#SignatureSaturday :: Pumpkin Spice White Russian

Our #signaturedrink for this #signaturesaturday is a Pumpkin Spice White Russian! Perfect cocktail for fall events!

2 ounces vodka 
1.5 ounces Bailey's (original flavor)
1 ounce half and half 
1 ounce pumpkin spice syrup*
honey or agave
nonpareils
cinnamon stick 

*To make the pumpkin spice syrup, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice in a small pan. Heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved completely. Let it cool, strain into a container, and keep it in a sealed container for up to two weeks in the fridge (use it for coffee, tea, or cocktails!). 

To make your drink extra pretty, use agave syrup or honey to stick nonpareils to the outer rim of the glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. I hope you enjoy this simple, festive variation on one of our favorite treat cocktails.

To make the drink, fill a glass with ice and combine vodka, Bailey's, half and half, and syrup. Stir and serve. 

See the full post at A Beautiful Mess.

DIY :: Rustic Stick Basket Centerpiece

This beautiful (and inexpensive!) basket is made with a handful of paint stir sticks found at any home center, a square dowel, and some staples. Use it as a decorative centerpiece, or as stylish storage on a shelf. No matter the use, you’ll be amazed by how quick and easy it is to assemble!

Prep the Parts

Cut the paint sticks and square dowel to size using the cut list above. (Try our Safety Cutting Jig for easy, straight cuts.) Apply paint or stain to each paint stick. Using a paint pen or marker, color the staples.

Tip: Since I chose a dark stain, I started with a coat of Minwax pre-stain to avoid blotches. I finished with Minwax wood stain in Walnut and a coat of polyurethane to amplify the stain color and protect the finish.

Attach the Paint Sticks to the Dowels

To create lapped corners, position the paint sticks so that one end overhangs the square dowels by 1/8 inch. Use the thickness of a scrap paint stick as a spacer. Alternate the overhanging edges as shown in the diagram below. Apply a dot of wood glue beneath the paint stick, and then secure it using a staple gun and 3/8 inch staples.

Finish Assembling the Short Walls

Continue gluing and stapling each paint stick in place, allowing about ¼ inch spacing between the slats. The top and bottom paint sticks should be flush with the ends of the dowels.

Add the Floor Cleats

To create a cleat for the floor slats to set on, position a square dowel along the inside of each assembled wall, flush with its bottom edge. Apply glue between the cleat and the slat, and then shoot a staple through the outside face of the paint stick and into the cleat to hold it in place, as shown.

Attach the Long Slats

Lay the long slats across the dowels, alternating their overhanging ends as shown in the diagram in step two. Apply glue, and then attach the paint sticks using a staple gun and 3/8 inch staples.

Insert the Floor Slats

To create the base of the basket, lay the 11¾ inch paint sticks onto the cleats. Space them evenly, apply a dot of glue beneath each end, and then staple them in place.

See the original post at Build-Basic.com

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Venue Spotlight :: Sparrow Creek Ranch in Graham, TX

Sparrow Creek Ranch is a gem of a venue located in Graham, Texas. Whether your style is boho, rustic, country chic, or barn style weddings, Sparrow Creek Ranch is perfect! It has so many gorgeous touches...chandeliers, a wall of mirrors, the Dodge truck and other props for photos... Not only is the venue itself amazing, but they have acres of beautiful outdoor spots for photos and ceremonies! I am thrilled to be working with this venue in the future and can't wait to share some of our beautiful events there!

Contact Kalli at Sparrow Creek Ranch to schedule a tour and get more information on this amazing venue!

Website :: www.sparrowcreekranch.com

Facebook :: @sparrowcreekranch

Instagram :: @sparrowcreekranch

Twitter :: @sparrowcreektx

Pinterest :: Sparrow Creek Ranch

Photo by Miranda Taack Photography

Photo by Miranda Taack Photography

Photo by Miranda Taack Photography

Photo by Miranda Taack Photography

Photo by Miranda Taack Photography

Photo by Miranda Taack Photography

Photo by Miranda Taack Photography

Happy Anniversary :: Cathy + Stefan

Cathy + Stefan

September 26

Cathy + Stefan had a charming outdoor ceremony at a bed & breakfast followed by an indoor reception. The ceremony was so romantic and included some Filipino wedding traditions that were lovely! After the gorgeous ceremony, they went to a navy blue & white reception with lighting and ceiling draping. We had a wonderful time putting this together for them! Happy Anniversary Cathy + Stefan!

  

  

Happy Anniversary :: Jaime + Adam

Jaime + Adam

September 25

Jaime + Adam had a beautiful Jewish lakeside gazebo ceremony and an indoor reception to follow. Jaime chose fall colors for her décor, and it was a perfect choice! A harpist, pomanders down the aisle, and gazebo arrangements were a few of the special touches for the ceremony. Everything turned out just lovely! Happy Anniversary Jaime + Adam, and best wishes to you both!

Photo by Terra Sol Studio

Photo by Terra Sol Studio

Photo by Terra Sol Studio

Photo by Terra Sol Studio

Photo by Terra Sol Studio

Photo by Terra Sol Studio

Happy Anniversary :: Jessica + Chris

Jessica + Chris

September 24

Jessica + Chris had an exquisite wedding at an extremely gorgeous venue! One of my all time favorites for sure! They were such a laid back and sweet couple to work with! Beauty was everywhere from the grand ceremony, to the flowers, to the lovely bridesmaids, to the wedding cake....and the bride herself...wow! Her dress was magical! The live band kept the reception jumping all night, and it was all around a superb day! Happy Anniversary Jessica + Chris, sending hugs and best wishes!

Photo by EM Event Photography

Photo by EM Event Photography

Photo by EM Event Photography

Photo by EM Event Photography

Photo by EM Event Photography

Photo by EM Event Photography

Photo by EM Event Photography

  

Photo by EM Event Photography

Photo by EM Event Photography

#SignatureSaturday :: Apple Cider Margarita

Here is a delectable Apple Cider Margarita for those that drink tequila year round and need a tasty treat fit for fall!

Ingredients:

1 oz Grand Marnier
1 oz gold tequila
5-6 oz sweet apple cider
Orange Segments & Apple Slices
Cinnamon
Cane sugar
Coarse sugar (for glass rimming)
Cinnamon Sticks (for garnish)


Directions:

Add a few spoonfuls of cane sugar, coarse sugar, and cinnamon to a plate. Run an orange segment around the edge of the glass, then press the glass into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat the rim. Add a few orange slices in the bottom of the glass, fill with ice, then add the Grand Marnier, tequila, and apple cider and stir to mix. Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Enjoy!

Recipe serves 1 and is easily multiplied.

Note: Even if you prefer silver tequila regularly, gold tequila for this recipe really gives a “warmth” that matches the cider and cinnamon perfectly.

See the full post at howsweeteats.com