The Cocktail Hour

photography by jose villa

I am a firm believer in 'The Cocktail Hour.'  It doesn't have to be anything elaborate - one drink that is of significance to the bride and groom, garnished with a slice of fruit is not only simple, but stunning and special. 



Welcome

I adore the simplicity of this welcome area.  Programs, fans and a glass of lemonade or iced tea are all that are needed to welcome your guests in style. 

Even if you are using plastic cups, it can still look fabulous - as proof above.

image via southern weddings

Darling Detail No. 18: Beer in a Bag

Oh yes my dears, you read that correctly - beer in a bag!  And let me tell you, it's never look so good...

I mean really - if your going to serve beer, you might as well do it in style ;-)  And I gotta admit I am loving this style!

Maybe it's because I hung out at the brewery yesterday afternoon that I have beer on the brain.  Or maybe it's because the hefeweizen might have gone straight to my head...whatever the reason, I am still loving the beer in a bag.  So cheers loves!

~ Ciao

...image via sitting in a tree (edited)

The Cocktail Hour: Popsicles for the Boys & Girls

Happy Friday lovelies! I have to admit that I am happy it's Friday.  I am so looking forward to this weekend and getting some things done...like taking bunches and bunches of pictures of my items for Over The Moon Vintage Rentals.  However, it seems that every time I plan on doing this, I only get the chance to photograph two items and then something else comes up.  Yet, I plan on trying my hardest to get more pictures done this weekend. 

I keep telling myself that if I get done what I want too, then I can celebrate.  And what better way to celebrate than with a cocktail!    My only wish is that I wish the weather this weekend was going to be in the 80's versus the 60's.  Because if it was then I would definitely be celebrating with these popsicles...



Corona beer popsicles for the boys, and strawberry margarita popsicles for the girls!  But I am sure that I would be trying one of those Corona beer ones too ;-))  Really the Corona popsicles are as easy as opening the beer, pouring into a mold/form and freezing, and the strawberry margarita ones are done the same way using Mike's Hard Lemonade Strawberry Margarita - gotta love the simplicity!

Wouldn't these be fun to have during cocktail hour either at a destination wedding in Mexico (so wish I was there on vacay right now) or for a casual engagement party or rehearsal dinner?  And of course, they are always perfect for your next Cinco De Mayo party!  Eeks - I think they just might be a hit...especially on a hot summer day or night!  You can get the recipe (if you need a bit more information than I provided you above) for the Corona popsicles here and here for the strawberry margarita popsicles.  Cheers!

Enjoy your weekend my dears.  I am off to try and get some work done.  I will see you back here on Sunday for some sweetness.

~ Ciao

...images via bakers royale

Perfectly Presented: Mojito Bar

Yowza!  Anyone else besides me ready for a mojito this afternoon?  Yes, oh fabulous!  What flavor would you like...

Hmmm...I think I am going to go with the guava.  Oh yes, a little umbrella in it would be lovely...thank you!

Eeks!  Thought I would have a little fun with this one ;-) 

But kidding aside - I LOVE the Mojito Bar sign!  And the flavors below are so fabulous, no?  Now this is what I call perfectly presented all right.  Speaking of perfectly presented...I am adoring the crate full of limes, the glasses all lined up, the potted herb, and the white umbrellas - such a simple setup but it does make a lovely statement, doesn't it? 

Okay, so now I am going to need to find me a mojito.  Cheers!

~ Ciao

...images via ritzy bee

The Cocktail Hour: Woop, Woop!

Woop, Woop it's Friday my darlings!  And 'The Cocktail Hour' here on LCW.  Now that is definitely reason to celebrate...so can I get a Woop, Woop!...

Aww fabulous my dears - just fabulous!  While I am not sure as to what is in the glasses above, I am thinking vodka tonics - what about you?  It is a crisp, refreshing, yet easy cocktail to serve during The Cocktail Hour.  It is made up of two ingredients - 2 oz of vodka and 3-5 oz of tonic water (see easy), and usually served with a lime.  However when you dress the cocktail up with stripped straws with a Woop, Woop! flag attached - well, I think it makes them pretty fabulous, don't you?

And a fabulous non-alcoholic version would just be sparkling water with a lime...which would still be crisp and refreshing!  So which ever you choose - cheers to you my dears, and a fabulous weekend!

~ Ciao

...photography by meg smith via laurie arons

The Cocktail Hour: Lovely Lavender Lemonade

Happy Friday my dears!  Are you as tickled as I am that it is Friday?  Yippee!  And to top it all off we are having a mini heat wave here in Northern California!  We're talking record breaking or setting temperatures, and I couldn't be more OVER THE MOON about it.  Hello 80 - oh how I have missed you so...please stay awhile.

With that - I have decided to head out early today and play.  I know, and I don't even want to think about all the things that need to get done, but it is one of those days that I need to take care of me!  I rarely ever put me first.  However, today I am making an exception to that ;-)  And while I am at it, I just might enjoy a cocktail or two...in the sunshine of course.  This one below is making my head spin with all of it's lovely...

I honestly don't know if I have ever seen prettier lemonade, have you?  Not only is it pretty, but it looks so delicious.  And I do love the idea of a signature drink...as long as there are other drink options too.

However, I think a splash of vodka is needed on a day like today.  So cheers to the sunshine, warm weather, the weekend and most importantly you, my dears!  I hope your weekend is as fabulous as you.  Because you know what - hands down and without a doubt - I have the MOST FABULOUS FOLLOWERS EVER!!!!

~ Ciao

...photography by samm blake via style me pretty

~ a special toast ~

Let's all raise a glass to the ever so sweet and lovely Erin of Sparkle and Hay who is getting married this weekend!  Cheers my dear to a life filled with love, laughter, special moments and a little bit of heaven!

I wish you and Dan all the best in your celebration this weekend, and the rest of your lives together!  Mwah, mwah!!

~ Ciao

...photography by jose villa via style me pretty

~ in love with ~

The simplicity of this monogrammed stirrer...

And how delicious the sweet tea with vodka looks...

Yes, I think this is just what is needed today.  Cheers my dears!

~ Ciao

...photography by ashley garmon via style me pretty

~ the cocktail hour: berry lemonade ~

We all know how popular lemonade has been at weddings lately, don't we?  And while I love lemonade, I also love a spin on it...like this berry lemonade...

Tell me this doesn't look delicious and refreshing...

And of course I just love this recipe as it is made with simple syrup!  You can see my simple syrup ideas right here.  The great thing about lemonade, no matter what the flavor, just add some vodka and you have a grown up cocktail!  You can find the recipe right here.

~ Ciao

...photography by karen mordechai & images via sunday suppers

~ details: clothespins and slices ~

I just had a conversation with my sissy yesterday that it is the details that make the difference between good and great.  And that details don't have to be expensive or over the top...just something a little extra that shows you paid attention and you care.  Here are two perfect examples of simple homemade details that everyone can do...

The simple detail of ribbon, a clothespin and small card take this arrangement up a notch!  Don't get me wrong, the arrangement is gorgeous on it's own, but it's the detail that was added that really grab your attention.  Same goes for these drinks below...

Rows of drinks at the ready are pretty.  But rows of drinks at the ready with orange and lime slices...very pretty!  Plus, I am a L-O-V-E-R of some type of garnishment in drinks! 

I have decided that since LCW is all about the details that I would start a details series...to be posted randomly...that hopefully inspires you to add some very pretty little details to your event!!!

~ Ciao

...images via decor8 & style me pretty

~ homemade: cocktail caps ~

Keep unwanted guests from joining the cocktail hour with these simple cocktail caps...

To make simply cut a small X into the center of a baking cup and slip the straw through and voila! 

P.S. - My own homemade post probably won't be up until late tonight, but I thought you might enjoy this simple homemade project in the meantime!

~ Ciao

...image via martha stewart

~ tuesday thought: frozen melon-margarita pops ~

I have feeling this is going to be Cocktail Week!  I hope you don't mind?  Anyhow, how fun would it be to treat your (adult) guests to these cool treats...

Yummy.  Wanna make your own?  Here's how:  Stir together 3/4 cup tequila, 1/2 cup Grand Marnier, 1/2 cup fresh lime juice, and a pinch of coarse salt in a large bowl.  Cut cantaloupe and watermelon into wedges.  Soak in tequila mixture for 15 minutes.  Insert sticks (I think I'm on a stick kick today!) and freeze for 1 hour on a baking sheet.  Serves 4-6.

But you know me and how I like options!  I start to think and off I go...so here is your Tuesday Thought:  Using melon balls would make another great option!  Just use melon balls instead of wedges - then you can serve them in pretty little cups with a fork/skewer/toothpick or you could just add a couple to a margarita for a pop of color!  Add then you could take it a step further...and use a small cookie cutter to add a shape or letter!

P.S. - Here's a little disclaimer - the melon balls/shapes are my adapted version of the original recipe, and I have not made the melon ball/shape version, but if you're only changing the shape then I don't see why it wouldn't work!

~ Ciao

...image and recipe via martha stewart

~ the cocktail hour: mojito's ~

So I thought I would start off this week with some cocktails!  A great way to start the week, don't you think?  And the cocktail for today is a Sardinian Blood Orange Mojito...

A fabulous take on the original!  Here's how to make your own...

Ingredients:

2 Bunches of Mint
1 Cup of Fresh Squeezed Blood Orange Juice (you can substitute Trader Joe’s Blood Orange Soda)
2 shots of Rum
2 Tablespoons of Sugar (omit if you use the TJ’s juice)
Juice of 1 Lime
1 cup of ice
1 shaker & Muddler

Methodology:

Add mint, lime juice and sugar to shaker.
Muddle the ingredients until the mint is well crushed.
Add rum, blood orange juice and ice.
Shake well and serve garnished with remaining mint and a slice of lime.

~ Cheers

...image and recipe via design sponge

~ tuesday thought: the cocktail hour sippers ~

So I was in the store yesterday when I ran across these little guys...

What are they you ask?  Well they are iced tea sippers, my dears (wish the picture was a little better for you...it was the best I could find)!  They are called sippers because they are porous so you can drink through them while they dissolve and sweeten your drink!

So here's your Tuesday Thought:  Add these sippers to your drinks to not only add some additional flavor, but to add an extra little detail that makes your drinks a bit different from everyone elses! 

The good news:  they have cocktails sticks...

And cocoa stirrers...

Yet, I can't see why you couldn't add these to just about any drinks for a touch of flavor!  I wonder how adding the lemon, lemon-lime, or pomegranate to sprakling water would taste?  Just might have to try it out.  Or adding the hot cinnamon, vanilla, or peppermint to coffees sounds good too!  Of course, I would suggest trying them out first!  But they sure do look cute...

...don't they?  Cheers to happy sipping!

Note:  All three varieties are porous so you can sip through...even though the names are a bit different for each.

~ Ciao

...images via hammond's candies

~ the cocktail hour: tequila shots ~

Just in case you missed it yesterday (the Knot twittered about it), and because I just L-O-V-E the idea...I had to do a post about it today!  Have a look-see...

I mean seriously, mini tequila shots and bite sized fish tacos...how fabulous is that?  What I am so over the moon about is the way in which it is presented...with the corks still in the bottles and the straws going through, and the tacos atop limes...perfect examples of how little details can make all the difference!  And I think I just might have to try making those tequila shots!! 

Hey it's Friday...shots are allowed!!!

~ Cheers

...image via the knot

~ the cocktail hour: pineapple cooler ~

How yummy and refreshing does this look right now...

I think it would quench my thirst...how bout you?  And for those in need of a more grown up verion...a shot of rum would be a nice addition!  You can get the recipe here. 

P.S. - Don't forget the lemon slices, lemon verbena or lavender...it's a great little detail!

~ Cheers

...image via country living

~ the cocktail hour: lavender lemonade ~

Here's a great non-alcoholic option for the cocktail hour...

Refreshing and pretty - I'm all in!  And you know me and details...love the glasses it's served in, the lavender sprigs in each glass, the white tray that it's served on and the single sprig on the tray...all simple little details that are quite stunning!  Add for those of you that like a little more kick in your cocktail you can always add a splash of vodka!  You can get the recipe here.  Cheers!

~ Ciao

...image via sunday suppers

~ tuesday thought: simple syrup ~

How pretty are these bottles...

The bottles of syrup (yes, that's what they are filled with...I don't know what kind or if they are simple syrups though), variety of colors, and simple label are so pretty when grouped together don't you think?

And of course it got me thinking...as usual...syrup and simple...hmmmm!  So here is your Tuesday Thought:   Why not make simple syrup as favors for your guests?  With so many couples choosing one cocktail (or even creating one) for their wedding day...why not choose one that involves simple syrup?  Simple syrup is just sugar and water...here is a recipe from Martha Stewart...but there are tons out there to choose from with some lasting up to a month or more. 

I found a list of 209 cocktails that are made with simple syrup and the recipes for them right here.  There are even some non-alcoholic ones on that list too.  And I am sure there are lots of others that you can find on the www.

Once made simple syrup looks almost clear with just a hint of color...I'm sure you have mixed water and sugar together...well that's the color.  You can also make infused simple syrup with flavors such as lemon, lime, blood orange, strawberry, blueberry, peach, mint, thyme, cinnamon, etc... and some of these would add some color!  Here is a short article with lots of suggestions and how to's...and other ways to use simple syrups like on top of pancakes and waffles or ice cream...yum!

For the favors, however, I would pour the syrups into pretty bottles, add a sprig of mint, lavender or whatever is fitting, and attach a recipe card and a note saying something like...thanks for celebrating in our union/love...here's to you celebrating yours or find the time in the next week to celebrate yours...you get the idea!  Simple right?  Of course you could wrap the bottles in fabric or place into bags...or use a wide ribbon around the middle and adhere the recipe on a card to it...and on and on...just some thoughts for you!

Cheers!

~ Ciao


...photography annika vannerus

~ the cocktail hour: aqua frescas ~

It's Friday my dears...and even though it was a short week...it really seemed long!  So after a long week for me I am in need of a little refreshment.  And I think these aqua frescas (non-alcoholic) are calling my name (I'd like mine spiked with a little vodka please)...

The perfect summer cocktail for everyone at a casual reception don't you think?  And with flavors such as pineapple ginger, cucumber lemongrass and strawberry thyme who could resist!  Get the recipes here. 

Happy refreshing weekend my dears!  See you on Monday.

~ Ciao

...image via matt bites