Posts tagged ‘entertaining’

I had my livingroom set up like a galley style dining hall, with a table for 17 running the length of the room.  The navy table cloth was Rob’s Grandmother’s, and it was hand embroidered in Morocco. It wasn’t long enough for the whole table, so I used some fabric from my stash to cover the ends of the table. I liked the miss-matched look and used multiple prints of cloth napkins as well.

The turkey was pastured, and raised about 10 miles from our house at H and H Farm. We’ve gotten chickens and eggs from them in the past, but this was our first turkey. By the time we reserved ours all the heritage breed turkeys were taken so we got a 17 pound broad breasted white. I dry brined the bird with fresh herbs and roasted her for 6 hours. It turned out fantastic, though not as moist as the heritage bird we got two years ago.

While I was peeling potatoes I put the peels in the garbage disposal and clogged the drain. We plunged it, we took off the pipe. We broke it completely. We called the plumber. We carved the turkey while he charged us double time to put new pipes under the sink. He warned me never to put peels down the drain again.

Finally, everyone showed up, and ate and were thankful. It was a really busy. So busy, in fact, that I didn’t get the chance to take any pictures. But I did get to eat food, drink wine, chomp pie, and give thanks.  I hope you all had a blessed day!

Yes, it took me forever to wash the tie dyed socks. I had put them in a strange load, the rugs and sheets, in case the dye bled. I had to wrestle them out of the corners of the fitted sheets.

I like how the band on each sock lines up so well. It makes them look like a pair. My husband, Rob, tied off this pair by wrapping the two socks together in the rubber bands. I think these are cute, but the overall tie dyed effect would be more apparent on larger socks. I’ll remember that for next time!

We used Dylon fabric dyes. The color was amazingly vibrant. I will absolutely use this brand again. My friend Mary remarked that it was a shame to dump the dye in the drain after the socks were done. I should have planned to dye more things! I would have loved to dip dye my bedroom curtains or a shirt I rarely wear. Next time… next time.

Today I had a beautiful quiet moment while both kids napped.  I made myself a Pumpkin Spiced Latte & sipped it while soaking in the beautiful red tree leaves outside.

This is the first latte recipe I’ve used, and it tastes just like a barista whipped it up.  I can control the sugar in it (I use half the sugar and no whipped cream).  And since I didn’t have pumpkin pie spice, I found the spice mixture to make it.  Enjoy!

I just finished making these cookies for my cousin’s bridal shower this weekend.  They’re wonderfully unique tasting with the rosemary/almond/marmalade trio.  Plus I love opportunities to use my fresh herbs.  But I’m unhappy with the amount of butter in the recipe, so I researched my options.  I found a Healthy Cookies article on Active.com explaining the substitutions that can be made when making cookies.  They said to use fruit puree or yogurt to replace up to half the butter and explain how to substitute whole wheat flour or reduce sugar.  I’ll give you an update when I try some healthy substitutions that don’t sacrifice the quality of these cookies.

My collection of pretty antique tea cups is stored in a small corner cabinet in our bedroom. They are lovely to look at and bring a peaceful feeling to the room but I often think I should try harder to actually use them. On a recent visit to FARM Restaurant in Calgary I saw this delightful and innovative use of china cups as holders for tea lights.

Just drop a candle into the base of the tea cup and set it out. A grouping of tea cup candles on the table or one set at each individual place setting is a perfect way to add a sweet touch to a spring or summer meal. I also love them on the windowsill to enjoy during the day.

Read more about guest blogger Erica of Nest and Sparkle.

I discovered a wonderful tea shop during a recent trip to Chicago, and this weekend I visited a local location.  It’s called Teavana which means “a heaven of tea”.  I was really impressed with how knowledgeable their tea people are.  I love that I can sample a few teas each visit.  And I appreciate how their flyer & website educate on how the different teas (white, green, black, oolong) are made, what temperature & how long to steep each tea, and the health benefits of each tea.

I’m not quite a tea snob, but I love learning more of the intricacies of tea.  I got a book last birthday from my husband called The Harney & Sons Guide to Tea.  It’s full of great information, but lacks exciting pictures.  Does anyone have any other tea companies or books you recommend?  I think I’ll have a tea tasting party this winter!

I made this Martha Stewart cookie recipe for a Fall party this weekend. The nuances are perfect…the subtle banana flavor, crunchy walnut, and oatmeal texture, plus the obviously compelling chocolate!

The best part was letting my almost-2-year-old son help.  I measured & he dumped & mixed & spilled sugar on the floor.  He also found a new favorite snack…chocolate chips.

I love melting extra chocolate into my hot coco, so occasionally I’ll splurge on the sugar and make chocolate spoons.  Not only can you add them to hot coco but coffee as well.  Plus you can get innovative with flavored chocolates, drizzled designs, and pretty packaging.  They’re great for gifts & parties, and they’re inexpensive to make compared to store-bought ones.

So, here’s how you make them…

Read more »

I’m throwing a bridal shower at my home next month, so I’ve been searching for perfect food & decorating ideas for the bride.  Since we’ll be serving hot tea, I thought tea sugars would be pretty and somewhat unique.  I used a general sugar cube recipe and will elaborate & share what I learned through the process.

Read more »

We had a birthday party for my husband this weekend.  I was busy hostessing, so I hardly took any photos.  But the fun parts were: bringing lots of indoor furniture outdoors, candles & strings of lights, the fire pit, great mood music, healthier snacks (humus & pita, apples & caramel, pistachio chips, shelled peanuts), pasta salad & chili, and one of my favorite cakes…Warm Lavender Almond Cakes.

The cake recipe is originally from the book The Herbal Kitchen.  I also found it online.  I really enjoy cooking with lavender and drinking homemade lavender tea.  Lavender has a great scent and a deep flowery taste (so use sparingly!), plus I use lavender buds from my garden so they’re pretty much free.  I served the cake topped with whipped cream, strawberries, sliced almonds, and a small side of vanilla ice cream.  Everyone said it was really good in a unique sort of way.