Paper Wedding

Hey Everyone! I haven't disappeared I promise! I have just relocated to a brand new blog called Paper Wedding, home for all things paper and weddings! I hope you will stop by for a visit and to learn everything you ever needed to know about how paper will make your wedding day special!

Visit Paper Wedding HERE

Thanks so much for reading Entertaining Ideas! Please feel free to stick around and browse the archives:) Or hop on over to Paper Wedding for new posts!

Entertaining Tip of the Week

2:4 rule via Real Simple

Happy Weekending!

Party Ready Pantry: Herb Garden



Photo via Burpee

As a current condo dweller I don't have many options for a garden. We tried the tomatoes on the balcony thing last year and every single one was taken by the squirrels. My hubby declared war on the little rodents but I hate to say it...the squirrels won. Anywho, all future food growing will be done indoors! We started our new collection with the addition of a key lime tree and a meyer lemon tree. I am SO excited about them! Now it will be years before I'm turning out key lime pies but we do have another garden option that will come in handy this summer....herbs!  It is super easy and super convenient to grow fresh herbs indoors! They don't take up too much space and it doesn't take much to get your started. Plus, once your little garden is a'bloomin, you can ditch those old dried up herbs and use fresh instead! All it takes is a little snip and sprinkle to bring true summer flavor to your dishes. So what are you waiting for? Get your green thumb on and get to growin! Here are a few kits to get you started...

Via Burpee

Via Uncommon Goods

Via Uncommon Goods

Via Amazon

Via Williams Sonoma

Strange But True: Bacon Flavored Vodka

Photo via Bakon Vodka

My family and I had a delightful Easter brunch yesterday! The french toast, the eggs, the hash browns, the bacon vodka...what? Yes, bacon flavored vodka. When we sat down at the table I noticed a display on the table advertising the different cocktails offered for brunch. There were the usual suspects...mimosas and bellinis but there was also a bacon bloody mary made with bacon vodka. I immediately pictured little pigs basking in the sun sipping on vodka martinis. How else would they get bacon vodka? Clearly I'm not a vegetarian and I LOVE bacon. However, the jury is still out on this vodka. We did not try this drink as the price tag made it a tad unappealing but I did put it on my list of things to try one day. You can see even more bacon vodka recipes here!

Entertaining Tip of the Week

Happy Weekending!

Dress My Dishes: Spring into Easter!

I can't believe Easter is this weekend! It seems like just yesterday I was stuffing my face with chocolate pancakes on Fat Tuesday! I love Easter because it means summer is right around the corner. So, I have put together a very colorful dress my dishes for this weekend's festivities. And..it's all from Pier 1! They've had some super cute stuff lately and their commercials crack me up. You know the ones where the stuff talks to the customer? Yeah, I feel like that happens to me sometimes..hehe. Don't judge:)

Via Pier 1

Side note....sorry for my lack o' posts last week! I have been super busy working on a new blog project that will be coming along very soon!! I am so excited about it! In the mean time, things here might be a tiny bit slow! You can always keep in touch on my Kate Marie Paperie facebook page. I would LOVE to hear from you!

Entertaining Tip of the Week: Pick Your Produce

Photo via The Kitchn

Spring is upon us which means many of us will be hitting the farmer's market! The great thing about farmer's markets is that you know what's in season and wheat you should be buying because that's what the farmers are selling! Now, things can get a little tricky if you don't have a great market for shopping. You aren't always guaranteed that the produce is going to be the best quality. Not to worry! Here is a great guide from the folks at The Kitchn to help you navigate your way through the produce department.

Budget Take Out Gourmet Fake Out

Nate Berkus, I love you more today than yesterday! I know I have already professed my love for Mr. Berkus but I just have to reiterate how great his show is! It is definitely the perfect "talk" show for me. Case in point...last week, Nate had a guest on the show that showed how to take every day take out food and turn it into a million dollar party appetizer. That's what I'm all about! You don't have to spend all day in the kitchen cooking up a meal from scratch just to have a dinner party! Pick up the phone and call in an order then use these tips from my friend Nate to turn it into a party.

Photos via The Nate Show

Party Ready Pantry: Popcorn!

Yep, you heard it right. Humble little popcorn is a party ready pantry worthy item! This is something that is almost always in my pantry and it is the perfect base for some wonderful flavors. Next time you are in a pinch and can't seem to think of anything else to make for your party, grab a bag of popcorn and get to mixin! Here are just a few of the MANY different mixes you can try. Don't be afraid to add your own flavors to make something all your own!

Entertaining Tip of the Week

photo of Ina Garten via HouseBeautiful.com

Happy Weekending!

Lovely Paper Decor: Green Party

This is the perfect example of why I love paper so much! Just look at this fabulous party I spotted over at Hostess with the Mostess (my fave!). Almost ALL of the decorations are made from paper! It's proof that you don't have to spend a ton of money on decorations to make a great party. All you need is a package of construction paper, some scissors, and a little glue and you have yourself the makings of a pretty party. And..it kinda takes you back to your grade school days! Feelin younger already!:)

Green Beer and Beyond: Green Drinks for Your St.Patty's Day

Sticking with the green theme, today I bring you a menu of delicious cocktails to get your St. Patty's Day party started right! And you won't find any green beer here! We are taking this party up a notch on the ol' sophistication ladder with these cocktails. So pick a drink, or two....or three, and get your bar stocked!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

All photos via Tastespotting

Entertaining Tip of the Week

image via Epicurious.com

Nothing spoils a party faster than un-safe food...here is a quick guide to food safety from Epicurious.


Happy Weekending

St. Patty's Day Printable Round-up

Grab your scissors and some paper and get to printing! This round-up of FREE St. Patty's Day is just in time to add a little something special to your celebration, big or small! Click on the links below each picture to download the FREE printable.

Via Catch My Party

Via My 2 Pink Ladies

Via Tip Junkie

Via One Charming Party

Via Lovely Paper Shop

Via the Tomkat Studio

Via the Tomkat Studio

Dress My Dishes: St. Patty's Day

March is upon us and that means a couple of things...it's time to drink some St.Patty's Day beer AND spring is just around the corner! I love that St. Patty's Day is all about the color green. It's such a great way to get ready for the green that spring brings.

So here is a fun way to bring a little of that springy green to your dishes for this St. Patty's Day.

bowl / flatware / beer glasses / napkins / plates / platter / placemat / runner

Entertaining Tip of the Week

Happy Weekending!

5 New Twists on Veggies & Dip

Whenever I hear the word potluck, my mind instantly goes to the classic veggies & dip combo. There really isn't an easier dish and a more universally liked dish! Think about it...have you ever been to a casual potluck where you didn't find a well visited veggie tray?? While it is a tried and true classic, veggies & dip can get a little boring. So, today I bring you five fresh remixes that will take your classic from boring to bold!

All photos by Kate

Happy Leap Year!!!

Cooking for 1,600?! Wolfgang Puck has got it covered!

Can you imagine being responsible for making all the food for the Oscar's Governor's Ball?? That's enough food to feed over 1600 A-listers and Hollywood hotshots. I can't even begin to wrap my head around that number. Good thing Wolfgang Puck is on duty! In his 18th year as the head chef for the Governor's Ball, Puck is pulling out all the stops to make a show-stopping spread of delectable dishes. 50 different dishes to be exact! From mac & cheese to potatoes wrapped in gold...yes, gold, Puck's menu has a little something for everyone!

Photos via CBS News

Lucky for most of us, we will NOT be entertaining 1600 A-listers anytime soon, but we can still get a little taste of Hollywood with these recipes by Wolfgang Puck.




Chopped Salad




Crab Louie




Mini Prime Burgers




Chicken Pot Pie


Photos via WolfgangPuck.com