Summer Picnic

    Summer days are upon us, so why not celebrate it with a picnic in the backyard. Your summer picnic can be held anywhere, really, such as the park, on your balcony, or by the beach. Wherever you choose to have it, keep it simple and the menu light.

   Picnics are an easy way to entertain in the summer months. Casual fare and menu items means you can linger with your guests until the wee hours. You can make it even easier on yourself by making it a pot luck picnic!

   For me, a good picnic always starts with a good blanket. Here I used a tablecloth I had on hand instead, and threw some outdoor pillows from my patio table for a little added comfort. Large Turkish beach towels layered out look pretty and are comfortable too! Look at www.hm.com for some beautiful and affordable options.

   Next, think about what you want to serve at your picnic. Like I said above, keep it simple, and depending on the weather, you don't want to serve anything that can spoil quickly. Think about bringing a mini cooler with ice on hand to keep food fresher.

   SOME PICNIC FOOD IDEAS:   

        -bread, crackers, pretzels, vegetable chips
        -store bought salads such as, couscous, bean or pasta
        -cheeses and deli meats or salamis (kept fresh and cold in the cooler)
        -jarred vegetables/pickles such as, artichokes, mushrooms, olive tapenade, etc.
        -store bought dips
        -grapes, strawberries, melon (cut up or portioned out preferably)
        -cherry or grape tomatoes, carrot, celery and pepper sticks (easier to eat)
**pack your food in reusable and lockable containers for easy transporting. Your food is more likely to stay fresh in containers too! Check out www.walmart.ca and the Pioneer Woman collection for very pretty designs and affordable styles.
**don't forget about the drinks: wine, beer, coolers, lemonade or sparkling water are popular options

   A way to save on bringing too many things with you, is to serve the food right out of the containers they came in. The easiest meal you can serve is one you can pull out of the pantry or grocery shelf. Bring a small metal tray or even a cake pan, and corral all your jars of dips, tapenades or marinated veggies on it! It makes a beautiful presentation too!
   Look at your local dollar store for trays or inexpensive bake pans to use.

   You can always serve your meal right out of the containers you packed them in too, or you can  bring along some packable plates and bowls with you. Keep in mind you don't want to transport too many items, or too many heavy items,  but sometimes you can find picnic baskets that come with dishes, cutlery and cups too. Search thrift stores for some very inexpensive options. Enamel camping dishes will work too. 

   Here I used whatever I could find at home from my thrift store collection. I used wood bowls, plates and spoons, because not only are they cute, but they are light enough to not weigh my picnic basket down! I also used cloth napkins, but paper ones are just fine.

   Think about using acrylic glassware too to make transporting all your picnic goods easier. There are so many pretty options out there too, that they can almost pass for real glass!

      (these ones pictured above are glass from www.pier1.com and came with the wicker koozie, which I used to hold bamboo skewers for the picnic food)

   I have found some really cute and inexpensive picnic baskets at thrift stores too, which are such a cute and old fashioned way of bringing your picnic goodies with you. Of course you can always use reusable grocery store bags/bins, or whatever you have on hand at home too.

   So as you can see, a picnic doesn't have to be complicated. With a little planning and help from friends sometimes, it can be an easy and relaxing way to entertain in the summer. So easy in fact, you may do it more than once!

   Until next time!
 
   ~A


PRODUCT INFORMATION:

-wood plates and bowls, picnic basket from www.valuevillage.com
-checkered napkins, round metal tray from www.winners.ca
-glasses from www.pier1.com
-bamboo skewers from www.dollartree.com
-palm leaf pillows from www.jysk.ca

 
 


 
       

Spring Brunch

   Easter is fast approaching and spring has finally sprung! Well in some places, it doesn't quite feel like spring, but it will get there! I am sharing a spring time brunch with you today that is easy to prepare and a great way to celebrate the spring season and Easter holiday at the same time.

   Invite a few friends for a casual and simple brunch and leave all the prep work to me, because I am sharing a few easy ideas to entertain friends on a budget and with time saving tips and tricks too!

   Whether you are inviting your guests last minute, or way in advance, these ideas will help you throw a great little party. I've kept it simple with only a few simple menu items and one signature drink. This way you have more time to spend enjoying the party and your guests, and also keeps you out of the kitchen.

   The menu is simple, with mini quiches (store-bought), heart shaped waffles with fixings, mini croissants, and crispy prosciutto. It's always nice to serve a meat along side an egg dish, but why not step it up a notch and ditch the bacon or sausage, and serve crispy prosciutto. Bake it at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes until crispy and done! So good too!

   Heart shaped waffles are a cute and unexpected touch, and the only prep work it takes to make these, is bringing out your cookie cutters and opening up a package of store bought buttermilk waffles!

                                                                                                                                                              

   Serve some warm maple syrup, butter, jam and strawberries on the side so your guests can have their waffles any way they like it.

   Another sweet treat to add to your table is a some dark chocolate and mini meringues, just because a little chocolate never hurt anyone, right?

   If space allows, set up the drink station on another area, such as a coffee table or like I did here, a dresser that I use as extra storage. 

   Have some mugs for coffee or tea, as well as, cream and sugar. Include juice glasses for water, juice of course, or even a mocktail. You can always have a little champagne to add to your juice, because after all, it is a party! Here is an easy non alcoholic recipe for you to try:

       -pour some orange juice (about 1/2 cup) into an ice cube tray; freeze
       -in a glass add 8 ounces of sparkling water and two of the frozen juice cubes
       -add a splash of grenadine, a splash of vanilla simple syrup and a sprig of rosemary
**to make vanilla syrup, mix equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan; add a sliced vanilla bean and heat it up until sugar is all dissolved. Make sure to cool syrup before adding to the drink**

   For the table decor, I went really simple. I found some really pretty wrapping paper at the dollar store and decided to use it as a table runner. It really dressed up the table and after the party, all you have to do is wrap it up and throw it in the recycling bin; easy clean up!

   I also added a few terracotta planters in the centre of the table; set out the plates, cutlery and napkins on one end of the table, and that was it! No heavy prep work and no stress!
   An easy and delicious spring brunch for you and your friends, and all prepared in only a couple of hours from start to finish! I'd say that is a reason to celebrate!

Until next time!
~A



PRODUCT INFORMATION:


-terracotta pots and green jade cake stand: www.michaels.com

-wrapping paper and clear glass mugs: www.dollartree.com  
-milk glass creamer, sugar bowl and dishes; ivory cutlery, butter knife: www.valuevillage.com
-mug rack: www.worldmarket.com
-Happy Easter tray and dish: www.homesense.ca
-glass cocktail mixing pitcher and copper spoon: www.chaptersindigo.ca

Family Game Night

     
   The fun and hoopla of the holidays are over, and most of us are feeling the winter blues! So what better way to get out of that funk by having Family Game Night!!! This could be a once a week thing, or why not invite some friends and their families over for one big party! It's a great excuse to throw a party and get together with good friends, and it can definitely be a fun way to get over that winter slump!

   To keep the party easy, serve a variety of appetizers! This gives you the freedom to hang out with your friends and enjoy the games! You can easily make most ahead of time too.  Have a variety of snacks placed around the room too, such as popcorn, nuts, chips with onion dip, and candy/chocolate.

   I like to serve fun retro-inspired recipes. My mom has this cookbook from the 70's (which I now have), that has some recipes that we have made in the past and they are always a hit. Two of my faves are Tuna Dip and Shrimp Toasts. I'll be sharing these recipes with you in this post, but here is a list of some other great recipes that your friends and the kiddos are sure to love!

         **ham and endive cups
         **chili cheese fries (serve in individual cups or bowl for easy eating) with toppings
                -green onions, crushed corn chips, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa
             *use canned chili to save time*
         **cheese and crackers (serve them on a checkers board-so fun)
         **mini meatballs (any flavour combination you like)
         **tater tot skewers with spicy ketchup for the adults and regular ketchup for the kiddos (this is                   literally as easy as it sounds: thread cooked tater tots on skewers and serve)
        **a veggie tray with ranch or spinach dip

**the following recipes are taken from the book "Quick and Delicious Gourmet Cookbook" (1979)

             TUNA DIP

       1 8 ounce package of cream cheese, softened
       1/4 cup mayonnaise
       1 7 ounce can tuna fish
       1/4 teaspoon salt
       2 teaspoons grated onion
       4 to 6 drops Tabasco sauce
       1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

     *rinse and drain tuna; flake. Combine all ingredients. Chill several hours before serving. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.


            SHRIMP TOAST

       1 3 ounce package cream cheese, softened
       1/2 cup mayonnaise
       1/2 cup snipped green onion (green part only)
       1 Tablespoon lemon juice
       1 dash Tabasco sauce
       1 4 1/2 ounce can of shrimp

   *Rinse and drain shrimp. Combine all ingredients, mixing well. Spread on toast triangles and broil in oven on high or bake at 350 for about 5 to 10 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
   *This can also be served as a dip, just make sure it gets refrigerated for a few hours before serving*



   Set up an area, either in the kitchen, dining room, or living room, for a buffet style meal. It makes it easier for guests to get food as they wish, and leaves enough room at the games table for playing. Also, smaller plates are easier to hold or have beside you while you are playing.
  
   A cute idea for food labels is to use a deck of cards. You may have tons of decks lying around the house, but if you don't, you can find them at any dollar store. Either fold the cards over like a tent, or attach it to a place card holder or picture frame holder. Simple!

   It's also a good idea to set up a drinks station too, so you and your guests have access to the drinks all through the night, instead of having to go to the fridge every time someone wants something! Include some cocktail napkins, straws, enough glasses (plastic or paper are ideal), a bottle opener, and a tub or bucket of ice.

   Now, it's time to play! If you prefer, have the adults in one area of the house, and the kids in another, and near the end of the night, why not get the kids and adults together for a fun family game to end the festivities! However, if you wanted to all be together for game night, there are so many fun and easy games that everyone can play!

           -CANDYLAND                  -CHARADES
           -TWISTER                          -BINGO 
           -OPERATION                     -CHECKERS
           -CONNECT FOUR             -FUNNY BONES
           -MONOPOLY                     -SCRABBLE
           -CARD GAMES (GO FISH, OLD MAID, UNO, etc.)

   It could also be fun to make family game night a little bit of a competition! Divide families into teams and let the fun begin, with prizes being awarded at the end of the night!

   To add some fun decor to your game night area, think about decorating the tables with dominoes or dice, and create a garland out of decks of cards and hang them around the room. It's a fun and simple way to amp up the party.

   Another fun way to end the night is with a candy/dessert bar. Keep it simple with a few store bought desserts and a few jars of candy. Leave some small bags at the table too in case your guests want some sweet treats for the ride home!  Here are some ideas:

      -brownie bites                                                                -jelly beans
      -chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin cookies                   -mini gumballs
      -old school faves such as Twinkies, Joe Louis and Flakies   -licorice
      -cupcakes                                                                       -ju jubes/gummies
      -mini doughnuts                                                             -M & M's

   And don't forget to send your guests home with a fun take away gift! A small box/bag/container with a deck of cards and a game of dominoes is a great party favour! Your guests will remember Family Game Night every time they use them! Add a cute thank you tag such as the one above, and you are good to go!

   I hope you all throw your own Family Game Night party, and I hope it helps alleviate some of the winter blues; that is until spring comes along!
   Until next time! ~A



PRODUCT INFORMATION:

Printables: Family Game Night sign from www.littlehousestudio.com
                  Thank you favour tags from www.catchmyparty.com

-decks of cards, checkerboard, dominoes, block game, dice from www.dollartree.com
-vintage bingo game from www.valuevillage.com-metal pail for favours from www.ikea.com-metal candle holder from www.michaels.com     
-various jars holding various games are my own
   

Outdoor Camp Out Party

 


   When I think of camping...it doesn't give me the cozy feels at all! I am not outdoorsy, nor like being amongst the bugs and wildlife. But a camp out party, I can handle! All the elements of the outdoors, while being very close to a clean indoor washroom and the warmth of your own home. That's my kind of camping!

   So I thought, why not host a few friends over for a fall camp out dinner in the great outdoors. Try to pick a time in the fall where the weather isn't too chilly, but just cool enough that you can wear cozy sweaters or blankets wrapped around you.

   The outdoor space I chose was my own backyard, but you can even take the party to a local park if you wanted. A park with picnic tables makes it a bit easier too. I also kept the party small, just four people, and kept the menu simple too, giving you more time to enjoy your company.

   For the menu I decided on something fun and simple, yet filling and comforting that you and your guests are not wanting more! Chili with fixings, and Cornbread are easy to make, and so delicious. Talk about comfort food! Another great option is Franks and Beans. You could even serve them in a cleaned out tin can, which would be so cute, and camp chic! Here are some ideas of great chili fixings:


          -shredded cheese                     -tortilla chips            -chopped tomatoes or pico de gallo
          -green and red onions              -corn chips               -corn chips
          -pickled jalapenos                    -lime wedges           -ranch dressing
          -corn                                         -sour cream
          -chopped cilantro/parsley         -guacamole

   The cornbread can be either homemade or store bought. It will be delicious either way;  you can also add in some extras such as, cheddar cheese, jarred jalapenos or chopped chives.

Chili fixings!

Use a cute enamel cup to serve the chili in!

 
   All dinner parties have to end on a high note, and that would be with dessert! I did a "Make Your Own S'more" station, and just like the Chili fixings, I put out a bunch of add ins for them to. You cold go really crazy here with some fun add ins, and here I list some ideas for you:

           -peanut butter or other nut butters                     -dulce de leche
           -strawberry or other flavoured jams                  -chocolate squares such as milk, dark and 
           -sliced bananas                                                       caramel
           -nutella                                                              -sliced strawberries
           -regular graham crackers or cinnamon graham crackers, or both
           -can't forget the marshmallows 

 **for a great and easy homemade marshmallow recipe go to www.cookingchanneltv.com, and look up Tiffani Thiesen's recipe! Yum!!

                                                                 S'mores!!!!!

                                                         

   How about a fun game to play while enjoying your S'mores? I found this Camping Bingo game on line at www.makingfriends.com, and thought it would be an enjoyable way to spend the rest of the party. You could even have a few prizes for the winners if you wanted; either way, it's just another fun element to add to the event.

   Another fun element I incorporated in this camp out party is a "DIY Trail Mix Bar". Your guests can make their own by choosing their favourite mix ins, and then take the treat home! Put some brown paper bags filled and labeled with Trail Mix fixings, and have some extra paper bags for your guests to fill up. You could also use tin pie plates to hold the fixings, which you can easily find at the dollar store. That would look really cute too! 

    FIXING OPTIONS:

     -pretzels 
     -cheerios/chex/shreddies
     -chocolate chips
     -dried fruit such as: cranberries, cherries, apricots, raisins, mangoes
     -mini marshmallows
     -peanuts or slivered almonds
     -banana chips
     -coconut chips/pieces
     -popcorn
     -M&M's
     

                                               Cute printable from www.printabelle.com

                     

Paper bags to hold the fixings!

   All great parties need a great drink right? Seeing as how this is a party outdoors during the fall season, something warming and comforting will hit the spot! Try a Hot Toddy or Mulled Cider with or without alcohol. The hot toddy is alcoholic, so if you wanted to do both then keep the mulled cider alcohol free.

   You can easily find some great recipes for both drinks off the internet. I am including this great and easy Mulled Cider recipe from www.foodnetwork.com. (Bobby Flay)

 
       MULLED CIDER

  2 quarts apple cider
  2 cinnamon sticks
  2 whole allspice berries
  2 whole cloves
  1 orange, thinly sliced

 *place all ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to a simmer. Serve hot.   (serves 8)

   It doesn't get any easier, or any more delicious than that! I hope this post has inspired you to get outside and host an autumnal party for you and your friends! And if you aren't willing to brave the great outdoors, then bring the party inside; just make sure to have a great time with friends!

Until next time!

~A

Summer Entertaining~Dining Al Fresco

   Aaah summer! Summer days are all about swimming, picnics, camping, vacations and outdoor entertaining! I, personally, am not a fan of summer weather. The heat and humidity does not get along with my hair, nor does it get along with me, but I do love to entertain! So today, I am going to share some ideas for entertaining outdoors with your friends/family.  Recipe and drink ideas, as well as, how to decorate the table, plus a way to keep your cool too, are all on the agenda! I promise it will be stress free and fun!

   I am taking full advantage of the tropical theme here without going too Tikki Lounge. I was inspired by all the pineapples, palm trees and coconuts I saw on the store shelves at the beginning of the summer, although, as I write this, fall stuff is making it's way into the stores now!  But, let's enjoy summer a bit more shall we?

   Now, that being said, make sure you invite your guests a few weeks ahead, as people tend to make summer plans way in advance. Once you have your guest list done, think about what you want to serve at your party. An easy and simple menu, such as snacks and hors d'oeuvres, is a great option. One reason being it can all be served buffet style (which is pretty much my favourite kind of party), leaving you a lot of freedom to enjoy the festivities as well!

   Your menu should include items that can stand the heat and can be served well at room temperature. A cheeseboard might not be the best idea for outdoor summer entertaining, especially if its really hot outside. Now, that being said, I do love cheese, so I had to sneak some in. I would keep it down to one type, such as a firm cheese, and recommend serving small quantities of it, so it won't be out for too long. I think feta is a great option, and I am going to share a delicious recipe for Marinated Feta in just a bit, but in the meantime,  here are some other ideas that are ideal for outdoor entertaining:


      ~olives
      ~pickles
      ~nuts or other snacks like plantain chips and snap pea crisps
      ~pretzels, crackers, assorted breads
      ~dried fruit (apricots, figs or dates)
      ~raw veggies (baby carrots, radishes, blanched green beans, endive spears, celery, peppers)
      ~oil and vinegar (for dipping bread or raw veggies)
      ~hummus (cannot sit out for too long. 4-6 hours; under 4 hours is best)
      ~gazpacho (served in shot glasses or espresso cups)
      ~crostini or tortilla chips for dipping in gazpacho
      ~fresh tomato bruschetta

   The last item, Gazpacho, is perfect for summer parties. It is a tomato based soup that is served cold or at room temperature, and it is a cinch to make, as it all gets processed in a food processor. It is best when made ahead, so you can either make it the night before or the morning of your party. The longer it sits in the fridge, the better the flavours get! My favourite recipe is from The Barefoot Contessa. Her recipe for Easy Gazpacho can be found at www.barefootcontessa.com, or in her cookbook titled "Foolproof".

   Serve the gazpacho along side some tortilla chips or plantain chips for dipping! Serving it in shot glasses or small espresso cups, makes it easy for guests to eat and mingle!

   Next, is the Marinated Feta recipe. I love Feta cheese. It's salty, delicious and can take on any flavours really well. This recipe is so easy, you will probably make it all the time. There are a lot of recipes that call for marinating the feta in a lot of oil, so it is submerged, which is all good, but I prefer to use less oil when marinating it. The taste is still the same, and it just looks nicer!

              MARINATED FETA

    -1 or 2 blocks of feta cheese, (200g each), drained from its liquid and patted dry
    -Spice Mixture ( I use 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon of red chilli flakes and 1/2                            teaspoon dried thyme)
    -good quality olive oil for drizzling
    -salt and pepper to taste

**pat the feta cheese dry with a paper towel; then cut into thick slices
**in a small bowl, combine oregano, thyme and chilli flakes, then top the feta slices with the spice         mixture.
**drizzle the feta with olive oil and sprinkle some salt and pepper on top

   That's it! So easy to make and it's tasty! Serve it alongside some crackers, breads or crostini. This recipe can also be made a few hours ahead.

   Now onto more important things: the cocktail!!  As you may already know from past posts, I love to serve one signature cocktail that can be made ahead and in big batches. It leaves you time to enjoy your party and not have to play bartender. I found an amazing recipe for SPARKLING GRAPEFRUIT SANGRIA from www.thewickednoodle.com. It is easy and so refreshing; perfect for a warm summer's evening! I am not a fan of grapefruit, but I am a fan of sangria, so if grapefruit juice is mixed with alcohol, then it can't be all that bad! :)
Here is the recipe for you:


                               SPARKLING GRAPEFRUIT SANGRIA

    1 bottle riesling (750ml)
    1 bottle Prosecco (750ml)
    2 cups grapefruit juice
    1/2 cup simple syrup or agave
    1/2 cup club soda
    1 grapefruit, sliced

*mix all ingredients, except Prosecco, in a large pitcher or drink dispenser; refrigerate for at least 24 hours
*when ready to serve, add Prosecco
*the original recipe calls for 2 cups of sliced strawberries, but I decided to leave them out.
*simple syrup is equal parts sugar and water boiled until sugar is dissolved.

   Another simple and delicious cocktail option is Lemonade Mimosa! Add homemade or store bought lemonade to a glass and top with champagne, Cava or Prosecco! Easy and oh so good!
 
   I also like to have a variety of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for guests. If you have the space, try to set up a bar area in another spot away from the buffet table. If you don't, even a small side table or bench can be used, or save some room on the buffet table for adding a tray with the drinks.

   We have a piece of furniture that we used to use in our laundry room, as our now designated outdoor bar/serving table. I placed a seagrass runner on the top of the bar, and used every inch of space that I could.  I love that there are shelves on the bottom that can hold the bottles,  glasses and other bar essentials. Here I chose to use one of the drawers as a towel holder and the other one to hold bar tools. This allows access to everything so your guests can help themselves!

   Make sure you have ice handy to keep your drinks cool all night long. I used a black and gold bowl and added a scoop. The metal in the bowl helps to keep the ice from melting a bit, but you will need to replenish it as needed.

   I also added this gold frame that I found at a thrift store to the bar area. I painted the cardboard insert green to go with the colour scheme, added a quote and voila, a simple DIY! You could also use it as a menu board if preferred.  I used removable adhesive stencils and a glass marker to create the letters. It was way easier for me to do that, then try to write it free hand!

   Little details can elevate your bar too. Patterned paper straws, cocktail stirrers, cute napkins and a set of bar tools with shakers, dress up your bar, and allow your guests creative freedom to be their own cocktail master! Add a few bowls of lemons and limes, along with a serrated knife and small cutting board, and your bar is pretty much set up.

   I like to put bottles of sparkling water out on a tray along with one or two bottles of juice/lemonade as well. Decanting the juices into clear or decorative bottles makes for a pretty display too. All you need is a tag or label attached so your guests know what they are drinking!

   I found a really cute idea to keep my guests cool during the night as well. These all natural mists are fun and so easy to do.  I like to place the filled bottles in the refrigerator to make sure they are extra cold, and then place them in an area that is easily accessible for the guests, like on the bar. Here is how I made mine:

              ALL-NATURAL MISTS

* fill small spray bottles with water ( I found the bottles at the dollar store)
* add julienned cucumbers to some of the bottles, and sprigs of lavender and mint to the others.
* label the bottles and add a little tag or sign where they are displayed

   They really do help to cool off, and cucumber is known for its hydrating properties, so bonus on that one, while lavender and mint are great at repelling insects! Win win! These would also make cute party favours for your guests to take home too.

   Next, setting up your table for a buffet style meal. I used a scarf in a tropical pattern for my table cover. It is an inexpensive option and you have more chances of finding some fun prints. I then placed a few plants in the center of the table. I used plants I already hand on hand so I didn't have to go shopping,  but feel free to use flowers or whatever you like.  I added a few votive holders with LED candles in them to light up as it gets darker.  Think about adding some citronella candles around your backyard too, to keep the bugs away, just don't place them directly on the food table. No one wants the smell of citronella, while they are trying to enjoy their food!

   Because this was a smaller table, I added the napkins and dishes on one end of the table so guests know where to start. The food was easily accessible from both sides of the table, so there is no waiting in line. I used linen napkins with bamboo napkin rings in a basket and placed a few mini terracotta pots with skewer picks on both sides of the table for guests to use.

   I like adding different platters and pedestals to serve the food on, because it makes the table visually appealing, but also gives a bit more room to your table to add more dishes. Here, I used a mixture of black, gold and some wood elements, to compliment the colour scheme.  I used a cake stand for the crackers and added a vase in the middle of it. I always suggest shopping your home for fun and creative serving pieces before going out and buying new ones. You never know what you have until you look for it!

 
   To end the evening, why not give your guests a fun treat for dessert. Who doesn't love a popsicle in the summertime? Boozy Popsicles are an easy make-ahead treat, and there are so many great combinations you can play around with. I guarantee your guests will love them. These can be made without the alcohol as well, and it might not be a bad idea to have a non-alcoholic option for designated drivers. Here are some delicious ideas:

           ~PEACH BOURBON
           ~CITRUS CAMPARI
           ~PINA COLADA
           ~WATERMELON MARGARITA
           ~CUCUMBER, MINT AND GIN

   I could go on, but there you have it! Some simple and fun ideas for your next summer party. Oh and one more thing! Don't forget the music; every party needs a good playlist!  I hope this post gets you excited about entertaining your friends and family in the great outdoors, and enjoying the summer weather a little bit longer!

   Until next time!

  ~A



PRODUCT INFORMATION:

-scarf from www.ardene.com
-leaf platters from www.walmart.ca
-plates and tea towel from www.chaptersindigo.ca
-plastic stemless wine glasses and small black and gold metal bowls from www.loblaws.ca
-large black and gold bowl, terracotta pots from www.dollarama.com
-skewer picks and mini plastic bottles from www.dollartree.com
-drink pitcher, coloured plastic cups (with straws and stirrers) from www.target.com
-bamboo tray from www.varagesale.com
-mini fake plants, clear votive holders, green vase from www.michaels.com