Hostess Jo

July 4th Giveaway

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to let you know Hostess Jo is giving away a great party pak to help you celebrate the 4th of July over at Pizzazzerie!

Leave Courtney a comment and you are entered to win all of these:

Flag Chip and Dip

Fireworks Napkin Ring Set

Fireworks Bottle Stopper Set

Join Pizzazzerie and Hostess Jo's Facebook groups and get extra entries!

While you're there be sure to check out Pizzazzerie's fun party posts and get great inspiration for your next gathering!

Good luck!

 
  

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)

Patriotic Dippers

Here's patriotic way to display your snacks this 4th of July. 

Use blue corn chips, red bell pepper strips and jicama strips.  You could also add some cherry tomatoes and radishes to the mix.  Very festive!

*Don't forget all of our Stars and Stripes serving ware is now on sale!

(photo from kraftfoods.com)

Faux Firecrackers

Here is an easy craft idea for your July 4th table.  Bonus-you don't have to worry about injuries with these firecrackers AND you can use them as party favors!

 

You'll need:

• Mailing tubes and plugs in assorted sizes ( containerstore.com; 800-PAPER-01)
• Red, white and blue construction paper or scrapbook paper
• Glue stick
• Scissors
• Silver tassels
• Star-shaped paper punch
• Assorted ribbons and rickrack

1. Cover a tube in construction paper, using glue to secure, alternating colors and designs.

2. Use scissors or a knife to carefully make a small slot in one plug. Thread silver tassels through opening and tie in a knot to secure.

3. Decorate by gluing star-shaped cutouts and ribbons on tubes as desired. 

4. To use as party favors fill with red, white and blue M&Ms or other festive candies. 

5. Group various sizes and designs together on a plate or tray and sprinkle tray with patriotic confetti.

(photo from allyou.com)

Mystery Pops

Things are not always as they seem.  These "Watermelon Pops" are so cute and perfect for outdoor entertaining.  Oh wait...

Strawberry-Orange Pops

 

Makes 12 pops

• 2  cups  orange juice
• 1/2  cup  low-fat vanilla yogurt
• 1  cup  frozen whole strawberries, thawed

Stir together orange juice and yogurt.

Process berries in a blender or food processor until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides. Stir into juice mixture.

Hollow out lime halves, leaving rinds intact. Spoon pop mixture into lime rinds. Sprinkle with semisweet chocolate mini morsels, and freeze 8 hours. Cut frozen lime halves in half with a bread knife to make wedges.

How cool is that?!?!  I bet kids would love these.  They are perfect for a backyard bbq and definitely a conversation starter.

Don't forget to enter our Fancy Flours giveaway!  Today is the last day!

(photo and recipe from myrecipes.com)

Patriotic Cocktail

Here is a cool cocktail to serve this weekend at your Memorial Day gatherings.  Also, great for the 4th of July.

The All-American

 

Makes one drink

Ingredients:

3 tbsp pomegranate liqueur, such as Pama

1 tbsp bourbon

Splash of lemon juice

Ice

Club Soda

Lemon slice

1. Pour the pomegranate liqueur, bourbon and lemon juice into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake well. Pour into a rocks glass over ice and top off with club soda. Serve with a lemon slice.

(photo and recipe from Rachel Ray)

Vibrant Veggie Salad

This colorful salad caught my eye when I was searching for a new side to serve with our BBQ this weekend.  I think we have a winner!  Yum.

Corn, Tomato & Avocado Salad

 

Makes 8 servings

For the dressing:

• 1 1/2 cups packed fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup good-quality extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

For the salad:

• 4 ears corn, kernels removed (about 3 cups)
• 1 1/2 pounds grape tomatoes, halved (about 3 cups)
• 1 pound fresh mozzarella, diced
• 2 medium avocados, diced

Directions

Combine the dressing ingredients in a blender, using 2 teaspoons salt, and pepper to taste; process until smooth. Combine the salad ingredients in a large bowl and toss with the dressing. Let sit at least 15 minutes before serving, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

(photo and recipe from foodnetwork.com)

Patriotic Lighting

Memorial Day is just around the corner, can you believe it?  I can't.  Here is an easy way to make your plain candle holders look more patriotic for the occasion.  Also great for the 4th of July.

 

Tools and Materials
Assorted cylindrical clear-glass containers
Glassine sheets in red, white, and blue
Tape measure
Rotary cutter or edgers
Double-sided tape
Glue stick

Patriotic Votive How-To
1. Measure the height and circumference of the container, adding 1/2 inch to the circumference. Cut a piece of glassine to these measurements. Wrap the glassine around the container, and adhere using the double-sided tape.

2. Use the remaining colors to create patterns and decorations on the votive, such as stripes of colored glassine. Cut the stripes with the edgers or rotary cutter to give them an added visual appeal. Affix the decorations to the votive using the double-sided tape or glue stick.

Watch a how to video here.

For even more patriotic flare check out Hostess Jo's Patriotic Section!  Get 15% off with coupon code "memorial" now through Memorial Day!

(photo from marthastewart.com)