4th of July Entertaining Tips

It’s that time. 4th of July is just around the corner and, as we look forward to celebrating the festivities, our menu is on our minds! If you read Lifestyle often or follow along with our Instagram sneak peeks from our events, you know that we’re big fans of effortless entertaining. What does this really mean? To us effortless entertaining means the host and hostess can provide an amazing celebration and experience for their guests while getting to enjoy the fun themselves. It’s about the little touches. A thoughtful menu, decor and cocktail display with seamless details that appear to be plucked from the pantry. This style of entertaining is achieved by preparing a menu that can be prepped in advance, creating decor that focuses on a few key elements {like one show-stopping by cart} and supporting with fresh touches like striped dish towels for napkins. It’s about creating an easy play list that hums in the background and brings your motif together. Most importantly, effortless entertaining is a concept that makes you, the host or hostess, look like you do this all the time.

Two years ago we were entertaining columnists for San Diego Magazine {it was great fun and such an honor} and we shared a whole bunch of images from our first shoot and, as the blog powers that be would have it, the prior posts were distorted. So we’re sharing some snippets again, along with our crab boil recipe. Cheers!

…Serve up individual servings of anything you can: think crab boil in little personal pots, mini cobblers and cones filled with treats.

…Keep damp wash cloths with lemon wedges on hand so guests can tidy up mid-feast.

…Use unusual elements like our smooth rock bath tiles that we turned into place mats. We purchased these at Home Depot for a few dollars a piece. Clever, right?

Rippee Photography for Valley & Co.

Make our Summertime Crab Boil {serves 6-8 adults}:

Add the corn and crab pieces and cook for another 5 minutes. Check the seasoning level and add more if you like. Add shrimp and mussels when everything else is almost done; cook for another 3 or 4 minutes. Mussels are done when they open.

Remove the ingredients with a slotted spoon and dish into individual ceramic pots or bowls. Garnish with lemon slices and enjoy!

 

What’s on your 4th of July menu?

BACARDI Classic Cocktails Light #BacardiClassicCocktails

Hooray! We spent Sunday enjoying being outdoors planting new French lavender, grilling and sipping on some deliciously refreshing cocktails. During the summer months it’s just so easy and refreshing to entertain in a more casual style. Big fans of effortless entertaining, we like to get our family and friends together on a whim to laugh and savor – so we were excited to taste Bacardi Classic Cocktails Light Strawberry Daiquiri. There’s nothing better than an icy summer cocktail. We served ours over ice and added fresh strawberries and lemon balm for a seasonal garnish. Cheers!

…Mix up a batch of Bacardi Light Strawberry Daiquiri and welcome guests with a chilled glass

…Stage a dress-your-own cocktail station with lemon balm and strawberries to compliment your cocktail

…Pair simple bites with cocktails. We like a Grand Margeaux {a triple creme brie} with strawberries so this was a perfect accent.

Lumineers – Hey, Ho

Bob Marley – Could You Be Loved

Anything Etta James

Gypsy Kings

 Photos: Valley & Co. Lifestyle

When it comes to at-home entertaining, we want to have our cocktail and drink it too. With BACARDI Classic Cocktails Light, you don’t need to choose between serving great cocktails or socializing with friends. Enjoy the best of everything – the convenience of ready-to-serve cocktails and the confidence of natural ingredients mixed with the world’s most awarded spirit. BACARDI Classic Cocktails Light allow you to serve the best, naturally!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of BACARDI. The opinions and text are all mine. Sweepstakes Rules.

Father’s Day BBQ Picks from West Elm

Summer is officially *this* close, but we sparked up our grill weeks ago and have been enjoying warm evenings Al Fresco with our friends and family sipping on tasty summer cocktails, dining on nostalgic summer classic dishes and taking in the season. Savoring.

We recently sampled some extremely delicious summertime wares from the West Elm Market General Store and we’re hooked – all hail summer! All of the items you see below will surely stay in our summertime entertaining picnic basket! We created a Father’s Day-inspired BBQ setting, complete with BBQ sauces and a rub from Stuart + Co., throw-back soda elixirs, a handmade tool bag and BBQ tools, and all sorts of good things. Check it out:

Nick’s favorite BBQ sauce:

A little secret: we brushed a little olive oil onto our corn and sprinkled some of this dry rub on before placing them on the grill. The result = amazing!

Want to taste summer nostalgia in a glass? P&H Soda Co.’s soda syrup cream will do the trick! Mix up your own cream soda concoctions with this all-natural non-alcoholic elixir.

We packaged up a leather Heritage nail and tool bag in a vintage tin picnic basket for Dad, complete with all of the grilling goodies he needs for summer: Schmidt Bros. Lockwood BBQ tongs, spatula and fork {these are so well made}, more Stuart & Co. sauces and rubs, Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. small batch tonic, and some Market dish towels {<— we used these as napkins, too!}. The result was a thoughtful Father’s Day package any grilling-and-summer loving dad will appreciate!

MAKE! We’re smitten with this apron and used it to grill up our BBQ chicken and spice-rubbed corn last night!

So, friends: what are you doing this Father’s Day? Will you be grilling and celebrating? We hope we’ve inspired you to grill away with these tasty and stylish artisan wares!

 

Special thanks to West Elm for supplying us with these treats!

Home Registry Picks from NewlyWish

We always say that planning your wedding should be treated as an adventure. The same can be said for creating your wedding registry. Take it as a chance to merge two styles for your new nest that reflects you both individually, but also as a unified couple. The wonderfully innovative Amanda Allen from the registry site NewlyWish will be contributing monthly to Valley & Co. Weddings and Valley & Co. Lifestyle starting next week, and we’re excited to share her fresh ideas from her company. NewlyWish offers not only gorgeous wares for entertaining, the kitchen, home decor, and accessories, but they also offer experiences. Here are some of our favorite picks for a fresh summertime home from NewlyWish:

 

Glasses || Lamp || Dishes ||  Monogrammed Napkins || Octopus Throw || Crown Pillow

What’s on your must-have list for summer nesting?

Black Box Wine Entertaining

Summer is nearly here, which means entertaining with ease. We’re big fans of Black Box Wine Entertaining, which means we can grab a box of tasty wine on the go and transport easily to the golf course, boating or camping. For a recent evening dusk golf outing with friends we staged our rollaway bar cart to welcome our friends {complete with berry pie pops, too!}, some fresh flowers and julep cups aglow with tea lights before we hit the course.

Entertaining during the summertime months should be totally effortless and breezy, and Black Box makes it a snap. Some of our go-to summer entertaining tips for incorporating wine into your celebration:

Welcome your guests with a pre-stocked bar and chilled wine glasses

Let them play mixologist by pouring their own wine selections

Pair delicious bites of cheeses, crackers and something whimsical like pie pops

Black Box offers 10 different varieties boxed and ready for celebration. We sampled Sauvignon Blanc, which was quite refreshing and light, a Moscato that was utterly delicious and slightly sweet, and a rich Merlot that went down quite smoothly.

*Please drink responsibly

It’s time to think inside the box. Available in ten delicious varietals and two sizes (3L and Tetra), Black Box Wine will have you ready to lose the bottle! Black Box Wines is perfect for all your summer gatherings!

Summer is nearly here, which means entertaining with ease. We’re big fans of Black Box Wine Entertaining, which means we can grab a box of tasty wine on the go and transport easily to the golf course, boating or camping. For a recent evening dusk golf outing with friends we staged our rollaway bar cart to welcome our friends {complete with berry pie pops, too!}, some fresh flowers and julep cups aglow with tea lights before we hit the course. Entertaining during the summertime months should be totally effortless and breezy, and Black Box makes it a snap. Some of our go-to summer entertaining tips for incorporating wine into your celebration: Welcome your guests with a pre-stocked bar and chilled wine glasses… Let them play mixologist by pouring their own wine selections… Pair delicious bites of cheeses, crackers and something whimsical like pie pops … Black Box offers 10 different varieties boxed and ready for celebration. We sampled Sauvignon Blanc, which was quite refreshing and light, a Moscato that was utterly delicious and slightly sweet, and a rich Merlot that went down quite smoothly. *Please drink responsibly

It’s time to think inside the box. Available in ten delicious varietals and two sizes (3L and Tetra), Black Box Wine will have you ready to lose the bottle! Black Box Wines is perfect for all your summer gatherings!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Black Box Wines. The opinions and text are all mine.

It’s time to think inside the box. Available in ten delicious varietals and two sizes (3L and Tetra), Black Box Wine will have you ready to lose the bottle! Black Box Wines is perfect for all your summer gatherings!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Black Box Wines. The opinions and text are all mine.

Entertaining at Home: From-the-Pantry Brunch

Yum. Brunch. Could there be anything better? But there’s something about brunch that’s perfect. It’s often the culmination of an evening before of celebration. Laughter is involved. Champagne is sipped. Something hearty and homey is served. That was the inspiration for our February entertaining spread – seen in San Diego Magazine -something easy, breezy and fun. From the pantry. What a concept, right? What if we could all just entertain virtually on a whim with on-hand items from the pantry. Easy! Check out our kitchen souffle recipe at the end of the post. You’ll be amazed. One simple, yet incredibly delicious recipe it at your fingertips…

Our color story for the design was also something upbeat and fun. Why not keep things simpler, but still really striking with bold colors, unique patterns, and natural textures? We mixed and matched woven mats with thick and decadent Provencal linens and handmade wooden bowls. Spiky air plants were adhered to knotty wooden branches with hot glue, and colors popped with fresh juices atop the table.

We used an amazing linen from Aleah’s parents – it’s a Beauville from Alsace, France. Vibrant, isn’t it? These linens are handmade as they have been for centuries, using a unique stamping and screening process. It makes for the perfect heart of a breezy table.

We often let food do the talking for decor – especially when color is involved!

When plotting our your brunch it’s all about being effortless, yet making an impression and really showing your guests a memorable time. Do so with the little things. Finishing touches like hand-piped sour cream {simply scoop into a Zip-Loc bag, trim the ends, and pipe as you would with frosting} atop salsa and finish with chopped chives. Brown paper-wrapped individual jams cinched with a rustic twine. Bistro bottles filled with juices like pomegranate and apple cider – serve table side and top with champagne.

Details, especially when replicated for each guest, can make an impact.

A homey setting like your backyard or patio is the perfect spot for such an occasion.

We also adhered some air plants to crookedy branches with hot glue. They last forever this way with just a little spritzing of water each week. Instant centerpiece.

Figs and jams are welcomed take-home favors.

Photos by Elle G. Photography for Valley & Co. – San Diego Magazine

Valley & Co.’s Kitchen Soufflé

¾ loaf of Asiago cheese bread | ½ a fresh baguette | 1 pound of shredded cheddar cheese | ¾ pound of prosciutto | 6 large eggs | 3 cups of milk | 2 teaspoons dried mustard | sour cream | salsa | chives

Cut the prosciutto into 1” slices and crisp in a pan – cook until it begins to brown.

Cut bread into ½” thick slices and place a layer into a greased 9” x 13” baking dish. Mix eggs, milk, and dried mustard and until incorporated.

Put a layer of prosciutto over the bread in the pan and sprinkle ½ of the cheese on top.

Pour ½ of the egg mixture on top and layer the baguette slices atop this mixture. Repeat with the prosciutto, cheese, and egg layers.

 Cover and chill for 8-24 hours.

Bake uncovered in a 350 degree oven until puffed in the center and golden brown; about 1 hour. Let stand 20 minutes. Serve with sour cream and salsa. Top with chives.

Brunch on!

 

Entertaining at Home: Paella Party!

Each season we seem to say that this season is our favorite for entertaining. In spring months we look forward to opening our doors after a long winter and celebrating with fresh blooms and lighter dishes, in late summer and autumn we love bringing out the plaid blankets, apple cider and heartier foods, and in the winter we love getting a little glitzy with a mix of natural elements like pine boughs and cones and ornaments. Summer means effortless and light-hearted. Enter our paella party idea {we shot this for San Diego Magazine and the concept was a hit}!

Our concept for this shoot was a bring-your-own plate paella party where guests are greeted in a courtyard by hosts with fresh sangria {three ways: click here for recipes} and potted succulents. Tapas and a warm environment set the tone for an evening of laughter and great food. Guests mingle and end up at one long, family-style table where seafood paella takes center stage.

Images via Shannon Lee Images for Valley & Co.

 

Lobster Paella from Paella Valenciana – serves 101/4 Cup olive oil | 1 red bell pepper, sliced | 1 whole head of garlic, trimmed | 10 pieces of chicken, legs and thighs | 1/2 pound of tomatoes {seeded and chopped} | 1 pound shrimp | 1 pound calamari | 1 pound mussels | 1 pound clams
1 pound scallops | 10 1/2 lobster tails | approximately 8 cups of water | 1 pinch of saffron | 2 pounds of rice | 1/4 cup of fresh peas | salt

Instructions:In a paella pan saute the bell pepper and garlic until they start to brown. Remove bell pepper and set aside.

Brown chicken in pan. Add tomatoes and stir and mix on medium head.

Add calamari. Add water. Toast saffron slightly in a separate dry pan, then crumble and mix add to paella pan.

Add shrimp, scallops, and salt to taste. Add rice to pan. Add mussels and remaining seafood.

Happy Hour {Memorial Weekend Edition}

The unofficial start to summer has arrived! We’re scurrying of to create with crêpe paper and metal {and blooms!} for tomorrow’s wedding but are looking forward to kicking back and relaxing for the long holiday. With cocktail in hand, naturally. Here are four of our most popular cocktail recipes of all time on Valley & Co. Lifestyle, just for you! We hope you enjoy, friends! 

Photo: Terri Rippee Photography for Valley & Co.

Our Lemonade Sparkler is amazing. Remember this cocktail from two years ago? Yup. It’s the one that’s now been pinned over 500k times! Think we know what will be a go-to cocktail for this weekend. Here’s the recipe:

2 oz. strawberry infused Svedka vodka | 2 oz. simple syrup | 2 oz. fresh lemon juice {or pink lemonade} | sparkling wine

Pour simple syrup and vodka into a shaker and shake with ice and add lemon juice. Top with sparkling wine | Garnish with strawberries and mint

Valley & Co.’s Sangria Three Ways White Wine Sangria:
2/3 cup white sugar | orange slices | lime slices | lemon slices | diced green apples |
½ liter of club soda | 1 bottle Chardonnay

Red Wine Sangria:
1½ cups rum | ½ cup white sugar | 1 cup orange juice | lemon slices | orange slices |
lime slices | 1 bottle dry red wine (try a Spanish rioja) 

Rosé Sangria:
½ liter club | soda | sliced nectarines | green apple cubes | lemon slices | lime slices |
orange slices | 1 bottle dry French rosé 

Mix each in a carafe, refrigerate overnight, and serve with ice 

Our Blood Orange and Mint Sunset {photo by Valley & Co.}

blood oranges || 1 oz. blood orange liqueur || .5 oz. gin || seltzer water || a handful of mint leaves || ice || fine grained sugar

Dampen the rim of a low ball glass and dip in sugar. Muddle a few mint leaves in the bottom the low ball. Add ice, blood orange liqueur and gin. Stir and top with seltzer water. Serve with orange wedges and mint leaves as garnish. Cheers!

Editor’s note: if you want a mocktail version, substitute the liqueur with blood orange juice and omit the gin.

Our Easy Spiked Lemonade recipe is, well, quite easy! It’s very refreshing, too!

a can of Limonata {a fizzy Italian lemonade} | vodka | mint leaves

Pour 1 oz. of vodka into a bistro glass. Top with Limonata and ice and garnish with mint. That’s it. Easy peasy!

…and, if you’re looking to set up shop with a fun picnic or snack board for your party or impromptu entertaining, Kraft paper works wonders! Roll out paper {or a brown paper bag} and write out names for fun cheeses and spreads. Enjoy!

Photo: Elle G. Photography for Valley & Co.

Have a very safe and fun Memorial weekend, all!

 

Happy Hour with Club W

Friends, the weekend is nearly here! Not to mention, it’s a holiday weekend! Any fun plans for Memorial Day? We’re in the thick of our mega wedding and event season {and eternally grateful to play a role in such wonderful celebrations} and we’re always thinking about new and fun gifts to give to our clients for their celebrations. Recently Club W invited us to test out their online wine concierge service and, being the wine lovers we are, we jumped at the chance to check out this fantastic idea {and thought it a great idea to gift to newlyweds!}.

We logged on and took their palate profile test {we were asked about our preferences for spicy foods, and other food loves and dislikes}, and then Club W generated a number of hand-picked wines just for us based on our preferences. We selected three we thought looked especially delicious for these warmer days as we inch closers to summer. Here’s what was shipped to us:

It’s an especially great experience as it takes the guessing out of selecting wines for each occasion and tastes. You’re presented with an abundance of wines that are chosen just for you. How’s that for service? 

Club W’s well-known curators taste hundreds of boutique wines and choose a select group each month for their members – thus far we’ve sampled the delicious Loca Linda rosé. 

The Vedict: the Loca Linda was very refreshing and not too sweet. It has a nice balance of a slightly tart flavor while being crisp and very refreshing. We paired it with a light cheese snack and nuts and it was delicious. We can see enjoying Loca Linda on warm summer nights out around the bonfire or on the patio under dreamy globe lights sipping and enjoying this delightful rosé.

Photos: Valley & Co. Lifestyle

The scoop: you can check out Club W by getting started in creating your palate profile. Each month Club W will generate a number of selected bottles based on your tasted and then you choose the three you’d like to experience. The cost is $39 plus a flat rate shipping of $6. What’s even better? Valley & Co. Lifestyle readers have access to the equivalent of one free bottle of wine {you’re welcome!}. Just sign up at Clue W and enter coupon code: 411valley.

Seriously, guys…this is an awesome experience and we’d recommend giving this as a wedding gift or housewarming present. Who wouldn’t love that?

Cheers!

At Home with CB2 and Novogratz Collection #CB2NovogratzBrasilSweepstakes

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of CB2 for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

We’re huge fans of CB2. The clean line products, stylish and comfy everyday wear and seasonal goodness are always fun and we have endless lists of our must-have items for our home and our client events and spaces. Needless to say, we were thrilled to discovered the CB2 and Novogratz Collection. We can see getting our hands on all sorts of Novogratz goodness for summer: we’re in a pattern craze these days! Patterns and vibrant colors are warm and can cozy up a space in a snap and the new collaboration equals vibrancy for days and patterns galore.

Here are a few of our favorite new pieces:

{Aleah adores this funky light!}

The quadrado rug is a must! Wouldn’t it look fantastic on an outdoor patio for a summer bash?

Each season we aim at revamping our 1920s Green Lake area home with fresh and bright pieces that can punch up our living spaces quickly and with ease. We’d love to scoop up these picks to transform our spaces for summertime. Hop on over and follow CB2 to discover your favorite Novogratz pieces and enter the CB2 and Novogratz Brasil Sweepstakes

You can also follow CB2 on Twitter: @CB2Tweets or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cb2