Valentine's Day Table Setting & a Recipe

I know some people may think it's a tad early for a Valentine's Day post but oh well!

We had friends over for dinner on Saturday night and I opted for simple yet pretty place settings.

 

 

I bought the cookies from Longo's. They aren't very good but they're cute.

 

 



 

The wine glass shown here were apart of the swag bag from Blog Podium. I think I've used them more as vases then I have to drink out of.

 

 

 

Unfortunately we've broken almost all of our wine glasses so I had to use stemless glasses. I really need to buy some more!

 

 

My menu on Saturday had a bit for everyone. One of things we made for the first time was flank steak. I don't know a lot of people who have made this but I found a great and simple recipe on Canadian Living.

 

 

Here is the recipe from Canadian Living:

Ingredients

• 1 tsp grated lemon rind - Note: I just grated the rind of a whole lemon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 tbsp minced fresh oregano
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 lb beef flank marinating steak 

Note: I didn't really go by those measurements, I eyeballed it based on the piece of meat I had. It was rather large so I increased my portions.

 

Preparation

In shallow glass dish, whisk together lemon rind and juice, oil, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper; add steak, turning and patting to coat. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or for up to 4 hours.

Place steak on greased grill over medium-high heat; close lid and grill until medium-rare, about 6 minutes per side. (Or broil for about 4 minutes per side.)

Transfer steak to cutting board and tent with foil; let stand for 5 minutes before carving thinly across the grain.

Note: It was delicious and super easy to make. The piece of meat I bought was large and took about 22 minutes to BBQ to medium-rare. The mister told me yesterday that he added a bit of soya sauce before he bbq'd the meat.

Also, we didn't tent with meat after it came off the bbq, we just cut it and served it.

 

Now tell me, do you like Valentine's Day themed tables and two, do you have a good flank steak recipe to share?

 

Rose Petal Bellini

I was quickly flipping through the LCBO Food & Drink magazine last night and was in awe of how great everything looked. From food to cocktails, their Holiday 2012 magazine didn't miss a beat!

I came across this recipe and thought it was too delicious sounding not to share.

½ tsp (2 mL) rose syrup
1 tsp (5 mL) rosewater
½ oz (15 mL) Goldschläger
2 oz (60 mL) lychee juice, chilled
Sparkling wine, chilled
Red rose petals for garnish

1 Build the cocktail in a Champagne flute starting with the syrup then adding the rosewater, Goldschläger and lychee juice. Top up with sparkling wine. Garnish with half a rose petal.

 

How great do these look and sound?

 

Now imagine them in this adorable glass from Chapters.

 

What do you think? Can you picture yourself serving this at your next party?

Holiday Mantels

I hope you had a fabulous weekend! My weekend started off not too hot due to a cold that has been coming and going since October but aside from that it was good. I spent Saturday walking around the newly renovated Yorkdale mall and let me tell you it's like a dream. The new section is fabulous and stores are amazing. You'll hear more about my finds later this week.

Now onto holiday mantels. A nicely decorated holiday mantel goes a long way in my books. Since the husband and I are buying all new Christmas decorations because it's our first Christmas in our house things are adding up. I've opted not to get a garland for the mantel this year and will save it for next year. In the meantime, a girl can still dream, right?

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Have you decorated your mantel yet? Which of these mantels best represents your style?

Holiday Stockings

As you've probably noticed on here and if you follow me on twitter I'm excited for the holidays. This is the first time I have my own place to decorate as I wish. I've bought a few things so far and plan on spending a lot of time this weekend decorating and making our house feel very festive.

One of the things on my to do list is find fabulous stockings. I've seen a few here and there but nothing that has jumped out at me and perfect for our mantel.

Let me know what you think of these stockings!

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I'm loving burlap. I saw a ton of it during the holiday home tour in Stouffville.

 

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I'm loving the leather on these ones.

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I love the fur on these stockings from Switch Studio.

 

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Which stocking is your favourite? 



Holiday Wreaths

I spent my Saturday swooning over fabulously decorated homes during the Holiday Home Tour. Each home was unique and lovely. Unfortunately taking pictures was prohibited so I can't share what I saw but I can tell you that I was loving the front porches of each home. From the wreaths to the pots everything was done to perfection.

I am on the hunt for two perfect wreaths. We have a double front door so I need two wreaths. I searched a bit on Saturday after the tour but didn't find anything that I liked. I did see plain wreaths that I may buy and add to myself.

Here are a few I'm liking and would love to have hanging on my front doors.

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Have you started thinking about decor for the outside of your home? Do you have a certain theme you're sticking to?

Hostess Gift Ideas

Now that Halloween is behind us I can start talking about my favourite holiday, Christmas! I love these next couple months when you're spending lots of time with family and friends, cozy near the fireplace and shopping for loved ones.

Being that it's our first Christmas in our new house, we were in Europe last Christmas for our honeymoon, I cannot wait to decorate our house. I am heading to the Holiday Home Tour in Stouffville this weekend to fill my head with too many decor ideas!

I stumbled across these and thought they'd be perfect house warming or hostess gifts for the holidays.

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These would look lovely in your home or a great idea for a hostess gift. You can get the jars for cheap and fill with your favourite holiday candy. 

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I love this idea and would cost next to nothing. I have one too many mason jar laying around my house. Just fill with some yummy candy, add a ribbon and voila!

 

 

What do you think, something you'd consider doing this season?

 



What To Wear To Thanksgiving Dinner

It's Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada and I'm super excited. The husband and I have two big family dinners we're attending on Sunday and Monday which means I need two outfits for this weekend.

Fall weather and fashion is my favourite. It's not too cold that you need to bust out your winter coat and not too hot that you're sweating while enjoying your dinner. It's just right if you ask me. Boots with a fabulous dress is my go to look.

Here are a few looks I think would work great for this long weekend.

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A perfect outfit for a casual dinner with the family. How great are the boots! 



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 I love the skirt and necklace. Very fall and pretty.

 

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How amazing are these tights!

 

 

What's your go to fall fashion look? Will you be trying any of these looks this weekend?

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Canada Day Decor Ideas

With the long weekend only days away I thought it would be fun to touch on some fun decor ideas for your home. We have a lot of wood furniture in our home which is Canadian of us, right, right?? I'd love to incorporate some of these ideas into our home too.

When our backyard is finished I am 100% buying these. I love candles and these would make the perfect addition to any outdoor space.

 Is this not the best clock you've ever seen. I love the red and white hands, Oh So Canadian!

How about a gorgeous red coffee table. This table screams summer fun to me!

This may sound weird but I love coasters. They're so useful and save your wood furniture. That being said, I don't own a set as fabulous as these.

Last but not least an HBC blanket. You don't get much more Canadian then HBC!

What's your favourite Canadian piece in your home right now?

All of the images are from Style At Home.

Wrapped Cutlery

Looking for a way to jazz up your table for Mother's Day brunch, lunch or dinner? Why not wrap your cutlery with bright, beautiful colours?

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How lovely is this! Is this something you'd try? What fun tablescaping ideas have you done lately?

Last Easter Post...FASHION!

Since I've tackled Easter Floral Arrangments and Easter Tablescape Ideas I think it's only fitting to cover what we should all be wearing to our respective family dinners this weekend. My mom is Greek so we also celebrate Easter next Sunday too. Three Easter dinners equals three Easter outfits!

Tomorrow we're at my in-laws for dinner. Sunday we're at my aunt's for dinner and next Sunday we're at my uncle's for dinner.

Here are some pieces that I think would be perfect for your family dinners this weekend!

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So tell me, what spring fashion trend is your favourite? What fun outfits do you have planned for this weekend?

Have a great long weekend!

Easter / Spring Tablescape Ideas

Is anyone else thrilled it's a short week? I sure am!

I came across these adorable Easter / spring tablescape ideas and thought they were too cute not to share. I am a big fan of decorating our table according to seasons and the guests we're cooking for. It adds character and gives your guests something to chat about while you're prepping dinner!

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Do any of these catch your eye? Have you thought about your table and how you'll be adding flare to it this weekend?

Easter Floral Arrangments

With Easter less than a week away I thought I'd dedicate this weeks posts to the first long weekend of spring!

Are you hosting a big family dinner this week or heading to relatives? Either way, why not add some Easter excitment to the floral arrangments in your home.

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Which arrangment is your favourite? Will you be adding something like this to your table this weekend?

Easter Themed Stations

The fact that Easter is a month away has me giddy with excitment. Easter means spring is coming and who doesn't love that!

I came across these sweet Easter themed stations and fell in love. They're so bright, warm and filled with the anticipation of spring.

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 I love the use of green and pink in the first two photos. Who doesn't love an Easter egg banner, right!

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Could you see yourself doing something like this?

Valentine's Day Tablescape Ideas

Are you having a Valentine's Day party this week and you aren't sure how to make it festive and special? I've come across these and think they'd be perfect for a sweet, romantic and fun Valentine's party!

VIA Hostess With The Mostess

VIA Pizzazzerie

1. You could make a fruit rum punch or maybe try making a big batch of cosmopolitan. Just make sure you don't make it too strong - a super strong punch is never good!


2. If you're not a gourmet pastry chef like me, I'd suggest stopping off at your local bakery for some delicious treats. After being in Paris for 5 days over Christmas I strongly suggest picking up some macaroons!

3. Candy in my opinion makes everything better. Stop by your local bulk barn or favourite candy store and stock up.

4. If you're short on fabulous serving dishes like these try your local dollar store or Crate and Barrel.

Does this seem like something you could re-create? I think it's worth a shot if you ask me!

Cotton Candy Cones

I know it's Friday and this is not a recipe but I just had to share this.

VIA Pearls, Handcuffs & Happy Hour

Yes this would be fabulous at a kid's birthday party but if someone gave this to be around Valentine's day or at a shower I'd be thrilled!!

Your Holiday Party Inspiration

I hope your Tuesday is treating you well! I'm super busy as you can imagine so I thought I'd keep this post short and sweet.

Check out these great holiday event ideas and fall in love with them as much as I have.

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Wasn't I right, aren't these fabulous!

Holiday Party Dip Ideas

Hosting a holiday party and bored of serving the same old onion dip? Why not try out one of these delicious dips that I found on Confessions of a Gluten Free Mom. Your guests will love them and you'll be a star.

Click here to find the recipes for all the dips.

Which dip will you be trying? The tomatoe and avocado looks amazing!