Summer Entertaining Ideas

Summer entertaining ideas are a hot topic of conversation and consideration now that the season is in full swing.

outdoor-patio-wicker-set

Architectural Digest – Photography by Amy Neunsinger

Whether a bountiful gathering of friends for a summer soiree or a party for two under the stars, the ultimate party goal is an easy, enjoyable, delicious, and relaxing time.

Entertaining well doesn’t mean entertaining extravagantly (not that there’s anything wrong with that), but it is summertime, and easy rules the outdoor living way of summer life.

summer-entertaining-tablescape-pink-purple-flowers

Photo by Silvia Mara on Unsplash

Outdoor Life is Dirty So Let’s Clean It Up

Give your outdoor oasis a look see through the lens of polish and refresh.

Clean what pieces will greatly benefit from a brush-sweep-soap session, and assess the situation of items not so worthy.

Clear the deck so to speak of debris, replace rotten/rotting/missing boards, secure loose ones, nail down pop ups, and sand down signs of splinter or potential problem areas (ouch!).

patio-ideas-green-white-outdoor-cushions

Good Housekeeping – Photography by Christopher Baker

Outdoor Cushion Cleanser

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon dish detergent

¼ cup Borax

Directions

Add dish detergent and Borax to a bucket of water. Dip a soft bristle brush into the cleaning solution and proceed to scrub cushion in a circular motion cleaning the entire surface.

Allow at least five minutes for the cleaning solution to penetrate the cushion.

Using a garden hose, rinse the cushion thoroughly in order to remove residual cleanser.

You’ll want to use an old towel for the next step. Pat the cushion with the towel in order to absorb as much of water as possible. Prop the cushion(s) upright in a sunny spot and allow to air-dry until completely dry.

copper-tiki-torch

Votive candles with battery operated LED versions in flicker fabulous mode replaced standard votives, and the look and the ease of operation confirms its patio practicality.

hanging-votive-filled-with-flameless-candles

One Kings Lane

Simple is always a welcome guest at any outdoor gathering. Nothing is more simple, and might I add simply elegant, than a glass container filled with string/fairy lights.

string-fairy-lights-in jar-at-night

Photo by Abijith K 

glass-candle-holder-with-handle-1-ct

Glass Candle Holder With Handle

Now, let’s set the table and the scene.

patio-dinner-party-table

Domino – Photography by Julian Fernandez

Summer evenings seem tailor-made for an in the style of apéro featuring light bites and tasty beverages to enhance the idea of relaxing and connecting.

outdoor-fire-pit-circle-entertaining

Architectural Digest – Photography by Joe Schmelzer

When selecting the music for the party playlist aim to keep the types, styles, genres, and decades balanced somewhere between current hits, grooving to the oldies, what movie is this from, smooth and easy jazz, lounge lizard standards, and the soundtrack to high school and college days gone by.

pouring-glass-of-wine

 Image by Freepik

finds-graphic

Mesh Picnic Cover (1)

Arthur Court Butterfly Topped Mesh Food Dome Cover, Set of 2

4th of July approved!

americana-earthenware-serving-bowl

Americana Earthenware Serving Bowl

crown-ivy-rectangular-rattan-cake-stand

Rectangular Rattan Cake Stand

cooks-nook-mcpherson-cocktail-tray

Crow Canyon Splatter Cocktail Tray/Deep Dish Pizza

All-in-One-Caddy-woven

Better Homes & Gardens All-in-One Caddy

orange-tree-in-planter-tabletop

One Kings Lane

vintage-cantaloupe-pitcher

Vintage Cantaloupe Pitcher

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Paper plates of pink and green put the style in keep it summer simple.

pink-green-paper-plates

Melamine.

8pk-Pembroke-Lattice-Lemon-Flower-Salad-And-Dinner-Plates

8pk Pembroke Lattice Lemon Flower Salad And Dinner Plates

Just add cute outdoor appropriate plates to serve summer goodies upon.

Set-Of-4-Indoor-Outdoor-Melamine-Suzuka-Floral-Dinner-Plates

Set Of 4 Indoor Outdoor Melamine Suzuka Floral Dinner Plates

good to know graphic

close-up-of-a-bee-on-a-blanket

Photo by Christabel Seneque

Is That a Bee in Your Bonnet?

No, it’s a dryer sheet!

Strategically placed in an apron pocket, under table linens, or pinned to the corners of a tablecloth, dryer sheets help to keep bees at bay.

endless-summer-blue-hydrangea

Better Homes & Gardens – Photography by Erica George Dines

The-Pioneer-Woman-Agatha-Blue-Pitcher

red-white-blue-table-setting

Southern Lady Magazine

Set a vase, crock, or pitcher full of fresh seasonal flowers on a tabletop and invite the scents of the season to the party.

goodies-graphic

savory-cheese-pecans-figs-garlic

Photo by Jez Timms

Eyes set the “seen” when it comes to food, and easy always makes the perfect party guest.

picnic-food-ideas-cilantro-and-sunflower-seed-dip

Cilantro and Sunflower Seed Dip Recipe

spring-vegetable-frittata

Spring Vegetable Frittata

Creole Shrimp Caesar Salad with Cheesy Croutons

Creole Shrimp Caesar Salad with Cheesy Croutons Recipe

oval-heirloom-platter-deVOL-kitchens

Oval Heirloom Platters

Who remembers when the crudité tray ruled the appetizer course?

Inexpensive natural wooden trays and crates packed tight with fresh seasonal veggies serve up a simple and impressive summer crudites tray.

On-the-Surface-Decorative-Rectangle-Tray-Customizable-Serving-Tray-with-Handles

 Decorative Rectangle Tray, Customizable Serving Tray with Handles

Summer simple appetizers such as small bites and nibbles make the perfect edible complement to a cold beverage.

shrimp-cobb-salad-recipe

Shrimp Cobb Salad with Bacon Dressing Recipe

Floral-Ice-Cubes

Heat and humidity will melt those ice cubes soon enough, but with flavored ice cubes watered down beverages retain their deliciousness.

This is so simple; fill ice trays 3/4 full with the beverage of choice and freeze.

Take the taste to the next level by adding fresh mint to iced tea or punch cubes, rosemary sprigs to lemonade,  pearl onion or halved seasoned green bean to Clamato for a Bloody Mary, or a blend of cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon to iced coffees.

fresh mint ice cubes

Grab the blender (or food processor) and purée watermelon slices or fresh strawberries for a summer kick over watermelon or strawberry flavored ice cubes.

Tennessee-fruit-tea

Tennessee Fruit Tea

Ingredients

1 (64 oz.) bottle sweet tea (such as Milo’s or Turkey Hill)

1 (59 oz.) carton pineapple-orange juice

Directions

Pour half of the sweet tea (4 cups) and half of the pineapple-orange juice (about 3 2/3 cups) into a pitcher. Stir to combine.

Pour the remaining pineapple-orange juice into the bottle of sweet tea, and shake to combine.

The mixture in the pitcher can either be served immediately or decanted back into the juice carton to store.

-Southern Living

Sparkling Spiked Peach Lemonade

Maureen Petrosky

Sparkling Spiked Peach Lemonade

Ingredients

1 cup sugar

1 cup of water

3 large peaches

6 cups sparkling water

1 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice

1 ½ cup vodka

Directions

In a small pot, combine the sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and cool completely.

Remove the skins from 2 of the peaches, reserving the third.  Cut an “X” in the bottom of each one, and place them in a pot of boiling water for about 30 seconds. Transfer the peaches to an ice bath, and peel when cool enough to handle.  Slice each peeled peach in half and remove the pits. Cut peaches into cubes, place them in the blender or food processor, and puree until liquified.

In a large pitcher, combine the pureed peaches, the cooled simple syrup, the sparkling water, the lemon juice and the vodka.  Stir to combine.  Add ice and stir again.

Cut the remaining peach into thin slices.  Stir a few of the slices into the lemonade and use the others to garnish the glasses.

Serves 4.

-The Kitchn

Doris Day

Doris Day’s German Potato Salad

Ingredients

6 medium-sized potatoes

1 large stalk of celery, chopped in small pieces

3-4 scallions (white part only), thinly sliced

4 slices lean bacon, cut in small strips

2/3 cup water

½ cup cider (or wine) vinegar

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions

Cook potatoes in their skins until tender.  Cool slightly, peel and slice into a large bowl.  Add celery and scallions.  Fry bacon in saucepan until crisp.  Add water and vinegar.  Pour over potato-celery-scallion mixture, toss lightly.

Cover and marinate thoroughly (several hours or overnight) before serving.

Serves 4.

tropical-fruit-salad

Tropical fruit salad is keep it summer simple easy with a side of pretty presentation, and that’s what counts.

Tropical Fruit Salad

Ingredients

2 cans tropical fruit, drained

1 can pear halves, drained

1 pint blueberries

juice of one(1) lemon

1 small container plain Greek yogurt

2 Tablespoons honey

Directions

In a mixing bowl, toss together canned fruit with juice of one lemon. Cover and chill 1 hour.

Add honey to Greek yogurt and you’ve got the dressing.

strawberry-pineapple-salsa-recipe

Refreshing Strawberry Pineapple Salsa Recipe

summer-macaroni-salad (1)

Classic Macaroni Salad

Ingredients

1½ cup (12 ounces) dry elbow macaroni

½ cup mayonnaise (I use Duke’s)

1 Tbsp white wine vinegar

¼ cup milk

2 teaspoons sugar

½ teaspoon Kosher salt (or more to taste)

black pepper to taste

1 medium tomato, chopped

1 medium bell pepper, diced

¼ cup red onion, diced

1 whole green onion (green and white parts), sliced

1 cup whole kernel corn, drained

Directions

Cook the elbow macaroni in salted water according to directions on package. Drain cooked macaroni, rinse with cold water, and allow to completely cool.

Chop, slice, and dice the tomato, bell pepper, red onion, and green onion.

To prepare the dressing grab a medium mixing bowl.  Add the mayonnaise, vinegar, milk,  sugar, salt and pepper.  Stir all together to incorporate and set aside.

Place macaroni in a large mixing bowl.  Add the bell pepper, green onion, red onion, tomatoes, and corn. Pour dressing over top and toss to evenly coat.  Chill salad for at least 2 hours before serving.

no bake pink lemonade pie

No-Bake Pink Lemonade Pie Recipe

I’m convinced more and more the move toward the trend of taking purchased prepared foods to the next level via the presentation factor is a gift from the outdoor living entertaining powers that be and your local grocery store and farmers market.

lemon-pound-cake-mix-garnishes

Pick up a luscious bakery or box lemon pound cake and proceed to sweetly impress with the addition of fresh blueberries and lemon slices topping it all of with a generous tablespoon of lemon curd and/or whipped topping.

corn-on-the-cob-cupcakes

Corn on the Cob Cupcakes Recipe

Consider these summer entertaining ideas seasonal lagniappe-  a little something extra for your summertime good times.

Darleen-signature-love

Ideas For A Fall Fête

Over the last few days, a taste of fall has been in the air.  Notable bright white sun-filled days, crisp afternoons, and cozy evenings set into motion ideas for a fall fête.

Summer and Fall

Today it is still summer,

Tomorrow will be fall.

I see the purple asters,

I hear the autumn’s call.

fall-sun-over-mountains

I feel the warm sun shining

As a balmy south wind blows;

I see the flowers blooming,

And I see the grass still grows;

goldenrod-plant-fall

Aurora K

The goldenrod is waving,

The bees are in the clover.

I hear a distant honking-

The geese are flying over.

geese-flying-over-fall

Alain Bonnardeaux

The maple leaves are golden,

The pumpkins, round and yellow;

The apple cheeks are rosy,

The pears are getting mellow.

fresh-Christmas-pears

Photo by Jodie Morgan 

The nuts are growing rounder,

The cornstalk brown and sear.

By twenty lovely tokens,

I know that fall is near.

toes-in-sand

Today it is still summer,

Tomorrow will be fall.

Today I still am barefoot-

Oh how I love it all!

Nona Keen Duffy

fall-fete-invitation (1)

Paperless Post

A host of ideas for celebrating the arrival of the third season of the year gathered together in good company starts a cozy at home conversation.

cozy-at-home

Cozy at home ambiance, a warm beverage, seasonal dishes-treats, music, great lighting, a pumpkin here, and a fall scented candle there come together for an inspired fall fête designed with KISS- Keep It Seasonally Simple in mind.

Exhaustive and overly elaborate prep, plate, and present raises the question, “Where’s the fall fun in this party plan?”

table-set-in-barn (1)

Settle NorfolkFolk on Facebook

Harvest happenings either planned or spur of the moment set for emphasizing good times, good food, good conversation, and good friends make a moment and a good memory- the stuff life is made of.

Colorful-Fall-Printable

Colorful Fall Printable from Refresh Restyle

Seasonal beauty abounds in this lovely fall printable from Refresh Restyle.

Invites.

Place cards.

Framed favors.

Link to the free printable is provided under the image.

Amber-Glass-Pumpkin-Table-Accent

Accents in amber orange, husks, and pumpkin anything and everything gets you where you need to be, stretching your decorating dollar speaking.

Harvest into Halloween into Horn of Plenty decorative pieces stretch the uses and the dollars.

Tan Wheat Mini Wreath by Bloom Room

Pick up smaller wreaths to use as candle rings.

cranberry-mandarin-candle

Surprised sums it up regarding my purchases (bought four of these candles for the fall into winter 2023 season). For under $5 your entire house will come alive with the scent of soft spiced oranges with a hint of cinnabar.

Better Homes & Gardens Farm Apple Pumpkin Scented 2-Wick Jar Candle 12oz Frosted

Better Homes & Gardens Farm Apple Pumpkin Scented 2-Wick Candle- Frosted

For under $10 the scent of apples, pumpkin, cinnamon, orange and maple butter grant house and home the inviting fragrance of fall.

gourd-candle-holders (1)
DIY Project Time

Give gourds a wipe down and cut off the stems as close to the base as possible.

Using a spoon, scrape and clean out the inside of each gourd.

dark-orange-votive-candles

Use a drill with a paddle drill bit (and with caution) to drill a hole approximately ¾ inch deep into the center top of each gourd.

When completed, wipe area clean and place tealight candle into hole.

Cinderella pumpkin luminaries

Southern Living Magazine – Photography by Van Chaplin

Ivory Flameless LED Pillar Candle

String lights.

Pumpkin.

Walnuts.

Candle.

lights-candle-window-pumpkin

Elegantly simple presentation guaranteed to capture the eye and the heart of the autumn admirer.

Autumn Vines Tablecloth

Autumn Vines Tablecloth

Rust And Gold Pumpkin Tablecloth

Rust And Gold Pumpkin Tablecloth

Entertain the thought of using a soft colorful throw as your tablecloth choice.

checkered-baby-blanket

Cool, crisp, and cold weather signals it’s time to pull out the blankets and throws, start a fire in the fireplace, bedeck the abode to fit the season, and invite friends over to gather together for a it’s fall y’all celebration.

Frank-Muytjens-dining-room-fireplace

One Kings Lane

Fall Gold Leaf Tray by Place & Time

Fall Gold Leaf Tray by Place & Time

fall-nandina

Part of the fun of entertaining is coming up with festive and creative ways to put a festive spin on the presentation of drinks, snacks, entrées, sides, and desserts.

all-party-pumpkin-chip-holderBetter Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens shows how using a hallowed-out pumpkin lined with a fall themed kitchen towel as a serving bowl for chips brings the fall harvest serving A game to the table.

fall entertaining

Better Homes & Gardens

Apples and cheese make tasty pairing partners, and these appetizing apple-shape cheese are so simple to make.

Begin by rolling your favorite choice of soft cheese into a ball.

Coat the cheese in smoky paprika, finely crushed pecans or walnuts, minced fresh herbs, or crushed gingersnaps.

Press the top of the ball to create a spot for the stem.

Finish the “apple” by inserting a branch with leaves or a pretzel, bread, or cinnamon stick paired with a bay leaf to create a stem completing the apple look.

delicious-pile-cheese-top-each-other (1)

Freepik

Wood Inlay Pumpkin Cheese Board

Wood Inlay Pumpkin Cheese Board

Brown-Harvest-Leaf-Shaped-Mango-Wood-Tray

Harvest Leaf-Shaped Mango Wood Tray Tabletop Decoration

Corn Shaped Vintage Table Serving Platter

Corn Shaped Vintage Table Serving Platter

figs-over-cream-cheese

fall-fete-dinnerware

owl-plate

red-grapes-apples-bleu-cheese

fall-jellies-jams-preserves

Straight from the shelves and departments of your local grocery store items such as dips benefit from additional garnishes and ingredients.

Crumbled bacon and caramelize onions make excellent flavor additions to store bought French onion dip.

sliced-homemade-quick-ranch-bread (1)

Ranch Quick Bread

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 package dry Ranch seasoning mix- 1 ounce size

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon black pepper

2 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk**

½ stick unsalted butter, melted

1 cup cottage cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.

Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, onion powder, garlic powder and pepper in a large mixing bowl.  Set aside.

Whisk the eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter in a medium bowl until combined.

** How to Make Homemade Buttermilk:

Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk.  Let stand at room temperature 5 to 10 minutes.

Add the cottage cheese and stir to combine. Pour mixture into the flour mixture.

Gently fold ingredients together until the flour is incorporated.

Spoon batter into loaf pan.  Bake 50 minutes until golden brown or until knife inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

Allow bread to cool in loaf pan for 10-15 minutes.

Transfer bread from pan to bread board or wire rack or serving tray. Allow bread to cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Wrap any leftover bread in waxed paper and store in airtight container.  I added fresh rosemary sprigs to canister for good seasoning measure.

walnut-cranberry-bread

Newly discovered fall favorite- Private Selection Cranberry Walnut Loaf Artisan Bread.

Delicious!

Grissini (Italian Breadsticks) with Three Toppings

Grissini (Italian Breadsticks) with Three Toppings

Cream Cheese Herb Biscuits

Cream Cheese Herb Biscuits Recipe

Cream Cheese Herb biscuits stored in and served from a cozy cottage house cookie jar puts the home in homemade.

Cozy Cottage House Cookie Jar

Cozy Cottage House Cookie Jar

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Biscuit, bread, and cracker basket options.

acorn-wicker-basket

Acorn Wicker Basket by Ashland

gray-willow-basket

Gray Willow Basket

Baked-Brie

Warm Brie in Puff Pastry with Sweet Honey, Fig and Savory Prosciutto

Ingredients

1 (8-12 oz) wheel of brie cheese

1-2 tbsp honey

1-2 tbsp fig preserves

Black pepper, to taste

1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

4-8 slices thin prosciutto

1 egg, beaten

Coarse sugar, for sprinkling

Directions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Lay the thawed puff pastry flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the wheel of brie in the center of the pastry and use a knife to score the top of the brie in a crosshatch pattern.

Spread the fig preserves over the top of the brie. Drizzle with honey, then sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of black pepper over the top.

Wrap the slices of prosciutto around the brie, then fold the corners of the puff pastry up and over the brie, sealing the edges.

Brush the puff pastry with the beaten egg and sprinkle lightly with coarse sugar for a touch of sweetness and crunch.

Bake the brie in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is deep golden brown and crispy.

Serve warm with your favorite bread or crackers for dipping.

6-8 servings

-Mia Recipes

orange-Persimmon-tree

Photo by Rebecca McKenzie

Regional fruits are ripe for the picking, washing, slicing, and serving.

figs are on a plate on a table

Photo by Katie Azi

thanksgiving-appetizers-sweet-spicy-snack-mix

Spicy-n-Sweet Snack Mix

Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread

Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread

Pumpkin is the star of the taste of fall show, and what would a fall fête post be without at least one pumpkin something recipe.

fall-pumpkins-kitchen (1)

Photo by Katie Azi 

Pumpkin Dip

Ingredients

1 (15-oz.) can pumpkin (such as Libby’s)

12 oz. cream cheese (from 2 [8-oz.] pkg.), softened

1 cup (about 3¼ oz.) sifted powdered sugar

1½  tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1½  tsp. ground cinnamon

1½  tsp. vanilla extract

Graham crackers, gingersnaps, piecrust cutouts, pretzel sticks, sliced apples, berries, or pecans, for serving.

Directions

Combine pumpkin, cream cheese, powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and vanilla in a food processor. Process until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes.

Transfer to a serving dish; cover and chill 30 minutes.

Serve with an assortment of graham crackers, gingersnaps, pretzel sticks, sliced apples, berries, or pecans.

-Southern Living Magazine

grilled-whole-chicken

Grocery store deli rotisserie chicken saves the crisp fall day!

Oven-baked Polska Kielbasa (350°F for 20-25 minutes) smoked sausage drizzled with honey while still warm and before slicing is harvest hearty.

Acorn Squash Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette

Acorn Squash Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette

fall-serving-spoons

Pumpkin Serving Spoons
Big Leaf Wooden Spoon

Just a bite samplings include autumn acorn salad, sausage, rice and cranberry stuffed mini pumpkins, Southern sweet potato casserole, and oven-roasted root vegetables with spicy pecan topping.

Sausage, Rice, and Cranberry Stuffed Mini Pumpkins

Sausage, Rice, and Cranberry Stuffed Mini Pumpkins

sweet-potatoes-pecans-flour-brown-sugar

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients

3 cups mashed sweet potatoes

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ cup milk

¼ cup Southern Comfort whiskey

1/3 cup butter, melted

For Topping:

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/3 cup flour

1 cup chopped pecans

1/3 cup butter, melted

Directions

Preheat oven to 350° F.   Lightly spray a 2 quart baking dish with cooking spray.  Boil  sweet potatoes under tender.  Carefully remove from heat, drain, peel and mash sweet potatoes. 

In mixing bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, Southern Comfort, ground cloves and ground nutmeg. 

Spread mixture evenly in prepared baking dish. 

In a separate mixing bowl, mix together brown sugar, chopped pecans, flour, and melted butter.  

Spoon over sweet potato mixture.  

Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.  

Comfort food at its c’est si bon best.

Oven-Roasted Root Vegetables with Spicy Pecan Topping

Oven-Roasted Root Vegetables with Spicy Pecan Topping

Being in the moment enjoying guests means not always being in the kitchen. Keep it seasonally simple by amping up juices, coffees, waters, and teas using garnishes with the taste of fall.

apple-pear-cinnamon-infused-water

suggestions-graphic

Sparkling water (spiced apple, blood orange, cranberry apple) garnished with fruit slices, cinnamon sticks, cranberries, or rosemary sprig.

autumn-fall-beverage-garnish

Apple juice warmed on the stovetop with Red Hot cinnamon candies added until melted equals one easy and delicious fall favorite.

Flavored coffees leaded or unleaded warm the soul and take the chill off.

cinnamon-water

Cinnamon water is a recent fall perfect beverage discovery that’s as tasty as it is easy to make.

Begin by adding 2 cinnamon sticks to 2 cups of water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes.  Allow concentrate to cool before adding to cold water and ice.

sweet-treats-graphic

 

 

 

 

pear-crisp-recipe

Pear Crisp Recipe

Comforting recipes full of down-south flavor speaks warmth, comfort, and cozy to me.

The-Southern-Baking-Cookbook-60-comforting-recipes

The Southern Baking Cookbook : 60 Comforting Recipes Full of Down-South Flavor by Jenn Davis- Founder of the Two Cups Flour

Pumpkin-Coconut-whipped-topping-fluff-pie

Pumpkin Coconut Fluff Pie

Ingredients

1 9″ graham cracker crust

1  8 oz container whipped topping

1  3.5 oz box vanilla instant pudding & pie filling

1  15 oz can 100% pure pumpkin

½ cup sweetened coconut flakes

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp. ground cloves

½ tsp. ground nutmeg

Mason Cash In the Forest Mixing Bowls 3 Piece Set

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, add pure pumpkin, vanilla pudding mix, coconut, ground cloves, ground nutmeg and pumpkin pie spice.  Using a wooden spoon, stir ingredients until combined.

Next, add vanilla and whipped topping. Fold until incorporated.

Spread the pumpkin fluff mixture into the graham cracker crust; cover with plastic wrap.

Chill covered pie for at least 4 hours to set.

Before serving dust the top of the pie with additional pumpkin pie spice.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Pumpkin whoopie pies- the taste of fall.

falling maple leaves

Autumn Mott Rodeheaver

Hosting a fall fête is a crisp breeze when good ideas and friends come together.

Darleen-signature-love

 

 

Go Fourth All-American Fare

All-American fare consisting of spirited sips, BBQ bites, and Fourth of July dessert delights await patriotic preparation.

4th-of-July-country-picnic-table-setting

Country Living Magazine – Photography by Steven Randazzo

Patriotic Picnic Provisions

Tasty, easy, and 4th of July spectacular recipes can be found by clicking on the link below each image.

Let’s fire up the all-American fare flavor!

bluecoat-rwb-pBluecoat Red White and Blue Gin and Tonic Recipe

Refreshing beverages of the leaded and/or unleaded kind kick off the festivities.

Red, White & Blue Sparkling Juice

Red, White & Blue Sparkling Juice Recipe

Sparkling Cherry Limeade Recipe

Sparkling Cherry Limeade Recipe

triple-berry-sparklers

Triple Berry Sparklers Recipe

Burgers, barbecued chicken, corn dogs and ribs fire up the crowd and the grill.

swiss_mushroom_burger_22-685x1024Swiss Mushroom Burgers Recipe

Barbecued Picnic Chicken

Barbecued Picnic Chicken Recipe

State fair approved corn dogs.

corn dogs

Corn Dogs Recipe

BBQ Ribs with Mopping Sauce

BBQ Ribs with Mopping Sauce Recipe

summer-hoppin'-john-salad

Summer Hoppin’ John Salad Recipe

The taste of home is well-represented.

pickled-tomatoesPickled Tomatoes Recipe

No photo to share, but trust me on this one; Sue and Gloria’s Baked Beans with Pineapple recipe is all-American fare spectacular.

baked-beans-recipeSue and Gloria’s Baked Beans with Pineapple

Ingredients

4 (16 oz) cans baked beans

1 (20 oz) can drained crushed pineapple

1 cup molasses

1 cup bbq sauce

2 tablespoons or yellow mustard brown mustard

6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon

1 (6 oz) can crushed French fried onions

1 tablespoon hot sauce

2 teaspoons garlic powder

So, here’s the deal- I got this recipe for Sue and Gloria’s Baked Beans with Pineapple from an episode of Paula’s Home Cooking and tried it out for the great Fourth of July camping trip of 2008.

Oven baking is not always camping convenient, but the 7 qt. slow cooker I brought from home sure is.

Easy assemble of the recipe ingredients while drinking coffee in the morning matches the easy, slow, and low 6-8 hours cooking time until the goodness comes together for dinner.

If you prefer to oven bake this recipe, you’ll find the instructions by clicking the link above.

All-American Fare Kentucky Butter CakeKentucky Butter Cake Recipe

Kentucky Butter Cake will be the featured dessert placed front and center on our Fourth of July celebration dessert table.

grandmothers-pound-cake-with-nutmeg-recipe

My paternal grandmother copied the above recipe for pound cake from the Knoxville News Sentinel newspaper years ago.

Delightful as her copied recipe is, I’ve adjusted the recipe and cooking time & temp just a smidge to better suit the taste of the baker.

grandmother-willies-pound-cake-recipe

Grandmother Willie’s Pound Cake Recipe

Ingredients

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

3 cups sugar

6 large eggs, room temperature

3 Tablespoons vanilla extract

3 Tablespoons almond extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon mace

¾ cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

Generously spray tube pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with a mixer at medium-high speed until combined.  Add eggs, one at a time and mix to incorporate.  Add vanilla extract, almond extract, and mace; mixing well.

In separate large bowl whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add ½ the dry flour mixture to creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix to combine. Pour in ½ of the heavy whipping cream mixing to combine.

wet-dry-ingredients-pound-cake

Finish this step with remaining flour mixture and then ending with remaining heavy whipping cream. Spoon batter into sprayed tube pan, and place in cold oven.

pound-cake-batter

Turn oven to 325°; bake until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 75 minutes. Allow cake to cool in tube pan before turning out onto cake plate.

homemade-vanilla-blue-bell-ice-cream

Top with a generous scoop of Blue Bell vanilla ice cream or my favorite, Mayfield vanilla ice cream.

Mayfield signature vanilla ice cream

Garnish cocktails, punches, salads, and desserts with fresh raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries for a true red, white, and blue all-American fare taste.

strawberries-blackberries-blueberries-trio

Ice cream goes so good with summer and slow cooker peach cobbler.

slow cooker peach cobbler

Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler Recipe

Atlantic Beach Pie

Atlantic Beach Pie Recipe

Celebrating the 4th of July with friends and family over good food and good old fun is a let freedom ring and the good times roll summer tradition.

Go fourth and enjoy!

Darleen-signature-love

Getting Stuff Holiday Ready

Getting stuff holiday ready to greet the occasion with bells on has many of us giddy with delight and on a sentimental journey.

vintage-Thanksgiving-turkey-card

Dave the Builder asked me why I was up so early this morning, to which I replied, “company’s coming, Dave, and I’ve got to get the getting stuff holiday ready show on the road.”

Rob-Laura-Petrie

Me TV

I take from traditions of the past the very best and memorable points of eat, drink, decorate, table setting, and celebration interest and holiday from there.

apple-crisp-handwritten-recipe-card

Yesterdish

getting stuff holiday ready

Turkey Thaw Countdown Guide:

Turkey Size                                    How Long to Thaw in Fridge

25 lbs                                                                   6 Days, 6 Hours

20 lbs                                                                   5 Days

16 lbs                                                                    4 Days

10 lbs                                                                    2 Days, 12 Hours

There’s no time like the present to commit the Thanksgiving dinner holiday checklist to memory.

Those of us currently experiencing brain fog, writing it down is the way to go.

Grab a notepad or open the notes app on your device and write down or type out the information you know you’ll need to refer to during this countdown to Thanksgiving.

Recipe ingredients.

Cooking times.

Serving timeline projections.

Who can’t have what ingredient (food allergies).

Things will steadily become more hectic, and our brains tend to shut down when overloaded.

Note to self: write it down.

getting stuff holiday ready

Get in the holiday spirit with a holiday spirit.

Welcome family and friends in with a refreshing beverage seasoned, spiced, and appropriately spiked with the flavors of the season.

Uncle Herbert, can I get you a cup of rum punch?

Thanksgiving-rum-punch-photo-Alison-Gootee-styling-Suzonne-Stirling-Southern-Living

Southern Living- Photography by Alison Gootee- Styling by Suzonne Stirling

Thanksgiving Punch with Rum

Ingredients

1/3 cup honey

12 whole cloves

4 cinnamon sticks

8 cups apple cider, divided

4 cups cranberry juice, chilled

3 cups (24 oz.) spiced rum

2 (12-oz.) bottles ginger beer, chilled

sliced green apples, oranges, or lemons, for garnish

rosemary sprig, for garnish

Directions

Combine honey, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and 2 cups of the cider in a small saucepan over medium.  Cook, stirring often, until honey is dissolved and mixture is fragrant with spices, about 7 minutes.

Remove from heat; cool and steep 15 minutes.  Discard cloves and cinnamon sticks.

Combine spiced cider mixture, cranberry juice, spiced rum, ginger beer, and remaining 6 cups apple cider in a large punch bowl.

Garnish with sliced citrus and apples.  Serve over ice.

-Southern Living

jadite-gold-serving-piecesGreen and gold gorgeous for Thanksgiving, beautiful for Christmas, and festive for Mardi Gras.

getting stuff holiday ready

My mother has always said it’s the package that sells the product, and this is where presentation comes in.

Okay, I’m repeating myself, but it’s worth revisiting.

Bring on the ooh la la factor by placing cake stands and serving pieces inside fresh or faux greenery wreaths both Thanksgiving and Christmas pretty and set about the table or countertop at various height levels.

Take advantage of this time to style the dining table to your liking.  Place, stack, and set out the items you can now.

Cover serving bowls, utensils, and cake stands with a clean dish towel, label with a sticky note what dish goes in what bowl, and. mark this part of the process off the list.

getting stuff holiday ready

Let those kitchen countertops pull serving table duty.  I work with a salads and sides to the left, desserts and drinks to the right, keep it moving on down the line plan.

Space is one hot commodity in the Thanksgiving kitchen and dining room.  Going with a dessert table frees up space.

pecan-pie-ice-cream-pie

Pecan Pie-Ice Cream Pie

A little birdie tells me you can cook the bird, ham, duck or roast the day before.

Slice the meat, cover with broth, place in plastic storage bags, and refrigerate.

Warm the meat and broth on low in a slow cooker on the big day.

Frank-Sinatra-carving-turkey

getting stuff holiday ready

One pound bag of carrots when cooked will offer up 4 to 5 servings.

12 ounce package of fresh cranberries  = 2 ¼ cups cranberry sauce.
Cook cranberries in orange juice and add 2 teaspoons of fresh orange zest for a cranberry orange sauce.

16 ounce can of cranberry sauce = 6 servings.

Figure ½ cup of gravy per person.

6 cups of green beans makes 6 to 8 servings

A 5lb. bag of potatoes whips up 10 to 12 servings of mashed potatoes.

Music sets the mood and the mix.

Know your audience, and holiday company’s coming playlist from there with a mix of rock, pop, fall themed, kickin’ country, oldies, and vintage crooner tunes.

Don’t forget the holiday songs; it’s never too early for Christmas music.

Vintage turntable vinyl record player Christmas tree card digital download printable image

Vintage Turntable Vinyl Record Player Christmas Card on Etsy

getting stuff holiday ready

I continually find the loveliness of clear string lights placed in a clear vase visually irresistible and a super effective-good for all seasons-simple way to create a welcoming atmosphere.

string-lights-holiday (1)

My, how times flies when we’re having getting stuff holiday ready fun!

Darleen-signature-love

New Year’s Eve Celebrating and Entertaining

New Year’s Eve celebrating and entertaining.

Maybe it’s much too early in the game,

Aah, but I thought I’d ask you just the same

What are you doing New Year’s Eve?

Ella Fitzgerald

Ella asks it, and revelers answer with a chorus of festive New Year’s Eve celebrating and entertaining.

new-years-eve

Pinterest

As for Dave the Builder and me, hardcore party animals we are not.

Our party of choice is to host a casual come as you are ringing in the New Year open house in at home style with a few family members, close friends and beloved neighbors.

I keep the decorations traditional, festive, sparkly, and inexpensive.

Gold Glitter Ball Confetti

silver tissue pom poms

Gold and silver glamour is the party color palette, and gold glitter ball confetti and silver tissue pom poms signals we’re gonna party in style like it’s 1999 and beyond.

1999

Speaking of party tunes, here’s our updated New Year’s Eve playlist.

New Year.

Classic tunes.

Good times.

Fun and stylish decorations that you can pick up well in advance or even the day of hit all the right New Year’s Eve celebrating and entertaining and decorating notes.

Metallic and/or glitter spray paint and a collection Styrofoam balls in various sizes makes a fun NYE DIY project that results in focal point presence.

Holiday clearance sales quickly become a decorista’s best friend.

Hit up a holiday clearance sale for everything from party supplies to glitter accents to string lights and lanterns.

A quick and easy table decoration tip that always looks grand is to intermingle battery operated string lights and flameless LED battery operated candle filled lanterns or glass holders from table end to table end (think table runner).

ombre pillar candles trio

Don’t you love the no worries convenience and safety of using flameless candle?  I haven’t used a real candle for luminary purposes in years.

Flameless LED battery operated votive and tea light candles give good style, eliminate safety concerns and unless the batteries die, light the party night.

sand-timer-and-prosecco

A sand timer and clock become perfect centerpiece accents and sidekick to a bottle of New Year’s Eve bubbly.

Jaeger-LeCoultre-clock-1

Wine corks make a stylish place card holder.

wine corksMichaels

You know me and leopard- leopard print love it!

leopard accent plateLeopard Salad Plate

black-gold-cocktail-napkin

White tie formal with the decorative yet casual oomph party boxes and table decorations are a big hit with the New Year’s Eve party crowd.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Gold glitter favor boxes, white and gold gift boxes, and/or black & cream pinstripe round wine boxes.

white gold gift box

A nice selection of sugar paper™ boxes are on clearance at Target.

Black & Cream Pinstripe Round Wine Box

Fill each box with white and gold paper shreds, black-eye peas, and gold or silver jingle bells (a great take on traditional noisemakers).

gold jingle bells

Hobby Lobby

Camellia brand blackeyes

For the table, fill the bottom of clear candle holders with black decorative sand and add a flameless votive and glitter noisemakers.

If decorative sand is not your filler of choice, fill the candle holder about ½ way up with black-eyed peas.

Finish with dollar store silver trays filled with gold chocolate coins or fortune cookies for a festive look and good luck.

coins-1

trays-nickel-plated

fortune-cookie

We ring in the New Year and the dinner bell with a buffet style supper.

Our pork and beans Louisiana Lagniappe New Year’s Eve buffet includes baked ham, pork tender, blackeyes, coleslaw, and buttermilk cornbread muffins.

foodie-gift

The closest thing to black tie required at our what are you doing New Year’s Eve gathering will be these Tuxedo and Cheese and Crackers appetizers.

Get the recipe from Kitchen Mason.

tuxedo-cheese-crackers

Tuxedo Cheese and Crackers

southern-comfort-drink

Southern Comfort Sparkler

1 ounce Southern Comfort

¼ to ½ ounce peach schnapps

3 dashes black walnut bitters

4 ounces Brut (dry) champagne, chilled

1 dash lemon juice (optional)

In champagne glass combine Southern Comfort, peach schnapps and bitters.  Add cold champagne and lemon juice, if desired. Makes 1 cocktail.

~Recipe by Chef Mary Payne Moran via Traditional Home 

oreo-cookie-clocks-12-600x900

Our New Year’s Eve themed dessert comes to us compliments of this recipe for Chocolate covered no-bake Oreo Cookie Clocks from Pint Sized Baker.

You had me  at chocolate-covered.

And no-bake.

And Oreos.

As the year draws to a close, the question on many a New Year’s Eve  celebrating, entertaining, or relaxing mind is what are you doing New Year’s Eve?

However you celebrate it, enjoy and Happy New Year!

Love your style!

Fall with Apples and Pumpkins

Fall deliciously places the baking, cooking, decorating, and entertaining emphasis on apples and pumpkins, appropriately planting a seed of inspiration.

apple trees picking

Palettes o’plenty are in place under the pines awaiting a pumpkin haul for this year’s local pumpkin patch picking.

pumpkin-patch-2019

I’ve been in  fall baking, cooking, decorating, and entertaining with apples and pumpkins development for a week or so.

Introducing hints of fall finery and a new or improved recipe to the troops here at Places In The Home is part of the fall of it all.

apples-and-pumpkins

Flickr

Baking & Cooking

Those of you who get into fall baking and cooking and taste testing know apples and pumpkins are the stars of the show.

Sprinkles and dustings of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg deliciously dress cored, chopped, sliced, minced, cubed, grated or diced apples.

bag-Gala-apples

In the Fall Kitchen with Apples and Pumpkins

One small apple measures 2 ¼ inches across.

One medium apple measures 2 ½ to 2 ¾ inches across.

One large apple measures 3¾ inches across.

types of apples graphic

How many apples are there in a cup?

apple-shaped-measuring-cups

1 medium apple equals:

About 1 1/3 cups sliced or cubed.

About 1¼ cups diced.

About 1 cup finely sliced, minced, or grated.

red-apple

How many apples are in a pound?

4 medium apples equals approximately  1 pound.

2 large apples equals approximately  1 pound.

1 pound of apples equals approximately 3 cups sliced or cubed apples.

apples and pumpkins

Coring and Peeling an Apple

Carefully cut the skin off the apple using a paring knife.

Cut the apple into four wedges.

Remove the core out of each wedge.

Cut, slice, or chop the apples according to recipe preference.

fairy tale pumpkin

One 2½ pound pie pumpkin equals 1¾ cups pumpkin puree (which is equivalent to one 15 ounce can pumpkin).

A 3½ pound pie pumpkin equals 2½  cups pumpkin puree.

Did you know that the pumpkin is really a squash?

Pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin soup, pumpkin bread, pumpkin sangria, and the big daddy of fall desserts, pumpkin pie, is in the fall tastes and treats spotlight.

traditional pumpkin pie recipe

How to Prep and Puree A Pumpkin 

You can substitute homemade pumpkin puree for any recipe that calls for canned pumpkin.

With that fall baking fact in mind, let’s check out how to make homemade pumpkin puree.

Here we will be using a sugar pumpkin (also called a pie pumpkin), the best for cooking and baking.

sugar pumpkin

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Carefully cut off the top of the pumpkin.  Using a large metal spoon, scoop out the seeds and the “strings”.

Cut the pumpkin in half.

Line a baking sheet with foil and place the pumpkin halves cut side down onto the baking sheet.

Generously rub the outer skin of each pumpkin half with olive oil.

Place in a 375°F preheated oven and roast for 45-60 minutes or until a fork easily inserts into each pumpkin half.

Allow to cool for twenty minutes or until cool enough to handle without risk of burning your hands.

Using a large metal spoon, scoop out the softened pulp.  Place the pulp into in a food processor and pulse until smooth.

staub-ceramic-pumpkin-cocotte

Pumpkin Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Ingredients

2 Sugar Pie pumpkins (each about 2 lb.)
Substitution: 4 cups  of canned pumpkin puree

Extra-virgin olive oil for brushing and drizzling

6 Tbs. unsalted butter

2 shallots, diced

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 Tbs. minced fresh thyme, plus whole sprigs for garnish

¼  cup  Marsala

5 cups vegetable broth, plus more as needed

3 Tbs. maple syrup

1 cup half-and-half

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

For the grilled cheese croutons:

2 Tbs. unsalted butter, at room temperature

6 slices artisan white bread or sourdough bread

1 ½ cups grated Gruyére cheese

Directions

To make the soup, using a sharp knife, carefully cut off the top of each pumpkin to remove the stem, then halve each pumpkin vertically.

Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds and any stringy fibers and discard.

Brush the flesh of the pumpkins generously with olive oil, then place them, cut sides down, on the prepared baking sheet.  Bake until the pumpkins are very tender when pricked with a fork, about 50 minutes.  Let cool for 15 minutes, then scoop the flesh from the peel into a bowl; discard the peels.

You should have about 4 cups of pumpkin.  Set aside.

In a Dutch oven or large, heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 Tbs. of the butter.

Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.  Add the garlic and thyme and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 1 minute.

Add the Marsala and deglaze the pan, stirring to scrape up any bits on the bottom of the pot.  Add the pumpkin and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes.  Add the broth and maple syrup.

Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 20 minutes.  Stir in the half-and-half.

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. (Alternatively, working in batches, transfer the soup to a blender and puree until smooth. Pour back into the pot.)

Add the remaining 3 Tbs. butter to the soup and stir until the butter is melted.  Season with salt and pepper.

Stir in more vegetable broth, if desired, to achieve the desired consistency.  Keep warm over low heat while you make the grilled cheese croutons.

To make grilled cheese croutons, spread the butter on one side of each slice of bread, dividing it evenly.

Heat a large fry pan over medium heat.

Place 3 slices of the bread, butter side down, in the fry pan.  Divide the cheese evenly between the 3 slices in the pan, then top with remaining bread slices, butter side up.

Cook until the bottom of bread is golden brown, then carefully flip each sandwich and continue to cook until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes, turning down the heat if the bread is browning too quickly.

Transfer the grilled cheese sandwiches to a cutting board and let cool slightly while you ladle the warm soup into 6 individual bowls.

Drizzle each serving of soup lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with a few grinds of pepper.  Cut the grilled cheese sandwiches into 1-inch (2.5-cm) cubes and divide them evenly among the bowls of soup.

Garnish with thyme sprigs and serve immediately.  Serves 6.

-Williams Sonoma Test Kitchen

Decorating

1100 block of Rue du Belier

Country Living

Never underestimate the visual impact of the simple yet elegant seasonal décor accessory.

apple-wreath-supplies

Gorgeous is in the eye and the glue gun of the beholder.

Faux apples, a natural grapevine wreath, and several yards of burlap ribbon  is all you need to DIY your way to a lovely fall wreath.

apple-wreath

In the case of my fall wreath DIY project, I chose to go with a Styrofoam wreath.

Using burlap ribbon from the dollar store, I wrapped the entire wreath to conceal the Styrofoam.

Using a hot glue gun, I glued various sizes of red faux apples and green mini pears from Michaels around the top and sides of the wreath.

Spanish moss serves as an excellent filler and gap cover, and as in the image of the grapevine apple wreaths, burlap ribbon (5½” wide) with a finished edge completes the look.

There’s a bevy of pumpkin decorating ideas out there.

This DIY pumpkin project from Proven Winners utilizes late summer/early fall blooms and foliage to create a Mod Podge magnificent botanical pumpkin.

pumpkin-blankets

We Heart It

Simple makes a simply beautiful statement.

Entertaining

Part of the fun of entertaining is coming up with festive and creative ways to put a seasonal spin on the presentation of drinks, snacks, entrées, sides, and desserts.

apple shaped cheese balls

Better Homes & Gardens

“I try to greet my friends with a drink in my hand, a warm smile
on my face, and great music in the background, because
that’s what gets a dinner party off to a fun start.”

-Ina Garten

fall-board-cheese

pumpkins-rosemary

Charcuterie | shahr-ku-tuh-ree  refers to the art of preparing and assembling cured meats.

Charcuterie boards feature an array of dried meats, cheeses, fruits and nuts, crackers, breads, jams, preserves, marmalades, olives, pickles, and the like.

bread-butter-pickles

A recent conversation on the topic included a rundown of charcuterie board essentials.

pumpkin board

Great entertaining minds think alike, and we all agreed a gathering of friends or/and family on a crisp fall late afternoon into evening is an excellent entertaining opportunity to bring on a fall cheese or charcuterie board.

pumpkin-wood-serving-platter

There’s no wrong way to do a cheese or charcuterie board.  I put together a small with fall in mind cheese board this afternoon.

It’s meatless, so it doesn’t officially qualify to be referred to as a charcuterie board.

fall-cheese-board

Crisp apples, fresh dates, red grapes, assorted nuts, blue cheese, white cheddar, cream cheese with fig preserves, and dried cranberries fill the board.

A quick walk around the yard later I had fresh rosemary sprigs and mint leaves to use as garnish and filler.

The aroma is spectacular.

fall-pumpkin-cheese-board

What’s in the little vintage creamer?

Honey.

Honey drizzled over a slice of cheese topped with an apple is the taste of fall.

apples-grapes

marmalade-preserves

I love these carved wooden spoons for spooning up preserves and marmalades.

Hand Carved White Oak Wood Snowflake Spoon

Ciders, seasonal wines, and apple flavored sangria are all excellent beverage choices to serve at a fall gathering.

Cinnamon water is a recent fall perfect beverage discovery that’s as tasty as it is easy to make.

This stove top method brings out the flavor and color of the cinnamon.

Begin by adding 2 cinnamon sticks to 2 cups of water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes.

Allow concentrate to cool before adding to cold water and ice.

cinnamon-water

Baking, cooking, decorating, and entertaining with apples and pumpkins on a crisp fall day or evening is part of the tradition and pure fall fun.

Darleen-signature-love

On The Patio, Porch, Terrace, Decked Out Summer Holidays

The on the patio, porch, terrace or deck on summer holidays season complete with summer ready spots of relaxation and entertaining decked out to impress is ready to a kick off.

summer holidays

Winter is in the rearview mirror, and we are looking ahead to outdoor living, entertaining, and my favorite, decorating, with the full-on colors, patterns, and textures that visually convey the message summer has arrived.

The warm temps of spring every days and summer holidays is inspiration central for those who love decorating and celebrating their outdoor living life on the patio, porch, terrace or deck on summer holidays.

beach-style-porchHeather Garrett Design

Summer evenings set to a serene and tranquil scene usher in a leave the fast track behind and escape to relaxation destination.

beach-style-deck

Peter Billiards

I love an outdoor space that visually draws you in and stunningly communicates come for the style, stay for the view.

Great lighting is an essential part of framing the space- indoors and outdoors.

Gold Washed Metal Rustic Eclectic Boho Lantern Candle Holder

Large Seagrass Lantern

Large Seagrass Lantern – Threshold™

Maize and Wood Outdoor Lantern with Glass

Maize and Wood Outdoor Lantern with Glass

I always suggest adding or at least consider adding a chandelier and/or table lamp(s) to your patio, porch, terrace or deck space.

Unscented-Totem-Taper-Candles-in-Box_2C-Set-of-2

Unscented Totem Taper Candles in Box, Set of 2

These lighting options inject a touch of casual elegance and make the space more intimate.

Mediterranean porch

Gil Walsh Interiors

Paper lanterns make an affordable addition to your outdoor lighting scheme.

paper-lanterns-8-in-round-beige-3

Paper Lanterns

We use a fire pit as another form of lighting.

And for roasting marshmallows for summer s’mores.

And mosquito control aka natural buzz kill.

Hohman Firebowl Steel Wood Fire Pit with Handles and Spark Screen

Celebrating the moments of your outdoor living life with a cool refreshing beverage is always a good idea.

Convenience makes a fabulous party guest, and a beverage station or bar cart sur le patio is as convenient as it is necessary.

outdoor-cart-serving

Redondo Outdoor Wicker Bar Cart

The image below reminds me of the vintage sewing machine stand I bought at a flea market when Dave the Builder and I were dating.

Dave found a scrap piece of marble to serve as the top and we were in business.

vintage-sewing-stand

I first used the marble top sewing machine stand as a bistro table, then a kitchen island, then a microwave stand, and eventually a poolside bar/beverage stand.

Nothing fancy by any means, but unique (at the time) and very versatile.

patio-decor-accessories

Domino

Gauthier~Stacy Inc.

Gauthier-Stacy Inc.

terrace-deck

Gunn Landscape Architecture

outdoor-wicker-club-chair

Pueblo Outdoor Wicker Club Chair With Water Resistant Cushions

Antibes Set of 2 Wicker Club Chair with Cushions - Christopher Knight Home

Antibes Set of 2 Wicker Club Chair with Cushions – Christopher Knight Home

poolside-umbrellaDomino

black-iron-patio-chairs-gold-finials (1)

black-iron-patio-chairs-lattice-back-detail

Midway 2pk Metal Patio Club Chairs- Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee

Black and white stripes is a summer classic.

Safavieh Elsa Fashion Line 9 Ft. Umbrella

blue-purple-hydrangea

The vibrancy of summer blooms in seasonal colors is accentuated by color rich decorative planters.

Roped+Bell+Jar+Resin+Stone+Urn+Planter

Hendersonville Old World Floral Garden Ceramic Pot Planter

red-pottery-planter

New England Pottery 17.25-in W x 17-in H Red Ceramic Classic Planter

Garden hose be gone, or at least housed in this beehive hose holder.

hose-holder

Do you know what a summer day and this post have in common?

They’re both long.

Summer days, summer nights, and summer holidays- are you ready to show your summer style off on your stylishly decorated patio, porch, terrace or deck?

Love your style!

This post contains affiliate links.  I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

French Themed Tablescape

The beauty of a French themed tablescape is found in the ooh la la factor, and this We’ll Always Have Paris French themed tablescape focuses attention on the it’s all in the details appeal of understated elegance.

La-Fregate-cafe

Soft lighting, informal china and crystal, and benign neglect to formality describes the European sentiment.

Wacker Table Lamp

Roma Table Lamp- Classic Favs!

Incorporate a table lamp(s) into your tablescape scheme.

StyleCraft Home Collection 24.5-in Blue Table Lamp with Fabric Shade

Chelsea Blue Accent Table Lamp – Chelsea Blue Hardback Fabric Shade

Soft candlelight sets the night and the table in casually elegant fashion and romantic ambiance.

Distressed White Ornate Candle Holder, 28 in.Distressed White Ornate Candle Holder

taper-candles-for-French-themed-tablescape

French decor elements bring a palette of both deep and soft blue and green, crisp white, rich brown and citrine, soft gray, and deep wine red to the table.

French-bistro-green-chairsFlickr

Below is an assortment of tabletop accessories, serveware, and thoughtful accoutrementto illustrate the point.

wood-charger

Serveware Embossed Charger Plates Set of 4

Embossed Charger Plate-Set of 4

wood-pattern-plate-chargerFaux Wood Charger Plates

Food Network™ Resin Wicker Charger PlateFood Network Resin Wicker Charger

Lenox Chelse Muse Fleur Dinner Plate

Chelse Muse Fleur 12-Pc. Dinnerware Set, Service for 4

Thierry's cottageThierry’s Cottage – Flickr

Merletto 11" Square Dinner PlateArte Italica Merletto 11″ Square Dinner Plate

“The service and mood should be informal,
and the food, wine, and presentation extraordinary.” 

—Tomas Maier

Elama Indigo Lotus 16 Pieces Square Dinnerware Set

Elama Indigo Lotus 16 Pieces Square Dinnerware Set

AERIN Scalloped Rim Salad Plate, Each, BlueAERIN Scalloped Rim Salad Plate, Each, Blue

Dowd Traditional Blue Accent Table Lamp

Dowd Traditional Blue Accent Table Lamp

Mainstays Blue Rim Stoneware Dinner Plate

Mainstays Blue Rim Stoneware Dinner Plate

Bernardaud Tout Salad Plates

Bernardaud Tout Salad Plates

Corelle 18pc Vitrelle Embossed Bella Faenza Dinnerware Set White

Corelle 18pc Vitrelle Embossed Bella Faenza Dinnerware Set White

Pillivuyt Queen Anne Porcelain Dinnerware Collection

Pillivuyt Queen Anne Porcelain Dinnerware Collection

Vintage pieces make a wonderful contribution to tablecsapes, lending an air of distinction that exemplifies the art of classic French themed tablescape savoir faire. vintage-black-and-brown-china-plates-set-of-3

Vintage Black & Brown China Plates- Set of 3

Warwick-china-dessert-bowlsWarwick Dessert Bowls

Restaurant-de-la-tour

Restaurant De La Tour

Restaurant.

Bistro.

Home sweet home.

Ambiance is paramount to setting the scene and the table for the dining experience.

Call it an experience because dining should be exactly that- a social, sensory and scrumptious experience.

Sight (we eat first with our eyes) sound, touch, smell and taste anchor ambiance.

Faux Ivory Hixon Laguiole 20 Piece Stainless Steel Flatware Set, Service for 4Faux Ivory Hixon Laguiole 20 Piece Stainless Steel Flatware Set, Service for 4

Zwilling JA Henckels Vintage 23 Piece 18/10 Stainless Steel Flatware Set, Service for 4

Zwilling JA Henckels Vintage Stainless Steel Flatware Set, Service for 4

French antique large tureen ironstone Luneville 19th Flowers Fontainebleau pattern

lions-head-bowl

Lion Head’s Bowl

Oval+Platter

Oval Platter in Cobalt by Fiesta

BFK Dauphin antique tureen, Boch Freres Keramis, Late 1800sBFK Dauphin Antique Tureen, Boch Freres Keramis, Late 1800s

Burano+Oval+Scalloped+Platter

Burano Platter by Arte Italica

 

Antique Sauce boat French Choisy le Roi ROCHANBEAU Faience Gravy 1860's ironstoneAntique Choisy le Roi ROCHANBEAU Faience Gravy 1860’s 

Musee Five-Piece Place Setting

french linen napkins

Hotel Dinner NapkinsHotel Dinner Napkins

toile-blue-fabric

Small Porcelain Plate

Small Porcelain Plate

Napkin (Set of 6)

DII Dish Towels Check Plaid, Set of 4-Gray

DII Printed Dishtowels Style Tabletop Collection, 18x28, French Stripe 3 PieceDII Printed Dishtowels Style Tabletop Collection, French Stripe 3 Piece

https://brandcycle.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=177&aff_id=2671&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tkqlhce.com%2Fclick-7921344-15590330%3Fsid%3DA{affiliate_id}O{offer_id}TID{transaction_id}%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.macys.com%252Fshop%252Fproduct%252Fla-rochere-versailles-9-ounce-tumbler-set-of-6%253FID%253D5400370

Bentwood Café Chairs

stoneware-floral-pitcher-French-tablescape

Pitcher-ZentiqueZentique Pitcher

Small European Bread BoardSmall European Bread Board

Brie

french-bread

Heather Bullard thoughtfully turns antique ephemera into these free printable French baguettes wraps perfect as take away party favors.

baguette-wraps

Click on the link below to see her post and download instructions.  Merci beaucoup, Heather.

bread-wraps

FrenchBaguetteWrap

French Baguette Wrap Printable

chipwood-basket

bistro-cheese-board

Wine Carafe

Libbey 719 8.5 oz. glass cocktail decanter

Libbey 8.5 oz. Cocktail Decanter

Elle Decor Set of 6 Wine Glasses, Blue

Elle Decor Set of 6 Wine Glasses, Blue

versailles-tumblers

La Rochere Versailles Tumblers, Set of 6

French wine glass

French Wine Glass

alpaca wine rack

El Mueble

The ooh la la of the French tablescape and copper accents.

Relaxed refinement is not an oxymoron.

C’est magnifique!

 

vintage-etched-goblets

Williams Sonoma Vintage Etched Goblets

French-themed-tablescape

French-place-setting

French Antique Digoin Sarreguemines Grey Poupon Mustard of Dijon PotFrench Antique Digoin Sarreguemines Grey Poupon Mustard of Dijon Pot

jute-tableclothJute Tablecloth

hemstitched-embroidered-table-runner

Fennco Styles Hand Hemstitched and Embroidered Swiss Dot Table Runner

Lavender Bunch

Lavender Bunch

Brie

I absolutely ooh la la love adding a few vintage and antique items to my tablescape and decorating plan.

Antique Large Round Blue Wood Cheese BoxAntique Large Round Blue Wood Cheese Box

A large antique cheese box makes a fantastic decorative accent for a cheese and fruit display.

CounterArt Tempered Glass Shades Cutting Board

garden-markers-blue-white

summer-font

summer cheese board

Small European Bread BoardSmall European Bread Board

Silea Cheese Markers - Set of 6

autumn-font

fall-board-cheese

Ornate Pedestal Riser Ornate Pedestal Riser

artichoke=place=card

Pinterest

lemon-card-2

Grab a free place card template printable, pop over to your photo editor of choice, add your own favorite French themed embellishments, colors and fonts and voilà!

French themed tablescape

Frame prints or printables such as this menu écrit en français as conversation pieces.

blue-frame-French-menu

Wall shelf-wall sconces plucked from the clearance shelves at Hobby Lobby have served as my go-to tabletop décor accessory at shop and at home.

Grindle Leaf Scroll Wall Shelf

The decorative duo immediately caught my eye as tabletop gotta have it rather than wall décor.

When you like the details, finish and presence of a decorative piece, but not in the context of its original purpose, repurpose.

Antique Silk French Subdued Blue Ombre Ribbon

Antique Silk French Subdued Blue Ombre Ribbon

From place setting to ambiance, a destination themed tablescape travels well.

Part III of Themed Tablescapes Table Escapes features decorative accessories and accents of Chinoiserie chic to set a Far East Fabulous tablescape.

Darleen-signature-love