Al Fresco Entertaining

Try decorating with your ingredients.

Now that the weather is warming up it’s the perfect time to start using your outdoor spaces. Even if your patio or deck hasn’t seen a lot of action in the last few months, a quick sweep or morning of power washing can ready your backyard for dining al fresco.

Most people assume planning a meal outside means plastic lawn chairs and paper plates, but just because you’re not equipped with a dimmer switch to set the mood doesn’t mean you can’t make your meal an elegant affair.

When considering lighting, make sure it matches the mood you’re trying to set. Floodlights can be harsh, and tiki torches (although fun!) are typically used for very casual events. Instead, opt for outdoor string lights. Available in different shapes and brightness, you can string them from tree branches, wrap them around your deck railing, or wind them up your outdoor umbrella. They’ll keep your backyard bright with a soft, complementing glow. Don’t worry about having an electrical outlet—it’s relatively the same cost to buy solar-powered outdoor lights.

Many outdoor string lights are now solar-powered, so you can put them anywhere.

Keep your tablescape congruent with your upscale-casual feel. No need to iron linens, but a thick solid-colored tablecloth will give your decorations a base for continuity by providing a main color or accent color to work with.

For the menu, make a seasonal favorite by incorporating ingredients from your own garden or the local farmer’s market. You’ll be able to ensure what you’re making is fresh, and it can help you keep the cost down. Try some simple chicken breasts marinated in fresh rosemary, garlic, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Grill at medium-high heat until no longer pink in the middle. The simple, herb-infused taste pairs perfectly with any fresh garden veggies and a crisp local white wine.

Use herbs from your own garden both in dishes and for decoration.

If nothing in your garden fits with your menu plan, consider some of your herbs or flowers to make a rustic-chic centerpiece. Complementing aromatic herbs or colorful flowers will enhance your table’s look.

To give the setting a final detailed touch, play music through some wireless speakers. Place them strategically so that you can hear them no matter where you stand in the yard. If you don’t have wireless speakers, an iHome or any speaker system will work just fine when set with some of your guests’ favorite tunes.

I can empathize that after a long week you might not feel up for entertaining at home. Instead of dealing with the dishes you can try a few al fresco dining options in downtown Raleigh. Located in the heart of the city, Jimmy V’s Osteria & Bar has the largest outdoor patio in the Triangle – an impressive arrangement anywhere, but appreciated even more so by those who want to people-watch downtown. The restaurant supports the Jimmy V Foundation and donated $40,000 to the cancer research fund early this year. If you’re going out, at least you’ll know your money will be going to help a good cause!

Driftwood Restaurant’s ‘Picnic Basket’

We recently dined al fresco at Driftwood Restaurant in North Raleigh’s Lafayette Village. Their picnic basket menu option was great to enjoy outside.

Vitamins and Vodka

A friend and Marissa enjoy cocktail hour.

Sticking to a healthy diet is a challenge when grabbing drinks with friends or hosting a party. You may have spent the afternoon burning calories in a new rowing class, but your efforts could go to waste if you spend the evening sipping on a tall strawberry daiquiri. A pre-made pouch can run as high as 280 (empty!) calories per serving. How can you infuse your drinks with nutrients?

With the warm weather finally arriving, citrus cocktails become more appealing. The good news is, as long as you’re willing to step up your bartending game, you can still indulge in delicious, and relatively healthy summer drinks. Instead of prepackaged beverages loaded with extra sugar, sodium, and preservatives, you can make your own cocktails at home for a fraction of the price and calories – leaving the pouches for the kids’ juice.

To get started, head to your local farmers’ market to take advantage of the variety of fruits in season, such as strawberries and blueberries. The produce at farmers’ markets is usually fresher, less expensive, and shopping there helps support the local community!

Blueberry season!

Here’s a simple cocktail:

Vodka Blueberry

1 cup fresh blueberries
3-5 sprigs of fresh mint
¼ cup ice
1 oz melted dark chocolate
1 oz or more vodka (Depending on your taste!)

This makes a single serving. Make the juice yourself by blending the whole fruit. You’ll avoid the additional preservatives and loads of added sugar that are found in juices from concentrate, while gaining the antioxidants, nutrients, and fiber found in whole fruit. If you want your drink to be a little sweeter, use honey or make your own simple syrup by bringing equal parts water and sugar to a low boil, stirring until all the sugar is dissolved. After letting it cool, you can add small amounts to any mixed drink. Best of all: you can control the amount yourself, making it easy to keep the calorie count low. Before pouring into a cocktail glass, melt the chocolate in a microwaveable-safe bowl and dip the rim of the glass in the chocolate.

Herbs add flavor, nutrients, and little-to-no calories.

If you want to try something a little different, fresh fruit smoothies are the perfect drink solution, especially when you’re hosting a get-together for kids and adults. You can whip up a fruity concoction without alcohol first, and pour a serving or two for the kids. Using the remainder, add a splash of alcohol and blend with a little more ice for a drink fit for yourself and the rest of the adults. Isolate the kids’ servings by giving them different cups to drink out of, or if possible, use different blenders for the different types of smoothies.

For an even better treat for little ones: Make a batch of non-alcoholic smoothies and pour them into Popsicle molds for a few hours. The kids can enjoy a healthy snack later, and you can use the same prepared fruits and ingredients to make the adults’ drinks.

You don’t have to give up on your diet for a refreshing summer cocktail. With a little work, you can sip on a freshly made cocktail and relax. Feel good about making healthier decisions for you and your family.

Party in Pictures

So the two year old birthday party has come and gone.  It was absolutely worth the “fussing” and prep work as outlined last week here. I still can’t believe another year has past and I am officially mommy to a two-year-old toddler!

Welcome

Saturday started off as most other Saturdays do with the typical morning books, potty and breakfast routine.  However, when 11:30AM rolled around I began to panic.  I realized I had a ton to do and needed to get my little bug down for his nap earlier than normal so he would be able to greet his guests with a chipper smile at 4PM.   Thank goodness Daddy came to the rescue with some outdoor play time which allowed me to loose my little shadow (at least for an hour) and complete my indoor responsibilities.  It was also a blessing to have aunties Marissa and Rachel around for the weekend festivities.  Sister time, a little wine, great food, completely entertaining conversations and birthday help = perfect combo! Here’s another thank you to you two:-)

Marissa Enjoying Chocolate Milk

Someone must have been looking out for us as my other concern was completely eliminated when the weather literally changed overnight!  It went from 40’s and rainy to 60’s and sunny.  It offered the perfect day for an indoor/outdoor gathering.  The rest of the afternoon was enjoyed with windows and doors propped wide open.

Perfect Weather

Here are a couple of images chronicling our get together.  Thank you to everyone for making it a memorable second birthday and for the fantastic company.  We are truly blessed with great friends and family!  Cheers…to birthday number two;-)  xoxo

Table

Cupcakes

Always need a “Potty” sign 🙂

Milk Anyone?

Cake

Treat Bar

Gift Time

Best Friends

Treat Bags

What Was Daddy’s Surprise Gift…Perhaps a Future Post?

Celebrating 43 Years of Marriage

Honoring Jerry & Jan’s Vow Renewal in Hawaii a few years ago…

This past week, February 6th, marked another special family occasion.  It was my father and mother in-law’s 43rd wedding anniversary.

Before I go any further, I must congratulate you, Jerry and Jan, for maintaining your humor and sanity for over four decades!  And most importantly, for setting a fine example for us younger folks regarding love, commitment, sacrifice and marriage.

Personally, at just 6 1/2 years in, I can assure anyone reading this who isn’t already married, that it isn’t easy.  Worth it? Yes. Work? Yes. Painful at times? Yes. Rewarding? Yes.  And perhaps, your greatest investment.

Forty-three years is certainly impressive by anyone’s measure and so we thought it would be appropriate to celebrate with a little family get together this weekend.  Some red meat, red wine and all, very appropriate conversation (for once).

Here is a recap of our time together.

Table Prep

Hand Card for Grandpa & Grandma

Candle Light

Food Prep | Menu: Filets of Beef, Sautéed Mushrooms & Onions, Roasted Assorted Potatoes, Asparagus, Sundried Tomato Bread, Kaylee’s Famous Spinach & Goat Cheese Salad, and Select Sweets for Dessert

I must say, it was a privilege to share the evening with our family.  There isn’t much else that makes me happier than breaking bread together and creating memories.  My personal highlight is caught in this photo…four generations(ranging  from 91 years old to almost 2 years old), all smiling.  Perhaps this offers some motivation for all marriages.

Four Generations

Happy 80th Birthday Oma

Happy 80th Birthday Oma!

Oma is German or Dutch for “Grandmother.”  My Oma has adopted the word as her name for the better part of three decades.  In fact, even distant relatives and friends refer to Roberta as Oma.  I have been told becoming a “Grandma” entitles you to be called all sorts of wonderful things…all to which you’ll answer if the right person is calling your name 🙂

Tomorrow marks another milestone in my Oma’s life…she turns 80!  We celebrated this weekend, the good ole’ fashioned way.  An adult beverage, tons of sweets, good company and great conversation.  Thanks to my stepmom, Sheri for hosting.  Everything was delicious and completely perfect. (More about Sheri’s ridiculous, superhuman “Martha” abilities some other time.)

Sheri’s Chocolate Cake

I feel a special connection to Oma, being her ONLY grandchild.  She has served as a second mother for the majority of my life and for her words of wisdom and honest teachings, I am very grateful!  She has instilled proper manners (yet, I don’t always choose to use them), caught my inappropriate grammar, taught portion control, introduced a tasteful sense of style and passion for art.  Oma has taught me to love everything turquoise, great design, contemporary fashion, dark chocolate and an afternoon card game.  Oma may be small in stature, but strong in her words and convictions.  Being married to a retired Naval Commander for over 55 years, Oma has learned to choose her battles wisely, but speak up and be heard.  A perfect balance of grace and strength, I will spend the rest of my life trying to emulate.

Oma & My Father – Their Birthdays Are 4 Days Apart

So here’s to you, Oma.  Happy 80th Birthday…May this be one of the best years of your life!  Cheers.

Cheers to You Oma!