Embroidery Hoop Food Guards

I can't claim credit for this idea.  It came from the ever-fabulous Martha Stewart.  The only thing I can claim credit for is spray painting the hoops red to match my birthday party.  However, I am now a huge fan and will be using this for all outdoor gatherings.

Cost... minimal. Effort... minimal.  Keeping bugs off your food... priceless.

Supplies:

• Embroidery hoops
• Red spray paint
• Cheesecloth

Instructions:

• Remove the screw from the embroidery hoop
• Spray paint both hoops, covering completely
• Replace the screw
• Cut two pieces of cheesecloth larger than the embroidery hoop.
• Place the cheesecloth, double layered, between the two hoops and tighten until secure

It's that easy!

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Red, White, and Summer Birthday Celebration

Well, our month long of celebrations has finally ended.  And the concluding event was a birthday celebration my husband threw for me.  It started a little hectic as the weather was not cooperating.  We planned the event for outside, and the morning of the party, we knew there was a 40% chance of thunderstorms at 5pm, exactly when we were scheduled to start.

     4:00pm:  Start setting up outside. 

     4:30pm:  Winds pick up and begin watching sky nervously

     4:45pm:  A few drops fall, so move everything inside

     5:00pm:  Guests arrive, reminding me why we were having the party outside

     5:30pm:  Realize that outside is beautiful and everyone pitches in to move the party outside

Perhaps it is because I am a July baby with ruby red running deep within me. Perhaps it is because red, white, and blue prevail this time of year. Perhaps it is just the image of red and white picnic blankets. Whatever the cause, I wanted a playful red and white party that embraced summer. Thus, this party was born.

It was a great night.  The kids had a great time on the playset while the adults relaxed on the deck.  The menu was simple... a Burger Bar.  My husband fired up the grill and we put out a variety of ingredients so that everyone could have their own custom burger.  We even included a few suggestions to help folks out.

Suggestions for Burger Creations

I was allowed a few hand-crafted details, but only a few.  After all, my husband was throwing this party.  Some of those additions included red clothespins with food labels and wrapping the utensils and napkins in fun polka-dot paper (Michaels) and a little red and white baker's twine (Paper and Parcel). 

Bouquet from my Mother that matched perfectly

(Funny enough, the other bouquet on the table was from another friend and also matched.  I apparently inspire sunflowers, which I loved!)

Cucumber Water and Lemonade to beat the heat

Celebrating Summer... blueberries and watermelon, plus some peppers and onions for the burger bar

Vintage Paper Straws from HeyYoYo

Red bicycle on top of a lemon pound cake  (Bike from HeyYoYo)

"Ant" cupcakes in fun red gingham cupcake wrappers (from HeyYoYo)

Sunflowers inside

Red and White Pennant Banner hanging inside (meant for outside but ended up inside due to the weather)

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Red, White, and Summer

For those of you wondering when this became a party blog, this is my life these days.  In exactly a one month period we have my husband's birthday, my daughter's birthday, our wedding anniversary, and my birthday, not to mention Father's Day and the Fourth of July.  Needless to say, we have had a number of cakes (or cupcakes) recently.

Generally my birthday celebrations have been low key due to summer plans.  Don't get me wrong... they have been wonderful birthdays.  But last week my husband and I were talking and I decided I wanted a party this year.  Since that was two weeks before my birthday (and since we left on vacation the next day), it will be a relaxed gathering.  The rules:  I can dictate the theme and ideas, but my husband is throwing the party and I can only do as many "details" as bring me joy and not stress.  I am a blessed woman.

Here's the inspiration:

Row 1:  Martha Stewart Classic Lemonade;  Poms from Etsy; Red Gingham Oilcloth; Bicycle Cake Topper from HeyYoYo

Rows 2&3:  Chocolate Dipped Rice Crispy Popsicles from Twig & Thistle; Evite Picnic; Martha Stewart Pretzel Sparklers; Martha Stewart Classic Burger; Red Stripe Paper Straws from HeyYoYo

Row 4:  Paper Flag Bunting from Etsy; Red Balloons; Firecracker Flowers from BHG; Red Polka Dot Oil Cloth

I'll share more as it comes together in the next week.  I hope you are all having a lovely summer (or winter, depending on your hemisphere).

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Apple Red Beauties

I have a current love affair with red.  Just look at these Apple Red beauties.  They are part of a project coming up soon.  I had great fun spray painting them this afternoon.  And after enjoying the glorious red of the clothespins, I found myself looking for even more red around me.

This is an easy project.  Just spray paint one side, let dry, flip and paint the other side, let dry, and done.  Loveliness to enjoy in so many ways... maybe hanging clothes, maybe for other purposes.

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