Almost There

With May 22 almost here my party preparations are slowly coming together.
Clean and spruce up front porch. Done

Porch swing looks inviting.

Welcome basket out on door.

My favorite pink geraniums

An inviting place to sit with coffee or cocktail

Clean and spruce up patio.  Almost there.  Need to add a few plants and #2 wash tub for  beer and soft drinks.

Back door looking welcoming

Sitting area shaping up.  Love this Mad Matts recycled rug.

Another view of the sitting area

Another sitting area.

New light hung in breakfast room.  Done.  This light was created from a basket bought on my tour of P. Allen Smith's farm.  I think I am finally satisfied.

New breakfast room light.

Light in breakfast room setting.

I am planning on making a bourbon slush, recipe to follow.  This is a punch that is cold and perfect for a hot spring in the south.  We will be enjoying; homemade pimento cheese, Sassy's chicken salad, Barbara's ham salad, and many more treats made by a hand full of caring friends.  Soon the American flags will line the walkway, Japanese lanterns in the trees and hopefully a lively celebration for my friend, the next Representative to the House in Arkansas.


Bourbon Slush:

1 (12oz) can frozen lemonade
1 (6oz) can frozen orange juice
2 cups strong brewed tea
2 cups bourbon
2 cups water
1 liter ginger ale
2 lemons cut into wedges for garnish

In a large plastic container, combine lemonade concentrate, orange concentrate, tea, sugar, bourbon, and water.  Mix well and freeze for 24 hours.  Scoop mixture into glass til 3/4 full and pour ginger ale in glass.  Garnish with lemon wedge.   Sometimes I use fresh mint for garnish.  Enjoy.

Whew. Where Did April Go?

Can't believe it is May already.  Where did April go?  Busy busy month.  I have been a wife, mother, grandmother, sister,  church lady, gardener, and last but not least an interior designer. Whoops, I left out golfer.   I have started two new projects and neglected my own projects in my home.  Spent an extra long week end in my old hometown at the Juke Joint Festival, another long week end keeping my grandson so that my daughter could renew old friendships with her high school friends, and spent much time in my yard and on my patio and porches trying to get ahead of the planting season. I must confess I have managed to play some golf as well.  All this and I have a dear friend and client whose schedule makes my head spin as she is running for a state office and has a law practice and a husband and three active children.

 I am having an election night party for my friend so my own projects are becoming very important as my deadline is May 22.  With 60 people who have been committed campaign workers to attend I am feeling the pressure to get my interior looking its best.  It seemed so far away when I committed in early March.  I love to entertain but am somewhat out of practice.  I have visions of a beautiful night with folks scattered out on porches, patio and yard.  I am planning on Japanese lanterns in the trees and candle light on the porches. Small American flags will line the walkways.   Great food and drink placed strategically.  Wash tub for beer, white wine and water cooled in a tub and the bar looking sophisticated and fully stocked.  Food will be homemade of course, with a little help from my friends.  Ham salad, chicken salad (Sassy's recipe) pimento cheese and various dips and spreads.  Hopefully a " Garden and Gun" sort of night. 

In the meantime there are samples to gather, finishes to select  and boards to develop for those patient clients.  I am hopeful when June arrives I will at least know where May has gone.