Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Tips for Setting Up a Crowd-Pleasing Buffet

Courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn
Photography by Flynnside Out Productions

Hi Friends,

An entertaining pro shares tricks to make serving a crowd easier for both the host and guests at your next buffet-style brunch, lunch or dinner.

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and they may make money from these links.

Serve Like a Pro
Serving buffet style frees up the host for mingling while letting guests help themselves to their favorite foods with a well thought-out display and curated selection of sweet and savory menu items.

Get Creative With Serveware
Add a bit of personality to your buffet by serving menu items in colorful or interestingly shaped containers. For instance, a colander is a creative way to serve solid foods, like popcorn, potato chips or even fresh fruit, like grapes.

Put Cake Plates to Work
Cake plates aren't just for displaying cakes. Group less fancy fare like sandwiches or hot dogs together on cake plates to elevate them above condiments and save precious serving space.

Serve Bread in Baskets
Keep your breads contained in long bread baskets lined with linen napkins that will contain crumbs and make clean-up easy. It's best to keep the bread toward the front of the table along with butter or other toppings to keep guests from reaching over taller items.

Vary Serving Heights
Vary dishes' height so the tallest items are toward the back of the table and the shortest dishes are at the front. This will allow you to place any condiments below and in front of the elevated dishes so guests can garnish them once they're pulled off cake stands or risers.

Group Cheese With Crackers and Grapes
Make it easy for guests to assemble their own cheese plates by pairing each cheese with grapes and stacks of crackers. This way guests won't have to reach over other areas of the table to put together combinations to suit their palates.

Match Serveware to Your Theme
If you're throwing a formal buffet, cloth napkins and real china are the perfect fit; however, for a more casual get-together, upscale paper napkins and cups are the right choice. Many paper goods retailers offer a wide variety of punchy colors and graphic patterns to give your buffet a cohesive design scheme.

Position Wine Near the Cheese
Since wine and cheese pair so well together, it's best to group your buffet's wine selections next to the cheese platters. Also, make the selection process easier for guests by noting which wine pairs best with assorted cheeses using identifying flags.

Bon Appétit...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Monday, May 30, 2022

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

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Take Your Outdoor Party to the Next Level

Courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn
Photography by Flynnside Out Productions

Hi Friends,

From balloon alternatives to chic centerpieces you can create on the cheap, here are 10 creative ways to bring a designer’s touch to your next outdoor soiree.

Serve Buffet Style
Let your buffet do double duty as an outdoor focal point by dressing it with fun, festive colors. To lure guests out of the house and onto the patio, set up a no-fuss food and drink station that will spur conversation and unify different party zones with a cohesive color scheme.

Craft Fruity Centerpieces
Don't toss the empty pineapple and watermelon rind, instead repurpose them as organic vases. Hollow out the center of the melon or pineapple using a kitchen knife, then place a small cylindrical vase inside and fill with flowers that fit the vibe and palette of your party.

Add Color With Paper Lanterns
Skip balloons and instead add color and whimsy with paper lanterns. Pick up two to three packs of lanterns in a variety of coordinating colors and varying sizes. Assemble the lanterns, use zip ties or twine to cluster them together, then hang at different levels.

Turn Fabric Scraps Into a Garland
Add texture, color and pattern with a fabric scrap garland. To make the garland, pick up three to five coordinating fabrics in both solids and patterns, then cut into 2" wide strips using fabric scissors. Next, unfurl a spool of twine to the intended length of the garland and tie each scrap of fabric to the twine along the center of each scrap.

Tower of Treats
Put an elegant spin on storebought desserts with a tiered display. Swing by your favorite bakery to pick up powdered or glazed donuts, then display them on and around hat boxes of various sizes.

Aromatic Centerpiece
Opt for an edible centerpiece of fresh herbs that will encourage guests to pick any garnishes needed to finish off their drinks or add a fresh flavor to their meal.

Turn Fruit Into Sweet-Smelling Votives
Use fruit in an unexpected manner by carving a 2- to 3-inch circle out of apples and pears, then place tea lights inside for use as votives. In addition to adding color and a natural touch to your table, the votives will also add a sweet fragrance.

Enjoy the party...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Tips to Stylishly Take Your Party Outside

Courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn
Photography by Flynnside Out Productions

Hi Friends,

With a mix of indoor and outdoor furnishings and easy supermarket upgrades, here are 10 ways to pull off an outdoor party that's both pretty and practical.

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and they may make money from these links.

Spice Up Your Ice
Fire up your drink station with ice cubes containing jalapeno slices. The slices add a tasty kick to glasses of ice water and also bring a bold pop of color to the party. If spicy isn't your thing, consider adding strawberry, orange, lemon or lime slices instead.

Repurpose Patio Planters
Skip the standard plastic cooler and give ceramic planters new purpose as drink chilllers by filling them with ice, then placing them on hay bales to catch the drainage as the ice melts.

Freshen Up With Flowers
Carnations are one of the most readily available and affordable flowers sold at supermarkets. Give these budget-friendly blooms a stylish upgrade by arranging them ombre style. Just pick up three different shades of the same color carnation, cut the flowers' stems so they'll sit low around the top of the vase, then arrange the blooms light to dark to create the ombre color effect.

Upgrade Your Disposible Utensils
Leave your good silverware safely stowed inside, and forget about washing dishes. Instead, pick up disposible bamboo flatware from your local party supply or craft store. A much prettier option to standard plastic utensils, these bamboo pieces are also sturdier and more eco-friendly since they bio-degrade and are made from a rapidly renewable resource.

Rustic Drink Carriers
Keep guests' drinks safe and organized by displaying them in rustic metal drink carriers. Shop local flea markets, antique stores and garage and antique sales to pick one up on the cheap.

Serve Crowd-Pleasing Finger Foods
A no-cooking-required solution for outdoor-friendly finger foods is a kettle chip station. Supply your guests with strawberry baskets, a large bucket of kettle chips and a variety of gourmet toppings so guests can mingle freely while munching on this irresistible snack.

Summer is just around the corner, enjoy...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

Backyard Barbecue Party Ideas for Your Next Cookout

Courtesy of Maria Conti

Hi Friends,

Fire up the grill, invite a few pals and host a backyard cookout worth celebrating with these top tips, recipes, decor ideas and more.

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and they may make money from these links.

Fun-Filled Barbecue Cookout Ideas
Invite friends and family over for a fun-filled backyard barbecue this spring, summer or fall. We're sharing delicious barbecue recipes that will win over a crowd and boozy sips that will leave them smiling all afternoon. Even better? We're dishing on our go-to dining setup, cookout decorations and entertainment ideas for guests of all ages.

On-Theme Libation Station
What better way to greet guests than with an ice-cold brew by the back door? This old charcoal grill was upcycled into a charming, one-of-a-kind drink station perfect for a backyard barbecue. Recreate this on-theme cooler for your next cookout and fill it with dry white wine, rosé, spiked seltzer and local craft beers.

Get the How-To: Upcycle an Old Charcoal Grill Into a Chill Patio Bar Cart

Start a Corn Hole Tournament
Set up your tried-and-true corn hole boards to keep guests entertained while they await your world-famous ribs. Corn hole is an easy, crowd-pleasing game that kids of all ages will enjoy. Pro Tip: Bring out a chalkboard or dry-erase board to keep score throughout the day. Award the champion with a special dessert or gift card to a local barbecue restaurant.

Get the How-To: How to Upcycle an Old Pallet Into a Cornhole Game

Buzz-Worthy Sangria Pops
One never grows too old to appreciate the simple joys of a popsicle, and these fruity pops are made especially for adults. Serve guests these sangria ice pops as a refreshing treat to kick off the barbecue festivities.

Get the Recipe: Make These Sangria Ice Pops and Win Summer

Pallet Stations
Photo By: Jessica Doffing

Create extra dining space or a make-shift barbecue buffet with stacked pallet crates. This backyard gathering features a stacked pallet station dressed to impress with a blue bandana table runner, sunflower blooms and a sundae-topped cake stand.

Backyard Beer Tasting
Photo By: Manvi Drona

Fresh barbecue and cold brews are a winning combination, so it only seems right to turn your upcoming backyard cookout into a beer tasting party, too. Ask each guest to bring a pack of their favorite local beer, then pass around one of each to your guests to enjoy.

Crowd-Pleasing Rib Cups
Offer guests an easy-to-tote appetizer of your celebrated ribs in individual cups. Here, ribs are by the strip in a clear plastic cup filled with extra barbecue sauce. This is an ideal approach to offer guests a sneak peek of your grill skills or serving kid-friendly portions.

Sip on Summer Sun Tea
Keep guests hydrated in the heat with this southern mainstay. To make, place a tea bag in each Mason jar, then fill with cold water and let the jars sit in the sun and steep for up to four hours. Remove the tea bags and place the jars in the fridge or on ice until ready to serve. Flavor with herbs, fruits and berries from the garden.

Get the Recipe: 3 Delicious + Refreshing Sun Tea Recipes

Set Up a Self-Serve Hot Dog Bar
From: Brian Patrick Flynn
Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

When in doubt, a self-serve hot dog station will never — and we mean never — disappoint. Use this mouthwatering display by Brian Patrick Flynn as your muse and provide guests with a wide variety of toppings and fan-favorite sides like baked beans and slaw.

Get the How-To: Simplify Your Next Cookout With a Self-Serve Hot Dog Bar

Wow Guests With Grilled Dessert
Keep the grilled goodies coming all evening. Treat guests to this barbecue-friendly version of summer's favorite dessert: grilled strawberry shortcake. The handheld delight features fresh blackberries, strawberries and grilled pound cake stars topped with homemade cream cheese icing.

Have fun and enjoy...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Sunday, May 8, 2022

Happy Mother’s Day!


Hi Friends,

Dedicated to all our wonderful Mothers from your friends at Interior Design - May you enjoy as you are celebrated this Mother's Day with warmest thoughts and special wishes.

A Mother's Eyes

A mother's eyes so often shine with laughter, joy, or tears....and with the pride of seeing children blossom through the years. A mother's lips give kisses, cautions, praise, and good advice. She shares her faith and values through hard work and sacrifice. A mother's hands are busy trying to meet her children's needs, but quick to give applause whenever one of them succeeds. Throughout her children's lives, a mother plays a vital part. She is their shining star, their inspiration, and their heart.

Happy Mother's Day!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Thursday, May 5, 2022

Happy Cinco de Mayo!


Courtesy of History.com

Hi Friends,

Cinco de Mayo gives us the perfect opportunity to share some information on the history of Cinco de Mayo, which we've shared with you below. Enjoy the read...

History of Cinco de Mayo: Battle of Puebla
In 1861 the liberal Mexican Benito Juárez (1806-1872) became president of a country in financial ruin, and he was forced to default on his debts to European governments. In response, France, Britain and Spain sent naval forces to Veracruz to demand reimbursement. Britain and Spain negotiated with Mexico and withdrew, but France, ruled by Napoleon III (1808-1873), decided to use the opportunity to carve a dependent empire out of Mexican territory. Late in 1861, a well-armed French fleet stormed Veracruz, landing a large French force and driving President Juárez and his government into retreat.

Certain that success would come swiftly, 6,000 French troops under General Charles Latrille de Lorencez (1814-1892) set out to attack Puebla de Los Angeles, a small town in east-central Mexico. From his new headquarters in the north, Juárez rounded up a rag-tag force of 2,000 loyal men—many of them either indigenous Mexicans or of mixed ancestry—and sent them to Puebla. Led by Texas-born General Ignacio Zaragoza (1829-1862), the vastly outnumbered and poorly supplied Mexicans fortified the town and prepared for the French assault. On May 5, 1862, Lorencez drew his army, well provisioned and supported by heavy artillery, before the city of Puebla and led an assault from the north. The battle lasted from daybreak to early evening, and when the French finally retreated they had lost nearly 500 soldiers. Fewer than 100 Mexicans had been killed in the clash.

Although not a major strategic win in the overall war against the French, Zaragoza's success at Puebla represented a great symbolic victory for the Mexican government and bolstered the resistance movement. Six years later—thanks in part to military support and political pressure from the United States, which was finally in a position to aid its besieged neighbor after the end of the Civil War—France withdrew. The same year, Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, who had been installed as emperor of Mexico by Napoleon in 1864, was captured and executed by Juárez's forces. Puebla de Los Angeles was renamed for General Zaragoza, who died of typhoid fever months after his historic triumph there.

Cinco de Mayo in Mexico
Within Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is primarily observed in the state of Puebla, where Zaragoza’s unlikely triumph occurred, although other parts of the country also take part in the celebration. Traditions include military parades, recreations of the Battle of Puebla and other festive events. For many Mexicans, however, May 5 is a day like any other: It is not a federal holiday, so offices, banks and stores remain open.

Cinco de Mayo in the United States
In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is widely interpreted as a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with substantial Mexican-American populations. Chicano activists raised awareness of the holiday in the 1960s, in part because they identified with the victory of indigenous Mexicans over European invaders during the Battle of Puebla. Today, revelers mark the occasion with parades, parties, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing and traditional foods such as tacos and mole poblano. Some of the largest festivals are held in Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston.

Confusion with Mexican Independence Day
Many people outside Mexico mistakenly believe that Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican independence, which was declared more than 50 years before the Battle of Puebla. That event is commemorated on September 16, the anniversary of the revolutionary priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla’s famous “Grito de Dolores” (“Cry of Dolores”), a call to arms that amounted to a declaration of war against the Spanish colonial government in 1810.

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Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Throw the Ultimate Summer Party for Kids With These Tips

Courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Hi Friends,

Follow our must-know tips for keeping everone super cool and totally entertained.

Water Balloon Pinata
Skip the hard-to-bust candy version, and let kids cool off with loads of water balloons.

Water Gun Paint Party
Load up water guns with acrylic paints, lay out a few drop cloths, then set up an easel and canvas. Your little Picassos will love it!

Bubble Station
Everyone loves bubbles, so make sure you've got plenty of suds, bowls and wands to go around.

Big, Big Bubbles
Keep your ultimate bubble enthusiasts happy with this larger-than-life activity. All you need is extra-sudsy water, a hula hoop and a baby pool.

Get the How-To: The Two Best Homemade Soap Bubble Recipes

Obstacle Course
Photography by Flynnside Out Productions

Get bendy with noodles to create a custom backyard course that gets kids moving and giggling. Just stake pencils or dowels into the ground, and slide the noodle over them in various ways to create all types of fun obstacles.

Get the How-To + More Ideas: 10 Ways to Turn Pool Noodles Into Almost-Free Backyard Kids' Games

Easy Party Snacks
Serve up tasty wraps with plenty of protein to avoid sugar-crash meltdowns later in the day.

Get the Recipes: 10 Easy + Healthy Snack Wraps for Any Time of Day

Cool-Down Time
Photography by Flynnside Out Productions

Whip up healthy frozen treats packed with vitamins and minerals to keep kids cool and hydrated.

Get the Recipes: Beat the Heat: 10 (Healthy!) Frozen Treats for Kids

Sponge Ball Bucket Toss
If your kids love water balloons, they're sure to like this game, too. Cut up sponges into long strips, then gather the strips and secure in the middle using zip-ties or twine to create a ball. Soak the sponge balls in ice-cold water, then let the kids start playing. The one that gets the most balls into the bucket, wins!

Chilled Sponge Necklaces
These colorful, ice-cold necklaces are a perfect party favor and a fun way to keep kids chilled out all summer long.

Movie Time
When the sun sets, it's time to fire up the projector for a backyard movie night. Simple molding and a projector are all you need. This projector shelf is designed with thin chain link and eye hooks so it's easy to take down and store away when not in use.

Stay Safe
Little messes and boo-boos are bound to happen during a party, so be prepared with a "situation station." Keep it stocked with hand sanitizer, bandages, ointment, sunscreen, bug spray and wipes.

Take 'Em To Go
Keep the fun going long after the party ends with bubble wand party favors.

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