Happy Memorial Day!

Hi Friends,

We Will Remember Them - The ones that we've lost still go with us in spirit. In the faces of Family, their presence still lingers. In the dreams they once nurtured they still shape our future. In the hearts that embrace them, they live on forever. At daybreak and nightfall, as long as there's memory we will remember them.

Thinking of you this Memorial Day and sharing The Ultimate Sacrifice poem by Joanna Fuchs.

The Ultimate Sacrifice:

We set aside Memorial Day
Each and every year
To honor those who gave their lives
Defending what we hold dear.

In all the dark and deadly wars,
Their graves prove and remind us,
Our brave Americans gave their all
To put danger far behind us.

They made the ultimate sacrifice
Fighting for the American way;
We admire them and respect them
On every Memorial Day.

By Joanna Fuchs

Happy Memorial Day from your friends at Interior Design!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Quick and Easy Cocktails...

Courtesy of HGTV

Happy Memorial Day Friends,

Our featured Cool Cucumber Cocktail ia a gin concoction blends cucumber, a powerful antioxidant, with apple cider and cranberry juice for a healthy cocktail option.

Dirty Martini


This classic cocktail is just as popular today as it was during the swinging 60's. Perfect for any get-together — whether formal or casual — martinis are a year-round pleaser.

Fizzy Lizzy


This simple, fruity drink is a cross between a top-shelf margarita and a champagne cocktail. Black raspberry liqueur sweetens the tequila and orange cognac mixture, while fresh raspberries and raspberry sugar garnishes make it festive enough for any party.

Gimlets


This classic cocktail is smooth, dry and just a little tart.

Taste of the Tropics Cocktail


This frozen Caribbean cocktail hails from sunny Anguilla and combines coconut, rum and pineapple juice for a tasty, fruity drink.

Urbanpolitan


A grittier, sassier version of the classic Cosmo, the Urbanpolitan is a combination of citrus vodkas, sour mix, cranberry juice and lime juice. Photo by Evan Sklar.

Ginger and Carrot Cocktail


The healing properties of ginger and carrot juice combine with vodka for a cocktail that's just what the doctor ordered.

Gilligan's Delight


Inspired by days spent on the beach, a la Gilligan's Island, bourbon is mixed with ginger-infused apple cider for an unexpected and fruity twist.

Sneaky Tequila


Not for the faint of heart, this cocktail has a smooth taste with a powerful punch, thanks to tequila, coconut rum and peach schnapps topped with pineapple and cranberry juices. Photo by Evan Sklar.

Danni's Orange Derby Cocktail


Celebrate by combining cold orange spice tea and orange juice with splashes of cranberry juice and lemon-lime soda. Garnished with coarse sugar and an orange slice, this drink is perfect for any occasion.

Frozen Waterberry Batida


Off to Brazil and the land of cachaca, a liquor made from distilled sugar-cane juice. This frozen cocktail tops the cachaca with strawberries and watermelon, the perfect fruity drink for your next spring or summer gathering.

Autumn Colors Cocktail


This drink's ruby-red hue comes from a combination of sweet iced tea and pomegranate liqueur and was designed to mirror autumn's crimson leaves. A shot of vodka gives the refreshing drink a kick.

Make entertaining a cinch with simple cocktail recipes you can throw together in no time. Whether planning a summer fete or winter gathering, we have the right cocktail for your party.

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Mocktail Recipes

Courtesy of HGTV

Happy Memorial Day Friends,

Grapefruit isn't just for breakfast anymore. Our featured Virgin Grapefruit Mojito is delightful for a party or even for a lazy Saturday brunch, this no-booze spin on a classic cocktail is fun to make and a tasty mix of flavors.

Spicy Raspberry Lemon Cooler


A grown-up take on lemonade, this non-alcoholic drink combines the fruitiness of raspberries with spicy ginger beer.

Mango Mock-o-lada


Any good bartender must have a good frozen colada recipe in their arsenal, and this non-alcoholic mango version couldn't be easier to make. In fact, make it ahead: Freeze the mixture in ice cube trays, then re-blend when your party guests arrive.

Virgin Garden Mary


Delight guests with a non-alcoholic Bloody Mary bar at your next party. Set out pitchers of carrot juice, tomato Mary mix and cucumber water; let guests layer and mix their own drinks. Be sure to put out a bottle of hot sauce and extra lemon wedges for your friends who like it tart and spicy.

Virgin Hibiscus Cosmopolitan


Be prepared for any girls' night out with this tasty non-alcoholic spin on the classic Cosmo. Hibiscus flower petals, dried for making tea, are a deliciously tart substitute for cranberry juice in your mocktail concoctions.

Creamsicle Punch


The flavors of this festive punch will bring you back to your childhood. Perfect for an outdoor gathering, bridal shower or Sunday brunch, this sunny concoction is easily doubled and great for a crowd.

Sparkling Sunshine Punch


Adorn this tart and bubbly punch with pretty, yet simple to make, floating ice flowers.

Cantaloupe-Ginger Spritzer


Fresh ginger root is a great way to add some punch to non-alcoholic beverages. Combine it with fresh cantaloupe juice for a refreshing drink.

Pom-Berry Bellini


This simple yet elegant drink is festive and delicious with non-alcoholic champagne, sparkling wine or cider. There are high-quality, alcohol-removed sparkling wines now available in local wine shops. Leftover pomegranate syrup can be mixed with sparkling water, ginger ale or poured over ice cream.

Mexican Chocolate Mock-tini


Sweet and satisfying, this mocktail could easily replace dessert. Mexican chocolate has hints of cinnamon; here cocoa powder is paired with cinnamon and almond milk.

Whether planning a shower, a brunch or if you just need a non-alcoholic option for your next gathering, these virgin drinks are as pretty as they are delicious.

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Throw a Festive Fiesta-Inspired Cocktail Party...

Courtesy of Camille Styles

Happy Memorial Day Friends,

Raise the Bar. Welcome guests with sweet mango margaritas served in a clear decanter that's large enough for a crowd. Add lots of fun color with paper-flower garlands, shockingly pink glassware and a massive display of gladiolas.

Pop a Top


Transport guests to a sunny beach by serving Mexican beer and sparkling water, all topped off with a twist of lime. For a laid-back presentation (and to make things easy on the host), display in a bucket filled with ice so guests can help themselves.

Bite by Bite


The only thing better than tacos are miniature tacos. A variety of fillings and taco shells can be prepared ahead of time, then quickly assembled right before guests arrive.

La Musica


To take this party over the top, invite a Spanish guitarist or mariachi musician to make a surprise entrance. The ambiance and conversation are instantly lifted by the sounds of light strumming, serenading guests late into the night.

Room for Dessert


Bring out a delectable dulce de leche cake just before sunset. Traditionally Latin and super sweet, the five-layer cake topped with raspberries is a beautiful treat for partygoers.

Batter Up!


Not only does a pinata add a colorful focal point for fiesta decor, it instantly transforms cocktail hour into a family-friendly affair. Guests of all ages will have a blast swinging away, since after all, who doesn't love candy?

Shake 'Em Up


Nothing says "fiesta" like bright, noise-making maracas. Tossed into a wicker basket and tied together with tags reading "Shake Responsibly," these create a punchy decorative element and a fun favor for partygoers to take home.

One Last Thing


Since this party overflowed with treats, why not end the evening with just one more takeaway? Delicious pralines sealed in translucent bags reading "Muchas Gracias" are sure to send guests home on a sweet note.

Invite friends to a festive cocktail party featuring spicy Mexican flavors, mango margaritas and lively conversation. A color palette of hot pink, tangerine and sky blue sets the perfect tone for a sizzling south-of-the-border soiree.

Cheers!

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Memorial Day Picnic Recipes: Patriotic Berry Trifle, Frozen Lemonade Pie, Chocolate Strawberry Shortcakes, Vanilla Ice Cream with Honey & Mixed Berry Cobbler

Courtesy of Food Network

Happy Memorial Day Friends,

Use store-bought angel food cake to cut down on the prep time for Sunny Anderson's colorful trifle.

Get the Recipe: Patriotic Berry Trifle

Frozen Lemonade Pie


Use frozen lemonade as the filling for this berry-topped pie.

Get the Recipe: Frozen Lemonade Pie

Chocolate Strawberry Shortcakes


Add cocoa powder to your shortcake recipe and give these traditional summer favorites a chocolatey flair.

Get the Recipe: Chocolate Strawberry Shortcakes

Vanilla Ice Cream with Honey


Use vanilla beans, split lengthwise and scraped, to get the best flavor from Ted Allen's homemade ice cream. Top it with fresh berries for patriotic red, white and blue flair.

Get the Recipe: Vanilla Ice Cream With Honey

Mixed Berry Cobbler


Bake frozen mixed berries into a better-for-you summertime cobbler, complete with a whole-wheat topping made with low-fat buttermilk.

Get the Recipe: Mixed Berry Cobbler

Bon Appétit...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Memorial Day Picnic Recipes: The Neelys' Lime Bars, Cheesecake Tart With Berries, Classic Strawberry Shortcake & Red, White and Blue Fruit Cups

Courtesy of Food Network
Photo By: Alice Gao

Happy Memorial Day Friends,

The Neelys' creamy, zesty lime bars are just the thing to top off a picnic. For the neatest presentation, use a metal spatula or a baker's scraper to remove the bars from the pan.

Get the Recipe: Neely's Lime Bars

Cheesecake Tart with Berries

Photo By: Yunhee KIm

A pecan crust, cheesecake filling and loads of fresh berries make this tart a showstopping Memorial Day treat.

Get the Recipe: Cheesecake Tart With Berries

Classic Strawberry Shortcake

Photo By: Tara Donne

These classic shortcakes made with not-too-sweet biscuits are a great way to kick off strawberry season.

Get the Recipe: Classic Strawberry Shortcake

Red, White and Blue Fruit Cups


Rachael Ray's 10-minute dessert is chock-full of fresh fruit: strawberries, blueberries and blackberries.

Get the Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Fruit Cups

Make red, white and blue fruit desserts from Food Network the stars of your Memorial Day celebration.

Bon Appétit...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Memorial Day Picnic Recipes: Fried Chicken, Avocado Salad, Lady Marmalade Chicken Salad & Flank Steak and Rajas Fajitas

Courtesy of Food Network
Photo By: Matt Armendariz

Happy Memorial Day Friends,

Boneless, skinless chicken cooks much faster than meat with the bone in. This way, you'll have a platter of hot fried chicken ready to feed a crowd in no time.

Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken

Avocado Salad

Photo By: Antonis Achilleos

Creamy avocado pairs beautifully with sweet mango and crunchy jicama.

Get the Recipe: Avocado Salad

Lady Marmalade Chicken Salad

Photo By: Lisa Shin

Aarti's take on chicken salad features a Greek yogurt dressing and extra crunch from roasted cashews.

Get the Recipe: Lady Marmalade Chicken Salad

Flank Steak and Rajas Fajitas

Photo By: Kat Teutsch

Spice up your picnic with Aarón's grilled fajitas. He fills tortillas with strips of flank steak, onions and both jalapeno and poblano peppers.

Get the Recipe: Flank Steak and Rajas Fajitas

Bon Appétit...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne