Tag: outdoor dining

Alfresco Dining…Autumn Style!

August 24
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Alfresco dining is one of my favorite things to do!  Any time of year is ok with me…but early fall is my top pick overall.   The weather is comfortable and the changing garden makes a beautiful backdrop for a casual table to gather around!  A blend of late summer and the approaching new season is a perfect combo of color and texture for creating a warm & cozy vibe.  Today I’d love to share some inspiration for outdoor dining with hints of fall.  Summer might be winding down but there’s still time to soak up outdoor time…

around an autumn table!

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Sushi Served on the Patio!

May 11
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Sushi served on the patio is an easy and delicious way to celebrate summer!  Now that outdoor dining weather is finally here, this simple meal idea couldn’t be easier for it.  And if you’re like me, I’m always up for anything alfresco!  Grab a few rolls from your favorite carryout or grocer and fill a sampler plate for your guests…it can be as simple as that!  And you know how I love to reuse & recycle so I’m sharing a few affordable ways to make it feel festive too!  Grab your chopsticks and let’s take this party outside!

sushi, nibbles & sips!

Casual Alfresco Dining…Tips & Recipes!

August 25
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Casual alfresco dining and summertime go hand in hand!  My family loves eating dinner outdoors and that’s where you’ll find us most evenings all summer and fall!  There’s just something about being outside that makes the most simple meal seem special.  And late summer means all the bounty from gardens & farm markets is readily available so we can easily prepare fresh & healthy meals!  Today I’d like to share some of my favorite tips and a couple recipes my family loves.  I promise they’re easy, healthy and delicious!  So let’s get right to it and savor the flavor of summer and memories around an outdoor table!

alfresco on a slow summer eve!

Cumin Chicken Salad on the Patio!

June 30
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Cumin chicken salad is an easy and healthy meal for summertime!  Not only is it delicious with hints of savory spice, but it’s the simplest to make too!  My family loves lighter meals during the hot summer months and this one is a new favorite.  You can serve it strictly as a salad or make it a tad heartier in a sandwich form.  Either way, this chicken salad will be a hit for lunch or dinner…and can pass the party food test too.  Whip up a big bowl full and it could easily feed a crowd!  Today I’ve teamed up with Spicely Organics to bring you this yummy recipe and share some inspiration for serving it on a summertime table!  Be sure to grab the printable recipe & a coupon code at the end of the post!  Let’s eat light & healthy AND deliciously…

cumin chicken salad!

A Tropical Table for Summer!

July 8
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A tropical table is one of my favorite ways to bring some vacation vibes to dinner!  After the red, white, and blue comes down, I’m ready for palms and sandy beaches…even if I can’t be near them. Vacation plans may be on hold, but you can bring the same atmosphere to the tabletop with easy and affordable details!  Dining outside is half the fun, and by adding some tropical feels you can transport yourself to a lazy, beach-side table! Here’s the other great thing…you most likely have some of what you need right in your own backyard!  Stay safe in your own yard or patio, with your family or a small group of friends, and enjoy summer…tropical style!

tropical table details!

Simple Picnic Buffet Ideas…for Father’s Day!

June 17
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Set a simple picnic buffet for a Father’s Day treat this weekend and surprise dad with a delicious, summer meal set up in serve-yourself style!  Keeping it casual with cute paper products makes this meal easy for everyone too!  And a little whimsy will go a long way in making this lighthearted celebration special.  So join me today while I share some of the fun I’ll be serving up on Sunday. Father’s Day is a few days away…but it’s not too late to gather the goods to make a special day for the dads in your life!

serve up whimsy…on a picnic buffet!

Easy Patio Dining Ideas!

May 16
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Patio dining is my favorite thing to do all spring, summer and fall!  Since we can’t entertain all year long in my neck of the woods, I’m always waiting anxiously for these seasons to arrive so we can savor the outdoor fun as long as possible!  It doesn’t matter if I’m planning a party, having a lunch with my pals, or just serving a meal to my family on any ordinary day…eating outside just makes it feel special!  So today I’d like to share some really simple ways to make patio dining practically effortless!  I can’t cook the meal for you…but I can show you how to set a pretty table with affordable goodies perfect for outdoors!  So let’s get ready to enjoy all the patio, porch and back yard celebrations!

patio dining…a joy of the season!

A Moroccan Soiree!

November 20
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There are two things I love to do when having a dinner party…dining outdoors and serving up some Moroccan delights!  My husband lived in Morocco as a child while his father worked for the government.  They were fortunate to have a cook during their time there and learned to love the native cuisine!  When we got married, one of our most cherished gifts from his parents was a Moroccan cookbook, but written inside on many of the pages were the original recipes of the talented lady who taught them to love the food there!  We’ve been making those recipes ever since…in fact, I’m not sure we’ve actually ever tried one of the recipes from the actual book!  My boys have grown up like my husband, loving the flavors and the tradition of dining Moroccan!  I’m so thrilled to share with you today another party I styled for Black Twine…a Moroccan soiree!  You can grab the blueprint for the party with all the time-saving tips, links to get the goodies and even get some of my family’s favorite recipes…straight from well used pages of our cherished book!  Come share the fun…

dine in the outdoors…Moroccan style!