4th of July Table Setting, Red White & Blue Ice Cream Cake, & Star Spangled Sangria

Last week, TheDaily.com came to my house to shoot a video for a 4th of July video.  I created this "Star-Spangled 4th of July Party" complete with a Red, White and Blueberry Ice Cream Cake, baskets of berries, a Help Yourself Bar with Star-Spangled Sangria.  For the behind the scenes scoop, visit this blog post.   To watch the video they beautifully produced, click here!

Here is the complete table with the Red, White & Blueberry Ice Cream Cake as the centerpiece.



I set the table (yes, that is my farm table that is usually on my sun porch) in our back yard under a big tree.



Here is the Help Yourself Bar featuring Star-Spangled Sangria with Mason Jar glasses.  Here is a link to the DIY instructions for setting up this bar and easy patio decorations.

I made the stars for the sangria out of a red apple cut with a cookie cutter... it really couldn't have been easier.   Here is the recipe for the Star-Spangled Sangria. 

As you can see, I used navy tin plates that had a shiny silver edge - great for outdoor entertaining.  Down the table I used mason jars filled with rock salt and flags for a little height and festivity. 

On the table I tucked baskets of blueberries, cherries and strawberries amongst the flags for a seasonal touch... and who doesn't love an edible centerpiece. 

Speaking of edible centerpieces...

This ice cream cake is three layers with strawberry and blueberry soaked cake inside- it truly is red, white and blue.  And delicious.  And easy.   Here is the recipe! Watch the video for the step-by-step instructions! 

Click below to continue reading after the break!

Summer Table Setting | Tomato Tasting Party Inspiration

For the Tomato Tasting Dinner Party, I wanted the setting to be very simple- farm-to-table-esque.

-Red Striped Natural Linen Napkins (that I made- see note below)
-A Cherry Tomato
-Herb Box Centerpiece (see note below)
-Match Pewter Bud Vase with White Zinnia
-Pewter Flatware
-White Pantry Plates
-Country Wine Glasses
-French Water Glasses
-Bare Wooden Table

Peonies | 3 Ways to Display Individual Blooms Around Your House

It is finally Peony season in New England.  I say 'finally' because I've been seeing the blooms on blogs from back home for what seems like months.  I have had complete peony envy.  Not only because the season is later here than it is in the Midwest, but because I have no bushes of my own.  Ugh.  I used to at our old house in Fairway.  It was not a mature set of bushes, but it was on its way, producing a handful of beauties every year.  Enough to keep a couple of flowers on my coffee table, bedside table, bathroom vanity and kitchen counter for a couple of weeks.  All a girl needs.



What's worse? Now that our time has come in the North East I have to walk by bushes with their blooms blowing in the wind every day.  You might think that someone who doesn't have peony bushes of her own might enjoy walking by bushes that are in bloom.  No.

 
Here's why : Peonies are a cutting flower, people.  These ladies are meant for the stage.



If you are lucky enough to have a bush with big, lovely blooms- cut them!  Cut them in masses and bring them inside to enjoy.  I'll repeat: They are a cutting flower meaning they are grown for cutting.  They look best in when cut, not on the bush.  Another cutting flower?  Roses.  Roses on a rose bush are not nearly as attractive as when it is cut and placed in a container- alone as a single bud or in a group.

I used to feel guilty cutting flowers and bringing them inside until I came to this realization.  Like all of us, peonies have their strengths and weaknesses.  These girls truly are at their best when they cut and brought inside... in fact they last longer when they are kept out of the bright sun and heat.  Do them (and me!) a favor and go outside with your shears and go crazy.  Cut them!  Put them around your house in every container you can find.  Group them in pitchers and bowls- even vases if you've got 'em  Give them to your friends and neighbors that are not as blessed with your bounty.
 

Me?  I have to buy mine- $5 each at the market.  So, instead of big masses on my center island, I've plunked single blooms in drinking glasses, bud vases and bowls.  I have to say, I really enjoy them as individuals.  It helps me to appreciate these gals and their utter and completely flamboyant beauty.

Still stunning even as she falls apart... if we all were so lucky.

Easy Summer Centerpiece | Planted Herbs

I’m all for things that can serve double duty and make life easier- especially when they are really beautiful and simple to make.  This herb box moves from the window sill in my kitchen to the kitchen table for a last minute centerpiece. 

The long shape and low height of this box is perfect for a casual meal at my rustic harvest table.   You can make this in any shape or size that will compliment your window and your table.  This box is made from wood salvaged from an old barn in Vermont.  Keep your eye out for a unique vessel that you love, or make one yourself!  Your herb box can be made out of any material, as long as there is good drainage out of the bottom, which is easily done by drilling holes.



My herb box has become a fixture in my home, changing with the seasons.  In the Summer, I fill it with fresh basil and keep it out on the patio table all season long.  I never have to worry about putting together a centerpiece when we’re having friends over for a last-minute patio party, and as a bonus the herbs in the box just might inspire the menu.

Of course, you don’t have to only plant herbs in the box.  Late in the Fall, I plant paperwhite bulbs that will bloom just before the Holidays.  It is such a nice treat to have a full box of blooms on my breakfast table in the middle of Winter.


 You'll need...

-wooden box with drainage holes
-potting soil
-5 herb plants
-sheet of metal    

Directions :

Find or build a simple box that will fit on your window sill and will fit nicely on your table.  Be sure to drill several holes in the bottom of the box to enable excess water to drain out.

Create a liner for underneath the box out of a sheet of metal.  You can find tin or another light-weight metal sheet at the hardware store.  With protective gloves on, using a ridged straight edge, bend the sides of the sheet of metal up, so it fits around the box.  Be sure to make multiple folds on each side to hide sharp edges.

Fill the box half way with potting soil.  Plant the herb plants down the center of the box, then fill in with potting soil.  Water generously. 

Lilac Centerpiece in Pewter Serving Bowl with Lilly of the Valley

I’m not a huge fan of using stuffy, professionally design floral centerpieces when I’m hosting a party.  To me it always feels like a wedding or a catered affair when I have an arrangement that looks “too perfect.”  I prefer something that looks like it came out of my garden or my kitchen- it should to be something that compliments the setting, the menu, the occasion and the company.



A few weeks ago, I used this same serving bowl to create a centerpiece with planted pansies.  Here, I've used it with lilacs to create a really bountiful arrangement.  While most of us don’t have an expansive collection of large beautiful vases in which to create centerpieces, we do often have beautiful serving pieces that we’ve served food in for years.  So many times we feel limited by what we don’t have and forget to consider what we do have.   Beyond the practicality of using something you already own versus going out and buying something new, I like to use elements from my own kitchen to create centerpieces for my table.

You'll Need...
   
    Large Serving Bowl
    Double sided tape
    Scissors or Gardening Shears
    Water
    Flowers

Directions :

Fill the bowl half way with water.  Create a grid on the top of the serving bowl with the double stick tape.  Place the flowers in the bowl, using the grid to hold them in place.  Begin by using the largest blooms and branches to create the shape of the arrangement, then fill in with smaller flowers.

Here is the easy to pin strip!

Planted Pansies Centerpiece | Spring Centerpiece | Mother's Day Centerpiece

 
It is no secret that I like planted flowers indoors - I love that they are seasonal, last longer than cut flowers and are usually much less expensive.  Do you know how much it would have cost me to make a floral arrangement to fill this pewter bowl- especially if I had it done at a floral shop.  Hundreds.  Hundreds!  For $12 I made this very sweet and seasonal centerpiece that would great for Mother's Day... or any other occasion like a Tuesday? 

Use potting soil to fill the container.  After a couple of days the flowers should be transferred to a pot, as this bowl doesn't have any drainage.  It will work great for about 5-7 days, though.  

Start by placing the flowers around the perimeter of the bowl, then fill in with soil.  Pack them in tight for a full effect.

Use moss to cover any exposed dirt... not a lovely sight on the dining table.

 Lovely

 Here is the easy-to-pin strip!

Dahlias | Fall Flowers from the Farmers Market | Fall Centerpiece

When Summer ends, my mind turns to Mums and pumpkins.  I always forget about Dahlias.  Last weekend at the Farmer's Market I came across these Dahlias.  I loved that there were Fall colors of orange, deep red and rust, but also had coral and pink tones. 

To top it off, the farmer had added a few sprigs of Tuberose to the arrangement, that are also in season in early Fall. 

The scent of Tuberose is amazing - it reminds me of our wedding last October.  All of the men wore tuberose boutonnieres.

I put the bouquet in one of my tin arrangements.  These are the kind of casual floral 'arrangements' that I like to use as centerpieces on my table - it looks like it could have been cut and gathered from my own garden... if I had one!

Hydrangea Season | 3 Easy Centerpieces using Hydrangeas No Vases Needed

My style of entertaining is very casual and easygoing (read more about my entertaining philosophy here!).  I like my guests to feel comfortable and the atmosphere (dare I say ambiance?) is an important part of doing just that.

If we're hosting friends for dinner on a Saturday night, a formal florist-type bouquet isn't appropriate - it would say all of the wrong things about what I want the night to be.


My favorite method is to use several stems of the same type (or color) of flower.

Farmers Market Table Setting | Farm to Table themed Summer Party

Summer Farmer's Market Table Setting:
Farm to Table Themed Party

Who says you have to go to the florist to put together a beautiful table for a party?  When I go to the farmer's markets, I am always amazed at how beautiful the vegetables are as they're all grouped together and displayed.  I decided to add this bountiful farmer's market style to my table for a Summertime "Farm to Market" dinner party.

Did I mention that the menu has some of the same ingredients displayed on the table?  Talk about appetizing.

Summertime Farm to Market Menu (recipes coming soon!):

Garden Tomatoes with Green Goddess Dressing
Eggplant Focaccia Bread
Corn on the Cob with Basil Butter
Classic Cucumbers & Onions
Lemon & Chive Halibut in Parchment Bundles
Peach Crostada with Vanilla Ice Cream

I picked up these kitchen towels at William-Sonoma.  They make great rustic over-sized napkins... after all, who doesn't appreciate an over-sized napkin when you're eating corn on the cob?  The towels came in a package of 4 different patterns of stripes and plaids.  I love the navy and light blue combination with the clean clean white.

I don't know about you, but sitting outside in this heat does not sound like a pleasant evening.  So, I brought the bounty of the season in doors.

I set the table by putting a white hemstitch runner down the center.  All of the different colors, sizes and shapes of the vegetables could end up looking chaotic, so I needed the plain white runner to create a cohesive look.  A burlap runner would add a little more of a rustic style.  You can see the various patterns of the napkins in this shot.

Again, to create a cohesive look, I put all of the vegetables in separate white bowls, then arranged them scattered down the table, separating each color by a complimenting color.  For example, I separated the bright pink radishes from the bright red orange tomato with pale colored potatoes and the neutral green ears of corn.

 

Left to Right :  A jar of homemade pickles, blue hydrangeas in a white creamer pitcher, peaches, round eggplant and cherry tomatoes.

The pickles are a take-home gift for our guests.  If you don't have time to make your own, buy some locally made berry jam and send your guests home with biscuits for breakfast.

The radishes are so beautiful - such a rich shade of pink.

I hope this table inspires your next Summer party!  Stay tuned for recipes to serve at your Summertime Farm to Market dinner party!