Spray Paint Saves the Day

If you've been following along the last few weeks, you know we've working on the preparations for a fall dinner party. We updated some wooden napkin rings, customized silverware, and now it's time to break out the wine glasses. First I'm going to show you what didn't work. 

I've been wanting to try these gold, oil-bases Sharpies for ages and have thought of at least half-a-dozen projects I think they would be great for, so I finally ordered some. To start, I cleaned my glasses, taped off a starting/stopping point for my design, and pulled the markers out of their package.

I was so excited to use them on these glasses. I had visions of creating fancy, boutique-type stemware. Boy was I disillusioned! I won't try and pin it all on the markers, and I think they would be great on a different surface, but I was not loving how the gold looked on the glass. When you looked at the paint straight on, you could almost see though it. And again, not entirely the fault of the markers, but it just wasn't transforming the glasses the way I had envisioned. So... I used some nail polish remover to take it all off, washed the glasses a second time, and started again!

I had some gold spray paint left from the geometric lamp makeover we did, so I grabbed it and decided to try a dipped look on the base. I used painters tape to get a clean line, then covered the remaining exposed glass with tinfoil.

The weather was perfect for spray painting so I took them out for a quick coat. I cannot say enough good things about this spray paint! (And I'm not getting paid to tell you that--this stuff is the bomb!) It only took one coat and they looked amazing.

Gold Stemware
Gold Stemware
Gold Stemware

Finally, you need something to put in your gorgeous new glasses! Here are our top three picks:

First up, a Vanilla Vodka Chai by Tina at My Life as a Mrs.
Here, chai tea, vanilla vodka, amaretto, simple syrup and half & half combine to create a delicious fall treat. I love how it manages to be cozy and refreshing all at once. The flavors are so fall-like but the fact that it is served iced makes it an excellent choice for warmer autumn days.

Next, we have a Maple Bourbon Cocktail by Emily at Jelly Toast
This drink reminds me of crisp leaves, wool sweaters, and crackling fireplaces. Bourbon, orange juice, pure maple syrup, and bitters come together in perfect harmony. Whether you serve this at a dinner party with friends or enjoying one on a cozy night in, I don't think you'll be disappointed!

And lastly, Honeycrisp Apple Sangria by Sally at Sally's Baking Addiction 
Mmm... This is the most perfect fall sangria ever concocted! Cider, red wine, brandy, orange juice, apples, lemon, cinnamon sticks and club soda--nothing is left out of this recipe. Make a pitcher, (or two!) invite the neighbors over, and pair with some pumpkin spice donuts and a bonfire for the perfect fall evening. 

Happy 4th of July!

A patriotic patio that you can enjoy all summer long!

Independence day is right around the corner and I wanted to share some great pieces for your 4th of July party that can easily be enjoyed for the rest of the summer too.

I've also included a few yummy recipes to get your party started! 

Happy 4th of July and thank you to the men and women who protect our freedom!

Patio Pieces: 

Bar Cart Makeover

A finished project deserves a drink!

I bought this bar cart a thrift store for a mere $6 and even though it was in pretty rough shape, I was immediately excited about its potential! A good cleaning, a coat of bronze-y gold spray paint, and a new bottom shelf, and it is looking pretty sharp! Since the bottom piece of glass was missing, I re-used and cut to size a piece of backing that was removed from a different project. I think the walnut color brings an appropriate mid-century vibe. I toyed with replacing the casters but eventually decided that I liked the character of the existing ones. 

So that's that! A quick, simple makeover that resulted in a gorgeous addition to my dining room!

Since it is a bar cart after all, I decided a simple, summery cocktail was in order! This Rosemary Greyhound is light, fresh, and easy. The recipe is from Natalie at Tastes Lovely

Ingredients

Rosemary Simple Syrup

  • 2 cups of water

  • 2 cups of sugar

  • 6 sprigs of rosemary

Cocktail

  • 2 ounces vodka

  • ½ ounce rosemary simple syrup

  • 4 ounces grapefruit juice

  • sprig of rosemary for garnish

Instructions

  1. Simple Syrup: In a small sauce pan over medium low heat, dissolve the sugar into the water for about 5 minutes. Do not let the mixture boil or crystals will form. In a heat safe container, pour the warm sugar water mixture over the rosemary sprigs and let it steep for at least 1 hour. The rosemary simple syrup will keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 10 days.

  2. Cocktail: In tall glass filled with ice combine the vodka, rosemary simple syrup and grapefruit juice. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.