august article for Tastebud Magazine. photographed at my mom's lake house.

Inspired by Berries

By late summer farmer’s markets will be bursting with berries and backyard planters will be full of trailing vines and flowers. Use these as inspiration for a casual summer table. Colors come from ripe strawberries, raspberries and blueberries among others.
Start by choosing dishes in shades of blue and red with hints of silver. Here I started with traditional blue camping plates topped with pewter bowls. Layer in coordinating tea towels (these make for great napkins because they are large and usually do not need to be ironed after washing). Add in simple, sturdy glass and silverware to complete each place setting.Feature the beautiful berries in the centerpiece of this table by displaying them in simple white crocks. Place these on a large silver platter along with several simple glass vases filled with cuttings of fern, ageratum and geraniums from overflowing planters and gardens. Include recycled jelly jars in unique shapes filled with toasted almond slices and coconut to turn this centerpiece into dessert. After lunch is enjoyed al fresco, guests can scoop up the delicious berries and top with honey or fresh whipped cream and sprinkle with the almonds and coconut. Easy for the host and easily enjoyed by the guests!

bride's bouquet: white and green hydrangea, green cymbidium orchids, white scaboisa, roses and dahlias and lamb's ear.

flowers for the aisle of our lady of sorrow's church.

three styles of centerpieces: tall with dendrobium orchids and bear grass in the base of the vase with an arrangement of lilies, hydrangea, roses, dahlias, orchids, fern and lisianthus.

a trio of square glass vases filled with dendrobium orchids, hydrangea and dahlias.

a heavy square glass vase with hydrangea, dahlias, scabiosa, cymbidium orchid, roses and ferns.

the cake (by sandy danner) was beautiful!

reception venue: the carriage club in kcmo.

july article for tastebud magazine

Citrus Chill
Keep cool this summer with friends and enjoy a citrus inspired get together.
This table starts with a crisp, white linen tablecloth topped with placemats and napkins in bright fruity colors. White hotel style plates keep the table from getting too fussy. At each setting add a unique place card. Start with a lemon or lime, a small cut of gross-grain ribbon, the guest’s name printed or handwritten on heavy cardstock and a small brad to attach these to the piece of fruit. Guests will not have to think about where to sit and this simple project is sure to impress. The centerpiece for this table brings all of the colors together with a vase of flowers in vibrant shades of citrus: lemon yellow gerbera daisies, lime trachillium, orange roses and mini calla lilies. For a fun touch add lime slices in the vase and cuttings from the yard including ferns, bush ivy and hosta leaves.
To complete this party serve a signature drink. One of my favorites in the heat is Summer Beer. Fix a big batch in an old-fashioned glass jar with a spigot and guests can serve themselves. Menu idea: grilled lime marinated shrimp on top of local greens with a citrus vinaigrette. Have fun and chill out!
*Linens available from The Fiddly Fig in Brookside**Jar from Crate and Barrel

summer beer

12 oz. frozen lemonade concentrate

12 oz. water

12 oz. vodka

12 oz. beer (like a miller lite)

mix together and chill

double or triple as needed!

my article for the june issue of tastebud magazine.
Picnic Style

June is the perfect time to take the party outdoors and enjoy a picnic. Pack a basket with theses ideas and your time outside will sure to be fun and relaxed!
Start with a sturdy basket. I have spotted these all over town from traditional woven wicker, wire (Crate and Barrel) to canvas (find brightly colored ones that can be monogrammed at Happi-Names in Leawood). Next, pack it full of all your accessories and delicious food! First, a large blanket to serve as the table and seating. For serving pieces choose eco-friendly items that can be reused. Instead of paper bring along La Plates. These melamine plates, created by Kansas Citian Lara Shelton, come in a variety of colors and designs. What is great about these plates and platters are they can be personalized and are nearly indestructible! The company also offers unique cups and soft sided coolers. Replace plastic utensils with bamboo flatware. Bamboo is a quickly renewable resource and is a hard wood so these utensils will stand up to many uses. Choose cloth napkins or large tea towels in fun colors to clean up messes. Now, on to packing up the food and drinks! Make a simple reusable sandwich bag from oil cloth (instructions found online at www.tastebudmagazine.com). This great tropical print was found at Pride’s in Westport and can be hand washed after each use. Place side items such as coleslaw or potato salad in tin containers or bento style boxes. Bring along a festive drink in a recycled wine bottle. After washing out an empty bottle fill with your beverage choice, re-cork and chill in the refrigerator until you are ready to bring it along. The final touch is a sweet bouquet of daisies in a simple mason jar.
Head to the backyard or a favorite park and enjoy the outdoors in style!

Apple Walnut Slaw
1 c mayonnaise
¼ c cider vinegar
2 Tblsp sugar
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
6 c coleslaw mix (1 pound bag)
2 granny smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into matchsticks
1 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped

Mix together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
Add the coleslaw mix, apples and walnuts and toss.
Refrigerate for an hour before serving.

www.laplates.com

bouquets: green viburnum, hydrangea, tulips, ranuculus, mango mini calla lilies,
roses and gerbera daisies

centerpieces: bells of ireland, gerbera daisies and curly willow

cake: creative cakes

venue: the lodge at iron woods

coordinator: you're invited

coral is the color of the season! my next three weddings all feature the color mixed with pinks, yellows and greens. this wedding was held at the pilgrim chapel with the reception at the simpson house. i love both of these intimate settings. the bouquet and centerpieces combined bright gerbera daisies, hydrangea, roses, ranuculus, mini calla lilies and parrot tulips. fabulous food by kansas city catering (i was also a guest at this fun event)!

article for the may issue of tastebud magazine.

A Sweet Celebration

May is a lovely time to celebrate, whether it is for a new baby, an upcoming marriage, a birthday or simply friendships. For any of these occasions host an afternoon party to please everyone’s sweet tooth. The details for this gathering are as charming as the desserts you serve.
To create a vintage modern and thoroughly girlie gathering, start with a vintage tablecloth or a modern floral fabric to cover your table. Next, add in floral dishes, either a complete set or a mix of flea market finds. I was lucky to have inherited a set of Franciscan Rose from my grandparents and they work terrifically for this type of gathering. To create different heights for this table use these fun cardboard suitcases in different sizes and colors, available from The Paper Source on the plaza. Stack a few of these on top of one another and place desserts on top and use others to hold cookies and treats. Display the rest of the desserts on floral or white platters and cake plates. Serve a variety of juices and sodas in bottles that have been dressed up. Using patterned paper create labels by wrapping the paper around the bottle and securing with a glue stick. You can even add features like the guest of honor’s name or initials.
Fresh flowers complete this table. Spring favorites such as anemones, ranuculus, tulips and grape hyacinths placed in tiny glass vases add a burst of color and can be given away to guests when the party is over.
Make desserts from scratch or purchase from one of many great bakeries we have in the Kansas City area. Make sure to include a variety of flavors including chocolate, berry and citrus (including the delicious key lime cupcake with cream cheese and coconut frosting from Natasha’s Mulberry and Mott, pictured).
Enjoy the sweet life!

Great Kansas City Bakeries
Boulevard Bakery
2815 Independence Ave.
KCMO
816.483.7172
Chacko’s
6001 Johnson Dr.
Mission, KS
913.671.8199
Dolce Baking Co.
6974 Mission Rd.
Prairie Village, KS
913.236.4411
Natasha’s Mulberry and Mott
10573 Mission Rd.
Leawood, KS
913.341.0300

colors: white with purples and blues and bright turqouise accents.

bride's bouquet of all white flowers: hydrangea, roses, ranuculus, tulips, anemones and mini calla lilies.

attendants' bouquets: hydrangea, roses, tulips, mini calla lilies, tweedia and muscari.

arrangement at colonial church of prairie village.

reception venue: the villa: compact arrangement of hydrangea, tulips, snapdragons, tweedia, roses, mini calla lilies, ranuculus and agonis.

stylized arrangement in tall glass cylinder.

a birthday bouquet for a friend. bright spring flowers: fuschia anemones, yellow ranuculus, grape hyacinth, daffodils, orange tulips, green viburnum and blooming coral quince branches.