Springtime Brunch For Two Tablescape

 

What a lovely weekend it was here in the Midwest. I was able to finish my pots and hanging baskets and enjoy spending time outside in the sunshine. My herb pots are center stage right outside my kitchen door. One pot is full of herbs for cooking and the other is full of herbs for my tea. There is nothing better than picking herbs fresh from my pots. I also planted a pot of strawberries and a pineapple. I really hope the pineapple produces some fruit this year. I also spent a lovely afternoon enjoying lunch and shopping with a dear friend. We had not seen each other in quite some time. I am looking forward to everything Spring has to offer.

Spring is the perfect time for a brunch for two. The weather is warming up and I think we are all ready to get out and enjoy time with our friends again. I love spending an afternoon with a good friend and catching up. It seems like we all have so much to catch up on. I created a beautiful and spring theme table design for a brunch for two.

My Mackenzie-Childs pedestal table is the perfect backdrop for a spring-themed table. The minute I saw this pedestal, I knew that was the table that I had been looking for. My backsplash at my cooktop is the coordinating tiles to match my table. So unique and custom. My chairs are from Pottery Barn, and I love how they complement the table.

spring brunch table for 2
Spring Brunch Table For Two

Pink dinner plates from Kate Spade with Juliska Seaside Estate appetizer plates were the inspiration. Seaside Estate is my new favorite pattern from Juliska. Perfect summer pattern. Personalized pieces are a must for me. I added personalized napkins and napkin rings from Initial Outfitters by Carrie. The acrylic place setting toppers from Initial Outfitters by Carrie is so fun and versatile to use anywhere. Personalized pieces are a quick way to add a custom designer look to any design. Lilly Pulitzer wine glasses and drink glasses completed my place setting.

 

 

 

juliska seaside estate
Juliska Seaside Estate

 

initial outfitters
Initial Outfitters Monogrammed Table Decor

Fresh flowers in a pretty vase are really all you need for a pretty centerpiece. I have been using my Mackenzie-Childs Royal Check pitcher as a centerpiece. I love the blue and white check mixed with the pinks and bright colors. A monogram platter from Taylor Beach Designs will look so pretty with tea sandwiches or cupcakes on it. Nora Fleming pieces are also some of my favorites. I love having one piece and just changing the mini on it for a new look. The flamingo looks perfect on the napkin holder. My monogrammed ice bucket in a Lilly Pulitzer print is a piece I have had for so long. I have a matching tray as well. And brunch would not be complete without a bottle of Veuve chilling in a Mackenzie-Childs wine bucket.

 

lilly pulitzer ice bucket
Lilly Pulitzer Ice Bucket

 

taylor beach design platter
Taylor Beach Design Platter

 

mackenzie-childs wine cooler
Mackenzie-Childs Wine Cooler

I think this is the perfect table for a lovely brunch My brunch menu would be a delicious quiche, salad with a champagne vinaigrette, fruit salad, and of course cupcakes. Check out my YouTube video featuring my Mother’s Day brunch table for two. Are you looking forward to entertaining again?

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesigner Industry Specialist and  Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Senior Outfitter with Initial Outfitters, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

Afternoon Tea At The Phoenician

The Phoenician
The Phoenician

 

One of my favorite activities, while I am in Arizona, is afternoon tea. I have enjoyed many different spots but I always come back to afternoon tea at The Phoenician. The Phoenician is such a beautiful resort to spend the day at. The remodel a few years back  I highly recommend a stop there for a cocktail, tea, or a meal. The views from the balconies are spectacular. If you ever have the opportunity to stay there, I highly suggest it.

Tea is held in the lobby and the service is spot on. Soft piano music greets you when you arrive and the tables are all cozy and welcoming. The lobby has a beautiful view of the grounds and mountains, I just love it. There are a few different options for tea service with champagne and without. We chose without champagne because we wanted to enjoy a glass on the patio after tea. The tea selection is large, and I chose tropical tea. It was fabulous, and I think I finished the entire pot.

The first course is a variety of tea sandwiches all created by the chef. My favorites are egg salad and chicken salad. I always get seconds of those. There is also the traditional cucumber sandwich, asparagus sandwich, and salmon sandwich. All delicious.

the phoenician tea
First Course

The second course is scones. Flaky, warm, and delicious. These are served with the traditional clotted cream, lemon curd, and preserves. I always take my time and savor every bite of these.

the phoenician tea
Second Course-Scones

Last but not least, it’s the dessert course. The presentation is beautiful. Sugar overload, yes, but so worth it. The macaroon even has a little gold leafing on it. Shortbread, chocolate-covered strawberry, a tart, and more were the other offerings. Each delicious.

the phoenician tea
Third Course-Dessert

We like to enjoy the tea and are in no hurry for the experience to end. A glass of Veuve on the patio was the perfect finish to a perfect day. I think we spent another couple of hours just enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Veuve Time

I always try to enjoy a cup of tea every day. Treating myself to a proper tea sometimes is just something that I really enjoy. Enjoying the experience with a dear friend makes it so much better. I highly recommend it.

Until next week,

Carrie

 

Carrie KellyCarrie Kelly is an Interior Redesigner Industry Specialist and  Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also an Independent Consultant with Initial Outfitters, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

Sassy Direct: 

https://www.sassydirect.com/united-states/fashion/carrie-kelly

Follow me on Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/carriekellydesigns

Check out my blog for more tips and inspiration:

https://pineapplesandsweettea.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/pineapplesandmonograms/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/carriekellydesigns

Visit my website:

https://carriekellydesigns.com/

Shop Initial Outfitters:

https://initialoutfitters.net/ckelly  

Email: 

pineapplesandmonograms@gmail.com

Easy Weeknight Dinners

 

I finally jumped on the Instapot wagon and I am so glad I did. I used my crockpot all of the time and didn’t really think I would use an Instapot. Boy was I wrong. Crockpots don’t always cook things juicy and even and the Instapot keeps everything juicy. Scrolling Pinterest I am amazed at the variety of things people cook in an Instapot. Basically, it does everything.

Back here in the Midwest, it is starting to turn cold, and we have so many chilly nights. There is nothing better than a warm bowl of soup, chili, or a roast. Comfort food for the win at this time of year. The Instapot has been my go-to for creating these delicious recipes. I have even done dessert in it. Who would have thought? I’m finding more and more ways to cook with this every day.

Do you have any favorite Instapot recipes to share? I am always on the lookout for the newest recipe. Here is one that I really enjoy from The Whole Cook on a cold night.

Happy Cooking!

NO BEAN 30 MINUTE CHILI

This No Bean 30 Minute Chili is hearty comfort food at it’s best! Thick, hearty, and a family favorite. Plus it’s Whole30 compliant, dairy free, and gluten free!

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 pounds lean ground beefI use 93/7
  • 1 green bell pepperfinely chopped
  • 1 large yellow onionfinely chopped
  • 2 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 6 oz can tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons garlicminced

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Add your ground beef to a large stock pot. Use your spatula to crumble the beef. Add in your chopped green pepper and onion. Cook on medium high, stirring occasionally, until beef is browned.
  • If your beef isn’t very lean you’ll want to drain the grease before moving on to the next step. I use a very lean beef so I don’t need to drain mine.
  • Once your ground beef is cooked it’s time to add the other ingredients to the pot. Stir. Cover and let simmer for 20 – 25 minutes.
  • Taste. Add extra salt or pepper if that’s your preference. Top with green onions, avocado, cilantro, or onion. Enjoy!

NOTES

You can substitute ground turkey if you prefer that to beef.

If you prefer to use the stove top or Instant Pot you’ll find directions for both above this recipe card.

NUTRITION

serving: 1cupcalories: 217kcalcarbohydrates: 12gprotein: 27gfat: 6gsaturated fat: 2gcholesterol: 70mgsodium: 936mgpotassium: 973mgfiber: 2gsugar: 5gvitamin a: 1130iuvitamin c: 25.1mgcalcium: 63mgiron: 4.8mg
Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesigner Industry Specialist and  Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also an Independent Consultant with Initial Outfitters, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog.

Follow me on Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/carriekellydesigns

Check out my blog for more tips and inspiration:

https://pineapplesandsweettea.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/pineapplesandmonograms/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/carriekellydesigns

Visit my website:

https://carriekellydesigns.com/

Shop Initial Outfitters:

https://initialoutfitters.net/ckelly  

Email: carrie@carriekellyesigns.com