I’ve always been a fan of a great at-home bar. I strongly believe it’s a must-learn life skill to mix up classic cocktails, and as an avid host, it’s important to provide an array...
Looking back on Easter as a child, I remember how excited I was to dig through my Easter basket. Full of chocolate bunnies, malt ball Easter eggs, Peeps, golden coins, and my favorite Cadbury...
Lets be honest, salads can be boring. So I’m always trying to think outside of the box to come up with salad recipes that I’ll thoroughly enjoy, but are beyond easy to make. Enter...
Lets be honest, salads can be boring. So I’m always trying to think outside of the box to come up with salad recipes that I’ll thoroughly enjoy, but are beyond easy to make. Enter...
For me there’s nothing more classic, and coveted, than blue and white. So when Tory Burch debuted her new hand painted table line last week, well let’s just say I know what I’ll be asking for come Christmas time. Inspired by the 19th century English ceramics that both Tory and her mother Reva collect, the blue and white pieces can be easily mix and matched, dressed up or down, and are a must for any blue and white addicts like myself. Shop the entire line collection below, and happy entertaining Loves! truly, MKR
When I think spring, my mind automatically goes to Easter, one of my absolute favorite holidays to celebrate. I love setting the table for an Easter dinner with family and friends, and find myself looking for ways to always incorporate those sweet pastel tones, floral anything-and-everything, and all around spring feels onto the table.
Like any styled table, this year’s Easter tablescape leans on my secret trick of layering, layering, and more layering. I don’t believe that you have to have a different place setting for each and every holiday or turn of the season. I mean who has the space?! What I love doing is leaning on my everyday place settings and switching out the salad, appetizer, or soup bowls to match whatever we’re celebrating. That’s where the fun pattern play always comes in; varieties in colors and designs of your dinnerware can create just the bright, joyous effect you’re hoping to achieve this time of year.
For example, I started with my traditional, everyday blue and white Sophia dinnerware and serving pieces from Pottery Barn and mixed in these playful holiday Bunny Bowls, and classic check napkins that can be used all year long. Along with the place settings I added in plenty of Easter details like bunnies and baskets full of festive candies, and Majolica bird salt and pepper shakers and serving set.
You’ll also spot some usual suspects on the table: gold flatware, festive drinking goblets, statement Sophia serving pieces and fresh blooms in the form of pink parrot tulips and green hydrangea. I had fun incorporating the small Easter details too; I added egg cups and small baskets with speckled chocolate eggs to each place setting, and of course candies from Williams Sonoma around the table. The end result, a home run look that didn’t cost me an arm and a leg.
And because it’s not quite Easter without sweet treats, I ordered these gorgeous, drool-worthy cakes from Sugaree’s Bakery. Thanks to The Southern C Summit, I recently discovered this small batch bakery that’s based out of Albany, Mississippi, and I immediately fell for the classic, not fussy flavors (I will love strawberry cake forever and ever).
While I know what you’re probably thinking; there’s no way these cakes could be shipped to me in Atlanta in one piece! I mean who even takes the risk to get strawberry cake delivered?! But alas, each cake arrived perfectly which even I’ll admit was a bit shocking. Sugaree’s knows what they’re doing because while the cakes did arrive frozen, they don’t freeze them long; the flavors are fresh and vibrant and OH SO GOOD. Not to gush or anything, but the cakes were so light, fluffy and moist that I couldn’t believe they came all the way from Mississippi. While I was lucky enough to sample all of the flavors, I would have to say the coconut, strawberry and caramel were my favorite…all of them were so large, well priced, and absolutely divine. So to answer the previous question, I say heck yes to getting a caramel and strawberry cake delivered!
Along with the cakes, for the food I decided to try my hand at garlic garlic and herb rubbed lamb chops, fresh asparagus, baby potatoes, and my mother’s favorite spinach salad with mandarin oranges and warm bacon vinaigrette. I’ll be sharing all the recipes tomorrow, but it was the perfect meal and table to welcome spring and celebrate Easter. Truly, MKR
P.S. Check out everything we’re eyeing for this joyous time of year in our Easter Shop!
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Photography, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha | This post is in collaboration with Pottery Barn, a brand we love and adore. All opinions are 100% our own.
As summer draws to a close and the trail of house guests slows down a bit, I knew I wanted to give a little nod to summer’s bounty with an entertaining brunch spread that was just as easy and achievable as it was beautiful.
A welcoming tablescape that celebrates the everyday is something I like to think I’ve perfected over the years. Sure, I know how to set a formal table for a special event, but I relish the chance to dine with friends and family on any given day.
I know many of you get overwhelmed by the thought of putting together a tablescape, whipping up all of the food, and being a gracious host all at the same time. But I promise you it’s easier than you think. Most of us just tend to overcomplicate it. It really comes down to a three simple steps you can replicate time and time again: seasonally sourced easy recipes, a table full of personalized details to be used over and over again, and simple fresh blooms.
For the food, always keep it in season. Choose recipes that can be prepped the night before. For this brunch, I focused on vibrant citrus notes and herbs from the garden. I served homemade cheesy drop biscuits with fresh chives that were truly to-die-for, as well as an heirloom tomato, peach, pea and summer corn salad. Drooling yet? Scroll down for the cheesy drop biscuit recipe. And don’t worry; the latter recipe is coming Monday.
When it came to the table, I created a warm, welcoming effect through added depth and layers; think chargers, linen napkins, cutting boards and varying serving pieces. I added a personalized touch with custom stemless wine glasses, a monogrammed glass jar as the vase for the flowers, and even sent guests home with their own potted herb in personalized flower pots. All of these pieces are what I call “forever pieces.” Classic monogrammed glassware and accessories, wooden chargers, and gold stemware are all items that can be used during every brunch, lunch or dinner that you host. By simply switching out the appetizer plates and linens, you’ll make the table feel new and fresh every time. For example, I added these personalized lemon tea towels that will hang from my oven door once the guests have said goodbye. An easy, inexpensive way to stick with the theme of brunch.
Lastly: fresh blooms. While flowers are always a must, I know many of you stress over your ability to put together an arrangement worthy of being the focal point of the table. My advice: KIS. Keep It Simple. Stick to one type of bloom, preferably no more than two colors, and add in additional greenery if needed, and place your arrangement in an interesting vessel. I chose tulips because they’re usually the easiest to find at a reasonable price. When it comes to tulips, I like to cut them just before guest arrive because I actually prefer when they bend over rather than stand at attention. As far as the vessel goes, I love using anything other than an actual vase. Most often I use pitchers, planters, or jars like the monogrammed one I used here.
Speaking of monogrammed items…can you believe they’re all from from Shutterfly! What?! If you’re like me, you’ve always thought of Shutterfly for all things photos. They’ve been my go-to for printed photos and holiday cards for years. So you can believe my surprise and delight when I recently discovered the ever-growing collection of entertaining and home decor pieces, all incredibly versatile and customizable—which, of course, makes them all perfect for gifting! I’m talking all kinds of glassware, cutting boards, coasters, plates, serving trays, decanters, glass jars…even outdoor pillows!
Like all of my previous experiences with Shutterfly, ordering these personalized gifts was easy-breezy. I seriously could not believe how fast everything shipped. I’ve been buying monogrammed pieces for years and I know to expect slower shipments. But that wasn’t the case here. The order arrived in less than a week, with each glass item in the most gorgeous box. The details were second-to-none too; the quality of the engraving and the lettering was anything but generic.
I always think a tablescape, even a simple brunch, should be attainable. And I’m a believer that a surefire way to get there is by adding meaningful touches to the table. I’m absolutely thrilled with the new pieces I’ve added to mine. Stay tuned for the recipe for the heirloom tomato, peach, pea and summer corn salad coming on Monday! I promise you’ll be a fan. Truly, MKR
In a large bowl mix together flour, salt and baking powder.
Cut in butter and mix with your hands until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Make a well in the center of flour mixture, add the milk, cheddar cheese, and chopped herbs; stir to combine.
Drop batter by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet with a silpat mat or parchment paper.
Bake in preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until lightly browned.
While biscuits are baking mix melted butter and minced garlic. Brush garlic butter over hot baked biscuits.
By Waiting On Martha
Welcome by Waiting on Martha https://waitingonmartha.com/
Photography, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha | This post is in collaboration with Shutterfly, a brand we love and adore. All opinions are 100% our own.
