Welcome!!!

   

Hi Everyone,

      I had planned to start this blog months ago, but as many of you can understand - life sometimes has a plan of it's own.  But at last, here I am and I have chosen my first blog to be about what else, Outdoor Entertaining.  It's June and we are all looking forward to getting the kids out of school and enjoy the beautiful summer days ahead.  Entertaining is a big part of my summer fun.  Big Italian family, lots of food, pool, sports, the occasional sports argument - you get the picture.  I am always looking for new foods to pair with the eternal barbeque staples of burgers, hot dogs and anything that you can fit on a skewer.  But that is a different post for a different day.

     Presentation has always been "a thing" with me, I have to have the appropriate platter for the type of food I am serving.  Needless to say if I am that picky you should know that I love centerpieces on all of my tables as well.  Nothing too elaborate, but something that fits the day, usually I will use items I already own, cake stands, candles, pretty colored glasses - always keep the heights and dimensions moving up and down and it will be beautiful.  I almost always plan a buffet for outdoors, it forces people to mingle and allows you to squeeze in "just one more guest".  Here are some items that I have come across with a beach theme that I thought you might like to use at your outdoor party this summer.  Take a look!

 These adorable sea horse salt and pepper shaker are from a great website, beachcomber.com. 

As I mentioned earlier, I love table centerpieces and this one can be made affordably.  These faux corals can be purchased at beachcombers.com also.  Have fun with it, a beautiful table is something your guests truly appreciate.

This was one of my favorite finds, Twig Cutlery by Michael Aram.  Sold at Bloomingdales for $6.00 a dozen.  Such a great statement, and so unique!

These bowls are both from Pottery Barn, both the Conch and the Nautilus are priced at $47.00 a piece, but you will have them forever and they also have a platter that can serve raw clams, take a  peak!

 

Let it be known, I love anything trimmed in pom poms.  These adorable place mats which can also be used to sit under your centerpieces are from Abanja.com for $22.00.

These lanterns are not only beautiful, but they are only $89.00 for the entire set of three!  I found them at Pebble Lane Living.  Just when you think its time to go inside, just place candles in these and keep the party going!

These lovely salad servers are good for any occasion and they are priced at $16.00 from Hammertown.com.  I can honestly say I wasted no time and ordered myself a set, they should be her any day now!