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Our Fave St. Paddy’s Day Recipes

by Kayla Kitts March 15, 2013 4 Comments

Modern St. Patrick’s Day celebrations involve lots of green, feasting and, to put it bluntly, an absurd amount of alcohol consumption. No matter how you celebrate, you can’t deny these recipes are mouthwatering. And we figured we could at least combine a few of the traditional St. Paddy’s Day elements.

Desserts

Whiskey Cake in a Jar Recipe for St. Patrick's Day Whiskey Cake in a Jar

Whiskey lovers will enjoy this sweet combination of cake batter and alcohol mixed together in dessert form. Plus, it’s infused with an Irish whiskey butter sauce throughout. Top it off with whipped cream and green sprinkles (for good luck!). Get the Full Recipe >>

More sweet treats: Celtic Knot Cookies, Lucky Vanilla Cupcakes, Chocolate Stout Pudding

More Irish-Inspired Recipes

Daily Delight: Pie for National Pi Day

by Jessica Yonker March 14, 2013 3 Comments

With the holidays long gone and winter coming to a close, we thought our pie-eating days were over. And even though we quickly figured out National Pi Day celebrates the number 3.14 and not the baked good, we’ll take any excuse to dig into one of our favorite treats.

With sweet caramel, rich chocolate and a salty pretzel crust, this “Take the Day” pie is the perfect dessert for any occasion whether it’s Pi Day, Pie Day or even just plain-old Thursday.

Get the recipe >>

Our Favorite Easter Decorating Ideas

by H. Camille Smith March 13, 2013 13 Comments

Easter celebrations are right around the corner — time to banish winter blahs and freshen up indoors and out with a few springy touches. We’ve gathered 25 of our favorite Easter decorating ideas to inspire you. From quick-and-easy centerpiece ideas to a clever way to glam up your Easter eggs to a free, printable Easter banner — we’ve got you covered.

All 25 ideas have the official Easter Bunny stamp of approval (seriously!) but here are my 5 favorites:

Delight Easter guests with this creative place setting idea featuring cute (and oh-so-fluffy!) feathered chicks and candy eggs: Set your Easter table with a creative place card like these cute (and oh-so-fluffy!) chicks and candy eggs

Weather permitting, bring your dining table and chairs outside and enjoy Easter dinner al fresco surrounded by Mother Nature’s changing scenery.

Daily Delight: BLT Deviled Eggs

by Jessica Yonker March 8, 2013 2 Comments

The fastest way to move me to action is with a plate of deviled eggs. The second fastest way is with a plate of bacon. Mix those two together and I’m there, no questions asked. So when I saw these BLT-inspired deviled eggs, made with crispy bacon and fresh tomatoes and spinach, I almost injured myself rushing to the store.

Just in Time for Easter Brunch: Deviled Eggs Three Ways Recipe

Happy Hour Happens: Beat the Winter Blues With These Tropical Cocktails

by Kayla Kitts March 1, 2013 No Comments

Winter blues, anyone? I know I’m not alone here. Most of the HGTV.com editorial staff is taking turns seeking sunshine. Camille hit up her sister’s beach house for a little R&R (relaxation and remodeling); Lili just got back from a family vacay in Hawaii (I know!); and Marianne is somewhere in sunny Florida and we hate her for it. So, while some stick their toes in the sand, we can pretend we’re there with umbrella-embellished cocktails. Hey, it does the trick for me!

Blue Hawaii:

Blue Hawaii Cocktail Recipe at HGTV.com's Design Happens Blog

Beachy Cocktail Recipes

Throwing an Oscar Party? Check Out Our Must-Haves

by Kayla Kitts February 21, 2013 7 Comments

Award season is one of the best times of the year. You get to see your favorite celebs decked out (in probably custom-made) designer duds, and you have a legitimate reason to throw a party on a Sunday night. (As if you needed one!) Just in case you forgot, Sunday is the 85th Annual Academy Awards. Hosting a party? We have a few Oscar night essentials you can pull together in just a few days.

Sparkling Tablescape

Host an Oscar Night Party

Event designer Camille Styles used metallic gold confetti to create this glamorous, free-flowing table runner. The hue stands out against a crisp, white table runner and white blooms.

Red Carpet Attire

Host an Oscar Night Party

I’m not suggesting you show up to the party in a floor-length gown (unless you really, really want to), but I say the more sparkle, the better. Nothing says “Oscar Party” like a gold, sequin-covered cocktail dress.

More Oscar Night Party Essentials

Daily Delight: DIY Tutu Tablecloth Fit for a Princess

by Farima Alavi February 18, 2013 6 Comments

Do you know somebody that loves all things princess-y? Well, this tutu tablecloth is the perfect little addition for a ballet- or princess-themed party — or even a tablecloth for a cake table at a wedding. Whatever reason you want to make this, it’s elegant, easy and cheap.

Tutu Tablecloth

SEE ALSO: Regal Baby Shower Ideas>>

So, get out your sewing needle (and tiara)!

Valentine’s Day Chocolate: Cheap Tricks

by Sarah Herron February 14, 2013 4 Comments

For me, the best Valentine’s Day gift will arrive tomorrow — clearance chocolate.

Retailers will be in a rush to clear shelves for Easter candy so it is hands-down the best time to buy chocolate, especially the expensive brands. Discounts range from 40% to 80% off the retail price.

You can freeze chocolate for up to six months and serve it at parties or create gifts. Refined chocolate can be used in recipes for a decadent dessert. You can also melt it to make chocolate-covered strawberries when they’re at peak season this spring.

There is a science to freezing chocolate. You have to adjust the temperatures slowly. The trick is to wrap it as tightly as you can (vacuum sealing works best), then place the chocolate in the fridge for several hours before putting it in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge first, then set it out at room temperature.

Whether you love to observe Valentine’s Day or not, have a Happy Chocolate Clearance Day tomorrow!

Host a Bubbly Valentine’s Day Brunch This Weekend

by Kayla Kitts February 14, 2013 22 Comments

I know, I know, today is Valentine’s Day (Happy Love Day, friends!), but don’t most people typically celebrate mid-week holidays on the weekend? I do, at least. Weekend Valentine’s Day celebrators, here’s a sweet idea for you. Katie Meyers of Meyers Styles decided to spread the love this year with a bubbly V-Day brunch for more than two. Check out her fun, festive and simple entertaining ideas.

Valentine's Day Brunch Ideas for HGTV Design Happens Blog

Valentine's Day Brunch Ideas From HGTV Design Happens Blog

Host a Valentine’s Day Brunch

Valentine’s Day Recipe: Make Cupid’s Arrow Hot Chocolate

by Liz Gray February 7, 2013 3 Comments

Are you sweet on someone? Feel like you’ve been shot by cupid’s arrow? Valentine’s Day puns aside, this hot chocolate, complete with an arrow-embellished straw and heart-shaped marshmallows, is a great way to show your Valentine that you care.