My Five Favorites - Entertaining Accessories

 I can't even believe it's October, and as much as I hate that the year has flown by I do 

love everything about fall! Entertaining is right up there at the top of my list, and I'm

 in the mood for some fall cooking, aka comfort food in my book, and get-togethers with

 friends and family.

 This month for My Five Favorites we're sharing Entertaining Accessories,

I'm sure my pals will have some some great ideas for me to add to my inventory!  

Kris @ Driven by Decor

Lisa @ Shine Your Light

Jennifer @ Dimples & Tangles

I'm thrilled to introduce our guest this month, Kelley @ Kelley Nan. She couldn't be more

perfect for our topic ~ her tablescape skills are unmatched, and her style...stunningly elegant!

Oh, and she makes it look effortless! 

It's easy to access her beautiful collection of tablescape photos here!

How gorgeous is this Fall Table she put together this year?!!  

Here are a few of my go to entertaining items that I couldn't live without:

#1

Domed Cake Plate

A cake plate isn't just for cake ~ this is my favorite to take anything up a notch!

 Actually, years ago our tenants left it behind and gifted it to me when they moved out of

 state. :) I saw this very similar one, the price is CRAZY inexpensive and 5 Star Reviews!

I use mine for everything ~ cakes, pies, pastries, breads. 

It's great for brunch items like quiche, or ramekins of yogurt or granola.

It even makes sandwiches feel a bit more gourmet.

#2

Simple DIY Table Runner

I love using a fabric table runner to add a pretty dose of color and pattern.

 It couldn't be more simple, just a yard or so of fabric, with the edge ironed under.

The black and white stripe fabric is an IKEA print. 

** I spy a cake plate!**

#2a

In addition to the fabric table runner, 

a collection of tall candles always make a statement!

#3

Kate Spade Salt & Pepper Shakers

These were a gift from a friend a few years ago, and I loved them so much I've

since gifted them as well.  

Fairmount Park Stripe & Dot Salt & Pepper Set are my favorite to give your table

that eclectic flair. The black, white and gold color combination and simple bold 

print easily mix with other serving piece patterns.

#4

White Hotel Dinner Napkins

I've had my same white dinner napkins for years, maybe 15 or more. You all 

know I love a bargain but it's worth spending more for quality here, they've been

bleached a zillion times, are perfectly square and still look like new. Mine are

from William Sonoma, but I'm wondering if the quality has changed over the years,

some of the reviews are iffy.  

  

#5

Mini Mason Jars

Everything is more fun served in a cute little mason jar, right? They're ideal for

 individual appetizers and desserts. I found mine at Walmart,

 I have 24 of the 4 oz jelly jars, and 24 of the 8 oz jelly jars.  

I like to do mini pies in the fall and strawberry shortcakes for summer BBQs. 

One of my popular posts of the past is how a friend and I have amassed and share

 ALL the basics for entertaining!  

Stop by and check out these talented friends' favorites:

Kris @ Driven by Decor

Lisa @ Shine Your Light

Jennifer @ Dimples & Tangles

Kelley @ Kelley Nan

You might like these previous Five Favorites, too:

Displaying DIY ArtworkWays to Mix Metals

DIY Projects

Fabric

Decorate an Outdoor Space
Pillow Projects
Decorating for Spring
Decorative Accessories
Home Organizing Tips
Quick & Easy Holiday Decorating Ideas

Paint 

Fabulous Do Ahead Al Fresco Dinner Menu

Hope you had an awesome weekend and are savoring these summer days.
One of my favorite things about summer is having friends over

 to dine Al fresco on our deck. A simple do ahead menu is a must! Don't get me
wrong, I love a simple juicy burger on the grill, but I wanted to serve something
 more unique. It's no fun having to slave in the kitchen once your guests arrive so I
 always look for recipes that can be prepped ahead of time, I think these are winners!
 I'm sharing a yummy summer menu I served recently, along with my tips and

 timeline for having it all together ahead of time, so you're free to enjoy your guests.
I've noted where I deviated from the recipes, and how I prepped everything prior to
our get-together for a smooth stress-free dinner.  

~ menu ~    

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail w/ Tortilla Chips

Chili Lime Chicken

Mandarin Orange Salad w/Sugared Almonds

Grilled Corn with Spicy Cilantro Lime Butter

Key Lime Pie


Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Recipe from Elise @ Simply Recipes

Served as an appetizer with drinks before dinner. 
I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned and pre-cooked, peeled and deveined shrimp. 
I didn't chop the shrimp, but instead put a few on top of each individual serving.

Chili Lime Chicken
Recipe from Bee @ Rasa Malaysia

I grill the chicken a couple hours before our guests arrived, let sit for 15 min before slicing,
pile on large platter and serve at room temp.
I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs.

Mandarin Orange Salad with Sugared Almonds
Recipe from Food.com

I use organic mixed greens from Costco.

Grilled Corn with Spicy Cilantro Lime Butter
Recipe from Megan @ Pip & Ebby

I use 1/4 cup butter in place of the mayo. 
I like to serve smaller pieces of corn, so I cut the cobs in half. 
Boil corn for 2 minutes then transfer to hot grill for a short time to get char marks,
 turning once or twice. 
Pile on large platter and serve with lime wedges.   

Key Lime Pie
Recipe from Leigh Anne @ Your Home Based Mom

Use homemade graham cracker crust! 
Delete sour cream, decrease Nellie & Joe's Key Lime Juice to 1/2 cup.
Add whipped cream (I used Reddi Wip) to individual slices at time of serving. 

EARLIER IN WEEK

Salad - Prepare Sugared Almonds, store in plastic container.
Corn - Prepare Cilantro Lime Butter, refrigerate in plastic container.
Pie - Crush graham crackers and mix in sugar, store in plastic container. 

FRIDAY AFTERNOON/EVENING
Salad - chop celery, slice onion & prepare dressing - refrigerate. 
Husk corn & cut in half - refrigerate.
Make Key Lime Pie & refrigerate.
Shrimp Cocktail - Thaw shrimp in refrigerator if frozen.

SATURDAY MORNING

Chicken - Prepare Marinade
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail - Prepare and refrigerate (Do not add shrimp or avocado)
Salad - drain mandarin oranges and refreigerate.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

Grill chicken
Put salad together, except dressing
Chop avocado and add to shrimp cocktail.
Cut Pie

AFTER GUESTS ARRIVE 
Dish Mexican Shrimp Cocktail into individual ramekins and top with a few shrimp,
serve on plates with forks and tortilla chips.

When you're ready for dinner:
Grill corn over high heat just till charred, heat prepared lime butter in microwave,
transfer corn to platter and slather with butter.

Dress salad and sprinkle with sugared almonds.

That's it friends, it really is a fresh, easy to put together menu that appears much
more time consuming. I always a happy hostess if our guests ask for recipes,
and they did! :)

Here's to Al fresco dining with friends!

Eddie Ross, Vintage(ish) Dishes and How to Get Them for a Steal

 One of my Christmas presents from my boys (#truth I ordered it and gave it to them to wrap)
was Eddie Ross' new book, Modern Mix. I highly recommend it if you have a love of
 design, thrifting, entertaining, a colorful collected style, reading, looking at pictures,
you get it ~ it's fabulous for anyone!
And, as informative as it is FUN!
I was inspired by his beautiful collections of dishes and talent for the eclectic mixes
he creates. I started paying more attention to vintage dishes and glassware when I was
 thrifting, but hadn't come across anything that spoke to me, until...

Modern Mix: Curating Personal Style with Chic & Accessible Finds - Eddie Ross

...I was at my local World Market (not sponsored btw, I just love them)
  and noticed these salad plates. And, although they weren't vintage, they had the look.
A classic Chinoiserie style border, unique color combos, and my favorite, a good
 dose of pink. I thought they'd pair perfectly with something modern or antique,
 and can't wait to see what else I find to add to the mix.

World Market Shanghai Salad Plate 

If you're not familiar with World Market's Explorer Club, a free rewards program, you
may want to check it out, asap! You'll receive special coupons. I combined my birthday
 coupon ($10 off anything) and another coupon ($10 off a $30 purchase).
Making the total for six of these beautiful plates...$10!  
(Online they're available as a set of 4, at my store they were sold individually.) 

You're welcome. :)

15th Annual Girlfriend Party

Happy Friday friends!

I'm sharing some highlights of my 15th Annual Girlfriend Christmas Party,

 but be forewarned - THE PHOTOS ARE B-A-D!! 

I'm SO sorry, I would normally skip the post rather than use photos like this, but so many

 of you have asked about the gifts, and menu. I tried to quickly snap a few with my phone

 while greeting the girls, getting drinks and putting food together. My house was dark and

 when I lightened them it went from bad to worse, so forgive me!

The Hostess  

My friends said I looked like a 1950s housewife, cooking in my dress and heels, 

with a drink in hand. Haha!   

The Invitation

"Spread Cheer" with an appetizer spreader attached, details here. 

The Drinks

Pomegranate Martinis

Wine

The Menu

Stilton Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Bacon

Grapes with Goat Cheese & Crushed Pistachios

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Mini Twice Baked Potatoes

Artichoke, Mushroom & Roma Tomato Pizza

Zuppa Toscana 

The Dessert

Coffee with Baileys

Warm Molten Chocolate Cakes 

The Girls

My beautiful girlfriends gathered together. 

The Buffet

Simple decor of evergreen branches, clear vases of pink flowers, and candles down the

center of our island. This was before the food was out and arranged.

On the silver tiered stand I serve the soup in ramekins and then use it to serve

the Molten Chocolate Cakes when they come out of the oven. 

The Gifts

Each girlfriend brings five gifts (all the same) and draws five names when they arrive,

 those names will be the recipients of their gifts. We go around the room and each one

of us tells what our gift is and hands them out. Our limit is around $5 - $7ish, but not 

everyone sticks to it, and we have some savvy bargain shoppers.  

   

Plaid Scarves

Coffee Mug with Chalk for a message & Cocoa Mix

Seasonal Candle 

Movie Ticket 

Seasonal Room Scent (Winter) - Bath & Body Works

Mix of Chocolate covered espresso beans & peppermint candy & cute socks

Pretty glass tray

Book - The Magic of Tidying Up

Fig Jam to tie in with the 'Spread Cheer' invitaion

True Blue Spa Hand Lotion 

Clean Freak Dry Shampoo & Headband (my gift)

I'm blessed beyond measure to have these wonderful friends in my life, some

 of them since our kiddos were babies, and others since toddlers. Our get together is

my favorite way to kick off the holiday season! 

 Switching gears...

if you've been following along with 2015 Christmas Home Tours today is your

chance to show us your beautiful Christmas decor!

Link up at Marty @ A Stroll Thru Life Link Party today to share yours!

"Spread Cheer" Christmas Party Invitations

Hi friends, thank you for hanging in there with my sporadic posting,

 we had a wonderful time with family visiting this past week. 

I can't even believe two weeks from today my house will be decorated for Christmas and

I'll be hosting some of my favorite peeps at our 15th Annual Girlfriend Christmas Party!

It's the perfect way to kick off the season, and in keeping with tradition, yesterday I

 delivered fun invites to their mailboxes. 

'Spread Cheer' 

Super simple.

For each invite I attached a cocktail knife from World Market to a 'Cheer' gift tag

found at Marshalls. I wrote 'Spread' and punched two holes to run ribbon through

to secure the spreader.   

   

All of the pertinent party details are on the back. I traced and cut out a circle

the same size as front tag. 

A decorated cellophane bag makes a pretty presentation:

Tied with matching gold ribbon

Evergreen sprigs and berries from my yard

White shredded paper

Each guest brings 5 favorite things (gifts) all the same item. 

  As they arrive they draw 5 names, those will be the recipients of their gifts. 

Our price limit is $5-7 per gift. 

It's so much fun to see what they come up with, as I've mentioned before

they're creative, classy and oh, so clever!!

You can check out the previous year's unique invites below:

12th Annual Party 

13th Annual Party

14th Annual Party 

What would you bring if you were on the guest list? 

    

Ultimate Brunch Dish ~ French Toast Fondue

Thank you all so much for your sweet comments on my Easter table yesterday,

you guys liked the little peeps as much as I did! 

We always celebrate Easter with a large group of extended family over a 

plentiful brunch spread, but hands down the favorite dish we all look forward to is:

 French Toast Fondue with Maple Butter Glaze

It's sinfully delicious, so we only make it once a year at Easter.

We've been indulging for years, it's from Creme de Colorado,

an old Junior League of Denver cookbook.  

  

The recipe is below ~ a loaf of french bread, cubed and dipped in basic french toast

egg mixture, then deep fried. We use a deep fryer because we're serving a large crowd,

but a a fondue pot would be perfect for a family of 2 - 4.  

We set it up assembly style and everyone takes turns at the fryer and passing hot 

pieces at the table until we swear we can't eat another piece....and then out comes

a fresh hot batch and our willpower goes out the window!   

(I used a small fryer to make this sample batch for you, but for a crowd we use a larger deep fryer.)

 

The Maple Butter Glaze drizzled over the hot, crisp on the outside,

soft custard inside is absolutely...mouthwatering! 

French Toast Fondue with Maple Butter Glaze

4 - 6 servings

Vegetable Oil

1 teaspoon salt

4 eggs beaten

1 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 loaf french bread cubed

Heat oil and 1 teaspoon salt in fondue pot. In medium bowl, beat together eggs, milk and 1/2 teaspoon salt. When oil is very hot, dip bread cubes into egg mixture, then into oil to cook.

Bread is done when it is crispy and golden brown. Remove and dip into Maple Butter Glaze

Maple Butter Glaze:

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 egg white, stiffly beaten

Cream together powdered sugar, butter, and maple syrup. Fold in beaten egg white.

Enjoy, friends!

Spring & Easter Table Setting

Happy Monday, peeps! :)

I was chatting with a friend and she mentioned that she wished bloggers would

share their entertaining tips, tables settings and recipes for holidays in time for people

to be able to take advantage of them. Yikes, I know I've been guilty of rushing to get 

things put together and posting them after the fact.   

I have good news and bad news.

The good...I put together this cheerful Easter table setting to share with you.

The bad...it ends up we're not hosting Easter this year. 

Which probably isn't a bad thing after all since I still have my unfinished buffet project

 in the dining room. And, that also explains why you only see close ups of the table. :)

The inspiration was this indigo tablecloth I found at Goodwill. Remember when I showed

 you my trash to treasure scores. I love the raised white embroidery and block print style. I

layered a black and white striped runner I had from my nephew's wedding last summer.

I included my DIY candelabra for fun! 

Simple grocery store lilies and wheat grass I planted add lots of color and texture. 

I love to collect small vases to sit at individual place settings. Yay for spring,

I finally have a few sprigs of greenery and little flowers to cut. For a variety of

heights I used a glass cake plate to display wheat grass planted in inexpensive

 terra cotta pots, painted gold.  

Aren't those little peeps poking their heads out of the cracked shells cute? :)

Just crack open a few eggs, wash them and let dry and set the peep inside. 

Tomorrow I'm sharing our hands down all-time favorite dish

for Easter Brunch. I don't know anyone else who makes it and

it's sinfully delish!