out for a season then get ready for the next box to mix it up again!

Ready to grab your Seasonal Home Box? Check out my shop here.

July 14, 2016October 27, 2016

Setting A Pink + Gold Bridal Shower Tablescape

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. Their delicate petals and romantic scent create a focal point for the center of the table. The pink peonies mixed with white tulips and placed in gold striped vases became my inspiration for the entire tablescape.

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!

Be sure to add special touches to your table with small gift bags tied with gold name tags or place settings and gold cupcake “bride” banners to top mini cupcakes to serve as both decor and dessert.

Read my top tips for planning your gold themed bridal shower and find out more about the products I used on The Inspired Home website. Be sure to leave a comment letting me know you stopped by!

July 12, 2016August 29, 2023

Beach Party Must-Haves

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 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!

Shop these must-haves ::