you are in for a treat today. today you get to see the inner workings of this talented event artist. she loves beautiful things. she is lovely. kind. generous. embodies a true friend. so, here she is…
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Hello everyone! My name is Candace Barshaw, owner of Magpie Event Co. I first met Aimee just a few months ago when I asked her to create my dreamy business blog. She did exactly that, and we were fast friends. When she approached me about doing a guest post on Mother’s Day, I jumped at the opportunity.
As a newer mom to a 16-month old boy, I now feel like I can relate a bit better to all the moms in my life. Moms–we laugh, we cry, we question EVERY little thing that we do throughout the course of each day (some days more than others). We wonder, pray, and hope that we are raising our children just well enough to not completely screw them up…Wait…Am I allowed to say, “screw up”? Shoot. If my boy repeats that phrase, I’m in trouble. Oh wait. He can’t read. I’m safe….for now! Whew! See what I mean?
In honor of Mother’s Day, I would like to share a few of my favorite Pinterest ideas in order to help you NOT collapse and cry at the end of this weekend from exhaustion.
Let’s start with a GIFT IDEA:
I’ve decided to go homemade this year. Homemade Lemon Curd is my TOP pick, especially because we have an abundance of lemons on our trees right now.
I could literally eat this stuff by the spoonful. It’s really at its best served on top of a great scone with some Devonshire Cream. Mmm…
This is a super simple recipe that can be done in just 15 minutes (it would definitely take me longer than 15 minutes to find the “perfect gift” at Target)!!
I plan to put my gifts in small mason jars tied with burlap and lace with a pretty label. You can check out some FREE printable labels courtesy of WorldLabel.com
THE TABLE:
If you’re hosting brunch or dinner, make it easy on yourself. Use plastic ware!
“Wait, what?” You might be thinking. “Isn’t that like party-planner heresy?”
Well, the answer is “Not if it’s done right!” And this idea from Martha Stewart is right on.
Dress up your clear plastic plate with a pretty paper doily underneath that can double as a place card. If you’re doing something a little less formal, why not have the kiddos draw mom and grandma a pretty picture? Wouldn’t they just love that?!
Centerpiece
Now that we have this beautiful place setting, what about a centerpiece? Take a little inspiration from this gorgeous table setting below.
Isn’t she just lovely? Now, FORGET THE CENTERPIECE!
Use the plate with that pretty peony all by itself. Especially when combined with the doily look above. Sigh. I think I’m drooling already, and I haven’t even gotten to the food!
Speaking of…
THE FOOD:
The idea is to use beautiful, fresh ingredients wherever possible, and do it without slaving away in the kitchen all morning.
My advice is to do what you can IN ADVANCE.
For brunch, consider making a great quick-bread a couple days ahead. Just make sure you wrap it up tightly in plastic wrap, so it doesn’t dry out.
Try this spin on a classic. Coconut banana bread with a lime glaze. Mmmm…nom nom nom.
Or perhaps take your quickbread, cube it and make little skewers like this:
How CUTE is this?!?!
These are actually French Toast skewers courtesy of Martha Stewart , but I prefer the idea of substituting the banana bread for French toast for this occasion. So much easier and far less mess to clean up. A tangy lemon loaf or cinnamon bread would be excellent too.
It’s important to balance the sweet with some savory (and lighter) items as well to ensure success. Try this Light Swiss Chard Frittata courtesy of www.skinnytaste.com (one of my FAVORITE recipe sites, by the way).
You can make this earlier in the morning and simply cover it and set it aside. About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve it, just reheat in the oven. That way, everything is ready at the same time without crazy chaos in the kitchen.
Thank you for letting me share with you today. I hope this inspires you to celebrate and be thankful for all the moms in your life!!
Sweetly,
© 2012 – 2014, A Sweet Guest. All rights reserved. Love it? Please share, pin, tweet or email but do not use my work without permission.
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