Showing posts with label brunch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brunch. Show all posts

Apr 6, 2015

Easter Brunch


I shared with you that my favorite day of the year is Easter, and this past Easter Sunday was absolutely beautiful.  What a blessing to celebrate our Savior!! 

This picture was taken in our neighborhood - Not a day goes by that I don't look out in awe at the majestic scenery by the water.  My Mamma loves to take in nature's beauty and the older I get the more I appreciate the live oaks draped in spanish moss, singing of the birds, glisten of sunshine on the water, and pink sunsets.

For Mr and I we didn't dress any differently that we always do for church.  We did make sure we were in our spring favorites, he in bright colored pants and bow-tie and me in a classic dress with gold detail. 

Truth:  This was my Easter dress last year ... I tried on so many 'new' dresses but this one shines brighter than the rest - it's a classic! And since we were in Charlotte last year and here on the coast this year I figured I'd share this beauty with a new audience. 

Confession: I'd totally own this dress in other colors - currently resisting! 

Mr's Style: Blazer - Brooks Brothers || Pants: Vineyard Vines || Bow-tie: Brooks Brothers ||
SL's Style: Dress: Lilly Pulitzer || 

This Easter I hosted a brunch for Mr's parents.  Coincidentally their birthday was on Sunday - yes they both have the same birthday, super cute & easy to remember. 

For my tablescape I kept it simple. I chose the colors yellow & blue for  my linens - bright and cheerful.  For the centerpiece I layered a piece of dutch linen I purchased in an antique shop I stubbled upon a few years ago in Georgetown DC, and mason jars filled with dried cotton.  I tied the jars and napkins with tan linen ribbons.  For the finishing touch I placed a ceramic blue & white bunny in the center.  I love blue & white ginger jars and found this cutie and added him to the mix.  Mr didn't see a purpose for it ... purposed fulfilled! 

Brunch Menu: Frittata - Thick Applewood Bacon - Roasted Red Potatoes - Fruit Salad (kiwi, pineapple, orange, strawberry, blueberry, red grapes) and OJ & Coffee of course




The big ta-da was the birthday cake. 

I'm not skilled in the kitchen but I wanted to really bless our parents with a special sweet treat.  Southern Living Magazine is the go-to for amazing recipes.  They're traditional and prepared Southern Style (lots of butter, sugar and goodness) just how we like it!

As I was shopping and preparing to make this carrot cake I became a little overwhelmed.  After grating 3 cups of carrots I wanted to quit.  But I didn't.  A cup of coffee had to be had for an extra boost. 


I finished it out and the hours of work (for you domestic gals, y'all could probably whip it up no sweat) were totally worth it.  Mr took me out for dinner Saturday night as I just couldn't be in my kitchen any longer. He shakes his head & sighs - With every wish he makes he's wishing I would learn to like cooking.  It's looking doubtful. 

Normally I stress the nutritional content of everything I eat, but it all went out the window as I delighted in every bite!

This cake was absolutely delicious! 
#nailedit




Be a Graceful Host!

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Jul 11, 2014

Belgian Waffle Brunch

Host Gracefully - It's a Part of my Lifestyle.  Southern Hospitality is in my Genes.  

It goes Beyond Your Home, Meal and Tablescape.  It's Welcoming Others with Open Arms Giving Service and Love.  I'll be Honest Sometimes I Fret Over my Home not being Grand or Fancy Enough and My Lack of Culinary Skills Gives me Heart Palpitations, but Love Doesn't Care about Such Things. 

Regardless, Nothing gets me more Giddy than Hosting Friends & Family.


Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
Hebrews 13:1-2

One of Mr & I's Favorite to Host is Brunch.  Not just Any Brunch but a Belgian Waffle Brunch.
Why?  It's Mid-Morning & Casual, Inexpensive and Easy to Prepare, and Guests Leave Full and Sassy with their Weekend Days Still Free :)


Image via Pinterest

Our Next Brunch Inspiration will be a Waffle Bar with a Brown Paper Tablescape

Image via Pinterest

Image via Pinterest

We were Gifted this Kitchen Aid Waffle Maker & it was Love at First Waffle!


Amazingness:
- No Cleaning!
- Non-Stick (no need for sprays)
- Cooks Two Waffles Simultaneously 
- Timer (3:30 mins I've Found is Perfect for Light & Crispy Waffles)


As Much as I Love to Indulge in Shopping, I Detest Grocery Shopping 
Confession:  I used to order online and pick up without ever leaving my car! That's not an option where we live now and Mr finds it embarrassing and completely unnecessary 
(I for one Believe Convenience is a Beautiful Thing!)



For this Meal Your Shopping List is Short (you may even have most in your pantry/fridge):

Krusteaz Belgian Waffle Mix - We've tried them all Gluten free, wheat etc... This One's the Best!
Pure Maple Syrup Grade A - Avoid the Chemical Syrup!
Fruit - Choose what's in Season it will be Extra Sweet :)
Meat - Optional - Sausage or For Bacon (My Preference) choose Nitrate Free; Keep it easy by baking or microwave 
Mimosas - I Believe in Cheers and Champagne Always! - use with low cal not from concentrate O.J. or with a blended fruit juice 
Coffee - Essential in Our Home! We prefer French Press on the Weekend but if you're severing a crowd compromise and brew a pot but still use fresh ground beans
Extras - Powdered Sugar, Butter, Whipped Cream, Nutella, Jelly etc...

I Love this One from Williams-Sonoma
Image via Pinterest



Serving a Belgian Waffle Brunch isn't Formal.  That's what makes is so Relaxed.  It doesn't have to be a sit down affair.  Use the time to Mingle with Guests and Catch up on Life's Happenings.  Serve the Waffles as they are Ready - Best Enjoyed Hot! 
Others can Sip on Mimosas or Coffee until Served 

You can Have the Accouterments on the Dining Table or Buffet Style in the Kitchen. 
I Always Try and Use Linens (From my Vintage Collection) but No Shame in Using Paper Products They are Often a Fitting Choice & Easy Clean Up!

P.S. Kids Love this Meal just as Much - Especially Served with Cartoons :)

Just Recently I Helped Host a Sprinkle for a Sweet Mamma-to-Be and my Waffle Maker was a Hit! 

Flavored Syrup and My Vintage Gold Fruit Serving Spoon - It's All in the Details

The Host Chose Mason Jars and Pastel Hues for the Tablescape
The Guest of Honor & Her Baby Girl Were Tickled Pink in Belgian Waffle Delight

Ivana - SL - Ellen - Brook
Surrounded by Mammas-to-Be!

Be a Graceful Host with a 
Belgian Waffle Brunch!

XOXO Sarah Louise