For the Graduate

You’re hosting your first graduation party, you say? 

Whether your graduate is heading off to college this fall, entering the workforce, joining the military, or not ready to leave the nest just yet, you’ll want this day to be a special one – one that will bring happy memories in years to come.  Sorry, no pressure…

 

 

We had the pleasure of hosting our first graduation party this past weekend for our niece.  With some careful planning and organization, you can create an event that your guests and your grad will enjoy.  Here are some things to consider when planning your event:
 

Paper lantern chandelier for the main tent

 

1. Invitations
Families receive many invitations throughout the summer months and calendars fill up quickly.  Be sure to mail invitations at least one month prior to the party so your guests can adequately plan.



Tropical theme food tent and buffet

 

2. Location
Will your event be indoors or out, at your home or another venue?  If you’re planning an outdoor event, be sure to have a way to provide guests (and food) shade from the summer sun.  Have a pergola, umbrellas, a canopy, or consider renting a tent.  

Watch the weather closely leading up to the party, and always have a Plan B for rainy or stormy weather.

 

Beachy centerpieces for the dining tables

 

3. Décor
The party should be as unique as your grad.  Think about the grad’s interests when choosing a look or theme.

We chose a tropical theme because our grad wants to travel in her future.
 

Beverage bucket for iced drinks

 

4. Food
When deciding what to serve, think about the number of guests you’ll invite.   For a small crowd, grilling may be a great option - but with a large crowd, the poor chef may get stuck hanging out over a hot grill all day.  

Catering works well for a large crowd, but it depends on your budget. 

We chose to purchase frozen BBQ and side dishes from a bulk outlet ahead of time.  Everything was heated in the oven then transferred to racks with Sterno cans to keep it warm.  The fruit and veggie items we assembled the morning of the party.  Doing it this way, we were able to spend more time with our guests and cleanup was a breeze. 
 

Paper lantern chandelier at night
 

5. Music
Don’t forget music or some type of entertainment.  Background music gets the party rolling and helps with that sometimes awkward silence when people don’t know each other well. 

We created a simple playlist of Mambo tunes to accompany our tropical theme.
 

Caddy for silverware and plates

 

The last tip I will leave you with is to keep the details as simple as possible.  Plan ahead, but don’t overload yourself.   

After all, the most important thing is that you enjoy this special day along with your graduate – for that is what he or she will remember.

Have a great week! 

 

 

Unexpected Treasure

One of the things I love about living in the Midwest is the abundance of old farmhouses and historical homes. 

As I was out and about on a recent Saturday, I unexpectedly stumbled upon a lawn sale at this awesome old home in Bedford Township.

Historical cabin in Michigan

 

Must stop for lawn sale……..
 

Pretty window with lace curtains

 

I parked my Jeep and grabbed my camera because this place was even cuter up close. 

The lawn sale was actually a fundraiser being held by the local historical society to benefit the continued restoration of the home. 
 

Side view of the cabin's addition

 

After speaking with one of the volunteers, I learned that the structure was built in the 1830s.  

And it once served as a summer home of Ina Duley Ogdon, a poet, hymn writer, and author, who was most noted for her composition “Brighten the Corner Where You Are.”

 

Window on original cabin

 

The home was not open for tours, but I did sneak a peek into the main cabin room which had a massive stone fireplace. 

I heard that the house is decorated for the holidays and is open to the public, so I will be making a return visit later this year. 

 

Treasures I found at the lawn sale

 

For today though, I was able to snap a few exterior pictures, find a few treasures, and learn about a little piece of history of our region.



So glad I stopped…

 

A story about a female spy - written in the 1800's

 

Have a great week!
 

 

Love this apple green and orange red together

 

A Holiday to Remember

We have come to know Memorial Day as the start of the summer vacation season, just as we know that Labor Day marks the end. 
 

Memorial Day Tablescape

 

 

But the final Monday of every May is truly about remembrance – remembering those who have passed while serving our great country.

Mini flags in the centerpiece

 

 

Whether you are attending a holiday parade, cooking out with family and friends, or just enjoying a day off, have a Happy Memorial Day!

 

Sparklers for guests

 

 

And, remember the men and women who serve and keep us safe.

 

Old Glory in the breeze

 

God Bless America. 

Encore...Savory Beef and Chicken Marinade

Fire up the charcoal......  turn on the propane......  ignite the wood......

Whichever your grilling technique, the season is upon us!  The Midwest has had some beautiful weather this week, and we are elated to make the transition from indoor to outdoor cooking.  This marinade recipe is one that I posted when I first started writing my blog - it's so good it deserves an encore.  

Savory beef and chicken marinade

This one's a grilling staple for me and my Mom.  Neither of us really remembers where it first came from, but we love it.  My Mom started using it for fajitas back in the 70s when fajitas and tacos were becoming popular to make at home (think Michael Jackson - Don't Stop till You Get Enough).

We’ve used this marinade with chicken and beef - like flank steak.  It’s really versatile and has loads of flavor. 
 

 

Corn pudding - a perfect summer side dish
 

This time around, I'm including one of my favorite summertime sides - Corn Pudding.  It pairs really well with the chicken/beef recipe or any of your grilling specialties.

 

Enjoy, share and happy grilling!
 

 

Savory Chicken and Beef Marinade

¼ c. red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon sage
1 teaspoon summer savory
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dry mustard
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons steak sauce

 

Whisk all ingredients together.  Place chicken or beef in a plastic, sealable bag and pour in the marinade.  Marinate for 2-6 hours.

It's all about the seasonings...

 

 

Corn Pudding
1 15 oz. can corn, drained
2 tablespoons flour
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 c. cheddar cheese
1 c. milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup bread crumbs

Combine corn, flour, eggs, sugar, salt, pepper and cheese.  Warm milk and add to mixture.  Pour into a buttered casserole and top with breadcrumbs and melted butter.  Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 1 hour.  This recipe can easily be doubled to share the love with more friends.....

Happy Grilling!

 

P.S. "Keep on... with the force don't stop.....don't stop till ya get enough." -  Michael Jackson

 

 

 

 

A Step Back in Time

Located east of downtown Detroit, along the shores of Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe stands a glorious home where Edsel and Eleanor Ford and their family once lived.  Edsel was the only child of Henry Ford and succeeded his father in serving as the president of The Ford Motor Company from 1919 until his death in 1943.         

The Edsel and Eleanor Ford home - view facing Lake St. Clair

 

I first heard about the estate a few years ago and have wanted to visit ever since.  With a non-committed vacation day and the fact that it was my birthday, it seemed like the perfect time for a road trip.
 

The right side of the front circle drive

Construction of 20,000 square foot Ford House began in 1926 and became the family’s home in 1929.  Complete with stone roofs, lead-paned windows and vine-covered walls, the home was designed to resemble row homes in Cotswold Village in England.
   

All of the Ford meals were served in this dining room

This was quite different from what we were expecting - maybe something that aligned more with Victorian architecture.  Rather it is a home filled with an eclectic mix of art and antiques.  Part of it feels somewhat castle-like with its limestone walls, wood paneling and imposing fireplaces that were brought from old English Manor houses. 



The grand entrance to the Ford Home

Other areas of the home include a spacious butler’s pantry with 23 sets of china to choose from, a kitchen with sterling silver countertops, and a flower room used to prepare the fresh arrangements that were placed around the home each day.
 

Daffodils in bloom

After our home tour, we strolled the grounds, took in the lake views and visited other buildings on the property including the playhouse built for the Ford’s daughter, Josephine.



Josephine's playhouse

Before departing for home, I was treated to a birthday lunch at the quaint Cotswold café, just a short walk from the main house.  My husband and I were pleasantly surprised by the exceptional service and quality of food.
 

View of Lake St. Clair

Along with a glass of Pinot Noir, my lunch included a petite Sonoma salad with fresh strawberries, feta cheese and tangy vinaigrette and a Monte Cristo sandwich served with a raspberry dipping sauce.  All guests are treated to the café’s signature popovers - light and fluffy rolls served warm with butter.
 

A section of the entrance to the estate

The Ford House experience makes for a lovely day – a true gem in Detroit.  It’s beautiful in the spring but perhaps even more so at Christmas time.  Looks like we are going to need a return visit…
 

The home was built to resemble the row homes in Cotswold England

Have a wonderful week!