Everyday Celebrating

Inexpensive summertime dishes

So most of us are still battling winter and most of us are over it.  LOL  We're moving on to thoughts of warmer weather, sunshine and bright colors.

Speaking of bright colors, how about those dishes?  Are you a fan of Fiestaware but need a cheaper alternative?  Or do you already have Fiestaware and you're looking for some accent pieces to give some punch?  Are you a dish junkie who has several sets {blush} and just want something new and friendly for summer that isn't going to break the bank and you won't feel badly if one breaks?

Enter Dollar Tree!

These are the summer dishes coming out at the Dollar Tree.  $24 for SET!  FOUR SETTINGS!  Of, you guessed it, 24 pieces.

Wouldn't these make a great gift?  Bridal shower or birthday... even if you got the set and put it back for next Christmas, even.

Go to the Dollar Tree site, enter your zip code to find ones near you or order online.

Printable treat bags

photo credit:  Heather at The Coterie Blog

A great tutorial on how to print graphics onto paper bags and finish it off with a cute twine handle.

 

Gift idea for the entertainer

Have a friend/relative who loves to entertain?  They will love the Triple Beverage Dispenser! 

This beautiful glass dispenser holds 3 beverages in a self service fashion.  Offer 3 beverages while freeing up some space! 

Just think of the ways you could coordinate 3 beverages with your color scheme to tie the beverages in with your decor.  :)

$70 from ZGallerie

Easy serving pieces!

photo credit: real simple

End of the summer means... clearance summer partyware!  Pick up some plastic margarita glasses for future use as serving pieces!

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Have you entered the SmileBooks contest?  Visit this link to enter!  So easy!

Stirrings and celebrations go hand in hand!

Stirrings is partnering with Everyday Celebrating as an official BlogHer sponsor!

Stirrings creates amazing cocktails.  They specialize in cocktail mixers and sodas with real juices that simply create a splendidly better cocktail.  And plus, they come in the cutest bottle.hehe

Going to BlogHer?  More importantly, going to BlogHer PARTIES?  Come find me! I'll be giving out 4 oz. samples of their famous Cosmopolitan mixer! We'll live it up with the Chicago version of Sex and the City!

In the meantime, go visit the Stirrings website for lots of entertaining ideas and recipes!
Ready to place an order for your upcoming gathering... Everyday Celebrating readers get a 15% discount on the site.  Just type in EVERYDAY in the code box at checkout!

Color summer drink mixer!

photo: Better Homes & Gardens

Fill glasses halfway with pomegranate, cherry or raspberry sparkling soda or sparkling wine.
Add a scoop of lemon sorbet and top with a lemon slice!

Put them in these stellar footed glasses by ZGallerie.

Gather up for Cinco de Mayo!

While historically, Cinco de Mayo has no real historical significance in Mexico itself, Americans sure love to add it to the list of celebrated occasions - a "holiday" celebrating Mexican heritage and pride.

OR all these products put together would make a fun shower, summertime birthday, or patio party!

Here's a few items to get the creative juices flowing from fabulous etsy sellers:

Corona bottle glasses! 
Made from real recycled Corona beer bottles, these are individually flame cut and polished.
$10 for a set of two.

Everyday tip:  These would make a great gift.  Think about someone with a new house or apartment with a balcony.  Pair a couple of these in a cute small cooler with a 6 pack of Coronas, a few limes, some great colorful kitchen towels, etc.  Great summertime gift!

Your drinks need something beautiful to sit upon!
Take one white tablecloth - preferably a light linen or a gauzy muslin would be a great texture...
then add these cocktail napkins for a pop of color.

These are handmade organic linen cocktail napkins that were batiked and dyed by hand.
They are washable and will hold up to many uses. 
$24 for a set of 4.

Everyday tip: I especially see future uses for the pink napkins.  I love how the design almost looks like a chandelier.  You could do a fabulous shower or bachelorette party with these, using a pink/white color scheme and bringing in chandelier and crystal elements.

This seller also has some incredible tablecloths and runners.

Decorations? 
Mexican cut paper banners

Buy a pack of 3 for $28 and criss cross them over your table. 

Fun with food?

I love these paper festooned food picks.

10 picks for $4 and they fit in with the color scheme we have going beautifully!

Dessert?
How about chocolate covered jalapenos!?

These are green jalapenos fresh from the market, covered in your choice of chocolate or vanilla.
I love that they come with the stem in tact.  Makes for a nice presentation!
Half pound box is $12.

or Fiesta cookies!

Shortbread cookies beautifully decorated for the occasion.
1 dozen for $29.99.
GREAT favors to wrap up for guests to take home.
They are FIVE inches wide!