Party Friday: Peanuts!

I love to have a big bucket of peanuts at a party - peanuts are inexpensive and delicious! Guests always love the retro peanut bags that I bought on Etsy; I put them right in the galvanized bucket of nuts. This particular set-up was from my Oktoberfest party last fall but I put peanuts out at cook-outs too. A scoop is always a good addition so no one digs around! Try a bucket of nuts at your next party - at the very least, they keep everyone full until dinner is ready!

Southern Thursday: Mignon Faget

Southern Hostesses love jewelry from Mignon Faget in New Orleans. Whether you prefer the fleur de lis collection or tulip or coral, these pieces of art will be a welcome addition to your jewelry box. Mignon herself is inspired by nature and architecture, and you can see that in the designs of her many collections. She is also inspired by "mysterious" Louisiana, where she has lived her whole life. Mignon even has a Gumbo necklace and Mardi Gras bracelet in her collection. Educated at Tulane and Parsons School of Designs, she concentrated her degree in sculpture and designed her first collection in 1969. She has been a jewelry designer ever since, and aren't we Southern Hostesses glad for that?!

Wonky Wednesday: Custom Pottery

Did you know that some potters will make custom pieces for you? All you have to do is ask! I had custom pieces made by Melissa at Bridgman Pottery for a harvest dinner event last fall. Guests could purchase the "Hope" pottery centerpieces (they had flowers in them, of course) for a $100 donation. My sweet daddy bought me one and I just love it. I can use it as a crock in the kitchen, a vase or a catch all. It is usually outside on my potting bench because it looks pretty! I purchased several of the miniature vases too because, honestly, I fell in love with them! Southern Hostesses love pottery and they also love almost anything custom!

Tapas Tuesday: Dixie Caviar

And here's how to make it!

4 cups frozen, fresh or canned black-eyed peas

1 16oz can white hominy, drained (optional)

2 medium tomatoes chopped

1 cup italian salad dressing

1 cup chopped green pepper

1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)

4 green onions scliced ( I leave these out)

1 or 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped

1 or 2 cloves garlic, minced (I like to use 2 cloves and the garlic press.)

1/4 up sour cream or plain yogurt

Snipped fresh cilantro or parsley

Tortilla chips (I like Fritos' scoops) or crackers

Cook peas if using fresh or frozen. If using canned, rinse and drain. In a large bowl combine drained peas, hominy, tomatoes, salad dressing, green pepper, onion, green oinions, jalapeno peppers, and garlic. Cover and chill for 1 to 2 days.

Drain mixture, reserving liquid. Partially chop in food processor by pulsing twice. Do not puree. Add back enough of the liquid to make a nice dipping consistency. Top with sour cream and cilantro. Serve cold with tortilla chips or crackers. Makes 2 1/2 quarts!

Sarah got this recipe from the Junior League of Memphis cookbook Heart and Soul.  There are a number of variations in other cookbooks, but she likes this one the best! Enjoy!

Party Supply Monday: Paper Fans

Paper fans should be on your party basics checklist in these hot summer months, especially if you plan to entertain outdoors. Not only are they beautiful and double as decor, but they are a great way to keep your guests cool and comfortable.  You can find them online in bulk - they are inexpensive too! Many people use them at weddings, but I think they are just as great for a cook-out! Add paper fans in your favorite colors to your party basics! Where can you buy them? Luna Bazaar, of course!  

Secret Source Sunday: CandyWarehouse.com

CandyWarehouse.com is a FANTASTIC site for candy! Right now, I am planning a "3rd of July" cook-out, so patriotic candy is on my mind (as you can see from the pics), but this site has candy in all colors of the rainbow. If you are planning a wedding or a party and want a candy buffet, you can order in your color scheme. Their candy is well-priced and their selection is GINORMOUS! If you are looking for a specific color or theme, CandyWarehouse.com is your new favorite site!

 

 

Outdoor Saturday: Shell Adorned Pots

Photo Credit: Martha Stewart

How adorable are these shell-adorned terracotta pots by Martha Stewart? What a simple DIY project!  I seriously cannot wait to make these - they would make a great gift!  You could decorate a beach wedding or beach party with these... I love the succulents in them too.  It's no secret that I love Martha, and this project is one of the many reasons I do!

Party Friday: Memphis Grizzlies Party

We love Memphis Grizzlies NBA Basketball, and a Southern Hostess always likes to incorporate a theme into a birthday party... especially when there is an "away game" on tv. For my boyfriend Scott's 31st birthday this year, I did a Memphis Grizzlies Watch Party. I pulled out all the blue and gold party supplies that I had, and set up a fun birthday bar. I custom made a streamer backdrop and a "Go Grizzlies" foil banner... they're simple with a big impact. I pulled the blue and gold party horns out of the multi-color packs, and used blue and yellow paper stripey straws, basketball plates, and some handmade confetti in team colors. It's always fun to have friends over, and Southern Hostesses always love to entertain when there is a big game on!

Southern Thursday: River Songs

Image Credit: GlobeImages.net

It's Southern Thursday! Sarah and I have been working hard on a "River Songs" playlist because we grew up on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River in Memphis. Here is the start of our playlist below. Do you have any suggestions for us to add?    

American Pie – Don McLean

Bad Moon Rising - Creedence Clearwater Revival

Big River – Johnny Cash

Cry Me a River – Ella Fitzgerald

Down to the River to Pray – Allison Kraus

Five Feet High and Rising – Johnny Cash

Green River – Creedence Clearwater Revival

Louisiana 1929 – Willie Nelson

Moon River – Andy Williams

Ol’ Man River – Paul Robeson

Proud Mary – Creedence Clearwater Revival

River – Joanie Mitchell

Take Me to the River – Al Green

Walking in Memphis – Marc Cohn

Watching the River – Bob Dylan

When the Levy Breaks – Led Zeppelin

Wonky Wednesday: Tory Burch Treats

It's Wonky Wildcard Wednesday! That means I can write about whatever I want (right?) and right now I want the Tory Tote in Pink & Navy from Tory Burch! I pretty much love anything from Tory but I felt like this tote was custom made for me - I adore it! The colors, batik patterned straps - love! And it's functional... bonus! I am also loving the Duriez print iPhone case - it's like a girly camouflage. At $40, it's an affordable luxury and makes a great gift (if you can let it go!)

Tapas Tuesday: Watermelon, Feta, Arugula Salad by Emeril

Photo Credit: SimplyRecipes.com

This is how you make it!

1/2 small jalapeno, stem and seeds removed

3 tablespoons red currant jelly (I just use honey if I don't have any jelly)

4 cups diced watermelon (seeds removed)

1/4 cup white wine vinegar

1/4 teaspoon minced garlic

1/4 teaspoon salt

Pinch of pepper

1 Tablespoon olive oil

6 cups baby arugula  (I like to use mixed greens too)

1/2 cup sliced red onions (I leave these out)

1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese, or to taste

Freshly cracked pepper for garnish

1. Combine jalapeno, red currant jelly, 1 cup of the watermelon , vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper in food processor or blender until smooth. Drizzle in olive oil while it is blending. Store the vinaigrette in the fridge until ready to use, up to 2 days. Shake well before using.

2. Toss salad greens and vinaigrette in large bowl. Then add watermelon, feta, and onions. Arrange however you like. I also like to add mint leaves to the salad, as it gives it a little extra zing... and it grows like a weed in the backyard. Drizzle more dressing if you like.  

By the way... the salad looks cute in little white ramekins or McCarty tiny bowls!

Party Supply Monday: Go Vino Wine Glasses

I love my Go Vino shatterproof wine glasses because they look like real glass and they are great for travel.  When a red solo cup won't do, you can bring your BPA-free plastic Go Vino glasses (or champagne flutes) and they look classy and elegant. I took mine to a concert last weekend (with mini Bota Boxes above, which are also great for travel) and they were perfect!  A product created to appeal to the trade when showcasing their wine to buyers, the folks at Go Vino quickly realized that consumers could use their products as well. The glasses are "made from food-safe, BPA-free polymer, which reflects a wine's color and aromatics much like crystal." The glasses are reusable and you can recycle them when they lose their luster!  You can also order them by the case for parties! Win win!

Secret Source Sunday: Society Social

Today's Secret Source is Society Social! Society Social is the go-to place for your entertaining furniture needs from The Cocktail Party table (above) to chairs, tables, couches, and their famous bar carts. Society Social will have you wanting to host more cocktail parties! Southern Hostesses always love cocktails and we love SS's mission - "Entertain with Sophisticated Swagger."  


Society Social's founder Roxy is just as fabulous as her creations. She checks every piece before they ship out to their lucky new owner and her products have fancy names like The Tipple Trolley, The Madison Mixer, and The Hostess.


Although I do not have a piece of Society Social just yet, I plan to order the Sedgewick in gold and hopefully The Cocktail Party in white this year for a special treat.  Southern Hostesses love Society Social and all that it represents - live sparkly!

Photo and Image Credit:  Society Social

Outdoor Saturday: Table in a Bag

Do you frequent outdoor events like concerts, picnics, tailgates, or beach outings? If you spend time outdoors, you need to add the table in a bag from Crate and Barrel to your wish list! It rolls up to fit in a bag similar to a camp chair bag and is easy to put together whenever you need it. Whenever I use it, people constantly come up to me to ask where I got it. It's great for the beach for drinks, cell phones, magazines, and my Sirius satellite radio, which are all beach essentials to me. I have now started giving it as wedding gifts to my outdoorsy friends because it is so versatile. I use it in the backyard regularly for parties too. Last night at a concert in Memphis, I brought my battery operated tea lights and capiz votive holders to give a little glow to our table set-up.  Fun!

Party Friday: Garden Harvest

Harvest dinners are meant to be simple, elegant, and laid back. At this dinner, the focus was on food cooked by regional chefs and supplied by local farmers.  Since the meal would thrill any foodie, we highlighted it with a chalkboard menu and simple printed menus on mustard colored cardstock. The barn at Heartwood Hall is beautiful, so we did not need much for decor. My Southern Hostess friend Sarah helped me arrange flowers bought locally in custom-made pottery vases. We especially loved the Mountain Valley Spring Water glass bottles on the table, and dessert served in mason jars - very Southern.  Burlap toppers and white napkins pulled it all together.  Southern Hostesses love harvest dinners with friends and family!

Southern Thursday: Artist N.J. Woods

Oh, how much do I love art by NJ Woods?!  NJ is not only a Southerner, but a Memphian! Her use of color is genius as she depicts living in the South "way, way, way back in the day." Her paintings are whimsical, colorful, and simple... if you haven't already started collecting her art, you should start collecting it today!

Wonky Wednesday: Cupcake Liners

I love cupcake liners!  These gold sparkle cupcake liners are extra special for your homemade treats!  They are so glam that they would be perfect for many events, especially weddings. Cupcake liners are great for more than cupcakes though; you can also put nuts and candies in them. Party guests will love the small portions that they can pick up and take with them!  So fun!