Wanting to do al fresco?

I am looking (actually yearning) for some new summer dinnerware. So why I am having so much trouble finding the perfect set? I am noticing there is not an abundance of patio or melamine dinnerware out there…..I even checked our usual suspects like Pottery Barn, William Sonoma and I have to saw I am not impressed.
Pottery Barn has gone very basic and very Americana….and WS has a lovely coral motif but still not what I am looking for.
So I started to surf and found a few other options that are nice – but have I become this picky that I still haven’t found the set I am looking for?
Macy’s
Crate & Barrel
Jonathan Adler
Smith and Hawken – really nice and they’re a heavy, durable melamine!!! Close but they look similar to the china I want to replace…..

While all of these are lovely, I am still looking for a sophisticated, stylish set of melamine dishes. I wish I made it to Target in time to get the Orla Kiely collection….If anyone has any suggestions let me…..

Oh and by the way, check out working class studio for these “fashion plates” great for a girls night in! Chat again soon from…..desperately seeking nice summer dinnerware

Tis the season

The best part of the holiday season? The endless social events that quickly fill your calendar!

Here are a few cocktails and accessories that are sure to put you in a festive mood!

Cocktail Shakers Mix drinks with the confidence of a pro. A quick twist of the lid on this shaker reveals tons of cocktails recipes with foolproof measuring guides for perfect results. I saw these at the recent show in China and then recently saw them again at Pottery Barn - I think it would make an awesome hostess gift along with a nice bottle of gin!

For the wine lover If you are not into cocktails but wine is your thing then these gift tags from Crate and Barrel are super cute.

Or how about these bright and festive “martini’ inspired appetizer plates? I also love these wooden mini mingling plates from style hive.

And now for the showstopper (or what I think is the showstopper…) cocktail twists. Who does not love a sweet garnish on their drink – and what better garnish then these from Party Stockholm. Add a twist to your favorite cocktail with these cute hard candy twists there are four yummy flavors: espresso, peppermint, citron and apple that are ideal for martinis, cosmos, margaritas, coffee drinks or liquors. Hook it on the edge of the glass or drop it right in. Another wonderful hostess gift and great idea! You can find them on http://www.uncommongoods.com/ .

Here are a few recipes sure to warm you up.

White Chocolate Raspberry Cocoa {via HostessWithTheMostess.com} Ingredients: 1 to 1-1/2 ounces white chocolate sauce6 ounces steamed milk, 3/4 ounce Chambord, 3/4 ounce creme de cacao

Directions:

Fill a glass coffee cup with boiling water to preheat. Pour out water. Mix white chocolate sauce and steamed milk in coffee cup. Add Chambord and creme de cacao. Garnish with whipped cream and fresh raspberries. Hot Buttered Rum {via cocktailtimes.com}

Ingredients:- 1 lb light brown sugar- 1/2 lb unsalted butter (softened)- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

In a mixing bowl beat together softened butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract and spices until well combined. Refrigerate in an airtight reusable container for up to a month, or place in your freezer until ready to use.Directions: In a pre-heated coffee mug combine 2 heaping tablespoons batter with 1 1/2 oz. Mount Gay Eclipse Rum. Top with boiling water and stir well to mix. Serve with a spoon.

Hot Apple Pie {via HostessWithTheMostess.com}

Ingredients:2 oz Tuacahot, apple cider, whipped cream, cinnamon stick for garnish

Directions:

Pour the Tuaca in an Irish coffee glass.Fill with hot apple cider.Top with whipped cream.Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Fireside Martini:

If you have jumped on the Martini train, and wish to offer specialty Martinis to your guests, you will need to add some imperative items to your bar list - like super-premium gin or vodka.

1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 3/4 oz vodka, 3/4 oz Baileys Irish Cream and 1/2 oz white crème de cacao. 2. Shake until frothy and strain into a Martini glass rimmed with crushed chocolate.

And to end this spirit inspired post – don’t forget your rims?

Spice up your Holiday cocktail party with a garnish-your-own-rim bar. Here are a few ideas.

Snappy Chai Eggnog: Coat the rims of four rocks glasses with the brown-sugar syrup, then the gingersnap crumbs.

White Chocolate Rum Shake: Pour into tall glasses and top with whipped cream, sprinkles and a candy cane.

Pecan Pie Martini: On a small plate, stir together 1 teaspoon corn syrup and the brown sugar. Dip the rims of 4 martini glasses in the mixture, then in the chopped nuts.

Cheers!

Holiday treats

Christmas Treats by Maevelicious

Looking for some tastey treats for your Holiday table - here are a few guaranteed to tantalize you and your guests.

Martha Stewart’s Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Serve this showy dessert this holiday season. Christmas Tree Cakes are laden with snowy frosting and sprinkled with sanding sugar. Save some sugar to create beds of "snow" for serving. This are beautiful – check her website for the recipe – they are made using waffle cones in order to get the tree shape! BRILLIANT!!!

William Sonoma Original Peppermint Bark

Introduced a decade ago, and a favorite ever since this bark is the best. An original Williams-Sonoma recipe, the nostalgic handmade treat continues a proud tradition of artisanal candymaking. Often copied but never matched in quality or flavor, the confection derives its inimitable taste from custom-blended Guittard premium chocolate and natural oil of peppermint that’s triple-distilled to extract the cool, clean flavor of fresh mint. Master candymakers pour melted semisweet chocolate onto a confectioner’s table, then add a layer of creamy white chocolate. The bark is finished with a snowfall of crisp handmade peppermint candy bits – an inspired contrast to the rich, velvety smoothness of the world-class chocolate. I also love (and keep) each of my tins – I can’t wait to get another this year!

William Sonoma Handcrafted Marshmallows

Individually wrapped to preserve their freshness, these classic light-as-air marshmallows are just right for floating in a cup of hot chocolate or dipping into melted chocolate. Making marshmallows this good takes plenty of time: Confectioners begin by cooking whisked egg whites and syrup together in copper kettles; for the chocolate flavor, premium Guittard cocoa is added. Then the airy mixture is poured onto marble slabs to cool and set before its hand cut into cubes. Vanilla and chocolate.

William Sonoma Peppermint Snow

As festive as a holiday snowfall, these red-and-white peppermint bits add seasonal color and crunch to homemade treats. Artisanal confectioners craft the candy entirely by hand, right down to the striped detailing. I would top a wonderful bowl of ice cream with these or sprinkle them all over my holiday cupcakes – the options are endless!

Horchow Chocolates in a Dome

Delight them with chocolates placed on an edible base and enclosed in a container resembling a snow globe. These unique 6-oz. confections are from Golda & I Chocolatiers- almost too lovely to eat……I said almost!

Red Envelope’s Modern Gingerbread House

Every bit as edible as the traditional one, this isn't your grandma's gingerbread house. Red Envelope gave the classic holiday treat a mid-century makeover, complete with garage and rock garden. A unique gift and sure-fire conversation piece, it comes assembled and ready to enjoy. Once unwrapped, it should be eaten within 30 days. Left as decoration, it will keep for up to 12 months. Love it – now I wonder if you could find someone to do a custom gingerbread of your own house – that would be awesome!!!

Lump of Coal in Felt Bag Crate and Barrel Exclusive. Even if they've been nice, kids (and adults) will get a kick out of finding this licorice hard candy in their stocking.

Marks and Spencer Here are some great Christmas cakes from the master of holiday food – unfortunately their not in Canada anymore.