Patriotic Party Favors/Hostess Gifts

Greetings Friends!  

Summer has officially kicked off with Memorial Day.  It's a great day to to truly ponder what our servicemen, firemen and policemen and women have given up to insure that we enjoy the freedoms we do.  I was raised in an era in which we sang patriotic songs in the car like God Bless America, America the Beautiful, Battle Hymn of the Republic, My Country 'tis of Thee, This Land is Your Land, and The Star Spangled Banner.  I have always been proud to be an American.  I pray that God will always bless America.

We are attending a Memorial Day Barbecue today.  I made a little something for our hosts. So, if you know me, I can't just stop at one.  I decided to make one of these for my sister,  husband, son, neighbors, a few friends, precious Ana (a favored server at Ruby's), and my WW2 Veteran mom.

They are soooo cute, easy to construct, and inexpensive, so you will see why I got carried away.  These two were made with patriotic ice cream cups.  I bought pom poms at Michael's and cut them down to fit within the cellophane wrapper.

Tied with red, white and blue ribbons and adorned with a computer printed message for our recipients.

Red, white and blue mints and red ramekins were purchased at World Market. patriotic straws were purchased at Pier 1 and cut in half.  I purchased the pinwheels at Hobby Lobby.

All ready to wrap!

My first set looked like this. 

Because I wanted to make a few more, I decided to place the contents into patriotic ice cream cups purchased at Hobby Lobby in sets of 12.

I had to use chocolate kisses for my mom.  They can be purchased in red striped and blue star wrappers at Walmart.  My husband loves M & M's so I purchased those for him in red, white and blue too at Walmart as well.

I found this unique patriotic  trio ornament at Michael's.  
They have them in packages of two at Hobby Lobby.

A handmade 'Thank you" card for our hostess. Simple to make and impressive.

I volunteered to bring an appetizer to the party so when I saw these chips at World Market, I  knew I had to bring chips, salsa and guacamole. These would be perfect for the 4th of July too.

Last, but not least, a picture of my Marine dad who served all over the world.  He was a really great man who loved people and adventure and passed that on to me.  Everyone who knew my dad loved him. A very handsome man indeed, inside and out. 

Thank you to all who served.  We who remain are eternally grateful!

Spring Luncheon-Six Ways To Make Your Guests Feel Welcome

1. Start with a unique invitation.

2. Adorn your entrance with a themed welcome message.

3. Always offer a signature welcome beverage.

Let the fun begin! 

4. Strike up a warm conversation.  Introduce friends to each other and be sure to say something you like about each one to the other.  That way they know something about them to engage in their own conversations.

5. Feature themed decorations and a custom place holder.  Here, pink glittered letters were affixed to an egg within a decoupaged egg cup that my guests were invited to take home as a special remembrance.

6. Offer your guests something fun to do. 

 Here we customized candles and made beverage charms.

 We decorated water bottles.

My guests learned how to make a custom flower arrangement. 

 All of these elements make a guest feel very welcome and 

that you greatly anticipated their arrival and participation. 

 How do you make your guests feel welcome when you host an event? 

I love hearing new and unique ideas.

Collage photos by Anita Lucarelli

How To Host A Delightful Spring Luncheon-A Delightful Book

I have published a very helpful book for your dining pleasure. Discover what fun it is to plan a luncheon around a bird theme for spring. Delight your guest with special menu items designed to amaze your guests. This book is 30 pages of colored photographs and includes clear instructions on how to host a luncheon that is cheerful, delicious, and lots of fun!

Order the book here or online at the right side bar of this blog and you should receive it in time to give for Mothers Day. This menu is perfect for a Bridal Shower, Baby Shower, or a luncheon for special friends.  It is a great hostess gift, birthday gift, or a gift to give just because.

Judging from the reactions I received from hosting this luncheon, you are going to be acclaimed as a "hostess with the mostess".  

See also my book written to assist you in hostessing an unforgettable Tea, How To Host A Delightful Tea" with over 120 color pictures, and complete instructions and delightful recipes.  

Thanks for reading dear friends~ 

Debbie

 

How To Host a Delightful Spring Luncheon for Eight

Hello Dear Blog Followers! I am hosting a class on 4/23 in  my home. I have one spot left in this class.  We have a lot of fun and it includes a luncheon. I will also be demonstrating how to set a table for eight for less than $25. This is the perfect class to take before Mothers Day or someone's birthday. If you,  or someone you know would like to attend, please email me at MakeItDelightful@gmail.com. First come, first served. I hope you can join us.  My next class will be in the summer. Here's the info:

 Have a delightful day my friends!

Debbie

The Most Incredible Living Artist I've Seen in My Lifetime

I have a dear friend named Hap.  Isn't that a terrific name?! I haven't known an artist as talented as her in my lifetime.  She truly is gifted by God. At one time she worked for Disney as an Art Director. I know her passion to be painting beautiful artwork. She uses a variety of processes. See samples of what this very talented artist can accomplish. I believe she will work with your custom wishes. You may view her website at HapBrandon.com

 

 These lovely ladies reside in my kitchen where I gaze upon them daily.

 

A few of her magnificent Christmas cards.

 These are merely samples of the many creations she has painted.  

Each year at Christmas time she paints an incredible Christmas picture/card approximately 8.5" by 11", and distributes it to those who are truly blessed to know her.  I sincerely hope you will visit her website or contact her for showings, requests, or just to tell her how amazing her work is. I'm sure she could design incredible invitations, announcements, or any custom idea you have in mind.  She even fixed a mural in my bathroom that, let's just say, was  lacking.  See mural here.

Hap Brandon has brought much delight to my life with her friendship and God given talent. I know that you will find that in her as well.

Hope you have a delightful day. 

XOXOX, Debbie

Ideas for a St. Patrick's Day Luncheon

 

Above is the invitation that was sent to my treasured friends via e-mail for a St. Patrick's Day Luncheon. The artwork was purchased online.  I then fashioned the invitation for my event.  I loved the spray of shamrocks upon the dramatic ebony background.

I was very excited to have these lassies over for a lunch of a limeade welcome beverage, an artisan salad, Irish Beef Stew within a bread bowl, followed by Key Lime pie.

Come see my tablescape designed for a fun afternoon.

This is how I set the table before I decided on the menu.  Once decided, the sherbet cups were not required.  But, I enjoyed gazing upon them for a few days.

  

Still in the preparation stage, I experimented with many ideas.  I could have kept the cards on the arrangement rather than giving them out with the party favors because they are so cheerful, however, I felt they would get in the way and be a nuisance, so I opted not to.

I opted for these darling headbands I found at Party City.  They were so cute and had the added bling I so enjoy featuring.  Plus, they served a duel purpose.  While called headbands, my friends chose to wear them as necklaces. I like it when people think outside the band!

 

The bands were positioned at an angle to be a little out of the expected realm.

The napkins were place on the salad plates with a gold napkin ring that chimed in with the gold, embossed chargers and gold-plated  flatware. When I purchased the flatware many years ago, I chose a pattern that  was simple, elegant, and would go well with any table setting.  They have served me well for many years.  When I find one has accidentally made it into the garbage disposal for a ride similar to Indiana Jones at Disneyland, I simply go to  Replacements.com and order what I have destroyed.

We enjoyed a delightful artisan salad atop a Depression Era Anchor Hocking Forest Green Bubble plate placed upon an embossed gold charger.  It was so Irish looking!

Constructed with mixed greens, avocado slices, Mandarin oranges, dried pomegranate seeds, and candied pecans.  It was topped with a delicious Brianna's dressing.

 

All the yummy ingredients before baking, including thyme, parsnips and Italian parsley.

A hollowed out bread bowl awaits the delicious stew.

 The salad was followed by a scrumptious Irish Stew in a Bread Bowl.  

Recipe found on Pinterest via The Cozy Apron.  
I added additional carrots and potatoes to the recipe.

 The grand finale was a homemade Key Lime Pie.  

A fun time was had by all.  Note to self: Next time, ask your guests to come up with Irish Blessings, not Irish Limericks!   :- O

As my dear friends departed for home, I presented them with a bag of Lucky Leprechaun Crunch for their pleasure.

                                           

Packaged for giving, two ways.

 

Here's the recipe for the Lucky Leprechaun Crunch:

2 bags white chocolate chips, melted

1 bag gourmet white popcorn

11/2 cups pretzel sticks, chopped

1 bag of mint green M&M's

1 bag of lime jelly beans

1 cup raw almonds

1 sleeve of Girl Scout Chocolate Mint cookies, quartered

1 sleeve of Oreo Mint Thin cookies, quartered

Melt the white chocolate 30 seconds at a time, stirring each time until melted.

Stir in the popcorn and add all other ingredients.

Spread out on a large cookie sheet lined with wax paper.

Chill for about on half hour.

Break into pieces and place within a cellophane bag.  

Tie with a shamrock themed ribbon.

This delightful concoction has a very minty taste and is quite refreshing.   

Give as party favors, 

or neighbor/friend gifts just to let people know you are thinking of them.

       

I hope you had a delightful St. Patrick's Day!

An Irish Prayer 

 May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer. 

Until next time...