Jenny Steffens Hobick

February 17, 2016

My Favorite Color Combinations for Spring Parties | The Very Big Sale Continues!

We entertained like crazy during the holidays (a couple of dinners a week) and have taken a bit of time off to recover... I'm starting to get anxious for some Spring entertaining - I'm itching to host a party. I know many of you are hosting Shower and Parties this Spring are are in need of inspiration, too! So to put my party day dreaming to good use, I thought it would be fun to put together a few inspiration boards using items from my Color Collection to show you how I go about planning a scheme for entertaining.

The Occasion :

If you don't have an occasion to celebrate, do what I do and make one up : ) I love hosting - anything. I plan parties 'just because' all of the time. Maybe the only thing in your entertaining future is a dinner with a couple of couples and all of their kids? Do what my friend Courtney does and greet the parents at the door with champagne 'just because' while the kids go play - that is a great hostess. You can even serve pizza or takeout if you want. There is always a reason (or excuse) to celebrate. Don't be afraid to do it in your own style. You might be celebrating a new engagement, or just a Friday night. It is such a treat to be able to host friends and help them escape into a space of hospitality and comfort to enjoy each other and celebrate milestones of life - big or small. The point is, entertaining is fun - you should do it more often. Right?!

Always a Celebration :

When I host a party, I want my guests to come in and feel like they're enveloped in celebrating (which is why I love the champagne greeting!). I want it to feel easy, comfortable and special, all at the same time. It could be dinner party for 6, or a cocktail party for 50 - I still want them to be embraced by a feeling of celebration and ease when they walk through the door.

Hospitality Rules :

A Mother of the Bride I once worked with said, "I want them to walk in and think 'What a treat - this is special!' not, 'Oh my, how much did they spend?!' I always think about this. For me, entertaining isn't about impressing my guests with fanciness, but more about treating them to an experience that seems comfortable and enriching. With simple items and ideas, I am able transform our home into a welcoming space that feels spruced up and special to celebrate any occasion.

Creating the Feeling :

Season : I always start with the season, then choose flowers and colors that compliment. White Hydrangea are my go-to for any season and any occasion. I find that I can dress them up for a fancy party, or dress them down.

Colors : I like to choose 2-3 colors. The flowers are usually the most vibrant (or the white element), then I pick a neutral and a complimentary tone. While you can get all matching elements for a party (pink ribbon, pink candles and pink stationery, for example) like I showed in my post yesterday, I also like to mix and match the coordinating elements to create a more grounded look.

Favors : For special occasions like a baby or bridal shower, I always incorporate a favor - usually edible and packaged in a Cello Bag, tied with a ribbon and a tag. I like to display them by the door in a basket. Even for small gatherings, sending your guests home with a bag of salted caramels or muffins for the next morning never hurts : )

Decor : I'll use the same Ribbon (from the favors) to tie around a simple white napkin, and the coordinating Place Card at each setting. If there is a buffet or food display table, I'll use the Place Cards to label the food or desserts. I'll also tie the ribbon around the Flower Vase or Hanging Willow Basket filled with Flowers - this is just another way to incorporate the coordinating elements and really create a feeling for your party.

Here are 5 boards I put together based on this philosophy that feature elements from various Color Collections and show how they can go together to make a casually elegant (and celebratory!) look.

This is certainly my favorite board of the moment. I'm craving fresh yellows and pale blues of spring. For me, this is board is very much inspired by nature. In a month, I'll be looking out my window at a very soft pale blue sky, barren trees with pops of fresh yellow daffodils. I'm thinking of hosting a dinner with all of my girlfriends to put this scheme to use. Any excuse!

Color Collections : Chatham Slate Grey Collection | Lemon Curd Collection | Navajo Cream | Edgartown Sand Collection

Everything about this board reminds me of Mother's Day. It is a little early to be thinking about it now, but if you are planning a special occasion shower or party for May or June, now is the time to start dreaming about it.

Color Collections : Mom's Hydrangea Collection | Privet Berry Blue Collection | Seaside Collection

I like to call this "Blush & Bashful." : ) This scheme is based on a Baby Shower I hosted a couple of years ago at our house. These peonies were the softest powdered pink - just amazing. It was a brunch for about 10 girls on a May morning for a dear friend expecting twin girls!

Color Collections : Emma's Room Pink Collection | Navajo Cream Collection | Edgartown Sand Collection

Emma's Pink Tags & Cards | Navajo Cream Candles | Ivory Candles | Emma's Pink Candles | Laurel Wreath Tags | Navajo Cream Ribbon

Fresh, fresh, fresh. Doesn't this just remind you of the lush late Spring and early Summer?! It is making me crave a Lemon Layer Cake and a very green yard : )

Color Collections : East Hampton Hedge Collection | Lemon Curd Collection | Concord Green Collection

East Hampton Hedge Ribbon | Concord Green Tags & Cards | East Hampton Hedge Candles | Hanging Willow Basket | Lemon Curd Candles

Deep Navy is my all time favorite classic color. It goes with everything. This board is an example of how you can use the same soft pink peonies and add luxurious Privet Berry Blue satin ribbon and stationery to change the entire feeling of the occasion.

Shop the Collection : Emma's Room Pink Collection | Privet Berry Blue Collection

Privet Berry Blue Ribbon | Pale Pink Floral Tags | Privet Berry Blue Tags & Cards | Emma's Pink Candles

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What are your current favorite color combinations? I have many more I want to share - hopefully I'll be making this a reoccurring seasonal post. It is so fun to day dream about hosting parties : )

Shop the Everyday Occasions Very Big Sale to stock up on all of these essential elements from the Color Collection >

February 16, 2016

The Color Collection | The Very Big Sale Continues...

This is the last week of the Very Big Sale. It is a perfect time to stock up on essentials from the Color Collection to get you ready for any occasion coming up this Spring.

We always think of the Holidays as the busiest entertaining season, but Spring is huge. Many of your are likely hosting baby or wedding showers, birthdays and graduation parties. I know when I am planning a party, I always start with the season and then think about a color scheme.

I've updated and restocked much of the party supplies inventory... ribbons, candles, tags & cards - all part of my Color Collection. I love this part of my store - it is something I wished I'd had available to me as an event planner. I created this one spot where you can find everything you need to design a festive celebration, birthday, wedding or shower.

You can "Shop by Color" in the store, which automatically sorts all of the products into colors. This is the "Privet Berry Blue" Color Collection. Not only does it show actual products like ribbons, tags and candles, but also projects that you could make to coordinate with them.

Hand-Dipped Taper Candles

I've separated each color of candle in the store onto its own page. I think this helps to see the entire offering - and the amazing colors available. Doesn't it look pretty?! You can choose the size of candle you'd like on its color page. For example, the Edgartown Sand Candle is available in 6", 12" & 18".

Everyday Tags in the Color Collection

Of course, I love all of the tags in the Everyday Color Collection. In the screen shot of the store above, you can also see the more natural colors available, like Lexington Wheat.
I suggest picking a couple of colors you love to keep stocked - then you'll be ready to tie it around a bottle of wine or a cello bag full of cookies for a quick gift.

Find the tags in the Everyday Essential Tags page, or Shop by color.

Here are some of my favorite colors in the Color Collection :

Seaside

Papaya Pashmina

Green :
East Hampton Hedge & Concord Green

What are your favorite color combinations for parties and entertaining? Of course, I'm also a huge fan of mixing all shades of blue, from a pale powder blue to a deep navy, too. I'd love to hear about the colors that you always look for, and that always seem to pop up in your home as accents.

Hope you're having a great week!

Shop the Everyday Occasions Very Big Sale >

February 13, 2016

Fancy Valentine's Menus to Make at Home | Beef & Chocolate

There is something about Valentine's Day that just calls for Beef & Chocolate - and red wine, of course. I love a fancy Valentine's Dinner with a really special meal... especially if we get to enjoy it at home in front of the fire... in the comfort of our slippers.

I've compiled some of our favorite luxury meals to make at home including this table setting and flower arrangement from a couple of years ago. I'm still wild about those flowers!

I think the key to enjoy "fancy" cooking at home is making it easy on yourself. It doesn't get much easier (or better) than searing filet steaks. It is our #1 favorite meal at home... so much so that I hardly ever order it in restaurants anymore. The Barefoot Contessa has her "engagement roasted chicken" as in, after you make this for your boyfriend it is so good that he will propose. I could say the same about knowing how to sear the perfect steak... so many people assume you can only get a good steak in a restaurant.

Seared Filets at Home

I would serve these with mashed potatoes and a yummy shallot and mushroom cream sauce, if we're feeling very fancy.

If you are in the mood for more of a sweet sauce, this steak is perfect. Ribeye Steaks with a Sweet Shallot Wine Sauce

This is my all-time-favorite meal, Beef Stroganoff. It can be made fancy (like this with sliced filet and pappardelle pasta) or veeerrrry simple with ground beef and egg noodles (a weeknight staple around here).

Onto the Chocolate Part of the Evening!

This was made from Ina's Chocolate Ganache Cupcake Recipe - good for a cake or cupcakes. I used my Dripping Chocolate Icing Recipe for the glaze.

Chocolate Molten Cakes in a Cupcake Pan

This is the 2nd most popular recipe on my entire blog... can't imagine why! They are so simple to make, with really easy ingredients - and they are amazing.

Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding

This is something we always order when we see it on the menu. It is so easy to make at home - especially with store-bought croissants.

Another at home favorite is homemade Turtle Pecan Puddles. These take about 20 minutes to make and such a treat! Don't skip the salt sprinkling on top, my favorite part : )

I hope you all are planning a sweet night with your loves - in or out!

Valentine's Day Dinner Party Table Setting | Coral, Orange & Pale Pink Roses

I'm reposting this table setting from three years - still obsessed with these flowers!

...

Over the holidays we wanted to have our closest friends over for a special dinner... and then we got busy and now it is almost February. So, I'm making it up to them by hosting a Valentine's dinner party complete with an all Barefoot Contessa menu.

The entire party was inspired by roses I found at Trader Joe's - spray roses in coral, orange and pale pink. I bought them on a whim and then decided that I needed to have a Valentine's Day party. In fact, those roses were the only thing I needed to buy for the table, and at $5 per bunch (for a total of $15) I think they are an amazing centerpiece. It is a little fancier than I typically set a table for dinner with friends, but I thought it would be fun to gussy it up a bit. Here is a step-by-step guide for how I made this arrangement.

I pulled in our grey wingback chairs from the family room - with their blankets and pillows, they make it such a cozy table.

The menu is a bit over the top!

Here is what I'm planning :

Parmesan Crisps
Caramelized Bacon
Slow-Roasted Beef Tenderloin (I can't get enough...)
Balsamic-Roased Brussels Sprouts
Truffled Mashed Potatoes
Chocolate Cassis Cake

What do you think? Too much? Too rich? Or just right for an indulgent holiday...?

I love how this white rose that was mixed in with the pale pink ones opened up completely. It looks like a real garden rose.

Here is a link to the step-by-step instructions with flower buying tips (Trader Joe's for these, $15).

Notice, I decided to change the vase after I had completed the arrangement. I love how the footed vase gives the table a more fanciful, ornate feel - very different than the clean modern vase, which I also love. It is so interesting how such a small choice, like a vase, can completely influence the entire feel of a table/party.

Here are a couple of photos that show you what's going on adjacent to the dining room to help you get a feel for the mood - the fire is roaring.

... and Mr. is cuddled up in his spot.

I'm sending everyone home with these homemade Salted Caramel Turtle Puddles. Yes, they are as good as they look. Maybe better. This is the second batch I've made in 4 days... the first went too quickly. AND they are the easiest candy I've ever made. Easy and amazing... dangerous.

Here is the recipe for the "Puddles" - they are sooo good.

Here is the easy-to-pin strip!

February 10, 2016

A Very Big Sale | 15-30% + Free Shipping | Restocked Essentials

Shop the Very Big Everyday Occasions Sale >

*Also, I'm working on a new look for Everyday Occasions... what do you think?!

February 08, 2016

Weekly Meal Plan with Leftovers | Slow-Braised Shredded Beef

Yesterday, I made a huge batch of slow simmered beef for Drip Beef Sandwiches for the Super Bowl... and of course, we have leftovers. Thankfully, the beef was cooked with beef stock, onion and garlic seasonings, so it can translate into many different flavors - Italian, Mexican & American.

Last week, I shared how I turn freezer meatballs into lots of different meals (crumbled in soup, meatloaf, etc). This week, I thought I would share what I plan to do with this delicious leftover beef. Here are some easy ideas that can transform braised shredded beef into quick and yummy dinners.
Later this week, I'm going to share some of my freezer/leftover philosophy (along with some new products to help!).

Beef Ragu

This recipe begins by slow braising beef in tomatoes and herbs. We already have the slow-braised shredded beef, so I'll simplify this recipe by sautéing some onions and garlic, then adding some red wine and canned whole tomatoes. After this cooks for about 10 minutes, I'll add the beef. For a weeknight meal, we'll definitely be using regular dried pasta - or Emma's new favorite, frozen cheese ravioli : )

Shredded Beef Tacos

This photo is of some grilled chicken tacos, but I could do the same sort of set up, except with shredded beef... or we might just go the pico + cheese + lettuce + sour cream route. Either way, I'll make some fresh guacamole : )

Braised Beef & Vegetable Soup

Usually, this soup starts with braising beef, then adding vegetables and past at the end. Instead, I will just start with beef, beef stock, wine and add vegetables and pasta. The entire should take about 20 minutes.

Tuscan Beef with Mashed Potatoes

This is a similar recipe to the Beef & Vegetable Stew, but combines lots of interesting flavors like Rosemary and Olives. It can be served with bread or mashed potatoes... or both!

February 04, 2016

Superbowl Menu Ideas | Steak Nachos, Mini Lobster Rolls, Spinach Dip, Sliders

It always seems a bit strange to go from Valentine's Day goodies right into Football favorites... but, that is February for you : ) I don't know about you, but after all of these sweets, a big pan of Oven-Baked Steak Nachos sound good to me!

Here are all of my game day favorite foods that would be great for a party :

Easy Oven Baked Steak Nachos

Easy to make ahead of time, bake, then top with fresh ingredients. If you don't want to cook the steak, buy some brisket or pulled pork from a BBQ shop - really yummy.