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Because Renovations Deserve Celebrations

Julie Swanson — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 13:00:13 +0000

It’s happening! We’re officially having our housewarming. I have so many ideas and just like the renovation, I know exactly what I want to do. No one has ever called me indecisive. My saint of a husband is along for the ride so long as their will be food and yes, there will be food. But a casual cocktail party with appetizers and drinks and yummy desserts. We’ve invited quite a lot of people so the race to complete some projects is on!

While we work diligently this week, I’ll be converting the blog to party planner central! I have a lot of experience planning corporate and client events- plus a certain wedding last year- so hopefully my tips and my fellow bloggers tips will help you with all your holiday entertaining this season! Cheers!

Home is Wherever I’m with You

Julie Swanson — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 12:00:32 +0000

Is it just me or is everyone either buying or looking to buy a house lately? My cousin and his wife just moved into a new home, my other cousin and her boyfriend are moving into a home this week, and two of my co-workers are in the market! It’s such an exciting time and I think it’s important to celebrate this incredible milestone.

You see, our home is about three years in the making. I know we just bought it in April but ever since I knew that Jared was the man I was going to spend the rest of my life with, all I could think about was the day we move back up north near our family and set up house to start our own family. So now that we have a house that’s been gutted and ripped up and dusty all over, it brings me so much joy to picture a time when everything will be polished and pretty and everyone can come over to see what we’ve accomplished.

But unfortunately, that grand party filled with friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and basically everyone who reads this blog probably won’t happen for a while. As you can probably tell from the renovation, I’m kind of a “go big or go home” kind of gal. I’m all in or not at all. So given the state of our budget and the fact that it’s going to take a long time to get this place the way I really want it- there will sadly be no grand housewarming with signature cocktails and matching straws and homemade favors.

But don’t fret! We still want to show off the renovation, so there will be plenty of small gatherings by the end of the summer and this fall. And for now, here are some fabulous housewarming gift ideas for all my fellow new homeowners! I recommend always going with edibles and/or plants because you never know what a couple already owns or what their color scheme is. But everyone has to eat! And when wrapped up in these cute little reusable bundles, who wouldn’t be happy to receive these gifts?

1. For a romantic Italian dinner fill a colander with pasta, sauce, fresh Parmesan and don’t forget the wine! | 2. You can’t go wrong with white hand towels and soap. Add a fresh potted herb for the perfect by kitchen sink basket | 3. A bottle of Pelligrino, crusty bread, and fresh veggies are a welcome addition to any meal | 4. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day after all! A heavy iron skillet with fresh butter and preserves makes for a good morning! | 5. Potted herbs with olive oil or a fancy salad dressing sets the stage for a hearty salad.

Spring Entertaining

Julie Swanson — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:00:12 +0000

One of the things I’m most excited about having a beautifully remodeled home is being able to have friends and family over for holidays, random parties, game nights, etc. Between Passover and Easter, it seems like everyone in the office is entertaining this week. Between all the workplace chatter and the overwhelming number of blogs about spring tablescapes- I thought I’d put together a quick rundown of my favorite ideas for entertaining this month…

Yeah, I’m a sucker for burlap. OK, any relatives reading this I’m going to let you in on my plan for this Sunday. I’m planning a coup! That’s right! It’s time to pass the torch to future generations. (I hope you read that last sentence in an awesome JFK accent!) I want a holiday and I want Easter! I’m planning on bribing my Aunt this weekend with a hostess gift and letting her know- her time is up! In so many words of course. Here’s my Easter brunch ideas for 2014.

A beautiful natural & rustic tablescape.

Yummy pastel macaroons.

Colorful Cocktails!

Now, I love the idea of tradition but can’t we retire the damn Honey Baked Ham? Martha Stewart wrote in her book Martha’s Entertaining, that she never cooks the same meal just because it’s the same holiday. Granted the turkey is unavoidable on Thanksgiving and in our family Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Harry & David red pepper relish, but I do love the idea of trying new dishes. Here are some fantastic looking brunch recipes.

1. Mini Mushroom & Sausage (I’d use SOY-sage) Quiches | 2. Asparagus with Creamy Mustard Sauce | 3. Roasted Potatoes with Oregano & Lemon

And lastly, the best tip I ever learned for entertaining. When hosting a large dinner party or a formal meal like a Passover Seder and paper plates won’t due- save yourself (and your dishwasher!) and rent your china from a party rental supply service. They deliver clean plates, flatware, whatever you need. When your guests have left, they pick up the dirty plates. No need to even flick off the old food! I became real familiar with these party rental places when I planned events for a radio station and coordinated company parties but they’re available to anyone and have so much to offer. So trust me- take advantage!