Great Summer Desserts and Cocktails

Here are some of my favorite strawberry recipes that I plan to make this summer. 

1. Strawberry Pie with Chamomile and Currant Glaze - Bon Appetit

2. Strawberry Apple Rhubarb Galette - Fuss Free Cooking

3. Strawberry Lavender Cocktail - Two Tarts

4. Dairy Free Strawberry Lime Ice Cream - Delighted Momma

Fabulous New Year's Eve Home Party Ideas

 

This year I am thinking of having a New Year's Eve Party at my house. Here are a few decor ideas and tips I would like to share with you. 

The decor should be glamorous. Metallics like gold or silver, dusty pinks and/or black are great picks.  A Happy New Year Banner is a must-have for me. This Happy New Year 2013 banner  decoration is made by CowCountryCreations.

Since you want to take as many photos as possible, make sure you get props like this large Gold  Bokeh GLITTER HOLIDAY Vinyl Photo Backdrop by SwankyPrints or the Perfect Holiday Photo Props Set of 6  Gold by PAPERandPANCAKES.

The menu can kept simple by serving finger food that can be prepared ahead. If you are looking for recipes, this is the book I have and recommend.

Having a dessert buffet is an great idea. You can skip baking and order French Macarons and cookies made by local bakeries or ETSY sellers.  My favorite are: Pink and Gold Brush Embroidered Cookies by SweetAmbs and French Macarons by LeBonbonLA. If you want, you can offer small party favors and package them in glamorous gold boxes from bluechinastudio.

Having a signature cocktail is a great idea. However, if you want to keep it simple, having wine and champagne is sufficient. {Vintage Champagen Flutes Fine Art Print by KittyLWren}

What plans do you have for New Year's Eve? Have you ever hosted a New Year's Eve Party?

Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and I wanted to share with you a few pictures from the past two years. 

After researching several Thanksgiving turkey recipes,  I found the best one from Bobby Flay.  His Herbed-Rubbed Grilled Whole Turkey was changed into a Herbed-Rubbed  Oven Roasted Whole Turkey. The herb, garlic and citrus rub he created is very flavorful and I use it every time.  The recipe for this rub can be found in the "Bobby Flay's Boy Gets Grill: 125 Reasons to Light Your Fire!" cookbook.  Amazon allows you to preview this recipe for free.

When it comes to the Thanksgiving table setting, I have a Noritake Florence china set from 1950's that I use every year. I got several plates from my mother-in-law and two years ago I decided to get all the missing pieces and have a complete set for twelve people. The reason why I like the Noritake sets so much is because in addition to the plates, they have great matching serving pieces: platters, bowls, the gravy boat and covered vegetable dishes. 

One of the best places to find Noritake sets is Craigslist. Since I could not find my pattern on Craigslist, I got my Noritake pieces from several Ebay sellers. 

The Maple Leaf  Place Cards were designed and made by me.

The picture above is from two years ago. I wanted to have a yellow and orange bouquet as the centerpiece, but when I went shopping the evening before Thanksgiving I did not find orange roses and only one yellow bouquet was left. So I had get a pink one. I like having pumpkin and floral centerpieces, however, since I am usually working the day before Thanksgiving this leaves almost no time for decorations. 

What are your favorite Thanksgiving recipes and serving pieces?

What is on the Menu for the Thanksgiving dinner?

I am already thinking of Thanksgiving... From the food to decorations, I am slowly getting ready.

What is usually on your menu?

I am planning to have a big stuffed turkey with lemon & herbs, cranberry sauce with orange zest, oven roasted potatoes and green beans with saute garlic and Chocolate Harvest cake with pumking & cream cheese filling...delicious.