Cheesescaping for Two

It is no surprise that I love a good cheesescape.  Trying different types of cheeses is always such a fun and delicious experience for me.  In addition, I love discovering new flavor profiles by testing out new cheese pairings with various dried fruits, nuts and chutneys.  However, there is one small drawback to creating these cheese boards when the audience consists of just my husband and myself.  

There is always a large number of leftover cheeses that go uneaten.  While I do wrap up the leftovers to preserve them for later, we typically never get around to eating the leftovers in time.  In sum- the cheeses go bad and waste becomes the end product.  Not good! 

It pains me to waste beautiful cheese, but the reality is that I am physically not able to consume fancy cheeses more than once or twice a week.  So the question then became, how to enjoy nice cheeses while minimizing waste?

While perusing the cheese section at my local grocery store over the weekend, I noticed a small bin filled with an array of irregularly cut pieces of fine cheese.  It then occurred to me that this bin was filled with all of the leftover cheese pieces that had been trimmed off of the larger wheels and for whatever reason (most likely their size and shape) couldn't be sold with normal pieces.  I immediately dug into the bin and came out with some great finds.  There were cheeses that I loved and cheeses I had always wanted to try but had never wanted to commit to purchasing a full piece.  I was in HEAVEN! As if this couldn't get any better, my cheese selections cost close to what I would have paid for a single full sized piece of cheese.  Talk about cost savings!   **If you don't have this bin at your local cheese store, I would recommend asking the cheese associate if they could cut 1/8 lb pieces for you to purchase.  They may say no, but it is definitely worth a try!**

Here is a breakdown of the cheeses I purchased for this mini cheesescape: 

Cheeses 

• Jasper Hill Farm Clothbound Cheddar………$5.00
• Cana de Cabra Mitica………………………………..$2.40
• Tradifoods Bica………………………………………….$3.00
• Lamb Chopper Cypress Grove………………...$2.52
• Total…………………………………………………………….$12.92

As you may recall from my post on Monday, I had made a stop at Sur La Table over the weekend to pick up supplies for a future post I am working on.  This is not the post that I was referencing, but I did have a very fruitful shopping adventure during that trip and came across this mini cheese board that couldn't have been more perfect for serving the sampling of cheeses I had just purchased. 

I put this cheeseboard to the test last night and it was a huge hit!  This board yielded a diverse selection of cheeses without being overwhelming.  I opted to serve this selection of cheeses with the following accoutrements:

• 34 Degrees Whole Grain Crisps
• Simple & Crisp Orange and Pear
• Fresh Thyme
• Virginia Chutney Co. Hot Peach Chutney
• Dried Tart Cherries

**I have framed this entire scape on single placemat to give you an idea of the true scale of the spread, since all of my photos are close-ups it may be hard to judge the actual size. 

This small spread was delicious and very filling.  All in all I would say that the biggest lesson learned from this experience is that when it comes to cheesescaping, a little can certainly go a long way!

Summer Entertaining Essentials

I am very cut and dry when it comes to months and seasons.  I know that technically summer doesn't officially begin until June 21st, but from my perspective June 1 = Summer.  In light of the fact that Summer is officially here, it is time to start thinking about entertaining essentials for the Summer season.  

Summer is all about the outdoors.  Going to the beach and enjoying the warm weather (**if you live in DC, replace warm with aggressively hot weather).  Below I have put together a list of my top 5 entertaining essentials for enjoying a picnic at the beach or simply dining al fresco in your own backyard.   

Beach/Picnic Blanket

You may recall from my Cocktails Served in the Garden post, I talked about  my experience during the Lilly for Target event.  I was fortunate to come out of that event with a beach blanket (especially since many customers left empty handed).  This wasn't an item that I would have normally purchased, but since it was all that I was able to obtain from the event I happily bought it.  

Never in my wildest dreams did I every think I would get so much mileage out of a beach blanket!  In addition to its traditional purpose (using it as a blanket for the beach, I have used this blanket as an impromptu picnic tablecloth and for hosting a cocktail party picnic in my backyard.  This beach blanket will most certainly continue to be an entertaining staple for me this Summer.  Since my Lilly for Target Beach Blanket is currently sold out, here are two other fabulous beach blanket options to consider: (Beach Blanket #1 and Beach Blanket #2).

Melamine Dinnerware

Staying true to form with my undying love for all things chinoiserie, these melamine plates (pictured above) are an absolute must.  For those of you who haven't heard of melamine prior to this post…it's just a fancy word for plastic.  What makes melamine great for outdoor entertaining is that it's durable, resembles actual dinnerware, light in weight for easy transport and very budget friendly.  My set of melamine plates and serving dishes are from Nicole Miller Home, which I just so happened to come across at my local Home Goods (love that store!).  Since the inventory at Home Goods can be somewhat unpredictable, here are links to two other great melamine options -- here and here.  

Rosé Wine

Yes way Rosé!  Rosé wine is certainly all the rage right now and I have enthusiastically jumped on that bandwagon.  Miraval is a Rosé that I have been loving lately.  It has a lovely bouquet of white fruits, strawberries and floral notes.  There really isn't anything more refreshing and delicious on a hot summer day than a crisp, chilled and delicious glass of Rosé wine.  Fun fact about Miraval Rosé - Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie partnered with the Perrins (one of France's leading wine producing families) to develop this Rosé.  Additional Rosé recommendations include: Chateau d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé and Salmon Sancerre Rosé. 

Picnic Tote

There is nothing more charming than a picnic basket when entertaining outside.  That being said, picnic baskets can be a little cumbersome to carry and have a limited about of storage space. This past winter, my husband and I were gifted with the most fabulous canvas tote (complete with monogram) from Queen Bee Studios.  During the winter we found the tote to be quite handy when traveling on long car trips because it could easily fit in all sorts of spaces and had a very large carrying capacity.  Now that it is summer and outdoor entertaining has picked up, I have found this canvas tote to be the most fantastic picnic tote and family beach bag.  The reinforced nylon handles along with the durable canvas bag make it easy to carry large quantities of stuff (and entertaining essentials) with incredible ease.  As a side note, Queen Bee Studios also makes the most fabulous handbags.  This monogrammed linen/faux grass clutch is one of my favorite summer wardrobe staples.

Summer Napkins

An entertaining essential for any time of year, the napkin!  Whether you are hosting a simple cocktail party, luncheon or even a full sit-down dinner, napkins are necessary.  When thinking about outdoor entertaining, I immediately think practicality.  Pretty paper disposable napkins or casual cotton picnic napkins that can be easily laundered, are go-to choices for me.  

• Picnic Cloth Napkins- for a more formal picnic look, I am a big fan using casual cotton cloth napkins.  Since my melamine dinnerware is blue and white, I have selected these blue picnic napkins.  Other great picnic napkin options can be found here and here. 
• Paper Luncheon- a more casual napkin option for outdoor entertaining during the summer months.  Paper luncheon napkins like these and these are functional, aesthetically pleasing and disposable.  
• Paper Cocktail-  Brightly colored Caspari cocktail napkins like these and these, are a great addition to serving summer cocktails.  

While this may only be the beginning of many Summer-themed blog posts, these entertaining essentials will provide you with a great foundation for revving up your summer entertaining.  

Highlights from My San Francisco Trip

Our week long trip to San Francisco has officially come to a close and I am back to the grind in DC.  The "End of Vacation" depression is starting to sink in, so in an effort to keep that sad feeling at bay I wanted to share one last San Francisco post with you all.  While our trip was certainly action packed (Trip to Napa and Cheesescaping), one day that I especially loved was my birthday.  No, I didn't love the day because it was my birthday, that was merely a bonus to the day.  Rather, I loved the day because of all of the fun events and adventures my husband and I experienced with my sister and brother-in-law.  

My Birthday 

On Saturday morning I woke up to find my husband delivering the family Breakfast in Bed tray complete with the travel birthday crown and a delicious cup of coffee from Cafe St. Jorge (a local place in the Mission District).  After enjoying a tasty breakfast, and receiving a very special piece of hardware from my husband, we all got dressed and headed out for a hike near Palo Alto at the Purisma Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.  This was a beautiful trail that gave us the opportunity to see real California Redwoods (when in Rome/Northern California…Redwood viewing is a must!).  The hiking trail was located less than 3 miles from the Pacific Ocean, which made it a slightly cold and misty (ie. perfect hiking weather!).  It was amazing to see how quickly the weather changed after our hike as we ventured further away from the Pacific Ocean, down to Buck's of Woodside for lunch.  

Buck's of Woodside was a fabulous lunch spot.  This casual restaurant served delicious food that catered to all sorts of diets (Healthy, Indulgent, Gluten Free, etc.).  In addition to the delicious food, the highlight of Buck's was horse parking out front.  Yes, that's right, HORSE Parking!  Horseback riding is quite popular in the town of Woodside, so Buck's has found a way to accommodate those riders who want to stop by for a bite before/during/after their horse rides.  

After lunch, we visited the Woodside Bakery (next door to Buck's) to purchase a Double Chocolate Mousse Birthday Cake (pictured above), which was absolutely decadent (*Cake Topper is from Target).  We then headed home to rest up for dinner that night at Parallel 37.  

Dinner at Parallel 37 was quite the experience.  Upon arriving, the host escorted us to our seats and delivered a round of complementary Birthday Champagne for the table.  Dinner was a 4 course prefix with 3 options to choose from per course, and a wine pairing served with each dish.  I have to say that one of my favorite dishes in terms of presentation, was the bread and butter course.  I know that sounds crazy, but I have never had 4 different butters/oils/salts served so extravagantly.  The entire evening was nothing short of spectacular.  

My 30th birthday was absolute perfection.  Breakfast in bed, a little orange box, hiking near Palo Alto, visiting Woodside and of course dinner at Parallel 37, were all individually wonderful moments, and to have them all occurring on the same day was more than I could have ever imagined for this special milestone birthday.  If you have the chance to visit San Francisco in the future, I highly recommend trying any of the activities mentioned in today's post.  The restaurants, locations and hiking are all great ways to experience California.  

A huge thank you to my sister and brother-in-law, who showed us such a wonderful and truly memorable time in San Francisco.  And of course an even bigger thank you to my husband, for always being so thoughtful, generous and unconditionally loving.  

Birthday Breakfast in Bed

This Saturday I am turning 30.  While I am excited for the upcoming celebration because my husband and I are going to Napa with my sister and her husband, this birthday is certainly a milestone.  It has given me pause to reflect and made me a little nostalgic remembering prior birthdays.  Over the years I have had lots of great birthday party themes (ex. Alice in Wonderland, Western Themed Party and yes, even a Jazzersize Birthday).  So many great birthdays, fabulous party themes and one tradition that has remained to this day, breakfast in bed on your birthday! 

This is a tradition that my Mom started in our family when my siblings and I were little.  She would get up early, make the birthday girl or boy the breakfast of their choice and deliver it to them in bed on the family birthday breakfast in bed tray (*here are 2 breakfast in bed tray options- one classic and one modern).  My husband and I have continued this tradition with each other, even though he doesn't particularly enjoy eating in bed he is still a good sport about it.  With that being said, as a former college athlete, he has totally gotten into besting his previous year's delivery times for my breakfasts (love this man!).  

The Menu

• Homemade Waffles topped with Fresh Fruit- If you are looking for a great recipe book, I highly recommend checking out Waffles: Sweet and Savory Recipes for Every Meal.
• Fresh Mixed Berries garnished with a few sprigs of Mint- love fresh mixed berries during the spring and summer months.  
• Citrus-Infused Water- Served either hot or cold, this has been a favorite lately because of all of the digestion, skin and other health benefits. 
• Coffee- I love a strong brew in the morning and am a huge fan of the Nespresso System.  Why?  The coffee tastes delicious and it gives you the option to brew either coffee and espresso using the same type of coffee pods.  

Family Birthday Crown and Birthday Cards

In addition to the breakfast of your choice, the birthday tray is delivered with all of your birthday cards and/or gifts and the very "fancy" birthday crown.  Yep, there is a crown involved. To this day, whenever I am hosting a birthday or celebrating a birthday in my own family, I make sure to have the birthday crown present.  It's a fun accessory to  share and really makes the birthday boy/girl/man/woman feel special (and maybe a little silly).  

Birthday Horoscope

I would say that the birthday horoscope is probably the most important part of the birthday breakfast in bed tradition.  Your birthday horoscope is a special forecast for your year to come.  I strongly suggest that you get the horoscope from an actual newspaper as I have found this source to be the most accurate.  I am not a pack rat, but I do save my birthday horoscopes because it is fun to re-read them the following year and see if there was any truth to what was predicted (more often than not there is!).  

Even though Birthdays are a mark of maturing in age, they are still cause for celebration.  Breakfast in bed is a fun, personalized and inexpensive way to celebrate your loved one's special day.  I love this tradition and am so happy that I have been able to share it with my husband over the years and with you all today.  A few months ago, I discovered this travel birthday crown for my best friend's 30th Birthday in Arizona.  While I may be in San Francisco for my birthday this year, I know that a few of my favorite traditions will definitely be in tow.    

Ginger Jar Tablescape

Last week I broke one of my everyday basketweave mugs.  I know that that "accidents happen," but I was still slightly annoyed because I knew that I would need to replace the mug over the weekend (just one more thing to add on to my ever-growing to do list!).  In an effort to try and save a little money, I decided to venture out to the Williams Sonoma Outlet in Leesburg, VA.  It's about a 45 minute drive from the city, but well worth the trek because you can find great cookware and tableware for a fraction of the regular price.   

I ended up having quite a bit of success at the outlets on Saturday.  I was able to obtain a replacement mug  at 40% off and found a set of beautiful Ginger Jar napkins that were 60% off!  Sold and Sold!  If you have a Williams Sonoma Outlet within an hour drive of your home, I highly recommend making the trip out there.  The savings are mind-blowing!

Inspired by the newest acquisition (my ginger jar napkins), I was immediately compelled to create a blue and white themed tablescape.  Starting with my classic navy blue quilted placemats (similar here). I then framed my everyday dinner plates with these rattan chargers.  For this tablescape, I opted to forgo  napkin rings.  I wanted to have the pop of print displayed prominently, since the rest of the table was primarily a sea of solid colors.  For drinkware, I chose to use low Riedel water goblets paired with my  taller William Yeoward Fanny wine goblets (which can be used for red, white or rose wine), which were set on top of Gunmetal Chilewich Dahlia Coasters.  

For the table decor, I transformed 4 of my decorative Two's Company Canton Collection Tea Jars into bud vases with vintage glass votives interspersed throughout the table.  For the centerpiece, I opted for a simple yet robust bouquet of white hydrangeas paired with a vintage cut crystal vase and framed with a silver-plated tray.  At first the look wasn't quite right.  After thinking about what could be missing, I realized that the bud vases were in need of a hint of color.  The addition of a single pale pink rose to the center of each bud vase completed the look.  

I love this tablescape for three reasons.  The first reason being that it is a ginger jar themed tablescape and I absolutely love the ginger jar aesthetic in every shape and size.  The second reason why I love this tablescape is because, like this previous tablescape, I was able to create an entirely new look for my table with the only new additions being napkins and flowers.  And last but not least, I am a fan of this tablescape's versatility.  This could easily be used during both the spring and summer months for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. 

Don't be afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to decorating your table.  My Canton Tea Jars usually sit on shelves solely for decorative purposes, but as I have found out with this tablescape, they can also be re-purposed as bud vases.  I hope this tablescape has inspired you to look at objects in your own home differently. Most likely you will realize (like I have) that items you have used for one particular purpose, can actually be used in a variety of ways.