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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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May 20, 2014

Easy Summer Entertaining Ideas and Giveaway!


Every year around this time I suffer from a very particular ailment. I’ve come to find out that the official term for it is “must-have-all-the-latest-summer-accessories/gadgets/gizmos-so-that-I-can-be-the-perfect-summer-hostess-itis “.

Is anyone else suffering from this problem? I mean, when it’s all right there at the front of every store it is so hard not to give into it! Fancy beverage dispensers, plastic platters that look so ‘un-plastic’ that you simply must pick one up to believe they really are plastic, clip on grill lights, outdoor speakers, over-sized ice buckets, lanterns, utensil caddies, and about a million things with the American flag on them. It’s so easy to think that in order to set the stage for the perfect summer gathering we need all of these ‘extras’.
Easy last minute summer entertaining tips from atthepicketfence.comBut then reality hits. Where do you store it all during the rest of the year? I don’t know about you but I don’t have a dedicated ‘outdoor summer entertaining accessories’ closet. And, the even bigger reality to hit you (which might be harder to accept if you have a disconnect between your ‘imaginary’ life vs. your ‘real’ life) is that you’re not throwing fancy, five course, sit-down dinner soirées every weekend. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. It’s more along the lines of, “hey, do you guys want to come over for pizza and brownies from a box?”

outdoor entertaining with Tiki brand

So, I’d like to now declare myself officially cured of my aforementioned ‘itis’. I’ve finally realized that I don’t really need all of those designated ‘summer’ items to create the right atmosphere for my outdoor entertaining whether it be a last-minute pizza in a box kind of night while the kids run around in the yard or a fancy soirée. I mean, a girl can dream of hosting a soirée now and then, right? 😉

No need to spend the money on an outdoor bar when you can simply turn a TV tray into one with the addition of a handled tray on top!

tv tray used as a bar

Those giant beverage tubs seem like a great idea until you have to figure out where to store it the rest of the year. Why not just use a galvanized bucket instead? This is one I decorate with year round inside my home so I always have it in arms reach. And filled with ice its the perfect way to chill those bottled beverages.

galvanized bucket drink cooler

I keep bread sticks and salami or prosciutto on hand at all times for a simple yet elegant appetizer.

bread sticks and salami appetizer

We always keep our favorite summer-y music loaded and ready to push ‘play’ at a moment’s notice. ‘Pink Martini’ is a family favorite and you won’t be able to keep from kicking up your feet as soon as you hear the first strands of music.

pink martini cd cover

And just like keeping the inside of your home fairly clean and tidy (most of the time) makes it easier to host last-minute gatherings inside, creating a beautiful foundation for gatherings outside means that you will always be ready to welcome friends and family at any moment. That’s why lighting and ambiance are so important. And this beautiful TIKI® Brand Glowing Tabletop Torch definitely ups the ambiance factor big time! There are some things that you just make room for, right? 😉

TIKI globe

I can’t even begin to tell you how much we love that someone finally came up with an easier way to pour the TIKI® Brand Torch Fuel into the TIKI® Brand torches. Genius!

Tiki brand snap and pour spout

And, I love how these turquoise colored glass TIKI® Brand Torches look against the green of the trees in the background. turquoise glass tiki torch

Once you have set the stage for your summer gatherings…

Tiki torches for outdoor entertaining

…and you have recovered from “must-have-all-the-latest-summer-accessories/gadgets/gizmos-so-that-I-can-be-the-perfect-summer-hostess-itis “, you can simply sit back and enjoy!

Are you ready to get your ‘Summer’ on? Did you know that not only can you purchase these awesome items online but also at your local Target? As if we needed one more excuse to go to Target, right? summer outdoor party with TIKI

And we’re so excited to help you kick off summer in style by offering you the chance to win this awesome Prize Package including:

4 Glass Torches 

1 Glowing Tabletop Torch

1 Bottle of OFF/BF Torch Fuel + 1 Snap & Pour funnel

That’s a retail value of over $100!

We’re making it super easy to enter to win! Simply leave us a comment answering this question…

How do you think the TIKI© Brand products would help you to create the perfect environment for your outdoor entertaining this year?

*this post has been sponsored by TIKI© Brand but all opinions are 100% my own Sweepstakes Rules:  No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods: 1.     Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post 2.     Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post 3.     Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post 4.     For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry. This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 72 hours to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here. This sweepstakes runs from 5/19/2014-7/4/2014. Be sure to visit TIKI’s brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

Here’s the code:

99 Comments Filed Under: Giveaways, Good Ideas, Outdoors, Summer

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dena says

    May 20, 2014 at 4:19 AM

    I love how beautiful the Tiki products are now! They fit in everywhere now. The Tiki torches always reminded me of a luau, and didn’t really look good in more formal settings. This stuff looks great! The colors would be great with my green patio furniture with white accents. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

    Reply
  2. Georgia Beckman says

    May 20, 2014 at 4:23 AM

    Thank you for curing our “itis”! I think the Tiki products are gorgeous & perfect for our outdoor festivities this year. Lighting is the one thing that always seems to be the problem so this is just what we need!

    Reply
  3. Karen Jerread says

    May 20, 2014 at 4:38 AM

    The lighting would be great but the real reason would simply be that as a natural gal, I just really love sitting out near fire. The lovely colors are so soul soothing too.

    Reply
  4. Judy Wilson says

    May 20, 2014 at 4:47 AM

    I feel that using the Tiki products would take my back deck from drab to fab and make me WANT to sit out there and entertain 🙂

    Reply
  5. Georgia Beckman says

    May 20, 2014 at 4:47 AM

    I tweeted about the giveaway. (and it only took me 3 tweets to get it right, lol)
    https://twitter.com/georgiabeckman1/status/468714611047669760

    Reply
  6. Raquel says

    May 20, 2014 at 5:24 AM

    When did Tiki start making such pretty things?! I love entertaining outdoors with candles and torches setting a festive scene. These would be perfect!

    Reply
  7. Amy Kaminski says

    May 20, 2014 at 5:27 AM

    We just put I a new garden with a fire pit for entertaining. Having the Glass Tiki Torches out there would add color and great ambiance.

    Reply
  8. Jenny Walker says

    May 20, 2014 at 5:28 AM

    It would be fabulous at the lake on our deck!! Love this!

    Reply
  9. Christine Martin says

    May 20, 2014 at 5:39 AM

    Love those Tiki torches! And that turquoise color is simply perfect! Just what I need to go with my patio table and umbrella.

    Reply
  10. Linda says

    May 20, 2014 at 5:47 AM

    Love the torches perfect for Torch lake MI which is also the color of turquoise. The most beautiful lake in thw world in my opinion

    Reply
  11. Sandy says

    May 20, 2014 at 5:48 AM

    Our deck needs outdoor glow and these Tiki torches would be just the perfect solution. Love the color!

    Reply
  12. Deborah says

    May 20, 2014 at 6:19 AM

    The Tiki torches pull dual duties keeping those pesky mosquitos away while keeping décor stylish and functional. Love the torches!

    Reply
  13. debby messner says

    May 20, 2014 at 6:22 AM

    Oh I would love these colorful Tiki torches to light the way to an beautiful outdoor space I want to create. Just sitting outside in the dark with these lights sounds inviting.

    Reply
  14. Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says

    May 20, 2014 at 6:32 AM

    I’ve been suffering from your same ailment because I’ve been looking at melamine dishes online and then realized that I didn’t really need them because I have NO place to store them! Ha! Tiki torches have come a long way and the ones you’re showing are so beautiful and would be a great addition to an eating area that I’m creating in our garden!

    Reply
  15. Destiny says

    May 20, 2014 at 7:30 AM

    These tiki torches & lamps would make my tiny little patio feel nice and cozy!

    Reply
  16. Pam says

    May 20, 2014 at 7:31 AM

    I don’t even HAVE an outdoor space–but these TIKI torches make me want one! If I win, I’ll be inspired to create a beautiful place to show off these beauties!

    Reply
  17. Kim says

    May 20, 2014 at 7:38 AM

    I have a great back porch but the mosquitos are TERRIBLE!! I also need to add some color to make it feel more inviting.

    Reply
  18. Debbie says

    May 20, 2014 at 7:43 AM

    The tiki torches would not only be a nice addition to my to my outdoor decor they help keep those pesky bugs away!

    Reply
  19. Julia G. says

    May 20, 2014 at 7:47 AM

    These TIKI torches would be perfect in my back yard this summer so we could have the perfect ambiance for our pizza and brownies from a box! Come on over and join us!

    Reply
  20. Nancy P. says

    May 20, 2014 at 7:51 AM

    These add elegance to any setting and they are functional as well.

    Reply
  21. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    May 20, 2014 at 8:11 AM

    These are so beautiful, and I love how the color is such a beautiful accent on the deck.

    Reply
  22. Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos says

    May 20, 2014 at 8:15 AM

    The Tiki torches and products are perfect pieces to use for my outdoor get togethers because they add a warm glow for evening entertaining.

    Reply
  23. Melanie says

    May 20, 2014 at 8:17 AM

    I love the ambiance! My backyard just looks boring, but these would really make it feel like it’s a party!

    Reply
  24. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

    May 20, 2014 at 8:27 AM

    I am in LOVE with that Tiki tabletop torch! The glass torches too – all would look perfect around our pool!!

    Reply
  25. cathy claus says

    May 20, 2014 at 8:43 AM

    These are so pretty! perfect mood lighting! i LOVE the tabletop tiki torch!

    Reply
  26. cathy claus says

    May 20, 2014 at 8:44 AM

    I tweeted https://twitter.com/chattycc

    Reply
  27. Maaike says

    May 20, 2014 at 9:01 AM

    Tiki torches are awesome! They look super festive, they help keep the bugs away, and they always make my honey break out into song!! (Tiki torches at twilight , David Lindley). http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bzfcRx0Os_M

    Reply
  28. Susanne says

    May 20, 2014 at 9:12 AM

    I love the Tiki torches. Beautiful color!!! I’m sure it would help keep all those pesky bugs away and it would be so pretty at night!!! Thank you for the giveaway.

    Reply
  29. merry z. says

    May 20, 2014 at 9:14 AM

    The Tiki products are gorgeous. My back yard lacks ambiance. There’s nothing that sets it apart. Now I know what would be perfect. Tiki.

    Reply
  30. Kathy Westbrook says

    May 20, 2014 at 9:23 AM

    Love your blog and the Tiki giveaway op…My new favorite color and I am in the process of setting up our deck for entertaining…You offered so many great ideas. Color helps create a feeling and I love the color combination you showed. Yellow is great too. Keep blogging. Love it!

    Reply
  31. Shauna Davis says

    May 20, 2014 at 9:31 AM

    Love those beautiful tiki torches!!! How fun!

    Reply
  32. Marty Walden says

    May 20, 2014 at 10:52 AM

    We adore torches for our back deck. We have so many it’s like we’re waiting to vote someone off! Thanks for the giveaway, ladies!

    Reply
  33. Patty Galley says

    May 20, 2014 at 11:00 AM

    The lighting would be perfect for the patio, would not be blinding and create the perfect ambiance.

    Reply
  34. Kelly D says

    May 20, 2014 at 11:20 AM

    These Tiki brand products would help light my back deck and look nice, and I would add Citronella to keep the bugs away.

    Reply
  35. Kelly D says

    May 20, 2014 at 11:22 AM

    tweet
    https://twitter.com/Kellydinpa/status/468818887401033729

    Reply
  36. Liza Glick says

    May 20, 2014 at 11:33 AM

    The Tiki Torches would be a great addition to my backyard. I’ve been dying for a fire pit and this would work great until we can get one!

    Reply
  37. Kathy P. says

    May 20, 2014 at 11:37 AM

    It would easier to host last-minute gatherings by creating a beautiful foundation for any outside occasion. You can use the Tiki torches either for something romantic and private or for the perfect family & friend party. Either way, it would be a great addition to your backyard fun. Thanks for such a great product!!

    Reply
  38. Diane H says

    May 20, 2014 at 11:47 AM

    TIKI say’s FUN! Party on the deck everyone!
    Tiki set’s the mood adds the glow and can even keep the bugs away.

    Reply
  39. Esther says

    May 20, 2014 at 12:00 PM

    These Tiki torches would be super to keep the bugs away, plus they are beautiful. I have been looking for something like this.

    Reply
  40. Rochelle says

    May 20, 2014 at 1:02 PM

    The turquoise color of the Tiki products you have shown would be the perfect touch to bring the turquoise colors I have decorated with inside my house to the outside, blending the two together!

    Reply
  41. Devra aka ThePomeroyLife says

    May 20, 2014 at 1:25 PM

    I could use some Tiki torches in my backyard for sure! I have no hopes of building a fire pit, having our friends over for cookouts or our neighbors for a picnic without some sort of defense against the battalion of mosquitoes that set up HQ in our green bean plants.

    Reply
  42. Judy D says

    May 20, 2014 at 1:49 PM

    Perfect for the deck and easy to move if the party is on the lawn.

    Reply
  43. Tanya says

    May 20, 2014 at 2:13 PM

    Who knew that Tiki torches could be so elegant and downright pretty?? I would love to win a set and use them to update our back patio area and keep the ‘buggies’ away!!

    Thanks for the chance!
    Tanya

    Reply
  44. Karen says

    May 20, 2014 at 2:37 PM

    I love these Tiki products! So nice compared to the old bamboo looking lights. Would love to add these to our outside space for the summer!
    Thanks,
    Karen
    lemontart5kb at gmail dot com

    Reply
  45. Jennifer H. says

    May 20, 2014 at 4:47 PM

    I think that it sets the perfect mood for a relaxing backyard. It reminds me of everything tropical which I love even though I live in Michigan. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  46. Sandi says

    May 20, 2014 at 4:56 PM

    They would help me by making my yard come alive!! Love the colors!! Thank you!!

    Reply
  47. Vicky says

    May 20, 2014 at 5:47 PM

    Lighting is crucial to create the right ambience to any setting. And doesn’t everyone look better by candle light?

    Reply
  48. Jan says

    May 20, 2014 at 6:26 PM

    The Tiki torches are so pretty. They would add color to my porch.

    Reply
  49. Martha Franks says

    May 20, 2014 at 8:41 PM

    Nothing like a little soft fire light to create ambiance, maybe a little romance!

    Reply
  50. heather says

    May 20, 2014 at 9:58 PM

    The TIKI Brand helps me create the perfect environment for outdoor entertaining by creating a fun, comfortable and classy place to celebrate life with family and friends.

    Reply
  51. Betsy says

    May 21, 2014 at 3:16 AM

    I am hosting a baby shower for my daughter in July and these items would definitely update my lanai area where I plan on having guests sit and chat a bit.

    Reply
  52. Cheryl M. says

    May 21, 2014 at 5:38 AM

    I love the torches, the color is beautiful, would love to have them on my deck!!

    Reply
  53. Kristal M. says

    May 21, 2014 at 6:18 AM

    TIKI brand torches would DEFINITELY help us with our outdoor entertaining from this week on! The heat has HIT here in Az, and all outdoor entertaining has to be done when the sun is down! We NEED the torches to help light things up and give the yard a tropical feel.

    Reply
  54. Christina @ The Frugal Homemaker says

    May 21, 2014 at 6:54 AM

    LOVE those glass torches! we have some very old wicker ones that need to be replaced desperately and those would look beautiful on our deck. The mosquitoes are already bad here in the south so we desperately need some help in warding them off as we entertain this summer.

    Reply
  55. Alina says

    May 21, 2014 at 7:15 AM

    We are always missing more lighting cause the porch light we have is teeny. This would add to the ambiance and would give it a summer feel.

    Reply
  56. kristin says

    May 21, 2014 at 8:41 AM

    I have never seen those, so pretty! We don’t have much lighting in our yard so this would be perfect, plus it add’s such a romantic ambience.
    xo
    Kristin

    Reply
  57. Sean C says

    May 21, 2014 at 8:56 AM

    I have an all brown deck with all brown furniture so this would definitely add much needed color to our backyard!

    Reply
  58. Maryann @ Domestically Speaking says

    May 21, 2014 at 10:45 AM

    I love the glow of beautiful lighting in the summer. We have some tiki products and they do a gorgeous job at that!

    Reply
  59. Missy says

    May 21, 2014 at 2:19 PM

    Those Tiki torches are like icing on a cake. A great finishing touch!

    Reply
  60. Miranda Ward says

    May 21, 2014 at 6:32 PM

    This would get me in the mode to entertain and would make my little area more cozy 🙂

    freebiegoddess03@aol.com

    Reply
  61. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    May 21, 2014 at 8:29 PM

    YOu have certainly set a gorgeous outdoor entertaining area. These are not my old fashioned Tiki torches! Wow they are really amazing. Going to check them out! I’d put those torches in my planters… they would be stunning!!!

    Reply
  62. Lisa Palmese says

    May 22, 2014 at 12:35 AM

    Tiki is a Superior Brand but One of if not the Most Important
    Part of Design is Lighting and it provides that along with being
    just a Beautiful Decor Element. I would Love to Win, Anyone would.

    Reply
  63. Angella L says

    May 22, 2014 at 9:08 AM

    We have teenagers so having a nice space outside that we can all enjoy together would be great.

    Reply
  64. Doreen says

    May 22, 2014 at 11:17 AM

    I’ve never seen such beautiful Tiki torches! Would love to win these for outdoor parties planned this summer! Thanks for having such an awesome giveaway to kick off the summer season!

    Reply
  65. Deborah says

    May 22, 2014 at 3:36 PM

    I think using the tiki torches and table light would make an updated fresh look for yournsummer activities. Being a bug repelent is just icing on the cake. Thanks for the opportunity.

    Reply
  66. Janet says

    May 22, 2014 at 4:58 PM

    The turquoise Tiki torches are beautiful. I have never seen this type in stores.

    Reply
  67. Bobbie says

    May 22, 2014 at 5:18 PM

    Sure would help tremendously with lighting & bugs, so we could enjoy the outdoors in the cool night air.

    Reply
  68. Jennifer says

    May 22, 2014 at 5:51 PM

    Fire adds light and ambiance to evening entertaining. Nothing says summer like teaki torches and a glass of wine on the patio.

    Reply
  69. Nancy K says

    May 23, 2014 at 11:11 AM

    TIKI brand torches would light up our backyard BBQ and Get Togethers in style!

    Reply
  70. Andrea Rust says

    May 23, 2014 at 2:32 PM

    This would be so good for entertaining so that all the kiddos don’t get bit!

    Reply
  71. susie king says

    May 24, 2014 at 5:34 AM

    TIKI© Brand products would help me create the perfect environment for your outdoor entertaining by using TIKI Brand torches to my backyard for an amazing ambiance and keep the mosquitoes away.

    Reply
  72. susie king says

    May 24, 2014 at 6:22 AM

    Tweeted entry: https://twitter.com/susieking31/status/470192933610987520

    Reply
  73. Jana Brantley says

    May 24, 2014 at 6:52 AM

    TIKI Brand torches, you have come a long way baby! Love the new classy design, the blue is perfect for Summer..and bonus..no mosquitoes! Perfection reinvented! Let’s get the party started!

    Reply
  74. D Schmidt says

    May 25, 2014 at 10:50 AM

    The Tiki brand provides a sense of relief against mosquitoes when outdoors, compliments our decor and adds to the ambiance with their great styling.

    Reply
  75. D Schmidt says

    May 25, 2014 at 10:51 AM

    Tweeted
    https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/470623121808973825

    Reply
  76. MARTHA says

    May 27, 2014 at 10:29 PM

    SPECTACULOR TIKI brand torches ,,,, extremely colorful would light up any patio or party no mosquitos in sight a lot of nights spent just relaxing and tales told from all I would really enjoy that !!!!!! TY

    Reply
  77. Patti Wilson says

    May 31, 2014 at 11:46 AM

    I love the gorgeous colors of the tiki brand torches. I’ve heard the mosquitos are going to be particularly pesty this summer. I’d love to sit around a bombfire with the torches adding additional ambiance.

    Reply
  78. malia says

    June 1, 2014 at 8:20 AM

    I love the torches! What a sophisticated touch!

    Reply
  79. jenn says

    June 1, 2014 at 10:17 AM

    So glad that there is an official term for my summer disorder! 😉 Love the torches and your patio looks beautiful!

    Reply
  80. Ashley H says

    June 1, 2014 at 5:17 PM

    They would help set the ambiance and keep the bugs away.

    Reply
  81. Lauren says

    June 4, 2014 at 7:17 AM

    It sets the perfect summer night mood!

    Reply
  82. April Farley says

    June 4, 2014 at 6:47 PM

    Tiki products have come a long way baby! They would help me provide a classy elegant charm in my back yard and keep them nasty biters away! I adore these products!

    Reply
  83. Amy Kasson says

    June 4, 2014 at 11:44 PM

    Have been slowly building my outdoor space over the last few years with my squeaky-tight budget. These would add amazing ambiance to my space!

    Reply
  84. Amy Kasson says

    June 4, 2014 at 11:45 PM

    Tweeted this contest here: https://twitter.com/ArielleMorgane/status/474440876454735872

    Reply
  85. Lauren E. says

    June 8, 2014 at 8:14 AM

    They help open up the feeling of the yard when it starts to get dark, with beautiful warm lighting.

    Reply
  86. Gina M says

    June 24, 2014 at 10:06 AM

    These would create the perfect ambiance while also repelling bugs!

    Thanks for the chance to win!
    wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  87. Gina M says

    June 24, 2014 at 10:10 AM

    tweet-https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/481484374941392897

    Reply
  88. Rhonda B says

    June 27, 2014 at 3:47 PM

    Without even realizing you were promoting the torches, the first thing that caught my eye, and caused me to click through to your blog, was the beautiful table torch. I immediately had ‘itis’ for that! So funny that you were going to talk all about how much you love them. I would love to have this ensemble to light up our back yard. We have a small yard and having this would ensemble would make it sparkle! Thanks for giving us the chance to win it!

    Reply
  89. Debbie B says

    June 29, 2014 at 2:50 PM

    these tiki torches look really great! I would love to have some around my patio and its great that they repel bugs

    Reply
  90. Debbie B says

    June 29, 2014 at 2:53 PM

    I posted a tweet: https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/483367428018429952

    Reply
  91. Kerry says

    June 30, 2014 at 7:16 PM

    Tiki helps by being functional, yet very stylish too!

    Reply
  92. Temp Employment Agencies Los Angeles says

    July 1, 2014 at 2:34 PM

    Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account
    it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you!
    By the way, how could we communicate?

    Reply
  93. Kerry says

    July 1, 2014 at 6:27 PM

    tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/484146259049996288

    Reply
  94. Mary says

    July 3, 2014 at 3:30 PM

    Found your blog through Pinterest while looking for appetizer party ideas:) the torches look so enchanting and would make my little yard super inviting for my guests!! everything looks so cozy!!

    Reply
  95. Wanda McHenry says

    July 4, 2014 at 12:59 AM

    Tiki will absolutely help by giving my patio a great amber on those special nights!

    Reply
  96. Wanda McHenry says

    July 4, 2014 at 1:02 AM

    https://twitter.com/myfolly/status/484970423654707200

    Reply
  97. Betty C says

    July 4, 2014 at 11:17 AM

    I love it when beauty and practicality come together. These Tiki torches really do a great job of making this very practical outdoor accessory something I would love to add just because it’s so pretty.

    Reply
  98. Betty C says

    July 4, 2014 at 11:20 AM

    Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/485125529763594240

    Reply
  99. rick S says

    June 25, 2015 at 8:12 AM

    I think it would make it clear the the party has started and everyone should relax and leave your cares behind.

    rick

    Reply

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Instagram post 17891211502441289 Happy weekend friends! My sweet girl and I are getting ready to mess up the kitchen because it’s sugar cookie Saturday in our house! 👏🏻👏🏻 I’m so glad that she loves to bake with me and I cherish these moments that become even more cherished memories. What are you up to day? I hope it involves a few moments of memory making! 🌲
Instagram post 17842669984877531 I thought I had added the right ‘Perry Como Christmas’ album to my playlist. But apparently there’s more than one! Frankly it shocked me because I still have the actual vinyl Perry Como Christmas album that belonged to my mom when she was a girl and, in my mind, that’s the ONLY one that should ever be played! But, as I decorated my tree one night, a song began to play that I had never heard before. One that so simply and perfectly captured all that I desire my home to be. It goes like this:
.
You can tell, 
When you open the door! 
You can tell, 
If there's love in a home!
Every table and chair seems to smile, 
Do come in, come and stay for a while. 
You almost feel you've been there once before, 
By the shine and glow of the room!
And the clock seems to chime, 
Come again anytime, 
You'll be welcome wherever you roam! 
You can tell when there's love in a home!

Today on the blog I’m giving you a tour of my house all dressed up for Christmas. And I hope you can tell that there’s love in this home. ✨
Instagram post 18118328449043115 One of my favorite Christmas songs is ‘O Holy Night’ and while each word, each lyric is as familiar to me as the back of my hand, there is one line that somehow, until recently, I managed to never really pay much attention to. It says, “Long lay the world, in sin and error pining till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.” Think about that for a moment. Our souls are longing to feel their worth. Prior to the arrival of the infant King in Bethlehem, the world waited, pined, engulfed in their sin and their error. And it was only through His birth, death and resurrection that our souls would experience their true value, their full worth.

Titus 3:4-7 says, “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” The world tells us that our worth is based entirely on the external, on what can be seen. We’re not measured simply by our existence but rather by what we can offer.

But, thousands of years ago, when our Savior was born, we were told something very different. Before he walked among us. Before he performed miracles. Before he challenged the leaders of the day. Before he was betrayed. Before he was sacrificed. Before he rose from the dead. Before all else, he simply appeared. And it was through his lowly, humble, anything but royal appearance that our souls were given the opportunity to experience the fullness of their worth. It is only through being in his presence that we are able to feel the full magnitude of our value.

Who he is allows us to know, really know, just who we are.

We are beloved.

We are cherished.

We are worth it.
Instagram post 18074214343167043 It always seems like the simplest things are my favorite when it comes to Christmas decorating. I found four transferware egg cups in a vintage shop and knew they would be perfect for our advent candles! Aren’t they just so sweet? With the little paper Putz village underneath this centerpiece in my dining room brings a smile to my face every time I walk by. ✨
Instagram post 18042969043211010 Raise your hand if these cold, dark mornings have you feeling a bit befuddled. 🙋🏻‍♀️ So far this week I’ve put a sweatshirt on backwards resulting in me getting a really good look at the inside of the hood and today I tried to put sweat pants on without taking my pajamas off first. 😂 #winning.

But, hey, at least I can take comfort in the soft glow of twinkling lights and having my halls decked for Christmas!

Today on the blog I’m sharing the details of my soft and simple mantel decorations and I’d love for you to stop by! ✨
Instagram post 18116596168021683 Happy Saturday friends! Can you believe that tomorrow is December 1?! I think it’s time for my annual gentle reminder about this month. I don’t know about you but, for me, December is a month of mixed emotions, ranging from joy-filled moments to ones that have me wanting to pull my hair out.

There are so many expectations and we put so much pressure on ourselves to create magical memories. And for years I have felt the added weight of wanting to make sure my family had opportunities throughout the month to grow in their relationship with Christ.

We celebrate advent and read all of the appropriate Baby Jesus books and encourage a spirit of generosity and heavily emphasize the real reason for the season.

But sweet friends, I want to remind you today that one month out of the year does not a strong relationship with the Lord make. December doesn’t define our faith in Christ.

For our kids or for us.

There are 11 other months in the year. 11 other months to live out our faith in front of our children. 11 other months to pray with them. 11 other months to help them wrestle through their questions and add depth to their walk with the Lord. 11 other months to encourage them to have generous spirits.

Let’s stop putting so much pressure on this one month out of the year. Let’s be surprised at the ways we might be able to celebrate the baby in the manger without a dozen countdown calendars. Let’s give our kids some grace when they are focused more on gifts because…well…they’re kids after all.

And while we’re at it, let’s give ourselves some grace too.

Grace when we think we should feel all the warm fuzzy feelings about Christmas but we really just want to take a nap.

Grace that reminds us that this month will soon be over and we will have a brand new year ahead of us.

A new year filled with big moments and little moments and everything in between.

A new year to draw even closer to our Savior.

My hope for you is that, as you head into this season, you will be given fresh perspective and that you will give yourself (and your family) permission to just ‘be’. ✨
Instagram post 17937591637321018 Have you ever longed to belong?

Have you ever felt like you are on the outside looking in at everyone else who seemingly have it all together?

Are you craving more peace in your heart and your home?

Well, today I’m having a conversation with @drbarbaralowe on her podcast and it could not be more timely with the holiday season now upon us!

You can find the link to it on her page and I’d love to hear your thoughts on it and what resonates with you! ❤️
Instagram post 17903771584388964 Confession...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
Instagram post 17846094718750175 Temperatures are dropping here in the Willamette Valley and I got our hot cocoa station set up just in the nick of time! My kids LOVE this sweet (literally!) spot in our house and my daughter added her own personal touch with the little sign on the wreath. I’ll be happily restocking ingredients over and over throughout the season as my kids and their friends make a pit stop here. We’re definitely ready to cozy up!! Do you have a hot cocoa or coffee station at your house? What are your must-haves for the perfect hot beverage? ☕️🎄
Instagram post 17880974047462626 It’s begun!! 🎄🎄 My best girl LOVES decorating the family room tree (we do a fresh tree in the living room after Thanksgiving) but she does NOT like me to take her picture while she’s doing it (see photo two). Ahhhh...preteens. 😂🤪 I’m just so grateful to have a buddy who is as obsessed with Christmas as I am and who still wants to be apart of it all with me!
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