Happy Labor Day!

I can't believe it's labor day!  For me labor day has always marked the end of summer and beginning of fall.  Growing up in San Diego, I never really experienced the change of seasons (we only had spring and summer) so I've developed an affinity for the change in seasons.

 

When we first moved to east coast, my family started a tradition of holding our last picnic of the season combined with apple picking and this year was no different.  If you live in the Washington DC area, I highly recommend checking out Stribing Orchard.  They are family owned and operated and they have plenty of picnic areas with incredible views.

 

 

 



fresh apple cider served in ball jars

 Happy Labor Day to all!

 

Stay tuned, I plan to share some of the fun recipes for apple...everything!

 

 

Photos by Jonathan Hill

Picnic: Mason Jars

Mason jars seem to be all the rage right now in the party planning world.  I've seen them used in so many different and creative ways.  For some reason when I think of mason jars, picnics come to mind.  I have no idea why but it seems when I'm planning a picnic, I always try to incorporate them in one way or another. Here are some of my favorite uses of mason jars:

Photo: Jonathan Hill Photography

I know the pie in a jar 'thing' has been floating around for a while but I still love it.  A mason jar is a perfect vessel for transporting and serving...I mean really, can you get any cuter than this!?!  These were gone in an instant!  I'm sure was all due to presentation...

Photo: Jonathan Hill Photography

Whether served out of a large jar or in mini mason jars this salad screams 'try me'!  This one was a big hit with my vegetarian dad!

Photo: Hugs from home

Ahhh  my favorite picnic beverage... homemade lemonade, but somehow it tastes better served out of a mason jar.

Photo:  Martha Stewart

I love this idea, I think I'll try it with a few citronella candles thrown into the mix to fight off all the pesky bugs!



Photo: Jonathan Hill Photography



This herb bouquet is straight out of my mom and dad's garden. The first time my dad brought a bouquet like this to a picnic, I thought, this is gorgeous!  Why didn't I think of that?  This is made up of basil, rosemary, lavender, dill, sage, mint, thyme and oregano, all from their garden! The best part is your guests can just tear off some of the fresh herbs to use to their liking.



Photo:  Southern Living

I found this use of a mason jar in this month's Southern Living and thought it would be a cute activity for the little ones.  Just tie on an inexpensive bug net and it's an instant activity. (of course I would be sure to let the fireflies go after the picnic)

Photo: Style Me Pretty

This last use of a mason jar is my absolute favorite!  It's a 'make your own ice cream in a jar' favor.  I think this would make a fun favor for a picnic or any summer event.  See the full tutorial on Style me pretty.

What's your favorite way to use a mason jar?

For the ant picnic printables click here for a FREE download!

Picnics: S'more Fun!

Yay, it's Picnic Season!  I love picnics!  Despite all the lugging and packing, I'm always eager to plan that first picnic of the season. 

I've decided to start a series of picnic related posts. So, once a week I will post picnic related ideas, recipes, tips and essentials. If there is anything in particular you would like me to post on, please feel free to email me or comment.

What's a picnic without s'mores??  To keep dessert easy and fun, why not create a s'mores bar:

Photo:  Wedding by color

Include all the ingredients needed to make s'mores:

• graham crackers
• marshmallows
• chocolate squares
• skewers for roasting marshmallows

Why not include some unconventional fixings like bananas, Reese's peanut butter cups or salted peanuts

If you're having a sit down setting, gather the ingredients and place it in a cute container to put at each place setting... this one is perfect for a Memorial Day picnic:

Don't forget to send your guests home with a favor... as reminder to 'have s'more fun!'

A final note...Thank you to all that have served our country so that we may have freedom and the opportunity for a beautiful life.  Thanks Dad!!