Hostess Jo

Seashell Arrangement

Here is another one of those interesting, lovely flower arrangements we talk about.  This time the vase is a large shell.  Perfect for summer decorating.  I think I've seen these large shells at Michael's. 

 

Seashell Arrangement How-To
1. Choose a sizable shell that sits securely -- without rocking or falling over -- when its aperture, or opening, faces upward. Begin by soaking a block of floral foam in water until saturated, usually a few minutes (the moist foam will then keep your arrangement fresh for 3 to 4 days).

2. With a sharp knife, cut the foam to fit inside the shell's opening, trimming it as necessary. Press and pack the piece of foam down into the shell; it should fill the opening to just below the lip.

3. Use a pencil or a stick to make holes an inch or so deep in the foam for plants with pliant stems, such as hostas and ferns; sturdy or woody stems can be pushed directly into the foam. Combine flowers and greenery as you wish to create a pleasing arrangement.

(photo and how to from marthastewart.com)

 

My New Love

I need these birds.  Don't you think?

Sheesham Birds

 

Find them at West Elm.

Introducing:

 

Yippee!!  As you know I was recently hired to style a baby shower so I was thinking why not start a little party planning biz?!  I am going to specialize in coordinating the decor of the event.   I love all of the details that go into making a space party perfect.  From brainstorming to execution, I love it all.  Hopefully my first job will lead to many more!  If you are in Birmingham or surrounding areas and need creative help with your event just drop me an email at joanna@hostessjo.com.  Or if you know anyone that might need some help please tell them about me!

Pina Colada Pops

I am loving all things frozen at the moment-how about you?  What a great twist on the traditional Pina Colada!

 

Prep Time:

25 min

Total Time:

4 hr 25 min

Makes 6 servings.

 

Ingredients

 

1 cup boiling water

1 pkg.  (3 oz.) JELL-O Pineapple Flavor Gelatin

1/4 cup coconut-flavored rum or coconut milk

  ice cubes

1 can (8 oz.) crushed pineapple in juice, drained, liquid reserved

 

Directions:

ADD boiling water to gelatin mix in medium bowl; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Stir in rum. Add enough ice to reserved pineapple liquid to measure 3/4 cup. Add to gelatin; stir until slightly thickened. Remove any unmelted ice.

REFRIGERATE 15 min. or until gelatin is thickened. Stir in pineapple. Pour into 6 paper or plastic cups. Freeze 1 hour.

INSERT wooden pop stick or plastic spoon in center of each cup. Freeze 3 hours or until firm. Remove pops from cups before serving.

Variation

Freeze in frozen pop molds instead of the cups.

For a Nonalcoholic Version

Substitute cold water for the rum.

Note

Remove frozen pops from freezer about 5 min. before serving; let stand at room temperature to soften slightly.

 

Pea Pod Shower Inspiration

I've been searching the web for "Pea in a Pod" or "Sweet Pea" baby shower decor inspiration.  I've found some really fun ideas. 

For the centerpieces I love this flower arrangement filled with "peas".  The "peas" are actually Kiwi flavored Jelly Bellies!  They look just like Edamame to me.  The orange flowers just POP against the green.

 

I am thinking of using real peas for the vase filler and filling these baby bottles with the green jelly beans for favors.

 

Here is more great Pea Pod decoration.  I wish I could use Poms like these but there is nowhere to hang them from.  Notice the Pea Pod Diaper "Cake" on the mantle.  How creative!  I'm going to try to construct some Pea Pods similar to this one to set on a couple of the tables.

 

For one of the dishes, the hostess is making this layered salad with peas!

So have you ever thrown or been to a Pea themed shower?  I'd love to hear any ideas you have!

(images:  top arrangement from Parents.com via HWTM, bottles image from babyshowerstuff.com, pea pod centerpiece image from Everyday Celebrating, layered salad image from Kraft)

Deck Decor

While looking for ideas to spice up our back deck I found this picture of a deck very similar to ours.

 

Most everything is the same except we don't have benches.  I would love a rug like this!  It makes it so cozy along with the floor cushions.  The web is full of inspiration!  Hope this inspires you to spruce up your outdoor spaces.

(photo from myhomeideas.com)

Seeing Green....

...on Creative Parties and Showers!  Our Green Apple Shower made it on the blog and I am so excited.  This site is full of wonderful real parties.  It has inspiration for just about any celebration you are throwing.  Check them out before you plan your next party!

Simple Setting

I just love the simplicity of this outdoor table setting.  Bamboo plates are topped with patterned plastic ones.  And that's right-those are dishtowels underneath!  So easy to recreate this look.  Throw in some blue accents and you've got a festive 4th of July table. 

 

Now I've got some good news and bad news.  The bad news is I'm going to have to put off the White Wine Tasting for awhile.  The good news is I got my first job decorating for a baby shower!  Scary news is it's only a few weeks away!  The mom-to-be has requested a Pea in a Pod theme which I think is going to be fun.  I've got several ideas floating around so stay tuned to see everything come together and feel free to share any ideas you have!

I hope everyone has a fantastic 4th of July!

(photo from southernliving.com)