It’s a Day of Celebration

April 9, 2015

Today’s my birthday and I thought what better way to celebrate than to bring you some party inspiration.

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A garden party is the perfect way to celebrate any special occasion during the spring and summer. A table runner made from turf add a touch of realism and whimsey!

Ruffled Blog

Get inspired by this Chanel themed dessert bar and create a theme for your next soiree or party!

Best Friends For Frosting

The little touches you add to your party decor can make it extra special. I love the idea of adding large glitter to the water in flower vases for a hint of sparkle and glam.

Mod Wedding

And when it comes time for the cake, how about creating a beautiful tower of cupcakes and flowers. The perfect way to say Happy Birthday!

ConfettiStyle

Tutorial for ribbon tie gift boxes here.

source unknown

I’m off for a day of fun! First up Scott Antique Market (I haven’t been in months) and then a birthday dinner with the hubs.

This Is How I Do Easter Baskets

March 25, 2015

Growing up my mom would make Easter baskets for me and my brother. She went to great lengths to create those baskets and would always make them more than a basket full of candy. It wasn’t unusual for me to find slippers or crafting supplies in my basket and my brother to find socks or drum sticks. Every year the baskets felt special and unique, and they always brought smiles to our faces.

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Entertaining Inspiration {plus links you’ll love}

March 20, 2015

Happy Friday!

I have so much to be giddy about today. It’s the first day of spring…I found the perfect gold watch…I’m planning a beach vaca and after 7+ months, I’m finally done with jury duty!!! I think it’s time for a celebration.

If you’ve got an outdoor celebration planned to welcome spring, here’s an easy idea for keeping your beverages cold–planter turned cooler!

A few links you’ll love…

Spring is here and if you’re looking for a guide to help you with your spring cleaning, here’s a great checklist.

These picture frames are rustic chic and very affordable.

I couldn’t pass up the tassel or the quote on this wallet. And I’m considering this handbag.

Ideas for accessorizing the tops of your kitchen cabinets.

I love this sofa!

This will make your heart melt.

If floral patterns aren’t your thing, here’s a Anti-Floral print guide to spring decorating.

Cocktail Hour with Uncommon Goods + {a giveaway}

February 16, 2015

One of the topics I love writing about here on the blog is entertaining. And although I don’t entertain and much as I’d love to, I’m always prepared for a party.

A couple of years ago I found a metal cart at a thrift store and transformed it into a bar cart. It worked fine, but after living with it for a while I realized I wanted a larger bar cart. Just so happens that I had a partially complete diy project sitting in the garage that would make the perfect bar cart. The new bar cart has been painted but I’m waiting for some hardware that I ordered before I can finish it up.

Since the cart is almost complete, I’ve been on the hunt for unique barware to accessorize the cart with.

Out of nowhere, I was contacted by Uncommon Goods, a company that sells unique designs and handcrafted gifts that are environmentally and worker-friendly. They asked if I wanted to review one of their products and I of course said yes. After looking through the large selection of gift, home, kitchen, bar, art and jewelry items that Uncommon Goods sells, I found the perfect glasses for my bar cart.

The Shaken Martini Glasses are really beautiful in person and you know I couldn’t pass up with metallic confetti design and the gold-rimmed top. I also love that the glasses are made of a thick heavy glass which speaks to their quality, and that they are made here in the USA. The design is perfect for celebrating throughout the year and make a great toasting glass to ring in a new year.

The martini glasses are just one example of the awesome items they have on their site, most of which is made in the USA, half of which is made by hand and one-third of which is made with recycled or upcycled materials. I’ve also got my eye on this cheese board, these agate coasters and this fun artwork. Uncommon Goods also has a great selection of gifts under $50 which you can view here and unique jewelry pieces which you can see here . And if you’re looking for a unique holiday gift they have a great assortment for all the men in your life. You can view all the men’s gift here.

The great folks over at UnCommon Goods want to give you a chance to experience their products so they generously offered to give away a $25 gift certificate to one lucky reader. You can enter the giveaway below. Giveaway last through Sunday, 2/22 and a winner will be announced on Monday, 2/23!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

Disclosure: I received the Shaken Martini Glasses from Uncommon Goods for review purposes only. All opinions are my own.

All Wrapped Up For Christmas

December 20, 2014

T-minus 5 days and counting until Christmas.

The Christmas shopping is all done and boxes have been shipped. Things are starting to settle down around here and that has given me a chance to get most of my holiday gifts wrapped.

I love wrapping gifts and it was so much fun this year to coordinate my gift wrap with my holiday tartan plaid theme.

Here’s a look at my 2014 Holiday Gift Wrap and a few tips that will help you put the finishing touches on your own gifts.

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Holiday Cocktails

December 14, 2014

Hello there. I hope your weekend has been good and that you took a little time to savor the holiday season!

Thank you for all the wonderful comments and emails regarding my holiday table setting that I shared yesterday. In the spirit of celebrating, here are FOUR fabulous holiday cocktails to make for a party or to just enjoy as you wind down the weekend.

Cheers!

SAN PELLEGRINO BLOOD ORANGE MOJITO

Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine blood orange wedges, mint leaves and a light sprinkle of sugar.

Muddle all the ingredients together until most of the juice is extracted and the mint leave are bruised.

Distribute muddled orange and mint leave between two glasses. Fill with ice.

Add rum, simple syrup and San Pellegrino Limonata. Stir and serve immediately.

Tip: For fancier ice cubes, freeze 1 part San Pellegrino Limonata and 1 part orange juice.

Drop one segmented wedge of blood orange in each mold. Allow freezing time before serving your cocktails.

GINGERBREAD MARTINI

Ingredients:

For the gingerbread syrup:

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup brown sugar

4 tbs. molasses

1 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

For the martini:

2 ounces vanilla vodka

1.5 ounces Kahlua

1.5 ounces Bailey’s Irish Cream

3 tbs. gingerbread syrup (or to taste)

2.5 ounces half and half (plus 2 tbs. for the rim)

gingerbread cookies for the main garnish

whipped cream for garnish

Directions:

For the syrup:

In a small saucepan, heat the water, brown sugar, molasses, ginger and cinnamon or medium head until the sugar dissolves (about 5 mins).

For the martini:

Crush about 2-3 small gingerbread cookies in a zip lock bag with a rolling-pin. Place the crumbs in a saucer and set aside.

Pour 2 tablespoons of half and half into a small saucer. Di the rims of the martini glasses into the half and half. Then dip into the gingerbread crumbs and set the glasses aside.

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream, gingerbread syrup, and the half and half. Shake well and pour into martini glasses.

Place a dollop of whipped cream on top and then place a gingerbread cookie on top of the whipped cream and serve.

Tip: if you can’t find gingerbread cookies, you can also use gingersnap or Biscoff cookies.

SPICED HOLIDAY PUNCH

Ingredients:

6 cups of apple juice

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

12 cloves

1 2-inch piece peeled fresh ginger

1 cinnamon stick

6 cups cranberry juice

Ginger ale or sparkling wine

Preparation:

Bring 6 cups apple juice, 1/4 tsp nutmeg

12 cloves, 1 (2-inch) piece of peeled fresh ginger

and 1 cinnamon stick to a simmer over medium heat.

Lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Strain, cool and chill.

In a larger pitcher combine with 6 cups cranberry juice.

Fill glasses partway with juice mixture and

top off with ginger ale or sparkling wine.

RASPBERRY BEER COCKTAIL

Ingredients:

3/4 cup fresh raspberries ( or 3/4 cup thawed frozen raspberries)

3 1/2 (12 oz) bottles of beer, chilled

1 (12 oz) container frozen raspberry lemonade concentrate, thawed

1/2 cup vodka

Preparation:

Using the back of a spoon, mash raspberries in a bowl; transfer to a pitcher.

Stir in remaining ingredients.

Serve over ice.

Christmas Around The Table

December 13, 2014

Winter, a lingering season

is a time to gather golden

moments, embark on a sentimental journey,

and enjoy every idle hour. –John Boswell

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Holiday Entertaining Tips with BluLabel Bungalow

December 1, 2014

The holiday party season is in full swing and I’m excited to be guest posting over on the BluLabel Bungalow today sharing a few tips for Holiday Entertaining!

Stop by Erika’s fabulous blog to learn how to entertain with ease and style this holiday season.

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