I really enjoy hosting parties and bringing people together. It's just something I've always done and I'm just wired that way. When I moved to Utah I picked a CrossFit gym that was close by and started going every day. The ladies at this gym were so warm and friendly and welcomed me with open arms. To show my appreciation months later, I invited them all to my home for lunch. What transpired was something so special that I did not expect! Everyone started sharing things that were deep and personal and I realized that we had all bonded over some life experiences we all had in common. There were tears shed and expressions of love, understanding, and compassion for one another. Since that time, we have gathered every so often and continued this tradition. One of my favorite memories of our first gathering was when I went to do the laundry the following day, I noticed that all of the cloth napkins we'd used for lunch had make-up stains from when we were all
Romantic Valentines Tablescape and Dinner for Two
Have you ever wanted to stay home on Valentine's Day and do something romantic for your sweetie? One of the things my husband loves is my cooking. It is the way to his heart and I know how much he loves it when I make that effort for him. This gave me the idea a few years ago to do a romantic dinner at home and create a romantic tablescape for two! It's fun to go out to dinner somewhere fancy but it's also fun changing it up and doing something different.
I created this romantic tablescape to inspire you to change it up a bit and celebrate at home with your sweetheart. You can keep it simple or you can go all out. It's up to you! I'm also including some of the recipes that you can make that are not too complicated and are sure to make your significant other very happy! One of the ways I show my love to everyone in my life is to cook for them and setting a pretty table is just an
Cherry Chip Mini Bundt Cakes
These mini bundt cakes are so easy to make and don't take a lot of time. I made these for Valentine's Day and everyone loved them.
For the recipe, I took one Cherry Chip cake mix and followed the directions on the box (eggs, water, oil). I then added a small package of vanilla pudding and an extra 1/4 cup water to the mixing bowl and mixed for 1-2 minutes. I baked the cakes in a greased mini bundt pan, (I'll link the pan below) baked them for 10-12 minutes and let them cool on a cooling rack. For the glaze, I mixed 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 4-5 Tbsps. of the Maraschino cherry juice, 1 tsp. almond extract. It should be a little runny. If you don't have the cherry juice from the jar of maraschino cherries you can use milk or water instead and add pink food coloring if you want the frosting pink. Put a ziplock bag in a cup and fold the edges over the cup then scoop the frosting into the ziplock bag. Snip a tiny amount off thePretty In Pink Valentines Day Tablescape
Sharing how to create a pretty Pink and white Valentines Tablescape for Valentines Day. Pink and White dinnerware with fresh flowers.
I created this pretty pink and white Valentines tablescape for a family Valentines Day dinner. We always have Sunday dinner with our family and friends and I enjoy cooking for everyone, This tradition of sharing a meal at least once a week helps keeps our family close. Our children are all in college in Utah and when we are at the Highland house, we always try to get everyone together. I love that my grown children still want to come home and spend time with us.
I often use faux flowers for the garland or centerpiece on my table but when I went to the wholesale flower market and saw these beautiful pink garden roses, I knew I wanted to create a centerpiece with them. They were so beautiful and smelled amazing too! I grabbed a few other bunches of pinkish berries and some greenery to