Rex & Regina’s Blog

Feliz Cinco de Mayo, everyone! Check out my guest post on the DC Ladies Blog today to read about fun ways to spice up your Mexican Fiesta tonight!

bright color florals are a must on Cinco de Mayo; photo via Martha Stewart

Cinco de Mayo is such a quirky little holiday. I bet if you polled ten people on the street, maybe one of them could tell you what it celebrates. I would not be that one. But even if I don’t really understand the origin of the holiday, it doesn’t mean I can’t join in the celebration, right? Here are some ideas I am considering for celebrating Cinco de Mayo this year:

I adore these recycled Sol tumblers from Bambeco. They are eco-friendly, whimsical, and are likely to be a good conversation piece.

recycled Sol tumblers from Bambeco

Garlands and banners are an easy way to add color and punch to a party. Hang one of these above your buffet table and you are ready to go!

Circle Cinco de Mayo Banner from Makentake on Etsy

Mexican Fiesta Fabric Bunting Banner from SillyGoat on Etsy

Margaritas are a key ingredient for a Cinco de Mayo fiesta. Serve them with a twist using this fun idea for margarita ice pops — a refreshing treat for guests on a warm May evening. This recipe provides a quick, easy way to achieve the margarita flavor, though I might also suggest making a batch of margaritas and freezing them in popsicle molds for a more intense flavor.

Margarita Ice Pops; recipe from Bon Appetit; photo by Brian Leatart

Be sure to check out my previous posts on Cinco de Mayo, including one focused on margaritas and one that lists cinco ways to celebrate the day!

Feliz Cinco de Mayo, everyone!

Wreaths are a beautiful way to decorate one’s home for Christmas. There are plenty of store-bought options out there, but why not try to create one yourself, customizing it to your home and decor? Click on the photos below for DIY instructions on how to make each lovely, festive wreath!

pom pom wreath, via twig & thistle

jingle bell wreath via Martha Stewart

moss wreath, via Martha Stewart

cedar wreath chandelier, via Martha Stewart

ornament wreath, via Better Homes & Gardens

Every Halloween my husband and I stock up on mountains of candy in anticipation of an onslaught of trick-or-treaters. It never fails the next day we’re left with a ton of candy. You’d think we’d learn!

I love this idea from Martha Stewart on what to do with leftover candy — particularly the wrappers. Absolutely brilliant! I could see the cans used as a decor for a children’s birthday party or used next year for trick-or-treat pails.

Martha Stewart's candy-wrapper buckets

I have lobsters on my mind today. This weekend I am heading home to the seafood-rich Boston area for a quick, last-minute trip. Couple that with the fact that summer is just around the corner and all I can think about is how fun a Lobster Bake would be right about now!

Lobster Bakes are best, of course, at a beach house. So if you are heading to Nantucket or Maine or (more locally) Rehoboth this summer, be sure to add a Lobster Bake to your social calendar. These al fresco parties are perfect for casual, summertime entertaining.

For crustacean-inspired decor and tips on hosting a Lobster Bake, check out the following:

Jasper White’s Lobster At Home is the perfect primer for everything lobster.

Set the tone with lobster-themed invitations.

Lobster-themed invitations available at finestationery.com

Customized lobster bibs are a fun way to personalize your party, while keeping guests spill-free…

customized lobster bibs from Abbey Concepts

These plates would be great for a salad to start, but larger, more platter-style plates should be used when serving the lobsters.

Lobster-themed stoneware dinner plate from Stonewall Kitchen

Don’t forget the lobster crackers.

Lobster Claw Crackers from Crate & Barrel