Stressed about Memorial Day parties? XO Ashley has several recipes sure to please all your guests. Get your grill ready for Memorial Day!
Entertaining, Outdoor & Patio Ideas, Party & Event Ideas for the Home
Memorial Day Party Recipes: Grilling, Desserts, & More
Hosting friends or family for Easter? Learn how to build a traditional Easter menu with recipes for appetizers, dinner, and desserts.
We have officially ushered in a new school year, and we want to help your children succeed in every class. Prepare your children for the day ahead by packing their lunch full of healthy foods that will give them a sustained energy boost through the rest of the day. Here are some tips for tackling mealtime and some of our favorite snacks.
There are those moments where you’d like to treat yourself sans alcohol while still keeping your taste buds happy. Whether it’s a new resolution, a gathering with a mother-to-be or you’re simply not in the mood for alcohol aftermath, it’s a great time for mocktails.
A new year will be here before we know it and this year we’ve decided to countdown to midnight at home with some of our closest friends.
Do you have a vintage vase or bottle that you’ve been holding onto for years? Maybe it’s time to put those accents to work. Follow these easy step-by-step instructions for turning your ancient artifacts into a breath of fresh air.
Supplies:
- Any narrow-necked vase or bottle that is essential-oil safe
- 1 cup light, unflavored oil (corn or canola work best)
- 1 tsp essential oil (scent of your choosing)
- ½ cup alcohol (or unflavored vodka)
- Tan, black or brown rattan reed diffuser sticks
Step one:
Combine ingredients in a glass measuring cup.
Step two:
Stir gently to ensure the scented oil mixes with the other ingredients.
Step three:
Pour into your vessel until about 1/3 full (save remaining mixture in an airtight container until needed).
Step four:
Place reeds in the vase or jar. Make sure they’re long enough to extend several inches above the opening to allow the fragrance to escape.
And that’s it! Place your diffuser wherever a touch of fresh air is needed. Periodically flip the reeds to release the fragrance anew.
What combination of essential oils do you prefer? Let us know in the comment section.
We all know that there’s nothing better than a beloved family recipe when it comes to baking the perfect pie. And now that the secret has been passed down to you, it’s your time to shine! But how do you show off your sweet pie-making skills. Host a pie party at the office, of course.
Wow guests at your next dinner party with a perfectly paired cheese board. Try these pairings featuring some of our favorite cheeses, all found right in the grocery store.
Tasty Combinations
1. American: Cheddar with apples and walnuts
Sweet apples and savory walnuts cut through sharp cheddar to create a perfect balance of flavors. 
2. French: Brie and seedless raspberry jam
Mild and nutty, brie is simply delectable with the rich flavors of seedless raspberry jam. Serve at room temperature or, better yet, warm and gooey.
3. Italian: Parmigiano-Reggiano with pears and balsamic vinegar.
Sweet pears balance the saltiness of this cheese while a drizzle of balsamic vinegar complements the earthy flavors.
4. Irish: Blue cheese with dried figs and honey
Slightly spicy and a tad tart, blue cheese is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of honey and the nuttiness of dried figs.
5. Greek: Feta cheese with extra-virgin olive oil and oregano.
Earthy oregano and a drizzle of fruity, extra-virgin olive oil beautifully complement feta’s tangy and salty qualities.
A+ Presentation
Group your cheeses with their respective accoutrements on a large board. Serve with an assortment of crackers and crusty bread, and provide plenty of cheese forks and spreaders. You can also garnish your board with grapes, berries, olives and other tidbits.
Do you have any favorite cheese pairings? Share them in the comments!
Dining Room Ideas, Living Room Ideas, Party & Event Ideas for the Home
Hungry For Style: Asian Fusion Now Served
Peaceful energy, spirituality and a focus on nature blend for a simple, yet inviting look. Asian fusion is not too hard to introduce in a room. Here are a few tips
Host an All-American celebration with our 4th of July party decorating ideas for your table.