Summer Bucket List Creation

Ahhh, summer.  It’s here!  School is out, camp is in session, and families are adjusting to new routines. What time does sailing camp start this week, again? Where are the kids supposed to go next week?  Do they need water shoes and a rash guard?  

It can get a little nutty if you are not organized, so More Than Paper has some tips to help you manage these new schedules and create new routines.  Also, we have some tips to ensure that you get to enjoy the summer, too. Isn’t that what it is all about? This 2023 will be your best one yet!

 

STAY STRESS-FREE 

Stress usually arises from being disorganized or when there is a lot of unknown.  Take control and write it down!  Being organized and planning will help you feel in control.  We’re big fans of paper organizers where you can write things down (digital calendars just aren’t the same.) Here are a few cute options.  Fill this one in with your reminders and notes – water shoes won’t be forgotten, after all!

 

What about this one for getting the whole family organized?  We love that there are slots to include every family members’ activities by day.  The organizer is in pad format so you can tear it off when the week is done and start new! 

 

 

ENJOY THE SUMMER  

Even if you work and aren’t taking much (or any) vacation this summer, we hope that you will get to actually enjoy the season and the carefree nature that it can offer.  Make sure to maximize the weather, the longer sunlight hours and be sure to get outdoors!  This can be done by changing up your routine and walking in the morning or an evening walk when you get home.  Squeeze in a game of pickleball or tennis or take a swim in a nearby pool.  

 

Another idea?  Create a summer bucket list.  Create a list of all the things that you want to do this summer. Be it a drive-in movie, an adventure to the waterpark, or an alfresco seafood dinner – think big and be intentional about how you will create memories.  Jot the ideas down on a “bucket list” pad like this one!  You can even personalize the notepad with your name, last name or initials. 

 

 

We also love the idea of planning a dinner party with friends and family.  Do you have an outdoor dining area?  Create one! Use nonbreakable platters, plates, and other outdoor serving ware to keep your everyday (and good) china safe.  We have splurge-worthy entertaining sets at More Than Paper that actually aren’t much of a splurge. 

 

Planning ahead will ensure a fantastic summer so get on it! Enjoy all that this summer has to offer. We hope it is a great one! 

 

Throwing a Halloween Party

Ghosts and goblins, oh my! Halloween is fast approaching and More Than Paper has you covered with tips and tricks to throw a creative Halloween Party for both kids and adults alike this season. From invitations to party favors, you’ll have a party to remember. Follow these pro tips: 
 
1.     Hold on to those broomsticks and think about the type of party you want to throw:
The first step in event planning is determining exactly what kind of event you want to host. Think about the activities, dress, time, date, and menu for the event. Do you want a spooky party? A fun and whimsical party?  This will set the tone for all future planning. 
 
 
2.     Decide which witches and warlocks to invite to your super spooky event:
The next step in planning your Halloween party is to figure out the gruesome guest list! After determining the type of Halloween party you are having, adjust your guest list accordingly. For example, if you plan on throwing a ‘potion party,’ only invite those guests who are legally eligible to drink. Gather the names and addresses of your guest list and start looking for an invitation that matches your party vibe. 
 
Pro Tip: We recommend sending out the invitations for your party at least three weeks in advance to ensure your guests are well prepared for the holiday festivities! 
 
 
3.     Remember to make your menacing menu for all your guests to enjoy: 
One of the most important aspects of any party is the menu. Halloween parties are no exception! So while making a nice dip may do the trick, we recommend trying to create Halloween-themed dishes. For example, add some crushed chocolate cookies into a chocolate pudding cup; and top with some gummy worms to make a grave dirt cup! Pinterest is full of Halloween-themed food and you can even get healthy ideas. (We love a peeled orange or clementine with a small piece of celery stuck in the top! It looks like a pumpkin!) 
 
4.     Add a dash of competition to your caldron with some Halloween-themed games!: 
What is a party without some fun and games? While games are not completely necessary, we recommend including some signature Halloween-inspired games to add some nostalgia to your Halloween soiree. Some of the easiest and budget-friendly games to try at your Halloween party are bobbing for apples (in a non-COVID world), pin the nose on the witch, or even Monster Mash musical chairs!

After reviewing these spooky steps for making your Halloween party the best one yet, we at More Than Paper have created a list of perfect Halloween products for you to indulge in this Halloween holiday season! Make sure to order early, so you are not disappointed!  
Make sure your guests know exactly where and when to park their broomsticks for your Halloween party this year! Try these Cauldron Bubble Green Halloween Invitations to get your guests in the spooky spirit! For more Halloween-themed invitations, visit https://www.morethanpaper.com/Halloween-Invitations.htm

Witches, zombies, and spiders; oh my! What better way to put your personal spin on a Halloween haunt than with these precious Halloween Hang With Us napkins by Three Bees! Not only are these napkins personalized with your name, but there are multiple color options to choose from to match your Halloween aesthetic! For more Halloween napkin options, go to https://www.morethanpaper.com/Halloween-Napkins.htm

 
3.  Are you thinking about serving some of those ghoulish dishes at your Halloween soiree? If so, make sure these dishes are served with style with these spooky Halloween 3 or 4 Piece Tabletop Sets by Kelly Hughes Designs! This set comes with a personalized placemat, bowl, plate, and mug (if you get the four-piece option). These sets are the perfect way to spark some spooky cheer around your Halloween party this year! For more Halloween-inspired décor, visit https://www.morethanpaper.com/Halloween-Main.htm

So what will it be this Halloween?  We can’t wait to see the parties that you throw! 

Hosting The Best Summer Parties

Summer is the best season for entertaining! The long, hot, sunny days turn into warm, calming nights. Summer is a season where you are able to sit back, relax, and enjoy other people’s company more. If you are one who enjoys hosting parties for your friends and family members, but always struggle to get everything together at the last minute, this post is for you!  Once you develop these tips and tricks, your friends and family won’t be able to stop talking about your amazing parties. 

 

1.     Let your guests know about the party a month in advance. 

 

Summer is a busy season for everyone. A lot of people plan trips, visit family, etc. You want to make sure when planning a party your guests have enough time to mark their calendars before that day is booked. We also recommend sending out an invitation in the mail to give it a more formal and festive approach. If you want a bright and colorful invitational, check out this summer invitation below.  

2.     Plan out the food you want to serve two weeks in advance.

 

When planning out your food, you can go ahead and buy all the non-perishable ingredients ahead of time and prepare as much as possible. This makes it so much easier as you get closer to the day of the party.  Think about creating meals that you can create in advance so you aren’t spending too much time in the kitchen. 

3.     Don’t forget about the little details. 

 

When it comes to planning a party, you might not think about the very small details until the day off, like the music you are going to play, which exact plants you are planning on buying to elevate the mood of the party a little more, or all the exact toppings you need for your dishes. 

4.     Ambiance is everything. 

 

It is important to plan how you want the set up to look for your party and the mood you are going for. Make sure you have every piece ready two weeks in advance and, if possible, lay everything out two days prior to the party to make sure it matches what you envisioned. 

5.     Don’t over complicate your drinks. 

 

Our best tip when it comes to having drinks at a party is to create a fun bar cart that is either self-serve or has a bartender at it. This makes it easy for people to pick out their own drinks and create exactly what they like. 

 

            Planning out and hosting a great party can be a lot of work. Make it easier on yourself by planning everything in advance. You can also ask guests to bring small items like a cut-up watermelon or chips to feel like they are contributing, but they do not have to prepare anything. 

 

            During the party, remember to also have fun and enjoy the company of your friends and/or family. You worked hard creating an unforgettable night like this, so there is no reason why you should miss out on enjoying it too. By having your party self-serve or primarily self-serve, it allows you to sit back and enjoy your own party as well.  Also, we’d like to give you permission to not clean up until morning!  

Fall Recipe Guide

Is it just us or are you itching for a change, too?  Fall will officially be here in a few weeks and we couldn’t be more excited.  Time to bring out the pumpkin decorations, burn an apple pie candle, and to get cooking all of our favorite fall recipes.  From slow cooker creations to oven baked treats, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites to share with our readers at More Than Paper. Whether you are socially distanced and spending time with your family, or you are gathering with just a few people to watch a football game, here are some ideas to ensure you are tasting the season of fall.  These recipes work well for busy parents on the go and when you have a little more time to enjoy, too!  Bring on fall.

Slow Cooker Creamy Wild Rice Soup

Is there anything better than a creamy soup to warm you from the inside? This one that we found on Half Baked Harvest is made in the slow cooker and has butter-roasted mushrooms to pack in extra flavor.

Source: https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/slow-cooker-creamy-wild-rice-soup-with-butter-roasted-mushrooms/

Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Not to overdo the soup recipes in our roundup but would it be the fall without pumpkin? And chili? Why not combine them? This recipe found a way to do that and is very creative! Give this one a shot: 

Source: https://themodernproper.com/turkey-pumpkin-chili

Apple Cider Cookies

Sometimes you need to hit the easy button and why shouldn’t you? When you need something quick, try this recipe from Betty Crocker that uses their pre-made sugar cookie mix and several ingredients to spice things up (literally).  You can go the extra mile if it suits you and use your regular sugar cookie recipe if you want 100% homemade. We will never tell either way.  

Source: https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/apple-cider-cookies/242ada72-70c0-46bd-a3da-df1110882d16

Weeknight Fall Pasta

For nights that you want something home cooked and something seasonal but you’re busy, we found this interesting dish that we can’t wait to try.  Taking advantage of kale and squash, this pasta dish promises to be healthy and delicious. 

Source: https://food52.com/recipes/77856-fall-weeknight-pasta

Chicken Pot Pie with Leeks and Thyme

For those nights that you have much more time to cook – say a Saturday afternoon, perhaps – we found this recipe on Food & Wine magazine’s website for a classic pot pie that’s “turned up” as Ina Garten would say.  The flavor combinations for leeks and thyme are delicious and this is the kind of food that sticks to your ribs and makes you want to curl up on the sofa.

 Source: https://www.foodandwine.com/comfort-food/fall-dinner-ideas?slide=1f33f337-2a43-4b8d-8047-3d68629baae4#1f33f337-2a43-4b8d-8047-3d68629baae4 

Of course, we think that every mealtime creation is more special, more festive, and looks better when presented on your own personalizedplatters and plates.  They’ve been a popular sale item in August & September. Be sure to check out our selection of tumblers, plates, bowls, and glassware and shop with us at More Than Paper.

See more platters for Fall here! 

There’s something about pasta, pumpkins, and soups that scream fall, don’t they?  All of these dishes seem like good comfort food and we could all use that right now. So, what are you waiting for? We think you don’t have to wait until the official start of Fall next week to try them.

Share with us your favorite Fall recipes and your traditions for the season on our Facebook page! 

Outdoor Entertaining Tips and Tricks for Summer 2020

A Backyard Event

After many of us have been isolated for months, we are slowly starting to re-emerge into society.  In many parts of our country, social distancing is still a thing.  But we are craving interaction with others and a great way to do that safely is by spending time together outdoors.  Summer days, especially those that end with a nice evening breeze, are perfect for outdoor dining. To help you prepare for your next fabulous backyard event, here are some tips and tricks for making entertaining easy!

 

A Theme & Décor Sets the Mood

Pick a theme that incorporates a unique color scheme and summer nostalgia. Establish your theme by planning each detail ahead of time. Having a playful theme will help you determine what you will use to set the table, what time of day is right for your outdoor dining experience, and, most importantly, what your guests will be eating and drinking.

Have fun when deciding your decorative colors, the event name for your invite text or invitation, and even the dinner playlist that will get everyone excited. Find music that will really set the scene for a memorable meal. You might choose oldies, French jazz tunes, summer hits, or an ambient chill playlist. 

For family gatherings, think bright colors. You can go with patriotic pastimes and get into the red, white, and blue. Plan a poolside dinner with pink flamingos and large monstera leaves lining your patio. You might prefer French country styles with blue and white everything. For a low-key party of adult friends, you may want to stick to neutral tones, like beige and creamy peach hues. You could even bring a splash of energy to a simple sophisticated set-up with some fresh lemons to provide a yellow accent.

Stock Up

Set up a well-stocked bar area. Throw plenty of extra drinks in the cooler to keep everyone hydrated. Fill the cooler with drinks for the kids, including bottled water, soda or flavored sparkling water. Mark a section for adult beverages only. Next to your cooler set-up, have koozies, bottle openers and an ice bucket on deck. Just wait until the last minute to add ice to your custom monogrammed ice bucket.

Incorporate fresh colors and your evening’s theme into the decor by selecting a matching tablecloth, linen napkins and choice dishware. Skip the glass to avoid items crashing onto the patio and breaking. Instead, opt for a lightweight set of dishes. Consider personalized melamine plates customized to complement the colors of your patio furniture.

Serving trays and cutting boards are great for transporting a group of items that need to go outside. You can use your lucite Dabney Lee trays to bring out items for setting the table, then later load up the trays with food at meal time!  These melamine platters not only add color to your table, they are great for serving food as well – especially side dishes!

 

Just Grill

Prepare the grill station for the family’s favorite BBQ chef. Have all of your grilling tools ready for business. Use a practical grilling set that includes all the necessities: tongs, fork and a spatula. Station aluminum foil, a roll of paper towels and some mesquite spices nearby. Really get into the BBQ mood by making sure your cook is outfitted with a perfectly cheesy “kiss the cook” style apron. Bonus points if the sassy apron has the grill-master’s name front and center.

 

Light It Up

Have a plan for lighting: Consider using decorative lanterns, twinkle lights, or tiki torches depending on your backyard aesthetic. Some small white candles can add romance to an ordinary patio table. There is nothing quite like the ambiance created from the soft light of candles. Citronella candles are a great added touch to keep the bugs off your guests.

Outdoor entertaining has all the festivity of a meal out but with the comforts of home. Start planning your theme and table setting for the next holiday or event on your calendar. Whether your invite list includes the family or your favorite friends, you are sure to have a wonderful night once your patio table is set to impress.

 

Fast, Fall Dinner Entertaining Ideas

This is a wonderful season for casual dinner parties. The weather is cooler, it's not dark too early, and you haven't yet flung yourself into holiday madness.  It's a great time of year to plan a dinner party with friends and entertain in your home.  Today at More Than Paper we're bringing you an easy early autumn dinner that doesn't require a lot of work in the kitchen! 

For your easy autumn dinner with friends, we suggest you go Italian.  The secret to Italian cooking is simple preparation and the best seasonal ingredients. You'll find almost everything you need at an Italian deli, farmers market, or grocery, and you can do almost everything in advance. It's very simple, but the food is so good, no one will think it's simple. 

Put the following items together early in the day. Refrigerate and warm to room temp about a half-hour before serving. That way you'll be relaxed when guests arrive! 

• Pre-meal nibbles: Italian cheese with rustic crackers and pitted olives.  Try aged provolone and gorgonzola dolce (it's soft, not sweet).  

Photo/Recipe found at 100 Layer Cake-let by Flourish Events

• Appetizer: Wrap proscuitto around fresh figs. Serve with lemon wedges and drizzle with a little balsamic vinegar just before serving.  Add fresh rosemary or other herbs for garnish.

Wrapped Figs from Pop Sugar

• Entree & sides: Roast chicken. Prep early in day. Stuff cleaned bird with lemon wedges, garlic cloves, and rosemary and thyme. Rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate til half-hour before roasting at 450 degrees for 1-1.5 hrs. until juices run clear. Reduce juices to sauce and keep everything wrapped in foil and warm until serving. 

Roasted Chicken from Aida Mollenkamp

• Pearl (or Israeli) couscous. (Easy alternative to risotto). Chop an onion and saute in pot with olive oil and couscous til onion is soft. Follow directions on package for proportions, and use chicken broth instead of water. Add thyme. Simmer until done. This takes about 10-15 minutes. Do ahead and heat up just before dinner  *For even less time, heat up some white cannellini beans with some olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add a little lemon.  These can be served room temp.

Couscous Salad by Foodie Crush

• Simple green salad with shallot vinaigrette. (Minced shallots, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and bit of dijon mustard.) Dress just before serving.

• Serve it all with good, crusty Italian bread.

• Dessert: Lemon pound cake (store-bought) or gelato. To serve, top with sliced plums, pears, or raspberries that you mixed with a little sugar and brandy or rum ahead of time and kept at room temp. Add a dollop of creme fraiche or mascarpone cheese.  Maybe some limoncella or annisette to go along with this! 

Lemon Pound Cake from Life Made Simple

This meal goes with everything from Proscecco and Pinot Grigio to Pinot Noir and Montepulciano. It also goes great with Italian Beer like Peroni.  Don't forget to chill some San Pellegrino water! 

Use colorful platters, plates, placemats, and napkins. Presentation is everything! More Than Paper has a huge selection of autumn entertaining accessories from which to choose. Here's a peek at some our favorites!

Of course, if you get invited to a fall inspired dinner party and don't have to do all the work -- don't forget to send a thank you! 

Let us know your thoughts for our Fall inspired, autumn entertaining dinner with friends. Happy entertaining and Fall from More Than Paper!

Labor Day Entertaining and Recipes

Hang on to your hats, More Than Paper blog readers -- LABOR DAY weekend is almost here. We can hardly believe the summer 2014 is nearly history. What will you do this coming weekend to go out with a bang? If entertaining and spending time outdoors is on your list, we've rounded up a collection of patriotic and summer recipes that is right up your alley! 

Any great celebration starts with an invitation.  For your next Labor Day celebration we like these (and plenty more invitations found at More Than Paper.) 

We've hunted all over Pinterest and also the web to find some of the most creative and interesting recipes and entertaining ideas.  Please click on the image to view the original source (credits also given.) 

Taste and Tell Blog rounded up 35+ Labor Day worthy burgers. These taco burgers look divine!

Could you go wrong with these Siracha burgers by Electric Recipes? 

We also love the ideas of these pulled BBQ sandwiches, which would be easy to make ahead. (Giving you more time to spend with family and friends -- less time slaving away in the kitchen.)  Find the full recipe and beautiful photos at Ingredients, Inc.

This Strawberry Caprese salad by Nosh On It looks divine and screams "summer." 

A patriotic pie? Yes, please! This one comes to us from She Speaks. 

You may need some drink ideas, too.  With watermelon as ubiquitous as it is, we love a watermellon cocktail. Make this with or without alcohol.  Either way, this packs a punch and is full of flavor because it's sweet and has heat.  This was found here on Pinterest! 

We hope that these ideas have given you lots to think about for the upcoming weekend ahead. Happy almost Labor Day from More Than Paper!