Labor-LESS Weekend

It's Labor Day weekend and that means we are marking the end of summer (sigh) and moving into fall. Spending the weekend with friends and family at a laid-back and casual get together is perfectly appropriate. Make it special yet effortless with these no-cook recipes that require little prep time so you can enjoy a labor-less day.

Spiked Ice Tea (Photo from Martha Stewart)

Ice tea makes the perfect beverage because it's easy and refreshing. Spike it for an adult treat or leave it simply sweet for younger ones. Make your own or buy a pre-made version and try adding lemon, mint, or sliced peaches to dress it up. Add rum, bourbon, or vodka if you please and serve in mason jars or a big pitcher. Cheers!

Feta Truffles: Recipe from Southern Living

Serve these no-cook little treats with grape tomatoes, almonds, cucumbers, olives, and pita chips for a pretty yet easy appetizer. Want to make it even easier? Simply cut cubes of feta and toss with olive oil, lemon, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes and serve it up on a platter with pitas and veggies.

Yin Yang Sandwiches: Recipe from Real Simple

Making one large sandwich on a loaf of ciabatta or french bread means less prep time for you. Simply prepare sandwich ahead of time and slice up when it's time to eat! This one combines salami, ham, and provolone, but you can use whatever you prefer or have on hand. Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken also works great for a quick chicken salad.

Corn, tomato, and avocado salad: Recipe from Martha Stewart

A corn salad like this one makes a great side dish for your sandwiches and takes advantage of all the in-season produce. You can also add black beans or jalapenos for a kick.

Mini Yogurt Pies (Image from Stephanie's Kitchen)

We've been making this recipe for years and it seriously couldn't get easier. While the original is made in a full size graham cracker crust, we love the individual crusts they are selling now. Use whatever yogurt flavor you want and top with fresh fruit for an extra little touch. Take out the pies about 15 mins prior to serving so they're not too firm. Get the recipe here from Kraft Recipes.

DIY 4th of July

The 4th of July is a little over a week away and is one of our favorite holidays. It's the perfect summertime reason to gather friends and family for a laid back day of outdoor celebrating. If you're like us, you may be tempted to go over the top, but spending the days before stressing are certainly not on your summer agenda. Try a few of these simple yet creative ideas and you're sure to add that personal festive touch you love with minimal effort. Happy Independence Day America!

Keep your table decorations simple but pretty by weaving pieces of crepe paper. You could also do this with strips of fabric or pretty wrapping paper. As seen from Good Housekeeping



Mason Jars make a perfect re-useable glass for your guests and the home-made decorative paper tops will keep the bugs out of your delicious drinks while adding pizzaz. Instructions from Two Shades of Pink

These Red, White, and Blueberry Turkey sliders are sure to be a hit and are a nice twist on the traditional bbq fare. Recipe here.

Frozen water balloons keep drinks cold and are so much more fun than ice. Use only red, white, and blue balloons and you've added another Patriotic touch to your party. As seen from Home Confetti



Smores-on-a-Stick are the perfect make ahead festive treat. Get the recipe from The Idea Room



DIY printables are always a great way to personalize your party. We especially love these "Sparkler Holders" from Twig & Thistle



Keep your guests comfortable with these adorable and easy bandanna cushions. For the how to click here.

For more red, white, and blue ideas revisit our Memorial Day post Here

Posh Paddy's Day Party

Plastic shamrocks, leprechaun hats, and green beer... snore! St. Patrick's day is a fun holiday to celebrate, but you have to admit it can be a bit cheesy! This year celebrating it can be different! Here are some fun and creative ways to create a posh little Paddy's Day party! After all, it falls on a Saturday this year, so no excuses!

First and foremost, what are you going to eat? Serve up some of these treats that are inspired by the Irish holiday, but not so obvious.

Shamrock Pretzels: Recipe click here

Bowls of "green" salted edamame

Irish Blue Cheese fondue: recipe from Martha Stewart

For dessert serve Bailey's tiramisu or ice cream floats made with a stout like Guiness. You could also do root beer for non drinkers or kids.

Baileys Tiramisu click for recipe

Stout ice cream float: recipe here

Drinks can be beer, mojitos, or basil martinis. They can either be homemade or store bought. If you don't want to play bartender all night, purchase a variety of bottled beers like Harp and Smithwicks or pre-made cocktails like Skinny Girl Mojitos. You can still add some flair with these free printable labels or you can make your own. You could also attach them to rainbow colored fruit sodas for a non-alcoholic option. For an added festive touch, garnish mojitos and basil martinis with punched out clovers!

Basil was punched here, but you can also do the same with mint using a scrapbooking hole punch.

Labels printed from Printable Paperie

"Rainbow" non alcoholic drink buffet

Send guests home with simple favors like bags full or green candy like m&m's and gummi frogs, pouches of chocolate gold coins or cute and useful mini hand sanitizers.

Mini gummi frogs

Gold coin chocolates

Mini sanitizer from Bath & Body Works

For more ideas, check out our St. Patty's Day pin board on Pinterest.