Happy Friday, y'all! On Wednesday I was contributing to the fabulous La Dolce Vita blog on how to throw a killer and stress-free dinner party. I used an image from Domaine Home of a carefully...but effortlessly...styled dinner party table in the post, and I can't get it out of my mind. via The creamy white table paired with classic white dishes and napkins, simple glasses, bold flatware...and that "runner" of easy-going florals and succulents. . . .
Rex’s 3rd Nautical Birthday Party
So, my little nugget turned three last week. Can you believe it? I can't. We had a quiet get together at home on his actual birthday, but we had a fun blow out last weekend! Mat and I are so lucky to have amazing friends and family, and we loved seeing Rex surrounded by everyone on Saturday...especially, his BFF, Cilla Kay, who he shared his big day with. I am honestly the worst at taking great pictures when I am hosting a party, so these are the best you are going to . . .
Rex’s 3rd Birthday Party Inspiration
How in the world is my little nugget turning 3?? As I prepare for the fact that my baby is now a full-fledged toddler, I hide my anxiety through party planning. I know I am not alone here. This year, we are having a joint birthday party with Rex's BFF, Cilla Kay. She is a year and a week older than him, and they are two peas in a pod. We are so lucky to have little Miss Cilla Kay and her wonderful parents in our lives. Although I have been pinning like crazy for . . .
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip
As far as crowd-pleasing appetizers go, you can 't really fail with a good, creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip. This one is especially decadent because it uses cream cheese as opposed to mayo. It's divine. And what is even better, all you need to do it mix it all up together and throw it in the oven. People will definitely be talking about this one the next day. I served this with Trader Joes' Quinoa Chips, but this would be amazing with a toasted baguette or even crisp . . .
Curried Moroccan Tarts : Appetizer
These warm bite-sized appetizers are seriously one of the best out there. I owe all of this to my aunt's mother-in-law who started making these delicious "tarts" years ago. Since our family first tried these, they have popped up at almost every family function. They are creamy, spicy, and savory...and just plain easy to make. I promise you will not be disappointed with this one! I served this at the Stock the Bar party a few weeks ago, and they were a hit. Also, you . . .
Stock the Bar Party!
Over the weekend, Mat and I -- along with 5 ridiculously fun couples -- hosted our first party in our new/old house. We were celebrating the pending nuptials of some dear friends that are getting married in September. I truly love celebrating the milestones of my friends and family. There is something about it that makes me feel even closer to our "tribe." all the hosts and the bride and groom, Lauren and Reed (far right) Even though it is still super hot here in . . .
Grilled Rosemary Shrimp with Spicy Remoulade Dipping Sauce
Oh, summer nights. You are ending soon, and I will be so sad...but, don't get me wrong, I do welcome cooler temps and fall fashion. During the dog days of summer in Texas, evenings are really the only time we can get out of the air conditioned house for a meal. Our family loves to grill and eat fresh sides...and drink crisp vino...al fresco during the summer. A few weeks ago, I decided to grill some shrimp skewered on rosemary sprigs. And since I am still on a cajun . . .
Heidi and Radford’s Sip and See
This post is LONG overdue. In March, the girls and I threw two very special ladies a "Sip and See" to honor the births of their second children. In case you aren't from the South, a "sip and see" is a small, lower-key baby shower given after the baby is born. Usually, you "sip" on tea, coffee, and some bubbly and "see" the precious baby. We hosted a fun all-girls and babies brunch our my friend Megan's gorgeous new home. We had lots of pretty flowers, yummy brunch . . .
Father’s Day Beer Tasting
As Father's Day approaches, it is time to get your ducks in a row...if you haven't already...to show all the Dads in your life how much you appreciate them. I think burgers and beer is what many of the men in my life would love. The guys in my family are definitely a no-fuss crowd, so an easy-going, backyard celebration would do the trick. Here is my recipe for a Father's Day Burgers and Beer Tasting. I also added a link to printable beer tasting cards to make things extra . . .
Beautiful Blooms: Supermarket to Spectacular
Beautiful floral arrangements -- for your home or for your soirees -- need not be fussy or expensive. I tend to lean towards shades of white and green, but your choices are endless. A quick trip to your local supermarket -- from Costco to Whole Foods -- can easily provide you with drool-worthy arrangements in no time. This post will give you five no-fail tips on how to do just that. Tip 1: Choose blooms in a similar color palette. When perusing the floral department . . .