Wednesday, August 31, 2016

All-Americana Party


Courtesy of Farima Alavi
Party collaboration with Emily Welch of Magnolia Creative Co.

Hi Friends,

Sizzling Themes for an Outdoor Summer Party. Throw an outdoor summer party with an easy yet stunning theme that will leave your guests more than satisfied.

The inspiration for this party was classic all-American baseball. This theme works great for Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day or for a picnic in the park. ALM Chandler spruced up the table with a handmade apple banner, and she served apple pie instead of a traditional cake for a true Americana look. To coordinate with the theme, serve red, white and blue dessert and soda pop.

Great party idea for Labor Day, but hurry you only have 4 days to prepare...

Happy Labor Day!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Summer Chill


Courtesy of Camille Styles
Photo by Camille Styles

Hi Friends,

Summer is coming to an end and we will soon transition into Autumn. For the finale, make fruity ice cubes for a summer treat that's tasty and refreshing. Simply fill an ice cube tray with water, then drop in raspberries and slices of lemon, lime and orange. Once frozen, the infused cubes are perfect for adding flavor and cooling down a glass of water or fresh-squeezed lemonade.

Have fun...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Monday, August 29, 2016

Garden-Inspired Elements


Courtesy of Katie Meyers
Photography by ALX Creatives

Hi Friends,

Make guests feel special by displaying name tags tied onto mini herb plants that they can take home with them as a reminder of the day's event. Download these (free!) printable name cards below:

Click HERE to be redirected to the FREE printable printable name card template.

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Live well,
Yvonne

Friday, August 26, 2016

Garden-Inspired Elements


Courtesy of Katie Meyers
Photography by ALX Creatives

Hi Friends,

As a nod to summer's most popular dining experience (eating alfresco!), create a fresh, crisp environment based around garden-to-table elements. For those with a green thumb, tap into your creative side by making oversized, unruly centerpieces that make it feel as though guests are sitting right in the middle of a garden.

Enjoy your Alfresco dinning experience with family and good friends...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Mini Food Favorite: Spaghetti and Meatballs


Courtesy of Katie Meyers
Photography by ALX Creatives

Hi Friends,

Bite-sized meatballs placed on top of spaghetti noodles are the perfect way to encourage guests to Mangia! Mangia!

A favorite - Bon Appétit...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Mini Food


Courtesy of Katie Meyers
Photography by ALX Creatives

Hi Friends,

Summer is all about casual, laid-back vibes, so set out a variety of mini foods for guests to nibble on instead of hosting a formal meal. Mini, layered BLT salads are the perfect excuse to use ingredients from your own backyard.

Bon Appétit...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Get Toasty


Courtesy of Manvi Drona-Hidalgo

Hi Friends,

Throw a Luxury Camping Party at Home by lighting up a camp-side fire in a portable fire pit for guests to lounge around after dinner.

Warm summer nights are perfect for glamping dinner parties. Invite friends to enjoy nature views and delicious meals under the stars for a glamorous camping experience, all without forgoing the luxury of home.

Happy camping...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Monday, August 22, 2016

Interactive Bites


Courtesy of Katie Meyers
Photography by ALX Creatives

Hi Friends,

Invite guests over for an MYOP (Make Your Own Pizza) party. Specialty food stations create chatter among guests and serve as a great way to spark conversation for those who haven’t met.

Set out a variety of fresh, seasonal ingredients and let guests get creative while building their own personalized pizza.



Take your MYOP party one step further by giving guests recipe cards sharing your favorite pizza sauce recipe along with a bottle of your famous sauce.



Bon Appétit...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Friday, August 19, 2016

S'mores Take-Home Favor Boxes


Courtesy of Katie Meyers
Photography by ALX Creatives

Hi Friends,

Encourage guests to continue having "s'more" fun at home long after the party ends. Gift everyone with homemade favors that are reminiscent of summer campfires, like these s'more take-home boxes. They're the perfect way for guests to end the night on a sweet note. Get the how-to below>>

Materials Needed
small kraft gift box
small square of aluminum foil (cut to fit inside box)
square of colored card stock (cut to fit box lid)
hole punch
double-sided tape
graham crackers
marshmallows
chocolate bar
ribbon or twine
kraft labels



Directions
1. Punch holes in box lid.


2. Tape colored card stock square onto box lid.


3. Line box with aluminum foil, then fill with graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows.


4. Tie box up with string, and attach a clever label (Bake at home for s'more fun!) hinting to guests about what's inside.


Project makes one s'more party favor...

Enjoy!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Trend to Try: Memorable + Delicious Desserts


Courtesy of Katie Meyers
Photography by ALX Creatives

Hi Friends,

Summer entertaining trends we're loving right now. Entertain in style this season by hosting stress-free, relaxing celebrations with the summer-inspired trends you'll see here over the next several days so be sure to check back often.

Today, its icy-cold gelato infused with unique ingredients, such as vegetables or sophisticated fruit combos, are the hit of the season. Wow guests with a trio of delicious flavors, like raspberry pomegranate, pistachio cream and mango.

Cheers...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Sweet as Pie


Courtesy of Camille Styles
Photography by She-N-He Photography

Hi Friends,

A Southern-style party calls for a certain set of lovable and traditional treats. Fitting menu items include individually-sized portions of fresh fruit tartlets, banana pudding, lemon meringue pie and pecan pie. Get the recipes for these Savannah dessert menu items below:

Banana Pudding Parfait Recipe
Layers of vanilla pudding, banana slices and wafers combine to create a miniature Southern staple.

Makes 24 parfaits

Ingredients
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
2 cups whole milk
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces and chilled
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
45 vanilla wafers
2 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1 tablespoon lemon juice
24 shot glasses

Instructions
1. Combine sugar, cornstarch and salt in a heavy saucepan.

2. Add eggs and egg yolk and whisk until combined.

3. Add milk and whisk until combined, about 30 seconds.

4. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken and bubble around the edges, about 7 minutes.

5. Remove from heat and whisk in butter one piece at a time, allowing each piece to fully incorporate before adding the next.

6. Whisk in vanilla.

7. Cover the surface of the pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.

8. Toss the banana slices with the lemon juice in a small bowl and set aside.

9. In each shot glass, carefully spread a teaspoon of pudding in the bottom. Cover with a vanilla wafer, then add a banana slice. Spoon another teaspoon of pudding on top of bananas. Repeat. Top each parfait with a vanilla wafer for garnish.

Lemon Meringue Tartlets Recipe
With tastes reminiscent of Grandmother's kitchen, these miniature lemon meringue tartlets feature a zesty custard filling and fluffy topping.

Makes 24 tartlets

Ingredients
For tartlet shells:
2 store-bought pie crusts

For lemon curd:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon finely-grated lemon zest
3 large eggs, beaten

For meringue:
4 large egg whites
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
pinch of salt

Instructions
For tartlet shells:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
3. Roll the pie crusts to 1/8-inch thickness. With a 2 1/2-inch diameter biscuit cutter or drinking glass, cut out 24 rounds. Place dough into pan and press to fit.
4. Bake for 15 minutes or until crisp. Remove from oven and set aside to cool completely.

For lemon curd:
1. In a mixing bowl set over simmering water, cook sugar, lemon juice, butter, zest and eggs.
2. Whisk frequently until custard forms and bubbles appear on surface, about 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl.
4. Set aside until cool, then fill each tartlet with 1 tablespoon of cool lemon curd.

For meringue:
1. In a stand mixer bowl set over simmering water, whisk together egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar and salt until sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes.
2. Transfer to stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, and beat whites at medium-high until they hold soft peaks.
3. Increase speed to high, and continue beating until meringue is cool and stiff, about 10 minutes.

Assembly
1. Pipe meringue on top of filling in each shell.
2. Preheat broiler to high. Set pies on a baking sheet, and place under broiler until meringue is toasted, about 2 minutes.
3. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Pecan Pie Tartlets Recipe
Pecan pie is a classic Southern dish that has been served at family gatherings for generations. Our twist turns them into miniature hand-held tartlets, making them a better option for larger affairs.

Makes 24 tartlets

Ingredients
2 store-bought pie crusts
3 cups pecans
1 3/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
3/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.

3. Roll the pie crusts to 1/8-inch thickness. With a 2 1/2-inch diameter biscuit cutter or drinking glass, cut out 24 rounds. Place dough into pan and press to fit.

4. Bake for 15 minutes, until crisp. Remove from oven and set aside to cool completely.

5. On a large baking sheet, toast pecans in middle of oven until golden. Cool, then coarsely chop.

6. In a heavy saucepan, heat sugar, water and corn syrup over low heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Boil mixture, without stirring, until golden.

7. Remove pan from heat and add cream, stirring carefully until combined well.

8. Transfer caramel to a bowl to cool, about 10 minutes. Add nuts and stir to coat.

9. Spoon 1 1/2 tablespoons filling into each shell.

Bon Appétit...

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Live well,
Yvonne





Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Free Printable Summer Party Invitations


Courtesy of Manvi Drona-Hidalgo

Hi Friends,

Get friends in the mood for outdoorsy fun with creative glamping party invitations shaped like popsicles. Download the invite template below.

Click HERE to be redirected to the Free Printable Popsicle Summer Party Invitation.

Enjoy...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Monday, August 15, 2016

Make Jam Party Favors


Courtesy of Camille Styles
Photography by She-N-He Photography

Hi Friends,

How to Make Jam Party Favors with minimal materials and a few simple steps; send guests home savoring the sweet tastes of summer in the South. Add a traditional Southern touch to your summer soiree with jarred jam party favors.

For this project you'll need:
  • jars of jam
  • 1/4 yard of fabric
  • hemp cord or twine
  • cardstock
  • small hole punch
  • scissors

An easy project that your family and friends will appreciated but moreover a reminder of treasured time spent at the end of Summer...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Friday, August 12, 2016

Garden Tea Party


Courtesy of Farima Alavi

Hi Friends,

Gather up your girlfriends for an elaborate garden tea party. Use natural elements such as moss and fresh flowers to dress up the table. Camille Styles of Camille Styles Events placed burlap on the table for a rustic feel. Fresh white tulips in small pots is an easy way to bring life and openness to the table.

Bon Appétit...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Lobster Bake


Courtesy of Farima Alavi
Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn

Hi Friends,

It wouldn't be summer without an outdoor lobster bake. Cover the table with newspaper for an inexpensive way to bring festivity to your party. Shellfish is so vivid that you don't need a ton of decor to create an appealing yet casual table setting. Add some simple dinnerware to complete the look without going over the top.

Bon Appétit...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Simple Elegance


Courtesy of Farima Alavi
Design by Manvi Drona Hidalgo

Hi Friends,

Throwing an elegant outdoor dinner party doesn't have to mean using expensive tableware. Purchase basic glasses, fill them with water and place discount flowers on top. For an extra touch, surround the glasses with small candles and serve the food on your best china.

Enjoy in style...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Add Architectural Interest With Crown Molding


Courtesy of Marian Parsons

Hi Friends,

Give any boring, builder-basic room a high-end upgrade by adding crown molding. This update can be completed in just a few hours and is a great project for beginning woodworkers.

Materials Needed:
  • crown molding (enough to cover perimeter of room)
  • miter saw
  • tape measure
  • pencil
  • finishing nailer
  • protective eyewear
  • 16 gauge 1 1/2” nails
  • primer
  • paint
  • 2" sash brush
  • spackle
  • bright white paintable trim caulk and caulk gun
  • clean wet cloth

Measure Room, and Prime and Paint Molding
Using a tape measure, determine amount of crown molding needed to cover perimeter of room. It's a good idea to buy extra to accommodate waste and mistakes. It's also best to buy molding pieces that can run the full length of each wall, if possible, to reduce the number of joints. To save time, prime and paint molding prior to installation; touch-ups after the molding is installed should be minor.

Measure and Cut Molding
Transfer room measurements to crown molding and cut each piece to size following the Cut Guide listed below. Be sure to measure from outermost point on inside corner cuts and innermost point on outside corner cuts for a proper fit. Always make a few test cuts to be sure angle and bevel are set correctly.

Miter Saw Crown Molding Cut Guide (The left and right sides mentioned here refer to left or right side of the corner, not left or right side of room.)

Note: Miter-saw bevel should be angled left at 33.9 degrees for all cuts:
  • INSIDE corner, LEFT side – Position top of molding against miter-saw fence, angle set right at 31.6 degrees, left side is finished piece.
  • INSIDE corner, RIGHT side – Position bottom of molding against miter-saw fence, angle set left at 31.6 degrees, left side is finished piece.
  • OUTSIDE corner, LEFT side - Position bottom of molding against miter-saw fence, angle set left at 31.6 degrees, right side is finished piece.
  • OUTSIDE corner, RIGHT side - Position top of molding against miter-saw fence, angle set right at 31.6 degrees, right side is finished piece.

Tip: Most miter saws have the angle and bevel degrees highlighted for crown molding to make them easy to locate.



Install Molding
This step is best completed with two people, especially for long stretches of molding. Hold crown molding in place, so it's tight against both the wall and ceiling. Make sure back of bottom side is flat against wall, so the angle stays consistent. Nail through molding into ceiling and/or wall to secure in place (Image 1). Line up second piece at corner and nail into place (Image 2). Due to irregularities often found in walls and ceilings, molding may not meet perfectly, but caulk will fill small gaps. If it's necessary to butt two pieces together on a long wall, cut meeting ends at a 45-degree bevel, no angle (Image 3). Cut one end with the finished side of molding face up and the other with finished side face down, so ends fit together like a puzzle. Tip: For higher ceilings or larger rooms, beef up the appearance of crown molding by adding decorative trim a few inches below and painting the crown molding, trim and wall between the same color and finish.



Caulk Gaps and Fill Holes
Use a caulk gun to apply white trim caulk to seams where molding meets ceiling and wall (Image 1). Also apply caulk to corners where molding meets. Working in small sections, apply a bead of caulk then wipe away the excess with a damp finger or cloth (Image 2). Tip: Keep a bucket of water handy when caulking to rinse clothe or fingers. Using your finger, fill nail holes with lightweight spackle (Image 3) then wipe away the excess with damp cloth. Once spackle and caulk have fully dried, apply touchup paint for a clean, finished look (Image 4).



Give your space an upscale sophistication in a weekend that won't break the bank...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Monday, August 8, 2016

Once You Pop


Courtesy of Camille Styles
Photo by She-n-He Photography

Hi Friends,

Put an exciting spin on the dessert buffet by setting up a popcorn bar before everyone arrives. Fill a variety of apothecary jars with different flavors of homemade or store-bought popcorn, and let guests have fun scooping up the salty and sweet flavors. Place paper bags next to the bar so everyone can take their favorite flavor home with them; it's the perfect way to thank them for "popping" by!

Thanks for popping by...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Friday, August 5, 2016

Sweet Seat


Courtesy of Camille Styles
Photo by Mike Bullock

Hi Friends,

Life is just a bowl of cherries, especially during the summer. Download and print this place card template, hand write guests' names on each flag and use double-sided tape to wrap the cards around wooden skewers. Stick upright into a bowl of fresh cherries, and place at each table setting. Guests will love locating their seat to discover a fresh bowl of fruit, all theirs for the snacking.

Click HERE to be redirected to the FREE printable place card template.

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Live well,
Yvonne