Entertaining Essentials for Everyday - The Inspired Home https://theinspiredhome.com/categories/entertaining/everyday-entertaining/ Fri, 03 Feb 2023 23:01:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.1 https://theinspiredhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/favicon-60x60.png Entertaining Essentials for Everyday - The Inspired Home https://theinspiredhome.com/categories/entertaining/everyday-entertaining/ 32 32 How to Throw the Ultimate Hallmark Christmas Movie Night https://theinspiredhome.com/articles/how-to-throw-a-hallmark-movie-night/ Wed, 16 Dec 2020 04:01:44 +0000 https://theinspiredhome.flywheelsites.com/2020/12/16/how-to-throw-a-hallmark-movie-night/ The perfect winter movie experience.

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We’ve thrown more ‘themed movie nights’ at home this year than ever before. It was easily the safest and most exciting thing we could do at home. We pulled out the projector during the summertime for outdoor movie nights and themed dinners based on that night’s featured flick.

Now that we are headed into the holiday season we can finally have my most anticipated movie night: Hallmark Christmas Movie Night!

This year turn your living room into a cozy, Christmas oasis. Invite your pals to join you virtually in creating their own cozy space into the ultimate winter movie experience. Plan for a mutual movie time take a vote on what you’ll watch beforehand.

Hot cocoa bar is a must!

First things first, you’re going to need some good quality hot cocoa. This year I turned to Le Creuset to get super festive with a set of their holiday mugs.

  • Noel Collection Reindeer Mug By Le Creuset Shop Now

A good quality Dutch oven is the perfect vessel to keep a large batch of hot cocoa warm. Be sure to put out lots of toppers like marshmallows, candy canes, and syrups, even if it’s just for the fam. Touches like this make a regular night feel really special.

  • Round Dutch Oven with Gold Knob By Le Creuset Shop Now

Did someone say snacks?

A trip to the movies isn’t complete without fresh popcorn. Ditch the microwave this year and opt for popcorn kernels. This Cuisinart popcorn maker is counter friendly and perfect for whipping up a few batches of fresh, buttery popcorn.

  • EasyPop Hot Air Popcorn Maker By Cuisinart Shop Now

RELATED: 3 Homemade Popcorn Seasonings

Don’t forget the Christmas sugar cookies for the full array of snacking. For the adults, be sure to stock up on plenty of red wine, a Hallmark movie night must.

  • Vinum New World Pinot Noir Set By Riedel Shop Now

The Big Screen.

There is something so cozy and childlike about throwing all of the fluffiest cushions and blankets onto the ground for a movie night. Ditch the couch this year and pull out every blanket you’ve got. An easy switch like this will make the night feel extra cozy and special.

Plus, the TV will seem that much larger from a lower angle. We’re viewing all of our favorite movies from a Westinghouse 50-Inch with 4K because Christmas movies need the best quality! I love how this Smart TV has all of our favorite apps built-in for easy show finding!

  • 50-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart Roku TV By Westinghouse Shop Now

Ultra Cozy!

There are a few ways you can turn your living room’s cozy level up a few notches. Before we turn everything on for a movie night I always light a few scented candles for perfect lighting and cozy seasonal smells. Ditch any overhead lighting and opt for something cozier. In this case, lights from the Christmas tree or extra twinkle lights work perfectly.

  • Memories Candle By Gratitude Glass Jars Shop Now

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How to Stock a Non-Alcoholic At-Home Bar https://theinspiredhome.com/articles/how-to-stock-a-non-alcoholic-at-home-bar/ Tue, 13 Oct 2020 21:23:59 +0000 https://theinspiredhome.flywheelsites.com/2020/10/13/how-to-stock-a-non-alcoholic-at-home-bar/ Zero-proof entertaining.

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As non-alcoholic drinks become more popular, more and more home entertainers are preparing our homes for zero-proof entertaining. Because I do not drink, I often have a few different items in my bar that are perfect for mocktails.

Of course, when you’ve never been a drinker or have stopped drinking for a period of time, you tend to be a little rusty when it comes to keeping the bar stocked.

Here are a few items that I like to keep on hand and some tips on how to stock your bar for non-alcoholic drinks as well. This way, you’ll be ready to serve some drinks with or without alcohol.

All-in-One Bar Set.

This bar set from Godinger is a great starter for your bar. It comes with one ice bucket with a cover, one shaker, one tool holder, and four tools with a silver tray to match. These tools will help with making any type of mocktail you’ll want to serve up!

Glasses.

Every bar needs glasses. Some of the most basic ones you can start off with are:

Margarita Glass: perfect for frozen margaritas

Wine Glasses: red and white wine glasses which can also be used for non-alcoholic wine

Martini Glasses: perfect for your favorite martini recipes

Old Fashioned Glasses: you can even make your own old-fashioned bar for guests

  • Wickford 2-Piece Highball Glass Set By Kate Spade New York Shop Now

Muddler.

Having a good cocktail muddler in your arsenal will help when a recipe calls for you to smash or muddle fruits like strawberries or citrus, or leaves like basil and mint.

Pitcher.

If you plan to make a big batch of a specific drink then make sure you have a good pitcher. This will allow guests to help themselves to their own drinks all night. A long stir stick will also help with mixing.

Check out our favorite non-alcoholic recipe below that uses one.

  • Deco Dot First Come, First Served Pitcher By Kate Spade New York Shop Now
  • Professional Stainless Steel Weighted Barspoon By Viski Shop Now

Non-Alcoholic Beers and Wines.

Some of your guests won’t need a mocktail, so having these options is great! Companies like Fre have some great options that I hear tastes like the real thing. Serve them up in beautiful glasses and you’ve got a drink for everyone!

Bitters and Spirits.

If you want to add some flavor to your drinks then using spirits and bitters will give your cocktails a boost! Bitters add flavor while spirits replace the alcohol flavor you would normally have in a cocktail. Seedlip is a company that took away the fermentation process and made a gin-like spirit which has a great herbal taste. It’s a great spirit to have in stock!

Make sure to check out some of our favorite cocktails and mocktails here on The Inspired Home!

Fresh Fruits and Herbs.

Of course, you can’t keep fresh fruits and herbs stocked in your bar forever, but having fresh fruits and herbs on hand will prove to be very important when you’re entertaining. Before you have your guests over, have one or two mocktail recipes that you will serve or have your guests self-serve to make it a little bit easier.

Strawberry, Lime & Mint Smash-Up Mocktail

  • High Speed Blender By Wolf Gourmet Shop Now
Print

Strawberry, Lime & Mint Smash-Up Mocktail

This delicious mocktail is the perfect blend of sweet strawberry, tart lime, and refreshing mint.
Skill beginner
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 248kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups strawberries, plus more for garnish
  • 5 fresh mint leaves (use up to 8), plus more for garnish
  • 0.5 cups sugar
  • 4 oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 12 oz club soda, ginger ale, or flavored sparkling water
  • ice cubes
  • lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions

  • In a blender, blend together strawberries, mint leaves, sugar, and lime juice until well-blended to make the strawberry concentrate. Transfer to pitcher.
  • To make one drink, pour ½ cup of the concentrate into a tall glass. Top with ice. Pour 6 oz. of your sparkling beverage over the ice. Give it a little stir.
  • Garnish with strawberries, mint, and a lime wedge.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.5g | Sodium: 39mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 58g

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5 Ways to Fake an Italian Vacation at Home https://theinspiredhome.com/articles/5-ways-to-fake-an-italian-vacation/ Mon, 21 Sep 2020 20:34:04 +0000 https://theinspiredhome.flywheelsites.com/2020/09/21/5-ways-to-fake-an-italian-vacation/ We love a good staycation.

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This year was definitely the year of the ‘staycation’. All around the world people have put their creative hats on and made the most of their time spent at home. While I would love to be sipping an Aperol Spritz on the beach in Italy, there are SO many benefits of having your very own Italian staycation right at home.

Not only will you save money and resources but there are plenty of ways to bring Italian authenticity right to your own home. Choose a place that you love and dive into as much culture as you can.

1. Whip Up a Batch of Aperol Spritzes

The first thing that comes to mind when it comes to a vacation in Italy is Spritz O’Clock. In Italy, practically every evening before dinner is a time carved out for an aperitivo.

An aperitivo is an hour or two spent relaxing and enjoying a fresh cocktail usually after work and before dinner. It was my favorite time of the day in Italy. We would order a classic spritz made with 1-2 ounces of Aperol, prosecco and a splash of soda water that is served with a large orange wedge.

Not only is a spritz tasty, but it’s one of the most picturesque cocktails ever. Turn on some twinkle lights on your patio or backyard, play some easygoing music and uncork a bottle of prosecco for an at home aperitivo.

2. Use Light Fresh Seasonings

When it comes to food in Italy in the summer, many of the dishes are seasoned simply to allow the natural, seasonal flavors to shine. Think things like caprese salad and prosciutto wrapped over fresh melon slices seasoned with good olive oil, salt and pepper.

I love keeping my Peugeot salt and pepper mills close by simple, fresh seasonings of flaky sea salt and cracked black peppercorns. For an extra spicy kick I’ll crack over a few turns of my whole chili pepper mill. I find this is the freshest way to add spice to dishes.

  • Paris USelect Pepper & Salt Mill By Peugeot Shop Now
  • Whole Chili Pepper Mill By Peugeot Shop Now

3. Gelato!

Much like an Aperitivo, having a scoop (or two!) of gelato everyday is traditional on an Italian vacation. Pick up a variety of flavors and scoop up cones for the whole family during the hottest peak of the day. I love using my OXO trigger scoop for authentic ice cream cone scoops.

  • Good Grips Trigger Scoop By OXO Shop Now

4. Have a Picnic

Italians take dining outdoors as much as possible when the weather is nice. Many cafes are lined with outdoor dining tables and packing a lunch picnic for the beach is a staple. Whether you pack a picnic for the beach or just set up a blanket in the backyard, spend a few of your meals outdoors and enjoy some fresh air.

5. Relax on the Beach

My good friend Sierra grew up in Italy and when I asked her what staples she remembers doing, spending time on the beach or near water playing cards was one of them! Italians do a great job of ditching the electronics and enjoying each other’s company the old fashioned way.

If you have a body of water nearby, grab a deck of cards or your favorite board game and head to the beach of any body of water where you can soak up a bit of extra sunshine while it’s still nice out.

Want more Italian food and drink inspiration?

These delicious Italian recipes for lunch and dinner will get you geared up to travel to the boot-shaped country, or better yet, enjoy are simplicity of a fresh Italian meal from the comfort of your home.

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10 Home Bar Essentials You Need This Summer https://theinspiredhome.com/articles/10-summer-home-bar-essentials/ Wed, 08 Jul 2020 20:27:08 +0000 https://theinspiredhome.flywheelsites.com/2020/07/08/10-summer-home-bar-essentials/ Bottoms up.

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This time of year we are heading outside to the patio for an at-home happy hour at least a few times a week…a little more with all the extra time at home we’ve been spending!

This season I wanted to make sure our bar cart was stocked with all of our summer favorites for the perfect home bar. With these easy essentials, we’re able to make all of our favorite bar classics right in the backyard. Drinks like Aperol Spritz and fresh margaritas are on repeat while the temps reach triple digits. Plus, no tips and all the bar snacks we want, I am SO here for it.

Use this list below as an easy checklist to reference while you’re building out your summer home bar essentials.

Bar Tools

  • Simple Tool Set – Must have tool essentials include a shaker/strainer, jigger, zester, muddler, and some kind of long bar spoon for stirring. This Rabbit Bar Tool Set not only has it all but is so extremely chic.
  • Ice Bucket – During these hot summer months, I always keep a sturdy, well-sealing ice bucket filled with ice. I love double walled ice bucket. It doesn’t leave any condensation on the sides and it’s big enough to fit a bottle of your favorite wine or champagne.
  • Knife and cutting board – A cutting board and good knife are a must for cracking open fresh citrus and muddling fresh fruit for drinks. Smaller is better for your bar.
  • Eco Cutting Boards By Epicurean Shop Now

Liquor Essentials

  • Aperol/Campari – It’s arguable that the Aperol spritz is the drink of the season. It’s light, fresh and herbal flavors are perfect for hot summer days. The Italians stemmed this classic aperitif made with Aperol, prosecco and topped with a bit of sparkling water and a large orange wedge.
  • Tequila – My drink of choice on a hot summer day is an ice cold margarita. Margaritas are refreshing and bursting with fresh flavor. Tequila is also the base for many other great seasonal favorites like sparkling palomas or a tequila sunrise.
  • Cointreau – Cointreau is my favorite secret ingredient in summer drinks. It’s a bright, orange liquor that gives an herbal freshness to any cocktail.
  • Light, crisp wines- I go through countless bottles of rose and crisp white wines during summer. This time of year I always pick up a bottle or two on a grocery run so I have plenty for my home stock.
  • Takara Serving Tray By Design Ideas Shop Now
  • Sparkling Water- Perfect for serving alongside cocktails to stay hydrated or topping off cocktails for a bubbly, lighter taste.

Summer Must-Haves

  • Tequila/Mezcal Infuser Set – If you love flavored tequila and spirits this infuser set is a must. This time of year summer produce is bountiful and perfect for flavoring your spirits. Use jalapeños, herbs, citrus, and more to enhance your fav spirit. This also makes for the nicest host/hostess gift set.
  • Mezcal & Tequila Infusion & Tasting Set By Verve Culture Shop Now
  • Glassware – If you’re using real glassware outside I love to use something stemless that is a bit heartier/thicker like these glasses. Or resort to a melamine or plastic glassware alternative.
  • Convention Juice/Whiskey Glass, Set of 6 By Schott Zwiesel Shop Now

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How to Throw a Virtual Kids Birthday Party https://theinspiredhome.com/articles/how-to-throw-a-virtual-birthday-party/ Fri, 15 May 2020 16:20:59 +0000 https://theinspiredhome.flywheelsites.com/2020/05/15/how-to-throw-a-virtual-birthday-party/ You can still celebrate!

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Millions of Americans across the US are hunkering down in quarantine to keep themselves and their families safe from this pandemic. Businesses have shut their doors and even our very own convention was canceled due to the coronavirus. As most of the world pauses, one thing continues and it’s birthdays! Yep, each day someone you know (or maybe even yourself) celebrates the gift of another year.

Even though we aren’t celebrating with big crowds and big cakes, we can still celebrate a birthday virtually or the quarantine way! Here are a few clever ideas we’ve seen that will make any birthday celebration a big hit and full of joy!

Invite Guests to a Zoom Call

Invite all of your kids’ friends to celebrate the big day with a Zoom call. Send out invites via email or text, and have your son or daughter meet all their friends online. I love this sample invite from Blushing Moments.

Sing Happy Birthday, make a craft together, or even play games! Just like a real party have a start time and end time along with an agenda! 1-1.5 hours is plenty of time to celebrate.

Drop Off or Mail Party Favor Bags

I haven’t seen this idea yet, but I think it’s a good one! Make a party favor bag full of activities and treats to go along with your Zoom call.

  • Pearly White Paper Charger Plates By Sophistiplate Shop Now

If you have a little girl, this is the perfect set up for you! All you need is favor bags, ribbon, stick on initials, party hats, straws, and cups. As you are preparing the bags remember best practices like washing your hands, wearing gloves or a mask to give your guests peace of mind.

  • Holographic Sprinkle Paper Cups By Sweet Tooth Creations Shop Now

Here’s how you assemble each bag:

  • Add some glitter ribbon to the top in a sweet bow.
  • Give each bag an initial for each friend that you are inviting.
  • Give each bag a straw, party hat, party cup, and a sweet treat like a cupcake or cookie!

Drop it off at the door for each attendee or mail it out if they live out of town. Remind them to bring the favor bag to the “party” Zoom date and time.

Craft & Activity

In each party bag, give the guests a craft or activity that they can all do together. Maybe you send them all canvases, paint and paintbrush kits, or you can send a cookie to decorate! The same goes for a cupcake to decorate together. This cute unicorn party hat is from Sweet Tooth Fairy and is a great activity to do together.

  • Unicorn Party Hat Kit By Sweet Tooth Fairy Shop Now

Gift Opening

If your child has received gifts, leave some time during the party to open those gifts. This way your child can say thank you immediately! Plus it’s exciting to see those big smiles. If you want to skip the gift opening, that’s okay too. Just remember to say a live “thank you” to all the guests who sent gifts and mail out those thank you cards.

Sing Happy Birthday

Of course we couldn’t have a birthday party without singing Happy Birthday to the guest of honor! Pick a time during the party (maybe after you have decorated cupcakes or cookies) to sing. Afterward, have each guest eat the cupcakes or cookies and say farewell!

This little device is perfect when we get back to gathering. It blows out the birthday candles without spreading any germs!

  • Flamingo Blow-Out By The Original Blow-Out Shop Now
  • White Metal Cake Stand By Cakewalk Shop Now

OR: Drive-By Celebration

Another way to celebrate a birthday is to invite friends and family members to drive by and wish the birthday boy or girl a happy birthday in person! With honks, waves, and even decorated cars, your birthday kid will feel extra special. You can even hand our cupcakes or cookies individually wrapped as treats.

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Cozy Slow Cooker Chili Bar https://theinspiredhome.com/articles/cozy-slow-cooker-chili-bar/ Thu, 05 Mar 2020 19:49:03 +0000 https://theinspiredhome.flywheelsites.com/2020/03/05/cozy-slow-cooker-chili-bar/ Warm up.

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Baby, it’s cold outside and when it’s cold outside I do EVERYTHING I can to warm up. Whether it’s a hot bath, reading by the fire, or putting on extra-thick sweaters and socks. But when I’m in the kitchen, thinking about dinner, nothing is better than warming up with a hot bowl of chili!

Chili homemade is one of the easiest fall/winter meals you can make. You can slow cook it all day or have a batch made within an hour or so. Tonight take out all your favorite ingredients and set up a little chili bar for yourself or your family!

I like to use my slow cooker to make homemade chili. Anytime I can set it and forget it, I’m in. The recipe I used was from the super popular cookbook by Joanna Gaines, Magnolia Table. It’s her family recipe that you can find adapted below. The only thing I decided to add was green pepper because I just love chili with green peppers!

This beauty from Cuisinart has a sauté and browning setting that is perfect for the onion, peppers, and ground beef!

Once the chili is cooked, get out some of your other favorite bowls, spoons, and chilly toppings like green onions, cheese, sour cream, and Fritos. Yes! Fritos take your chili to a whole new level! That crunch just sets things off.

  • Pizza Passion Topping Bowl By Villeroy & Boch Shop Now
  • Paris U’Select Pepper Mill By Peugeot-Saveurs Shop Now

But there is nothing wrong with a traditional add on like cast-iron cornbread! My Staub frying pan comes in handy whenever I’m making cornbread. It’s 100% oven safe and goes from the oven to the table beautifully.

  • Cast-Iron Frying Pan By Staub Shop Now

I usually use a pre-made cornbread mix but you can defiantly make it from scratch if you are feeling ambitious!

I hope you make tonight a chili night! Stay warm!

Print

Classic Chili Recipe

Homemade chili is one of the easiest fall and winter recipes you can make. Slow cook it all day or have a batch made within an hour or so. Take out all your favorite ingredients and set up a little chili bar for yourself or your family tonight.
Course Salads & Sides, Soups
Cuisine American
Keyword Fall, Recipes, Soups and stews, Winter
Skill beginner
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6
Calories 450kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large white onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cups green peppers, finely chopped
  • 2 lb ground beef (80% lean)
  • 20 oz mild diced tomatoes, undrained (2 10-oz. cans)
  • 20 oz green chiles, undrained (2 10-oz. cans)
  • 52 oz Southwestern-style beans, undrained (2 26-oz.)
  • salt & pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnishes: Fritos, grated sharp cheddar cheese, green onions, cilantro, sour cream

Instructions

  • In your slow cooker (using the sauté or brown setting) or in a separate Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and green peppers and sauté until tender and translucent.
  • Add beef and salt and pepper; cook, stirring often to break up the meat into smaller pieces, cooking until meat loses its pink color (about 6-7 minutes).
  • Stir in tomatoes and beans with their juices. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Optionally, garnish with green onions, cilantro, sour cream, sharp Cheddar cheese, and Fritos.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 38.5g | Protein: 47.8g | Fat: 11.8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 1861mg | Fiber: 10.5g | Sugar: 16.6g

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Football Traditions to Start With Your Family https://theinspiredhome.com/articles/football-traditions-to-start-with-your-family/ Tue, 14 Jan 2020 21:34:07 +0000 https://theinspiredhome.flywheelsites.com/2020/01/14/football-traditions-to-start-with-your-family/ Just in time for the Super Bowl.

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We are DEEP in football season over here! We love having friends and family over to watch the game, especially the Super Bowl. It’s even more fun when we have family members who are fans of the opposing team! Our get-togethers are nothing fancy but they are tons of fun.

Have plenty of food for your guests to munch on during the game, halftime, and even after! Pizza, sliders, drinks, treats, and appetizers are all a good idea for a great mix of options. You can also make things festive by adding some football decorations like a table runner, special salt & pepper shakers, and even a banner! Hosting friends can become one of your favorite family traditions during football season.

So get out your favorite recipes, decorations and turn up the game!

1. We Dip

There’s nothing more fun than snacking and dipping during football season! We dip chips, veggies, fruit, cake and just about anything that can be dipped. Make your favorite warm dip and put in this festive football-shaped slow cooker (chili cheese dip, BBQ chicken dip… the list goes on) by Pro Pots does the job perfectly and also adds to the atmosphere!

  • Game Day Salt & Pepper Shakers By Design Imports Shop Now
  • Football Slow Cooker By Pro Pots Shop Now

Another simple idea is to cut up some pound cake and dip it into chocolate and cream. Use toothpicks to dip each piece for each individual piece of cake to make dipping easier. You can also cut up fruit like strawberries, grapes and even pineapple for even more options.

  • Touchdown Table Runner By Design Imports Shop Now

We Grill

We usually order a ton of pizza for game day because it’s super easy for kids! But we also crank up the grill because it just feels right. If you’re hosting in a small area, tailgating or hanging out in the garage with some neighbor friends this portable grill by Cuisinart is the perfect sidekick during football season.

  • Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Outdoor Gas Grill By Cuisinart Shop Now

It’s fueled by propane and you can take it anywhere and you automatically have a grill! Our favorite thing to grill is hot dogs. Then some of our guests love to load the chili cheese dip on top for one spectacular chili cheese dog!

We Drink

We have some fun non-alcoholic drinks available for everyone to enjoy. We usually set up a station that is dedicated just for drinks. Which makes it easier for kids to access.

  • Polaris 16-Piece Tumbler & Rocks Glass Set By Libbey Shop Now

You can fill a punch bowl or large pitcher or jug with your favorite punch, pack a cooler of adult-only drinks, or set out a galvanized bucket for even more options.

  • Nautic Cooler Bag By Sagaform Shop Now

We Dress

Finally one of our favorite family traditions is to dress the part! We get on our favorite cardinal gear and we all wear it during the game. Jerseys, t-shirts, headbands and even kids friendly tattoos. The more festive we are the better we feel about our chances! Plus even if we end up winning or losing at least we gave our team all the spirit and made some memories!

Here are some other fun appetizers to serve to your guests this football season!

A Super Bowl nacho bar adds so much fun to any football party!

Here is a healthier loaded nachos recipe for those looking to keep it toned and trim.

This DIY Guacamole bar is literally to die for.

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How to Throw the Perfect Breakfast Tailgate https://theinspiredhome.com/articles/5-tailgating-breakfast-essentials/ Tue, 05 Nov 2019 17:54:00 +0000 https://theinspiredhome.flywheelsites.com/2019/11/05/5-tailgating-breakfast-essentials/ Rally before those early games.

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Tailgating in college was one of my favorite weekend activities. It was one of the few opportunities where I could actually “entertain”. We would stock up on mimosa supplies, breakfast favorites, and an outdoor set up that we could camp out at all morning.

When it comes to tailgating, my mind instantly goes to that episode of Gilmore Girls where Emily sets up the most epic brunch spread before the Yale football game. She had mimosas, snacks, and endless Bloody Marys. Now, that’s my kind of hostess!

Today I’m channeling my inner Gilmore and spilling my 5 tailgating breakfast essentials for you to rally in style.

Set Up:

All good tailgating starts with a strong setup. It doesn’t matter if you have a Mini Cooper or a big truck, you can tailgate from anything. Be sure to pack yourself a small table for food set up, a few portable chairs and an area for a small bar.

Tailgating can be a bit of a lazy morning (my favorite) so I love these Oniva sports chairs. They have a little compartment to hold your cell phone and a small side table for your drinks and goodies.

Tailgating Bar

The beating heart of any tailgating essentials is the bar. For most, the point of tailgating is to rally and get your drink on before the big game, so there is no room for any drink shortage. I like to have beverage variety, but my three main essentials are: mimosas, Bloody Marys and beer. Glasses can be a big impractical for tailgating so I couldn’t love these ‘classy’ copper party cups. They give off the house party feel but are reusable and so chic.

DIY Bloody Marys

When I got my hands on a Prepdeck, I knew without a doubt that this contraption would make the BEST portable bar. It’s perfect for meal prep but even better for an extravagant Bloody Mary topping bar. I love that each topper is sealed and not a complete fly trap (my worst pet peeve about dining outside). Pack your Bloody Mary toppers the night before and just pop the prep deck in when you’re packing.

My fav toppers: celery sticks, lemons, limes, shrimps, and olives.

  • All-in-one Cooking Hub By Prepdeck Shop Now

Keep Your Cool

To keep everything crisp and fresh I pack up my Coleman Steel Belted Cooler for such occasions. Not only does everything stay ice cold but the leak resistant channel drain makes packing up and emptying everything a breeze.

  • 54 Quart Steel Belted Cooler By Coleman Shop Now

Breakfast

The last essential for the perfect tailgating breakfast set up: the food! I like to keep things really simple for tailgating food. I usually choose one sweet and one savory dish to pack.

One of my favorite breakfast sandwich classics is a chicken and waffle sandwich with garlic aioli or maple syrup for dipping. For the sweet option we did donut and fruit skewers because who doesn’t love donuts in the morning?! Ultra easy to make and pack with you for a tailgate!

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How to Execute a Successful Tailgate https://theinspiredhome.com/articles/how-to-execute-a-successful-tailgate/ Wed, 04 Sep 2019 22:13:23 +0000 https://theinspiredhome.flywheelsites.com/2019/09/04/how-to-execute-a-successful-tailgate/ It comes down to the food and the set-up.

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There is nothing better than waking up on crisp fall day and with gameday spirit in your heart! Football Saturdays are the pride and joy on every college campus during the Fall! They are filled with traditions, camaraderie and school pride – pride and traditions that are passed down from generation to generation.

With game day weekends quickly approaching, it’s time to start planning for the perfect tailgate experience for you and your friends. When tailgating on a game day, you are somewhat restricted with your space and are generally limited to your trunk and the area around it! Hoping to provide inspiration to all your game day loving hearts, I’m going to wave my Dorinda Medley wand over this tailgate and “make it nice.”

The key to executing a successful tailgate boils down to a few simple elements — the food and the set-up!

THE FOOD

When it comes to game day, I really don’t crave anything other than stadium-like food, local tailgate food traditions and a good ole dip. There is a time and place for everything and a tailgate is the best time and place for all the stadium type eating!

  • BBQ Passion French Fry Cup Set By Villeroy & Boch Shop Now

To make things simple, I set-up a snack and drink station so passersby and friends can eat what they like and be on their merry way! You can never go wrong with the perfect chip and dip selection your tailgate — it travels well and is an easy one hand style of food that allows you to keep a drink in the other hand.

This Libbey two-piece “break resistant” set is PERFECT for your game day set-up! Of course unbreakable items are a key component for your set-up. Especially when you have a cornhole set-up in your tailgate!

  • Indoors Out 2-Piece Break-Resistant Chip and Dip Bowl Set By Libbey Shop Now

The Coleman portable grill was also a major life-saver — being able to cook fresh food at your tailgate is always a plus. The grill has legs that fold so it’s easy to stow in your car!

  • Roadtrip 285 Portable Grill By Coleman Shop Now

I also love the convenience of the Coleman cooler — it’s the perfect place to house your drinks and any perishable foods you brought. When it’s time to go to the game, you can toss everything in the cooler to stay fresh while you are counting touchdowns!

  • 54 Quart Steel-Belted Cooler By Coleman Shop Now

THE SET-UP

My goal for the set-up was to create a tailgate the represented me, my style, and disguise parts of the car that just weren’t aesthetically pleasing. First to be covered, the interior of the car! Tossed over the back seat of the car is my favorite Time Concept fringe blanket — it added a fun print and texture to my set-up and the best part, the colors compliment the car! The blanket then served as a nice backdrop to the food set-up!

  • Boho Fringe Blanket By Time Concept Shop Now

Around the exterior of the car, I added some functional, and fun, elements! You can never go wrong with adding seating like this Picnic Time sports chair — there are so many great functions to the chair including the arm table for drinks and snacks!

Rounding out the set-up is this bean bag toss from Picnic Time! Tailgates are more fun with games and a great way to encourage comradery with others who are tailgating too!

  • Bean Bag Toss Travel Set By Picnic Time Shop Now

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3 Steps to the Perfect Summer Picnic https://theinspiredhome.com/articles/3-steps-to-the-perfect-summer-picnic/ Wed, 07 Aug 2019 22:32:37 +0000 https://theinspiredhome.flywheelsites.com/2019/08/07/3-steps-to-the-perfect-summer-picnic/ Bring on the good eatin' and the wine.

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It’s officially picnic season! With summer finally in full swing, it’s time to spend every minute outdoors enjoying the sunshine and warmth… with some good eatin’ and wine of course! With the feelings of a summer pastime, there is something nostalgic about a summer picnic. With three easy steps, you too can create the perfect summer setting for you and your friends!

THE COMPANY

We often take the time with our friends for granted, so it’s important to dedicate time to being present, even with something as simple as a picnic. Create an environment for you and your friends to completely disconnect, place your phones in a basket and get back to the basics of your friendship over some summer eats!

THE SET-UP

Creating a comfortable and enjoyable space is one of the key elements to building your summer picnic-scape. Inspired by these Boho blankets from Time Concept, the goal was to create an inviting and cozy space where we could spend hours! Try layering and mixing different prints to create a unique setting, even if it is just in your backyard!

  • Boho Fringe Rug By Time Concept Inc. Shop Now
  • Classic Wine and Cheese Basket By Picnic Time Shop Now

Transporting all my picnic goods was easier than anticipated with this wine and cheese basket and promenade picnic basket from Picnic Time. It’s an elevated and functional way to transport your picnic! Each basket came packed with reusable silverware, wine glasses and plates for food!

  • Promenade Picnic Basket By Picnic Time Shop Now
  • Fruit Infusion Pitcher By Prodyne Shop Now

THE FOOD

Elevate your picnic food experience by creating a simple yet impactful menu. There is no need to over extend yourself with spending hours on building a menu and cooking. Spend that time with your friends! You can just as easily impress your guests with a two-step refreshing summer salad and an easy charcuterie board.

Now watermelon is refreshing on it’s own, but when paired with both sweet and savory accoutrements, it becomes summer in a bowl! This watermelon salad is an easy two-step recipe that will not only leave your guests impressed, but wanting more! When creating your charcuterie board, build it with your guests in mind. What types of cheeses do their palettes fancy? Are they more of a cracker or fruit type of crowd? Build the board with those elements in mind using something like this artisan serving plank to plate!

  • On the Go Food Jars By Kilner Shop Now

For an easy post-picnic clean-up, the Kilner “on the go” food jars are essential! The lid has a storage area for your dressing so that the contents of the salad don’t wilt en route to your destination. To prevent plastic waste, Totally Bamboo created a portable bamboo flatware set that you can bring with you anywhere — they are light and super easy to clean!

  • 12-Piece Bamboo Flatware Set By Totally Bamboo Shop Now
Print

Watermelon Mint Feta Salad

Keyword Salad, Summer
Skill intermediate
Servings 1

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