|
Of course you will pack what ever food you like, but take a look at this...a picnic backpack. It has it all...settings for 4, a wine pouch cooler and an opener, a cutting board for your favorite cheeses and some summer sausage perhaps, salt and pepper...it's really ALL here. That sounds fun, let's go for a picnic.  You will need a good blanket, one that is easy to carry, sturdy and big enough for the whole party. Nothing says all of the like Pendleton. Try this blanket (leather carry strap optional) on for size. It's made from their famous wool and measures 80 x 90 inches. This is the Crater Lake National Park blanket. All blanket purchases help Pendleton support the National Parks Association. 
0 Comments
School will be out soon and summer has come on fast. Its time to get out into the wild and enjoy some relaxing family time. Camping is the prefect way to get outside, gather the family and enjoy some down time. We have some items that will make it easy for you to relax and hit the road!  Coolers from Barebones are sturdy, attractive, and highly functional. The Porter cooler (bottom) holds 96 cans and has wheels like nice luggage. The leather details and rust resistant hardware make it the perfect choice for any trip. With added features like a removable liner, bottle opener zipper, wide mouth opening, and easy to clean fabric, who could resist. The Explorer cooler (middle) holds up to 36 12 oz. cans has a lot of the same features but also boasts a removable/adjustable shoulder strap. If you just need a small cooler to go...grab the Trekker (top). It holds 6 cans and has a magnetic closure...what could be easier. If you want to hike into the woods, try the Mavrick...it's a BACKPACK! A backpack that holds 50 12 oz. cans...who'd of thought?  *Be Creative--Even if you don’t have a creative bone in your body, faking it is easy with the right tools. Using themed décor is easy using seasons, holidays, occasions, etc. Stonebridge Collective has all of that covered. Colorful ceramic serving dishes and plates make it easy to work with any type of theme. Let your creativity shine by mixing it up using color pallets, shapes and sizes.  People mingle, yes, but they often like to be seated to visit and enjoy their munchies. Pillows, pillows, pillows. They are the easiest way to change up your living and dining rooms and add comfort at the same time. Creativity is a snap with pillows, they do ALL the work. Select textures and designs from the soft and subliminal to the striking impact of graphic patterns.  Colorful food choices are a bit more challenging. One of the best “cheats” is looking thru cook book pictures or food related coffee table books. Find inspiration from our great selection of coffee table books. I like the one called “Party-Perfect Bites” by Milli Taylor. Creating memorable events comes easy to some but not so much to others. Just remember, it’s ok to cheat and get ideas from everywhere. Nobody knows you and your guests like you do. Take the opportunity when it comes and make it stick!  *Shop Smart--Being an amazing hostess doesn’t have to be expensive. These ideas for shopping smart will help extend your party budget. Find items with dual uses. This galvanized wine caddy can meet that need. It can hold wine, water or other drink service, or florals. It can help fill in as a center piece if you add florals to both sides and can be accessed from either side since there is no back or front really. Another good item with dual purpose is this wreath. It can be on your door to great guests OR act as a unique center piece.  Stonebridge Collective has lots of affordable items to choose from. These cement vases come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and are very inexpensive. The ones shown here range in price from $4.50 to $17. Another easy way to shop smart is to shop Seasonal items that may be on sale. When you find deals…STOCK UP.  Risers and serving trays are another way to shop smart. Wire or galvanized, round or triangle, they are interesting visually, they can be used in several different ways, and mostly, every price point is great!   There is more to being an amazing hostess than meets the eye. Check out this series of tips to step up your game. *Be Unique—People have parties all the time. The best way to make an event memorable is to leave a lasting impression on your guests. Interesting table settings, themed décor, comfy seating, and colorful food choices are some of the best ways to manage that. Let’s start with table settings…I like to create a special and specific “tablescape” for each event I host. This allows me to tweak some small elements to make a big impact. We offer some interesting elements. Take the slate accents for example. By adding the slate coasters that each guest can customize, you create an environment that allows your guests to have fun, mingle and get to know each other when they share names, ideas, and personalities. Another MUST HAVE is the slate cheese board. You can write the types of each cheese (or whatever you choose to serve) and if you run out of a particular style, you can erase it and add the new one…EASY! We also have slate food tags that can create a unique setting…who new food labels could be so fun?!? Watch for more tips, helpful design ideas, and much more. Thanks! |
Michelle MarquardsenMy career has allowed me to flourish as an interior designer, event coordinator and retail store manager. Writing has always been a hobby for me so this is truly a COLLECTIVE of all of my favorite elements. ArchivesCategories |
RSS Feed
