I know they call Memorial Day weekend the unofficial start to summer...but around our house, the holiday weekend marks the beginning of our outdoor entertaining season. My husband, Doug, and I love having friends over in the summertime...whether it be for a thoroughly planned shindig or an impromptu BBQ by the pool, warm weather equals party time at our house! And while the easy, breezy mood of summer is usually our mantra for get togethers, I still like to find ways to put little touches of "special" out for our guests. As someone who thinks anything can be renovated with a fresh coat of spray paint, I absolutely love taking garden flower pots and repurposing them to help organize our buffet. Aren't they adorable? :-) I used chalkboard spray paint that lets me use colorful chalk to mark what's what, and with a quick wipe of a damp cloth (let dry) I'm able to redesign from party to party. The kids love to help and put their artistic touch on the pots too! It's just too easy of a project NOT to pass along, so here's how you can make them at your house:
- Purchase Chalkboard Paint or Spray Paint and 6” flower pots
- Either prime or lightly coat the pots
- Spray 3 or 4 coats, allowing to dry after each coat
- Turn them over and add 3 or 4 coats
- Have fun and get creative with your chalk! It’s chalk so you can change it out for each party depending on the theme. Here we did a nice Summer BBQ theme.
These chalkboard pots are also great for organizing your kids craft areas...think designating one for markers, crayons, pencils. They'd also be super cute for herbs in your kitchen window. AND - I purchased everything I needed for under $10.00! ... and start to finish - only spent 10 minutes on it!
Without a doubt, firing up the grill is one of the easiest ways to feed a summertime crowd, but because burgers and hot dogs are so expected on a BBQ menu, I like to deliver something unexpected in flavors and textures for side dishes. One of my all-time favorite recipes is a black bean avocado salad.
Light and fresh, you can use it like a salsa, a topping for grilled fish or chicken, or just on the side in place of potato salad. I've never had any leftovers when I make it....here's the recipe if you'd like to give it a try:
Black Bean Avocado Salad
Ingredients :
2 cups grape tomatoes, cut in half
1 yellow or orange pepper, diced
15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup onion, diced
2 fresh jalapeno peppers, seeded with veins removed then minced
1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lime juice
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp salt (I like kosher salt for this)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, ground (optional)
2 avocados, peeled & diced
Directions:
Mix the tomatoes, peppers, beans, onions, and jalapenos together in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and cayenne pepper. Pour over tomato mixture. Before serving, gently fold in avocados. Let sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
Your outdoor patio, deck, balcony, yard..whatever you might have...should be viewed as an extension of your home, so don't forget to take what you've created indoors and move it outside. Color, like in an umbrella, a glowing lantern or an outdoor rug can make your space feel more like home and a create a place you'll love to be (and guests will too!) We just bought some new outdoor furniture, so I know I'll be spending a lot of time outdoors just chilling out...I love summer mornings, before the heat kicks up too much and there's just quiet....it's a good place to be.
Looking forward to spending time with you over the Memorial Day weekend with a get ready for summer version of You're Home with Jill! By the way, What are you up to this summer? Staying close to home or taking the vacation of your dream? I'd love to hear from you!
From my home to yours,
Jill