Put a little happy in your hour with some of my all-time favorite Summer inspired cocktails. Refreshing, cool, and delightfully strong in all the right places these cocktails are just made for some porch sittin. Follow the links below and whip up a batch for your next gathering! BLUEBERRY VODKA LEMONADE WATERMELON MARGARITAS The probable…Continue Reading “Easy Summer Cocktails”
A fresh arrangement of summer flowers, or foliage, brightens the home and the soul. When I was a kid, you could find me spending every moment of my free time with my grandparents. It was my grandmother who curated my love of gardening. She taught me so much about growing flowers and then how to…Continue Reading “How To: Summer Flower Arranging”
Host a movie night under the stars on a warm summer evening that features a killer popcorn bar. Whether indoors or out, an underlying rustic theme utilizes galvanized buckets, oversized scoops, wire baskets, and cute do-it-yourself personalized cones made from craft paper. Set up the bar as informal as possible. The amount of goodies will…Continue Reading “DIY Popcorn Bar”
Is your backyard just begging for a summer throw down? Bring the islands of Hawaii to you by hosting a Luau that’ll have you dancing the Hula on into the night. Recreating an island paradise is all in the details. Accents like seashells, banana leaves, palm fronds, bamboo, and teak combine with inexpensive, disposable party…Continue Reading “Backyard Luau Party”
No proper Luau would be complete without a little bit of pork. Let’s skip the whole pig roast this year and make a slow cooked pulled pork that’s simmered with all the flavors of the islands. Pineapple, brown sugar, Korean marinade, and orange are slowly married together over a tender pork shoulder. Serve on sweet…Continue Reading “Hawaiian Pork Sliders”
Plastic wine glasses pop up at parties everywhere. They’re great in the fact that they are disposable and really inexpensive. However, they are wee bit bland and boring. Spice them up with a little paint and a bit of twine for a really cute, and customizable serving piece that just screams party! MATERIALS: Plastic wine…Continue Reading “DIY Disposable Wine Glasses”
It’s time to dust off that grill and throw on some burgers. Meatloaf burgers to be exact. Equal parts nostalgia and juicy beef goodness, Meatloaf burgers pack the delicious, Leave it to Beaver punch you’d expect from your momma’s meatloaf, except only better. Because we all know that everything tastes better when it’s slapped between…Continue Reading “Meatloaf Burgers”
Summer food is the stuff that brings smiles to tanned faces and fills hungry bellies with wholesome goodness. Pasta salad is a salad that’s worth celebrating just as much as summer itself. This Celebration Pasta Salad is that salad. A light, refreshing mix of veggies, pasta, and cheese all tied together with a sweet vinaigrette….Continue Reading “Celebration Pasta Salad”
No backyard bash would be complete without a good slaw. Send the cabbage packing and cue in the Brussels sprouts for a truly astonishing side. Shaved Brussel sprouts combine with the usual suspects in a mayo based dressing that’s a little on the sweet side. RECIPE: 1 lb Brussels sprouts 1 medium carrot, chopped 1…Continue Reading “Shaved Brussels Sprout Slaw”
Packing a picnic basket properly is essential to maximize space and to protect from any spills or breaks. Depending on each individual basket here are a few pointers to keep you on track. Packing a Picnic Bakset: 15 Helpful Hints • If possible, use multiple baskets. Separate items such as dinnerware, linens, and glassware from food…Continue Reading “How to Pack a Picnic Basket”