Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Punch of color

We usually have several teenagers drop in during Halloween trick-or-treat, but the trick's on them: we're inviting them inside for a cup of punch and cookies.

Since it's only two more days until our coffee, I thought I'd make a second ice ring.

Two apple halves (red and green) plus a handful of cranberries and lemons add color for almost no extra money.

When you have to keep things cool, why not keep things pretty, too?



Many thanks to Anna at Pleasant View Schoolhouse for sharing her Bundt pan trick!

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Meredith, I do this when I make Christmas punch for my Santa party. I do not use plain ice though. I do not want to water down the punch too much. I make a pitcher of the punch and freeze that. Yes, I put fruit into it too. It does add flavor. It also adds color, extra color..My Christmas punch is red, but with green apples and cherries and frozen strawberries it is extra nice.
Thanks for the wonderful blog. Your ideas are always a blessing.
Roxie

Anonymous said...

What a great way to build relationships -- invite the trick-or-treaters inside! And I'm sure the punch bowl will look great.

By the way, I love the fabric of Elise's dress. Perfect autumn print!

Rita

Anne Marie@Married to the Empire said...

That's a neat idea.

Please tell me that you know these teenagers! I'd gladly welcome our youth group teens and their friends into my home, but I don't think I'd want to invite teens who are complete strangers inside!

Wendy said...

Beautiful colors in this picture (including the dress).

Love your blogs and appreciate your ideas and thoughts.

Pen of Jen said...

Very pretty!

Thank you for stopping by my lotsforless.blogspot.com

I believe that this is an idea that I would like to try!
Jennifer

Carrien Blue said...

what a good idea, inviting them in that is.

I love punch rings, and freezing little berries or edible flowers in ice cube trays, or ice cubes of one color juice in fun shapes to add to a different color drink. It's such an easy way to make my kids think that I'm giving them a cool treat.

Meredith said...

Please, give me a little credit here!

My husband works with teenagers, who often think it's funny to show up trick or treating at our home.

That's what I meant about the trick being on them this year! I actually think it's a friendly gesture, but I know some of them will be a little surprised.

Better that than getting tricked ourselves, though we've had a bit of that lately, too.

Anonymous said...

I happen to have a teenager that still likes to dress up...and go trick or treating....but really doesnt want candy. She just wants to be out in all of the fun and wear a costume and visit with neighbors! If you invited her in, she would love it because she adores young children and would wind up entertaining yours! Her favorite thing about Halloween tonight was a friend bringing their 2 year old over in his costume!

Karla Porter Archer said...

such lovely colors!

Blessings,
Karla

Anne Marie@Married to the Empire said...

I figured that was the case, but just thought I'd ask. :-)

We were actually with our teens tonight. The youth minister set up a live version of the game Clue. The adults dressed up as the suspects. I was Mrs. Peacock, and my husband was Col. Mustard. We had a blast! But we missed the neighborhood trick-or-treaters, as a result.

Cyndi Lewis said...

Meredith,
Will you make sure to post a photo of the finished ice ring? Thanks. Costco has a pack of fun shaped bundt pans in the warehouse right now and I suddenly have an urge to go purchase them. Maybe they won't sell out and they'll get marked down. Yes, Costco does mark down items occasionally but they don't make a big show about it. If you see a price sign with a * on the upper right that means the item is being discoutinued or is seasonal. If the item isn't moving or the season is over many times they will lower the price but they won't red tag anything they just change the price on the sign so you have to watch and see. My hubby works there so he watches for me and snaps things up if the price has gotten good and the item starts to sell fast.

*carrie* said...

Meredith,

Another lovely idea!

Roberta said...

Pretty idea.
I have seen this with citrus fruits or berries, not apples though. I was curious if the apples brown, and did you have to soak them in lemon juice of something to preserve them? .

Susannah said...

Gorgeous! Your blog is very attractive to the eye. You're both frugal and fruitful artistically.

BTW, nice to meet you. And thanks for stopping by my blog.

Hugs, e-Mom

MamaBirdEmma said...

Hi Meredith!

If you haven't already, you might want to check out the new issue of Victoria. There are two articles in there that I think would interest you. The first is Tasha Tudor's antique clothing collection (amazing photography!) and the second is on Alexandra Stoddard's private writing retreat.

Have a great time tomorrow... I wish I lived in Nashville!

Emma