Last Minute Party Preparations

I always joke that the better the party I throw, the worse I look when my guests show up. I’ve gotten better at getting ready way in advance so I don’t look like a madwoman. However, I do have a little routine I go through before the party starts. Even though I make sure the house is clean the day before, right before the guests begin showing up, I will do a quick “walk through.” Basically, I pretend I am a guest in my own home. I try to think about what would make people more comfortable and then go around sprucing things up.

Happy Thanksgiving 2016

This morning, as I find myself in the kitchen cooking and preparing for our family to join us later in the day (and Mr.P is drinking his coffee while THE parade plays in the background) I turn my mind to the things that I'm most thankful for this year. 

Plan a Large Outdoor Cookout with FIX

The good people at FIX.com contacted me about their new party planning illustrations. Grilling expert and founder of Grilling 24X7, John Thomas, breaks down how to host a successful cookout for a crowd! I thought with Labor Day upon us, I'd play along and share their very informative illustrations and post. John makes planning and throwing an outdoor BBQ simple and fun. So call your friends and family, turn on your grills and get to grilling people -- and enjoy your Labor Day weekend!

How To Throw A Sunny Summer Picnic

Grab your family and friends and head to the backyard for a summer picnic! Picnics are the personification of summer fun with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and laid-back, warm sunshine. Turn it into a party with a few decor touches and picnic baskets for everyone! Below are my top tips for throwing a backyard summer picnic.

The Truck Yard, Lower Greenville, Dallas

Have you been to the Truck Yard in Dallas? If not, you must go! NOW! The Truck Yard is home to Dallas' best food trucks. It is affectionately referred to as a “casual beer garden and adult playground.” The Truck Yard is a great place for good food, the best craft beer - not that I'm drinking it, and one of the best places to meet up with old friends and make new ones.

Valentine’s Gifts for Friends and Family

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about roses and romance. Take the opportunity to show your family members and dearest friends how much they’re loved and admired with a thoughtful gift they’ll cherish well past Valentine's Day.

30 Easy Homemade Christmas Candy Recipes

Everyone loves a homemade gift, especially if that gift is edible and sweet like the following Christmas candy recipes from myself and a few other bloggers. Choose from easy recipes for fudge, chocolate bark, pralines, marshmallows, and more, and give this holiday season a personal touch that can't be beat.

CHRISTMAS BONBONS

CHRISTMAS BONBONS

This candy reminds me of Almond Joys. With the added Maraschino cherries, it takes this Christmas candy over the top. Beloved by all of my family and friends, it is the most requested candy I make during the holidays. 
I hope your loved ones enjoy as well!

MAKES 5 -6 DOZEN BONBONS

Remember when.... Halloween 2008

When your children leave home weird things happen. Some days Mr.P and I act like teenagers; giddy that we have the house all to ourselves. Some days we're so busy I forget that E is off at college. But when it comes to days like Halloween, which my children love, I really miss them. There are no costumes to make, parties to throw, or giggles and screams to listen to. So this is where I found myself today. 

When it came time for Ms.B's weekly 'bath' and grooming session, I was missing the kids. A light bulb went off and I remembered I had made little Halloween hats for my pumpkin boo bags. I just knew they would fit Ms.B perfectly. I quickly hot glued some ribbon to one of the hats, grabbed my camera and tied this little witches hat to Ms.B. Isn't she cute?

TIN ROOF CHOCOLATE PIE

I know when it comes to desserts, right now 'salted' caramel is all the rage. And to be sure, it's good, but why not take it up a notch with this chocolate, caramel, salted peanut confection. It is the dessert to beat in this particular category, and one of my favorites.

Hosting A Dinner Party

If we want to be connected with the people around us, we need to be willing to make room in our world for others. I’m the first to admit that into days busy world, throwing a dinner party is not on the top of my list. So when it comes to entertaining friends and family, it takes some planning. Today I’m sharing a few simple principles for planning and hosting a casual dinner party, whether seasonal, during the holidays or anytime of year.

Weekly Reflections — August 23, 2014

It's been a few weeks since I shared what's been going on in the Porter household. I have been crazy busy getting child number two back to college. Now that the dust has settled, Mr.P and I are back to our regular schedule. So for a quick update, here we go.

How to Throw a Successful Christmas Party

Ten Things That Are Sure To Make Your Holiday Party Planning Fun and Simple.

Christmas is a fun and festive season with tons of parties. Why not throw one of your own this year? It doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. The following ten steps will help you get a jump start towards holiday party success!