Memorial Day Desserts

Memorial Day is right around the corner - which means grilling and (hopefully) spending the weekend outside with beautiful weather remembering those men and women who put their lives on the line for this country (and those are currently doing so...).

Are you looking for a great dessert to bring to your Memorial Day get-together? Maybe you're going to a family members, or the lake or cabin, or maybe you're spending it at home with the family (that's what I am doing), or even, working (sorry...). Here are some creative and easy recipes and ideas that will ensure you won't show up to wherever you're going empty-handed!

I thought these were so cute! They look super easy to make, too!

{Source: Martha Stewart}

Jello? Yes, please! Yum. Yum. I'll take the other ingredients added in there, too!

{Source: Martha Stewart}

Cookies are always a good dessert to bring to any event!

{Source: Martha Stewart}

How cool would these be flavored ice cubes be for adults and kids alike! ;)

{Source: Family Fun}

What a great conversation starter! I bet the kids would love these (I'm not a kid... well most of the time... and I'd even love them!)

{Source: Family Fun}

Unique Spring and Summer Centerpiece Ideas from Rachael Ray

I was checkin' out the Rachael Ray web site for the first time tonight, and came across a variety of SUPER adorable and SUPER easy DIY centerpieces. And they're inexpensive, too! Check out the cute ideas below!

How cute are these for a candy buffet centerpiece? I just love these - I think they're so colorful and cheery... I guess they kind of give me a mental tooth ache, too! :)

I thought this were so simple and classic looking. I love how flower doesn't come out of the glass, but it's still the focal point. A line of these would make for a cheap, but classy centerpiece.

Planning a garden-themed or tea-party anytime soon? How about a mother's day brunch? How fun would this centerpiece be? Hit up your local antique shop or thrift store and check out their teapot selection! I'm sure you could find a few different patterns to display in different areas or tables at your gathering.

I thought this would be great centerpieces that do double-duty as favors. They're soooo easy and cheap - buy yourself some cute patterned socks and just wrap them around a cup or a flower pot and voila - you're guests now have a cute little flower to take home and tend to! How cute would this be for a bridal or baby shower?! Or a garden party! :)

What better way to add some dimension to your party than to use some spool as plate stands! Pairing bright colored spools of ribbon that coordinate with your party's color scheme will make for BEEEAA-U-TEEE-FUL plate stands! I love the bright colors chosen above paired with dainty desserts and finger foods. It's just TOO, TOO cute. (can you tell I loved this idea!)

I really liked this idea for an outdoor dinner party. I believe you could use any lentil, but I'm thinking some coffee beans would be great for this centerpiece. Add a tea light, a little twine around your votive (I believe the above are just OJ glasses...) and place a cute little stand and call it good. This would create a nice little ambiance to your evening meal. Simple. Cheap. Love.

I just love how a simple centerpiece can completely dress up your event. I also love that there are so many centerpiece ideas out there that you don't need to spend a FORTUNE on to make look good. Once I move into the new house I'm challenging myself to create a centerpiece using items that I already own... I'll share the results when I figure it out! Hey, maybe that will be my own monthly challenge! :)




What centerpieces have you made for your spring and summer events?

Is it SPRING yet?!?!

I saw this amazing centerpiece on Martha Stewart's web site and just had to share it with you all!

How delicious and pretty does this look! This would be a great addition to feature at any spring party... especially a garden party! This would also be a great thing to bring to a party as your gift to the host/hostess. You can check out all the things you need to make this great centerpiece here.

Oh man, do I love Martha!

Easter and Spring place card holder ideas

Hi all - Happy Saturday! I came across this super cute (and super easy) DIY place card. You can use it for you Easter dinner or even for a spring-themed party. My favorite part - it's completely edible (well besides the tree branch).

Below are some other cute place card ideas - thanks to Martha Stewart:

{above} After you've chosen the colors for your flower arrangement, find a pretty corresponding color and create beautiful place card that you can place in the petals of the tulips.

{above} Create an egg-shaped name card on a bright pastel piece of paper, glue onto a lollipop stick and place in this bowl. Why not have your eggs and eat them, too?!

{above} I love the idea of these little flower arrangements in a small pot and creating a fold-out name tag. What a pretty thing to sit down to! How cute would these be for a baby shower!?

For more ideas on table settings and decor for your Easter and spring-themed parties, go here and here.