Backyard BBQ

One of my favorite things about summer is backyard BBQ's. And what is a good BBQ without the classic American dish potato salad? In case you're tired of whipping up the same old potato and mayonnaise combo, Martha Stewart is featuring 10 different takes on the traditional potato salad dish, including this: arugula, potato and green bean salad with creamy walnut dressing. Not your thing, here's a few others that might be to your liking...

Spring Fête

Martha Stewart is undoubtedly the hostess with the mostess, evidenced by her ever flowing outpour of creative ideas. Behold the latest inspiration for hosting a Spring fête. I'm loving the Chinese lanterns garnished with paper butterflies, ingenious once again!
images/marthastewart

Easter is Near!

My mom always goes all out when it comes to holiday decor. I grew up having friends whose parents, though festive, only put up decorations for the "big holidays," i.e. Thanksgiving and Christmas. But at my house, my Mom invested in ALL of them, Valentines Day brought 'round hearts, cupids, X's and O's...St. Patrick's Day shamrocks and leprechauns, and Easter - eggs and bunnies galore! I've been trying to infuse my new apartment with a few Easter touches...this Easter egg tree is my next hopeful project.

image/MarthaStewart

Cream or Sugar?

While I personally take cream in my coffee, I couldn't help but smile at these darling sugar shapes. Leave it to creative genius Martha Stewart turn a cup of coffee into a delightful experience. For those ambitious wannabes...here is the 411 on how to create your own sugar shapes.

image/MarthaStewart

Lovely Lavender

I love this Martha Stewart recipe for lavender champagne. While it may be a bit premature for a winter soirée, I'm thinking it would be perfect for my friend Sarah's upcoming bridal shower. To indulge..take a sip, close your eyes, click your heels, and perhaps you'll suddenly materialize in the South of France...here's hoping!

Lavender Champagne
Makes 16

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon dried lavender
• 4 bottles (750 mL each) dry Champagne or sparkling wine, chilled
• Fresh lavender sprigs, for garnish
  

Directions

1. Bring sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar. Stir in dried lavender. Remove from heat. Let cool completely. Strain out lavender. Refrigerate syrup until ready to serve (up to 1 month).
2. Pour about 6 ounces Champagne and 1 1/2 teaspoons syrup into each flute. Garnish each with a lavender sprig.

recipe and photo/Martha Stewart