Entertaining with less stress is always what I’m talking about! Much easier said than done, right? It really can be simple and quick. I believe in being “party ready” all the time.
How? Don’t wait until you have a reason to throw a party, be prepared in case you decide to have one at the drop of a hat. It’s actually fun!
I’m always searching for cool matching vases at a great price. They’re out there—you just have to have your “party ready” radar on at all times. You can find them anywhere from online to TJ Maxx or Home Goods to a floral wholesaler. There are all kinds of exciting items you can purchase for less with more possibilities.
You don’t need a ton of different vases, just a few of the same kind will do. Check it out, two different summer parties, two different themes and one style of vase. Already I have gotten more bang for my buck.
A summer town and country garden picnic in my own back yard
For the casual elegance of an afternoon lunch, I used the large vase and simply filled the base with green apples and poured water over top. Above the apples, we arranged pink peonies and green hydrangea (both in season, so very cost effective), and filled in with greens from my very own backyard to save a little extra money. The arrangement turned out to be elegant and a real show stopper. Ambiance is easy during the daytime by simply using the beauty of your yard. Trays of chilled champagne and goblets of iced tea topped off the afternoon with an elegant touch.
A South Beach-themed college graduation bash
In celebrating our recent college graduate, we wanted to create a hip, cool South Beach vibe. Here’s a perfect example of getting the most out of your budget by saving where you can. It was a nighttime party so more accessories were necessary to create a hot and modern Miami vibe—like Pucci-esque table cloths, ghost chairs, neon lighting and of course a DJ to send pulsating music throughout the evening. So we wanted to use what we already had for our centerpiece, by using the same vase from the garden party but switching up the style of arrangement.
This one is super chic and super cheap. For this centerpiece, just add black, smooth stones (you can find them anywhere from Z Gallerie to World Market to your local craft store) to the bottom of the vase, enough to reach just about two inches high. Next, fill the vase with water to about about four inches above the rocks. Then, snip the tops off of four fab (and even better, inexpensive) hot pink Gerber daisies, and literally drop in the vase so that they float on top of the water! Voilà! Cool and minty mojitos chilled the hot South Beach evening and kept the party going.
Remember, when choosing a vase, clear glass is truly the most practical and versatile. It can look completely different every time. Cost per use is the key here. Using the same vases over and over with a new look will get you to the point where they become practically free! Whether you use the container with a few beautiful blooms tucked inside or make a statement with stems spilling out the top, its easy to come up with a new fresh look every time you entertain by simply using the same old tried and true vase! Then you can spend more time enjoying the planning of your next party and spend less cash.
So next time you head out on a shopping spree, turn up that “party ready radar” and check out the discount shelves in the housewares section.
What are you waiting for?
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Mama Lo’s Mojitos
• 1 bunch mint leaves, cleaned
• 1 cup sugar (for simple syrup)
• 2 lemons
• 6 limes
• 1 liter club soda
• 1 - 750 ml light rum
• ice cubes
• a few mint sprigs for garnish
Place mint, simple syrup, lemon and lime juice, and rum in a blender and blend approximately 10 seconds or until mint appears thoroughly combined. Pour the mixture evenly among glasses with ice. Top with club soda, stir, and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
**A great diet version of this recipe that I love, uses ½ cup sugar and ½ c Truvia™ Natural Sweetener. You can also substitute regular club soda for a lower sodium version if you want, but the great thing is that club soda is already calorie-free!