Simple Entertaining with Rustic Touch ~

Entertaining | Inspiration

Do you ear mark your magazines, rip out the pages and then create a lofty stack of miscellaneous ideas? Well I am victim to the ginormous stack and decided it was time to go through and "Pin" some of the great ideas.

Here is one that I recently Pinned and has me inspired!

It was an article from Martha Stewart on a tasting party at New York City's Pasanella and Son Vintners. 

I simply fell in love with the simple, rustic display. 

Having the food grouped and piled together really makes a statement.

Here more is more. 

The Tiered display pieces lined in parchment paper are perfect.

  

The shop owner Marco Pasanella explains his secrets to entertaining - "It's all about abundance. Abundance means ease and enjoyment. There's just a certain kind of pleasure in bounty."

Lovely. 

I am envisioning a great glass of wine, yummy eats and great friends! 

Antipasto Entertaining ~

Entertaining | Inspiration

We are huge antipasto platter/cheese platter entertainers at our house. It is truly our go-to. I love the ease and yumminess of it all. And the best part about them, anything goes! I think they are great year round, but are especially delightful in the summer months.

Here are a few ideas for you next summer meal.

I absolutely love the mix of fun bowls and glassware.

images: 1. esquire.com, 2. sunset.com, 3. goodhousekeeping.com, 
4. sptimes.com, 5. thekitchn.com

Al Fresco Dining ~

Entertaining | Summer Inspiration

Today I am dreaming of al fresco dining. I just love it when the air is still warm at night (dear sun, we miss you), the bbq is fired up, some yummy wine is uncorked and sitting around the table with friends and family...ah! And as always, the more the merrier.

It makes me smile. 

  

Here are a few photos that do the same. 

I love the casual elegance and rustic touches.  

images: house beautiful, christopher baker, homes and gardens, house beautiful, unknown

How about you? Do you dine al fresco when you can?

We have more rain in our forecast, but a girl can dream right?

Bunco Baby ~

Entertaining | Inspiration

I hosted my neighborhood Bunco awhile ago and thought I would show you guys a few pics.

I got an excuse to pull out my Bunco flags...wave them high ladies!

The most important part of Bunco is....the vino...of course!

And the second, cheese (my opinion, the stinker the better).

And if there is a third, it has to be potato chips!
I love how great they look in this vase.

I made my new favorite cookies.

These "Bunco Buns" - found recipe here.

Some fresh bruschetta (one of my absolute favs and so easy to make).

And you can't go wrong with jalapeno poppers...can you?

Some table yummies...

And my new motto!

Wish you all an astounding weekend!

If you have a moment, please head over to Circle of Moms and vote for me!
You an vote once a day, thank you much!

Appetizer Party Inspiration ~

Entertaining | Party Inspiration

In this months issue of Better Homes and Gardens, they feature a fun appetizer party that I thought looked super fun and simple. I thought I would share it with you guys (just in case you haven't seen it yet) and this way, I can always find these great ideas again!

You can check out the olive recipe here at Bella Cucina Artful Food.

Super Bowl Party Ideas ~

Entertaining | Party Inspiration

There are some fun ideas out there for Super Bowl parties. I thought I would show our decorations from last year. I started by pulling out all of our own footballs and scattering them around.

This football platter worked nicely as a centerpiece.

Throw up your team colors (we were cheering for the Saints last year).

I went with the crystal and football combo - I mean, how can one go wrong?

And one must always have football napkins!

And when in doubt, cupcakes!

I thought these were super adorable cupcakes from the Hostess with the Mostess.

Be sure to check out the Tiny Prints Giveaway if you haven't already!

Spooky Food Ideas ~

Entertaining | Inspiration

I am in the process of planning the menu for our kid-friendly Halloween bash on Sunday. Here are a few last minute ideas to make your party spooktacular (I know, a bit cheesy)!

Images: 1. pillsbury.com, 2. womansday.com, 3. pillsbury.com, 

4. bhg.com, 5. marthastewart.com, 6. womansday.com

Have a safe and fabulous Halloween!

Candy Corn Display ~

Holiday | Entertaining Inspiration

I will start this post reminding all of you how much a dislike candy corn - I know, you are probably thinking, who doesn't like candy corn? Me! Now as much as I dislike it, it does scream Halloween to me. And I know others like it, so I have come up with a fun way to display the awful treat. 

I started with this Jiffy Pots from Home Depot - they were $1.99 for 26.

I then grabbed a pedestal...

Added this broken clock face to the top...

I had a few left over black RedVines. So I cut them in half and added a spooky black crow to top them off. 

I then filled the Jiffy Pots with candy corn and a few skeleton hands for a little more spookiness. I decided to keep the pots simple, but you could easily add some ribbon, paper or even a little bling to embellish them.

And to complete the display, I added a few sticks from my backyard. 

Even though I won't be eating any of these holiday favorites, I can't wait to display them for Halloween!

Sources:

Jiffy Pots - Home Depot

Candy - Grocery Store

Crow & Skeleton Hands - Dollar Tree

Glass Bowl & Stand - Goodwill

Burlap Garland - Michaels

Linked to:
Fall Festival at This Blessed Nest
First Link Party at Eighteen25
Weekend Wrap Up Party at Tatertots and Jello
Feature Yourself Friday at Fingerprints on the Fridge