A Long Weekend Equals Party Time!

Labor Day has almost arrived!  Once again the summer has come to a quick end.  It has been SO HOT here in Maryland that I am actually looking forward to things cooling down a bit!  How about you?  I figured since it is still pretty warm out during the day but cooler in the evenings, a nice outdoor BBQ might be the best way to celebrate this upcoming Labor Day holiday!  However, BBQ's can be done one of two ways:  Classy or Trashy.  I think we'll go with a Classy BBQ to wrap up this sweltering summer. 

Let's start by focusing on a good table setting, shall we...

For a  Classic BBQ outdoors, I recommend sprucing things up a bit with some nice white plates and some decorative placements.  White means clean & put together so trying to find something white to tie into your event is a must!  Whether it's the placements or plates, try to use something that will help your guests feel comfortable eating outdoors.  And whether you have a wooden picnic or rod iron table, placements will definitely help make the table look cleaner and your guests will feel more comfortable eating off of it so using them or a nice colorful tablecloth is a good option.  Especially if the table stays outdoors all year long.   

When it comes to silverware, steer clear of plastic and use whatever silverware you have in the house! If you don't have any good silverware (or any at all) you can always purchase some fine plasticware that resembles silver. Mozaic offers 80 pieces of silver plasticware for $11.99 and you'll be surprised how much this stuff actually resembles silver! 

Adding a water pitcher(s) to the table with orange, lemon or lime slices can definitely add to the color scheme as well.  Not to mention you will keep your guests hydrated with deliciously flavored water which is key if you plan to have alcohol!   Crate and Barrel has some really nice pitchers and they aren't too expensive at all (ranging from $8-$50). 

Another nice addition to a "Classy BBQ" is to have a bar area with cocktail options instead of just a keg or bottled beer.  Finding a book or website that gives options for cocktails and finding similar cocktails that use the same ingredients can be fun and an inexpensive way to step up the party a bit.  For example, vodka can be used in multiple drinks (IE- Cosmopolitan, Vodka Tonic, Dirty Martini).  If you find a liquor that is diverse, you can buy some mixers and have multiple options without emptying your wallet.

And if martini's aren't your thing (or you want to have a couple options), I have also found some really great boxed wine that doesn't look or taste cheap. And 1 box equals 4 bottles!  Check out Black Box Wine as they have an array of reds and whites that are really tasty and quite affordable.  And who doesn't heart them some wine! 

And once the sun starts to disappear and the moon comes out, tea lights are a great option that is also pretty cheap.  I bought 250 tea lights from one of my fave sites Save On Crafts and it cost me $50 with shipping!  And if you tend to have some bugs in your backyard/patio area, try these Citronella Tea Lights from Amazon.com (100 for $14.99). 

Now when it comes to the menu, you can do really whatever you want.  But definitely know your guests likes & dislikes and if you have any vegetarians in the group that is definitely important as well.  Now that you have your decor, the menu can really go any way your taste buds take it!  

So enjoy the night and have a great time celebrating the arrival of the fall!  Hooray for parties!!      

 

It's Almost September....And You Know What That Means!

The fall is almost here and honestly, I am very excited!  I love cool fall days with some good friends, some hearty foods & wine, and above all- FOOTBALL!   And boy do I have a delicious recipe for you!  Courtesy of Real Simple, ham & cheese quesadilla's are absolutely divine!  So easy to prepare and so yummy.  This recipe is for two but can be doubled, tripled, whatever.  Required ingredients are:  6 tortillas, 1/2 lb black forest ham, 1/4 lb fresh mozarella & a ripe cantaloupe cut into small pieces (if you so choose). 

Directions Are To:

1. Heat the broiler on high
2. Grease a cookie sheet with some spray butter
3. Slice the mozarella into thin slices (about 12 slices)
4. Place a tortilla on the cookie sheet
5. Place 2 pieces of ham & 2 slivers of mozarella onto tortilla & fold in half
6. Repeat with additional tortillas until finished
7. Place cookie sheet in oven for 5-6 minutes (or until the tops of the tortillas are browned)
8. Take out, slice each quesadilla into 1/3rds and serve with the cantaloupe

This recipe is bsolutely delicious and doesn't take too much time, which is always key.  My husband and I had this for dinner a few nights ago and really enjoyed it!  However, it can also be served as an appetizer when friends are over to watch the game or over for a few cocktails on a Friday or Saturday night.  There are a couple beverages I would serve with this tasty dish and they are...Hoegaarden (a pale ale) with an orange wedge ($9 for 6 12 ounce bottles) or some Rutherford Grove Sauvignon Blanc ($14/bottle). 

Enjoy & drink up!