4th of July Party and Wedding Inspiration

With Fourth of July being two weeks away, it is time to get inspired for a big bash. Send out your invites, stock up on mason jars and buy everything red, white, and blue you can find. Whether you want to just have a party or a patriotic themed wedding, check out some inspiration below.

Can't have a party without snacks! Serve your guests up a healthy red, white, and blue kabob with blueberries, bananas, and strawberries.

Satisy their sweet tooth with strategically placed cakepops

Use mason jars and bandanas to make the flatware festive.

Table Setting

Pair a star studded table runner with a striped table cloth to dress up any table.

For all of your invation needs, take a look at all of your options at Paperless Post

For favor and decor, check out you local Party city

Inspiration: National Strawberry Day!

Its National Strawberry Day! Here's some inspiration for strawberry themed weddings, bridal showers, brunches and more!

Keep your bridal shower menu fresh and fruity with strawberries!

 A strawberry theme is perfect for a summer outdoor wedding.

Strawberries themes also work well for formal indoor weddings. Place jars of fresh jam on each table setting for charming (and delicious!) wedding favors.

And who doesn't love brunch? Start your day off an a sweet note with strawberry smoothies and parfaits.

Sweets tables are a growing trend and guest favorite. Whether you're hosting a birthday party, wedding or brunch a sweets table is a must!

Here are some fun and easy recipes to get the party started!

Strawberry Mimosas:

Ingredients: strawberries , champagne.

Directions: puree the strawberries in a blender or food processor. Pout puree into a glass and top with champagne.

Strawberry shortcake parfait:

Ingredients: 1 large angel food cake (plain), 2 pkg fresh strawberries( frozen is fine), 1 tub of cool whipped topping, strawberry mousse.

Directions: Make strawberry mousse according to recipe, Blend one pkg of strawberries to make puree (I used pulse for this), and the other pkg cut strawberries in half, put aside. Cut angel food cake into three sections. Layer bowl first with one section of angel food cake, (w) topping, strawberry puree, mousse, and a layer of cut strawberries

Strawberry Tart:

Ingredients

For the filling:

• around 1 pound of fresh strawberries, rinsed and dried
• 1 Tablespoon sugar
• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temp is easiest to work with but mine was chilled)
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla

Directions

Remove hulls from strawberries and slice them in half. Put them in a bowl, sprinkle them with sugar, gently mix them and then set them aside. Meanwhile, prepare the crust:

For the crust (adapted from David Lebovitz)

• 6 tablespoons (3 oz) butter
• 1 tablespoon oil (I usually use canola but this time I used coconut oil)
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 cup flour

1. Preheat oven to 400°
2. In an ovenproof bowl (such as a Pyrex) mix first five ingredients. Put the bowl in the oven for around 15 minutes (the edges will be brown and the butter will be bubbling).
3. Carefully remove the bowl (it will be very hot) and quickly mix in the flour until it forms a ball of dough.
4. Place the dough into a 9 inch tart pan with a removable bottom and spread it around with a spatula. When it is cool enough to handle, press it into bottom and sides of the pan with your fingers. Prick the bottom of the dough with a fork around ten times and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

While the crust is baking, place the cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla in a small bowl.  After around 30 minutes, there should be some liquid in bowl of strawberries. Drain it into the cream cheese and mix everything together. You can do this by hand, but a mixer or hand blender will be faster and make it smoother.

When the crust is cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture onto the bottom of the tart. Arrange the strawberry slices over the cream cheese and chill. Slice and serve.

That’s it! Enjoy!

Wedding Wednesday: Radiant Orchid + Red Inspiration!

Radiant Orchid is the color of the year for 2014. And we cant agree anymore with Pantone that this color is ‘a captivating, magical, enigmatic purple’ and we would also like to add – perfect for weddings! One of our Favored Brides asked us to create a Radiant Orchid & Red Inspiration board to showcase the rich, luxurious color that has been described as  “An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones. Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”  and one that will be sure to inspire throughout the wedding color themes of 2014.

Wishing you a happy Wedding Wednesday to all of our newly engaged brides to be! Enjoy this time & some pretty Wedding Wednesday posts about Radiant Orchid wedding decor.

A blend of fuchsia, purple, and pink, brides can’t go wrong with this exotic, warm color. It’s bold, exudes confidence and will be vibrant against that white wedding dress.

How gorgeous are those bouquets!? Raspberry and Plum Bellini's are the perfect Signature Cocktail for a Radiant Orchid wedding theme! Raspberry & Plum Bellini's Anyone? Check out the Brides matching nails too!

We're getting close to Labor Day. You know what that means...Party Time!

Labor Day is approaching fast. Take the day off, fire up the grill, and throw a party! Stars and Stripes or in!

Setting a both beautiful and simple table like this allows for plenty of good conversation and fun. I love the look of blue napkins and plaid table !

How cute are these Fireworks Fans from Martha Stewart? These festive, easy-to-make fans are ideal for last-minute Labor Day entertaining. You can cluster a group of them in a bowl to create a celebratory centerpiece or place one on each place setting as a colorful and cooling party favor.

Here is a easy Labor Day Recipe for Ciroc Watermelon Punch!

• In a blender put de-seeded watermelon chunks and a little ice.
• Blend until liquefied.
• Add in a few drops of Ciroc Vodka (Try the New Ciroc Amaretto Flavor!).
• Mix well.
• Pour into tall glasses.
• Muddle in 1 or 2 fresh mint leaves.
• Serve with ice cubes.

Ahhh...so refreshing & Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend!!!