MRS. MARY

If you don't know her... you should hurry right over, Mrs. Lillien will sweep you off your feet with domestic delights and champagne flights. (she works hard! its not so easy to come up with a kitschy little rhyme!) Anyway... on to Mrs. Mary, Bloody Mary that is. I couldn't pass up on this recipe, because this drink is my absolute favorite, but the recipe is just the perfect blend!

it's the perfect "red", to add to your white and blue this weekend!

Winey Monday

Happy new week! I hope you all had a wonderful, romantic, fun, sweet, valentines weekend!

One of my readers asked me if I had any ideas on what to do with left over wine bottles and corks. We all have them, and I thought that there were probably more than one of your wondering what you could do with these items other than recycling them! So, here are a few ideas, let me know if you try one!

[ via ] point click home

These are really kind of cool, and how fun would they be to use at a wine party or tasting for your other beverage offerings. I found this easy 3-step process that uses tea lights and cold water for cutting the bottle!

[ via ] design fetish

Using the same process from above, you could cut off the bottom of the bottle and make these pretty lanterns!

Looks pretty simple. All you would need is a large clamp from the hardware store, and a little patience to carefully place the corks together. I have friends that did this, and they look great!

Finally, one of my favorite center pieces. It's quite different, but really sets the mood!

If you don't have perfect bottles, or want them to all look cohesive as one color, you could pick up some high lacquer spray paint from Home Depot and paint them to fit your desires!

Sips of St. Germain

It is a little late now for weekend wishes, but, I hope yours was lovely...

I first fell in love with this at one of my favorite spots.  The taste was so refreshing, perfectly sweet without being overwhelming, but more importantly unlike any other drink I had sipped before. After studying the contents of this "white linen" as they call it on the drink menu, I went on a search for Elderflower Liquor. I found this little gem of a liquor and always have it for when guests come over. Not to mention, the bottle is pretty and looks good on my bar tray.  If it were acceptable to have champagne for breakfast every morning with a touch of elderflower liquor in it, I would. Once you have done your taste buds a favor and purchased some of this, try these recipes below!

more information here

Hostess with the Mostess this Halloween

photos courtesy of Country Living

Are you inspired to be the hostess with the mostess this halloween yet? Hopefully you are... here are some finds to make you the most popular house on the block!

 

pillows available at Target

 

beaded placemat and dinnerware along with napkins, napkin and place holders available at ZGallerie

frankenstine mug available at Patina

candle holder pumpkins from the Smith and Hawken line, available at Target

     knife available at Patina

 

recipes available at Hostess with the Mostess

whatever you may be doing to celebrate in halloween style, hopefully you can indulge yourself in one of these treats... Happy Haunting!

Fun Find

there are a million wine glass markers on the market, these wine glass tags declare what kind of wine is in your glass... or maybe what kind of person your guest is, you can be the judge of that!

find at Patina

Living With Wine

Looking forward to our fall getaway in Minnesota last weekend had me excited about the cooler temperatures, beautiful leaves, and heavier food. In that spirit I was in the mood to try some new wines. Food and Wine magazine's October issue is dedicated to (what else) food and wine pairings, and while they have some great suggestions and fabulous recipes, they have also made room for great designs. These rooms are elegant, masculine, and simple living rooms. How fun is the chandelier in the third picture!?

http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/best-cellar-tips