SUMMER ENTERTAINING FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

Good Morning to all....
Yes, I know....summer is in full swing,
and it is just too hot to enjoy the  outdoors!
The big news here at Estelle's is that
we are preparing for company!
It's time to plan a party~~~ 

FAMILY TIME



The Divine Miss M is flying in from ATLANTA
for a short visit and bringing our Luke the Duke with her....

It's hard to believe he is now 18 years old and will
begin his senior year of high school in just a few weeks.
I cannot wait to see them and make our time meaningful and fun!
We treasure the time our entire family is together under one roof!!

We are hosting game night and cocktails for a fun
evening indoors!
The theme has been decided upon and we do love
a good mystery game.....

This promises to be a fun evening....
who will be the best detective?

I am so excited for this menu.....
I love attending a party where the food
is all homemade...with  love.....

The color story will be vibrant

The accessories will add a bit of glamour and whimsy

We will enjoy a cocktail hour, then the party shall begin...
as they say...

'let the good times roll!"

COMING TO ESTELLE'S FOR SUMMER

 

The sunny skies and lush landscapes of summer call for bright,
airy spaces and lively decor bursting with fresh blooms...
Here are a few highlights as to what Estelle's will be sharing
with all you summer lovers in upcoming posts....

Style inspiration for a Summer Americana tablescape

A sweet cottage core centerpiece inspired by the
white Magnolia's of Mississippi..
using things you have on hand and will create
a focal point on your table with a bit of a farmhouse vibe....

We will be hosting an impromptu garden party
that will showcase summertime foods in
a relaxed and casual setting..
you will want to linger and sip on your lemonade for this one....

Warm balmy evenings and sunny days call for food, fun
and cocktails....have I got a delicious summertime mocktail
prepared for you...it's light, low on sugar and so beautiful
and delicious....
I call it my Raspberry Coconut Smash...

So grab your sun hat, put on that pretty garden dress
and let's make it a great summer.....

THE CHARM OF AN AUTUMN TABLESCAPE AND COMFORT FOOD

 
Welcome to the quiet, peaceful month of November...
let's plan to celebrate and entertain Autumn.....
I will focus on recipes and decorating ideas
for your seasonal gatherings and fall menus....
Today, we will begin at the farmhouse table...
y'all come on in....

There is nothing like the warm glow of candlelight to welcome fall...

Something I have so enjoyed this season
is to bring out most of my favorite decor pieces
that I have loved over the years....
I change out a cozy corner or table setting to incorporate
different pieces for a new look about every two weeks....
I love the casual look and feel of this look for NOVEMBER..
It feels and looks autumnal, casual and yet, a bit special....



I have had this little set of ceramics for so many years now...
I just find it beautiful...and I bring it out every year..

I plan on using this platter for Thanksgiving...
Pioneer Woman is knocking it out of the park....

But for now.....
it was the perfect platter for serving
Monster Cookies dusted with Sea Salt for Halloween...

How lovely is a plate of Honey Crisp apples....
natural beauty 

A warm apple pie with a flaky crust laced with cinnamon and sugar
will bekon your loved ones to enjoy an afternoon treat....

We have been enjoying light lunches these days..
This idea proved to be delicious....
toasted sourdough bread, topped with whipped FETA
and roasted peppers and onions!

Tom Turkey is a member of this little set and he is 
dressed for the season...

He is actually a sugar bowl to match this little creamer....

I fell in love....a little pumpkin cassoulet..
It's thoughtful table decor

Sweet paper napkins add a touch of festivity...

So you see, seasonal details,
can create an enticing spot to
indulge in a leisurely afternoon
which will capture the essence of autumn inside our homes...

PLANNING FOR A NEW FALL SEASON

 

Good morning loves...
we have just 25 days until September 1st!
TODAY we are are making a list of helpful reminders
on what is needed to create a cozy,
beautiful home for the fall season......
If you are like me, I have been gathering inspiration
from old magazines, past photos and all venues
of social media to gather up items I plan on using this year.....
I so hope you will be able to create a checklist from today's
post for your own ideas in order to honor the harvest season....

Now is the time to select your recipes to serve warm drinks

Go through your cookbook collection to select new recipes you want to make....

Remember you always enjoy baking in the fall season...

perhaps try a new version of a traditional pumpkin pie

Select a few favorite table runners you want to use this year

Now is the time to pull out your cosy textiles of
throw pillows and throws you are drawn to for the family room

Make a list of paper goods needed and seasonal dinnerware you plan on using...

Give some thought to creating a reading nook for those cool rainy days...

This is a perfect time to change out your bedding
and refresh your guest rooms in preparation for family
and guests that are planning to visit...

Decide what personal touches you want to include on your mantle....

And by all means. include new candles with seasonal scents
that are a must when decorating for the season....

Sunny conditions continue today...and yes, it's hot hot hot,
but it is good for the spirit to have thoughts of the harvest season....
just 25 days away....

A SUMMER WEEKEND OF ENTERTAINING

 
Hello Kindred Spirits...
SUMMER LINGERS.....



We all think of ways to stay cool
during the hottest part of the season
and what better way than to entertain poolside
or better yet, a weekend at the lakehouse!

If you need a bit of inspiration for delicious
meals to feed your family and guests during
these fun getaway times, here is what is on the 
menu at Estelles.......

A favorite breakfast of Aretha Frankenstein's' pancakes
with a side of applewood smoked bacon,,,

Aretha Frankenstein is a well known restaurant in Chattanooga
and they are known for the delicious pancakes...

You can find their pancake mix on Amazon!

My Daddy's cousin owned a lakehouse in Ohio
and we would often visit Cousin Louise and her family
for the most fabulous weekends boating on the lake...
Luke has good friends whose grandparents live on the lake
in Georgia and often spend entire summers with them...

There is something so peaceful about lakeside living....

This is the perfect summer dinner for this type of lifestyle....
roasted corn, tomatoes and purple onion

Roasted potato and onions....nothing smells better than this....



And....a big juicy grilled cheeseburger

Today, life is good...let's make the most of it!