Irish Brew Options

Beer.

Tomorrow we are all just a wee bit Irish because of St Patty's Day. And there are a few givens for this wonderful holiday...

1. You will hear bagpipes wailing.
2. You will wear some form of green.
3. And you will either drink green beer or a Guinness at some point in the day...and we won't judge you if it is before noon just this one day of the year.

photo courtesy of wellwornhand

But as much as I love Guinness, I thought there might be some good thoroughly Irish options that could be added to the repertoire without offending my Celtic clan. And there are. Here's a great article from Epicurious with a few nice alternatives.

photo courtesy of coolsallagh

And I actually have one more to add to the list, Magner's Cider. It's a favorite of some of our friends from Ireland and you simply must drink it over ice. It sounds weird, but is delicious and refreshing.

So don't be afraid to mix it up this year for St. Patty's. And you might even impress your "real" Irish friends with your expanded options.

Nesting Season

It’s out with the bird and in with the plume! The experts are saying time to add feathered items into your décor and accessories. Abby Kellent, a Miami based stylist suggests that feathered items bring rustic charm, but they are more subtle than decorating with bird motifs.

The suggestion is for a sophisticated feel, outfit your desk or table with a cluster of objects in a neutral palette borrowed from nature. Even one bold piece makes a statement.

Here are a few that I am digging.

Small Feather Tray by Michael Angrove



Feather Linen Napkin Set



BrooklynRehab feather vase


White Ceramic Feather Trays

Crudite Centerpiece

Decor and Food.

I just spied these pretty vegetable displays on Lovelyish and am kind of smitten. I love the idea of using bright colored veggies as not only part of the menu, but as a centerpiece (we did something similar recently for a kids party even!)

I also think that fruit makes a lovely centerpiece on it's own or mixed in with flowers too. It's unconventional and very beautiful.

Which makes me wonder...do you have any unconventional items that you use in your table centerpieces?

Link Love

Tuesday Inspiration.

Sprinkle Bakes
Adorable strawberry milk whoopie pies.



The Perfect Pallette
An elegant beachy wedding with a fabulous long table.



Typography Served
Chalk and some skillful hand lettering make for a beautiful combination.



NY Times
A selection of 3 ingredient Summer cocktails that is sure to please!

Reuben Potato Skins

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day…a different spin on corned beef. These little guys look delicious and the best part is they can be prepped ahead of time and then just broiled for 4-5 minutes once the guests have arrived. Check out the recipe here.

Best Chocolate Ice Cream

If I were being totally honest I would say that right now I am having a difficult time balancing my work and home life. Work is exciting and very insane right now, but it is a good insane. Home well it’s losing the battle. So I am vowing this Sunday to turn off all electronics except for a marathon of Friday Night Lights on Apple TV. The hubby and I will prepare Café Fernando’s best and creamiest chocolate ice cream together and then sit back and wait for the goodness to freeze. In between, I plan to nap, read the enormous pile of magazines that I haven’t gotten to and give myself a facial.

I’m sure at this time of year everyone needs a little break…c’mon fellow hip hostess’ join me for a lazy Sunday Funday complete with homemade ice cream.