6 Party Items For Spring - Creativity Exchange

I have never met a Texan I didn't like and Cyndi from THE EXCHANGE is no exception. I am delighted she is sharing her 6 for Spring.

During the spring months, Cyndi and her family spend as much time as they can on the Texas Coast. When entertaining by the beach, Cyndi keeps it relaxed with no fuss. Here are six of her "must haves". 

1. For entertaining a large group, these BEVERAGE BASKETS look good while keeping drinks cold.

2. PLATTERS from Beatriz Ball are perfect for cheese and fruit platters.

3. RUM PUNCH is a guaranteed hit at any party.

4. JUMEX NECTAR is Cyndi's secret ingredient and is available at most grocery stores.

5. A GURGLING COD PITCHER is a must for any home (and a Boston Tradition) and Cyndi uses it to serve her punch.

6. BEACH TUNES set the tone for any party - Jimmy Buffet and Bob Marley top the list!

Top Image: Carolyn Roehm

Happy Memorial Day

Smitten with Sonoma

Thursday Obsession: Tarry Market - Field Trip for Foodies

When I was in Greenwich, CT visiting friends, I finally had a chance to visit TARRY MARKET. It was well worth the wait! The market is owned by celebrity chefs, Lidia Bastianich and Mario Batali. 

I brought my camera, and my wallet, and could have spent all day! The gourmet store has a wonderful selection of italian coffee, rows and rows of olive oils.

Beautifully packaged baked goods including panettone

An entire case of freshly made pastas. I bought mushroom stuffed ravioli. After cooking the pasta in boiling water, I drained them and tossed them in browned butter with fresh thyme for out-of-town guests. So delicious and so simple!

Assorted breads backed daily

The most amazing collection of cheeses

Honey

Really, really fresh mozarella

And fresh, farm raised beef

And as any good chef knows, a meal is not complete without a great glass of wine

Well worth a trip if you are in the area!

Memorial Day Picnic Must Haves

Memorial Day is the kick off to summer and what better way to kick off the season than a picnic with friends in the mountains or at the beach!

A summer staple is the perfect picnic BASKET

Or a picnic cooler with lots of room for wine. Like this ONE - my kind of picnic!

If you and your peeps don't love the idea of sitting on the ground, how about this deluxe picnic portable TABLE?

Why not pack one of these cheese BOARDS?

Rather than a bottle of chardonnay (yawn) pack a bottle of rose and champagne like these favorites from COPPOLA VINYARDS

Wondering what to serve? 

A CEASAR SALAD - pack the dressing on the side

ROASTED ASPARAGUS prepared in advance and served at room temp

PRESSED SALAMI SANDWICHES

And keeping with the summer theme - STRAWBERRY CUPCAKES and pop the champagne. Cheers to summer! 

Top Image: Martha Stewart

Party Details: Spring Dinner Party

Every year I host a Mother's Day Dinner in Greenwich for my mum and few of my other favorite mothers. As I live in Boston, and these folks are all in CT and NY, the dinner is held at the home of a good friend. This means I have to work with what she has in her cabinets.

I started with these plates from LYNN CHASE and paired them with bright yellow linen napkins. 

I brought favors from BURDICK'S  for each guest and wrapped in light blue ribbon. I love their chocolate mice.

The flowers are from Trader Joe's.