Summer Brew | Orange & Blueberry Wheat Beer

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTzHdRuWPBZp7Ow9jNuRWtqbMx_qoRUmva2_6xVc-pjRQHxGqlG9cbpEZSvVF3wBXKyRmCBMjIt0x8k-E176hJDCeh4vQheBK1-_2dnhyu_ay39hSLZtAU-mLfcj-nyXwZJZl_Rwj13M/s1600/IMG_1468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTzHdRuWPBZp7Ow9jNuRWtqbMx_qoRUmva2_6xVc-pjRQHxGqlG9cbpEZSvVF3wBXKyRmCBMjIt0x8k-E176hJDCeh4vQheBK1-_2dnhyu_ay39hSLZtAU-mLfcj-nyXwZJZl_Rwj13M/s640/IMG_1468.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONmGEObObFLLgbbvK_EIZmvUaX7DOMFJKK1ExowO9KU4s2yoLQwBIAqXJtdyU9qFHFAt0gSmYZNQAxcV0kldPDHTlxsVgph6OJgkju0Pb33sE6C4UKeXe88BkBQ4Tju2GdVHbTxw8qMs/s1600/summer-brew_02.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONmGEObObFLLgbbvK_EIZmvUaX7DOMFJKK1ExowO9KU4s2yoLQwBIAqXJtdyU9qFHFAt0gSmYZNQAxcV0kldPDHTlxsVgph6OJgkju0Pb33sE6C4UKeXe88BkBQ4Tju2GdVHbTxw8qMs/s400/summer-brew_02.jpg" width="262" /></a> Summer Brews are the best - refreshing, flavorful, citrus-y and light.  The original Summer Brew is beer mixed with vodka lemonade.  Delicious.  However, I'm a huge fan of wheat beers (Boulevard, Blue Moon, etc.) topped with an orange... so, I created my own version of a summer brew with fresh squeezed orange juice, vodka and wheat beer.  I garnished it with fresh blue berries and an orange slice to make it colorful and fun... it is, after all, a cocktail.<br /><br /><i>Orange & Blueberry</i><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Summer Brew</span><br /><i>4 cocktails</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%2F06%2Fsummer-brew-orange-blueberry-wheat-beer.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-rwQS3ZWIiE8%2FUcsYLfKz-iI%2FAAAAAAAAS1w%2FxE6leu_x_AE%2Fs400%2Fsummer-brew_02.jpg&description=Summer%20Brew%20Cocktail%20%3A%20Wheat%20Beer%20with%2C%20Vodka%2C%20Orange%20%26%20Blueberry"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a><br /><br />3 oranges, 2 juiced, 1 sliced<br />1/2 cup of water<br />1 tablespoon of sugar <br />1/4 cup of vodka<br />4 wheat beers (ex. Boulevard, Blue Moon)<br />Fresh Blue Berries<br /><br />Mix together the fresh orange juice, water, sugar and vodka just before the party - keep it cold in the refrigerator, then add the beer and garnishes when served. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5MJpVxFY6bzt3e0Pc2GRniKznjLdiypCtkKUokPyf_Q6jbwwpn9imKTQJn7P65vwIa6z_aaq_8e06_14pPGWN61DIdSLmXZ3wsFA1gG2s4QCZHt46SMwY4_fmXaaxXiWeUcXfVD5sWY/s1600/IMG_1503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5MJpVxFY6bzt3e0Pc2GRniKznjLdiypCtkKUokPyf_Q6jbwwpn9imKTQJn7P65vwIa6z_aaq_8e06_14pPGWN61DIdSLmXZ3wsFA1gG2s4QCZHt46SMwY4_fmXaaxXiWeUcXfVD5sWY/s640/IMG_1503.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Summer Brews are great for outdoor parties - more refreshing than wine on these hot summer evenings. <br /><br />Get the <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/06/brown-sugar-sesame-steak-kebab-marinade.html">Marinated Steak Kebabs recipe</a>, here. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmEgacu3eks4s4e1JG7KCP8COsVw_H7qnZIbEg_81s-reAIAmPrcWmKb358-Reywh5ku5YcequzWNSidgKlCduc9nhyphenhyphenuLK4ciIuwr27LFQBf-FFOU0WE-GJp3YEIc6fiO5Q3XROI41s4/s1600/IMG_1485.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmEgacu3eks4s4e1JG7KCP8COsVw_H7qnZIbEg_81s-reAIAmPrcWmKb358-Reywh5ku5YcequzWNSidgKlCduc9nhyphenhyphenuLK4ciIuwr27LFQBf-FFOU0WE-GJp3YEIc6fiO5Q3XROI41s4/s640/IMG_1485.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />See all of the details of my <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/06/an-outdoor-dinner-party-on-our-porch.html">Outdoor Dinner Party, here</a>. <script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

Summer Brew | Orange & Blueberry Wheat Beer

Summer Brews are the best - refreshing, flavorful, citrus-y and light.  The original Summer Brew is beer mixed with vodka lemonade.  Delici...

Read more »

Brown Sugar & Sesame Steak Kebab Marinade

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjeHIND9y_C6JiQqHJlWMOeRz_i3kPVkk42A7NnN2STt37ktQs-FksYhqKIEFDM8ncnzTwTsGl9ZetsSrX7SkB8NVaHWUsYHzMIRcSmfwYRvmR7CxZBkluotnYkd-nNFdGnB_2CM2ZHk/s1600/IMG_1503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjeHIND9y_C6JiQqHJlWMOeRz_i3kPVkk42A7NnN2STt37ktQs-FksYhqKIEFDM8ncnzTwTsGl9ZetsSrX7SkB8NVaHWUsYHzMIRcSmfwYRvmR7CxZBkluotnYkd-nNFdGnB_2CM2ZHk/s640/IMG_1503.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I probably sound like a broken record - but I love Kebabs.  You can read more about my testaments (love affair?), here in my <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/brown-sugar-chili-lime-grilled-chicken.html">Brown Sugar Chili Lime Chicken Kebabs post</a>.  Really, I think a great kebabs are all about the marinade.  During the fall and winter months, we love <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/12/filet-mignon-filet-of-beef-seared.html">searing our steaks</a> on the stove-top seasoned with just salt and pepper, but... during the warm months we start craving more flavor.  Because kebabs are cut into smaller pieces, then marinaded, you end up with really flavorful steak.  This is a simple recipe - you don't even have to use the sesame oil if you don't have it, any oil will work.<br /><br />For the more details about our <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/06/an-outdoor-dinner-party-on-our-porch.html">Outdoor Dinner Party</a>, including table setting and the menu, <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/06/an-outdoor-dinner-party-on-our-porch.html">click here</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTCNhJKR-3COsYJeJEnGUtkPsi2knIjl9zZD70r8qPvCy5inRqnhvnwc9TvpkZUJQEB_qKtm_K715qR9odgBrIdjqq49uOGEv7eGe0q5d9SAvgA_fKhX5WdQzQQP2XBTOAhkuXw138c0/s1600/steak-kebabs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTCNhJKR-3COsYJeJEnGUtkPsi2knIjl9zZD70r8qPvCy5inRqnhvnwc9TvpkZUJQEB_qKtm_K715qR9odgBrIdjqq49uOGEv7eGe0q5d9SAvgA_fKhX5WdQzQQP2XBTOAhkuXw138c0/s640/steak-kebabs.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>Brown Sugar & Sesame<br /><i><span style="font-size: large;">Steak Kebab Marinade </span></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%2F06%2Fbrown-sugar-sesame-steak-kebab-marinade.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-iC8CVMR7pqQ%2FUcmm9C66v4I%2FAAAAAAAAS0w%2FOhs_0NGEi6A%2Fs640%2Fsteak-kebabs.jpg&description=The%20BEST%20Brown%20Sugar%20%26%20Sesame%20Steak%20Kebab%20Marinade%20"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a><br /><br />2 pounds of steak (I used strip steaks)<br />Vegetables (I used squash)<br />1/3 cup soy sauce<br />1/3 cup of brown sugar <br />1/3 cup toasted (dark) sesame oil<br />2 tablespoons minced garlic<br />Sea Salt & Pepper<br />Wooden Skewers <br /><br />Soak skewers in water for 30 minutes.<br /><br />Trim fat from steaks and cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes.  Slice squash into thin rounds.  <br /><br />In a large bowl, stir together soy, brown sugar, oil and garlic.  Add vegetables and steak.  Toss to coat.  Let marinade in the refrigerator (if you have time - up to overnight).<br /><br />Skewer before grilling.  Grill on high flame for 2 minutes on each side until hot pink in the middle - it will not take very long!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJqYch6kS0fSpzQXRChGNdQWNMc81JLKd7WDmw9U0fDs2td_wk1Po0vztOO08fIiM2rMXEkXD6X-dnKHAHbnPWuC2tN6oY52W4vmNWpy8zHvkzzWqojeAOFHsrztKoEaVv2vSteIXRx0/s1600/IMG_1500.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJqYch6kS0fSpzQXRChGNdQWNMc81JLKd7WDmw9U0fDs2td_wk1Po0vztOO08fIiM2rMXEkXD6X-dnKHAHbnPWuC2tN6oY52W4vmNWpy8zHvkzzWqojeAOFHsrztKoEaVv2vSteIXRx0/s640/IMG_1500.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroEi5kzYUAmqjGU26HFjmLkRULee1QylQ-6iHOgx2BYdQZKjXjTUt5B9wT0aDDrzJXAA8rZQtqPP9Qf-1JFaAUXwB9sAolXFZ5ilmVZl0yRdshvYUalInPK0AItCFNH7pv-8AOJ8AY_Y/s1600/IMG_1485.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroEi5kzYUAmqjGU26HFjmLkRULee1QylQ-6iHOgx2BYdQZKjXjTUt5B9wT0aDDrzJXAA8rZQtqPP9Qf-1JFaAUXwB9sAolXFZ5ilmVZl0yRdshvYUalInPK0AItCFNH7pv-8AOJ8AY_Y/s640/IMG_1485.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>I served our kebabs with simple grilled fingerling potatoes... recipe to come!<br /><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%2F06%2Fbrown-sugar-sesame-steak-kebab-marinade.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-iC8CVMR7pqQ%2FUcmm9C66v4I%2FAAAAAAAAS0w%2FOhs_0NGEi6A%2Fs640%2Fsteak-kebabs.jpg&description=The%20BEST%20Brown%20Sugar%20%26%20Sesame%20Steak%20Kebab%20Marinade%20"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a><br /><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

Brown Sugar & Sesame Steak Kebab Marinade

  I probably sound like a broken record - but I love Kebabs.  You can read more about my testaments (love affair?), here in my Brown Sugar C...

Read more »

An Outdoor Dinner Party on our Porch | Blue Hydrangeas

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsdAxANkjEApkFZBOQOrv3ObKZ0WZMXcqNQxE6iBmJUgUZZCkggscrfpExhnUtWhNRKfoFCnB6BB6P9vL69Q9GXcX0F_K9izRqo0KjVM1C4m6ecywQWUnPvuQVjMf27ozTXM3jHWVAKI/s1600/IMG_1551.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsdAxANkjEApkFZBOQOrv3ObKZ0WZMXcqNQxE6iBmJUgUZZCkggscrfpExhnUtWhNRKfoFCnB6BB6P9vL69Q9GXcX0F_K9izRqo0KjVM1C4m6ecywQWUnPvuQVjMf27ozTXM3jHWVAKI/s640/IMG_1551.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 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bTAvftP_8n_-SpiCo6zOv2Li5QyokrGhhYI1cgdcnp0iIdyK6Fmi3uVRV5JFj9IAQxMrxz1vh3CewhfBwqO6_GD7qN_Fy0khLdtUYYrAiwGaoOZoAvUSwUHrsmUIxtt0MImCPb9x-r8/s1600/IMG_1529.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bTAvftP_8n_-SpiCo6zOv2Li5QyokrGhhYI1cgdcnp0iIdyK6Fmi3uVRV5JFj9IAQxMrxz1vh3CewhfBwqO6_GD7qN_Fy0khLdtUYYrAiwGaoOZoAvUSwUHrsmUIxtt0MImCPb9x-r8/s400/IMG_1529.jpg" width="266" /></a> Recently, we hosted a dinner for a dear friend of ours that was in town.  As I mentioned in <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-porch-kind-of-weekend-breakfast.html">my "A Porch Kind of Weekend" post</a>, I love eating out on our porch - but previously had only had casual meals on our loveseats.  After writing my monthly article for <a href="http://www.mywell-being.com/outdoor-entertaining-101-0">MyWell-Being.com</a> all about creative Outdoor Entertaining, I was itching to set a complete table outside... so, I pulled our dinning room furniture out onto the porch for a magical dinner alfresco.</div><br />Read more of my Outdoor Entertaining tips and inspiration in my recent post on <a href="http://www.mywell-being.com/outdoor-entertaining-101-0">MyWell-Being.com.</a><br /><br />Outdoor Dinner Party Menu : <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%2F06%2Fan-outdoor-dinner-party-on-our-porch.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-QqarmdrlUlw%2FUcm1m78tdhI%2FAAAAAAAAS1I%2Ft-NjJzMWpNs%2Fs1600%2Foutdoor-dinner-party_03.jpg&description=An%20Outdoor%20Dinner%20Party%20with%20Menu%2C%20Table%20Setting%20%26%20Recipes"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a><br />Orange & Blueberry Summer Brew Cocktails<br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/tomato-zucchini-and-olive-bruschetta.html">Tomato & Squash Grilled Bruschetta</a><br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/06/brown-sugar-sesame-steak-kebab-marinade.html">Brown Sugar & Sesame Steak Kebabs</a><br />Grilled Fingerling Potatoes with Chives and Sour Cream<br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/10/bite-sized-smores-in-oven-easy-fall.html">Mini S'mores in the Oven</a><br /><br />Stay tuned next week for the recipes!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEv1LRzIw1lWR1YA-tr33lcjK85H6jJbbjaRvMWZUMtXX7ypTzpkH0ypd8tXZf685uaYcHGZ2_hgTibZxzM0U99YKiZdWDXbnR5p63T3HSNYdEc6egA7TCLHS28HDYx91AN6KM18lHe2c/s1600/IMG_1533.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEv1LRzIw1lWR1YA-tr33lcjK85H6jJbbjaRvMWZUMtXX7ypTzpkH0ypd8tXZf685uaYcHGZ2_hgTibZxzM0U99YKiZdWDXbnR5p63T3HSNYdEc6egA7TCLHS28HDYx91AN6KM18lHe2c/s640/IMG_1533.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEYbo55QNiLCQ9hgxDun0cu2vVGH5Vy-i3mMOLWYDub5jsJIhzE0PFE73ClJzQMUdoZbtalaggaefpXsO2OXgFPxVRAbHPn3FILPRXHAiz8f28idOeK9qjwC60IHfbtVNOhwUmwjoQUE/s1600/IMG_1468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEYbo55QNiLCQ9hgxDun0cu2vVGH5Vy-i3mMOLWYDub5jsJIhzE0PFE73ClJzQMUdoZbtalaggaefpXsO2OXgFPxVRAbHPn3FILPRXHAiz8f28idOeK9qjwC60IHfbtVNOhwUmwjoQUE/s640/IMG_1468.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I love wheat beers.  During the summer I'll take a cold wheat beer with a slice of orange over a glass of wine any day.  For this party, I used Boulevard Wheat Beer, fresh squeezed orange juice, vodka and blueberries for a new twist on a Summer Brew (usually vodka lemonade + beer).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQVdf83aJ5wzZCQ09TGeR3G9PKXxMkP63xosI95yjtTKstZBcVs1ka0KyD_iRpIiiYqHzHDpJpSmFSCRrWqzMCLJ0gRM9LQYs-xhiecMlQb6QLY1y3ZxYqRIY5nS1YVL491IxgWlgDLI/s1600/IMG_1503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQVdf83aJ5wzZCQ09TGeR3G9PKXxMkP63xosI95yjtTKstZBcVs1ka0KyD_iRpIiiYqHzHDpJpSmFSCRrWqzMCLJ0gRM9LQYs-xhiecMlQb6QLY1y3ZxYqRIY5nS1YVL491IxgWlgDLI/s640/IMG_1503.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For dinner, we grilled steak and vegetable kebabs marinated in a brown sugar, sesame and garlic marinade.  I'm not sure how I just figured this out - but... did you know you can grill potatoes?  They take no time at all and have a great smokey flavor.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73lDf2ewLIZlhJ7fJji93TaxE0mje-v4QJgQUKqinNyHJb8Mh0A8qS65ofsksgEUy25ezuQ3acQr6fPM56ndkfzmdlrR8njrOZU1lyAhsNNINlqBxhoQ6sGcM4rxZRJCnEjnoJOjHVsQ/s1600/IMG_1549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73lDf2ewLIZlhJ7fJji93TaxE0mje-v4QJgQUKqinNyHJb8Mh0A8qS65ofsksgEUy25ezuQ3acQr6fPM56ndkfzmdlrR8njrOZU1lyAhsNNINlqBxhoQ6sGcM4rxZRJCnEjnoJOjHVsQ/s640/IMG_1549.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fzPDrzvs9ouwsBt4j01SyC5wWF0e8U8bQs17NYNz9g_RIiHaJ2uuhjgHL99t_SVsfxiAQFhGnwo6mqmgdJphY7M5zwiqTHZUdx4o50jvlsixxkXYKUG6KCISdhBP4rEy0f9aeWxsgH0/s1600/IMG_1536.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fzPDrzvs9ouwsBt4j01SyC5wWF0e8U8bQs17NYNz9g_RIiHaJ2uuhjgHL99t_SVsfxiAQFhGnwo6mqmgdJphY7M5zwiqTHZUdx4o50jvlsixxkXYKUG6KCISdhBP4rEy0f9aeWxsgH0/s400/IMG_1536.jpg" width="266" /></a>Blue hydrangea are my summer favorites and happen to be blooming in masses everywhere this year because of all of the rain.  I miss my big hydrangea bushes in our old house and have settled on planting them in our urns on the front steps this year.   <br /><br />A big bunch of hydrangeas is my favorite "non-arrangement" floral arrangement.  Unlike other flowers that look great mixed with others, hydrangea are meant to be on their own bountiful in bunches - they set a sophisticated yet casual tone.  I have these in a Match Pewter vase, a wedding present that we've gotten soooo much use out of.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcut1jhRO-Bv_Y2C7KDrqplFIvDpW6YoEjtmyg8A8o_X7_JikeOJaawbFeBrieDmnfIWNmqBD2-mvzamKSbhbJ2eb8Z-8bJc9BZFydYQgqKFTScnTIf5o2z6q3yK-Ujffi7jihR0mby5k/s1600/IMG_1559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcut1jhRO-Bv_Y2C7KDrqplFIvDpW6YoEjtmyg8A8o_X7_JikeOJaawbFeBrieDmnfIWNmqBD2-mvzamKSbhbJ2eb8Z-8bJc9BZFydYQgqKFTScnTIf5o2z6q3yK-Ujffi7jihR0mby5k/s640/IMG_1559.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is the view of the table from the dining room, just outside the french doors.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3SPGHL-_nCOKMiJZCKHYP467cyPKIgh6NFq-w-WqlECP0MSZAHz-eWYyyzYskmoqzLuOjonPgm-5sUGZGmggYR4P3IL6Dl60U9dmOPXRZBdVBFzKXNqJysrVRZgRQlY4RSjvZdJLT84/s1600/IMG_1579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3SPGHL-_nCOKMiJZCKHYP467cyPKIgh6NFq-w-WqlECP0MSZAHz-eWYyyzYskmoqzLuOjonPgm-5sUGZGmggYR4P3IL6Dl60U9dmOPXRZBdVBFzKXNqJysrVRZgRQlY4RSjvZdJLT84/s640/IMG_1579.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />The scene - just as the sun was setting and just before our guests arrived.  I love these Celebration candles.  I used small, thick-glassed votive holders with sea salt to hold the candles.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFCmdJ_W5B7ZgBEDskT-5ToF-ETnw54LlUOYgZyA9_4cxksK8zj1upb-tRhAL4rQyxmYxV-p8msemt07u_LNhpXDsbCJSJG0IEn5Pt5AprjXG-nABB7pGefdy5Hhd264eh0PlI3AZXkc/s1600/IMG_1588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFCmdJ_W5B7ZgBEDskT-5ToF-ETnw54LlUOYgZyA9_4cxksK8zj1upb-tRhAL4rQyxmYxV-p8msemt07u_LNhpXDsbCJSJG0IEn5Pt5AprjXG-nABB7pGefdy5Hhd264eh0PlI3AZXkc/s640/IMG_1588.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Aren't they magical and very chic?  Stay tuned for the recipes to come!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3c4-AFM7Z2Te3yPDWe6tKcdfjyYJMbfdioyWojQEsB7jP6FnvBIQnUQ8mjvlb-rOYqWq61AMuYUed-h6d9LIce6CtfkWcj38-LdKSpLuEXNGSZxE9IW7loj8O-QzDnT7DytgkygSIGDk/s1600/outdoor-dinner-party_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3c4-AFM7Z2Te3yPDWe6tKcdfjyYJMbfdioyWojQEsB7jP6FnvBIQnUQ8mjvlb-rOYqWq61AMuYUed-h6d9LIce6CtfkWcj38-LdKSpLuEXNGSZxE9IW7loj8O-QzDnT7DytgkygSIGDk/s1600/outdoor-dinner-party_03.jpg" /></a></div>Don't forget - I've shared more of my Outdoor Entertaining tips and inspiration in my recent post on <a href="http://www.mywell-being.com/outdoor-entertaining-101-0">MyWell-Being.com, read the article here</a>.<br /><br />Here is the easy to pin strip!<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%2F06%2Fan-outdoor-dinner-party-on-our-porch.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-QqarmdrlUlw%2FUcm1m78tdhI%2FAAAAAAAAS1I%2Ft-NjJzMWpNs%2Fs1600%2Foutdoor-dinner-party_03.jpg&description=An%20Outdoor%20Dinner%20Party%20with%20Menu%2C%20Table%20Setting%20%26%20Recipes"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a><br /><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

An Outdoor Dinner Party on our Porch | Blue Hydrangeas

Recently, we hosted a dinner for a dear friend of ours that was in town.  As I mentioned in my "A Porch Kind of Weekend" post , I...

Read more »