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Archive for the ‘Entertaining Ideas’ Category

The Dish Chronicles, Part I

Posted in Dishes and Serving Pieces, Entertaining at Home, Home and Garden, tagged , , , on August 26, 2010| 1 Comment »

Anyone who has been to our home knows I like dishes. Well, maybe more than like. Love doesn’t seem like quite the right description either. Compulsive dish collector, obsessive, crazy about are terms I think Hubby has used to describe my passion for serving pieces.

He has no room to talk, though, because he is an enabler of my habit. Just this past weekend we were wandering around a department store when this bowl caught my eye.

And then I saw the rest of the matching bowls and all bets were off. I had to have them. I had to! The balance of my little world hung on bringing these beauties home with me. So Hubby packed them around the store while I fawned over approximately 257 other things that I liked. But none that I loved like these bowls.

These mixing bowls are, fasten your seat belts …. oven, microwave and dishwasher safe. I can mix, bake and reheat in these bowls til the cows come home. They have these great little measures inside.

Check out the big mixing bowl. How handy is that?

Best of all, they are pretty and match my kitchen perfectly. Just like the 362 other dishes taking up space in my cupboards.

When you are purchasing mixing or serving pieces, look for items that give you value and versatility. Are they microwave, dishwasher and oven safe? Are they good quality? Will they stand up to your family using them? Can you picture at least three ways they will enhance your collection?

Here is a link to a collection of top-notch pieces that provide a lot of versatility for the value.

Happy Entertaining!

From the Dish Collector

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Labor Day Party Theme Ideas

Posted in Entertaining at Home, Entertaining Ideas, Holidays, Party Theme, tagged , , on August 24, 2010| Leave a Comment »

Labor Day is coming right up. How is that possible? Where did the summer go? If you find it, let me know. I’m convinced I didn’t get my full share of summer-time fun this year.

Since we can’t bring summer back, instead think ahead and plan a Labor Day party for the long weekend. The key is to keep it casual and relaxed.

The Labor Day holiday was first celebrated in the early 1880s  as a way to honor workers for all of their contributions to the strength and well-being of our nation. In that spirit, encourage honor your guests with a relaxing party. Fill your outdoor gathering area with lawn blankets, comfy chairs, and oodles of pillows.  The theme of the day is taking it easy!

Patriotic decorations are perfect for Labor Day. Mix things up a bit by adding a warm gold or bright yellow color to the red, white and blue  scheme. Use candles and flowers from your garden for decorations. Keep it simple by slipping cut stems into mason jars or empty tin cans with the labels removed. Tie with a raffia ribbon close to the top of the container.

Your invitations could have a barbecue theme, patriotic colors, stars, flip flops or paper lanterns. Just choose something fun that speaks to you.

If your event will last into the evening hours, make sure you have plenty of warm light through tiki torches, lanterns, garden stakes, hanging lights, or candles. Also, make sure you have citronella candles strategically placed throughout the area to thwart the insects.

The menu should be foods that are simple and easy. You can go potluck or go the route of a traditional barbecue with hamburgers and hotdogs. Just remember your condiment rules. You could also barbecue skewers. Keep the menu simple and easy for you. Round out your main dish with a  big green salad, a loaf of french bread, watermelon slices and a slam-bang dessert like decadent chocolate cake.

Make one or two signature beverages instead of offering a bunch of options. Fill a bucket, kids wagon or large bowl with ice and set in individual bottles. Have pitchers or jars of ice water. Whatever beverages you decide to offer, just make sure you have gracious plenty.

You can have games available like lawn croquet or horseshoes. If you have a large gathering you could split the attendees into two teams and play a game of flag football, softball or volleyball. Just remember to have fun!

Don’t forget the music. You can play some theme-appropriate tunes like “She Works Hard for the Money,” “Working 9 to 5,” and “Working in  Coal Mine.”

Do as much prep work as you can ahead of time so once your guests arrive, you are focused on them, not on the 36 things that you don’t have done.

Sit back, relax, take a deep breath and enjoy this last hurrah of summer-time entertaining.

Happy Entertaining!

Shanna

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Summer Sunset

Posted in Entertaining at Home, Musings, tagged , , on August 19, 2010| 2 Comments »

With the days of summer winding down toward fall, it seems even more important to grab on to every moment and squeeze all the fun, excitement and joy out of it we can. One of the best places to do that can be in your very own backyard.  Really!

How many of these beautiful summer evenings have you just sat and watched the world go by from your backyard? Not nearly, enough, I’m guessing. I know I haven’t.

At the party I was at last night, the hostess with the mostest had all her guests gather in her backyard. It was bliss! Everyone was relaxed and casual and enjoying one another. Isn’t that really what it is all about?  Relaxing, living in the moment, enjoying the company of family and friends?

Despite the often disastrous state of my own backyard, we can watch some of the most amazing sunsets take place over our neighbor’s pasture and beyond to the distant hills. Nature paints the most gorgeous portraits if we just take the time to really look at them and enjoy.

So I challenge you to slow down, take a deep breath and watch a few of these unbelievable summer sunsets while they last.

Happy Entertaining!

Shanna

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Garden’s Bounty Party Theme

Posted in Entertaining Ideas, Party Theme, tagged , , on August 17, 2010| Leave a Comment »

“Did you ever stop to taste a carrot?  Not just eat it, but taste it?  You can’t taste the beauty and energy of the earth in a Twinkie.” ~Astrid Alauda
There is something unique and mysterious and completely wonderful about feasting on the bounty of our gardens as summer makes is descent into fall. Think about inviting a few friends or fellow gardeners over for a fun Garden’s Bounty Party. Use fresh fruits and vegetables as not only your menu, but also as centerpieces.

Hold the party outdoors, of course! Set up a few tables, throw down some blankets and prepare to have fun.

For a super simple and easy centerpiece, fill a large basket with fruit or vegetables, or a mix of both. Tie with a raffia or muslin ribbon.

Use hollowed out vegetables like cabbage and peppers for serving containers. These are great for holding dips or mini salads.

Ask guests to bring a pot-luck dish that highlights their favorite fruit or vegetable. I guarantee it will be a fun and interesting meal. You can provide a main dish (how about ka-bobs with a mix of fresh veggies and meat) and beverages (lemonade, fruit juice, etc.).

Have everyone bring their prize-winning produce for a laid-back and entertaining contest.

Relax, enjoy and savor these last days of summer and your garden. Enjoy sharing the bounty with your friends! You’ll be glad you did!

Happy Entertaining!

Shanna



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