Category Archives: Toasting

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!

10.16.13

how-to: add touches of fall-ness

There’s hardly anything better than walking around the house in December and thinking “it smells just like Christmas”. I absolutely love this feeling when you can smell the tree, scented candles and baked goods all throughout the house. Well, the same can be said for fall and yesterday morning, as I walked down my own stairs to the kitchen, I literally thought “it smells just like fall in here!”.

How is this so? By adding just the right touches of fall-ness to the place you call home. Don’t worry, these are all super simple and no fancy decorating required.

1. Pumpkin Scented Candles – Sprinkle the house with these and light often (kitchen + living room are most important for seasonal candles). Try also adding a complimentary hand soap in the kitchen or bathroom (I use this one).

      Spiced Pumpkin – Yankee Candle

        Pumpkin Candles  – World Market

Mexican Pumpkin – World Maket

Boulangerie Jar Pumpkin Soufflé Candle – Anthropologie

2. Autumn Air Freshner – There is only one freshner listed here because this is hands down the only one you’ll ever need! Place by an entry way or in a front room and your entire house will smell just like fall.

Autumn Wallflower  – Bath & Body Works

3. Baked Goods – You can make from scratch or try the one below for same great results.

Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix by Trader Joe’s – Just add eggs, oil & water. Some chocolate chips don’t hurt either. This is the best pumpkin bread I’ve ever tasted via mix and it’s the easiest too!

4. Fall Treats – Bowls of candy on coffee tables and by entry ways (think candy corn, kisses and anything bite sized for guests and yourself to enjoy all month long).

5. Fall Decor – Mini pumpkins, large pumpkins, wreaths, odds and ends by Pottery Barn (HALLOWEEN SALE).  This is where you can add as little or as much as you want (detailed tablescapes aren’t for everyone, I know). I tend to go for more of a “fall pumpkin” theme as opposed to solely Halloween themed.

{Home Sweet Home}

How do you get your house ready for fall?

10.15.13

swoozies + kate spade: office & party

So I was absolutely “that girl” in grade school (and high school, for that matter) who loved loved loved shopping for “school supplies”. When the list was finally mailed to my house at the end of summer (because no, we didn’t email with teachers then), I was beyond excited to head to the nearest Target or the like to get my list and then some. This normally meant just about everything was pink and somehow ended up with my monogram on it.

Well, not much has changed since then…now it’s just office supplies that I have far too much of. This is also why I was super excited when I learned that one of my favorite party and paper goods stores, Swoozies, was teaming up with none other than Kate Spade to create a special line of desk accessories, gifts and party supplies. And what do I love even more than office supplies? Yep, party supplies.

I have been so lucky to have shopped at two Swoozies locations (Palm Beach Gardens & Atlanta), which are both stores that I should be never allowed into (kidding!). Fortunately, anyone can shop Swoozies products online and this Kate Spade collection is one that shouldn’t be missed!

{Image via Swoozies}

Here are a few of my favorites from the newly released line:

 1. Bow Paper Clips + Bow Push Pins – I mean, do I have to even explain these first two? Bows.

2. Pencil Set – I love the so-called “modern charm” and phrases that were added to these.

3. Gold Dots Notebook – I have one of these notebooks and it’s full of lists that are much prettier to look at.

4. Coasters (THESE and THESE and fine, these glitter ones too!) –  There is no need to discriminate here; the more, the merrier.

5. “Cold Hands, Warm Heart” Thermal Mug – I find this mug quite appropriate for colder months ahead and office commutes.

6. Treat Yourself Favor Bags  – These could be used at fun birthday or Christmas party in green.

7.  Gold Dots Cocktail Napkins  – These napkins are made for a New Year’s Eve soirée.

8. All Occasions Card Set  – I love to have a set of cards on deck for just about any occasion and these do just the trick.

What are your faves? Do you still get just as excited as I do over office + school supplies? I think I’ll take one of each, please!