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


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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.

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

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.

labor Day Weekend #Anappealingplan


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!

@AnAppealingPlan Fall Dinner Party White Pumpkins #CelebrateEveryday centerpiece 3

 


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!

Goodbye-Summer-Hello-Autumn on @KraylFunch

 


Elephant Appreciation Day 2016 is Thursday September 22nd, 2016

Elephant Appreciation Day September 22 on @KraylFunch

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. 

Peach Burrata Pizza on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch

Peach Burrata Pizza on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch full peaches

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.

Peach Burrata Pizza on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch on table

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. 

Peach Burrata Pizza on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch cut

 

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 Burrata Pizza on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch with peaches

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

Main dishes

Sides

Snacks

Dessert

Beverage

Sunday Supper MovementJoin 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.

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.

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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.

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Morning coffee view. #happycamper at Camp Susquehannock.

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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

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

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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

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}.

Spiked Watermelon Basil Agua Fresca Recipe on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch 4381 x750

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.

Spiked Watermelon Basil Agua Fresca Recipe on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch 4374 x 1000

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.

Beach Picnic Chicken Salad for #SundaySupper by @KraylFunch 1b

Spiked Watermelon Basil Agua Fresca Recipe on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch cover 750x300

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.

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

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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

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! 

krayl funch seasonal home box membership - summer home box review and summer seasonal decor tips 3890 1000x

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 

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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 

krayl funch seasonal home box membership - summer home box review and summer seasonal decor tips 3931 1000x

krayl funch seasonal home box membership - summer home box review and summer seasonal decor tips 3903 1000x

krayl funch seasonal home box membership - summer home box review and summer seasonal decor tips 3896 1000x

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 krayl funch seasonal home box membership - summer home box review and summer seasonal decor tips 3906 1000x

krayl funch seasonal home box membership - summer home box review and summer seasonal decor tips 3914 1000x

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

krayl funch seasonal home box membership - summer home box review and summer seasonal decor tips 3916 1000x

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 

krayl funch seasonal home box membership - summer home box review and summer seasonal decor tips 3922 1000x

krayl funch seasonal home box membership - summer home box review and summer seasonal decor tips 3926 1000x

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

krayl funch seasonal home box membership - summer home box review and summer seasonal decor tips 3936 1000x

krayl funch seasonal home box membership - summer home box review and summer seasonal decor tips 3940 1000x

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

krayl funch seasonal home box membership - summer home box review and summer seasonal decor tips 3955 1000x

krayl funch seasonal home box membership - summer home box review and summer seasonal decor tips 3965 half 1000x

krayl funch seasonal home box membership - summer home box review and summer seasonal decor tips 3949 1000x

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.

Setting A Pink + Gold Bridal Shower Tablescape

Pink + Gold Bridal Shower Tablescape - Krayl Funch 3212 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!

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

Pink + Gold Bridal Shower Tablescape - Krayl Funch 3128 1000x

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!

Pink + Gold Bridal Shower Tablescape - Krayl Funch 3188 1000x

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! 

Pink + Gold Bridal Shower Tablescape - Krayl Funch 3507 1000x