Real Simple Ideas for Labor Day Celebrations

I came across this online article by Real Simple magazine titled "Summertime New Uses for Old Things".  So many of their ideas are genius, especially for hosting parties and celebrations.  Here are a few of my favorites, perfect for a work-free Labor Day get-together!

DECOR

Everyday drinking glasses make great candle holders!

Who doesn't need an extra side table when entertaining?!

FOOD

Clever way to organize your condiments and disposables!

As a mom to three messy little girls, I love this idea - and I've seen it with watermelon slices, too (just add a popsicle stick through the rind)!

Paper plates + frisbee = happy (mess-free) guests!

Neat trick for preparing ice cream in advance.  Perfect for children's birthday parties, too!

DRINKS

Hot temps, melting ice?  No worries with a rubber band grip!

Perhaps my favorite idea of all.  I love the practical application ... and bright pop of color.

Protect your wine bottle with your child's floatie!  Great for picnics, too - like my picnic dinner at Wolf Trap on Sunday evening!  My family is going to see Peter Pan on our work-free holiday.

So, what summertime new uses for old things idea do you like best?  Please leave a comment!

{event showcase} cool outdoor movie birthday party

We're half way through summer so before you send the kids back to school or close up your pool, host a cool outdoor movie party!  It's so much fun - and I've got the game plan to get you started ... just read on for inspiration.

A few weeks ago, my husband and I hosted a party to celebrate our birthdays.  We wanted a casual, family-friendly party to allow many friends to attend.  We decided on an outdoor movie, which would entertain the children while the adults mingled.

After all these years, we're still cool!

The invitation was really simple.  I hand-stamped the fan on poppy PS circle labels, printed the rest from a Word document and tucked the invitation into a navy blue #10 envelope.

This fan is an antique treasure found on etsy!  Not only is it a retro fan but it's orange and blue, which complemented my party colors!  It became the centerpiece of my cool concession stand.

We're movie fans!

Door sign sent guests around to the back of the house, where they voted for their favorite movie - Ice Age and Happy Feet (cold movies) or Shrek Forever After (new release).

The movie screen was set up on the pool deck so we placed chairs in front as well as on the upper deck.  I used existing seating (orange!) and enhanced the space with twill cotton linens, navy blue runners, orange lanterns with fresh blue purim and delphinium, candles and fun pillows.

Other pops of color came from food, drinks and decor!

Since the movie started at 8:30, food was light and simple.  Concessions included boxed movie candy, popcorn and two-bite vanilla cupcakes embellished with sugared orange slices.  I also served cantelope balls and blueberries (which complemented my color scheme); crab artichoke dip with pita chips (yum!); and baked raviolis.

The cocktails were my favorite part of the party!  Once again, thinking about my color scheme, I selected orange and blue cocktails - Orange Iced Tea and Blueberry Sangria Lemonade.  The latter is my new favorite summer cocktail!  Also, I offered bottled water (embellished with strips of fabric and ribbon) and assorted soda, including fanta (get it, fan-ta!!).  Drinks were served in blue plastic cups and garnished with orange slices.

fan-tastic fun!!  I know - enough already, but I was having fun!

Aside from the movie, there were glass firefly jars (topped with orange and blue fabric) and bubble wands (to wave!) to keep children busy and entertained.

Happy Feet was the most voted movie.  Many children and adults enjoyed it; however, the lesson learned is to select the movie that your children want to watch.  When they sit and watch, other children will too!

We used our own movie equipment but many rental options exist; just Google it.

Did this party inspire you to host a cool outdoor movie party?  If so, please leave a comment and let me know!

Fun Company Picnics

Last week, my family attended a client appreciation party at the Dulles Golf Center and Sports Park.  As we walked through the park and eventually, played a round of mini-golf, I kept thinking about the summer employee parties I coordinated when I worked for Network Solutions (and subsequently, VeriSign).  We hosted a few fun picnics at Dulles Golf Center, as well as pool parties at SplashDown WaterPark, relay races and carnivals at JRs Festival Lakes and even, a summer fiesta at Nisson Pavilion for the Santana concert.  The challenge was always finding the right venue ... and the right entertainment, both of which had to compliment the growing company, its culture and our employees' needs. 

If you're planning your company's picnic this summer, you're probably faced with the same challenges.  Here are a few of my favorite entertainment options that have universal appeal:

Scavenger Hunts

Worried about the heat and or rain?  Host a museum hunt!

Giant Board Games

Think larger-than-life Checkers, Connect Four and Twister!

Culinary Competitions

Who can build the best burger?!

Arctic Challenge

Chill out with land ski races and more!

Need an adrenaline rush?

Consider a regatta (sailing), rock climbing, zipline course or trapeze school!  The website for the Trapeze School in Washington DC says "Forget Fear.  Worry about the Addiction".  Love that!

Is this information helpful?  Do you have additional entertainment options to share?  Let's talk about it! Please leave me a comment.

5 Drink Cover Ideas for Outdoor Summer Entertaining

Mojito on a hot summer afternoon?  Yes, please!  Frozen daiquiri by the pool?  Absolutely!  Bug in my Vodka-Lemonade?  No, thank you!

As much as I love summer cocktail parties, I can't stand bugs, especially pesky gnats swarming around my drink.  How can we keep them out?  A drink cover!  Check out these 5 clever ideas ...

Baking cups ... this is genius!

A square napkin embellished with beads or tassels ... looks sophisticated!

Fabric atop a mason jar ... it's like Family Reunion chic!

 
One of my favorites ... easy-to-make, with so many color options!

And the original drink cover ... tapas! 

I like this option for corporate or networking events.  It not only looks great but the concept helps guests juggle glasses and plates when seating is limited.

Do you have a favorite drink cover idea?  Please leave me a comment and let me know!

Photo credits: Martha Stewart (1&2), Sweets Indeed via Celebrations at Home, Paper Source and SIP@Riverside.

S'Mores: Yumminess Beyond the Campfire

Love s'mores?  Me, too!  It's a fun summer treat to roast marshmallows and make gooey s'mores.  In fact, my Girl Scout Daisy troop is hosting a family cook-out tomorrow night to introduce the girls to camping.  I'm positive that roasting s'mores will be the highlight of the evening!

But s'mores are not just for the campfire; they are suitable for many occasions - from casual birthday, housewarming and retirement parties to corporate retreats and formal weddings!  It's all in the presentation.

CLEVER DISPLAYS

Photo credits: Style Me Pretty, MyJeanM

MENU OPTIONS

 Photo credits: The Sweetest Occasion, MyBakingAddiction, Betty Crocker

I may have to quit this post; it's making me hungry!  Love the S'mores Mini Cake ... the S'mores Whoopie Pie and S'mores Martini, too!

PARTY FAVORS

 Photo credits: Twig and Thistle, HowSweetEats

 Who knew s'mores were so versatile ... and grown up!  So, for what occasion will you incorporate your love of s'mores?  I'm thinking of a Roast & Toast 50th Birthday or S'more Love Engagement Party.

{in season} Raspberry Beer Cocktail

What happened to spring?!  It's so hot in DC ... we need to stay cool!  While we could dip in the pool or run through the sprinkler, another option is a drink a refreshing beverage.  Perhaps a Raspberry Beer Cocktail! I know some of you are thinking that I'm crazy, that I only drink chilled white wine but it's so good ... and pretty poolside!

Ingredients

3/4 cup frozen raspberries*

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

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

1/2 cup vodka

Garnish: lemon and lime slices

Preparation

Stir together first 4 ingredients. Serve over ice. Garnish, if desired.

*Fresh raspberries may be substituted.

 

What is your favorite summer cocktail? Please leave me a comment to let me know!

 

Photo credit: Southern Living

Stars and Stripes Decor

Memorial Day is quickly approaching; are you ready?  If not, I've got a simple yet eyecatching patriotic decoration that you can make moments before guests arrive for your BBQ or pool party! 

It's a hanging floral decoration (photo above) and in the words of my 4 year old daughter, "it's easy peasy" to make!  The instructions, as well as more project ideas, are outlined in this Good Housekeeping article but in a nutshell, its a dish towel folded in half and stapled around a gallon-size Ziploc bag.  Is that genius or what?!  I can't wait for my hydrangeas to bloom!

For more Memorial Day inspiration, please read my blog, A Slice of Summer Entertaining, on DC Ladies.  I share three watermelon recipes - a drink, a dessert and a super cool decoration!

So, what are your Memorial Day plans?  Are you beach bound, firing up the grill or tackling a never-ending list of home improvement projects? Can you guess my plans?!

{giveaway} Martini Recipes for 'tikis 'n tinis' Summer Party

To kick-off August, I hosted a 'tikis 'n tinis' invitation giveaway.  To enter, I requested that everyone share their favorite martini recipe ... and I would give bonus points for pink or orange [posh-colored] cocktails.  I'm pleased to announce that we have a tie - two winners and therefore, two martini recipes to share.  Both look great and seem easy to make.  Which one would you serve?

{photo source}

French Martini

Shake 3 count Vodka, 1 count Chambord and 1 splash sours;

top with Champagne and twist...delicious!

{photo source}

Mango Passion Martini

1 cup mango puree, 1/2 cup vodka, 1/4 cup lime juice and sparkling white wine. Add vodka, lime juice and puree, blend well with ice. Pour this into a glass half way then top with the sparkling wine - enjoy!

Thanks for the martini inspiration, Lauryn and Stacy!  I will mail your invitations shortly.

{summer entertaining} Play with your Food Party Decor

The other day I came across a clever "vase" ... a cucumber vase!  It would look charming on outdoor dinner table.  Here are the instructions on how to make this "vase".

{photo credit}

Here are a few more clever ways to play with your food - strips of cucumbers woven to make a "mat" on a tray; petit salad greens nestled on a tray with "tweet" birds dress up an ordinary display of deviled eggs; and a watermelon makes an awesome "bowl" for a melon display.

{photo credits - here and here}

I know there's more ideas.  Tell us how you play with food to decorate for a party!

{summer entertaining} 3 BBQ Food Safety Tips

The weather forecast for tomorrow - 4th of July - is Hot, Hot, Hot!  At least 95 degrees in the Nations Capital where I live.  Heat and humidity can wreak havoc on outdoor party plans.  Here are a few basic food safety tips for your BBQ:

Keep it Clean!  Start with clean hands, utensils/grill tools and platters.  Separate poultry and meat.  Use separate platters for raw and grilled food.  For more info, please visit the USDA 'Seasonal Food Safety' fact sheet.

Keep it Cold!  If you don't have the new insulated servers from Frontgate, it's easy to improvise!  Chill serving dishes before use and then, on the food buffet, nestle the dish on a platter or bowl of ice.  Replenish ice as needed.

Keep it Covered! with Covermates, stretch-to-fit plastic food covers.

Wishing you a n 'eventful' and safe 4th of July!

{in season} Popsicles

Baby, it's hot outside!  Time for a popsicle - the homemade variety that incorporates fresh fruit from the farmer's market.  It's easy.  Pureed fruit, water and sugar ... or you could get fancy.  I found a few recipes for you, and cool popsicle molds to make it that much more fun!  Enjoy - and stay cool!

Clockwise: Creamy Mocha Popsicles, Pina Colada Pops, Banana Blueberry Swirl Popsicles and

Grown Up Popsicles (like Watermelon, Avocado and Thai recipes)

{Note - do you see how the watermelon popsicles are served?  In half of a watermelon.  Very clever!!}

Clockwide: Orka, Tovolo, Tovolo, Kinderville,

So, which recipe will you try?  I think I'll try the banana blueberry recipe and work my way up to Thai ...

{summer entertaining} 3 Tips to Keep it Simple

Q: Help!  I'm having a party; what should I do?

A: This is a loaded question that I receive from friends and readers a lot!  My first response is always the same - whatever you "do", keep it simple!

• 
  
  Plan for a casual cocktail party.  Guests may be invited last minute; minimal seating is required; and food and drinks are easier to prepare.
• 
  
  Serve bite-size, no-untensils-needed foods - approximately 3-5 types.  Purchase prepared foods at the grocery store and assemble on your own serving dishes.
• 
  
  Skip the full bar and offer a signature drink - one drink that can be served with or without alcohol.  Want to show a little creativity?  Give your drink a clever name - like Sunset Surprise - and start the conversation!

Above all, remember the the objective of a party is to have fun, which is another good reason to 'keep it simple'!  Cheers!

Memorial Day Recipes

Saturday is the unofficial start of summer; are you ready to celebrate?  If not, I have a few recipes to share for a simple gathering of friends or picnic at the park!

Local caterer, Windows Catering, did a segment this week on NBC4 on Memorial Day picnics.  They suggested easy-to-make fare like Chicken Wraps, Granola Bars, FlutterNutter Sandwiches and Frozen Grapes.  See the video and then look at the easy recipes.

I received Wegman's Menu magazine yesterday.  It's chock full of summer recipes.  I'm going to make the Summer Tortelli Salad, Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Crab and Sliders.  To complement this menu, I will serve a refreshing glass of Lemonade (Ina Garten's recipe) garnished with fresh sliced fruit (oranges, blueberries and slivers of strawberries and apples) and Mixed Berry Trifle for dessert, recipe below.

Mixed Berry Trifle

I don't know where I learned to make this yummy dessert but I know that I've modified the recipe over time.

Ingredients

1 box of instant vanilla pudding, prepared

1 container of Cool Whip

Angel Food Cake, sliced

1 container each of strawberries (sliced), blueberries, raspberries 

Sprig of Mint (optional)

Instructions

Mix vanilla pudding with 1/2 container of Cool Whip

In trifle bowl, layer cake, pudding and most of the mixed berries (2 layers)

Cover with remaining Cool Whip and garnish with a few mixed berries and mint

Viola!  It's easy to make and so good! 

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

{Summer Entertaining} Got Jell-O?

Last Friday evening, I participated in Women Supporting Women, an informal showcase of local woman owned businesses, who support each other as well as less fortunate women in our community; a portion of the proceeds benefited NOVACO.  The event was successful!  I enjoyed talking about parties and celebrations, sharing 'posh in a pinch' tips for summer entertaining and learning how other women like to entertain.

Above is a photo of my display, including a raffle for handmade invitations and a custom event design (or game plan for producing the winner's party of choice).

Here are the 'posh in a pinch' ideas for summer entertaining:

Got gift wrap, tissue paper and scrapbook paper?  Then, you have a 'tablecloth', 'table runner' and 'placemat' for your tablescape or food buffet.  The design possibilities are endless - and affordable!

Lounge in comfort with beach towel "pillows". Roll towel and wrap with a lei.

Repurpose an old photo frame as a menu display.  Incorporate scrapbook paper and chipboard letters for stylish fun.

Garnish your margarita with a lime "marker"!  Carve your initial into the lime wedge.

*My Favorite!  Create a stylish centerpiece with white daisies submerged in Jell-O!  Inexpensive to make, and Jell-O comes in a wide variety of cheerful colors!  Let's Party!

These are my favorite 'posh' ideas for summer entertaining; what are yours?