Aug 26, 2015
As I’m planning an End of Summer Fiesta, so I thought it might be fun to create decorative napkin rings for it. They were easy, and I like how they added more color to the tablescape.
To begin, you will need:
– scissors
– empty toilet paper rolls (or paper towel rolls)
– craft glue
– sheets of colored tissue paper
First, cut the empty toilet paper/paper towel cardboard tubes into rings approximately 2.5″ wide.
Then fold them in half and use the scissors to cut “fringe” on one side – approximately 1/4″ between cuts.
Next, use the glue (sparingly) to attach the tissue strips one at a time to the cardboard tube.
Keep adding layers of tissue until the entire cardboard tube is covered (approximately 4 layers).
After gluing, use your fingers to gently “rough up” the fringe a bit – I think it looks better that way.
{As you can tell, I repeated the same process for the menu, using longer tissue strips.}
Aug 18, 2015
While in Costa Rica for my brother’s wedding, my family took a half day fishing tour. When the young local fisherman presented us with a gorgeous pineapple snack – we were really impressed with his presentation skills! He used no fancy plates or utensils – just a pineapple, a cutting board and a knife.
Basic. Beautiful. Delicious. And I’ve never cut a pineapple this way.
Of course I asked him how he did it (so I could share with you). Wouldn’t this be fabulous at a Luau or backyard summer party? The best part is there’s virtually no clean up (aside from washing your hands and the knife)!
First, cut off the top of the pineapple. Then cut off the bottom.
Then cut the pineapple in half.
Next, cut out the core of the pineapple by slicing a “V” shape in the flesh. Then cut again to create four equal pieces.
Carefully use the knife to separate the inner flesh from the outer skin.
Slice the pineapple into ½” sections.
Position the slices so they alternate on the pineapple “plate” and serve.
This was my first time cutting a pineapple like this, so it isn’t as pretty as the fisherman’s, but it DID work. And I’ll definitely be giving this technique some practice in the warm months!
{Did you know pineapples are ON TREND right now? You can read more here.}
Jul 22, 2015
Ingredients:
One bunch of carrots
1/2 cup Savannah Bee Company’s Grill Honey
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary (or any other fresh herb you enjoy)
Instructions:
Wash and peel the carrots, removing the both ends. Put carrots in a large baggie and evenly coat with the grill honey/balsamic mixture. Refrigerate and let marinate for 30 minutes.
Fire up the grill to medium heat. Grill carrots for 15 minutes on one side, then flip the carrots, drizzle with more grill honey and grill until cooked through (approx. 10-15 more minutes). Remove from the grill and toss with the rosemary. Enjoy!
Jul 14, 2015
Have you heard the news? Barque was just named Trendy Stationer of the Year by Stationery Trends Magazine! We’re honored and excited and feel very blessed.
We love our customers and what we do every day, but it’s nice to be recognized by our peers in the paper industry too. Our goal is to cultivate a modern love affair of paper in our community and customers. No atter what you hear, paper is NOT going out of style. In fact, in this age of technology, it leaves an even bigger impact! You can only keep a test as long as you have that phone, friends. Say it on paper instead (and makes someone’s day in the process). Carry on paper people. And cue the confetti!
Jun 28, 2015
It’s summer – and that means that picnics, backyard barbecues and outdoor get-togethers are happening NOW! For your next summer party, use a watermelon keg – it’s clever, useful and a fun way to delight your guests (for only $24.99, plus the cost of a watermelon).
To start, if your watermelon will stand up straight on its own, then can slice off the top and start scooping out the flesh. If not, you’ll need to trim approximately 1 inch off the bottom so that the watermelon will stand up securely.
Use an ice cream scoop to hollow out the inside, reserving the watermelon flesh in a large bowl (or two).
Stop scooping when you get about 2-3 inches close to the bottom of the watermelon. (If you scoop too far down, you run the risk of piercing the outer skin and causing a leak.) Next, assemble the keg dispenser and use the included coring tool to create a hole for the tap.
Attach the keg dispenser by placing it in the hole, and tightening from the inside. If you tighten enough, it will naturally create a “seal” with the watermelon flesh and rind.
Once the dispenser is secure, you can fill it up with the beverage of your choice (I recommend something fruity flavored, because it’s still going to taste like watermelon).
If you want to utilize the watermelon flesh, use an immersion blender to liquify it.
Then strain the mixture, using a spatula to push the flesh through the strainer. When you’re done, you’ll have a pitcher of watermelon juice, to which you can add whatever you want – club soda, lemon lime soda, vodka, gin, etc. Want more ideas? Check out our Pinterest board with Watermelon Drink Ideas.
No matter what you put IN the watermelon keg, it’s sure to be a hit at your summer get-together – it’s just so darn cute and… summery!
Then fold them in half and use the scissors to cut “fringe” on one side – approximately 1/4″ between cuts.
Next, use the glue (sparingly) to attach the tissue strips one at a time to the cardboard tube.
Keep adding layers of tissue until the entire cardboard tube is covered (approximately 4 layers).
After gluing, use your fingers to gently “rough up” the fringe a bit – I think it looks better that way.
{As you can tell, I repeated the same process for the menu, using longer tissue strips.}
