patio perfect party

(here's my article for the july issue of tastebud magazine. wish i had better pics.)

Our normal summer entertaining usually revolves around the grill but I wanted to try something different. My friend suggested having a ‘gourmet’ sandwich bar. Perfect! An evening picnic party. This idea works great for families and with most of the prep work done before guests arrive we could spend time playing in the back yard with the kids, talking with our friends and listening to great music.
First I wanted to set the mood: playful and relaxed. The centerpiece for the table was a picnic basket filled with plates, napkins, silverware and other essentials. I found great plates at Trapp’s in KCMO. The divided plates come in bright multi-colors and are recycled. Color was added to the table by placing single blooms of flowers in collected bud vases or recycled soda bottles (gerbera daisies or peonies cut from the yard work well for this). I laid out old quilts in the yard to eat on and set up the croquet set. My favorite detail was the hanging votive cups. Luckily there is a tree over our patio so the votives made the perfect floating chandelier. Even without a tree over the patio these look fun and festive hanging anywhere in the yard and entice people to stay after the sun sets. Find similar votive holders at Nell Hills, Curious Sofa and places like Hobby Lobby. Hang them at various heights with heavy fishing line or fun ribbons. I leave them hanging throughout the summer, they make family nights at home seem a little more special. To keep the party lively we created a playlist of songs that featured artists we knew our guests enjoyed. If there are young kids at the party don’t forget to add in a little Jim Cosgrove.

Now, planning the menu and drinks. We had one signature sandwich, a delicious chicken salad, sliced meats, cheeses and the makings for BLT’s. Fresh bread from Great Harvest Bread Company was a must. Great Harvest offers several varieties each day and don’t forget their great cookies, as well. Make sure to have a good selection of farmer’s market fresh lettuce, tomatoes, avocadoes, onions and cucumbers. To top off the sandwiches provide several condiment choices like mayonnaise with fresh herbs added, different types of mustard and home made vinaigrette. Serve the sandwiches with chips (we love Art & Mary’s salt & pepper), crunchy coleslaw or potato salad and fresh fruit. Because summers are hot here make sure to have plenty of beverages. Along with beer and wine we served a fun vodka slushy. Non-alcoholic drinks included raspberry lemonade and ice-cold strawberry water (this is so simple and pretty, just add sliced strawberries to a pitcher of ice water). Dessert completed the night: citrus cupcakes and Great Harvest cookies!
Great food, friends and fun-the perfect patio party!

Recipes:
Annie’s Chicken Salad
6-8 grilled chicken breast halves cubed
½ cup low fat sour cream
½ cup light mayonnaise
¼ teaspoon curry powder
Pinch of garlic salt
Pepper to taste
Add chopped celery, red grapes, water chestnuts and toasted almond slices
Toss together and add more sour cream and mayo to desired texture and taste.

Gigi’s Vodka Slushy
1-6 oz can frozen oj
1-6 oz can frozen lemonade
1 ½ quarts Cranberry juice
16 oz 7-up
16 oz squirt or fresca
1/5 Vodka
Mix in large container, freeze for 24 hours stirring occasionally
Scoop & enjoy!

Find Them Here:
Recycled Plates:
Trapp
4110 Main
KCMO 816.931.6940
Hanging Votives:
Curious Sofa
3925 W 69 Terr.
Prairie Village, KS 913.432.8969
Nell Hill’s
4101 N Mulberry Dr.
KCMO 816.746.4320
Fresh Bread:
Great Harvest Bread Company
83rd & Mission Rd (Corinth Shopping Center)
145th & Metcalf
Overland Park

Patio Playlist:
“And it Stoned Me” Van Morrison
“Better Together” Jack Johnson
“1,2,3,4” Feist
“Acuff-Rose” Uncle Tupelo
“You Still Touch Me” Sting
“Genius of Love” Tom Tom Club
“Here We Go Again” Norah Jones & Ray Charles
“Diner” Widespread Panic
“Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes” Paul Simon
“Don’t Touch My Hat” Lyle Lovett
“Why Georgia” John Mayer

new skirt

a new skirt for lucy. sew simple to make-i picked three fabrics and cut 12" squares, sewed them together, made casing at the top for ribbon and a hem at the bottom. i'm kind of an impatient crafter and i like to get projects done in one sitting. this one took about half an hour - perfect for during the kids 'rest' time.

then later that night i wanted to try some embroidery. got out my stitch-it kit and practiced some stitches (i finally got the french knot and am so excited) while i watched the last few episodes of sex and the city. yes, i had to see them again before i went to the movie with some girls on saturday.

master bath

here is a peek at our master bath. it is not big at all but i love the way it turned out (when we bought the house it was pepto pink with very old white with grey speckled tile). we found this dresser at mission antique mall and my crafty husband turned it into a vanity. he cut the drawers so they function around the sink and cut a hole in the top to fit the sink. the sink and toilet are from the company toto. they make the best toilets and are an eco friendly company. (i know all of this because clay is a sales rep for them). we tiled the floor in a natural stone and the walls are painted a creamy brown. the color is portabello from sherwin williams. we also tore down a wall of the shower and added a glass door. now it doesn't feel like you are showering in a cave.