I think I might need this for summer picnics and outdoor parties. Ok, maybe want it, but it’s beautiful, right? {source}
Category Archives: drink
Favorite Wedding Inspirations
I love that weddings are so wonderfully diverse these days. Here are four things that really caught my eye recently.
60 bridal hair styles on Snippet & Ink.
Soda bottle escorts cards? Not so practical, but incredibly cute.
Everyday Washi
This paper tape might be the best invention ever. It’s practical, colorful, and informative. And cute– which is the best part.
Keeping your tea bag from floating way.
Cucumber Ginger Martinis
For as much as I love sweets, I don’t prefer sugary drinks. I don’t chose cocktails with fruit juices {danger of a headache!} but drinks with ginger or ginger ale are my first choice. And I love the clean flavor of cucumber– it’s so cool and refreshing. This martini by Sugar and Charm sounds like all of my favorite things — and something I need to make. Yum!
Cucumber & Ginger Mini-Martinis (recipe is for one mini-martini)
3 slices cucumber
Juice of 2 lime wedges
1/2 teaspoon agave sweetener
1 ounce ginger-infused vodka (I like Skyy or you can make your own beforehand)
In a cocktail shaker, muddle cucumbers, lime juice and agave until the cucumber is completely crushed. Add in ice and pour vodka on top. Shake vigorously until ingredients are mixed. Strain into a mini- martini glass and garnish with a cucumber wedge.
PJs + Cocktails
I love the idea of comfy clothes, mimosas and yummy breakfast food. It could only be better if it followed a sleepover and girl talk! Wouldn’t this be a great theme for a bachelorette party? {via Camille Styles}
It’s Moroccan Night!
This weekend we had my Hong Kong BF over for dinner. She checked out my place the day I moved in— my things were still in bags (!)– so I wanted to treat her to a better experience.
We thought we would expand our entertainment area by using our entire terrace, so I added a bit comfort and color to make it more inviting.
We mixed up some cocktails {hibiscus tea, vodka and soda water with a little bit of ice} …
Then enjoyed them in the lounge area. 
For dinner, we moved to the dining area…
I arranged the flowers to match the napkins, and created the candle votives to give more light{more on this tomorrow!}.
For dinner my awesome hubby made prawn and avocado salad with lemon dressing, moroccan lamb with couscous {a warm dish, since there is still a chill in the air!} and s’mores for dessert. 
All and all, a great night!
Crushes
A few things I’m loving right now…
Lace eggs {wouldn’t these be cool at bridal shower?}
Polka dot tights {seriously cute}
Water Pitcher {who doesn’t need one!}
Outdoor Entertaining
We moved into our new apartment over the holidays and had our first guests this weekend! We invited a couple over for drinks, then we headed out to dinner in our neighborhood. Thankfully, even with a bit of chill in the air we were able to still enjoy our terrace for cocktails and snacks. We kept it simple, but I think it turned out beautiful and classy, which is just what we wanted.
We had champagne with pomegranate seeds, which added just the right touch of fun.
We chose salty snacks, the best accompaniment to sweet bubbly {not desserts, as it is often paired.} Popcorn and almonds were the perfect start to the evening before a Japanese dinner.
All and all a great time! 
Sweet Gold New Year’s Eve
What are your plans for New Year’s Eve? I’m thinking all I need is some yummy desserts, champagne, a bit of gold & polka dots, and my honey.
Polka dot glasses/ gold s’mores/gold cotton candy/gold fortune cookies
Ask-A-Planner
This week’s question is prepping for Christmas and comes via Facebook from Ashley in Winter Park, FL.
Dear Sara,
I am of mother of two young children, and have recently moved into a new home. We want to host Christmas Day for our families. My questions is…what are some good, easy to do before hand lunch/dinner options. We have always hosted Christmas morning and breakfast, so I know what works for our family there. I’m just stomped on how to do a late lunch/early dinner, with also enjoying the Christmas memories with my family and time with my kids.
I love your site.
Thank you so much for whatever help you can give,
Ashley,
Hostess in Need
Dear Ashley,
This is such a great question, as hosting shouldn’t have to mean that you miss the party. I tell this to my husband all the time when we host dinner parties! I say focus on a few really great dishes that are simple and wonderful and will work for everyone, to ensure that you still can spend time with your family creating memories.
I’m a big believer in things that can be made ahead of time, or things that bake for hours while you enjoy the smells wafting through the house. So one of my favorite meals, especially on the holidays, includes a roast. It can beef or pork, whatever you prefer, but a roast only takes 15 minutes or so of prep, a couple of hours of hands off time in the oven, and few minutes of carving (nothing like a bird– just a few knife slices will do) and you have a feast for the kids to the men. It will stay juicy and flavorful without too much help for you. Easy, beautiful and holiday feeling! {This roast pictured is herb crusted!}
The best addition to meat is obviously potatoes. I loved this idea of sweet potatoes with apples and bacon– which could be a meal on its own, not to mention amazing leftovers. But a mashed potato bar could also be fun, if you don’t mind lots of bowls of various toppings. Again, perfect items that can be left in the oven and assembled at the last minute.
To round out the plate, a nice salad would be beautiful. This salad is berry and citrus, but as the citrus in Florida is perfect at Christmas time, you could even leave out the berries. A simple citrus and arugulia or mixed greens would be sweet and crisp, and a nice contrast to the meat and potatoes. Everything could be prepped ahead of time, then one last toss as it goes on the table is all it would take for this beautiful addition.
My other tip to making any party easier is to have one signature cocktail, rather than a full bar. I’m not sure what this drink is, but it sure looks pretty and festive! Also, not pictured here, but a simple dessert, like a pear upside down cake would be lovely, especially after a big meaty meal.
I hope you like this menu, which is geared towards a late day meal, with lots of oven time, but little hands on time. Other ideas? A pot luck can work, but can require a lot of time in coordination ahead of time. Heavy hors d’ouvers can also be nice, but I think you need a lot of variety to make it work.
I love that you are thinking of the happiness of your guests, but still maximizing memories with your family! That thoughtfulness shows you are an amazing hostess before putting out any food!
Readers– any other advice or menu suggestions?
