Fourth of July Printable Thank You Tags

I stumbled upon this thank you tag recently and had to share it with you guys! How cute are these?! Perfect to add to a host/hostess gift if you'll be attending a bbq or other event this year. And the best part is that Erin Vale Design is offering the printable template for free! Head over here to print yours.

Fourth of July Cocktail Recipe

This cocktail, from Guy Fieri of Food Network, looks divine, and is perfect to serve guests at your fourth of July fete!

Ingredients

• 1 ounce watermelon schnapps
• 1 big splash cranberry juice
• 1 very thin slice jalapeno or serrano pepper
• 1 slice lemon
• 1 slice lime
• 1 1/2 ounces tequila
• 1/4 ounce blue curacao
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• Watermelon wedge, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Mix the schanpps and cranberry juice in a shaker; pour into an ice-filled glass.

Muddle the jalapeno pepper, lemon and lime slices, tequila, blue curacao and simple syrup (to make a batch, dissolve sugar in equal parts hot water and chill) in the shaker. Slowly strain into the glass over the red layer. Garnish with watermelon, if desired.

DIY Cake Bunting

It's always fun to find little ways to add personality and cute details to your events. One of the popular decor trends right now is dressing up a cake with bunting! There are so many fantastic variations out there to try, but this one from Lovely Scribbles is adorable and one of my favorites! Add a little pizazz to your table! Find the tutorial here.

BBQ Inspired Tablescape

For today's Tablescape Tuesday post I am featuring a super cute and simple blue and white checked bbq table from fun.kyti.me. The ironic thing is that this table was designed when there was still snow on the ground! But you could easily take some ideas from this great table and make them your own. I love the paper flower napkin rings and the little touch of shells throughout the table. So cute!

Hot Dog Topping Ideas

One of the things that I love about Summer is bbq! One Summer staple is Hot Dogs, of course! Your basic toppings can get a little boring so why not kick them up a notch? The Food Network has planned a month's worth of delicious hot dog topping combinations so you'll never eat a boring dog again! What are you waiting for? Head over here now to find your new favorite! Yum!

Cherry Themed Party Favors

Hosting a Cherry themed party this Summer? I adore this super simple idea found over at The Birds and The Bees. With just a few simple items, these little cuties would be a cinch to recreate! Use as party favors or placecards! Adorable!

Purple Wedding Inspiration

For today's Tablescape Tuesday I wanted to share this gorgeous deep purple reception from OneWed. I adore the plum and lilac tones of this design and the contrast of the silver and crystal makes everything sparkle. The orchids add elegance to the look and the Lucite chairs add a fun touch. I love the regal feel and nightclub atmosphere. A definite fave in my book!

DIY Apple Chair Swag

Looking for something a little different for your next event? One cute way to dress things up is to get a little creative with your chair backs. There are some simple and elegant ways to make a chair your own and today I am going to share a really fun and unique idea with you. This project comes from The Brides Cafe. Next time you head to the grocery store, don't forget to pick up your supplies.....apples! How clever and fantastic are they?! These swags are great for an outdoor wedding or even a cute Fall inspired table! And the best part? They can be made days in advance! Head over to The Brides Cafe to learn how to make your own!

Bourbon Peaches and Cream Popsicles

I think it's pretty much safe to say that Summer is finally here! (I hope that doesn't jinx us all!) The weather in Utah has been gorgeous the last few days! The kids are out for Summer and it's time to find activities to keep them entertained. But the fun isn't just for the kids! It's time to make your own adult fun....and one way to do that is to make these AMAZING Bourbon Peaches and Cream Popsicles from Endless Simmer. Pop a few of these babies in the freezer and break them out one afternoon on your deck or porch while the kids are away! Talk about a great treat! Yum!

Makes 18-22 popsicles

· 1 cup ripe peaches, crushed

· ¼ cup bourbon

· ½ cup simple syrup, cooled (recipe follows)

· 2 cups plain yogurt

Instructions:

1. Peel and slice peaches. Use a potato masher to crush the peaches. Combine crushed peaches and bourbon in a bowl, mix to combine. Add the simple syrup in slowly and taste to preference. Add yogurt to bourbon peach mixture and combine.

2. Score top edge of Dixie cup with scissors for easy peeling. Pour mixture into Dixie cups. Freeze for two hours or until mixture starts to solidify enough to hold a popsicle stick upright. Continue to freeze until mixture is completely frozen into a popsicle, about 5-6 hours. Peel off Dixie cups. Serve.

Simple Syrup

· ¼ cup water

· ¼ sugar

Instructions:

1. Place water and sugar in a sauce pan over medium heat. Heat and stir until sugar dissolves.

A few notes:

· Use the simple syrup sparingly. Taste the mixture as you mix to make sure it’s to your liking. Use more for a sweeter tasting popsicle and less for a popsicle that will have a stronger bourbon flavor.

· If you do not have ripe peaches on hand, use canned peaches in light syrup (make sure to drain before use). If you use canned peaches, bypass the simple syrup.

· To shave some time, use vanilla yogurt instead of plain yogurt to skip the simple syrup portion. Keep in mind this version will be much sweeter as vanilla flavored yogurt is sweetened. If you are using this in combination with canned peaches, rinse the peaches and add 2-3 tablespoons bourbon in addition to the ¼ cup in the recipe. The added tablespoons will offset any sweetness that may overpower the bourbon.

· Of course you can omit the bourbon completely for a simple Peaches and Cream Popsicle.

Royal Wedding Tablescape

Today for Tablescape Tuesday I am sharing one of my very favorite designs from the always fabulous Hostess with the Mostess. (It's hard to choose just one!) This design was created for the Royal Wedding that happened a couple of months ago and I have been in love with it since the first time I laid eyes on it. I love the color palette and all of the details are perfect! This design could easily be incorporated into a baby shower too! Take some inspiration from this royal affair and make it your own! Find more pictures, tips, and the free printables here.

DIY Cupcake Wrapper Doilies

I love this cute project that I found over at Intimate Weddings. These cupcake wrappers are perfect for any event that you want to add a little vintage or delicate touch to. They are so pretty and so super easy! You have no excuse...make some today! Find the template here.

You will need:

paper doilies (Mine were just over 11 inches.)

pencil

scissors

glue stick

cupcake wrapper template

Instructions:

Place doilie on a flat surface.

Cut out cupcake wrappers from the template. Place the cut out wrappers on the doilie.


Trace along the inside curve and at the ends. Do not trace the outside curve.

Cut out the cupcake wrapper.


Using a glue stick, add glue to one of the edges of the wrapper. Wrap around cupcake and adhere. Fini! Wasn’t that a breeze? BTW, if you don’t want white cupcake wrappers, you can buy paper doilies in a myriad of colors online.

Oreomisu

The name says it all....do I need to say anything more than YUM! A perfect combination of Oreo's and Tiramisu....this little dessert would be a perfect dressed up dessert to take to a BBQ party this summer or to whip up for an anniversary dinner. Heck, who am I kidding?! This little wonder would be perfect any old time! Thanks to the Clumbsy Cookie, for this wonderful recipe. I can't wait to make my own! (And I don't think I'm going to share....)

OREOMISU

(for 2)

• 6 oreo cookies
• 2 tbsp mascarpone cheese
• 1 tsp icing sugar
• 2 drops vanilla extract
• ¼ cup milk

Break apart the oreo cookies and scrape the filling to a bowl and set aside the wafers. To the oreo fillings add the mascarpone and icing sugar and mix well with a small wisk. Mix the milk and the vanilla extract and make crumbs out of 2 wafers (you can do this with your fingers or press them with the bottom of a glass or roling pin).

In small serving plates arrange alternatively the chocolate wafers dipped in the milk and the mascarpone cream. Start with a wafer and use 5 for each oreomisu, finish with mascarpone cream. Top with the wafer crumbs and refrigerate.