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Put Together a Dinner Party

Recently, we hosted a dinner party in honor of a summer clerk who has been working at my husband's law firm. In the summer months, John's firm hires law students in an effort to give them a feel for practicing law and to help them decide which firm is the best fit for their personality and lifestyle. It really makes for a fun summer for everybody involved; and since I adore dinner parties, we hosted a first year law student and his beautiful wife for a little "get together."

Normally, there are lots of cookouts, wine tastings, and baseball games, all of which, are outdoors. So, I decided it would be nice to have a seated dinner inside with the AC blasting. I love the outdoor thing, but who are we kidding - temps here in Birmingham are in the 90's long after the sun has gone down.

So, with my mind on keeping it as cool as possible, I planned a menu (love planning a menu). Honestly, when someone says, "We are having people over for dinner. What should I serve?" My eyes light up!

The Menu

Chilled Corn Bisque

with an avocado shrimp relish

Chilled Salad of Mixed Baby Lettuces

with spiced pecans, blue cheese and a balsamic vinaigrette

(served on a chilled plate)

Crab Cakes Topped with a Citrus Butter Reduction

paired with Asparagus Risotto and sautéed haricot verts/baby carrots

Homemade Peach Ice Cream

served with a small butter cookie

I made the peach ice cream (recipe is here), but the rest was catered. So, no recipes this time. But, if you love the idea of planning a fabulous menu, here are a couple of my secret weapons for planning a party. I love to mix in some new ideas with some tried and true favorites just to make the party more interesting.

Here is just one example of the many menu suggestions included in this book.

Another favorite is this one by Michael Leva and Nancy Parker. It is full of menu ideas, flowers, and table settings for entertaining. . . Not to mention is makes a great coffee table book.

So in addition to my chilly seafood menu, I decided to keep the theme going with my table.

Do you remember the DIY post on painting shells for a fabulous accessory?

Well, I actually did a variation of that for my table. I picked up five of these shells from Home Goods (they were in the discount area for $12 each).
TIP: When creating a table scape, always repeat the accessories to tie the table together.

But when I initially put them on the table, it seemed like it was too much white. When I took this picture I had yet to place the flowers, but they too were white, so I knew it needed something.

So, I ran outside and gave them all a dose of glam with some left over gold spray paint. Here's what I ended up with for the final table scape.

The flowers are from the grocery store and I had everything else.

Oh, I also did some fun chocolate treats on the table for nibbling between courses. I think these are also a fun alternative for those who don't want dessert and would rather have coffee and a simple piece of chocolate.

I will see you Friday. I have redesigns for the rest of this week and then I plan to finish up a few additional projects. My kiddos are at camp so I'm totally focusing on interior design for the next few weeks. I will try to remember to snap some pictures so I can share a few projects with you. Have a great day. M.

Happy Monday

Did everybody have a marvelous July 4th?! Hope so. We actually spent most of the week at the beach. Believe it or not, the temperatures were milder there than here in Birmingham.

It was a ton of fun hanging out with my husband's extended family. A grand time was had by all. The below picture was taken at the Seaside July 4th parade. See the water balloons? My children preceded to throw these at parade floats (mainly those floats sporting massive water guns). Only at the beach at 8:00 AM in the morning no less! The hostess for our spot was wielding a water hose for any outrageous water attacks during the parade. I find the whole thing totally hilarious.

This is a sweet friend (on left) of my sister-in-law (on right) who invited our crowd to the best spot for watching the parade.

One of the highlights of our trip this year was the "all boys" deep sea fishing trip.

I know you're wondering why that's a highlight for me?

Yes, they are kissing the bait for luck!! I say - for Yuck!

Well, one really good reason . . .

The freshest fish you have EVER tasted.

We ate our weight in grilled grouper the following night and had lots left over to bring home.

When we got back in town, I took a choice piece of the fish, and marinated it very simply (olive oil, garlic and lemon juice) for about 20 minutes. I started off by browning it on both sides in a cast iron skillet. Then, I finished it in a 350 degree oven until flaky. I paired this fish with the most divine succotash recipe from my all time favorite "go to" cookbook for fish (you see that fish dish on the front cover!). . .

Mr. Stitt's recipe paired the succotash with flounder. But, I've served it with an all different kinds of white flaky fish (as well as steaks). It's always delish.

What I love most about his book - the recipes are turnkey. What I mean is (in contrast to many cookbooks from chef's of Stitt's caliber) they will include ingredients that require a separate recipe (like, two tablespoons of the lamb demi-glace - recipe on page 123 which requires cooking all day and also then includes one cup of the "melted onions - which is a separate recipe on page 24, and on and on). Not so with Mr. Stitt. You just make it and it tastes like you are at Highland's Bar and Grill. Not sure why, but fish just seems perfect for the summer season.

Now, for some interior design news. I've been totally glued to a fabulous series in blogland called the "One Room Challenge."

Several of the ladies in the challenge are on my blogroll, and this is how I discovered the group! This series, the brain child of the very talented Linda of My Crafty Home Life, is a group of bloggers who have agreed to redesign one space (some are working on a client project while others are working on rooms in their own homes). The are blogging about the process from start to finish. They have agreed to post once a week (mainly on Wednesdays) for the next six weeks. If you have ever undertaken a redesign project, you know that six weeks is not a ton of time. So, their Wednesday posts are full of details on their progress. If you have some time, it is worth a read! Click here as Linda has linked to all the other bloggers participating in the series.

Hope you have a great start to your week, everybody. I am well rested and ready to get back to some design work. M.

Happy July 4th - Spread Your Wings

You can not build character and courage by taking away man's

initiative and independence.

Abraham Lincoln

On this Fourth of July - Here's wishing you can experience true independence from all the things that needle you in life - stress, persecution, judgment, pressure, addiction, work, worries, financial obligations, negative body image, missed opportunities, hunger, sadness, loneliness, loss of a loved one, and bitterness. May you have a moment of peace on this very significant day in the history of our country. I hope these beautiful images take you away (if even for a moment) from all your cares.

Happy Independence Day. M.

Celebrate the Season

When I was a lawyer practicing in Atlanta (which truly seems a life time ago!), there was this wonderfully dapper older partner in my firm who would always say in the most Southern accent you can imagine, "Now remember you need to get your 5th on the 3rd for that big ole party I know you'll be having on the 4th." It always made me laugh! These days, I think most liquor stores are open on the 4th of July, but I still think it's funny!

His phrase always pops into my head this time of year and on that note I've decide to show you some yummy libations to consider for your holiday celebration. Remember, you can make these sans the alcohol if you are so inclined! But either way, a holiday is way more fun if you serve it up with a signature drink. Here are few that would be fabulous for the 4th.

Basil Blueberry Vodka Soda

recipe

Apple Lime Coolers

(just as American as Apple Pie)

recipe here

A Collinzano

(made with the Italian liquor Aperol which I have never tried before, but would love to try!)

Cucumber Rosemary Gin and Tonic

Sounds very refreshing and great for sipping in late afternoon, just before dinner.

recipe here

And it just wouldn't be right (pronounced "rite") for a Southern blogger to do a post on libations and not include an iced tea.

Summer Tea Cocktail

A toast! To enjoying all Summer has to offer - let's squeeze every single ounce of fun out of it! Whatta ya say!? M.

Thinking About a Little DIY

Noticing a lot of chatter lately about the hot summer trend of all things nautical - which is so fun for summer. Here is one great piece I've had my eye on . . .

I think it is so chic and would add just the right amount of sparkle to my coffee table. But, I can't justify $185.00 for a trendy accessory. I know, it's really great. Isn't it?

So, I was thinking (my husband says he dreads that phase more than anything in the world) . . . What if I took this shell (at $24.95).

or this one at $25.00 (it's resin).

And painted the interior gold (since brass/gold accents are still hotter than hot). There are so many options for how to add the gold accent. You could do gold leaf which would add a lot of texture to the inside.

or craft paint - this one feels aged to me which is a great thing . . .

or even a little metal (anything called liquid metal, I'm in!) . . .

You've got yourself a nautical/gold chachkie for a fraction of the price! With a deal like that, I really wouldn't feel bad moving on when the trend is over. M.

Trend Spotting - Bag O' Beans

OK, now for something fun! I asked the talented Sophie Tardiff if she would put together some thoughts on a trend she is seeing in the interior design world. Sophie is a writer and marketing guru, and she really has her finger on the pulse of cutting edge trends. Sophie take it away . . .

Hello Musers. I am thrilled to be with you today talking about trend spotting. When Mandi ask me what trends I was seeing in the interior design world, the first thought that came to mind was bean bag chairs. While we all know they are amazingly comfortable, the bean bag chair is making a huge come back.

They’re soft and conform uniquely to your posture in any way you want to sit or lie on them. They’re like no other piece of furniture.

Comfort aside though, it can be easy to think of them as only for the playroom or child's bedroom. What isn’t obvious is how chic they can be in the right setting. They also come in so many different forms making them really versatile. Traditionally, bean bag chairs only came in spherical shapes which could be quite limiting. Nowadays, this is no longer the case.

Square bean bag chairs can be morphed into body pillows, armchairs, or stools. Bean bag ottomans can be sprawled out to create sofas for several people to lounge on. Teardrop bean bags give more back support to emulate an armchair style.

Different styles of bean bag chairs allow you to emulate existing furniture, which can eliminate an awkward juxtaposition if you intend to put them into a room with actual sofas and armchairs. Again, this is important for obtaining a chic result.

The other thing to consider is colour and fabric choices. Stark black and white rooms work well with bean bag chairs in a solid bright color to create major impact in a space. Flat fabric textures work with subdued leather couches, while bold glossy faux leathers can work in a retro 60’s style décor. Warm colours and rough spun fabrics give off a bohemian vibe.

You simply have to think outside the box and consider making an old favorite part of your current decor.

Thanks Sophie for sharing your insight on a current trend! Now let's get out there and take charge of our Monday! M.

Eye on Art Series - Meagan Vucovich

This is my second installment of "Eye on Art." For those not familiar with this series, this is where I focus on local artists who have amazing talent and are up and coming in the art world. Well, today, you are in for a total treat!!! The stunning work of . . .

Meagan Vucovich

via

I recently met Meagan at a wine tasting for my husband's firm and thought she was so cute and interesting. Then, I came home and checked out her website and was equally impressed with her work!

Meagan grew up in Montgomery, Alabama and eventually made her way to Birmingham where she lives and works. Art must be in Meagan's genes since her Mother is also an accomplished artist.

Her favorite art is pet portraits and abstracts (which are my favorite). But the fact that she does both really well shows her true range of ability.

She also loves teaching and has taught sips and strokes for the junior patrons at the museum here in Birmingham and is in the process of organizing art classes for children.

If you would like more information on Meagan and her work, check out her website or Facebook page (here's a little tip, she sometimes hosts giveaways on her Facebook page, so you need to become a friend!).

How's everybody's summer so far?! I, for one, could use a nap . . . Maybe I can squeeze one in this weekend. M.

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