Category Archives: Hosting

11.05.13

tablescape tuesday: thanksgiving prep

I wrote yesterday that I would be celebrating and hosting Thanksgiving with my family in DC this year. In college, I flew home to Florida for the holiday each year and since then (5 years already, ahh!), I have alternated between Florida, DC with friends (#friendsgiving) and other nearby destinations. This year, however, is different because my entire family will be headed up to DC to celebrate Thanksgiving with a fall backdrop for once (no pretty orange and red leaves in Florida this time of year or ever). I’m the oldest of four — with two younger sisters and one younger brother ages 9 to 23 so needless to say, it’ll be a full house around my dining room table.

I’m spending the next couple of weeks setting the menu with the help of my stepmom (she’s the best cook!) and youngest sister (she has a few requests, ha!). I’m also in the market for the perfect tablescape to share with them.

I plan to keep our Pottery Barn pumpkins and leaves in tact and add other pieces, fresh flowers and place settings for a put-together yet casual feel. After all, this essentially will be a “kids table” with all four of us in attendance.

Below are a few inspiration pictures I have been browsing to get me in the spirit.

{Image via Better Homes & Gardens}

{Image via Tidbits & Twine}

{Image via my friend, Mandy of Waiting on Martha}

However, I am most inspired by this Camille Styles Thanksgiving video from 2011.

She captivates the entire holiday perfectly with family, food and no small detail left unnoticed (love is in the details, right?) . This is also why she is such an inspiring entertaining role model of mine!

Be sure to check back later this month to take a look at how my tablescape turns out!

11.04.13

hello november.

I don’t know about you but for me, it’s hard to believe it’s already November. It seems like just yesterday we were in the midst of summer cookouts and beach days. Not to mention, sunkissed skin. Nonetheless, ready or not, November has arrived and that also means Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I am happy to be staying put this month and hosting my family in DC for the holiday (more on that later).

{Image via Nordstrom}

However, it’s easy to get caught up at the start of the holiday season and before we know it, Christmas parties and 2014 will be here. I’ll admit it, I’m already “saving the date” for numerous parties and planning a few of my own. But, I’m also making a promise to myself to enjoy this next month and embrace it before the season of cocktail dresses and holiday hearts begin.

What else am I looking forward to in November? Hosting & Toasting is #hosting two events in the DC area so check back here soon for more details and announcements. I am excited to partner up with some great brands and bloggers!

Oh yes and in case you missed it – J.CREW is having another SALE! Fall Sale Items are an additional 30%-50% OFF. While J.CREW Factory is having 30% OFF all NEW Arrivals. Best of both worlds.  Below are a few of my faves.

Make it a great Monday!

11.01.13

Wedding Gifts: for the home & for the bride

In true fashion, it’s that time of year where fall weddings and corresponding activities are upon us. In fact, this weekend I am headed home to sunny Florida for one of my good friend’s weddings. I cannot wait to be reunited with all my high school friends and celebrate!

With that being said, I’ve gathered a few gift suggestions for bridal showers & the big day. Especially if you’re late to the game and all that’s left on the registry is silverware and drying racks.

Monograms are strongly encouraged. 

For the home:

For the bride:

I also recommend the Pottery Barn’s wedding & monogram shop, any piece on Design Darling, Kate Spade’s bridal collection  or a wine club membership for the happy couple.

Are you in the midst of wedding season too?

10.31.13

happy halloween: boo-nilla shakes

Happy Halloween!

Whether you’re dressing up yourself or waiting by the door this evening with an oversized bowl of candy for the little ones, I hope you have a wonderful day! Truthfully, I have never been a huge enthusiast when it comes to Halloween costumes but I love celebrating the holiday with decor and treats.

One of the easiest “treats” I’ve made are “boo-nilla” shakes by none other than Martha Stewart. I first tried these last year for my book club’s October meeting at the suggestion of my friend Elizabeth. They are easy, delicious and the ideal dessert for All Hallows’ Eve.

Not only is today Halloween, but for me, it’s also the day I celebrate the life of my aunt. If you’ve read the about H&T section, you also know that this blog is dedicated to my aunt who passed away last year. She was so much more than just an aunt to me; a mother, Godmother, best friend and role model too. We spoke every day and she inspired my entire life; my love of entertaining and fashion while raising me to be the person I am today.

This is the second birthday we’ve celebrated without her and a few days ago, I came across this song, “Go On Without Me” by Brett Eldredge. I can’t help but think of her and my uncle every time I listen to it.

Enjoy!

10.21.13

fall cocktail recipes: mix & enjoy!

If you followed along on instagram, you know that I did a little hosting AND toasting this past weekend. I kicked off Saturday with Meaghan of District Sparkle at a Brunch & Champs party at Sonoma Wine Bar. This event was part of DC Wine Week and we sipped on bubbly and indulged in brunch bites. Then I mixed up some new fall cocktail recipes and hosted Patricia of Piqued PR and my BFF, Claire, for an evening tasting. (Oh, and I cannot leave out my roomate and her friend who had just returned from a day of vineyard hopping – they were the first guinea pigs to sample these libations.)

I took a few drinks I found, combined and sampled accordingly. Both of these are perfect to serve all season long and will leave your guests coming back for more. As promised, below are the recipes!

Pumpkin Pie Boozy Milkshakes

This is a remix on my Key Lime Pie Boozy Milkshakes from the summer, (yum!). Fair warning that you probably can only drink one of these shakes and better yet, serve for dessert. I plan to make these again (sans the booze) for my younger siblings. They’re pretty to look at too, right?

Party Supplies:

Shake Ingredients:

  • 3 Cups of Vanilla Ice Cream
  • 1/2 Cup of Pinnacle Pumpkin Pie Vodka
  • 1/4 Cup of Pumpkin Pie Spice Creamer
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoons of Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 Cup Libby’s Canned Pumpkin
  • Pinch of Pumpkin Pie Spice

Shake Topping:

  • Whipped Cream
  • Graham Crackers
  • Vanilla Frosting (for the rim of the glass – this is how the sprinkles stick)
  • Orange and Black Sprinkles (for rim of the glass)

Directions:

  1. Line the rim of the mason jar with vanilla frosting and then dip into the bowl of festive sprinkles.
  2. Mix all the ingredients together in a blender.
  3. For the topping, add whipped cream generously and garnish with a graham cracker.
  4. Enjoy! This recipe serves 2.

Apple Cider Bourbon Mimosas

This is a cocktail that can be enjoyed in the morning or in the evening (we chose to sip on these during college football games, naturally). This is also one that should be served in a pitcher or carafe, because your guests will want more than one. Promise.

Ingredients:

  • 1 Teaspoon of Brown Sugar
  • 2 Parts  (or 3 ounces) of Apple Cider
  • 2 Parts (or 3 ounces) of Bubbly
  • 1 Part (or 1.5 ounces) of Bourbon

Directions:

  1. Dip champagne glass rims in bourbon and then into a mixture of cinnamon sugar.
  2. Mix all the drink ingredients together and pour into champagne glass.
  3. Garnish with sliced apples and enjoy! Serves 2.

 What fall cocktails do you fancy?

 Try these and let me know what you think! Cheers!