Another Impromptu Party!

Hey!  These are pictures of a party I did for a client.  They were having a small dinner party and wanted a Moroccan theme.  I re-purposed the home to have a "moroccan" feel, but not be too overwhelming.  If your ever hosting a party and don't have a lot of time or money, here are some tips...

Tip #1 - always look around to see what are your best places to display your food or centerpiece...

Tip #2 - make sure you have a stylish and comfortable area with room to create...

Tip #3 - Even if its a small area, you can decorate it to catch the eye of your guests...

Tip #4 - You can always look around your home to see what you may have to accent.  I didn't have to add too many pieces to entertain, and it came out great!

Look at what I came up with!

Simple and elegant!  If you need any tips, or have any more me, please e-mail me at caronfeder@caronhomeec.com, or like me on Facebook or Twitter.  I would love to hear from you or see what you come up with!

Tea Anyone?

May is the month where Spring is in full bloom and it's right before the summer starts.  It's also a busy month of activities, such as proms, graduations, and of course, Mother's Day!   In fact, why not do something different this year...like hosting a Mother's Day Tea?

Here's the menu...

*Mini Scones filled with Heavy Whipped Cream or Clotted Cream & Jam

*Choice of Sandwiches - Chicken Salad,  Cucumber, Smoked Salmon,  and/or Watercress

*Bite-size Cakes, Cheese Cake, Cream Puff , Eclair or English Trifle

*Hot Tea (Earl Grey or fruit teas)

The bread used for the sandwiches should have the crust removed, butter spread on both sides & the  sandwiches should be cut in quarter squares, triangles or circles.

Hot tea with appropriate service to include, sugar cubes (and sugar sustitute), milk & thin lemon slice. When serving, make sure to ask the guest how they would like their tea.

People have been hosting tea parties for centuries.  You don't have to follow all the traditions, just good food, tea, and pleasant company is enough.  Mother's Day, or any day, this is a cute way to get the ladies together!

Re-Purposing Your Home

A lot of people think you have to spend a lot of money when you want to update the look of your home, but not so!  

Re-purposing is the word you should use!  It's amazing what little things you can do to make your home look better, like re-positioning the furniture or changing out pieces.  Indoors and/or outdoors, see what you need to get rid off, and change the rest - only buy what you need.  

Another good way to save money if you need to.  Here are some before and after pictures of a house I did...

BEFORE...

                                                                                                         AFTER...

                                                             BEFORE...                                                                             

      AFTER...

                                                                                         BEFORE...

                                                                                               AFTER...

I've got more ideas coming!  You can check out this article that has some great ideas as well!
http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/home-improvement/easy-home-makeovers-00000000007754/index.html 

The Spur of the Moment

This happened to me the other day...


 I went to the grocery store intending to buy smoked salmon and they didn't have any.  So, I bought a 1/2 lb skin on salmon filet.  I boned it...

cut it very thin...

seasoned in 1/3c. olive oil, 1t. thyme, 1/2t. liquid smoke, 1/2t. salt & added 1 to 2 T. soy sauce (to taste)...   

and sauteed the salmon in a preheated sautee pan of olive oil for 30 seconds.

I continued...got some peppers, eggplant, & mushrooms in a large glass bowl (or baking dish), and I marinated them in 1/3c. olive oil, 1t. thyme, 1/2t. liquid smoke, 1/2t. salt.  

Added them to the grill on HOT for 30 Seconds (there is additional step for the eggplant...)

2nd part preparation for the eggplant - after grilling, I put it in a sauteed pan heated with olive oil & fresh basil leaves for 30 Seconds.

Done in no time!  To really make it look good, I plated up with something green.  I used fresh thyme from my garden, celery sticks, and sliced grape tomatoes seasoned with salt, pepper, thyme, and fresh basil.

This was quick, easy to prepare, healthy, and GOOD!  I would love to hear from you so try this recipe and let me know what you think!   You can even add your own spin to it...