Give Thanks For Family (& Wine!)

It was our second year hosting Thanksgiving and in the words of my cousin, "I think we need to do this every year." As much pressure as it's possible to feel when it comes to hosting a momentous Holiday, it's also a huge privilege and I look forward to making it special. 

I think I got my love of entertaining from my Mom and while nobody does it better, I like to think she taught me everything I know. She always made sure of two things: The presentation was beautiful and the table was always full because that's what brings people together. As long as there's good snacks, the conversation will follow...

This chalkboard table runner was a gift from my Aunt and I can't wait to bring it out every year. It was so much fun to read everyone's messages after the house emptied out.

My husband gave a lovely toast with two different wines from CK Mondavi including the Merlot and the Blonde Five, which I paired with a summer salad earlier this year and really enjoyed the flavors. 

I’m a fan of using this brand for special occasions, especially family-oriented because the wines are produced in the Napa Valley by the iconic C. Mondavi & Family and they are 100% American 

grown.

I almost filled an entire cart with flowers at Trader Joes but they were just too beautiful and the sunflowers make me so happy. I was there the day before Thanksgiving and it was packed but everybody was in such a good mood and the cashiers must've been delirious at that point but still making jokes..."How much turkey gravy does one REALLY need!?"

The host & hostess - download these DIY place cards for 2015!

SO. MUCH. GOODNESS.

The spiked cranberry punch recipe turned out amazing...pretty sure the host isn't supposed to have the first cup but I couldn't stay away ;)

I love when everybody is seated around the table - if only for a few hours, everybody's stress and problems fade away and we just focus on the time together

100 calorie pumpkin pie tartlets...gotta love a bite-sized dessert! 

Not pictured: The hot chocolate cheesecake. I have no words...

How was your Thanksgiving? What made it memorable?

4th of July Recipes with CK Mondavi Wine!

Kaitlyn: When it comes to wine, I have made a transition over the past few years from nothing but Riesling to being a huge red wine snob (Pinot Noir and Malbec are my go-to's). When I first started enjoying wine, I couldn't process the thought of red wine because it was served warm... but now, the thought of Riesling makes my teeth hurt because it's too sweet -- it's funny how your palette changes over the years, but one thing that doesn't change is my excitement to try different brands.

Lisa and I recently enjoyed two different wines from CK Mondavi that were perfect compliments to some of my favorite summer recipes. CK Mondavi is produced in Napa Valley by the iconic C. Mondavi and family which resonates with me as I work for a family-owned business and understand all the hard work that entails.

CK Mondavi perfect for 4th of July...Not only is it the only wine in this price point to be 100% American made & grown, but a percentage of sales goes to supporting veterans. CK Mondavi donates to Intrepid FallenHeroes Fund (IFHF), an organization that supports the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families.

The "Blonde Five" was just the right compliment to the ultimate American summer salad I made. So what makes this wine delicious, you ask?

Here is my favorite (and SIMPLE) 4th of July Salad Recipe: 

2 cups mixed salad greens

1/4 cup feta cheese

2 tablespoons candied or toasted walnuts

4 strawberries, sliced

1/4 cup blueberries

raspberry vinaigrette dressing (this one is my favorite)

1) Lay greens on the plate

2) Pile the feta and walnuts in the middle of the greens

3) Scatter the strawberries and blueberries on top

4) Serve with dressing on the side and a glass of Blonde Five

Lisa: I am currently trying to get into wines more myself. I used to always order Prosecco or Riesling or even sometimes champagne. I love a little sparkle and sweet to my drinks. Or at least I thought I did before I started trying more and more red wines. Depending on the type of  red wine you are drinking, you can still get your sweet and it's way better for you. A glass a day, right? 

I recently tried CK Mondavi's Cabernet Sauvignon and I was very pleased with the taste! There were rich fruit flavors which gave me the sweet I crave but not overwhelmingly sweet. I too never thought I'd enjoy room temperature wine, but the more I try, the more I find I do. 

Here is a some more information on their Cabernet Sauvignon:

This wine would be perfect for all your 4th of July parties. It pairs great with dinner or can be enjoyed while relaxing outside with your family. I find a glass at the end of the day is a wonderful way to relax and unwind. Especially now that the weather is nicer, hello summer! 

What's your favorite type of wine? What foods do you like to pair them with?

We were selected for this opportunity as members of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all our own.