10 Takes on Trays

Trays... I have a thing for them.

Every hostess needs one. Or two.

Or a collection.

Here's 10 picks I love.

Some I want. Some I already have.

Because I'm all about "attainable" entertaining...

 these are all priced under $50

Irresistibly sweet 

If I knew how to  bake... (which I don't) I can see 

hand baked pastries, confections, and cupcakes.

Mud Pie $34.00

Understated elegance always catches my eye. 

I'm thinking perfectly placed cucumber sandwiches.

Terrain $28

Bit of a Moroccan look here. I like.

Crusty bread & an array of bold cheeses.

Works for me.

Pier 1 Imports $36

Vintage appeal. Have it. Adore it.

But don't use it in the kitchen.

 On my bathroom counter with apothecary jars filled with everyday essentials. I makes me happy everyday.

Pier 1 Imports $31

Getting Personal. 

Etsy $30

Monogrammed Tiny Trays.

Bought several sets of these for gifts. 

And of course, one for me!

Impressive packaging. 

Impressive gift for the price.

Layla Grayce $15 Set of Two

Talk about old world charm. 

Ordered this as a gift for my daughter.

Makes a statement where ever it sits. 

Etsy $48

OK, it's a basket, but I love the versatility of it. 

I'm thinking simple here... 

Salsa & chips. Cheese & crackers. 

Pretty way to stash napkins & silverware on a buffet.

Crate & Barrel $40

Pretty. Practical. Have it.

This one has served me well 

a million times and a million ways.

French Bull $25

A tray for all seasons.

Fall & Winter... coffee, hot chocolate, spiced cider.

Summer... lemonade, iced tea, cocktails.

Want this.

Etsy $49

Sunday Soup...Tortellini Italian Sausage

Last Sunday I crept out of my creamy soup comfort zone. I wanted to go for something more... interesting.  Seriously one of the tastiest soups to ever come out of my kitchen. A hearty soup that's literally a meal in a bowl.

The original recipe is from my "Sunday Soup" Board on Pinterest HERE.  

I  changed a few things, adding a little of this and taking out a little to of that to come up with own version. 

I made this soup a day ahead, omitting the zuccini and tortellini. The next day I reheated and added those ingredients simmering for about 10 minutes.

  

Easy prep, quick to cook...  Add some crusty bread and you've got the  perfect Soup for Sunday!

 Printable Recipe

Tortellini Italian Sausage Soup

4 Italian Sausage Links

4 tsp. Minced Garlic

1/2 cup Apple Cider

4 cups Chicken Broth

1 Beef Boullion Cube + 1 Cup Water

1 15oz Can Diced Tomatoes

½ Cup Tomato Sauce

1 cup Chopped Carrots

½ TBS Dried Basil

1 TSPDried Oregano

2 TBS Dried Parsley

2 Medium Zucchini Sliced

½ to 1 Full Package 16oz Frozen Cheese Tortellini

Directions

Cook sausage until brown and completely cooked. Break it up to small bits while cooking. (I took the skin off before cooking to make it easier.)

Add garlic to sausage and cook for a few minutes longer.

Add sausage to your soup pot.  Now add chicken broth, beef bouillon + water, tomatoes, cider, tomato sauce, carrots, basil and oregano.

Bring soup to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes stir in zucchini and parsley and simmer for 10-12 minutes.

Add tortellini (full or ½ package depending on how much you want in your soup) and cook for 8-10 minutes.

There you go... A Meal in a Bowl!

Really Creamy Broccoli Soup

I rarely make New Year's Resolutions. 

This year, I did.

 Serve soup every Sunday. 

Not running a mile everyday, not cutting my carbs, not starting Pilates class. Nope, nothing that remarkable. There will be exceptions, of course. Sundays I'm sewing to meet a deadline, weekend guests, Summer barbecues, or just Chinese take out. But for me it's... attainable. 

Over the holidays I had the most incredible Cream of Broccoli Soup at favorite restaurant in our little downtown. I loved the texture, so smooth and creamy. Every time I made broccoli soup, it was, well... more chunky. This was like silk! After searching for broccoli soup recipes that were really creamy... I winged it and came up with my own!  

So first up in my Soup Every Sunday mission:

Really Creamy Broccoli Soup

Printable Recipe

CREAMY BROCCOLI SOUP

6 Cups  Broccoli Florets or Cuts (I used frozen)

4 Cups Chicken Broth

2 Chicken Bouillon Cubes + 2 Cups Water

1 Medium Onion Chopped

2-3 Garlic Cloves Minced

1/4 Cup Flour

1 Medium Potato Peeled and Chopped into 1" Pieces

1/2 to 3/4 Cup Half & Half (or Heavy Cream)

2 TBLS Butter

Pinch of Thyme (optional)

Pinch of Marjoram (optional)

Melt butter in saucepan you are cooking the soup in, medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft. Add flour and stir constantly about 1 minute.

Add the broccoli, potato, chicken stock, water & bouillon, thyme & marjoram. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover and simmer about 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Let the soup cool for a bit, and then (my favorite part) use the Immersion Blender to puree. For a really creamy texture, blend until there are no more bits or chunks of broccoli. Nice and smooth.

Place the pot back on the stove and slowly add the half & half, stirring slowly to blend. 

Add salt & fresh ground pepper to taste.

Reheat the soup, (stirring a few times)  if serving right away. Store in the refrigerator to reheat and serve later or the next day.

FYI...

This recipe is best prepared with (my favorite kitchen gadget) an Immersion Blender. If using a standard blender, let the soup cool a bit and puree in batches.

After adding the half & half, I added another tablespoon of... yep, Butter!

Add less or more half & half depending on the consistency you want.

Add other spices of your choice.

Hope you enjoy!

Gracious Style

Gracious Giveaway!

My dear friend, Mindy of The Gracious Girl is hosting a week of Gracious Giveaways: New Year’s Resolution series. All week, Mindy will be inspiring you with wonderful tools to help inspire or jumpstart your year in a most gracious fashion.

First up in the week of giveaways...

My Sheath Style Apron in Sunny Chevron!

Enter HERE and meet Mindy...

You'll never meet a more Gracious Girl.

Napkin Swags Giveaway!

Set your Holiday Table to Merry & Bright!

A soft touch on the Traditional Napkin Ring, Napkin Swags are a versatile way to add some color to your tabletop and perk up your plain white napkins!

I'm delighted to say my friend and fellow "Michigan Mitten Girl" Sheila, from Eat2Gather is giving away a set of 8 to one Hip Hostess! 

Enter to WIN your choice of any color or print in my Etsy Shop.

Be sure to check out Sheila's tasty recipes. A more creative cook and beautiful baker, you'll never meet!

 Giveaway ends Wednesday Dec. 12th 
Enter HERE

New in the Etsy Shop...

 Ultimate Holiday Hostess Aprons

I've ventured out a bit from the "hip" look to a more "heirloom" look. What do you think?

Casually Elegant and Feminine I've made these in a soft to the touch linen blend fabric. The button detail gives the traditional design a chic modern look. Designed with full coverage in mind means no mess on your dress. They're comfortable and durable in the kitchen, yet a charming style pretty enough to wear to the table! 

Available in Moss Green, Paprika, Honey and of course, Holiday Red.

And because it is the season for gift giving...

Each of these aprons comes gift boxed for perfect presentation.

Get all the details HERE 

And a little gift from me to you...

Get FREE Shipping with Coupon Code HOLIDAYFREE at check out!

Simple Strategies for a Sparkling 4th

Everyone that knows me knows my motto is 

"Keep it Simple"

We don't all have the time or the talent to pull off those lavish looks, or stunning soirees we see in "Never Never Land" (aka Pinterest) so with SIMPLE being the keyword... here are some (really, truly) simple ways to add some sparkle to your 4th of July Bash.

For Starters...

Create some fireworks of your own.

"Sunday Picnic" is a perfect fit for the 4th.

Oh and by the way... Promo Code HH15 will get you 15% Off.

Yes, I know. Shameless self promotion.

On to the party...

 Canning jars are like a blank canvas. Add some backyard blooms, dig into your craft stash. Make up just one or a multitude of your own creations and you've got instant homespun charm! 

On the Menu?

Again with the simple... Burgers & Hot Dogs 

But here's how to add a little interest.

            

Jazz up plain burgers with unexpected condiments.

How about... 

 Caesar Spread or Spiced Tomato Chutney?

Here's 12 Creative Burger Toppings from

 Real Simple

3 Ways to Dress Up a plain Hot Dog from again

 Real Simple

including this tasty tropical version.

Mix up a batch of 

 Berry Vodka Spritzers

and say Cheers to Independence!

Nix the Vodka for a virgin version.

Little effort, Big Impact.

via Real Simple

How's this for Clever?

Pop a Popsicle Stick into the rind of Melon Wedges.

And to keep it all clean...

via Real Simple

 Cupcake Liners!

 

via Food Network

And for the Grand Finale...   

Fruit Flag Tarts

I'm of the opinion that presentation is everything and this one is so all that!

 Here's the super simple Recipe from Food Network. If you're really pressed for time, I'm thinking Vanilla Pudding would be a tasty alternative to the Mascarpone. 

A few more Hip Tips...

• Keep things organized on your buffet table by stashing your cutlery in terra cotta pots, small galvanized buckets, or canning jars.

• Make a quick dash to the fabric store & pick up some festive fabric. (I like simple gingham because it can be used all Summer long) Cut 12" wide strips for table runners on guest tables and or your buffet table. Best part? No sewing required.

• To avoid watered down punch instead of adding more ice cubes, place your punch bowl or pitcher in a bowl or bucket of ice.

• Use a colorful colander to hold ice or watermelon with a tray beneath to catch the drips.

• Dollar Store bandanas make super Summer napkins and will serve you well for many Summers to come. 

• Here's a great way to cool off your guests on a steamy day and believe me they'll be so grateful & impressed!  Pick up a few sets of inexpensive white washcloths.  Roll up & moisten them, then stash in the freezer. Serve them up on an ice lined tray with lemon slices to wash away the heat of the day. For extra indulgence: Mix a few drops of lavender oil & distilled water in a spray bottle. Give the washcloths a nice spritz before you present them to your guests. 

 Here's to a Festive 4th & a Happy Independence Day!

How cool is this?

Zesty Lemon Cups

You’ll feel pretty hip serving this cool, light summer dessert that’s got plenty of WOW factor and simple prep.  Here’s the best part: you can make this a day ahead and keep frozen until you’re ready to serve, just be sure to make room in your freezer to stash them until it’s time to serve.

Ingredients:

Lemons: Purchase 1 lemon per guest & an extra one for practice. Presentation is everything, so try to pick the pretty ones, and all about the same size.

Lemon Sorbet: About a ½ cup per lemon

Berries *optional

Prep:

Cut off the top 1/3 of the lemon (not the stem end) Keep the top if you’re not using a fruit garnish and want to put a little cap on your cups.

Hollow out each lemon:

Using a grapefruit knife or spoon works best but a teaspoon will work too.  Using your spoon carefully scrape all the flesh from the shell of the lemon, being careful not to puncture the lemon.

Make a slight shallow cut on the bottom of each lemon; again be careful not to cut into the inside of the lemon. This makes your lemon cup sit up straight.

Freeze the shells overnight or at least an hour. Then fill with sorbet and freeze again.

Just before serving top with berries and add a few more on the plate for a fabulous presentation!

Hostess Hint* 

We used Lemon Sorbet & raspberries but you can really get creative with this, try Orange or Raspberry Sorbet, garnish with orange slices, a strawberry with the stem attached, or even a small cookie! For a really festive look add a cocktail umbrella!  How cool is that?

Mother's Day Savings

Mom's gift can be just a CLICK AWAY

Now through Mother's Day

Save 15% Off all our Domestic Dresses!

     

Use Promo Code: MOMHOME at check out

Fresh Spring Giveaway...Pink Lemonade

Well, Spring has sprung up here in the North Country, briefly & prematurely, but I'll take it. Seems we're all itching to ditch the dull & dreary and ready for some fresh! I've got just the thing. An Apron Giveaway, of course and here's what's up for grabs.

A Spring Fresh Domestic Dress...

"Pink Lemonade"
Perhaps some Spring Cleaning motivation?

Are you ready to enter? Here's the dish...

The heart warming Hostess for this Giveaway is

fellow Michigander, Sheila from Eat2Gather.

Isn't she lovely?

I first met Sheila on Twitter and felt an instant connection because...

Sheila & I (and every other Mitten resident) adore & share the charming (or annoying) habit of raising our right hand and pointing to where we live. For me, that would be way up at the top of your ring finger. (Now I'm wondering how many people I annoyed with that gesture on my last trip to Florida.)

Sheila shares the same passion & appreciation that I do when it comes to gathering around the table. It's a tradition I believe is the heart of the family, and Sheila shares that belief, the importance of it, and makes it a priority in her everyday life. She's a foodie who's truly discovered the "joy of cooking" sharing both the tried & true and the new recipes that she brings to the table.

Another reason I love to check out her blog: Well, she just plain cracks me up!

The Giveaway is just a click away... HERE

*You'll also find a Spring Savings Promo Code for both

The Hip Hostess website and the new Etsy Shop!

Oh, and by way don't miss Sheila's recipe for Goulash. A dish I love, but totally forgot about. I mean really, when was the last time you made Goulash? Ah... the comfort of comfort food!

Garnishing Your Products

If you own a budding business that you're striving to grow into a booming, blooming bouquet, here's some FYI from yours truly and I'm delighted to add... a guest post from Denise at Rapid Tag & Label, the maker of all my tags and labels.

I think Presentation is everything.

It's your image, your style, your signature,

and so to speak...your "garnish."

Tags and labels on your product are the finishing touch you put on all your labors of love and creative efforts. Rapid Tags has been helping me put the hip look on my products from the very onset of The Hip Hostess.

Starting out as a very new and very small business owner, Rapid Tags treated me with the same dedication and effort they give to their big clients, providing me not only with ideas and info, but Denise and Ursula consistently accommodate my needs and with speedy replies and outstanding communication. I think working with a company that "gets you" is an invaluable tool to achieving the look you're going for and your path to success. Rapid Tags is all that!

Denise speaks volumes when she says...

It’s all about the garnish!

It’s not enough just to be able to cook like a professional chef. All of your time, effort and money won’t mean a thing if you serve a decadent chocolate mousse pie on a paper plate. The saying goes “God is in the details”. Without adding a beautiful serving plate, whipped cream and chocolate shavings it’s just another piece of pie.

The same theory applies with clothing and apparel design. A clever idea will fall flat without paying close attention to the additional trims that can add pizzazz to anything. Buckles, buttons, zippers and clothing labels may not seem all that important but they embellish your brand. They tell customers who you are and about the quality of your merchandise. They make your apparel or design stand out from the rest.

Rapid Tag & Label has been providing The Hip Hostess with their woven logo labels, care/fiber content labels and hangtags for years.

The Hip Hostess damask woven brand label looks elegant in simple black and white and is perfect to accompany any pattern or color pallet. The labels are sewn on the outside and are part of the Hip Hostess’ unmistakeable look. The satin printed labels are sewn inside of all the aprons to offer the fiber content, country of origin and care of the apron. Finally, the joker hangtag has a classic black and white glossy finish that completes the overall chic look of The Hip Hostess Collection.

We’re the garnish that help makes The Hip Hostess more than just an apron company. Please visit us at www.RAPIDTAGS.

~Denise Newton of Rapid Tags & Labels

A Soup for all Seasons

I have a french Mother-in-law. If that's not intimidating enough... over the last 36 years, I've actually had the courage to attempt many of her recipes. This is my family's favorite. After years of tasting and testing I think I've finally got it right and as close to hers as I'll ever get.

Served warm I just call it Potato Leek Soup, 
but served cold I like to get all fancy 
and call it Vichyssoise! Delicious both ways.

A tasty soup for a cold winter night 
or a hot summer day.

“Come join SoupaPalooza at TidyMom and Dine and Dishsponsored by KitchenAid, Red Star Yeast and Le Creuset” 

POTATO LEEK SOUP AKA... VICHYSSOISE

6-8 Potatoes peeled & quartered

6-8 Leeks

1 Medium Onion chopped

1-3 Scallions (green onions) chopped

1 Cup Chicken Broth

Chicken Bouillon Cubes

1/2 Cup Half & Half

1/2 Cup Milk

¼ TSP Thyme

¼ TSP Marjoram

¼ TSP Dill

PREP:

Cut the roots off the leeks

Cut about 1-2 inches of the green ends off the leeks

Slice each leek down the center lengthwise

*WASH ALL THE LAYERS OF THE LEEKS UNDER COLD WATER TO REMOVE ALL HIDDEN DIRT

Lay leeks on paper towel & dry throughly

Chop the leeks in 1/2" chunks

Chop the onions & scallions

DIRECTIONS

Cut up the potatoes, cover with water and add 1 bouillon cube and cook until tender.

Saute the leeks, scallions and onions in 1 Tsps Olive Oil and a few Tsps of butter.

Cook over medium heat stirring & mixing often until leeks are soft & translucent.

When Potatoes are done: pour into large colander to drain.

*I don't use the water the potatoes are cooked in.

Let them sit for a few minutes then add the cooked leeks, onions & scallions.

Mash entire mixture with electric mixer or immersion blender adding milk & butter until they look like whipped potatoes.

In large pot, add the potato mixture, chicken broth, half & half, Thyme, Marjoram, & Dill.

Stir throughly over low heat and continue stirring until heated through.

*At this point I taste it and add a chicken boullion cube one at time if needed for more flavor.  It's kind of like a work in progress, and you may want to tweak it.  You can also add a bit more of the spices, add more milk, broth, or half & half until you get the desired consistency,you don't want it too thick or too thin.

*Serve immediately or store in the fridge and reheat it later.

Remember, this can also be served cold, but be sure to stir it well before serving.