How to Host the Perfect Backyard Party

Today, we are going to share some tips and tricks on how to get any space entertaining ready. We’ll also show you some perfect additions to make your summer decor POP! Whether you are entertaining for four or a few more, here are a couple of our summer must-haves!

**To purchase an item, click on the bold word and it will take you directly to the item page in our online shop..

Flag Table Runner & Placemats:

Our table setting starts with a festive flag runner and easy-to-clean placemats. First, we draped the flag runner across the table. We love this flag runner because it has multiple uses: you can hang it as a banner (it’s original purpose), or use it as a table runner like we did. It’s extra long so it works on even the largest of tables. Next, we used hand-woven placemats to help protect the table from any spills that might occur. Plus, they give you extra layering style points.

Navy Ticking Stripe Napkins:

I don’t know about you but I am a huge fan of ticking stripe so when I saw these napkins, I naturally had to bring them in. They are great for everyday use but pair them with a Handmade Glass Star from Memories in Glass and BOOM! - you’ve instantly added patriotic flair to your table. If you are feeling especially generous, let the star be a sweet gift to your guests to go home with.

Flag Holder Centerpieces:

In lieu of flowers for a centerpiece, we used handmade flag holders crafted from old fence posts. They are a colorful and fun centerpiece option. They also add good height to the tablescape.

Condiment Server:

This it a set with three bowls and a stand. You don’t just have to use it for condiments, you could also use it for bar snacks like pub mix, mixed nuts and/or M&M’s.

Glassware:

Our recycled beverage glasses are great for everyday use and for special occasions. Add in a fun paper straw or depending on the beverage, cut the ends off of Red Vines Licorice and use that as a straw (the kids at the party will love it and probably some adults too!) If you are looking for the perfect beverage to serve at your BBQ, head on over to see Troy at Battle Born Wine in Gardnerville. Let him know what you are serving and he’ll make sure you get the perfect pairing.

Galvanized Silverware Caddy:

This caddy works well for so many things. Put silverware in it on your buffet line, carry some ice cold beverages in it or make a faux flower arrangement in it for a centerpiece.

Stacking Star Dishes:

Another stylish dish set to use for your BBQ. Great for snacks on the table and a variety of other uses.

Ceramic Berry Basket with delicious fresh strawberries from the Main Street Farmer’s Market:

Did you know that there is now a Farmer’s Market in Main Street Gardnerville?? Head on over to Heritage Park on Wednesdays from 8am-1pm now through September 2nd to enjoy fresh produce and more from your favorite Farmers, Ranchers and Specialty Food Providers.

Beverage Station:

Turn your beverage bar into a style statement. Grab a small table, a beverage canister and some decor and turn it into a style statement. We used a log slice as a riser for our beverage canister so guests can easily get their glasses under the spigot. Visit our Shop Furniture page for tables, chairs and consoles available.

Party Tip:

Instead of using black tea for your ice tea, head on over to Fresh Ideas and pick up one of their flavored teas. Jody has a number of delicious options but Ginger Peach is a crowd favorite among the Eddy Street crew.

Buntings:

These buntings are my go-to every summer. It doesn’t even feel like summer until we hang the buntings on the house and shop. They are a larger bunting so they make a big statement when you hang them. What I like best about them is the quality. The coloring is great too because they lean towards the vintage style since the white isn’t bright.

Ice Cold Drink Tubs:

When function meets fashion - just because you want to keep your drinks cold, doesn’t mean you have to use a traditional cooler. This provides a style opportunity. Option One: get a cute drinking tub from Eddy Street. Option Two: Pull out that old wheel barrow and spray it off, fill it up with your favorite beverages and ice it down. Don’t fret if you don’t have a cute wheel barrow at home, our sweet friends Jessa and Julie currently have a great one in their upstairs booth at Cheshire Antiques.

Decor is great but the true key to a successful party is having something that entertains your guests. Put out yard games as an ice breaker to get conversations started or have everyone play a card game. One of our favorites is Left Center Right... It’s a simple game that’s sure to get everyone laughing.

Head on over to www.eddystreetvintagemarket.com to see these items and more. Use code “LOCAL20” for our curbside pickup option. Or, check out the video below for a walk through of some fun featured items and why we love them for a backyard BBQ.

We hope you use these tips to create the perfect backyard BBQ. Have a wonderful 4th of July! Summer has officially begun!

March Signature Cookie - Lemon, Raspberry and White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Missing this month’s Signature Cookie?! Don’t fret, we’ve got the recipe for you! Whip up a batch of these delightful cookies and bake your worries away.

Lemon, Raspberry and White Chocolate Chip Cookies-

3/4 C. Butter, melted
1/2 C. Sugar
1 C. Brown sugar
2 tsp. Vanilla
2 Eggs
Zest of 2 lemons
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Baking soda
2 tsp. Corn starch
2 C. Plus 2 Tbl. Flour
*1 oz. freeze dried raspberries, slightly crushed
1 1/2 C. White chocolate chips

 Preheat oven to 350. Cream together butter, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla. Once combined, add in eggs, lemon zest and juice. Finally add the remaining dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Refrigerate dough 30 minutes. Once chilled, scoop even size portions onto a line baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until slightly golden around edges. Allow to cool slightly and enjoy!

*Jess likes the ones from Trader Joes.

A special THANK YOU to Jess Wood, our favorite sugar magician, for sharing her recipe with us!

February Signature Cookie - Cookies & Cream

February’s Signature Cookie - Cookies & Cream - was a big hit this past month!

Thankfully, Jess Wood, our favorite sugar magician, was kind enough to share her recipe with us!

Ingredients:

1 C. Butter
1 1/2 C. Sugar
1 Egg
1 1/2 tsp. Vanilla
1/2 tsp. Baking powder
1 tsp. Baking soda
2 3/4 C. Flour
12 Oreos, smashed to pieces
1 C. White chocolate chips
1 C. Semi-sweet chocolate chips

Baking Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together butter and sugar until light. Add in egg and vanilla. Stir in remaining ingredients just until all flour is incorporated. Scoop even mounds of dough into a lined baking sheet and bake 8-10 minutes or until slightly golden around edges.

Make Your Guest Room Feel Like Home

The best thing about the holidays isn’t the delicious food or days off work, it’s the friends and family you get to spend time with. 

With only a few weeks until the holidays, it’s time to start thinking about your guest room and how you can help your guests feel welcome and comfortable. Think about what makes you feel comfortable when you go to a hotel and try to make your guest room feel the same way.

Start with the Bedding: 

If there is an area where you are planning to splurge a little, let it be on bedding. Nothing is more important that a good night’s sleep. You want your guests to feel like they are sleeping on a cloud. Add an extra plush mattress cover and soft sheets to the top of your list. Fluffy duvets are always a plus, too. Leave some extra blankets in an easily accessible place in case your guests like to be extra cozy. 

In addition to extra blankets, be sure to supply extra linens like towels and washcloths in the room or show your guests where those are located, should they need extra.

Leave them space to unpack: 

Depending on how long your guests are staying, be sure to make extra room for their items, whether that is leaving room in the closet or emptying a drawer in the dresser. 

Care Package: 

When you are traveling, nothing is worse than forgetting something you need. Create a little welcome basket for your guests in case they forget something important. 

Include items such as:

• Toiletries: travel size shampoo, body wash, hair spray, toothpaste

• Advil

• Bottled Water and snacks

• Phone chargers & an extension cord

Extra touches: 

If you really want the room to feel festive, add a few seasonal items to make them feel at home for the holidays. You could also include seasonal magazines to help them get into the holiday spirit. 

You might also consider printing out your wi-fi password and leaving it in the room so guests can connect. Unless you’d rather have an old fashioned phone-free holiday. 

If your guests aren’t familiar with the area, you also might consider leaving some local brochures of points of interest in the area (like our Lovely Boutiques & Tasty Eateries Flier).

Don’t forget the bathroom: 

Add a flower arrangement for a nice simple decorative touch. Or, find a fun holiday scented hand soap and lotion.

We hope you enjoy your time with family and friends this holiday season! 

Stay Cozy!

Holiday Napkin Folding Ideas

When you want to keep your tablescape simple, yet still impress your guests, napkins can add a special touch at each place setting. Plus, napkins can add color to your dining room and provide the perfect place for name cards or utensils.

Before the day of your holiday party, stock up on square cloth napkins or interchange napkins and dish towels if you want to add a seasonal touch. Clean, ironed linens will fold more crisply as well. 

Gather Together - for this look, we used multiple plates and two napkins for a layered look.

Napkin Ring & Natural Elements - incorporating natural elements not only keeps the cost down but it also increases the festive feel of the table. For this setting we used a feather and nestled it in the napkin. We love the addition of the blue plate that says “Gather together and give thanks.”

Basic Envelope Fold - This setting features the easy-to-do envelope fold which keeps all your silverware together in one spot. The crabapple stem adds a pop of color to an otherwise neutral plate. 

Bowtie: The bowtie fold always looks nice and gives you a good spot to put a placecard. It’s also another simple fold to complete. 

Festive Dish Towel Wrap: Sometimes, instead of using a traditional napkin, it’s more fun to use a seasonal dish towel like we show here. We also used a charger plate for this setting to add some texture to the setting.