Everyday Entertaining

AERIN x Williams-Sonoma; The 5 Pieces I Just Had To Have

Incorporating this gorgeous new collection into my every day life
April 19, 2017
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > "Hostess with the Mostest"

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Blue Ginger Jar Champagne Bucket, AERIN x Williams-Sonoma | waitingonmartha.com AERIN by Williams-Sonoma collection, Waiting on Martha Waiting on Martha entertaining inspiration Ginger jar champagne bucket, Waiting on Martha

While I love to highlight the beautiful here on the blog, and nothing gets me like a perfectly set tabletop, I’ll tell you that so much of my life isn’t centered around a formal meal or tablescape.  Rather, in real life, everything seems to happen spur-of-the-moment.  And I think that’s why I love the new AERIN x Williams-Sonoma collection so much; the pieces are perfect for both a sit-down dinner party but fit in just as easily into simple everyday entertaining. 

Truthfully, Aerin had me at ginger jar champagne bucket.  But aside from the obvious ginger jar champagne bucket and tabletop choices like the spectacular blue and white glassware and woven pieces, the collection includes so many giftable finds and home accents that are the perfect combination of classic, modern and feminine.  Think gold scalloped photo frames, floral artwork like this stunning concrete relief on a stand and these framed prints, trinket dishes and so much more.  In fact, perhaps one of my favorite details of so many pieces in the collection is that they come with a pretty box that’s ready to gift.  So if you have a baby shower, bridal shower, engagement party or are still looking for a Mother’s Day gift, you’ll find dozens of gorgeous finds in the collection.  I grabbed a few of her trinket dishes; so lovely and only $35!  

But don’t take my word for it.  TOMORROW at the stunning new Williams-Sonoma store at The Avalon here in Atlanta I’ll be hosting an event celebrating the collection from 7-8:30.  I hope you’ll join me and come out to celebrate the AERIN x Williams-Sonoms home collection for yourself.  I know the pieces will sweep you off your feet too.  Truly, MKR

P.S. Comment below or message me on Instagram if I’ll be seeing you tomorrow night at the store.  Believe me friends, this collection is something you’ll want to get your hands on.  And of course, I’d love to gush over all things blue and white and beautiful with you!  xo

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AERIN Ginger Jar Champagne Bucket

Williams-Sonoma, $159.95

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This is no dinky champagne bucket; this thing can fit 2-3 bottles of wine!  Not only is it absolutely stunning in its design, it’s functional and just the thing you need for a night entertaining al fresco. 

AERIN Potted Floral Arrangement, Rose

Williams-Sonoma, $95

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Aren’t these hand cast porcelain sculptures stunning?!  They’re the perfect accent for a coffee table, desk or bookshelf. 

AERIN White Link Pitcher

Williams-Sonoma, $89.95

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I am such a fan of this earthenware pitcher, with its hand-polished white glaze finish and link detailing. I love using a pitcher like this to display fresh flowers, though it would work wonderfully in a traditional sense, too! 

AERIN Gilded Bamboo Gallery Frame

Williams-Sonoma, $70

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I can never say no to a bamboo motif, so I fell in love with these gallery frames the second I saw them.  The gorgeous gold lacquer is simply timeless and the white matte instantly elevates whatever’s featured inside. 

AERIN Sea Blue Floral Salad Plates

Williams-Sonoma, $51.95

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Blue and white forever, am I right?!  I will always adore a tabletop that has blue and white pattern play.  The AERIN collection is full of beautiful dinnerware designs that can be set apart or together for a truly wonderful effect.  The drinkware, just like the dinnerware, is something to keep in your entertaining arsenal too.  It’s all just so good! 

Photography, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha

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A Picnic with Homemade Pimento Cheese & Mason Jar Salads

My go-to's for an afternoon in the park
March 13, 2017
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > Appetizers & Sides

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How to pack for a picnic, waitingonmartha.comPicnic outfit inspiration on waitingonmartha.comMason Jar Salads on a Picnic with @waitingonmarthaHow to plan a picnic in the park, waitingonmartha.comEasy pimento cheese recipe for a picnic, waitingonmartha.com How to make mason jar salads for a picnic, waitingonmartha.com Mason Jar Salads for a Picnic in the Park, Waiting on Martha How to pack for a picnic in the park, Waiting on Martha

Friday I shared a picnic-ready outfit, along with peek at my ideal day off: an afternoon visit to the farmers market, followed by a picnic in the park.  It’s one of my favorite things to do when I have a little free time with the Mr., and always a sign that spring is finally upon us. As promised, I’m sharing a few of my go-to picnic essentials, along with two super simple recipes that I like to pack in my picnic basket, neither that sacrifice flavor or a gourmet effect: my Homemade Pimento Cheese & Mediterranean-inspired Mason Jar Salads.

Whenever I’m packing for a picnic, I always make sure I have the following: a big blanket, a great picnic basket, portable tunes and easy food.  Nobody has time to deal with messy, high-maintenance bites when you’re camped out on your favorite blanket in the grass!  So today I’m dishing on the recipes for said easy food. 

First off, with your pimento cheese, and I’m just going to come out and say it: don’t ever use the pre-shredded cheese for your homemade pimento cheese. It’s just not ever going to taste as good as the stuff you buy by the block and shred yourself.  You’ll get a much creamier and more satisfying spread when you do it the right way. And I like my pimento cheese a bit chunkier, so I stay away from processing/blending it so that I can see the cheese and peppers with each bite.  Of course, if you like yours creamier (which is just as heavenly), take it a step further and throw the mixture into a food processor until you reach your desired consistency. I also love to use Vegenaise (vegan mayo) in place of traditional mayo, though I know all southerners will tell you that Duke’s is the only way to go. 

For the Mason Jar Salads, I went with a Mediterranean vibe; a tangy balsamic vinaigrette (I used store-bought, but you definitely can make your own) with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, cooked orzo, greens & more. The trick with any good Mason Jar Salad is to layer the ingredients in your jars (I love this set with clamp lids) so that the salad doesn’t’ get soggy or begin to wilt when in transit.  You do that by always, always putting the salad dressing at the bottom of the jar. Then, you’ll put whatever ingredients won’t get soggy from being in contact with the dressing (think tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, etc.)…bottom line is you don’t want the greens to be next to the dressing. 

You can have fun with Mason Jar Salads; the possibilities are truly endless!  Find my current go-to combination, along with my recipe for the best homemade pimento cheese below.  I’d love to know how you’re shaping up your picnic plans in the comments below!  Truly, MKR

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Homemade Pimento Cheese & Mediterranean Mason Jar Salad

Ingredients

  • Pimento Cheese
  • 1 block of yellow sharp cheddar, shredded
  • 1 block of white mont jack, shredded
  • 3 large spoonfuls of mayonnaise, to taste
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 chopped jalapeno (optional)
  • dash of cayenne (optional) 
  • Mediterranean Mason Jar Salad
  • balsamic vinaigrette, to taste
  • cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
  • red onions, sliced thinly
  • cucumbers, sliced thinly
  • edamame, cooked and shelled
  • almonds, raw and unsalted
  • cranberries
  • cooked orzo
  • lettuce (I used baby kale, mixed greens mix)
  • micro green mix

Instructions

  1. Pimento Cheese
  2. Add all ingredients in mixing bowl. When adding the jar of pimentos, eyeball this with how creamy/chunky you want it.
  3. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes, and serve!
  4. Mediterranean Mason Jar Salad
  5. Stack your ingredients inside the Mason jar in the following order:
  6. balsamic vinaigrette
  7. cherry tomatoes
  8. red onions
  9. cucumbers
  10. edamame
  11. almonds
  12. cranberries
  13. cooked orzo
  14. lettuce
  15. micro green mix
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Everything You Need to Make Coffee Shop Coffee At Home

The Secret Tools Behind a Barista-Approved Cup of Jo
February 15, 2017
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > Entertaining

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Coffee shop architecture, Waiting on MarthaStumptown coffee New Orleans, Waiting On MarthaMorning coffee moments, Waiting on Martha

I don’t know about you, but I can never make a cup of jo at home the way they do at my favorite coffee shops.  I thought a lot about that when we were in New Orleans a few weeks ago and made our way into this gorgeous Stumptown Coffee location.  

So naturally, I came home and did some research, and can say that I think I got to the bottom of what it takes to make barista-approved coffee. A few tools are needed, yes, but deciding on which ones you should buy depends on how much of a coffee purist you really are.  A Keurig is a really great option for those of you that simply want a quick cup, while a Nespresso machine is perfect for an espresso like you’d order at your favorite cafe.  But you may not want either; a French press is for the self-proclaimed coffee snot (I say this lovingly…I know many), while an Aeropress claims to brew a cup that’s even more pure!  If you’re a cold brew kinda person, this iced coffee maker will be your new best friend.  Lastly, a great frother is an absolute must for any latte (and latte art if you’re feeling extra creative)…most are affordable but I’ve gone through so many that I think it’s worth an investment for a good one.  

The list of course goes on, and I’ve broken it down in detail below.  But I’d love to know: what kind of coffee drinker are you?  Do you swear by any of these essentials?  Cheers friends, Kat
   

A Grinder

KitchenAid® Coffee and Spice Grinder

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When you find great coffee you love, there’s a good chance it’s in whole bean form. You’re going to need a strong grinder to get those beans in the form of grounds to brew your cup of coffee.  We’re big fans of this one by KitchenAid to do the heavy lifting. 

An Airtight Container to Store Beans

Airscape Stainless-Steel Storage Container

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Making a proper cup of coffee starts with good beans, if we’re being honest here.  And in order to store your beans (and their grounds) at their best quality, use an airtight container. It will extend the shelf life and further the flavor. 

A Quick One-Cup Coffee Maker

Keurig® K55 Elite Brewing System in Black

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When you just want a good cup of coffee quickly in the morning or during your afternoon slump, this Keurig does the trick.  It keeps the process super simple, the cleanup minimal, and is perfect if you don’t want to find yourself with leftover coffee in a pot. 

A Quick Espresso-Maker

Nespresso® VertuoLine Coffee and Espresso Maker

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If you’re looking to make a quick cup of espresso, you really need this machine.  Well scratch that, it makes cappuccino, coffee AND espresso. This is your best bet for coffee shop coffee at home, in my humble opinion. 

We’ve gushed about the Nespresso VertuoLine for caramel iced coffee, chocolate espresso cake and the best ever holiday coffee. 

The French Press

Bonjour® Monet French Press

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Here’s to you, coffee purists.  I know this is the way to do it right.  A French press is an at-home coffee staple.  It’s the key tool to manually brewing a rich, strong and smooth coffee by simply pouring boiling water on top of the grounds.  The method helps the grounds retain their oils for an amazing cup each any every time. 

The Aeropress

Aeropress Coffee Maker

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My favorite coffee shop has an Aeropress coffee item on their menu.  I had to figure it out, and discovered the Aeropress coffee maker.  This is an amazing option for the coffee lover that doesn’t need the fuss of a French press, but still appreciates great coffee on the go.  The Aeropress claims to brew an even smoother cup than the French press does, and includes an easier and less messy cleanup.  It only takes about a minute to brew a cup of coffee or 1-3 shots of espresso. 

A Frother

Rösle Frother

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This magical tool is a must-have for any kind of latte (even and especially a matcha tea latte!). I’ve tried several frothers in the past, and they all have turned out to be quite dinky, so I definitely think you get what you pay for with these.  I’d suggest a higher quality one like this one to last a few seasons of coffee brewin’. 

A Cold Brew Maker

Primula® 50 oz. Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker

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I used to think that I could simply make cold brew by pouring hot coffee over ice. But a proper cold brew will use simple steeping in a coffee maker like this one to bring out all the good flavors in coffee.  The steeping actually works to eliminate the bitter, almost-burnt taste you can sometimes get from pouring hot coffee over ice. 

I like how you can customize the flavor with one of these, AND the maker seconds as a pitcher to serve once you brew.  Bonus!

Photography, Haley Sheffield for Waiting on Martha

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