Summer Entertaining

marthastewart.com

Thought I would take a break from decorating today and mix it up a bit with some links, ideas and a giveaway related to entertaining...

GIVEAWAY

One of the first blogs I found after discovering blogland was Sandy's blog, Reluctant Entertainer, and I've been a follower since. It's a wonderful, down-to-earth blog about real-life hospitality and entertaining. You'll definitely want to check it out AND enter the giveaway for her new book! (she'll be announcing the winner this Friday, Aug 13)

GREAT PARTY IDEAS, IMAGES AND INSPIRATION BOARDS

Another entertainment blog I love visiting is Chris' blog, Celebrations At Home. She always has such great party inspiration and entertaining ideas!

She even offers a custom party inspiration board service. This cute one below is an example of one that she did for a little girl's birthday party...

DIY IDEAS FROM BHG.COM

Make placemats with fiberboard and damask tissue paper...

OR paint your placemats and runners...

Pattern and instructions for this one here

Dress up your dishes for a party with temporary vinyl cutouts and remove them when the party's over...

You can do the same thing for your runner (and add some cute prisms hung from eyelets)
Make placecard holders from finials...

and placecards from baby bracelet beads...

FOOD

BHG.com's Best Summer Salads

Martha Stewart's Summer Menus


Southern Living's Chilled Summer Pies


Happy entertaining...