Whether you are hosting guests for a Valentine’s Day get together or just want to show that special someone you care, this project is for you! These pomegranate filled ice cubes are easy to make and will instantly make any drink you serve that much more special.
Pomegranate Heart Ice Cubes
You can find a step-by-step process on how to make these ice cubs here, but essentially you just put three pomegranate seeds in a heart shaped ice tray. Freeze and then serve in your drink of choice!
As we’ve gotten older and friends’ families have started to grow, we’ve found that its naturally harder to plan New Year’s Eve events. Last year the idea came to me of hosting a New Year’s Day brunch instead. That way, our friends and their children could all come together to celebrate the new year in a family-friendly way.
We hire baby-sitters and make sure there are fun activities for the children. Friends say that this helps them to more easily connect with people at the party while knowing that their children are safe and having fun. I create a separate buffet with kid-friendly food in addition to a brunch buffet, dessert display, and beverage “station” for all of the adults.
I wanted the party to be “sparkly” and focused on a silver and white color palette. I sewed a silver sequin runner for the buffet table and a sequin topper with a white skirt for the dessert buffet sideboard. Flowers (done by Petal’s Edge) featured whites and greys and some of the vases we wrapped in sparkly ribbon. Drink stirrers were also wrapped with tiny tinsel strands. Subway art above the buffet is from Eighteen 25.
Here are a few photos from the brunch, beautifully captured by the talented photographer Katarina Price. Thanks, Katarina!
Hosting a New Year’s Party? Some fabulous bloggers have created creative printables that you can use when decorating and preparing for your party. Thanks, Ellinee, The 36th Avenue, and My Fabuless Life!
Ellinee Paper Party Hats
The 36th Ave New Year's Printables
print from My Fabuless Life
There are lots of ways to dress up your dinner table to impress holiday guests. Special china, unique glassware, pretty napkins… Adding a centerpiece, however, always helps to complete the tablescape. Whether it be flowers, fruit, or even pinecones, a holiday centerpiece does not need to be complicated to be impactful. Check out these simple ideas from Martha Stewart for beautiful, do-it-yourself centerpieces.
Cranberry Flower Frog
Fresh cut flowers are a traditional centerpiece for any dinner table. What makes this beautiful centerpiece unique are the cranberries in the vase. The pop of red color is gorgeous against the white flowers and stay in the color scheme of the holidays.
Amaryllis Candle Centerpiece
This is another beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table. This time the flowers are red and the candles are white but you can swap out different colors to match. Depending on the length of your table, line up three to four of these centerpieces to brighten up the whole table!
I am absolutely in love with this “Bubbly Bar” featured on 100 Layer Cake. Wouldn’t it be perfect for New Year’s Eve? See more photos of this awesome display here.
I am always looking for inspiration for beautiful tablescapes. This one, featured in Southern Living and designed by Elizabeth Demos, is absolutely beautiful. I love the punch that the orange napkins provide; the bare, exposed rustic table contrasted with elegant upholstered chairs; and the tiered, multi-level centerpiece. What inspiration for a beautiful Fall tablescape!
Tablescape by Elizabeth Demos via Southern Living
Though I do not use them often, there are occasions when I need to set out toothpicks for appetizers or hors d’oeuvres at a party. Then there is always the matter of what guests should do with the used toothpicks. I thought this idea from Real Simple was very clever. Use a lemon (marked with a little sign) for guests to “dispose” of their used toothpicks. If the lemon does not stay upright on its own, you may want to slice off a bit of the bottom.
toothpick collector via Real Simple
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at the thought of entertaining. Most of us put a lot of pressure on ourselves to make sure that everything is perfect which often deters us from entertaining at all. Never let expectations keep you from extending gracious hospitality to those that you care about. Instead, find ways to make entertaining even easier and efficient.
One way to make entertaining easier is to rely on faithful appliances and let them do the work. Here are three appliances that can transform your entertaining from intimidating to quick and easy.
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker with Extra Freezer Bowl from Williams-Sonoma
An automatic ice cream maker is a nice way to put a special touch on your gathering with a homemade treat. You can find lots of great recipes for ice cream online, or you can choose to purchase an ice cream starter from a store like Williams-Sonoma. Either way, making your own ice cream is super easy and is always impressive to guests.
Breville Bread Maker from Williams-Sonoma
Similarly, a bread maker is a great way to offer that homemade touch. Homemade bread is not only delicious, but it is super easy to make. Simply dump the ingredients in the bowl and turn on the machine. You can time the bread so that it comes out at the exact time you plan on serving it. There is nothing better than warm bread and butter!
All-Clad Deluxe Slow Cooker from Williams-Sonoma
Lastly, a slow cooker is a tried and true easy entertaining trick. Again, pile in the ingredients and turn on the timer. Done! I am really fond of the recipes that Williams-Sonoma has online, especially their slow-cooker lasagna (great as leftovers, too!) and Thomas Keller’s slow-cooker cassoulet. The latter has a few more steps than a traditional slow cooker recipe, but it is worth it and is one of my favorite recipes of all time. Great for winter.
So next time you entertain, let the appliances do the work for you. Set the timer, and voila!
The 2012 election is just around the corner. Are you hosting an election results party? If so, these silverware holders via Kate’s Paperie are absolutely adorable. Just download the template, print on blue and red card stock, cut out the states (that part might be time-intensive!), cut two slits, and assemble with the silverware. I think the end result would be worth the work.
Don’t forget to vote! It counts!
Utensil holder craft via Kate's Paperie
The 2012 Olympics are in full swing and can’t you feel all the patriotic energy as we all cheer “Go USA!”? Why not host an Olympic viewing party to gather friends and family and watch your favorite events? Daily Candy has some great ideas for entertaining with Olympic spirit, including these adorable DIY pom poms featured on Make & Takes Blog.
Daily Candy features Patriotic Pom Poms from Make & Takes Blog
The Rex & Regina Blog shares both trendy and traditional ways to extend gracious hospitality through weddings, other social occasions, and at-home entertaining. Learn more about Rex & Regina.