Leap Day Celebration

It happens only every four years! 

Leap Day

 

Here's a cheerful way to celebrate the extra day we've been given this year.

This whimsical fabric can be found at your local fabric store. The frogs represent the leap in "Leap Day". The ladybugs are a sweet compliment to the outdoor theme.   Upon this table for two, I positioned the  "Love Frog" glitter globe I presented to my husband with his candy on Valentines Day and told him "I toad-i-ly love you!"  He  complimented the table perfectly. (The frog that is!)

Ladybugs want to be part of the fun too!

The flowers complimented the table and the outdoor venue.  

This table looked glorious outside.

Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE red glassware.  

Actually I love all colored glassware.

So what should I serve for lunch?  Any ideas?   

Please don't say "frogs legs".  I couldn't do that!

I'm thinking a bacon, basil and tomato sandwich with a delicious salad of artisan greens, fruits and nuts,  or a pasta salad with a kick, accompanied by my new favorite beverage Sanpelagrino Limonata spiked with strawberries! In the sherbet glasses I believe lemon sorbet topped with mixed berries would be a refreshing conclusion to the lunch.  

Here's a little bit of info about Leap Day in case you are interested: Click Here

If you haven't seen this movie and you love Rom-Coms like I do, you must view this movie before or on February 29th.

Happy Leap Year Everyone!

Valentines Berried Treasure Slushy Punch

One of the very best recipes for punch that I have ever had, is what I call "Berried Treasure Slushy Punch". It is made with Jell-O, fruit juices and lemon-lime soda.  It compliments everything and is quite tasty.  I love its slushy texture which provides an unexpected element.  Versions of this punch have been served at receptions, showers and parties for years. Find the recipe here. 

What I have discovered is that it blends well with sparkling wines as a welcome beverage. I have mixed it with Brut sparkling wine, Peach sparkling wine, but it is a show stopper with Strawberry sparkling wine.  How could it not be?!  I found mine at World Market for about $9 a bottle.  Here is the view of one that would work just as well.

 

Present this drink in a fluted champagne glass topped with a strawberry and sprig of mint leaves for Valentines Day, Mothers Day, birthdays, showers or any other party.  For Christmas top with 3 cranberries and a mint sprig.  I guaranty you that you will hear gasps of delight if you serve this beverage at your party.  Trust me on this!  Totally delightful. Be sure you have enough to offer a second glass to your guests. 

Note: This punch pairs marvelously with any bacon appetizer.

Almond "Joy" for Valentines

This is a delightful way to begin or end your Valentines celebration.  It is served to wine tasters at the Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula and greeted with great delight. You may purchase it just about anywhere they sell sparkling champagne. Just fill a chocolate cup with Almond Sparkling Wine and there you have it!  Yummm!  

You  could also fill cups with Strawberry, Raspberry or any other Sparkling wine depending on your preferences. 

Whatever you do...Make It Delightful!

 Debbie

New Book "How To Host A Delightful Tea"

Writing and publishing a book has always been a dream of mine.  Forever on my bucket list, something I can now cross off!  However, I must say, publishing a book is like having a baby.  I immediately want to write another one.  I still have ideas rolling around in my noggin. 

I self-published this book and am so proud of it.  I know it isn't the caliber of Martha Stewart, although in some ways it is even better. It is super special to me because it includes Teas I have hosted and ideas that I want to share to make anyone who desires to host a Tea have a great experience.  It's full of instructions on hosting an event that is above average.  I believe it takes just a bit more effort to take something from average to above average.  In my case, I wanted it to include the word "Delightful" in the title. because it is always my goal to make any event I host delightful for my guests, and for me!

I created it in a spiral format because I want people to use it.  Fold it back, copy a list from it, or a recipe when needed. I tried to price it fairly as books are not inexpensive to publish, especially in color with lots of photographs. I chose to design it that way because I'm very visual so I must have pictures to give me the inspiration I need. 

This is a first for selling an item on my blog.  I don't inundate you with ads.  It's available to you if you wish to buy one,  or ten ;-).  Just click here.

Thanks for your continued viewing and support. I'm so very grateful for each of you.

Debbie

New Year's Tablescape

I had to laugh as I started to write this blog post as my husband and I never stay up until midnight much anymore.  So I wasn't about to name this post "New Years Eve Tablescape".  Because there are such positive messages on the plates I used, I decided I would use them all month and remain in the mood of great beginnings. 

These plates cheer me up just looking at them and I love seeing and using them daily.

These flowers have stayed really fresh for over two weeks! 

They were a real bargain at Trader Joe's.

I love the inspiration on each plate.

 I wish you all of these sentiments and all the Lord's blessings upon you in the new year.

Below is a fun activity you can feature at your dinner to stimulate conversations and get to know your guests even better.  Print these, cut them out, and place one under each guests charger or dinner plate and reveal when ready to use.

You should be able to click on the document and print it.  

Happy New Year!