PATRIOTIC TABLESCAPE

                        

     Hello friends! Thanks so much for stopping by TLB today. Have you been thinking forward like me to planning your 4th of July picnic yet? I've got some simple ideas to share with you on how to create that pop of Red, White and Blue for your patio or backyard. (I created this while we lived in Princeton, NJ and it is still my favorite "go to" for a touch of something different on the 4th of July.)

RED WHITE AND BLUE & DELISH FOOD TOO!

Today I'm getting ready for the 4th of July!!  

Of course we have to start with the flowers! There's something so beautiful about a bouquet

with red roses, white baby's breath, and white hydrangeas with blue tips. I also stuck a little Dollar Store star flag in for a little pizazz!

There are a million tablecapes to be found for this patriotic holiday, so I'm using my red, white and blue salad plates with a cute little lobster on them this year. I love
red and white check tablecloths because they scream traditional picnic....which is traditional for us on the 4th. I had these blue stripped kitchen towels that seemed
perfect to use as napkins.

Here's another tablescape I've done with the addition of some Dollar Store decor. (tumblers, grapevine stars, placemats, and flags) I changed up the centerpiece and used golden Black Eyed Susan's in Mason jars that I spray painted a frosted look. I finished with a blue polka dot ribbon loosely tied. The runner is red stripe ticking that I just hem stitched.

It's always fun to add a bit of Red, White and Blue inside too! You can find died daisies in grocery stores! These little vases are something I've had for years from a mail order catalog.

We have to have a little dessert on this special day.....why not serve a RED cookie? Red Velvet Cheescake yummies with a cheesecake filling and white chocolate drizzle?

https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/red-velvet-cheesecake-cookies/

It's the beginning of cold salad season. Veggies are fresh and bountiful and make such a beautiful presentation! One of my favorites is Ina Garten's Corn and Avocado Salad below.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/corn-and-avocado-salad-2303526

If you're like me I wait for Summer! It's grill time and all the mess is out of the kitchen!

However, you spend your 4th of July holiday, I hope that you take time to reflect on just how fortunate we are to live in a nation where our forefathers fought for the Independence we now enjoy!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

                          Kathleen

GOODBYE NEW JERSEY

It's been a busy Spring for our family! The vacation home renovations are not all that we've been working on. 

ALL AMERICAN TABLESCAPE

In just a few short weeks we'll be celebrating the 4th of July! The glorious commemoration of our adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The day we declared our independence from Great Britain. It's a great ALL AMERICAN day marked with everything red, white and blue! Cities are full of parades and fireworks. And families gather together to enjoy the first warm weather  of the summer for those first picnics. 

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

Wishing you a Happy 4th of July! 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Kathleen

GREAT 4TH OF JULY HOSTESS GIFT----PICKLED STRAWBERRIES!

The 4th of July commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 when we declared our independence. We celebrate with parades and picnics. It's a wonderful time to come together to celebrate and be thankful for the freedoms we have in our country today. It's also the first picnic of the year for many of us!

The day is abuzz with BBQ grills everywhere! Delicious food, great family and friends, what could be better? But wait......let's not forget that Host or Hostess that's at the helm of this event making sure everything goes off seamlessly.The thought behind a Host or Hostess gift is one of appreciation and thanks. 

Today I am sharing an easy gift you can make yourself! Kind of a DIY.......

Have you ever heard of Pickled Strawberries? It seems like we pickle anything anymore. Of course we have the usual dill pickles and even watermelon pickles. When I came across this recipe, I thought why not give them a try and then the light bulb came on....this would make a great accompaniment to cheese and crackers for a Hostess gift basket.

The combination of vinegars gives the strawberries a nice taste that would be great on a salad or served with chicken or pork also. It's a bit more savory than the traditional strawberry.

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 qt. fresh strawberries
• 4 peppercorns
• 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp. rice vinegar
• 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp. Kosher salt

Instructions

 1. Wash the berries well and then hull them. Load them into a 500 ml mason jar with peppercorns. (See photos)

 2.  Combine vinegars with sugar and salt in a small pot. Bring to a boil and stir until solids have dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 min.

3.  Pour liquid over berries into jar. Let cool to room temperature then screw on lid. Keep refrigerated up to 2 weeks.

*****The recipe is easy and takes just a few minutes from start to finish. (http://www.chatelaine.com/recipes/chatelainekitchen/what-to-pickle-next-strawberries/)

Making a festive basket like this takes very little time, but what a thoughtful gift to give.

On a personal note.....I'd like to wish my MOM a very special HAPPY BIRTHDAY  today!!!xxx

Wishing you all a safe and delicious 4th of July weekend!

Kathleen

***See you on Monday for Colorful Blooms & Grecian Urns! 

FOODIE FRIDAY--DELICIOUS STRAWBERRY PIE

WELCOME TO FOODIE FRIDAY!

When I was growing up we lived in the country and always had a big garden. My Dad and Mom would plant all kinds of delicious veggies. We even had Raspberry bushes, and Strawberry plants. I never realized how lucky we were at the time. Today what I wouldn't give for one of those gardens.  Fresh everything......yum!

Speaking of fresh-----it's Strawberry season here in NJ. Did you know that strawberries are full of antioxidants and contain malic acid which helps whiten your teeth? Now that's a great couple of reasons to enjoy them even more.

This year I came across a Strawberry Pie recipe that came with rave reviews from Chelsea at Two Twenty One. It's not only delicious, but it makes a beautiful presentation for almost any occasion. From picnics to family dinners, this pie will be the hit of the event.

Very simple ingredients below....you can make the crust yourself if you prefer. Bake crust prior to filling.

                 Cornstarch/water mixture.                                      Adding jello to the mixture.

Finished pie---My husband ended up eating 2 pieces!! He hardly ever eats dessert so you now know, this is truly a WINNER recipe!

 Recipe may be found at--http://www.twotwentyone.net/2012/06/strawberry-pie/


Hurry, grab your strawberries and make this for your family or maybe just yourself! It is truly delightful! You may add a dollop of your fav whipped cream to top it off if you like.


ENJOY!


Kathleen

***Have a wonderful weekend! See you on Monday.....Thanks for stopping by!