entertaining

An Easy Valentine’s or Galentine’s Dinner Party

February 1, 2023 By kimwheeler 16 Comments

Today, join some talented friends and I as we share fun inspiration for your Valentine’s Day. My idea is a simple dinner party you can recreate for your sweetheart, family, or even a Galentine’s get-together with pals.

I did a little dry run of a get-together I am having next Thursday to celebrate two dear friend’s birthdays. It’s just a gathering of four, so I made this super simple and the Galentine’s theme works perfectly for this time of year.

I was excited to use my Liberty of London tablecloth I’ve been saving since I bought it last year. I wish they still had it, but I shared a few other fun ones below…Shopping this week I found these organic cotton napkins at Pottery Barn that coordinate and are thick and lovely and only $5 each.( They also come in many other pretty colors.) I used my scalloped placemats (similar here) with this mix to keep it feminine and then a small pink vase of tulips. I found a cute wool heart garland and wrapped it on my chandelier.

My pink coupe glasses that I love worked so well with this and so did my white Glenna plates.

Liberty pink floral tablecloth and setting

On the Galentine’s menu is pasta salad done the night before, a green salad and a charcuterie board. Recipe for the pasta salad here on Half Baked Harvest. I did not add feta to this photo as this practice dinner was for Max and he isn’t a fan. Next week I will add crumbled feta, and this recipe is an easy one to adapt to whatever you like..

Since it’s Valentine’s I plan to have a Rosé on hand. I think this light dinner for the girls is about right. My experience is women tend to love appetizers and salads..and small bites. For just Max and I, I served the pasta, green salad and salmon instead of the charcuterie board. You could also do a chicken scallopini and a green salad and bread for a family.

For dessert, I made box Ghiaradelli brownies and cut them into squares and added pink and red M&Ms. You can make any cookie recipe Valentine themed with a heart cookie cutter, or just a sprinkling of pink and red M&Ms added at the last minutes in the oven. I have a tiny heart cookie cutter and did a few like that. Just this small addition of the candies makes it festive!

I later added to the table these little primroses in glass pots found for $7 at my local Ace hardware. They make the table springlike and are a favor for each guest to take home where they can replant them in the ground for spring or enjoy the in their kitchen. It was easy to repot them in the vases with a bit of moss in the bottom and on the edges and they look cute on the table..

I hope you find inspiration from this easy Valentine’s Dinner. It could also be a lunch! The important thing is to gather with your people.

Nothing need be perfect. You can be experimental and use a pretty sheet for a tablecloth or a fabric remnant. Mix your plates and napkins, and even find flowers outside and forage. The best part is having fun and creative and make the food easy so you can enjoy yourself too. That’s what I tried to do here!

A few things used here..and others that are similar..

I think you will love what my friends have for you..

Please pop over to their beautiful blogs…

MOST LOVELY THINGS

CLASSIC CASUAL HOME

CINDY HATTERSLEY DESIGN

SHERI SILVER

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

Thanks for being here..See you Saturday for the weekend post!

Kim

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Like this post? Save the graphic below to Pinterest…

Weekend Meanderings-Sienna Miller’s English Cottage, Carmel Day Trips, an Easy Ladies’ Lunch & More

August 13, 2022 By kimwheeler 30 Comments

On this Weekend Meanderings..some fun ideas for Carmel day trips, an easy ladies’ lunch you can pull together for friends, Sienna Miller’s English cottage, a great white shirt and more…

It’s that time again for all the good things that popped up on our radars this week with Elizabeth and Juliet.

How has your week been? Ours has been busy helping Griffin to move back to University of Utah for his junior year..and we squeezed in a mini trip to Carmel for our anniversary, though it’s not until the 31st. We just love going in August for a few days and this weekend seemed to have a few rooms available, so we went for it.

Carmel

If you haven’t been in a while, it’s always a nice escape. You can’t help take in the natural stunning beauty and the charm of the town! This summer they’ve been having some wonderful weather, not the usual cold and fog. It’s been in the 70’s and low 80’s and so lovely.

We have been going to Bernardus Lodge for our anniversary for so many years, I can still remember Max complaining when the prices went over $200 a night.. HA! Those were the days. Now it’s a splurge and we try to go in the off season, but for our anniversary we try and make it happen. It’s one of my favorite spots and a great couples’ getaway in the sunnier part of Carmel, Carmel Valley.

We love doodling around Carmel for the day having lunch out and exploring the beaches and then heading back to Carmel Valley to sit and read by the pool and have dinner.

Two day visit ideas for Carmel..

One of the best things to do in Carmel, is take a beach walk at the main beach, which is gorgeous and very long and and then walk up the hill to town and have lunch and do a bit of shopping or poking about the shops..This time we found a new lunch spot in downtown Carmel I highly recommend, La Bicyclette. This charming bistro run by a Belgian family with the best food and darling atmosphere.. It is Michelin rated..so a reservation for lunch can help. We got lucky someone did not show for their reservation so we got in. You can also get on the waitlist and shop around.

I loved the pizza and their home made Calabrian chili oil ( it did that heart by itself!), which is not hot. They also have many amazing specials and sell their own bread and are lovely people. It’s in an old 1920’s Spanish building that was built for a doctor that is so cool. This whole spot is the very essence of Carmel..

Afterwards, you can explore the shops and grab a cappuccino or a treat at one of the bakeries. At the Carmel Plaza, a small outdoor mall, there are many new shops and one that Max made a beeline for like a zombie (seriously), was Dutch Door Donuts, where they cook to order and serve them hot. He was in heaven and the pink cactus pear one was our favorite..

Also in the Plaza is one of the best curated home stores, Beachwood Home. This store has beautiful items of all prices. I never go home without something and this time I bought a pretty bracelet for $20..

Another great day in Carmel area is to stop at The Earthbound Farm Stand to pick up some sandwiches to go.. This is the cutest farm stand ever with a flower shed to buy the fixings for your own creation, fire pits and fresh produce and artisan goods. I also love the home area and the cool books and textiles..

After you have sandwiches, head down the highway and go to Asilomar Beach..We love this beach that is in front of The Inn at Spanish Bay and in the smaller less crowded town of Pacific Grove. The beach here has wonderful tide pools and you can take a long walk along the road to all the little inlets or along the shore. Many people surfing here or boogie boarding.

If you wander along the long beach you can also trot along the long wooden walk they have built in front of the links golf course and see flowers and hiding deer. We love having a picnic here and exploring..It’s rarely crowded and so lovely.

An easy ladies’ lunch

I’m sure you are all familiar with my friend Elizabeth, aka Contessa, if you have followed the blog for a while. If not read this post all about her and her home. It was her birthday in July and we finally got around to having a celebration lunch here.

It was easy for me to host thanks to my friends Juliet and Heidi. Juliet brought the gorgeous mini appetizer boards… She did fig jam, two kinds of cheese, nuts, crackers and a little fig with cheese and prosciutto on each pretty board..

Heidi made a delicious cobbler with fresh fruit..and fresh whipped cream for dessert.

All I had to do was make two salads !

I made a green salad with toasted walnuts, shredded chicken (bought a roasted one that morning at Whole Foods) and pears. Salad dressing was olive oil, this vinegar, fresh juice from half an orange, a bit of mustard and a bit of maple syrup and Maldon Sea Salt.

mozzarella caprese with heirloom tomatoes

I also threw together a caprese with my dad’s heirloom tomatoes.

I served my house drink, an Audrey Palmer- my twist on an Arnold Palmer, just with equal parts tea ( I used Teajava) and fizzy lemonade from a bottle and a slice of citrus, sprig of mint for fun if you have it.

We wanted to eat outdoors and I had a piece of fabric that was really cute. I cut it to fit the table (umbrella issue), and layered the pieces over each other…I used my glass plates and pink napkins. Little favors were watermelon lip balm from San Francisco’s Elizabeth W. wrapped in extra fabric and on the plates..

I also grabbed two pink vases at Safeway, (which is getting the best floral area now),and did a mix of green hydrangeas and pink flowers.

It was casual, but it was fun and that’s what matters, being with pals and celebrating our dear Contessa… Don’t you love Elizabeth’s caftan with her pig Banksy embroidered on it? She sells these caftans on her blog and you can read more here.

Sienna Miller’s English cottage in the new AD

Sienna Miller has great style and her English country cottage is just as chic with a thatched roof, cozy rooms and lovely gardens.. It’s a wonderful escape and you can read and enjoy ten pages of it in the September AD.

I have to admit I often dream of an English cottage. This is a great issue with loads of good spreads and pretty homes..Photos by Simon Upton and decor by Gaby Dellal.

You can watch a little video that has a tour of her fantastic property that dates from the 1500s. Love this and after watching I an sure you will be wanting oversized white jeans and a black sweater for fall…

A great Anthro white blouse..and ring

While I was in Carmel, I made a quick dash into the Anthropologie there and came home with this fun Henley Popover Shirt.. Love the button neckline and also the button cuffs that give it more style than your usual white blouse. I already love wearing it with my cord shorts and I think it’ll be great for fall. I also bought one of these new chunky silver rings there..

Anthropologie Henley white popover blouse

Other Cool Things..

The Anthro Sweater I shared last week appears to have promo markdown right now for the weekend..If you haven’t grabbed this cute Chanel inspired zip hoodie, check it out here. Anthropologie is also having an extra 30% off all sale items this weekend only.

At our ladies’ lunch, Juliet gave us the cutest little gifts, mini stoneware colanders with her home grown tomatoes…I love the idea of this and wrapping them as she did to give away..Similar ones here.

Since we’ve been chatting about Carmel, did you hear Brad Pitt bought a home there last week? According to Architectural Digest article about it, the home was designed by famous architects, Greene & Greene in 1918 and uses locally found stone. More about the home in WSJ which is in the Carmel Highlands, near the Highlands Inn. Apparently at 40 million it is one of the most expensive homes ever sold in Carmel. Photo below from Hello Magazine..

Speaking of celeb homes, have you read Joni at Cote de Texas’s post this week about all Johnny Depp’s properties? I’m not a fan of him, but her deep dive and details with photos of his boats, island and amazing art deco apartments in Los Angeles was interesting.

And for a great perspective on this, Back Row writer Amy Odell, this week published a post on how Dior, with their ‘We should all be feminist’ t-shirts, has signed Depp to a new contract as their fragrance spokesperson, despite some pretty awful things the man has said about women. Apparently there is no backlash for Depp from that?

On the streaming subject…Has anyone else started Severance on Apple TV? Max and I heard great things about it, but it’s pretty dark so far. It has a huge raves and it’s directed by Ben Stiller and stars Adam Scott, who I love..and Patricia Arquette.

Well that is my weekend meanderings for this week.. Please check out Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs to see what good things they are sharing…

PINECONES AND ACORNS

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

Thank you for being here! Hope your weekend is wonderful.

Kim

If you missed my last Weekend Meanderings, I shared some outdoor updates with a solar sail on the patio, the perfect outdoor throws from Portugal at a great price, a beautiful book for entertaining inspo, my favorite Instagram account for makeup tips, and a Channel inspired hoodie for transition to fall.

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Lillet Spritz – A Light Summer Cocktail

August 10, 2022 By kimwheeler 21 Comments

Today I am joining a few others to share summer drinks. If you haven’t had a little gathering, this is your chance to have a summer happy hour before September hits! We all have a few fun ideas for you..

My cocktail is a Lillet Spritz. I love this drink because it’s light and fruity. I’m not a big drinker and I like something with less alcohol, especially in the heat of summer. This drink is simple and you can make a batch before your guests arrive. Gather some pretty garnishes and lovely glasses and you’re all set.

What is Lillet?

Lillet is a French aperitif that is traditionally served over ice with a lemon twist. I remember my first time having it, a Croatian boyfriend ordered me one, when I was 23 and I was instantly in love with its honey, orange and floral notes. I still think about that cocktail and feeling so grown up having one with its pretty lemon twist.

My friend Elaine, recently had us for a summer dinner party. I brought the makings for the drink of the night. E had found the recipe and had these lovely dried oranges from California that she wanted to use in the drink.

Lillet Blanc Spritzer — Don’t you love her pretty daisies in a glass that make her outdoor bar pretty?

You can also use fresh oranges slices or lemons as we did and a sprig of mint.

There is also a new version of Lillet, called Lillet Rose which has hints of strawberry and you could swap Lillet Blanc for that and float a few strawberries in it.

I brought this cute pitcher bought at my favorite local home store, Home by Ling Interiors in Los Gatos -and you can also buy it here online. It’s called a Cannes Rattan Pitcher and I have the medium.

Elaine has serious bar style and the perfect outdoor entertaining set up which I plan to share on a future post. Don’t you love the tray and her cute straws and napkins?

Her enamel tray she found at CB2 and is part of their bar collection. I love the Tiffany blue color and it’s so cute on her bar. They also have a white version that’s slightly different. I love the idea of propping it up against the back of the bar or having it with fun napkins and straws in a glass as Elaine styled it.

This recipe could not be simpler.. It’s two bottles, one of Lillet and one of prosecco. Surprisingly both fit in this medium pitcher. I try and choose a decent prosecco or Cava. If anyone has a favorite, please comment below. If you’re unfamiliar with Lillet, it can be found here at Total Wine.

Lillet Spritzer

Kim Wheeler, Northern California Style

An easy and light summer batch cocktail

5 from 4 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Servings 8

Ingredients

1 bottle Lillet Blanc
1 bottle Prosecco, Cava or other sparkling wine

Instructions

Mix bottles in a pitcher. Add slices of oranges and fresh mint sprigs and stir. Add 3-4 ice cubes in a glass, pour over spritzer and garnish with more mint sprigs and orange slices.

To make it for one..

I experimented and made myself a single version of this, but lightened it up a bit more. For a single serving, just combine equal parts of Prosecco and Lillet over ice with slices of citrus and mint sprigs. To make a light version, I just do one jigger of Lillet with fizzy water, or for a tall glass one jigger of Lillet, one of prosecco and fill the rest of the glass with bubbly water, depending on how light you like it. You can also substitute ginger ale for the Prosecco.

An easy appetizer to pair with your cocktail..

One easy appetizer I love to make late summer is figs with goat cheese and walnuts drizzled with honey. These couldn’t be easier and are so delicious.

Make sure you get figs that are firm, but have some give, slice them in half and place a small spoonful of goat cheese on each side. I like Laura Chenel Thyme & Rosemary, a local cheese, but any chèvre will do.

Place a dollop on each half, top with a walnut and drizzle the plate with a thin stream of honey and a tiny pinch of sea salt.

You’ll find these go perfect with the Lillet Spritzers, or any frizzy drinks!

A few things you may need…

Save this post by pinning it..

Now please check out these other great blogs for more summer drink ideas…

MOST LOVELY THINGS

CINDY HATTERSLEY DESIGN

You can pin this graphic to Pinterest to save all our drink ideas…

If you missed our last fun food collaboration, Appetizers Inspired by Travel, I shared caprese bites and the others had delicious ideas as well.

Thanks for stopping by! So happy to have you visit my California blog.

Kim

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Entertaining Inspiration -Friday Book Chat

September 16, 2016 By kimwheeler No Comments

Fall is just about here and with that are many chances to host gatherings, and impromptu get-togethers. One of my promises to myself when I turned 51 this year was to have more friends over and not waste time fretting about things being just so. Every time I make the leap and commit to having people here, I’m always so glad I did it. Gatherings at home are infinitely more fun and relaxing than going out as a group. Hosting is a gift you give to your friends and the more you do it the better you get at it and the more you relax!

My grandmother, who is 99 now, loved to host and had entertaining down after many years of doing it. Her organization allowed her to throw parties for any number, at any given moment. Drawers held napkins that were organized by color and sets and recipes were already in double and tripled versions for more guests.

I think keeping a little book where you can jot down notes of what worked or didn’t, what was served, who came and how you decorated is a great thing to refer back to. You can even take photos and it can become sort of a scrapbook as well.

Another idea is an inspirational binder. I keep one with tear sheets from magazines of pretty tabletops, recipes I want to try, and seasonal menus and party suggestions. I always pull it out planning for Thanksgiving, Easter and and when I feeing in a rut and not creative. My binder always gets me in an entertaining mood.

Books especially inspire me and there are three super books that really got me jazzed about entertaining more that have recently come out.

First, this by the Kate Spade people…

All in Good Taste is packed with fun, fantastic ideas for enjoying your life and having friends over more. It includes pages to write yourself notes about menus, guests, playlists and such. Thanks to all the very cute ideas, I recently had a Chinese takeout dinner by the pool. (Top pic, kinda fuzzy and not perfect, but was I was having fun and forgot to take pictures.)

This book touches on ideas for brunches, the perfect cheese plate, playlists, hostess gifts, and cute tips on how to put a quirky twist on any party. There’s even how to serve takeout on fine china. The ideas and inspiration from this book are copious and I recommend this book if you’re in a hosting slump. Love it.

Then I just got this..

Steven Stolman’s Passion for Parties is a sweet book. Steven grew up in a family that knew how to celebrate. I just loved his funny family stories that are sprinkled throughout this book along with tried and true recipes, floral ideas and party themes. The stories of his youthful dinner parties, his own Bar Mitzvah and wedding are heartening and really inspire one to celebrate these milestones.

Last, but not least, this gem by designer Lela Rose… If you aren’t familiar with Lela check out her gorgeous clothing. She’s all about pretty and her dresses are literally little works of art. They are special occasion and aspirational clothes for sure and her party book is along those lines….

Pret-A-Party is for those who appreciate over-the-top, all out parties. Lela is super creative and every one of her gatherings is an adventure in itself- bike parties, picnics, sewing circles and even a ladies’ tea-quila party! I just wish I was one of her pals. She knows how to have some fun. The photos and parties are beyond beautiful. This is a gorgeous book.

I went crazy for the fabric below for my Chinese takeout dinner. Sometimes just finding a really cool fabric is all you need to get going on a party theme. I added gold lanterns found at Orchard Supply of all places, and bought some small orchids in pink tones there as well. By the way, you need not sew the tablecloths. I have used Stitch-Witchery and ironed the hems, but this time I just cut the fabric and threw them on the tables. No one was judging I think.

As this was by the pool we ordered floating lanterns from Amazon. They came with tea lights and lasted about 2 hours.

There were more of them just forgot to take a picture. If you want to order them, they are $15 for 10 which isn’t bad. I ordered 20 and they looked so festive! Link to them from Amazon here.

We bought a banana cake from my favorite bakery, Icing on the Cake and topped it with a dahlia bought for $4 at Bunches flower shop. It has an ombre look almost. I would do this again, so easy and lovely!

On another note, did you know the people who live longest in this world, from an island in Greece regularly get together with friends every night? They believe the nightly socialization is part of why the live so long!

Happy weekend and invite someone over…even if it’s for takeout. 😀

Kim

Christmas in Paris – Birthday Lunch at Leasa’s

December 24, 2013 By kimwheeler No Comments

My tennis friends have remained close and we use each other’s birthdays as an excuse to get together through the year. Last week it was to celebrate our friend Catrin’s birthday and our dear pal Leasa kindly hosted us for lunch at her home. Getting together at someone’s home is just such a treat and really a lot more relaxed than the restaurant thing I think.

I was looking forward to seeing her house, as it was decorated with the theme, “Christmas in Paris.”

It did not disappoint!

Leasa you may remember from my post here about her wonderful Easter lunch she hosted for us earlier this year.

There was so much pretty, I didn’t know where to look first.

I love Leasa’s home and especially her dining room.

Catrin, (in the stripes) is Swedish and you may also remember her lovely Swedish-California Christmas home style from this post.

Leasa, here in her kitchen, is one of those who is just an effortless entertainer. You automatically feel at home at her house and she serves simple, but delicious food. This time we had quiches, salads and some wonderful desserts bought for Catrin.

She has given every spot in her house a little holiday flair.. She changes up her pedestal piece all the time. I love her use of silver- old and new, candles, pine comes and poinsettias here.

George, her Springer Spaniel keeps watch over the main room.

Leasa has two darling young girls. We spied the Elf on the Shelf getting in some trouble with the Smurfs. 🙂

The table was amazing!

Each of us received a sparkly Eiffel Tower ornament on our place setting to take home!

Leasa used a mix of her grandmother’s flowered china and some newer plates, crystal and etched glasses. The combination was lovely.

The layering of all the French inspired items, faux fur as snow, mercury glass, silver, feathers, vintage ornaments and a bit of pink made it fun and girly.

We spent a lot of time oooing and ahhhing over all the details!

She also decorated the small portals to the dining room.

How cute is this grouping on the buffet? Leasa’s glass lamps are so lovely too and match her chandelier.

She didn’t forget to give her entry a little Parisian touch with pillows…

…And a feather wreath.

Even her landing to the stairs was festive.

I have to admit I have serious powder room envy! Love her Noel here and her bamboo shelf is to die for!

Okay one more detail I have to gush about is her butler’s pantry. Such a brilliant idea between the kitchen and the dining room. Who couldn’t use that? Leas’s holds a wine cooler, her bar ware and a beautiful nickel sink and more storage.

Catrin petting George, who wanted some birthday cake!

As lovely as Leasa’s home is, it’s a cozy spot where dogs and kids are adored and made at home.

I love that about her. She has her priorities straight you know?

No wonder we have so much fun.

The time spent with good friends always goes too fast.

Wishing you a lovely holiday with those you love.

Thanks my friends for all the wonderful visits and comments all year.

I am truly thankful for all of you!

Merry Christmas!

Kim

Leasa also enlisted help of her friend Kimber Feece, who does styling.
Her business is Inspired by You and you can click on the name to contact her.

Labor Day Dishes to Share- Asian Noodles & Appetizers

August 31, 2013 By kimwheeler No Comments

Happy Labor Day Weekend! The official end of the American summer is here. It seems everyone has deserted town for that last three day getaway before fall. We love staying in town on those weekends and enjoying the extra time for gatherings with friends and family.

Thank you Jen for this fab plate!

I’m not a big entertainer, but I have found having a small repetoire of go to dishes takes the stress out of it. If I am hosting here or bringing a dish to a party I usually do an appetizer plate with olives, herbed salami, honeyed goat cheese, rosemary crackers, and grapes or figs, depending on what’s in season. I’m all about it being pretty and I have a beautiful plate from my friend Jen that I love to use for this. I also like tiny ramekins to hold the items and cute cheese knives.

One of my best go to side dishes for get togethers is an Asian noodle salad. I have been meaning to share this for a while per a few requests. This is my Aunt Wendy’s recipe and she and my grandmother love entertaining big groups. Some of her and grandmother’s recipes serve 100! No one goes away hungry from a Fleming gathering! Everyone loves this and even my friends call this Aunt Wendy’s noodles.

The great thing about this salad is it’s easily doubled and tripled. I keep the ingredients on hand most of the time. The only thing fresh it needs is cilantro. In it’s basic form it feeds up to 10. Wonderful to bring to a big gathering if you double it. I thought this would be a good one for Labor Day should you need a dish to bring along…

Asian Noodle Salad

1/2 C cooking oil (I use canola or any basic oil.)

6 T sesame oil (Try to get toasted if you can.)

1/2- 1 tsp. crushed red pepper

Stir these 3 items over medium heat for a minute or so. Off the heat and add:

6 T honey

1/4 C soy sauce

2 tsp. salt

Put mixture aside. Cook 1 pound angel hair pasta, drain, toss with oil mixture. Ideally, let refrigerate overnight or cool for a while then add just before serving:

1/2 C chopped peanuts

1/4 C chopped fresh cilantro leaves

2 T toasted sesame seeds