Toast 2017 Spring/Summer Edition

ENTERTAINING EDITION S PR IN G / S U MMER 2 0 17

“

ENTERTAINING FAMILY AND FRIENDS IS WHERE SOME OF THE FONDEST MEMORIES ARE MADE. IT’S AN OPPORTUNITY TO

create an atmosphere where people want to gather and celebrate yet another day.”

Laura Johnson, Founding Artist & CEO

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Happy Everything!™ – a Coton Colors Collection, founded in 2003.

from Laura I’ve always loved to entertain. And with a big family, we do often. Whether it’s our annual Thanksgiving feast (which we covered in the last issue of Toast, if you missed it!) or when my daughters stop by after work for appetizers and a drink, I find myself entertaining frequently.

Now, I know that I am somewhat odd in the fact that I love all parts of entertaining.

I’m aware that’s not the case for everyone.

Many get overwhelmed by what to do, what to serve and how to prepare. It paralyzes them, therefore they can’t ever enjoy hosting friends or family, and they may avoid doing it often. So in our quest to inspire a celebratory lifestyle for everyone, everywhere, we wanted to focus this issue on all things entertaining – specifically how to help you be a more comfortable entertainer and enjoy the experience.

Laura Johnson, an entrepreneurial artisan inspired by the celebrations of her own life, founded Coton Colors in 1989. Influenced by a childhood immersed in the colorful culture of Old Miami and engrained with the Southern charm of her current home in Tallahassee, Laura has created a leading lifestyle brand in the giftware, dining and décor industries.

We’ve filled this issue with tips, our best practices, go-to recipes and all the things we’ve learned along the way to help put the ease into entertaining. After all, at Coton Colors, we create products that we would use in our homes that help us entertain and celebrate, so we’ve learned a thing or two over the years!

I hope each of these articles and stories is helpful in taking the pressure off entertaining. One thing I always tell those asking for my one piece of advice when hosting is that the hostess sets the tone.

Who cares if the appetizers are store bought or you run out of ice. Just bring people together – a celebration will surely unfold.

Cheers!

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Contents We’re Coton Colors.

{Hi there!} We are a lifestyle brand and designer of really stylish products. Our founding artist Laura Johnson’s motto “never miss an opportunity to celebrate every day,” has inspired her to create pieces that elevate everyday moments with ease.

Coton Colors consists of three collections for all {and we mean all!} of one’s celebrating needs: Kitchen + Home, Ornaments, and Happy Everything!™ All three collections are designed to encourage people to celebrate all of life’s milestones – big and small.

The Crew We polled some of the Coton Colors crew to see what products they love to entertain with: FOUNDING ARTIST/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Laura Johnson CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND DESIGNER Kyle Johnson Smith “I’m always using the tapas platters for any spread - cheese board, fruits, or nuts - just depends on the season!”

PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR Sara Kate Johnson

“I have found I use the Pasta Bowls ALL the time – they’re my favorite to bring along to a dinner party, and other guests always comment on the bold patterns and style.”

04 Q & A: ASK THE ENTERTAINERS 06 DINNER PARTY IN A PINCH 08 LAURA’S SIGNATURE DRINK 12 H OW TO: CREATE A SIMPLE CENTERPIECE

14 ENTERTAINING A-Z 18 ENTERTAINING WITH ‘SOCIAL’ITES 20 ALLIGATOR POINT 24 COLOR CRUSH: SMOKE 26 ALL OCCASIONS ENTERTAINING 27 SHAPE UP YOUR ENTERTAINING 30 BRIDAL ORNAMENT SHOWER 32 COTON COLORS: THEN AND NOW

CONTRIBUTORS Laura Johnson | Milton Johnson | Kyle Johnson Smith | Sara Kate Johnson EDITORS Meghan Browning | Sarah Beth Carlson | Molly Corder | Kirsten Phelps COLLECTIONS EDITOR Courtney Munroe

@COTONCOLORS | @HAPPYEVERYTHINGCC COTON-COLORS.COM | HAPPY-EVERYTHING.COM

“Appetizer bowls! So very versatile. We use them for small bites, cereal for the kids, even our pup has a set for food and water!”

PRODUCTION EDITOR Lizzie Moore WEB EDITOR Samantha Pappas

“I love the party bowls! They are great for serving or even chilling a bottle of wine over some ice.

They also double as décor in my house, one holds a plant and the other holds baby toys!”

DESIGN TEAM Laura Patrick | Lizzie Moore | Elizabeth Anderson | Sara Gottfried SALES DIRECTOR Kristin Hendrix SALES COORDINATOR Jennifer Stephenson

“Favorite? It’s hard to pick just one, but currently, the set of nesting cubes. They can be used for so many different things when I serve.”

PRODUCED BY COTON COLORS, INC. PUBLISHED BY P2P PUBLISHING 2718 CENTERVILLE RD. | TALLAHASSEE, FL 32308 EDITORIAL INQUIRIES CALL (877) 801-1292 SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES CALL (877) 801-1292 OR VISIT WWW.COTON-COLORS.COM FOR MORE ON COTON COLORS AND THE JOHNSON FAMILY, VISIT TOAST, BLOG.COTON-COLORS.COM TALLAHASSEE FLAGSHIP STORE 1355 MARKET ST | TALLAHASSEE, FL 32312

MARKETING DIRECTOR Cindy Sullivan

TAMPA FLAGSHIP STORE 1716 S DALE MABRY HWY | TAMPA, FL 33629

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Ashley Trafton

PRINTED IN THE USA THE NEXT ISSUE OF TOAST WILL BE AVAILABLE FALL 2017

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PHOTOGRAPHY: REDFLY PHOTOGRAPHY (LAURA AND MILTON JOHNSON AT KYLE’S WEDDING)

QA

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ask the

entertainers HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO GO BEHIND-THE-SCENES OF A JOHNSON FAMILY CELEBRATION? WE ASKED YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA WHAT ENTERTAINING TIPS YOU WANTED TO LEARN FROM LAURA AND HER HUSBAND, MILTON. TAKE A PEEK AT WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY.

I’m also in charge of everything outside – we have a big back porch, which is my domain. {She takes care of everything indoors - from setting the table to prepping guestrooms for overnight guests}.

DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE DISH? WHAT IS IT AND HOW DID IT BECOME YOUR GO-TO? LAURA: I get the most compliments from family and friends on salads, which is funny because they’re so easy to make. You can toss them many different ways. I personally think salads taste much better when others make them. Don’t you agree?

WHAT ARE YOUR GO-TO PARTY ROLES WHEN HOSTING A CELEBRATION AT YOUR HOME?

P.S. I’ve shared a few of my favorite salads on our blog, Toast at blog.coton-colors.com. Try one next time you host!

LAURA: My role is definitely the planning and coordination. When deciding what dishes we’ll serve, I always ask Milton {who is chief griller} for ideas on the main course. That drives the choosing of the best complements to the entrée.

MILTON: I love to make a roast. Growing up it was the Sunday staple in my home, a dish I could always depend on. So, I guess it’s nostalgic to me. It’s easy to cook; I set it on the grill at a low temperature and slowly roast it, basting every so often.

Once the menu is set, I begin thinking of how to serve. Will we be inside or out? Buffet or set table? This truly depends on my mood that day. Outside of Milton’s grilled dish, I head up preparing all the other recipes, setting the tables, and arranging the flowers.

MILTON: I’m the hunter-gatherer, if you will.

Once the menu is set, Laura will send me a list. Shopping is her least favorite thing to do, so I’m happy to head to the grocery store, run by the liquor store, and pick up bags of ice.

WHAT KEEPS YOU CALM WHEN ENTERTAINING? LAURA: Having Milton do the shopping {lucky me!}.

Not having the items I need on hand and having to tackle a busy grocery store with my crazy schedule is what stresses me out the most.

MILTON: Laura, of course.

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DINNER PARTY I N A PI NCH

Ring, ring! It’s your husband calling for the fifth time today trying to get ahold of you. You finally pick up the phone, and he tells you that he has invited some friends over tonight for dinner. Your heart starts to race because you haven’t been to the grocery store in over a week, and your pantry doesn’t contain much more than a couple of boxes of pasta. Whether it’s your friends, husband’s clients or your new neighbors who unexpectedly invite themselves to dinner, you can eliminate the stress of planning and cooking thanks to this guide to hosting a Dinner Party in a Pinch.

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START WITH AN APPETIZER.

Offer your guests something to nosh on when they arrive. This will buy you a bit more time for prepping dinner, if need be. A cheese board is always a crowd pleaser and allows you to play with the presentation and make it different each time you’re hosting. We’re lucky enough to have a fantastic cheese shop, Sweet Grass Dairy, right down the road, but any specialty market typically has a great selection to choose from. Choose a soft cheese like goat, a bloomy rind like a brie, and a harder, aged cheese such as cheddar. While you’re there, pick up two boxes of specialty crackers - one sturdier and saltier and then a thin crispy cracker. Swing by the prepared section on your way out and choose an assortment of stuffed olives.

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OFFER UP A FRESH DINNER THAT CAN BE PREPARED QUICKLY. Even the barest of pantries typically has a few boxes of pasta and a jar of olive oil hiding on the shelves. Now’s the time to put those staples to use!

Choose a protein to incorporate into the dish, and you’re set. We like to run by our favorite seafood market, Southern Seafood, and see what’s the catch of the day. It’s fresh, local, and always delicious. The best part? A dish like this can be served up in no time flat.

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DON’T FORGET THE GREENS! OR ANY COLOR REALLY… Add a vegetable to your dish to give it some depth and color. Be inspired by what’s offered at the Farmer’s Market that day. Depending on the season, we choose anything from a dark leafy kale (perfect in the winter) to bright cherry tomatoes (ripe and juicy in the summer). Drizzle with olive oil, roast, and toss them in with your pasta.

While you’re at the Farmer’s Market, pick out a bouquet of flowers to use as your centerpiece.

END THE NIGHT WITH A PREMADE DESSERT. YES, PREMADE.

There are some fantastic dessert options at your local artisanal bakery. Our local favorite?

Au Péché Mignon – a French patisserie known for delectable desserts. We suggest choosing a handful of smaller options that provide an assortment of different bites to indulge in.

Your guests will love the options, and it may encourage them to try something new! Need some ideas? Look for a few mini fruit tarts, mini éclairs, and mini pies.

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Your go-to Dinner Party in a Pinch can be tweaked each time depending on your audience and your mood. Try some new cheeses. Venture out with your protein choices for the pasta and switch up your specialty dessert each time. This guide allows you to offer something new every time without slaving over the stove for hours or scouring a million recipe books to nail down your menu.

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by Laura Johnson

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A signature drink.

When hosting guests, I take time to consider what drinks to serve when entertaining them.

Whether the drinks are alcoholic or non, it’s usually the first thing offered to a guest, so it’s important – I find it starts the night off right. One addition I have started adding to my menu is a signature cocktail – something that people can indulge in as their first drink of the evening. A few months ago we hosted a baby shower for my niece Taylor and her husband Thomas, anticipating the arrival of their daughter, Collins Elizabeth.

To tie in with the occasion, we chose the appropriately named Tom “Collins” and had it mixed and ready to greet people as they arrived. It was such a fun addition to the evening and a great conversation starter. Oh, the stories we swapped over the memories of this “throwback” cocktail!

So I’ve made it a habit to have a signature drink at each occasion when I entertain. One of the options I’ve been inspired to offer is a gin and tonic. It’s light and citrusy enough to refresh guests during the spring and summer. Plus, it’s so simple to make. And while not everyone thinks they like gin, I am amazed at how many I’ve turned on to this classic cocktail – I think because it tastes so different than what you expect.

The gin and tonic is having a moment. It seems like every restaurant has their take on this drink. I fell in love with this drink when traveling to England last year. We stopped in Gymkhana, a colonial inspired Indian restaurant in London, complete with a specialized cocktail list. My choice, a classic gin and tonic. Ever since then, I’ve been hooked. Why? The secret is in the tonic.

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GIN+

TONIC It’s no surprise that the classic G+T is the drink of choice by many Englishmen and women in Great Britain. But it has roots that run deeper than the cultural norm as the country’s staple spirit. Tonic was invented to prevent the spread of malaria and fevers during the British occupation of India. British citizens and soldiers began to use a type of powder, quinine powder, to help prevent fevers and ensure survival for the soldiers occupying the area.

British officials began mixing quinine powder with soda and sugar, introducing “tonic water.”

By the 19th century, rather than men and women knocking back a bitter glass of quinine tonic each morning, they opted to enjoy it in the afternoon with a healthy shot of gin. Thus, the gin and tonic was born.

And it certainly did the British Empire a lot of good. So as you mix your next one, remember the curious history of the drink in your hand.

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The ice.

To make it perfect, you need a lot of ice.

Gin. Choose your favorite gin or the best quality you can get.

I usually opt for the classic Bombay, but my favorite kind is Monkey 47; I love their story. {If you aren’t familiar with them, I encourage you to read their history}.

Tonic.

A good tonic is a game changer, and it is the single reason why I like gin and tonics.

The better the tonic, the better the drink. I recommend Fever-Tree Naturally Light Tonic Water. Use ice-cold, freshly opened.

A Garnish Only fresh citrus, I say!

Pull out unusual glasses you haven’t used in a while - people get a kick out of drinking out of a fun shaped glass!

Cut into wedges, sliced into thin pieces, or even just a giant cut of rind to make a noticeable twist.

If you’re feeling daring, ditch the lime and lemon for your G+T garnish. These make great additions to your cocktail.

• Slice of blood orange • Pink grapefruit peel • Wedges of Florida oranges

Top it off with citrus.

Lemon or lime! I prefer lime, but I always have both options available for guests, depending on what they like.

Laura’s Perfect G+T {I prefer a two to one ratio of tonic to gin!}

1 glass, filled to the brim with ice 2 oz. gin, poured over the ice 4 oz. tonic water

“The gin and tonic has saved more Englishmen’s lives and minds than all the doctors in the Empire.”

– Winston Churchill

1 tbs. fresh squeezed lime juice Stir with a long-necked spoon, garnish with lime and enjoy!

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a centerpiece inspired by a plated feast

by Kyle Johnson Smith

When I started planning my wedding, one of the first people I called was my mom’s landscaper. Maybe not your conventional “first step” in wedding planning, but our friend Ed Blissard has an outside the box {throw away the box!} mindset that we at Coton Colors love and a great eye for floral design {which I admit is one of my weaknesses!}.

Ed works for a local garden shop, The Purple Martin Outpost, whom we work with often on anything from hosting a soiree and raising money for local organizations, to consulting on floral designs we use in photo shoots and parties. When we started planning the décor for a recent event we collaborated on, Ed’s first question was “What’s on the menu?” He used the al fresco fare and casual feel of the evening as his inspiration to create this farm-fresh centerpiece.

As a landscape designer and creative connoisseur, Ed loves to whip up his favorite entertaining recipe… a menu–inspired centerpiece. Here’s how to create your own.

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Flowers placed in Coton Colors’ Refined Shine Lollipop Jar, found at a Coton Colors retailer or online.

1. Let the menu inspire the décor! Use fruits or vegetables you will actually be serving. Ed looks for imperfection. If these were all flawless roses and tomatoes, you would lose the garden look.

2. Cut greenery from your yard. Ed used oak, fig, and boxwood from his yard. Again, nothing too perfect.

3. Oasis is your friend!

Ed cut the oasis an inch or so higher than the container, and he put the stems in the sides of the oasis so they would stick out horizontally. (Don’t forget to soak your oasis in water prior to using it!)

4. Save the stems you cut off the roses – they make great spikes to secure the tomatoes to the oasis.

5. Buy some great bread and swiss cheese while you’re at the store, so you can make your centerpiece into lunch the next day. Ed recommends extra mayo for the perfect tomato sandwich!

Need more floral inspiration for your next get-together? Visit the Coton Colors blog Toast, at blog.coton-colors.com for our favorite flowers to use when hosting, and more.

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A-Z a

E N T E R TA I N I N G The first letter of the alphabet also represents the first addition to a fantastic party, the Appetizers. Set the tone for your night by having food set out when your guests walk through the door. Make the spread more approachable by digging in and nibbling on it yourself.

b

Don’t feel pressure to make everything from scratch. It is perfectly okay to cut yourself some slack and Buy an accompaniment to go along with the rest of your menu.

c

d

As guests chit chat and update each other on the latest goingson in their lives, you’ll find there is always something to celebrate, so having Champagne chilled and ready to pop is a must! {If you aren’t a fan of champagne, we promise you will be after one sip of our most favorite champagne signature cocktail, a French 75!}

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Whether your friends have coined you the “Master of Entertaining” or you’re brand new to the hosting scene, here’s an A to Z guide to help you get the party started {smoothly and effortlessly.}

It is always better to make too much food than too little, so feel free to send guests home with their favorite dish in a Doggie bag! Our favorite containers are reusable and can be found at WebstaurantStore.com. Just search “Plastic Deli Container with Lid,” and your leftovers storing will be forever changed!

FRENCH 75 1oz. gin .5oz simple syrup .5oz fresh squeezed lemon juice brut champagne or dry sparkling white wine lemon twist to garnish Combine gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until well chilled and strain into a glass.

Top with champagne and garnish with a lemon to twist to serve.

Make sure your entertaining is Eco-friendly.

Not only do “real” dishes elevate your tablescape, but by using less paper, you’re helping the environment. It’s a win-win!

E

f

i

g

By using your Grill, you are saving precious space in your oven and creating a less hectic cooking experience for yourself by not having to time everything perfectly.

A good trick is to have your menu consist of something that can be made ahead of time (usually works great for a dessert), something that can be made in the oven and already cooking when your guests arrive, something that can be grilled, and something that can be served at room temperature.

H

Change the attachment on your Happy Everything!™ platter to something festive for your party. It’s a simple switch, but it will make you feel like you decorated!

Adding fresh Flowers to any soiree creates an atmosphere that makes your guests feel right at home. If you don’t have time to stop by the market, grab an assortment of greenery from your yard and craft together an impromptu and custom arrangement. Plus, after the party is over, you can enjoy the beautiful arrangement for days to come.

Ice, Ice, Baby! Okay, now that that’s out of our system, just remember to ALWAYS, ALWAYS have ice on hand.

j

Jenga! Fun games can be a good icebreaker for

your friends who may not know each other before your party. Keep your guests entertained while you finish perfecting your dinnerscape. You may want to continue the party even after dinner is finished, and a quick game can make that happen. No matter your game choice, it is always a great addition.

Keep moving. If your home allows, start

L K your party on the porch for drinks and appetizers, then move into the dining room for the main meal. After, make your way into the living room to serve and enjoy dessert and coffee or an after-dinner drink. It breaks up the party and lets people relax a bit to thoroughly enjoy the experience.

“Don’t feel the need to rush into doing the dishes right after you’ve finished eating. Simply clear the table and return to the conversation.

I always love to Linger after a meal is done to chat with my friends and family.”

- Laura Johnson, CEO & Founding Artist

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m N “When I start getting ready for a party, the first thing I do is set the mood by putting on my favorite Music playlist – whether it be the soft sounds of Italian music to accompany my pasta or the lively tunes that match my fresh, beachy spread.

Plus, it never hurts to make sure you have enough room for an impromptu dance party.”

-Sara Kate Johnson, Photographer

Pull out a pile of Napkins from your linen drawer to add some texture and elevate your event. If they don’t match or they are not ironed, don’t stress. It doesn’t always have to be picture perfect. Another option is to collect festive cocktail napkins for all occasions so that you will always have something to accompany your guests’ drink of choice!

o

We have a great dinnertime playlist to use at your next soiree.

Find us on Spotify by searching “Coton-Colors”.

Don’t Over-complicate! A simple, delicious meal is much more enjoyable than an overly complicated meal that takes your attention away from your evening with friends and family.

p

Prep and get as much done before

your party so you can spend more time enjoying your friends. Chop ingredients ahead of time, clean up as you go, and set the table so it is ready for you guests before they arrive.

Q

Often, you feel like you are in a blur while hosting a party. Take a step back from host mode and make sure to spend Quality time with your guests. After all, they are the reason you wanted to throw a party in the first place.

r s

Fill out some Recipe cards for your guests to take with them at the end of the night.

Download this recipe card printable from the Coton Colors blog, Toast, at blog.coton-colors.com.

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Adding designated Stations for drinks, dessert, or even the main course allows you to get more creative with décor and your tablescape while still keeping a smooth-flowing party.

T U

Start each meal with a Toast to something or someone!

There’s always something to celebrate. Cheers!

v

Utilize seating

and turn any space into a warm and inviting area where all of your guests can mingle and enjoy each other’s company comfortably. It’s okay if all of the seats don’t match. In your friends’ eyes, they’ll all be sitting pretty by being able to come together in one space.

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Y Say Yes to help!

If friends offer to bring something, say yes! Even if it’s extra wine or crackers. If they offer to help in the kitchen or setting up, say yes. When everyone works together to set the party, it’s always a good time.

Write out the menu for

your guests to see what is being served. This will add to the overall feel you are trying to create when you are planning your party, and allow your friends to anticipate the flow of the evening.

X

“Variety is the spice of life. By mixing different colors, shapes, heights, and materials of serving dishes, your personality and celebratory style shine through. What is even better is knowing there is no pressure to serve in a formal way. I think I might just know a place where you can snag a few dishes!”

-Kyle Johnson Smith, Lead Designer

XOXO! When your guests are headed out the door, be sure to wish them goodnight and thank them for coming. This is such an important personal touch that leaves your guests with a happy feeling and memory from the occasion.

Catch some Zzzzzzs. You just hosted an amazing party filled with delicious food and wonderful friends. Now you deserve some quality rest and relaxation.

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SHOP MORE OF OUR ENTERTAINING ESSENTIALS FROM A COTON COLORS RETAILER OR ONLINE.

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‘SOCIAL’ ITES WE’VE ASKED SOME OF OUR FAVORITE BLOGGERS TO SHARE THEIR GO-TO PARTY ESSENTIALS THAT THEY INCORPORATE INTO THEIR CELEBRATIONS TO HELP PUT THE EASE IN EASY ENTERTAINING.

Emily Henderson @em_henderson

Jessica Lighter @celebrationstylist

“My go-to entertaining essential is a beautiful tray or oversized platter. Displaying appetizers or drinks on a nice platter instantly elevates your spread. I wouldn’t dream of having a party without nice serveware!”

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“There is nothing worse than being at your own party and playing bartender all night. So rather than having multiple different options, keep it simple with either a pre-made drink that everyone can refill themselves, or a bar area where you have everything you need for a “signature party cocktail.” Place it on a tray with glasses and even the recipe. You do the brain work before the party and gather the ingredients for your guests, but let them do all the labor. That is my philosophy when it comes to entertaining. Low maintenance, high fun.

Cheers!”

Katey McFarlan @kateymcfarlan

“My go-to entertaining essential is frozen fruit!

Living in Texas, hosting can always be a little hot and humid. I keep my freezer stocked with frozen fruit, so I can throw them in white wine or sangria for guests.

This helps our cocktails last much longer and gives them a pretty detail.”

Mandy Kellog Rye @waitingonmartha

“A great bar cart on wheels.

During everyday life, my bar cart functions as an actual bar in my dining room. But when entertaining, I love being able to create a movable cocktail station.

So no matter where the party takes you, the cocktails can easily follow. And don’t be afraid to think outside the bar box. A bar cart makes the perfect coffee cart, dessert cart, and appetizer cart – you name it and a great bar cart can likely handle it.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: TESSA NEUSTADT (EMILY HENDERSON HEADSHOT), TESSA NEUSTADT, STYLE BY EMILY HENDERSON (PLAID TABLETOP & IZZE BAR, RUSTIC WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY (CHEESE BOARD & BLOOD ORANGE COCKTAILS, DYAN KETHLEY (GARDEN SCENE)

E N T E RTA I N I NG W I T H

A COMPILATION OF ENTERTAINING ESSENTIALS FROM A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE BLOGGERS

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ALLIGATOR POINT FOR YEARS, LAURA AND HER FAMILY HAVE SPENT MUCH OF THE SPRING AND SUMMER SEASONS ENJOYING THESE TREASURED SHORES AT THEIR BEACH HOUSE AT ALLIGATOR POINT – THEIR LITTLE ESCAPE FROM THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF “CITY LIFE.”

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WE PICKED LAURA’S BRAIN ON SOME QUESTIONS WE HAD ABOUT ENTERTAINING DURING OUR NEXT WEEKEND JAUNT TO THE COAST.

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hen anticipating the start of spring, we can’t help but think about longer days, warmer weather and time spent outdoors.

Because we live in the Sunshine State, this giddy excitement usually kicks in as early as February. And thanks to a few too many hours spent daydreaming about the months to come, by the beginning of March, we’ve got our lists made of how we plan to spend a season in the Florida sun.

Being in Tallahassee, we’re lucky enough to be nestled just a few miles north of some of Old Florida’s most prized possessions – her undiscovered coasts.

Thanks to their proximity to town, these beaches are home to many “Tallahasseeans” during the spring and summer months. It’s on these relaxed shorelines boasting of towering pines and abundant wildlife that porches and decks are filled with families enjoying the catch of the day, boats lazily float in the shallow waters waiting to be boarded for a sunset cruise, and where our warm-weather must-do lists come to fruition.

For years, Laura and her family have spent much of the spring and summer seasons enjoying these treasured shores at their beach house at Alligator Point – their little escape from the hustle and bustle of “city life.”

Tucked away amongst the pines, it’s here that they kick off their long season of rising temperatures and later sunsets. When hunting for their little hidden piece of paradise, a prerequisite was a large enough screen porch to entertain from. “When we were on the search for just the right home away from home, I knew we needed a space outdoors to gather and celebrate – whether we were celebrating a birthday or just a good day on the water,” said Laura. “I wanted a place to kick back, feel the breeze and if the mood felt right, host an impromptu meal or cocktail hour with neighboring families.”

Now, that once-elusive porch that was just a dream contains almost 12 years of happy hours, birthday parties, shrimp boils, story times, and more memories than one can count.

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Eager to start this season’s book of beach memories and to make our own warm-weather must-do lists come to life, we picked Laura’s brain on some questions we had about entertaining during our next weekend jaunt to the coast.

Give us a go-to meal where we aren’t stuck in the kitchen all night.

“Head-on Shrimp! It’s one of our favorite beach dinners – so much so that I included it in our Happy Everything!™ Cookbook. It’s a one-pot dish, and you’re done in 30 minutes or less. One-pot meals mean easy cleanup, too, which gives you more time for enjoying your guests. Some of you might hear head-on shrimp and get squeamish, but the head on is key because of the fat and richness it adds to the sauce, so be brave!”

What if more people show up for dinner than we initially planned for?

“This seems to be a common occurrence at the beach, so I’ve learned to expect it, and it’s what I like most – impromptu times where people gather. Alligator Point is a unique community to many of our lifelong friends, so it’s no rarity that our dinner crowd may double on any given night, and you just roll with it. To save yourself the stress,

Head-On Shrimp Recipe

increase your recipe to always include a few more servings for those last minute additions to the group. I like to make enough for extra guests and for leftovers to take with us on the boat or to the beach the next day.

I also learned quite early the importance of delegating.

You might be surprised by the number of people who would love to help, rather than simply watch you do all the work yourself. But it is also important to assign the right duty to the right person. For instance, I wouldn’t necessarily ask my brother-in-law to set the table, but I would put him in charge of keeping the ice bucket full, and he’d do so happily!”

What if it rains on our parade…er…dinner party?

“Once summer arrives, rain is pretty much a guaranteed part of the daily forecast in Florida, especially in the late afternoon and early evening hours – right when you typically have a happy hour or dinner planned! Even on our screened porch, if the wind during a storm picks up enough, we have to move inside to stay dry. The most important solution to an unavoidable shower? A good attitude! So a dinner indoors wasn’t part of the initial plan, but that’s okay. Light some candles, get some good tunes playing and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.”

3-5 pounds fresh head-on shrimp, large or jumbo 1 large onion, sliced 24 tablespoons (3 sticks) of butter, cut into tablespoon pieces 1 (2 ounce) can pure ground black pepper 1 (16 ounce) bottle zesty Italian dressing 3 lemons, halved Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-duty roasting pan, create three layers using shrimp, onion, butter, and at least half the can of pepper. Pour Italian dressing over shrimp, and place the lemon halves on top. Cover the Dutch oven with a lid or a pan with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Open the oven door, uncover and use a large spoon to carefully redistribute the shrimp and check for doneness. When done, the shrimp should look opaque and start to pull away from the pink shell. Do not overcook.

The shrimp may need an additional 10 minutes in the oven, or move them to the stovetop and finish cooking over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Do not overcook.

Pour the shrimp and sauce onto a large serving platter, and squeeze with roasted lemon halves.

Grab a big glass of wine and serve with warm crusty bread…and plenty of napkins!

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Find and shop all your favorite pieces from the Neutral Nouveau color palette at a Coton Colors retailer or online.

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smoke.

A neutral color palette is a go-to color palette for so many, understandably so. It offers up a fresh, clean look and can be paired with pretty much anything. So it’s no surprise that we are currently loving smoke – the modern addition to the neutral family that is quickly gaining popularity.

This season we cannot seem to get enough of this refreshing, yet subtle shade that has carved its unique place on our color wheel. Found in our custom tabletop and serveware pieces as part of our Kitchen + Home and Happy Everything!™ Collections, this shade of gray is here to stay. When designing our Neutral Nouveau color palette that features smoke as the main hue, designer, Kyle Johnson Smith, drew inspiration from surrounding elements. She wanted to incorporate the lighter shades of gray that are found in natural marble while also capturing the truest color of actual smoke.

The chameleon nature of this timeless color quickly adapts to surrounding colors, making it easy to incorporate in any room or on any table. When paired with blues, the color transforms to look more blue-ish, yet when paired with whites, the color exudes its genuine cool gray tone with an elevated brightness. The versatility of smoke provides a great base to build other color palettes off of and expand the horizons of your home décor and tablescapes. Ironically, this clean neutral is truly a breath of fresh air, considering its name.

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SO YOU ’ RE THROWING A PAR T Y…

You’ve got the menu planned, guest list settled on, you feel like you’ve got everything figured out. But wait, you forgot one thing.

You want to evoke a theme or feel for the occasion to make it oneof-a-kind {and make you the perfect hostess!}. Colors and patterns are a must to set the tone and feel of the entire night. But no need to head to your nearby party store to stock up on boring colored paper plates and plastic punch bowls - Happy Everything!™ is your go-to for all entertaining occasions, and a color palette for every type of get-together.

ALL OCC A SIONS ENTER TAINING !

Have a girls night on the calendar? The Toss pattern livens up any soiree.

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Go big {insert team here}!

The Black color palette is a perfect {and classic!} spread for a tailgate or watch party.

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Camel & Black for those oh-sosophisticated dinner parties and the guests they bring.

Oh, baby!

White is a perfect palette for a baby shower or gender reveal.

Date night, anyone?

The stone color palette sets a romantic tone.

Housewarming party? Neutral is décor friendly and always a safe bet.

Light up a birthday party with a bright and cheery option.

SHAPE UP YOUR E N T E R TA I N I N G G A M E .

Happy Everything!™ pieces are really good at multi-tasking.

So good that you can transition pieces you may already have as décor or storage around your home to help you be in tip-top shape for entertaining.

Speaking of shapes, each of the Happy Everything!™ bases have all sorts of different uses to make you the hostess with the mostess.

Here are a few:

P L AT T E R S ▪ A platter filled with cheese and appetizers will always win guests over. Guaranteed.

▪ Have a signature cocktail on the menu? Serve them on this stylish platter with garnishes on the side.

▪ Store on a counter with a covered glass dome over for keeping baked treats fresh and stored beautifully.

▪ Transition your décor for those impromptu times where you just have to dig in! Pull the platter off the wall and end your day with cake.

We won’t tell.

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE ATTACHMENTS {THEY STICK ON WITH VELCRO®!} TO USE WHEN ENTERTAINING WITH PLATTERS:

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BOWLS ▪ From salads, soups, and punch, this happy bowl has no shortage of things it can serve.

OUR FAVORITE ATTACHMENTS FOR BOWLS:

▪ Easily keep napkins and utensils on hand, so guests aren’t asking where to find them.

COOKIE JARS

▪ A creative centerpiece option! {These look great filled to the brim with succulents.}

▪ A friendly wager or pool is always a hit at your gamewatching parties. Collect all the entries for a lively game!

▪ Fill with ice and keep a bottle of wine chilled for guests to easily grab.

PERSONALIZE ME!

FIND OUR FAVORITE PRINTABLES FOR THIS FRAME ON THE BLOG!

▪ Create an effortless {and quick!} centerpiece by placing your favorite blooms in them.

▪ Fill with goodies and often forgotten travel items on a bedside table or bathroom counter to make overnight guests feel right at home.

OUR FAVORITE ATTACHMENTS FOR COOKIE JARS:

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OFFER UP A FRESH TAKE ON A TRADITIONAL

BRIDAL

shower

WITH AN ORNAMENT SHOWER

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A HISTORY LESSON Bridal Showers in the United States date back to the mid 1800’s when family members, close friends and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the bride-to-be.

They would place small gifts in a parasol and “shower” them over the bride. Continue the time-honored tradition, but offer a modernistic twist to the conventional celebration.

MAKE A STATEMENT.

MAKE IT UNIQUE.

Mix wedding ornaments with clear glass ornaments for a hanging display over your table.

A bride loves to see her new monogram.

GIFT THE BRIDE WITH ORNAMENTS TO CAPTURE HER LIFE CELEBRATIONS. Personalize them. Even back date or post date them to help the brideto-be capture all her milestones, and start to tell her story through her ornament collection.

SOMETHING OLD. SOMETHING NEW. Create a place setting that mixes old pieces with new.

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR THE BRIDAL PARTY. Add a special touch and replace the bridal parties’ place cards with a personalized ornament at their seat.

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ALL IN A DAY’S WORK #ATYPICALCCDAY Even though Coton Colors has grown exponentially over the years, Laura has protected the small, family run business atmosphere. She sits as CEO, yet still works closely with her oldest daughter, Kyle, lead designer, on the designs and creation of each and every piece. There is plenty of family still involved in helping bring the products to life including her father and mother, sister, daughters and nieces, as well as each Coton Colors crew member making up the Coton Colors “family.”

On any given day within our Corporate Office, our design team is creating new products and working closely with our product line team who is constantly analyzing the popularity and demand for certain products to make recommendations on what the market is asking from Coton Colors. Once the products are designed, the team works closely with artisans around the world to see our designs come to life.

Our photography, styling and merchandising team is providing visuals of our products for our customers, inspiring them to celebrate every day.

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Our marketing team is cultivating marketing strategies, writing copy, talking with industry influencers, brainstorming new ideas, and tracking down potential “right fits” to partner with - all with the goal of spreading the word about our designs.

Our sales team is traveling the country meeting with current and potential new businesses of all shapes and sizes, from large department stores and online shops to smaller boutiques across America. The sales and customer service teams’ interests are in curating lifelong relationships with clients, many of those clients we are fortunate to have had for more than 20 years.

Our operations team is busily processing all orders and managing a massive volume of shipments and orders coming in and out one of our two warehouses, ensuring the orders are correct and on time.

It’s a bustling office filled with big ideas and a group of men and women with a “shoot the moon” mentality – all passionate about inspiring people to celebrate every day.

COTON COLORS: THEN AND NOW LAURA JOHNSON, FOUNDER OF COTON COLORS, is both an artist and a CEO. {It’s an unusual combination!} She’s been creating things her entire life and loved it so much she made it her career. With the help of her family, she started a business out of her garage and named it Coton Colors. She combined her knack for entertaining with her lifelong love of designing handmade products inspired by her own life celebrations had with her husband and three daughters.

Once word spread of Laura’s creations, she started getting requests from family and friends to create personalized pottery for them. Due to the growing demand for these tabletop and serveware pieces, Laura quickly outgrew her garage and moved into a proper studio space with plenty of room for her pottery kilns, room to add more artists to her budding team, and space to design.

Fast forward 20 years and what started as a small endeavor in Laura’s garage has evolved into an internationally sought-after lifestyle brand known for encouraging people to never miss an opportunity to celebrate every day. To date, Coton Colors products are carried in more than 3,000 boutique and gift stores across the country, department stores, in our Tampa and Tallahassee Coton Colors Flagship Stores, and distributed in countries across the globe.

EVER WONDER WHERE ITS NAME CAME FROM? Laura began hand-painting cotton clothing while pregnant with her oldest daughter Kyle, and ta-da! - that’s where Coton Colors got its name.

How do you use your Coton Colors and Happy Everything!™ products? Share with us using these hashtags:

#CelebratewithCC #MyHappyEverything

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NE V ER M I S S A N O PP O R T U NI T Y T O C EL EB R AT E E V ERY DAY.