Game Day Cupcakes | Tiger Stripe Cupcakes + How-To Video

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3yENXg5mfnI/UiAZcK-RKKI/AAAAAAAATec/VGa4GgJDHWM/s1600/IMG_1116.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3yENXg5mfnI/UiAZcK-RKKI/AAAAAAAATec/VGa4GgJDHWM/s640/IMG_1116.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F08%2Fgame-day-cupcakes-tiger-stripes.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-GH7EyZgnmZs%2FUiAcxeR8yAI%2FAAAAAAAATeo%2FOuimKOiarK8%2Fs640%2Ftiger-stripe-cupcakes.png&description=Tiger%20Stripe%20Cupcakes%20%23GameDayRecipes%20%23TailgateFood"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GH7EyZgnmZs/UiAcxeR8yAI/AAAAAAAATeo/OuimKOiarK8/s1600/tiger-stripe-cupcakes.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GH7EyZgnmZs/UiAcxeR8yAI/AAAAAAAATeo/OuimKOiarK8/s640/tiger-stripe-cupcakes.png" width="425" /></a> </div><br />Mike and I both are proud alumni of The University of Missouri - Mizzou or MU, to the locals.  This time of year always gets our tiger spirit going - I'm snatching up every black and gold item at J.Crew and I'm thinking of fun ways to bring a tiger flare to our Game Day entertaining. <br /><br />If you do an online search for Tiger Stripe Cupcakes you'll find a slew of pastry chef creations that look remarkably perfect.  I can definitely appreciate those sort of confections, but my style is more "festive" than perfect.   <br /><br />On this blog I try to present ideas that will delight your guests... and that are simple enough that you'll actually be able to do it!  These cupcakes are a perfect example of that.  Since the <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/08/hydrangea-cupcakes-how-to-video.html">Hydrangea Cupcake Video</a> was such a hit, I've included a video with instructions for making these cupcakes.<br /><br />I have them pictured here with my<a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/all/products/celebration-candles-6"> "Mizzou Gold" Metallic Celebration Candles ($10.50)</a> to make them even more festive. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wAeLeVimA0E/UiAdTicER3I/AAAAAAAATew/T0lMB_IH2CE/s1600/IMG_1125.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wAeLeVimA0E/UiAdTicER3I/AAAAAAAATew/T0lMB_IH2CE/s640/IMG_1125.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I packed these up as a hostess gift for a friend of ours - they are boxed in one of my <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/all/products/kraft-boxes-set-of-10">kraft paper cupcake boxes (10 for $12)</a>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mBs9DiS1o5w/UiAdZr4JumI/AAAAAAAATfA/YsNol1wbPFk/s1600/IMG_1135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mBs9DiS1o5w/UiAdZr4JumI/AAAAAAAATfA/YsNol1wbPFk/s640/IMG_1135.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I tied the <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/all/products/celebration-candles-6">"Mizzou Gold" Metallic Celebration Candles</a> on top...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KnFvTeGamrY/UiAdsuvcabI/AAAAAAAATfQ/Sf5DA1y9z94/s1600/IMG_1137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KnFvTeGamrY/UiAdsuvcabI/AAAAAAAATfQ/Sf5DA1y9z94/s640/IMG_1137.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />and added a <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/all/products/custom-labels-circle">Circle Label (48 for $12)</a>, of course. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MEeiVIXl1do/UiAS1VPQCCI/AAAAAAAATdM/ifNWoAuM5xk/s1600/IMG_1099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MEeiVIXl1do/UiAS1VPQCCI/AAAAAAAATdM/ifNWoAuM5xk/s640/IMG_1099.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Buttercream Frosting :<br /><br />2 sticks of butter, softened<br />4 cups of confectioners sugar<br />1 tsp of vanilla<br /><br />In the kitchen aid fitted with the paddle attachment, whip the butter and sugar together for 5 minutes until it has transformed into a white fluffy frosting.  Add vanilla.<br /><br />To make the perfect Mizzou Gold I added a lot of yellow, a little red and tiny bit of blue.  In the photo, it was my first round of color - I ended up adding about 4x's that to get a deep color.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNIdB5j0fAE/UiAS8-Ho_PI/AAAAAAAATdU/iN7dcveDMEo/s1600/IMG_1100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNIdB5j0fAE/UiAS8-Ho_PI/AAAAAAAATdU/iN7dcveDMEo/s640/IMG_1100.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Note : the color will deepen after about 20 minutes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r4XDw6ECn8c/UiAS93CzQuI/AAAAAAAATdc/Qfm3BtFck_0/s1600/IMG_1103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r4XDw6ECn8c/UiAS93CzQuI/AAAAAAAATdc/Qfm3BtFck_0/s640/IMG_1103.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For the cupcakes, I used my favorite jumbo (but still fit in a standard cupcake pan) brown cupcake liners and a chocolate cake mix.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CSLlZMb0qVw/UiATTvnNq1I/AAAAAAAATdk/iuyJZn5nvJg/s1600/IMG_1104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CSLlZMb0qVw/UiATTvnNq1I/AAAAAAAATdk/iuyJZn5nvJg/s640/IMG_1104.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For the layer of gold frosting, I used another one of my essentials - a disposable pastry bag.  No tip necessary... just snip off the tip with a pair of scissors.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--hTrsba7MQQ/UiATbz6_eNI/AAAAAAAATd0/HmDEcuQtpwQ/s1600/IMG_1106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--hTrsba7MQQ/UiATbz6_eNI/AAAAAAAATd0/HmDEcuQtpwQ/s640/IMG_1106.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Pipe a layer of frosting on each cupcake.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NZg-5uycu3Y/UiATabHB3TI/AAAAAAAATds/XhzTV2kKlGE/s1600/IMG_1107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NZg-5uycu3Y/UiATabHB3TI/AAAAAAAATds/XhzTV2kKlGE/s640/IMG_1107.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The video below will show you my technique.  It really is so much easier than spreading it on with a knife - once you do it a couple of times, you'll see it is so fast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBvOjYucueA/UiAYwEScbMI/AAAAAAAATeE/LDsIVwARzfA/s1600/IMG_1110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBvOjYucueA/UiAYwEScbMI/AAAAAAAATeE/LDsIVwARzfA/s640/IMG_1110.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />After piping, I smooth the swirl with a knife so the chocolate stripes will go on easily.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fbq2r7gwrCI/UiAYzkIYg0I/AAAAAAAATeM/1YK7nDmmOjY/s1600/IMG_1111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fbq2r7gwrCI/UiAYzkIYg0I/AAAAAAAATeM/1YK7nDmmOjY/s640/IMG_1111.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For the chocolate stripes, I melted 1/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of cream in the microwave for 20 seconds.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ZuGhhQBOCsU" width="600"></iframe> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RDYtEFmkcQ8/UiAY43Xo_UI/AAAAAAAATeU/vKtOcRbgzrM/s1600/IMG_1115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RDYtEFmkcQ8/UiAY43Xo_UI/AAAAAAAATeU/vKtOcRbgzrM/s640/IMG_1115.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Done! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3yENXg5mfnI/UiAZcK-RKKI/AAAAAAAATec/VGa4GgJDHWM/s1600/IMG_1116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3yENXg5mfnI/UiAZcK-RKKI/AAAAAAAATec/VGa4GgJDHWM/s640/IMG_1116.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Fun and festive Tiger Stripes ready for the weekend!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Obms5vPyU7U/UiAeIT1UwvI/AAAAAAAATfY/xhouPsyu93Y/s1600/IMG_1154.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Obms5vPyU7U/UiAeIT1UwvI/AAAAAAAATfY/xhouPsyu93Y/s640/IMG_1154.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Products used : </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/all/products/brown-cupcake-muffin-papers-100-papers">Brown Cupcake Liners</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/all/products/celebration-candles-6">Mizzou Gold Celebration Candles</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RfpnvfXI1fg/UiAdWMtPkoI/AAAAAAAATe4/GOfeGdKQqto/s1600/IMG_1134.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RfpnvfXI1fg/UiAdWMtPkoI/AAAAAAAATe4/GOfeGdKQqto/s640/IMG_1134.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/all/products/kraft-boxes-set-of-10">Kraft Cupcake Box</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/all/products/custom-labels-circle">Custom Circle Labels</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F08%2Fgame-day-cupcakes-tiger-stripes.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-GH7EyZgnmZs%2FUiAcxeR8yAI%2FAAAAAAAATeo%2FOuimKOiarK8%2Fs640%2Ftiger-stripe-cupcakes.png&description=Tiger%20Stripe%20Cupcakes%20%23GameDayRecipes%20%23TailgateFood"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

Game Day Cupcakes | Tiger Stripe Cupcakes + How-To Video

Mike and I both are proud alumni of The University of Missouri - Mizzou or MU, to the locals.  This time of year always gets our tiger spir...

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Pico de Gallo

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M2s9gMmscW8/Uh-xd_e4_oI/AAAAAAAATcg/Xna1ILTMBak/s1600/IMG_1074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M2s9gMmscW8/Uh-xd_e4_oI/AAAAAAAATcg/Xna1ILTMBak/s640/IMG_1074.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Sometimes it is best to keep it simple...  Fabulous on tacos, enchiladas, a chip, <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/08/oven-baked-steak-nachos-game-day.html">steak nachos</a>, etc.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6NJj2SektfQ/Uh-xdwtGDZI/AAAAAAAATcc/kRSUxTqWT40/s1600/IMG_1075.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6NJj2SektfQ/Uh-xdwtGDZI/AAAAAAAATcc/kRSUxTqWT40/s640/IMG_1075.jpg" width="425" /></a><i><span style="font-size: large;">Pico de Gallo</span></i><br />serves a crowd <br /><br />3 large tomatoes, diced<br />1 white onion, diced<br />1 bunch cilantro, chopped<br />lime<br />1 teaspoon (or more) sea salt<br /><br />Combine tomatoes, onion and cilantro in a medium bowl.  Squeeze in fresh lime juice and salt.  Toss.  <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MsY81ytdgWU/Uh-xdiK6r7I/AAAAAAAATck/7fIbMk2LSL4/s1600/IMG_1076.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MsY81ytdgWU/Uh-xdiK6r7I/AAAAAAAATck/7fIbMk2LSL4/s640/IMG_1076.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AveLuXXzpbA/Uh-yeFCXOrI/AAAAAAAATc4/RuaOUA0HmJg/s1600/IMG_1098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AveLuXXzpbA/Uh-yeFCXOrI/AAAAAAAATc4/RuaOUA0HmJg/s640/IMG_1098.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/08/oven-baked-steak-nachos-game-day.html">Oven-Baked Steak Nachos for Game Day</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Pico de Gallo

Sometimes it is best to keep it simple...  Fabulous on tacos, enchiladas, a chip, steak nachos , etc. Pico de Gallo serves a crowd 3 large t...

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Oven-Baked Steak Nachos | Game Day Favorites

<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d-g-A7CVUjY/Uh4D-pXusnI/AAAAAAAATcM/Ib5RLpI8ocI/s1600/IMG_1098.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d-g-A7CVUjY/Uh4D-pXusnI/AAAAAAAATcM/Ib5RLpI8ocI/s640/IMG_1098.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The secret to great looking party food is abundance.  When I'm putting together a platter of any kind (even at a casual gameday party), I try to make it as abundant as possible.  I know there are a lot of trends that present food in minimal style, but that goes against the way we inherently think about (and crave) food.  I always want our guests to feel like they've been invited to indulge in an endless buffet of tempting treats - and the best way to do this is with full, bountiful platters of beautiful food.<br /><br /><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F08%2Foven-baked-steak-nachos-game-day.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-RTrKwwuWwEY%2FUh4BpzJIWYI%2FAAAAAAAATaU%2FDnk_HmQc5n0%2Fs640%2FSteak-Nachos-pin.png&description=Oven-Baked%20Steak%20Nachos%20-%20Game%20Day%20Favorites%20%23tailgate%20%23football"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a><br /><br />Yep, I'm talking about Nachos.  I know, a pretty fancy intro to one of the most basic appetizers of all time.  However, I think most people forget about fixing nachos at home.  They are the perfect bountiful looking appetizer to put out for a game day party... and verrrry simple.<br /><br />That's what entertaining is all about, right?  Easy food that everyone loves... and whether or not we want to admit it - we all love a huge pile of nachos.  It might not be a slow-roasted beef tenderloin, but it is still an indulgence.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a446W-UOtAM/Uh4Bf_EkbtI/AAAAAAAATaM/NKkPnKhpyKc/s1600/Steak-Nachos.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a446W-UOtAM/Uh4Bf_EkbtI/AAAAAAAATaM/NKkPnKhpyKc/s640/Steak-Nachos.png" width="426" /></a></div>I make mine in layers so each chip is covered with melted cheese (one of Mike's requests), and then I top it with sliced steak, black beans and more cheese, then bake it in the oven.  Finally, I top it with homemade pico, sweet corn and cilantro to add a fresh (I won't kid myself and say healthy...) element.   <br /><br /><i>oven-baked </i><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Steak Nachos</span><br /><i>serves a crowd </i><br /><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F08%2Foven-baked-steak-nachos-game-day.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-RTrKwwuWwEY%2FUh4BpzJIWYI%2FAAAAAAAATaU%2FDnk_HmQc5n0%2Fs640%2FSteak-Nachos-pin.png&description=Oven-Baked%20Steak%20Nachos%20-%20Game%20Day%20Favorites%20%23tailgate%20%23football"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a><br /><br /><i>New! <a href="http://mad.ly/signups/118273/join"><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">Printable Recipes</span>, here.</a></i><br /><br />1/2 lb. Steak<br />Taco/Baja/Fajita Seasoning<br />1 bag of tortilla chips<br />Cheddar Cheese<br />Monterey Jack Cheese<br />Black Beans<br />Fresh Corn<br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/08/pico-de-gallo.html">Pico de Gallo (recipe here)</a><br />Cilantro <br />Green Onions<br /><br />Coat the steak in seasoning.  Grill until medium rare - about 3 minutes on each side.  Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qd888igL0L4/Uh4CMd4T9GI/AAAAAAAATa0/m8xWvV0Ep6M/s1600/IMG_1078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qd888igL0L4/Uh4CMd4T9GI/AAAAAAAATa0/m8xWvV0Ep6M/s640/IMG_1078.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />First layer of chips. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1V2MZ67HGSI/Uh4Cj3WGIbI/AAAAAAAATa8/Xh0OWB9F9WU/s1600/IMG_1079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1V2MZ67HGSI/Uh4Cj3WGIbI/AAAAAAAATa8/Xh0OWB9F9WU/s640/IMG_1079.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Layer of shredded cheese. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rQXMZq7sFlU/Uh4CuWsNFAI/AAAAAAAATbM/-1IT9ylSQfU/s1600/IMG_1081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rQXMZq7sFlU/Uh4CuWsNFAI/AAAAAAAATbM/-1IT9ylSQfU/s640/IMG_1081.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Second layer of chips + Monterey Jack Cheese. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fKc1UZqka_4/Uh4Cp-A4RyI/AAAAAAAATbE/DyjMsn-lYCk/s1600/IMG_1082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fKc1UZqka_4/Uh4Cp-A4RyI/AAAAAAAATbE/DyjMsn-lYCk/s640/IMG_1082.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Black Beans <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l6OB5aHu7FA/Uh4DI8-TofI/AAAAAAAATbU/KIJ9CA0PKww/s1600/IMG_1083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l6OB5aHu7FA/Uh4DI8-TofI/AAAAAAAATbU/KIJ9CA0PKww/s640/IMG_1083.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Cheddar Cheese <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0tEiZ0n5wBs/Uh4DJ7IQjGI/AAAAAAAATbc/IsTN1MZY2Co/s1600/IMG_1085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0tEiZ0n5wBs/Uh4DJ7IQjGI/AAAAAAAATbc/IsTN1MZY2Co/s640/IMG_1085.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Sliced Steak <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X3JeqSXXZzo/Uh4DJ-4_huI/AAAAAAAATbg/udhITYyJkQo/s1600/IMG_1086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X3JeqSXXZzo/Uh4DJ-4_huI/AAAAAAAATbg/udhITYyJkQo/s640/IMG_1086.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />This is a perfect medium rare - you can use flank steak, strip or sirloin.  Just slice it as thin as you can so it is easy to eat. <br /><br />Pop it a 350 degree the oven for 10 minutes to melt the cheese.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n1wopnGq03I/Uh4DolJDo7I/AAAAAAAATb0/isyr7UjDoX8/s1600/IMG_1087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n1wopnGq03I/Uh4DolJDo7I/AAAAAAAATb0/isyr7UjDoX8/s640/IMG_1087.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Then top with the <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/08/pico-de-gallo.html">pico de gallo</a> (<a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/08/pico-de-gallo.html">recipe, here</a>, but you can also use store-bought) and sweet corn.  For the corn, I just cut kernels off of the ears of corn - no cooking necessary. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PK_BxYYOt6U/Uh4DpbB1FuI/AAAAAAAATb8/_XoSlKrTR-I/s1600/IMG_1090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PK_BxYYOt6U/Uh4DpbB1FuI/AAAAAAAATb8/_XoSlKrTR-I/s640/IMG_1090.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Add fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for extra freshness. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-FYWOZVLKs/Uh4D7L5D3DI/AAAAAAAATcE/wGz47rsC6gQ/s1600/IMG_1097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-FYWOZVLKs/Uh4D7L5D3DI/AAAAAAAATcE/wGz47rsC6gQ/s640/IMG_1097.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Deee-lissssh-usssh, as Emma would say. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RTrKwwuWwEY/Uh4BpzJIWYI/AAAAAAAATaU/Dnk_HmQc5n0/s1600/Steak-Nachos-pin.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RTrKwwuWwEY/Uh4BpzJIWYI/AAAAAAAATaU/Dnk_HmQc5n0/s1600/Steak-Nachos-pin.png" /></a><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F08%2Foven-baked-steak-nachos-game-day.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-RTrKwwuWwEY%2FUh4BpzJIWYI%2FAAAAAAAATaU%2FDnk_HmQc5n0%2Fs640%2FSteak-Nachos-pin.png&description=Oven-Baked%20Steak%20Nachos%20-%20Game%20Day%20Favorites%20%23tailgate%20%23football"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a> <script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

Oven-Baked Steak Nachos | Game Day Favorites

The secret to great looking party food is abundance.  When I'm putting together a platter of any kind (even at a casual gameday party), ...

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Game Day! Tailgate Party Recipes & Decor Ideas

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rRlqLCiQ2Pc/Tm54piOwatI/AAAAAAAAGCI/c30pw2gMb6U/s1600/Fall+Tailgate+Party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rRlqLCiQ2Pc/Tm54piOwatI/AAAAAAAAGCI/c30pw2gMb6U/s640/Fall+Tailgate+Party.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I'm re-posting this from two years ago - I set this party up in our backyard at our <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/search/label/concord%20ma">house in Concord</a><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/search/label/concord%20ma">, Ma.</a> (if you're new, you can read about our journey there and back, <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/search/label/concord%20ma">here</a>).  Rarely do I look back at older posts and still like the photos, but this one I still love.  I think I was a little homesick for game days at our Alma Mater, that designing this inspiration party made me feel a little bit like I was there.  We've been back "home" for a year now (almost exactly) and in typical fashion, I'm starting to get an itch for New England again.  I've got my sights set on <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/11/trip-to-deerfield-mass-new-england-day.html">another Fall Foliage trip</a> back to visit.<br /><br />This week we'll be doing some more of my Game Day favorites - ideas that are good for watch parties and tailgates.  There might some oven-baked Steak Nachos in our future... stay tuned!<br /><br />....<br /><br />'Tis the season for... tailgating!  Game Day is a big occasion among my college friends and our families.  When we were in college, our Game Days started early in the morning with Hammers at Harpo's (Go Mizzou!) and ended up having dinner (breakfast?) at an all night diner.  We hopped from tailgate to tailgate, then bar to bar - we didn't have a care in the world, nor did we know who won the game.<br /><br />Now-a-days, we actually go into the stadium for games to, gasp, watch the game, and see the Game Days as a time to catch up with college buddies to talk about the glory days.  Our tailgates are more focused on food and catching up than the keg... most of the time.   <br /><br />There is nothing better than starting off a crisp Fall day by staking your claim in a soon-to-be packed parking lot, hanging your flag, starting the grill and pouring Bloody Marys.  Game Day is an excuse to graze all day long - it is never too early in the day for whoopie pies, chips, dogs or a cold beer.  <br /><br />I've put together a Game Day Party Menu that will be perfect for the parking lot or at your home for a TV watch party.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v5g_WIs9X7E/Tm54s7PeLZI/AAAAAAAAGCM/aWUsKtSaQKs/s1600/Fall+Tailgate+Overhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v5g_WIs9X7E/Tm54s7PeLZI/AAAAAAAAGCM/aWUsKtSaQKs/s640/Fall+Tailgate+Overhead.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Game Day Menu : </span><br /><i>On the Road or at Home</i><br /><br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/09/pulled-pork-sliders-game-day-recipe.html">Pulled Pork Sliders</a><br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/09/creamy-spinach-dip-game-day-recipes.html">Creamy Spinach with Tortilla Chips</a><br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/09/pigs-in-blanket-game-day-recipes.html">Pigs in a Blanket with Mustard Dipping Sauce</a><br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/09/football-whoopie-pies-game-day-recipes.html">Football Whoopie Pies</a><br />Pumpkin Beers<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bu7UcsZRgqg/Tm540BoUUpI/AAAAAAAAGCY/09tP6XpX1S8/s1600/IMG_6232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bu7UcsZRgqg/Tm540BoUUpI/AAAAAAAAGCY/09tP6XpX1S8/s640/IMG_6232.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spinach Dip is a Game Day classic - great hot or cold!  <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/09/creamy-spinach-dip-game-day-recipes.html">Creamy Spinach Dip Recipe >></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bApEVYmJQPc/Tm55hjmN7QI/AAAAAAAAGDI/85apRf3qgIM/s1600/IMG_6187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bApEVYmJQPc/Tm55hjmN7QI/AAAAAAAAGDI/85apRf3qgIM/s640/IMG_6187.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pulled Pork Sliders - gotta have meat at any Game Day feast.  <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/09/pulled-pork-sliders-game-day-recipe.html">Pulled Pork Recipe >></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nr_xQVyOYfo/Tm54usTK6LI/AAAAAAAAGCQ/L7roFQ3Shes/s1600/IMG_6178.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nr_xQVyOYfo/Tm54usTK6LI/AAAAAAAAGCQ/L7roFQ3Shes/s640/IMG_6178.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Classic Pigs in a Blanket - an oldie, but a goodie!  <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/09/pigs-in-blanket-game-day-recipes.html">Pigs in a Blanket Recipe >></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7gS22xCkPh8/Tm542Qx_tkI/AAAAAAAAGCk/JuKisNH3MpA/s1600/IMG_6127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7gS22xCkPh8/Tm542Qx_tkI/AAAAAAAAGCk/JuKisNH3MpA/s640/IMG_6127.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Whoopie Pies shaped like Footballs - so easy and made from a cake mix.  <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/09/football-whoopie-pies-game-day-recipes.html">Football Whoopies Recipe >></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bc7sJTdlsdg/Tm544cly-oI/AAAAAAAAGCo/e44smA66gCQ/s1600/IMG_6131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bc7sJTdlsdg/Tm544cly-oI/AAAAAAAAGCo/e44smA66gCQ/s640/IMG_6131.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin Beers are perfect for Fall</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9EtvuXFdFwY/Tm547iGJK0I/AAAAAAAAGCs/Z295GatGgoc/s1600/IMG_6239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9EtvuXFdFwY/Tm547iGJK0I/AAAAAAAAGCs/Z295GatGgoc/s640/IMG_6239.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Bring along some seasonal pumpkins and gourds to add to the festivities. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5IS6JNRWF44/Tm55Bl1Wm9I/AAAAAAAAGC4/-Vyneyo2lfc/s1600/IMG_6088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5IS6JNRWF44/Tm55Bl1Wm9I/AAAAAAAAGC4/-Vyneyo2lfc/s640/IMG_6088.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I made this pennant from scraps of fabric and paper attached to a grosgrain ribbon.  This decoration can be used year after year - I made one to hang on our mantle during our game day parties, too.   </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4lj2N7LWuzY/Tm55I7QHP3I/AAAAAAAAGDA/k6eitjE7jig/s1600/IMG_6219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4lj2N7LWuzY/Tm55I7QHP3I/AAAAAAAAGDA/k6eitjE7jig/s640/IMG_6219.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Instead of a table cloth, I used a plaid throw that featured our teams colors - blankets work great for casual throws for tailgating.  Make sure they are washable! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Game Day! Tailgate Party Recipes & Decor Ideas

I'm re-posting this from two years ago - I set this party up in our backyard at our house in Concord , Ma. (if you're new, you can ...

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Privet Berry Blue | Color Swatch Feature of the Week

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJ2xLnV9ld8/UhZ8r1vFEvI/AAAAAAAATZs/ER7Qryhnlbs/s1600/privet-berry-photo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJ2xLnV9ld8/UhZ8r1vFEvI/AAAAAAAATZs/ER7Qryhnlbs/s640/privet-berry-photo.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TmbsEPlbhYg/UhZ5qAiamLI/AAAAAAAATZQ/aIQjHVcTX0E/s1600/JMH_0791.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TmbsEPlbhYg/UhZ5qAiamLI/AAAAAAAATZQ/aIQjHVcTX0E/s640/JMH_0791.jpg" width="426" /></a> As I mentioned, designing the colors for my new store collection was my favorite part of the process.  I named the colors after my favorite places and things - each evokes a special memory for me.  Each week I'm going to feature a post about one of the colors to help you know exactly what the color looks like in person and to help you know the history behind it.</div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Privet Berry Blue</i></span><br /><br />When we were planning <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-life-our-wedding-seaside-florida-inn.html">our wedding</a> (almost three years ago... I can't decide if it feels like 2 or 10!) I fell in love with privet berries.  I loved their dusty, deep, muted blue color.  They are close to a navy blue, but have a bit more of a grey undertone, instead of the royal undertone of navy.  <br /><br />Here is one of the long dining tables at our reception.  Each menu card had a sprig of privet berries.  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U8W_NSif_cA/UhZ5qcDNWZI/AAAAAAAATZU/FvJPADLldTE/s1600/JMH_0795.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U8W_NSif_cA/UhZ5qcDNWZI/AAAAAAAATZU/FvJPADLldTE/s640/JMH_0795.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is another view of the table settings.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B3_3TM8oops/UhZ5pRutdKI/AAAAAAAATZA/rZDbswln2QY/s1600/JMH_0548-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B3_3TM8oops/UhZ5pRutdKI/AAAAAAAATZA/rZDbswln2QY/s640/JMH_0548-1.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The other colors in <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-life-our-wedding-seaside-florida-inn.html">our wedding</a> were muted - <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/">Chadwick Grey, Navajo Cream & Bliss Blue</a> - of course.   The deep Privet Berry Blue really added some sophisticated contrast.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can see more of our wedding photos <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-life-our-wedding-seaside-florida-inn.html">here</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9p6OPAArUng/UhbSTKyjWzI/AAAAAAAATZ8/9ET_vz2BeVc/s1600/IMG_7024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9p6OPAArUng/UhbSTKyjWzI/AAAAAAAATZ8/9ET_vz2BeVc/s640/IMG_7024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Isn't it funny how our favorite things happen to pop up everywhere?  Before our wedding, I had only seen privet berries in the pages of Martha Stewart.  Then six months later when we had moved to New England, I discovered Privet Hedges (above in winter) in East Hampton.  They are everywhere.  Another one of my colors in the collection is called "East Hampton Hedge" - it is a spring green sort of color... maybe I'll write a feature about that next week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--s5yLw0INfo/UhZ5oC2_ZfI/AAAAAAAATY0/nFKmQ-WsQ80/s1600/IMG_0992.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--s5yLw0INfo/UhZ5oC2_ZfI/AAAAAAAATY0/nFKmQ-WsQ80/s640/IMG_0992.jpg" width="426" /></a> Here are the Privet Berry Blue candles made by Creative Candles (the Creative Candles name for this color is "Wedgwood").   </div><br />Here I have the candles shown with the <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/linens">Linen Hemstitch Napkins</a> with a "Seaside" monogram.<br /><br />These are the <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/candles/products/hand-dipped-taper-candles-12-set-of-2">12" Taper candles, $10.50</a> for the pair.<br /><br />You can also order <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/linens">embroidered monograms</a> and <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging/products/custom-labels-vertical-rectangle">custom printed labels</a> in Privet Berry Blue.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0trRIRMeis/UhZ4kK1MGDI/AAAAAAAATX0/OjXQhzKrx3w/s1600/IMG_0947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0trRIRMeis/UhZ4kK1MGDI/AAAAAAAATX0/OjXQhzKrx3w/s640/IMG_0947.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Last weekend at the market, I saw a bunch of Privet Berries for sale - the first time I've ever seen them to buy.  I knew I had to get them. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6SZZlsa7saI/UhZ4guiQSKI/AAAAAAAATXo/33xJ8XrAAWg/s1600/IMG_0953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6SZZlsa7saI/UhZ4guiQSKI/AAAAAAAATXo/33xJ8XrAAWg/s640/IMG_0953.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used them a couple of different places - in this pitcher in the <a href="http://www.jennysteffens.com/housetour.html">Living Room</a>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k6dyhYNrRcI/UhZ5JuP7gLI/AAAAAAAATYQ/VYSI6ptddtw/s1600/IMG_0968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k6dyhYNrRcI/UhZ5JuP7gLI/AAAAAAAATYQ/VYSI6ptddtw/s640/IMG_0968.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Tucked in with these blue hydrangea. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LCBKr-STibw/UhZ5guZW9DI/AAAAAAAATYY/TtAGUQ7cIog/s1600/IMG_0979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LCBKr-STibw/UhZ5guZW9DI/AAAAAAAATYY/TtAGUQ7cIog/s640/IMG_0979.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I also started noticing this sort of muted deep blue in other spots around my house - here the accents in the Living Room Rug have a deep blue-grey color.  Do you remember the <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-great-rug-debate-is-over-living.html">Great Rug Debate</a>?   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--OqWuN0uME4/UhZ5lW2MKII/AAAAAAAATYg/9RDZpUi6aUs/s1600/IMG_0986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--OqWuN0uME4/UhZ5lW2MKII/AAAAAAAATYg/9RDZpUi6aUs/s640/IMG_0986.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here is my Seaside hat in a very Privet Berry Blue looking color... I know Seaside hat in Privet Berry Blue... things are getting a little confusing around here!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Browse the entire Color Collection of Linens, Labels & Candles, <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/">here</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Privet Berry Blue | Color Swatch Feature of the Week

As I mentioned, designing the colors for my new store collection was my favorite part of the process.  I named the colors after my favorite...

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