Michael's — Blog - Parsley and Pom Poms

I love Saint Patrick's Day. Growing up with an Irish background, both on my Mom and Dad's side of the family, meant that on March 17th there would always be homemade Irish Soda bread, corn beef and cabbage for dinner, Irish potatoes to bring into school for my classmates, and plenty of cute green socks, bows, and clothes to wear for the day. I have even been known to make diorama style homes for the Leprechauns - in hopes I would catch one.

Now that I have an apartment of my own, I have grown up and no longer try to catch Leprechauns, but I still like a little festive atmosphere for the month of March. I decided to head over to a local plant nursery, Midtown Garden Center, and pick up some Baby Tears aka Irish Moss. I painted a few pots of different sizes in Green and partnering hues, potted the greens and added the final touch. I hand painted words, "Lucky", "Irish", and "Lady". Hopefully, my pots will bring me the luck I want. We all have a reason for wanting to get lucky. So, these pots would bode well for anyone, even if you don't have a drop of Irish in your blood. Lucky pots are great as gifts for a friend, teacher, or a fun project to do at home with the kids. All you need is acrylic paint (I used outdoor patio paint from Michael's), pots, pencils, and a plant. Happy Saint Patty's Day!! Luck O' the Irish to ya'! xo RCN

Sliced and dried citrus fruits provide a beautiful accent to serving plates for meals, mixed potpourris, or simply a garnish to a cocktail, drink, or place setting. They take a little time, but not much work. Heat your oven to the lowest setting, usually somewhere between 75 degrees F - 200 degrees F. Cook sliced pieces of fruit for 2-4 hours. It will vary depending on your oven and how thin you cut your citrus slices. Flip fruits over on baking sheet lined with aluminum foil every hour. Once the slices are not juicy any longer, remove from oven and let sit for a day or two. That's it! The fruit pictured above took me about 3 1/2 hours at 200 degrees and then sat open air for 2 days. I cut up 1/4" - 1/2" wide slices of red grapefruits and lemons. You could also do this with naval oranges, blood oranges, limes, tangerines, etc.

FYI: First image above reflects the fruit pre-baking, second image shows post baking (the same afternoon), and the third image is the final result three days later.

I love the idea of attaching the fruit along with a name tag onto glasses for a cocktail party. So, that is exactly what I did. The cups can double as a place card at a formal seating arrangement or bar and also be gifted as a parting favor to guests. The glass mugs were $2.99 from Michael's, not bad! To get the look, simply thread about a yard of baker's string though a small cut out circle from oak tag and two fruit pieces, then tie all items around the tops of glass mason jar mugs. I used a sewing needle to help poke the string through the paper and the fruit. Refer to images below for the how to.

Enjoy your festive garnish and glass. xo RCN