The Tastiest Cilantro Margarita

This Cilantro Margarita has a little twist on it. With super fresh ingredients it is perfect for Cinco de Mayo, a neighborhood BBQ or just a girls night on the back porch. I know you are going to love it.

The main ingredients we are going to use in this cocktail are tequila, lime juice, homemade simple syrup, cilantro, kosher salt, and ice. We’re going to keep it clean and keep our ingredients fresh and to a minimum. First we are going to select our glass and use a little bit of the lime to coat the edge of the glass. If you prefer no salt, but the best way to rim the glass is to use a little bit of the lime to moisten the edge and use kosher salt.

Cilantro Margarita recipe perfect for a summer celebration Cinco de mayo, BBQ, neighborhood block party anappealingplan.com by krayl funch 66 1000x

I only like a little bit of salt, so what I prefer to do is dab on a little tiny bit. Next pick off some of the cilantro leaves and place them in the glass. I know cilantro can go either way – you either love it or you hate it, but I happen to love it, so any time I can get fresh cilantro from the farmer’s market, I go ahead and grab it and make as many things as I can. I love it with tacos, guacamole, really anything. Even when we go get sushi I ask them if they have any cilantro – if they have it I just tell them to add it any roll they can!

After you add the lime and cilantro muddle then together. The juice of the lime will help mix that up. Muddle it and then add the lime juice. I always prefer to use fresh squeezed and natural, but if you can’t, the Key Lime very tasty.

Cilantro Margarita recipe perfect for a summer celebration Cinco de mayo, BBQ, neighborhood block party anappealingplan.com by @KraylFunch 14 1000x

A little bit of simple syrup just in to add a little bit of sweetness, then tequila and add in ice. Once you add your ice, stir and top it off with a sliced lime wedge.

I love the bright lime that makes it a little sour, and the cilantro. It’s a lot of cilantro flavor but not too much. Then a little bit of simple syrup makes it a little bit sweet, but honestly, you could do without that. Just depends on how you like your cocktails.

Cilantro Margarita recipe perfect for a summer celebration Cinco de mayo, BBQ, neighborhood block party anappealingplan.com by @KraylFunch 51 1000x

 

THE CILANTRO MARGARITA RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

lime wedge, to muddle and as garnish
kosher salt
1 ounce lime juice
1/4 cup cilantro leaves
1.5 ounces tequilla
1 ounce simple syrup
ice
lime wedge

METHOD

Moisten the outside edge of the glass with a lime wedge, dip in kosher salt to edge with salt. Place wedge in glass with cilantro leaves and muddle together to break down the cilantro leaves. Add lime juice, simple syrup, tequilla and ice. Stir together to combine.

Garnish with lime wedge and serve very cold.

Makes one cocktail.


Be sure to check out all the festive recipes from the Sunday Supper Community – And a special thank you to Marlene of Nosh My Way for hosting and with Sunday morning link updating from Cindy of Cindy’s Recipes and Writings

Tidbits and Pupus

Breakfast

Companions

Condiments and Sauces

Coolers

Main Event

Delectable Delights

Tropical Foods and Drinks Sunday Supper

Wine Pairings

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.

Entertaining Summer Style: Finds For Your Table

Memorial Day. Fourth of July. Labor Day. Three holiday weekends that are classic summer entertaining opportunities. You can almost feel the excitement building in the air as the dates approach. Our Nations colors become part of our home and tablescape design. Fly your flag high and break out the Red, White & Blue with these #SummerStyle Entertaining picks we think are must haves for your next gathering.

#SummerStyle Entertaining Product Round Up via @AnAppealingPlan #celebrateeveryday #memorialday #fourthofjuly #laborday 760x2000

PRODUCT LISTING + BUYING INFORMATION:

1} Lobster Cocktail Napkins by Caspari available via PaperStyle ~ $5

2} Red & White Star Paper Straws by Shop Sweet LuLu ~ $4

3} Red Rustic Serving Tray by FasProjects ~ $80

4} Blue Striped Melamine Plates by West Elm ~ $6

5} Red Bikini Tags by AnAppealingPlan for Etsy ~ $6

Do you have a special platter or tablecloth you bring out for your summer table? Tell us about it in the comments! Like + Share using the buttons below and be sure to sign up for everything AnAppealingPlan.com to your inbox using the form below. Happy Summer!

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.

themed centerpiece @AnAppealingPlan  #hydrangea #silver #DerbyParty

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 and match different sizes to create a centerpiece. For this centerpiece we’re going to use julep cups, one taller and one smaller as well as two different size Hydrangea.

SUPPLIES:

 

 

 

  • Tall Silver Julep Cup
  • 2 Blue Hydrangea Blooms
  • Kitchen Shears
  • Water

 

DIRECTIONS:

Fill julep cups with water approximately half full.

Cut your hydrangea stems to the correct height by placing your cups on a table and measuring the height of the stem so the bloom will sit in the cup just above the rim. For this particular floral centerpiece you will want them to rest just above the top. Cut off the appropriate amount off the bottom of the stem.

Pull the two vases together to create small centerpiece or create a larger version by grouping several julep cups.

Silver and blue is a perfect classic combination for gatherings throughout the year but particularly during the spring and summer months, this arrangement is perfect for a Kentucky Derby gathering or Garden Party.

Read more by visiting eHow.

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The Christmas Gram Cocktail Recipe

Holiday Gram Cocktail Recipe via AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch #HolidayEntertaining #AnAppealingPlan

If you are not familiar with the movie ELF starring Will Farrel, I HIGHLY recommend watching it. It will become one of your favorites as well, I guarantee it. If you are familiar with it, you may remember the scene where Buddy first meets his dad and sings his version of a Christmas gram. The below recipe is my version. It can be served cold to greet your guests. Or serve it warm at the end of your meal with desert.

“What’s a Christmas Gram? I want one!” Tweet this out by clicking here!

Holiday Gram Cocktail Recipe via AnAppealingPlan.com Perfect for your holiday party!! #HolidayEntertaining #AnAppealingPlan 

 

THE CHRISTMAS GRAM COCKTAIL RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 quart eggnog
  • 1 whole vanilla bean
  • 1 cup dark spiced rum, plus more
  • 4 graham crackers
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Whipped cream

DIRECTIONS

Pour quart of egg nog into a saucepan, add vanilla bean and heat on low for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to release vanilla seeds into the liquid. Stir in rum. Remove from heat.

Remove vanilla bean, strain if needed, discard bean. Serve immediately to serve warm, or chill liquid 1 hour to serve chilled.

Graham Cracker Rim:

Crush graham crackers in a large bowl with wooden spoon or in a food processor.

With remaining rum coat the rim of glass to wet and roll edge in crushed graham cracker.

To Serve:

Pour eggnog and rum combination into rimmed glasses. Top with whipped cream. Sprinkle with graham cracker. Garnish with cinnamon stick.

Serve hot or cold.

* * * * * * *

An Appealing-Plan- cover image

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. 

 

* * * * * * *

 

 

Sunday Supper Movement

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. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

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

 

Check out all the other amazing recipes and creations from the other #SundaySupper Contributors.

Party Appetizers & Snacks:

Oven-Roasted Applesauce Scented with Rosemary & Vanilla-Inspired by the song
“Christmas in the Trenches”Shockingly Delicious
Roasted Chestnuts Inspired by the movie “White Christmas”Food Lust People Love
A Popcorn Trio
Inspired by the song “Let it Snow” Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos
Chai Tea Abominable Snow Buddies
Inspired by the movie “Rudolph”Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Raisin Bran Muffins for a Crowd
Inspired by the movie
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” In The Kitchen With Audrey and Maurene
Icicle Candy and Reindeer Snacks Inspired by the movie “Snow”Treats & Trinkets
A Christmas Carol Plum Pudding
Inspired by the movie “A Christmas Carol”No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
Yukon Mashed Potato Cakes
Inspired by the movie “Rudolph” Cookin’ Mimi
Christmas Pudding
Inspired by the song “Over the River and Through the Woods” A Kitchen Hoor
Pumpkin Pudding
Inspired by the movie “Nightmare Before Christmas” Basic N Delicious
Elf-Inspired Christmas “Grams”
Inspired by the movie “Elf” MarocMama
Sugarplums
Inspired by the movie “The Nutcracker”Happy Baking Days
Roasted Nuts
Inspired by the song “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” – Take A Bite Out of Boca

Festive Main Dishes

Maple Syrup Spaghetti– Inspired by the movie “Elf”- Momma’s Meals
Peking Duck Inspired by the movie “A Christmas Story”The Texan New Yorker
Who Hash Inspired by the movie “How The Grinch Stole Christmas”girlichef
Ginger Orange Glazed Cornish Hens Inspired by the song “The 12 Days of Christmas”Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
NY Hot Dog with Sabrett-style Onion Sauce Inspired by the movie “Die Hard” Small Wallet, Big Appetite
Classic Caesar Salad Inspired by the movie “The Santa Clause”The Little Ferraro Kitchen
Individuals Meatloaves & Horseradish Mashed Potatoes for Mommy’s Little Piggies – Inspired by the movie
“A Christmas Story”The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
Christmas Waffles Inspired by the TV special “A Claymation Christmas Celebration”Curious Cuisiniere
Filthy Animal Pizza
Inspired by the movie “Home Alone”Foxes Love Lemons
Chicken Orzo Soup
Inspired by the song “12 Days of Christmas” Family Foodie
Brandied Candied Sweet Potatoes
Inspired by the song “Christmas Is The Time To Say ‘I Love You’ ” –
Cindy’s Recipes and Writings

Sweet Holiday Treats:

Gin and Tonic Cupcakes Inspired by Adam Sandler’s ” The Chanukah Song” The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bars Inspired by the movie “Love Actually”Magnolia Days
Gingerbread Marshmallows Inspired by the song “Marshmallow World”Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies Inspired by the movie “The Gremlins”Killer Bunnies, Inc
White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Inspired by the song “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”Alida’s Kitchen
Snowball Cookies – Inspired by the movie “White Christmas”The Foodie Army Wife
Penuche Fudge
Inspired by the movie “Elf” Pies and Plots
Hot Chocolate Cookies
Inspired by the movie “Santa Clause” Mess Makes Food
South Pacific Coconut Tres Leche Cake
Inspired by the movie “South Pacific”The Ninja Baker
Cookies & Cream Fudge
Inspired by the movie “Elf”The Messy Baker

Cozy Drinks:

Toasted Coconut Hot Cocoa– Inspired by the song “Let It Snow”Chocolate Moosey
The Christmas Gram Inspired by the movie “Elf”An Appealing Plan
Eggnog Hot Chocolate Inspired by the movie “National Lampoons Christmas Vacation” Peanut Butter and Peppers
Vermont Hot Cocoa
Inspired by the movie “White Christmas”Kudos Kitchen By Renee
Spiked Hot Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream Floats
Inspired by the song “Holly Jolly Christmas “NeighborFood

This is Christmas; Wine Pairings for Holiday Themed#SundaySupper Recipes – ENOFYLZ Wine Blog

What is your favorite Christmas movie? Share in the comments below. LIKE + SHARE this post!

Easy Placecards for Your Thanksgiving Table

 

Using hand stamped gift tags for your dinner place cards is an easy and fun way to add style to your Thanksgiving tablescape.

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

Using your guest list write the names of your guests on the back of a stamped gift tag. Thread ribbon through punched hole and tie around napkin.

Place napkin on plate making sure it lays flat and the ribbon bows are in order.

{these hand stamped gift tags are available in our Esty Shop. Visit it by clicking here now!}

When you will set your table? The day of or the night before? Let me know in the comments below. Like & share!

Looking for other Fall Decor ideas? Check out Decorating with Indian Corn or Decorating Your Entranceway for Thanksgiving

Are you ready for overnight visitors? How to prepare your guestroom.

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

An experienced host knows that entertaining doesn’t just happen around the table. The guest experience begins the moment you decide to invite visitors to gather. As it relates to the physical environment, it may include spaces away from your home or spaces around and in your home you may not at first consider such as the entranceway, the powder room and your guest room, just to name a few.

 Click to Tweet : “Entertaining doesn’t just happen around the table.” 

In many homes the guest room is also an office, craft room or a place where everything lands until the next knock on the door occurs and you run to clean and stock it to welcome an overnight visitor.

The good news is that with a little preparation you can whip that spare forgotten room in to a space worthy of AAA rating.

In this video I am discuss my top 9 {see it is so easy I didn’t even need #10!} items every guest room should have to ensure your guests are right at home during their stay. Check out the video by clicking the image below.

 In case you missed them, here is the short list:
1 – Extra Pillows
2 – Extra Blankets
3 – Extra Towels
5 – Clock
6 – Candle
7 – Fresh Flowers or Live Plant
8 – Snacks
9 – A Bottle of Water
 
Feeling more confident? Ready to set the date and call up that friend you keep saying you would like to see more? Deep breath, you can do it. Looking for more help… consider one of my seasonal home boxes to make sure your home is ready 365 days of the year!
 

How to Prepare Your Bar for Entertaining Guests.

Is hosting anxiety keeping you from inviting friends and family over? Do you go to parties and think, “I could never do this at my house”. Once you learn how to prepare your bar for entertaining guests that stress with fade away!

I’m here to tell you, with just a few things in place you CAN entertain more with LESS stress. That’s right. You can be that girl. The one who is always ready to greet guests with open arms and ease. The hostess that floats around the room calmly welcoming guests, setting a gorgeous table and somehow doing it all while looking completely at ease.

But, before you send out the invites and your guests are knocking on your door and expecting to be handed a welcome cocktail, we need to get a few things in place. In this Party Preppin’ video I discuss tips, ideas and a few basic barware items every home bar should have on hand.

Now don’t you feel better already! In a matter of less then one day your bar will be ready to go.

Before you head out to your favorite local shop or on-line retailer to pick up those items you are missing, leave a comment below letting me know the top 2 things you worry about the most when inviting guests over to your home.

Did you enjoy this video? Subscribe to the channel and SHARE it with friends.

 

How to Prepare for Entertaining Guests: The Table 101

I am passionate about entertaining. Not only my own entertaining, but your entertaining as well.

In this video I discuss items you should have on hand to set the table or buffet for your next gathering.

“Help! I have a fear of hosting a dinner party and I don’t know where to start! “

If this sounds like something you might say, this is for you. Get ready to send out those invites!

With just a few items in your cabinet you can easily set a beautiful table or buffet for your next gathering. Entertaining doesn’t need to be perfect or stressful. It is about connecting with friends and family. Entertaining should be about welcoming guests; sitting down and talking about your week or your dream vacation.

And you can tweet that one!

 “Entertaining doesn’t need to be perfect or stressful. It is about connecting with friends and family.”  

In the comments below let me know what you think of these tips and what other concerns you might have about welcoming guests. I would love to answer your questions directly in an upcoming segment. AND be sure to sign up below for my weekly updates direct to your inbox. Until then, see you in the comments!

You Can do it! XO ~ Krayl

 

Recipes + Tips for a Fresh Summer Berry Cocktail Bar

Summer Berry Cocktail Bar Tips + Recipes 1 #AnAppealingPlan

The summer entertaining season is upon us and just as if mother nature could read our minds, so is the juicy summer berry season. How did she know? What a fantastic combination! And what better place to combine this match made in heaven than on the cocktail bar. Prepare to greet your warm weather revelers!

Join me as I walk you through setting up a welcoming Summer Berry Cocktail Bar.

Summer Berry Cocktail Bar Tips + Recipes #AnAppealingPlan

Strawberries. Blackberries, Blueberries and Red Raspberries placed in small bowls or low dishes, provide the perfect colors and flavors to add to your favorite spirit. Provide a large bowl of ice, a wooden muddler and plenty of rocks glasses.

Summer Berry Cocktail Bar Tips + Recipes #AnAppealingPlan

 Arrange a variety of fresh-cut citrus on a cutting board or plate for muddling together. Your guests tastes are sure to vary so provide 2-4 spirits including, vodka, rum, bourbon and gin. A few small arrangements of cuttings from the garden in Julep cups or clear juice glasses will liven up your bar and add to the festive summer display.

       Summer Berry Cocktail Bar Tips + Recipes #AnAppealingPlan

SUGGESTED ITEMS TO CREATE YOUR SUMMER BERRY COCKTAIL BAR:

SPIRITS:

Vodka, Gin, Bourbon, Rum

FRESH BERRIES:

Strawberries, Blueberries, Red or Yellow Raspberries, Blackberries

SLICED FRESH CITRUS:

Lemon, Orange, Limes, Grapefruit

OTHER:

Ice bucket with ice, scooper for ice, wooden muddler, rocks glasses or other glass with solid base, Bitters, simple syrup, club soda, tonic water, sparkling water

FLORAL + DECOR: 

Tray, napkins, Dusty Miller, Freesia {or other fresh cuttings from your garden}

 

RECIPES TO TRY:

A few of my favorite combinations include:

The Garden Party Sipper {Grapefruit + Gin}

Raspberry Rosemary Summer Sipper {Raspberry + Gin}

Tangerine Thyme Cocktail

Provence Lavender Cocktail

 

Like these tips? Make sure you receive our FREE weekly Updates by completing the information below. And share this with your friends on Facebook & Twitter.

XO – Krayl

Be sure to check out ALL of the #SundaySupper recipes featuring Summer Berries below.

Breakfast & Brunch

  • Angel Food French Toast with Blueberry Lemon Sauce by Neighborfood
  • Blueberry Lemon Baked Doughnuts by Small Wallet, Big Appetite
  • Blueberry Rhubarb Baked Oatmeal by Pies and Plots
  • Overnight Strawberry Stuffed French Toast by In The Kitchen With KP
  • The Best Blueberry Muffin by Supper For a Steal

Sweet & Savory Berry Recipes

  • Herbed Pork Tenderloin with Wild Blueberry Sauce by Noshing With The Nolands
  • Red, White, and Blue Chicken Salad by MarocMama
  • BBQ Strawberry Pizza by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner

Jams, Jelly, Sauces & More

Desserts

Cocktails, Drinks & Smoothies

Party Planning

Summer Berry RecipesCheck back on Sunday for all of wonderful Summer Berries recipes! We’d love if you joined our #SundaySupper chat on Twitter too: we’ll tweet throughout the day and share all of our recipes. Then at 7:00pm EST we’ll start our weekly chat. Please jump in anytime and join us! To join in, just follow the #SundaySupper hashtag, and remember to include it in your tweets. You can also check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more delicious recipes and photos.

Festive Tailgating: Tips & Recipes

FESTIVE WEEKEND TAILGATING

  

It is Football time again and although I have to admit, I don’t track the rankings until literally days before the actual Super Bowl, I do LOVE this time of year for the mere fact that there are so many opportunities to do what I love: Entertain.

Getting together with neighbors and friends to eat and drink from the back of an SUV is a tradition not be missed. BUT, just because you might be in a field or parking lot is no excuse to lose your sense of style. Try a tip or two below for your game day outing.

TABLESCAPES & ENTERTAINING TIPS

* MVP Bloody Mary Bar *

Setting up the perfect display takes a little planning and preparation but once set up the work is done. For tailgating use various sized tubs that can be filled with ice. Keeping everything in one place, cold and making for easy clean up once the game begins.

* Show Your Spirit. Tastefully. *

You love your team. We all get it. So be a good sport and decorate the table supporting both teams. Use wheatgrass as the “field” and accents from your local party store to create a tablescape worth cheering for.

* Taking the Show on the Road *

A true tailgate takes place in a parking lot or field, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a gorgeous display. To create a backdrop for the food and beverage, lay a plaid or team logo blanket over the tailgate then begin to place your items with the dishes most likely to drip closest to the front.

* Green is Everyone’s Team Color *

Consider eco alternatives such as using ingredients are your vessel rather than disposable forks & plates to save on trash. Scoop chips work great for chili; Celery and pepper are ideal for dips; Wraps & Buns should be available for sandwich making. Provide an ample supply of eco-friendly napkins.

 

MENU SUGGESTIONS

{Image & Recipe Provided by The Soul of Health}

                                      Turkey Chili with toppings: Baked Chips, Green Onions, Sour Cream, Cheese

                                      Buffalo Chicken Wraps {by Can You Stay For Dinner?}

                                      Sweet Pumpkin Hummus with Apples and Ginger Snaps {by Knead to Cook}

                                      Spinach Dip with: Carrots, Celery, Broccoli, Tomatoes, Pita Chips {by Lindsey Isham}

                                      Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Brownies {by Pennies on a Platter}