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Posts Tagged ‘Savvy Entertaining’

Fighting Like Cats and Dogs

Posted in Musings, Pets, tagged , , on September 7, 2011| Leave a Comment »

 

The other day our neighbor’s dog, Stinky, decided to come over for a visit. She hadn’t been over for a long time, and it was nice to see her.

I found a stick and tossed it for her to fetch so many times I thought she might wear a path through the jungle-like grass that is currently our backyard. It was somewhat surprising to discover she slobbers even more than the Heinous Cat which made tossing that stick somewhat challenge for someone with an elevated “Ewww!” factor.

Drooley (aka) The Heinous Cat

Speaking of the Heinous Cat, as soon as the dog appeared, he came rip-roaring up to me and stood with his fur on end, tail swishing and eyes narrowed. Deciding he could take a dog 10 times his size, he growled and took off after Stinky.  The dog, however, thought the cat was playing and ran around yipping happily then turned and tried to chase the cat.

The cat threw on the brakes and beat a hasty retreat behind me.

This activity was repeated no less than a dozen times when the Heinous Cat’s other mortal enemy, the interloper, arrived on the scene.

Miss Maizy

She made a dash for a corner of the back patio and took refuge there, hoping to ignore the dog and the crazy cat.

Tiring of their game, Stinky, flopped down on the patio, slurped up the water in the water dish and prepared for round two.

By this time, both cats and jumped on top of the patio table and sat cowering together.  It was one of the  few times I’ve actually seen them willingly get within striking distance of each other without striking. Sitting close together, you could almost hear their conversation… “If I jump on her back, can you take the head? I think we can take her down. Come on, let’s show her who’s boss.”

The dog barked, the cats yowled and ran off toward the lilac bush for cover.

I threw the dog her slobbery stick and decided I’d had enough fun for one day.

She Who Kind of Likes the Stinky

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White Out Party

Posted in Entertaining Ideas, Party Theme, tagged , , on September 6, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Here’s the scoop – there are three camps that set up right after Labor Day. One that insists all white be put away until summer, one that thinks white should be worn year-round, and the third camp that really doesn’t care either way.

Growing up, my mom was a card-carrying member of camp no-white-after-Labor-Day. We wouldn’t dream of wearing white in September.

As I sit in my office with the air-conditioner running looking outside at sunshine and blue skies, it seems kind of silly to pack up all the white stuff just yet.

One fun way to celebrate white (whether you intend to pack it all up soon or not) is to host a White Out Party.

Your invitations, decorations, serving pieces – should all be white.

Encourage guests to wear white as well.

The only color will be the bright bursts coming from your food.

How fun would that be?

You could use white sheets to cover chairs, tables, etc. Use a mixed and eclectic assortment of white and clear glass dishes. The pieces don’t need to match, just be of the white or cream family.

Use white hydrangeas or other white flowers for a centerpiece.

Dip pretzels in white chocolate and package in little clear plastic snack bags, tie with a white ribbon and send home with each guest.

Just imagine how beautiful an all white table would like with one of the amazing sunsets that happen this time of year as a backdrop? So pull out your favorite white outfit and plan one last white hooray before fall settles in.

She Who Is In Camp White Out

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Egg Frying

Posted in Referrals, tagged , , , on September 2, 2011| Leave a Comment »

When I was off gallivanting with my aunt and cousins last weekend, I came across a Lodge Cast Iron skillet that screamed my name so many times, I’m pretty sure people across the street from the store could hear it yelling “take me home!”

So I had to buy it.

As you may recall, I have a thing for cast iron cookware.

Well, this little skillet is just the perfect size for frying an egg.

And I mean perfect size.

Just watch and I’ll dazzle you with my ineptitude at something as basic as frying an egg.

First, get the skillet nice and hot on medium heat. Then add a dollop of butter and let it melt completely.

 

See how beautifully the egg fills the pan? It is just fantastic!

If someone hadn’t been out barbecuing dinner he could have taken photos or at least testified to the fact that I totally flipped the egg over by loosening it from the pan and giving it a quick toss in the air.

I was completely impressed that

1. I managed to do it

2. That I didn’t have half-cooked egg all over my stovetop.

I digress…

Anyhow, the skillet is just a wonderful size for frying an egg.

And if you don’t get distracted like me by the smell of barbecued meat and Captain Cavedweller waiting impatiently to eat dinner and let the egg cook a little too long, it will turn out perfectly beautiful fried eggs.

She Who Needs to Focus

 

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Labor Day Party

Posted in Entertaining Ideas, Holidays, Party Theme, tagged , , on August 30, 2011| 1 Comment »

Today I’m sharing a post from last year with some Labor Day party theme ideas.

Enjoy!

 

Labor Day Party Theme Ideas

 

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!

 

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