Showing posts with label outdoor entertaining. Show all posts
Showing posts with label outdoor entertaining. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Wedding Wednesday: Americana Inspiration

Since Fourth of July is just around the corner, today we thought we'd share a little Americana wedding inspiration. Many of these ideas could easily be incorporated into your Fourth of July festivities this weekend as well!

These bouquets are perfect for an Americana theme. Reds, yellows and blues make for a great color palette, especially for outdoor, summer weddings. These bouquets include red and white daisies, yellow ranunculus and billie balls and dusty miller, creating a perfect vintage feel.


Here's a gorgeous red poppy bouquet. Even though only one type of flower is used here, they're so bright that they can stand alone and make a bold statement.


These invites were designed by one bride herself, a graphic designer. We love the different text styles and the simple red and white color scheme! The coordinating postcard R.S.V.P. is simple and nostalgic and great for an Americana theme.



Who doesn't love the idea of a pie bar! If you hate wedding cake, why not incorporate the quintessential American dessert instead? Plus, it's a fun way to give guests a variety of flavor options and can be very affordable alternative.



Another easy way to incorporate this theme is in details like textiles and papers. These red and white gingham-wrapped bottles would be perfect for an outdoor celebration and are the type of small touch that guests love.


Using gingham and burlap textiles fits well with the Americana look and can be done fairly inexpensively.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

"Flower" Drink

To continue with our outdoor entertaining while incorporating flowers today we'd like to give you some fun ideas oh how to spruce up your refreshing cocktails.

Make some flower-filled ice cubes. Do this by adding a little water to the ice tray, place a flower (or flower petal) on top and add to the freezer. Once frozen bring it out and pour more water into the tray and place back in the freezer. By freezing in stages you will ensure the flower freezes in the center of the cube.




Another great idea is to replace your everyday straws or cocktail umbrellas with edible flower stems. This will add color and special detailing to your soiree.


Bottoms up!

Monday, May 16, 2011

"Flower" Food


Hello - hope everyone had a great weekend!

Although here in the District we've had nothing but rain all weekend I strongly believe that summer is almost here :) The best part of summer (for me at least) is outdoor entertaining. This week we'll be bringing you tips on how to prepare for this social season and incorporate flowers.

Today's topic: "Flower" Food.

During the summer we are lucky to have plenty of fresh produce. With so many fabulous and readily available ingredients one can't help but make salads. Tired of your everyday arugula, spinach, or Caesar salad? At the next party how about wowing your guests by adding edible flowers to your salad. Flowers such as nasturtiums are perfect for summer salads - they add a delicate, piquant flavor. And not to mention beautiful, bright color!


Borage flowers and geranium leaves are fantastic for creating a sweet fragrant atmosphere. Use either to decorate melon and you'll forget about scented candles.


I can't wait to add these beautiful bold colors to my dishes!