Devine Fairytale

a magical lifestyle blog

Categories: Lifestyle

Outdoor Entertaining Ideas

The warmer weather is finally here and that means it’s time to start thinking about outdoor entertaining! Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ or an intimate dinner party, we’ve got you covered with our top tips & outdoor entertaining ideas.

Outdoor Entertaining Ideas Devine Fairytale Blog Post

Ideas for Outdoor Entertaining

Planning an outdoor event is always a bit of a challenge. You’ll have to take into account the weather, a theme, types of décor, and of course, the food! But don’t let that scare you off – with a little bit of planning, anyone can throw a fabulous outdoor party.

The first step is to choose your venue. If you’re lucky enough to have a great backyard, that’s the perfect spot. But if not, don’t worry – any outdoor space can be transformed into a party-worthy venue with the right furniture, décor, and lighting.

Once you’ve got your venue sorted, it’s time to start thinking about the food. If you’re planning a casual affair like a BBQ or picnic, stick to easy-to-eat finger foods and make sure you have plenty of refreshing drinks on hand. For a more formal dinner party, you’ll want to put together a menu that’s both impressive and delicious.

These caprese skewers would be the perfect addition to an outdoor party!

No matter what kind of party you’re planning, our outdoor entertaining ideas will help you pull it off without a hitch!

Outdoor Entertaining Ideas

If you’re looking for some inspiration, we’ve got plenty of outdoor entertaining ideas to get you started.

For a casual backyard BBQ, try serving up some of our favorite grilled recipes. From ribs and chicken to veggies and seafood, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget the sides! A few simple salads or veggie dishes will round out the meal perfectly.

For a more upscale dinner party, start with a show-stopping appetizer like grilled shrimp with mango salsa or roasted beet salad. Then move on to the main course – we recommend something like grilled salmon or steak. And don’t forget about dessert! A chocolate lava cake is always a hit. Something fun like mini strawberry shortcakes in a jar would be another one to try.

Decorating for Outdoor Entertaining

Depending on the type of gathering you’re planning and the time of day, you’ll want to adjust your décor accordingly.

For a daytime party, keep things bright and cheerful with colorful tablecloths, napkins, and plates. Add some greenery with potted plants or flowers, and don’t forget the sunscreen!

If you’re planning an evening event, you’ll want to focus on lighting. String lights are always a good idea, and citronella candles will keep the bugs at bay. Candelabras and lanterns make for beautiful table centerpieces, and they’ll also help keep your guests safe after dark.

No matter what time of day or type of event you’re planning, our outdoor entertaining ideas will help you create a space that’s both stylish and functional.

Tips for Outdoor Entertaining

Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to start thinking about the details. These tips for outdoor entertaining will help you make sure your party is one to remember!

Make sure you have enough seating for everyone. If you’re short on chairs, try using floor cushions or bean bags. Different styles and textures make a fun, welcoming atmosphere for your guests to relax.

Keep the bugs away with citronella candles or mosquito repellent. We personally love our Thermocell Patio Shield when we’re outdoors. No one wants to be eaten up and distracted by bothersome insects.

Provide plenty of sunscreen for your guests if your event is during the day. You might want to remind them on the invite to wear hats and sunglasses to make sure they’re comfortable and protected from the sun.

Set up a drink station with all the fixings for cocktails, mocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. Be sure to provide plenty of water to keep everyone hydrated and feeling great.

Put together a playlist of your favorite songs to create the perfect party atmosphere. Need some suggestions? Here’s my go-to summer playlist on Spotify!

These ideas will help create a nice atmosphere for you and your guests. Now that we’ve thought through these, let’s talk about how to make your yard or venue cozy and entertaining.

Outdoor Entertaining Essentials

1. Make a statement with your outdoor furniture.

2. Create an intimate setting with string lights.

3. Use nature as your decoration.

4. Keep your guests comfortable with cushions & throws.

5. Serve up something special with a DIY bar cart.

6. Entertain in style with a beautiful table setting.

7. Make your party unforgettable with a fun photo booth or backdrop. for

With these outdoor entertaining essentials, you’ll be sure to throw a party that’s both stylish and fun for everyone!

Our outdoor entertaining ideas will help you make sure your next event is a success! With a little bit of planning, anyone can throw a fabulous party. Just remember to have fun and enjoy yourself – that’s what parties are all about!

Categories: Holidays, Lifestyle

Hop To It: Bunny Bait Easter Snack Mix

This Bunny Bait Easter Snack Mix is the perfect amount of sweet and salty. It will be a hit at any springtime celebrations you have coming up this season!

Bunny Bait is a no-bake, mix made with Chex cereal that you can put together in less than 20 minutes. Use fun, pastel color candy for a bright and cheerful easy Easter snack.

Bagging up the Bunny Bait and adding a sweet tag would be a nice little gift for friends, neighbors, or as a party favor.

Jump to Recipe

Ingredients

Bunny Bait Easter Snack Mix ingredients - M&M's
  • 1 cup Honey Nut Cheerios
Bunny Bait Easter Snack Mix ingredients - cheerios
  • 1 cup Chex Cereal
Bunny Bait Easter Snack Mix ingredients - chex cereal
  • 1 cup Peanuts
Bunny Bait Easter Snack Mix ingredients - peanuts
  • 1 cup Thin Pretzel Sticks
Bunny Bait Easter Snack Mix ingredients - pretzel thins
  • 8 oz. White Chocolate Chips

What You’ll Need

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper

Instructions

  1. Combine the M&M’s, Cheerios, Chex cereal, peanuts, and pretzel sticks in a mixing bowl. Add in more of any of the items you would like. These measurements are just rough estimates. Use less for a smaller batch.
  2. Melt the white chocolate chips. If there are instructions on the package, follow those. If not, start with 1 minute in the microwave. Stir and continue to microwave in 10 second increments until melted.
  3. Pour melted white chocolate over dry mix in bowl.
  4. Cover the mix with the chocolate and stir to combine quickly.
  5. Spread the coated mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes.
  7. Once cooled, break into smaller pieces and enjoy!

Bunny Bait Easter Snack Mix Variations

The best thing about a recipe like this is that you can make it your own! Add it any items you want, remove something if you don’t like it, adjust the amounts, etc.

Some other items that might be fun to add in:

  • Fancy Sprinkles
  • Popcorn
  • Mini Marshmallows

Tips

When using parchment paper, crumble it up into a ball and then lay it out on the baking sheet. This will stop it from rolling up. I learned this tip from my friend Laura over at Lolo Home Kitchen!

To avoid burning your chocolate, make sure to heat up in small increments and stir in between

Storage

Store the mix in an air tight container. Keep at room temperature. This mix will be good for about 5 days.

Bunny Bait Easter Snack Mix in white bowl with pink and white tablecloth and easter eggs

Bunny Bait Easter Snack Mix

This Bunny Bait Easter Snack Mix is the perfect amount of sweet and salty. It will be a hit at any springtime celebrations you have coming up this season!
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 361 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Pastel M&M's
  • 1 cup Honey Nut Cheerios
  • 1 cup Chex Cereal
  • 1 cup Peanuts
  • 1 cup Thin Pretzel Sticks
  • 8 oz White Chocolate Chips

Instructions
 

  • Combine the M&M's, Cheerios, Chex cereal, peanuts, and pretzel sticks in a mixing bowl. Add in more of any of the items you would like. These measurements are just rough estimates. Use less for a smaller batch.
    Bunny Bait Easter Snack Mix ingredients
  • Melt the white chocolate chips. If there are instructions on the package, follow those. If not, start with 1 minute in the microwave. Stir and continue to microwave in 10 second increments until melted.
  • Pour melted white chocolate over dry mix in bowl.
  • Cover the mix with the chocolate and stir to combine quickly.
  • Spread the coated mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    Bunny Bait Mix spread on baking sheet
  • Allow to cool for about 10 minutes.
  • Once cooled, break into smaller pieces and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 361kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 8gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 153mgPotassium: 222mgFiber: 3gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 189IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 107mgIron: 4mg
Keyword Easter, Snack Mix
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Categories: Lifestyle, Recipes

Shredded Chicken in the Slow Cooker

My meal prep lifesaver is this Shredded Chicken in the Slow Cooker! You can make this shredded chicken once and use it in multiple different recipes throughout the week.

You can prep this slow cooker shredded chicken in just a few minutes and let the slow cooker work it’s magic over a few hours. Just set it and continue prepping other food for the week or whatever your Sunday task list might look like.

This recipe is the perfect starting point and can be added into other recipes throughout the week or spiced up differently, depending on how you wish to use it. The chicken will be moist and tender once it’s been cooked!

You can cook this chicken to use in practically ANY recipe which is why it’s perfect for meal prepping!  Just mix it in with different ingredients and seasonings and you have a bunch of different meals ready to go. Some of my favorite ways to use this chicken are in a salad, buffalo chicken wraps, Tex-Mex bowls, tacos, and more!

shredded chicken cooked in slow cooker
Jump to Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2-3 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth
  • Sea Salt, Black Pepper, and Everyday Seasoning (approximately 1/2 teaspoon of each, but adjust to your preferences)
ingredients to make shredded chicken cooked in slow cooker

What You’ll Need

  • Slow Cooker
  • Meat Claws or 2 Forks

Instructions

  • Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker and then add the chicken breasts. Make sure that the chicken breasts are laying in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
  • Sprinkle with the salt, pepper, and seasoning.
  • Set the slow cooker to Low, cover, and cook for 3.5 hours.
  • Use meat claws or two forks to shred the chicken breasts.
  • Cover and cook the shredded chicken on Low for an additional 30 minutes.
boneless skinless chicken breasts ready to be cooked in slow cooker
shredded chicken cooked in slow cooker

Variations

Add or reduce the amount of chicken stock used depending on how much chicken you plan to cook. The time would also need to be adjusted as well, if you choose to cook more at one time.

If you are planning on using all of the slow cooker shredded chicken for one recipe, you can add in whatever seasonings while cooking.

Storage

I typically cook this on Sunday afternoon and store in glass storage containers with lids to use throughout the week. You could also store by serving sizes in Ziploc bags or smaller containers. If stored properly, this shredded chicken will be good for up to four days.

shredded chicken cooked in slow cooker packed in glass storage containers

You could also store some to freeze. It will last up to 2 months. Allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Tips for Cooking Shredded Chicken in the Slow Cooker

I would not recommend cooking the chicken breasts on High as they tend to turn out drier.

shredded chicken cooked in slow cooker

Shredded Chicken in the Slow Cooker

My meal prep lifesaver is this Shredded Chicken in the Slow Cooker! You can make this shredded chicken once and use it in multiple different recipes throughout the week.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 4 hrs
Total Time 4 hrs 5 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 130 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Slow Cooker
  • Meat Claws or 2 Forks

Ingredients
  

  • 2-3 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth
  • Sea Salt, Black Pepper, and Everyday Seasoning to taste

Instructions
 

  • Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker and then add the chicken breasts.
  • Sprinkle with the salt, pepper, and seasoning.
  • Set the slow cooker to Low, cover, and cook for 3.5 hours.
  • Use meat claws or two forks to shred the chicken breasts.
  • Cover and cook the shredded chicken on Low for an additional 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 130kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 24gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 186mgPotassium: 422mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 34IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Meal Prep, Shredded Chicken, Slow Cooker Recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Categories: Lifestyle, Recipes

Caprese Salad Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

Caprese Salad Skewers with Balsamic Glaze: This classic recipe is the perfect addition to any party or get together! These Caprese Salad Skewers with Balsamic Glaze are so easy to put together and make a fun snack or appetizer. Take the traditional Caprese Salad and give it a twist.

Ingredients

  • 16 Red Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
  • 16 Yellow Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
  • 32 Medium Fresh Basil Leaves, washed and patted dry
  • 16 Ciliegine (Mini Mozzarella Balls)
  • 1 c. Balsamic Vinegar
  • 2 T. High Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil, to drizzle

What You’ll Need

  • 16 6″ Wooden Skewers
  • Serving Platter
  • Small Sauté Pan
caprese salad skewers on white serving platter before balsamic glaze is added

Instructions

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4

  1. Thread a red tomato onto a wooden skewer. Next, fold one basil leaf in half with the dark side facing out, and add it to the skewer. Add one mini Mozzarella ball, followed by another folded basil leaf, and one yellow cherry tomato.
  2. Repeat these steps with the remaining tomatoes, basil, and Mozzarella until you have 16 completed skewers. Arrange on a serving platter and set aside.
  3. To prepare the glaze, add the balsamic vinegar to a small sauté pan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vinegar is reduced to about 1/3 of its original volume, approximately 8-10 minutes.
  4. Remove the glaze from heat and allow to cool for several minutes.
  5. Add salt and black pepper over the completed skewers.
  6. Drizzle the glaze over the skewers, along with some extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately.
caprese salad skewers with balsamic glaze on white serving platter

Tips

The tomatoes and Mozzarella should all be about the same size so they can fit nicely together on the skewers.

If the balsamic glaze is still warm, it may start to melt the cheese soon upon contact. If possible, avoid dripping the glaze on the cheese pieces while drizzling it over the skewers.

Caprese Salad Skewers Variations

Use whatever color of cherry tomatoes you can find, or whichever ones you like the best!

Big cheese lover? Double up on the Mozzarella and use less tomatoes.

Some prosciutto would be a lovely addition to these skewers as well.

Storage

These Caprese Salad Skewers are best when they are fresh, I would not recommend preparing ahead of time or storing for later.

caprese salad skewers with balsamic glaze on white serving platter

Caprese Salad Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

These Caprese Salad Skewers with Balsamic Glaze are so easy to put together and make a fun snack or appetizer. Take the traditional Caprese Salad and give it a twist.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 25 mins
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine Italian
Servings 16
Calories 105 kcal

Equipment

  • 16 6 inch Wooden Skewers
  • 1 Serving Platter

Ingredients
  

  • 16 Red Cherry Tomatoes
  • 16 Yellow Cherry Tomatoes
  • 32 Fresh Basil Leaves medium size, washed and patted dry
  • 16 Ciliegine (Mini Mozzarella Balls)
  • 1 c Balsamic Vinegar
  • 2 T High Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil optional, to drizzle
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Thread a red cherry tomato onto a wooden skewer.
    16 Red Cherry Tomatoes
  • Fold one basil leaf in half, dark side facing out, and add it to the skewer.
    32 Fresh Basil Leaves
  • Add one mini Mozzarella ball.
    16 Ciliegine (Mini Mozzarella Balls)
  • Follow with another folded basil leaf.
    32 Fresh Basil Leaves
  • Add one yellow cherry tomato.
    16 Yellow Cherry Tomatoes
  • Repeat these steps with the remaining tomatoes, basil, and Mozzarella until you have 16 completed skewers. Arrange on a serving platter and set aside.
  • To prepare the glaze, add balsamic vinegar to a small sauté pan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vinegar is reduced to about 1/3 of its original volume, approximately 8-10 minutes.
    1 c Balsamic Vinegar
  • Remove the glaze from heat and allow to cool for several minutes.
    1 c Balsamic Vinegar
  • Add salt and black pepper over the completed skewers.
    Salt and Black Pepper
  • Drizzle the glaze over the skewers, along with some extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately.
    1 c Balsamic Vinegar, 2 T High Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Notes

There are so many variations you can make of this recipe! View the full blog post for more ideas.

Nutrition

Calories: 105kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 5gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 29mgPotassium: 101mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 125IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 109mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Balsamic, Caprese, Skewers
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Categories: Lifestyle, Recipes

Light Chicken Fideo Soup Recipe

Chicken Fideo Soup: Are you looking for a light and flavorful soup recipe? This Chicken Fideo Soup is perfect for lunch or as a light dinner paired with a fresh garden salad and some toasted bread.

I know the ingredients list looks long, but this soup really is easy to put together. You can save time by prepping the ingredients ahead of time if you need to!

Chicken Fideo Soup Recipe Image in white bowl with garnish
Jump to Recipe

What is Fideo?

The simple answer is that, “fideo” translates to noodles in Spanish. Fideo noodles are a particular type of noodle that are short, golden, and thin.

Ingredients

  • 3 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided
  • 1 Medium Sweet Onion, diced
  • 2 Medium Carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 Celery Stalks, diced (leaves reserved)
  • 1 T Fresh Thyme, crushed
  • 1 lb. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into 1” cubes
  • Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
  • 8 c. Low-Sodium Chicken Stock, divided
  • 1 cup Fideo Noodles, cooked and drained
  • 1 T Fresh Lemon Zest
  • 1 T Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1/4 t. Ground or Freshly Grated Nutmeg
  • Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese, to taste
  • Optional Garnish: Fresh Parsley and Thyme

What You’ll Need

  • Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven
  • Large Pot
  • Bowl
  • Strainer
  • Grater
  • Zester
Chicken fideo soup in white bowl

Instructions

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4

  1. Heat 2 T. of olive oil over medium heat in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Add onion and sauté 2 minutes until just beginning to soften. Add carrots, celery (including leaves), and thyme and sauté for 4 minutes.
  2. Add chicken, salt, pepper, and 4 cups of chicken stock. Partially cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  3. While the soup is simmering, cook the Fideo noodles according to package directions in remaining broth until al dente. Reserve 2 cups of cooking liquid before draining pasta. Drain pasta and transfer to a medium bowl and toss with remaining olive oil. Cover and set aside.
  4. Just before serving, add Fideo noodles to the soup. Stir and remove from heat.
  5. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and nutmeg. If soup is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved cooking liquid to reach desired consistency.
  6. To serve, divide among individual serving bowls. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  7. Garnish with additional fresh cracked pepper and fresh parsley and thyme if desired. Serve with hot toasted bread or a crisp, garden salad for a light and delicious meal.
ladle full of chicken fideo soup being placed into white bowl

Cooking Tips

Fideo are a short cut spaghetti noodle. If you are not able to find them at your local grocery store, vermicelli broken into 1” pieces is a good substitute.

For best results, cook the Fideo separately, rather than in the same pot with the rest of the ingredients. This extra step yields more consistent results by eliminating the release of excess starch into the soup. It also prevents the noodles from becoming too soft and mushy. This mean more appetizing leftovers the next day and better results when freezing for future use.

Cooking the Fideo in chicken stock instead of water adds an extra layer of flavor.

Substitutions

If you are follow a low carb diet, you could substitute the Fideo noodles with Shirataki noodles or Quinoa noodles.

For a bit more flavor, you can use economical boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of the chicken breasts, but be sure to trim and remove any excess fat first.

chicken fideo soup in white bowl with toppings

Chicken Fideo Soup

Are you looking for a light and flavorful soup recipe? This Chicken Fideo Soup is perfect for lunch or as a light dinner paired with a fresh garden salad and some toasted bread.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Total Time 55 mins
Course Soup
Cuisine American, Italian, Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 410 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven
  • Large Pot
  • Bowl
  • Strainer
  • Grater
  • Zester

Ingredients
  

  • 3 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil divided
  • 1 Medium Sweet Onion diced
  • 2 Medium Carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 Celery Stalks diced, leaves reserved
  • 1 T Fresh Thyme crushed
  • 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts cut into 1" cubes
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
  • 8 c Low Sodium Chicken Stock divided
  • 1 cup Fideo Noodles cooked and drained
  • 1 T Fresh Lemon Zest
  • 1 T Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1/4 t Ground or Freshly Grated Nutmeg
  • Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese to taste
  • Fresh Parsley and Thyme optional garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat 2 T. of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat in a large stockpot or Dutch Oven.
  • Add onion and sauté 2 minutes until just beginning to soften.
  • Add carrots, celery (including the leaves), and thyme and sauté for 4 minutes.
  • Add chicken, salt, pepper, and 4 cups of chicken stock.
  • Partially cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  • While the soup is simmering, cook the Fideo noodles according to the package directions in the remaining broth until al dente. Rese
  • Reserve 2 cups of cooking liquid before draining pasta.
  • Drain pasta and transfer to a medium bowl and toss with remaining olive oil. Cover and set aside.
  • Just before serving, add Fideo noodles to the soup. Stir and remove from heat.
  • Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and nutmeg.
  • If soup is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved cooking liquid to reach desired consistency.
  • To serve, divide among individual serving bowls. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Garnish with additional fresh cracked pepper and fresh parsley and thyme if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 37gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 304mgPotassium: 1086mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 5223IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 66mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Chicken Soup, Fideo Soup, Soup
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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