Halloween Party Decorating Suggestions

Let’s talk Halloween party decorating suggestions sure to bedeck and bedazzle a frighteningly festive spooktacular, shall we?

Halloween-party-decorating-suggestions

Photo by Frames For Your Heart

Tricks and treats in classic themes and tastes, traditional colors, vintage finds, and striking textures and patterns lend the Halloween hostess a helping hand.

Wednesday-Addams-Family-Thing-Hand-Halloween

Welcome the famished to partake in party sips, dips, tastes and treats but first, partyware.

cat-black-appetizer-Halloween-plate

Halloween-appetizer-plates-ghost-cat

Ghost  ||  Witches’ Hat  ||  Black Cat  ||  Jack-O-Lantern

Vintage Halloween Paper Plates - 8ct

Vintage Halloween 9″ Paper Plates – 8ct

Clear Glass Pumpkin Beverage Dispenser

Clear Glass Pumpkin Beverage Dispenser

smoking-dry-ice-cauldron

Dry Ice Cauldron Punch Bowl Recipe

What you’ll need:

Pair of work gloves

Plastic or metal tongs

Dish towel

Hammer

5 pounds dry ice

1 large plastic or metal punch bowl (or cauldron)

1 smaller plastic or metal punch bowl

Directions

Put on the gloves. In a well-ventilated area, wrap the dry ice in a towel and break it into chunks using a hammer.

Using tongs, transfer chunks of dry ice into the larger of your 2 bowls, creating a flat space in the center. Place the second, smaller bowl inside the larger one.

Pour punch into the small center bowl, making sure no dry ice gets in.

Fill a pitcher with warm water, then pour it on top of the dry ice. Add more dry ice chunks and water to the larger, outer bowl, being careful not to get any dry ice into the smaller punch bowl, throughout the night to keep the fog going.

Tips & Tricks:

Wear thick work gloves when opening the package of dry ice (latex/kitchen gloves are too thin.)

Place the block of dry ice on a towel. Use a wooden or plastic work surface, as dry ice can crack tiles.

Wrap a towel around the block, then break it into chunks using a hammer.

Be sure both of the bowls you use are plastic or metal since dry ice can crack glass. Put any unused dry ice in an open plastic container and store it in a cooler filled with ice. Never store it in the refrigerator or freezer.

Five pounds of dry ice will last about an hour. Keeping a nearby fan on low will intensify the effect.

-She Knows

Metal Snake Glassware

Metal Snake Glassware

black-urn-beverage-tub

Think outside of the traditional by converting a plastic outdoor urn into a candy bowl, candle(s) holder or beverage tub.

Further zhuzh up this creation by wrapping the bottom and sides of the urn with a feather boa or leaf garland in choice of color.

White Bleeding Thorax Halloween Candle

White Bleeding Thorax Halloween Candle

Drop in LED votive or pillar candle(s), drape floral moss from the sides, finish with a hairy black spider, and you are good to glow.

White Bleeding Heart Halloween Candle

White Bleeding Heart Halloween Candle

Candles dripping in Halloween haunt cast a wicked chic spell, but do beware of their flame and their fright.

Beware! vintage ad

Serving bowls suggestions from copper pumpkin planters to plastic black cauldrons run the ghost and goblin gamut.

Copper Colored Pumpkin Shaped Planter

Copper Colored Pumpkin Shaped Planter

Halloween-Cauldron-Black

gourd-ghosts-pumpkin-entry

Midwest Living Magazine

Pumpkin luminaries of the terracotta Jack-o-Lantern variety light the night and the party path.

 Smiling Jack-O-Lantern Terracotta Accent by Make Market

Smiling Jack-O-Lantern Terracotta Accent

Cinderella pumpkin luminaries

Southern Living Magazine – Photography by Van Chaplin

Cinderella pumpkins turn into a Halloween hurricane for path and porch. Simply and carefully cut out space in the center of the pumpkin placing a glass cylinder vase into the space.  Add pillar candle to shine a light on spellbinding style.

clownCurious Portraits on Etsy 

Hauntingly amazing how something intended to be delightful can be so utterly frightful.

Renaissance Elizabethan Collar Neck Ruffle

Creepy perhaps, but I do love this vintage ventriloquist’s silent clown puppet mounted print paired with a French clown hat and Renaissance Elizabethan collar neck ruffle for an elegantly creepy centerpiece.

Pierrot-Clown-Vintage-ImagePierrot Vintage Image – The Graphics Fairy

We’ll call this Creepy the Clown.

creepy-the-clown

Photography by Nong 

If sending in the clowns is way too creepy for your Halloween party decorating taste, perhaps the throwback mystique of vintage Halloween decorations is right up your alley.

Cat & Moon Centerpiece

vintage-style-Halloween-ornaments-velvet-ribbon

Halloween decorations have come a long way in both design and availability since the Halloweens of the late 60s and 70s, but I still love to decorate with at least two or three in the style of vintage Halloween decorations.

vintage-ornaments-with-ribbons

Halloween-ornament-decoration-moon

Vintage Style Moon Ornament

Vintage black and white photos lend a certain amount of eerie charm while creating a haunted presence and ambiance.

Old-Photo-Image-Unibrow-ManFree Printable of Old Photo Image of Unibrow Man 

Lady-Riding-Crop

Lady Riding Crop

With deals, a free printable, DIY ingenuity, buy more save more promos, and online clearance sales starting sooner and sooner in the season, your Halloween bogeyman boogie down get together can be an affordable affair.

eyeball-print-eyeball-portrait

Eyeball Print 

Many moons ago our house was Halloween central in part because of the gargantuan bodark tree in our backyard that produced a bumper crop of green horse apples (hedge apple or Osage orange).

hedge-horse-apples-Osage-orange

Hedge/Horse Apples-Osage Orange

Horse apple-hedge apple-Osage orange is a choice decorative item vis-à-vis vase or bowl filler, and makes an excellent color, texture and pattern Halloween accent decoration.

hedge-apple-centerpiece

Sweet Something Designs

Let’s play Halloween dress up in dressed to thrill and dressed to kill fashions.

Velvet Bats Mesh Tulle Midi Skirt in Pumpkin1

Boo-tiful!

Fancy with Bowknot Knit Top in Black

Fancy with Bowknot Knit Top in Black

Velvet Bats Mesh Tulle Midi Skirt in Pumpkin

Velvet Bats Mesh Tulle Midi Skirt in Pumpkin

Halloween Crochet Witch Hat

Halloween Crochet Witch Hat

black-bow-heel-pump-womens-shoes

Black Bow Pump

Antique shops, vintage markets, and thrift stores become excellent haunts for fab-boo-lous decor finds.

Halloween-decor-vintage-finds

Highland Yard Vintage

orange-velvet-fabric-Halloween

Fabric remnants in traditional or transitional Halloween colors and patterns make great party tablecloths, napkins, and treat bags.

gray-textured-Halloween-fabric

Who doesn’t love an upside-down witch decoration?

upside-down-witch-legs-urn

DIY Instructions From Better Homes & Gardens

To make the witch legs decoration, dress bendable mannequin legs in striped stockings and buckled shoes. Then, place the legs upside down in a tall urn filled with moss.

spiders-and-snakes-graphic

Halloween Spider and Skull Bowl Filler

Embroidered Velvet Spiders Pillow

Embroidered Velvet Spiders Pillow

Note to self: Add Jim Stafford’s “Spiders and Snakes” to the Let’s Halloween playlist.

Resin Pumpkin Wrapped With Snake

Resin Pumpkin Wrapped With Snake

 

decorative-gold-snake-bowl

gold-snake-decorative-bowlAluminum Halloween Snake Bowl Gold

Some would argue it’s just not Halloween without the creepy-crawly while for others there’s no need to conjure up the fear of things that crawl and hiss in the night.

vintage-Halloween-postcards (2)

Enter a kinder, gentler Halloween theme.

vintage-Halloween-postcards (1)

Free printables in a wide variety of Halloween spook, scare, and spirit for all your Halloween treats, potions, place cards, invitations, and tabletop decor needs are but a Pinterest search away.

skull-print-Victorian-gothic-steampunk

Skeleton Print Victorian, Steampunk

King Skull Dinner Plates

King Skull Dinner Plates

Phantom Skull Decanter for Liquor

Glass Skull Decanter with Wood Ball Bottle Stopper

Glass Skull Decanter with Wood Ball Bottle Stopper

Halloween Skull Beer Mug

Halloween Skull Beer Mug

Bone Appetit dinner plate

Halloween Skeleton Dinner Plate

Better Homes & Gardens offers a free printable skull pattern to use for framing, window displays, DIY wreaths, gift bags, scatter decorations, etc…

free-printable-skull-pattern

red candy apple black

Kitchen Ghosts

tasty-treats-graphic

Morton's Candy Corn Old Fashioned

Morton’s Candy Corn Old Fashioned Recipe

pumpkin-margarita

Pumpkin Margarita Recipe

Witch's Potion

Witch’s Potion Recipe

Spooky Goat Cheese FingersSpooky Goat Cheese Fingers Recipe

Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls

Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls Recipe

Wicked Witch Hats Recipe

Wicked Witch Hats Recipe

Snake Cheese Straws

Snake Cheese Straws Recipe

Graveyard Brownies

Graveyard Brownies Recipe

Jack-o'-Lantern Candy Apples

Jack-o’-Lantern Candy Apples Recipe

Halloween-party-recipes-treats

Halloween party decorating suggestions offer inspiration for tricking out your Halloween monster mash bash.

Darleen-signature-love

Celebration Countdown to 4th of July Party Ideas

The countdown to a three day celebration of summer, fun, and freedom 4th of July party ideas is on.

flags-at-home

Allow me to take this opportunity to thank the calendar year for gifting us a three-day weekend for holiday fun in the summer sun.

Count that as 4th of July party ideas gold!

farmer's-market-fresh-flowers (1)

Fine and Yankee Doodle Dandy for the 4th, a fresh flower haul from the farmer’s market truck mixed with clippings and cuttings from around the yard pops the colors of the season.

clippings-cuttings-plants

Hanging at home is what’s on our agenda.

It’s becoming the retreat we love more and more.

home-holiday

Photo by Ethan Hoover on Unsplash

It’s been so flipping hot of late I haven’t been firing up the grill, stove or ovens very much.

Dave the Builder continues to inform me we have central air conditioning, but it does make a difference in the late afternoon when you’re cooking-baking-grilling.

Light fare with an emphasis on easy, fresh, and cool suits the summer in all of us.

fresh-tomatoes-various-colors

Have you noticed how much a jar of Duke’s Mayo is going for these days?

Psst…. the digital coupon gods at Kroger are granting shoppers a coupon for Duke’s mayo this week, so let there be homemade potato salad on the 4th of July dinner table.

homemade-potato-salad-4th-july

Always on board for trying new recipes, I ran across this recipe for No-Mayo Potato Salad with Herbs from FoodieCrush.

Looks summer delicious!

Click here for link.

No-Mayo-Potato-Salad

Paper, plastic, ceramic, porcelain or melamine- there is no wrong way to go with 4th of July party ideas serveware.

red-white-blue-plates-summer

Royal Norfolk Red Beaded Ceramic Dinner Plates, 10.5-in.

I could source and suggest lovely beverage and bar glasses, but who are we kidding here?

4th-of-July-party-ideas

Gorgeous Disposable Paper Tableware – Set of 8

Red Solo cups is always the way to go-cup, or as we say in Louisiana, geaux-cup.

Stack those American party cups high and proceed to 4th of July party.

fresh-blue-raspberries-market

You can red, white, blue and true to the traditional color palette in various ways.

Grab your blue and white this and that and let a bowl of red raspberries or fresh garden tomatoes represent the red.

white-oval-platter-blue-napkins

Stoneware Serving Platter

Remember this; simple makes the best party guest.

Planning.

Preparing.

Serving.

Invite the rule of KISS to the party and Keep It Summer Simple.

keep-it-summer-simple

Sun tea is about as summer delicious and summer simple as it gets.

Mason-original-glass-beverage-dispenserOriginal Mason 2 Gallon Triangle Beverage Dispenser

Fill glass container with cold water.  Add desired amount of sugar and stir.

Place 8 tea bags per gallon in container.  If using the above 2 gallon dispenser, use 16 tea bags.

Set dispenser-jar-jug out in the sun for approximately 3 hours.

Easy peasy, folks.

strawberry-lemonade-summer-flavors-ice-cream

Our local weather forecaster gave the viewing audience his 5 out of 5 scoops review of Blue Bell’s newest summer flavor, strawberry lemonade.

sparklers-in-hand-at-night

Photo by Ethan Hoover on Unsplash

Beau and Ollie very much appreciate a celebration that pops in style, not in sound.

Social media memes floating the scrolls this time of year remind us fireworks tend to frighten our animal friends.

One particular meme suggest making a difference instead of a noise by purchasing two bags of pet food for a local shelter.

Who says everything on social media is rubbish?

patriotic-dog-pillow

Happy 4th of July, friends!

Let freedom ring in all your stylish 4th of July party ideas glory.

Darleen-signature-love

 

 

Independence Day Into Night Party Plan Objective

The Places In The Home Independence Day into night party plan objective is all about a cozy at home celebration.

American-flags-on-fence

Slow and easy is the theme accentuated by pops of patio and patriotic color, farm to table delights, and staying cool while celebrating Independence Day.

fresh-vegetables-home-grown-farmers-American-flag

Let me share with you what my it’s not rocket science Independence Day into night party plan objective is all about.

Teenager Suzie Slattery Dancing with Boyfriend Ted Sten

Art.com

Well of course music and perhaps a twirl around the patio will be involved.

This photo tells illustrates a belief of mine which is fashions and music may change, but gathering together to enjoy summer patio fun is a timeless tradition that never will.

While we’re on the subject of blast from the past fun…

Let’s put on our dancing shoes and boogie down to the cornerstone of the any party playlist.

Macramé is making a comeback, and this macramé swing chair is a comfortable and fashionable flashback to the swingin’ late 60s into the mid 70s and pure patio party fun.

independence-day-into-night-party-plan-objective

ZENSTYLE Beige Hanging Cotton Rope Macramé Hammock Chair Swing

thom-filicia-fire-pit

House Beautiful

Setting a cozy party scene is not a complicated process.

party-seating

Comfortable seating is a necessity, and options range from modern to vintage chairs, settees, swings, rockers, and sit-upons (remember, Girl Scouts?).

Just add a red, white, and/or blue decorative pillow to keep with the holiday festivities, a refreshing beverage, and good company and you’ve got yourself a stylish rest and relaxation haven for unwinding on the 4th of July.

red-white-blue-outdoor-throw-pillows

More super cute outdoor throw pillows in colors and patterns 4th of July adjacent afford an all summer long vibe.

Houndstooth Throw - Design Imports

Houndstooth Throw – Design Imports

Throw blankets, for example, in party palette colors, patterns, and textures serve their intended purpose, but also make a handsome tablecloth.

mainstays plaid red white and blue throw blanket

Mainstays Super Soft Plush Throw Blanket, 50″ x 60″, Red Plaid

red-white-blue-summer-throw

Isadora Floral Quilted Throw Blue – Levtex Home

Yes, I’m well aware this next party idea is an oldie but a goodie suggestion, and with good reason.

hanging-votive-filled-with-flameless-candles

One Kings Lane

Distinctive candle holders and battery-operated votive candles continue to be the ideal choice of party lighting.

hanging-candle-holder

For the sake of flicker to flame safety, select outdoor LED battery -operated votive or pillar candles, pop in a hanging candle holder or ten, and prepare to be entranced by the affordable, simple, and positively elegant look created.

Another reason I love to use and suggest battery-operated candles is the convenience involved.

Turn the candle(s) on and forget about it until time to call it a night.

fresh-berries-at-farmers-market (1)

Our star-spangled celebration menu takes a celebratory cue from the best part of the summertime bounty- fresh from the farmers market fruits and vegetables.

berry-splash-family-friendly-SL-photo-Beth-Dreiling-Hontzas

Southern Living – Photo by Beth Dreiling Hontzas

This Berry Splash recipe from Southern Living is summer celebration delicious and family friendly.

picked-fresh-peaches

Peaches for eating, peaches for drinking.

summer-fruit-daiquiri-photo-Scott-Little

Summer Fruit Daiquiri Recipe

A star-spangled theme is instantly recognizable as the traditional theme of 4th of July celebrations.

flying-the-flag

In keeping with tradition, the American flag meets and greets neighbors and friends.

red-whtie-blue-banners-porch-FOLK-Facebook

FOLK

Decorating with items such as fabric and serveware in a broader range of holiday patterns and colors gives you a more than one use option.

red-melamine-dinner-plates

Red Beaded Melamine Dinner Plate

Royal Norfolk Blue Floral Dinner PlateRoyal Norfolk Blue Floral Dinner Plate

Patterns, activities, colors and celebrations generally associated with the summer months give great inspiration.

red-white-blue-pattern-fabrics

Pick a favorite as your 4th of July party ideas theme foundation and go 4th from there.

Dottie Clear Acrylic 17 oz. Drink Glass

Acrylic 17 oz. Drink Glass

Preparing a charcuterie board paired with party accessories with red, white, and blue fruits, meats, and cheeses is a taste of America winner.

cherry-tomatoes (1)

Cherry tomatoes, blueberries, red grapes, deli meats, white cheeses and nuts- you get the idea.

Totally Bamboo State Shaped Bamboo Cutting Board

red-white-blue-states-paper-napkin

Serving in style.

Butler Selena Blue & White Rattan Bar Cart

Butler Selena Blue & White Rattan Bar Cart

Fabric closeouts are a great source for affordable and stylish patterns to use as tablecloths, table runners, napkins, basket and serving dish liners.

red-white-blue-novelty-print-fabric

For those who like to get your money’s worth out of accents and party accessories, the white palm leaf tassel napkin ring from Hobby Lobby fits well with most summer occasions.

ribbon-tassel

Tassel napkin ring not your thing?

Go with a decorative braided rope ribbon in your choice of color.

summer-blue-hydrangeas

Premium Floral Collection Harper & Violet Hydrangea 15oz 2-Wick Candle, Ivory

Blooming blue hydrangeas from the yard of a very generous and giving neighbor star in the centerpiece arrangement along with small American flags.

popcorn-chocolate-blue-hydrangea

Ramekins filled with popcorn and garnished with Nestle Crunch bars (red, white, and blue wrapper inspired) is about as easy as it gets.

Simple.

Affordable.

Appropriate.

Keeping it super summer simple, baby!

Desserts & Recipes

cupcakes-with-sparklers

Williams-Sonoma

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you about a dessert I made for Father’s Day that was a crowd pleaser.

banana-pudding-fluff-ingredients

Two go-to fluff salads, Watergate and Orange Pineapple, fall off the summer salad season rotation because by the time Thanksgiving into Christmas holidays roll past I’ve pretty much had my fill of these two.

Banana pudding or a delicious improved variation of it is summer dessert perfect.

banana-pudding-fluff

Banana Pudding Fluff

Ingredients

1  3.4 ounce package instant vanilla pudding

1½ cups milk

1  8 ounce container whipped topping

3  bananas, peeled and sliced

1-2 cups mini marshmallows

20 vanilla wafers, crushed

1  teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Whisk pudding mix, milk, and ground cinnamon in a large bowl.  Let mixture stand a couple of minutes in order to firm up.

Fold in whipped topping.

Add mini marshmallows, crushed vanilla wafers, and sliced bananas.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

ice-cream-cupcakes-Mike-Garten

Ice Cream Cupcakes Recipe

lemon-icebox-pie-ice-cream

Lemon Icebox Pie Ice Cream 

Ingredients

3 to 4 lemons

2 cups half-and-half

1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

3/4 cup coarsely crushed graham crackers

Directions

Grate zest from lemons to equal 1 Tbsp. Cut lemons in half; squeeze juice from lemons into a measuring cup to equal 1/2 cup.

Whisk together half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice. Pour mixture into freezer container of a 1 1/2-qt. electric ice-cream maker, and freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions. (Instructions and times may vary.)

Stir in graham cracker crumbs and lemon zest; transfer to an airtight container.  Freeze 2 hours before serving.

-Southern Living via My Recipes

lemon-salad-plates

Royal Norfolk Lemon-Printed Stoneware Salad Plates

I knew I would find the right opportunity to order the Royal Norfolk Lemon-Printed Stoneware salad plates, and the lemon icebox pie ice cream waffle cone sandwiches is it.

Serving this summer approved dessert on these melamine lemon salad plates (first cousin to the appetizer/dessert plate) is keeping with the theme of fresh ways to make a presentation.

After all, we do eat with our eyes first.

America Buffalo Check Table Runner

An easy Independence Day into night party plan objective works in concert with summer fun, delicious dishes, and stylish accessories that won’t break the bank.

Outdoor living spaces furnished to the hilt in summer style with creature comforts in mind deliver just that- summer style.

That’s how we snap, crackle and pop a 4th of July party in the USA at Places In The Home.

Darleen-signature-love

Halloween Happenings

October is an eventful month at the Places In The Home corral however, the corral is anything but ok these days when it comes to the business of all things house that make a home.  Let me ‘splain.  In the grand scheme of blogging things, one (me) simply can’t get the job done, posts written and images photoshopped unless the desktop computer and monitor work, and work they don’t.  This recent development is not my idea of frighteningly fun Halloween happenings, and trying to undo this sinister snafu without losing my mind and my religion is the trick.

monitor-brokenEvil!

Where there’s a will, there’s a way.  Although working on the notebook computer is no treat, the trick is to drink apply the principle of adjustment. Adjusting is the theme of this week.  Our city government announced this morning that local trick-or-treating will now take place on Friday evening.  The forecast is shaping up to be an ugly event making Halloween trick-or-treating on Saturday a washout.  Our Halloween celebration is still on, but with an adjustment or two of its own.  Call it a trick-or tweaking.

Halloween-happenings

No rain event will poison the party atmosphere at our Halloween at Places In The Home party.

poison-apple-Halloween

The welcome mat is out, the pumpkin is marked for carving, and in the words of Tom Bodett we’ll leave the light on for the trick-or-treaters.

we're-all-mad-hereBlame the madness on the Great Halloween Computer Crash, Charlie Brown!

I’ll redefine the term steaks are on the grill via a cast iron skillet on the stove, a liberal pat of butter, haunted house seasoning and a low and slow approach.  The food and drink will flow, and the Let’s Halloween playlist will rock the castle.

keep_of_Portchester_Castle,_2008-1The Keep of Portchester Castle, Hampshire, United Kingdom

For those of you who Halloween, have a safe and wickedly wonderful time. For those of you who do not Halloween, have a safe and wonderful weekend.

Love your style!

Kentucky Derby Days Are Here Again

Kentucky Derby days are here again.

The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports takes places on the first Saturday in May.

Louisville, Kentucky rolls out a Southern welcome to thousands of attendees while Churchill Downs takes the lead as Kentucky Derby festivities and finery celebration central.

churchill-downs-kentucky-derby-louisvilleArchitectural Digest

Iconic to sight and tradition, the landmark Twin Spires of Churchill Downs were designed by architect Joseph Dominic Baldez.

The twin hexagonal spires stand tall as the premier architectural feature so closely associated with Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby.

jockeyPinterest

Time-honored traditions and thoroughbred horse racing reigns supreme on Kentucky Derby Saturday.

Red roses, mint juleps and fascinating choices of Derby Day finery fill the grandstands, box seats and infield of Churchill Downs as well as themed Kentucky Derby Days parties.

Derby Guys and Dolls Finery

Derby-mens-style

derby-finery

My parents and I attended the Kentucky Derby in the late 1970’s. Experiencing the Derby live and in person is a thrilling event, but once was enough for us.

Expensive?

Yes!

Crowded?

Oh, dear goodness, yes, and that was 30+ years ago!

I can only imagine the crowd control issues involved with the attendance numbers of today’s Kentucky Derby.

Are we glad we attended?

You betcha!

Kentucky Derby Tavern Sign

Our current Kentucky Derby Days party is an at home affair.

We are not above breaking out the good stuff as in fashion jewelry, hats, tableware, get down and Derby tunes and Kentucky bourbon in My Old Kentucky Home fashion.

The Run for the Roses is a win, place and show tradition for this horse racing enthusiast family, and it’s a sure bet on the first Saturday in May the hats, the party, and the race will be on.

The Derby Day tablescape always includes red roses, a hat of top, feathered or derby style, a toast to jockey silks, and a creative spin on tablescape accessories.

Kentucky Derby days

I’m using the red rose bouquet paper cocktail napkins and 12 x 12 sheets of red roses scrapbook paper for placemats.

rose-boutique-paper-cocktail-napkins

red-roses-scrapbook-paper

Red Roses Scrapbook Paper – 12″ x 12″

Kentucky Derby Days Are Here Again Decor Ideas

Nickel Etched Trophy

Horse Head Hitching Post Reproduction Bust

 

https://brandcycle.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=115&aff_id=2671&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.anrdoezrs.net%2Flinks%2F7921344%2Ftype%2Fdlg%2Fsid%2FA{affiliate_id}O{offer_id}TID{transaction_id}%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.overstock.com%2FHome-Garden%2FNatural-15-inch-Defiance-Spirited-Horse-Accent%2F29072696%2Fproduct.html%3Frefccid%3D37DOR2A74QQL7USBDOJ5RTS3WI%26searchidx%3D105%26kwds%3Dhorse%2520decor%26rfmt%3D

Natural 15-inch Defiance Spirited Horse Accent

Silver mint julep cups are the traditional favorite, but I’m taking the long shot odds the copper trophy cup will make a stylish showing.

Mint Julep Cup

Mint Julep Cup

The Gray Barn Jartop Polystone Horse Head Sculpture

The Gray Barn Jartop Polystone Horse Head Sculpture

Racing the Wind Horse and Jockey Wall Décor

Mini award trophies make great Derby party favors, cocktail stirrer holders, vases, etc…

award trophies

Assorted Mini Award Trophies

red-rose-tulle

Red Spiky Rose Trim-Tulle

jockey-toby-mug

Vintage Royal Doulton English Toby Jug, “The Jockey” model

vintage-red-and-white-jockey-cap-bottle-opener-8367 Vintage Red & White Jockey Cap Bottle Opener

"21" Club Jockey Lamp “21” Club Jockey Lamp

 

Diamond Plain Bronco Horseshoe, Size 0, Pack of 4

The Kentucky DerbyThe Kentucky Derby – 101 Reasons to Love America’s Favorite Horse Race

It isn’t a Derby Day party until traditional Kentucky Derby delicacies are served.

The fresh rosemary in these Southern Living Roasted Brown-Butter Pecans is the perfect taste complement to the minty bite of a Southern strong Mint Julep.

If it doesn’t bite, it isn’t right.

Southern-Living-Roasted-Brown-Butter-Pecans-RosemarySouthern Living Roasted Brown-Butter Pecans  

stirrup-hors-d'oeuvre-forks

Stirrup Hors d’oeuvre Forks

Tea sandwiches spread thick with Benedictine spread and garnished with radishes, pimento, cucumber slices and bacon are bite sized samples of traditional deliciousness.

A  Kentucky Derby party ideas must.

benedictine-spreadBenedictine Spread

And they’re off!

Love your style!

From Coast to Coast: Seafood Cuisine of Summer

From sea to shining sea-coast to coast, summer is a prime season and reason for hosting a tasty boiled, steamed, or fried seafood cuisine of summer night dinner.

fish-blue-plates

Fish Camp 8 in. Enamelware Round Sandwich Plates (Set of 4)

Lobster, crab, gulf shrimp, clams, sea scallops, mussels cod, haddock are in East coast season.

New-England-Clambake

New England Clambake

Is anyone else thinking about the song, “Clambake” from the Elvis Presley movie of the same name?

Clambake, gonna have a clambake!

Happy As A Clam Two Tiered Server

Happy As A Clam Two Tiered Server

Good tunes frame a good time.

Seafood Cuisine of Summer

In keeping with the keep it summer simple rule of summer entertaining, I like the versatility a casual with an elegant twist style brings to the table or beach blanket.

coastal-plates-blue-white

Keep the look simple and keep the guests guessing what decorating and entertaining surprise you’ll pull out of your beach bag of tricks.

coastal-tablescape-tableware

Building on a theme takes a lot of the guesswork out of decorating and tablescaping.

crawfish on canvas print

The summer season comes ready to go with a ski boat load of ideas for themed parties and get-togethers with a catch of the day menu.

August Wren Oyster Platter

August Wren Oyster Platter

A cool beverage and a hot night can be all the theme you need, but if you’re looking for other theme ideas here’s a list of suggestions:

Reelin’, Chillin’ & Grillin’ Summer Nights

Seafood Bake-n-Boil

Nautical and Nice

Tropical Tails

Shrimp on the Barbie Under the Stars

Blackened Teak Root Round Server

Blackened Teak Root Round Server

Majolica Palissy Small Lobster Plate

Majolica Palissy Small Lobster Plate

Crustacean Bib design by Sir/Madam

Crustacean Bib design by Sir/Madam

lobster-coastal living magazineCoastal Living

Ever wonder why lemon is the seafood plate accessory of choice?

baked tilapia

Creole Seasoned Brown Sugar Pecan Topped Baked Tilapia

Lemon wakes up the natural flavors in seafood and fish.

tied-lemon-wrap (1)

The bright bite of fresh meets citrus sweet and flavor balance is born.

crab-claws

Foodiesfeed

Lemon wraps make a pretty plate presentation and keep the lemons seeds contained.

lemon-wraps

King crab, salmon, halibut, Pacific bay shrimp, sea scallops, swordfish, flounder, clams, oysters, calamari squid – Pacific perfection!

West-coast-cookout

This Crab and Lobster Seafood Rolls recipe from Chef Resha at CarnalDish is seafood cuisine of summer scrumptious.  Click on the link for the recipe.

crab-and-lobster-seafood-rolls

Seasoned to taste and region.

Old-Bay-seasoning

Zatarains shrimp crab boil

bottle-crawfish

Put a southern spin on the seafood spread with a pan of buttermilk cornbread.

Cornbread Pan – Pre-Seasoned Fish Impression Cast Iron

buttermilk-cornbread-skillet

From coast to coast and sea to shining sea, seafood lovers know the world is their oyster.

Love your style!

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