Break out the Molsons, the flags, the fireworks, and the beavertails…It’s Canada Day this weekend! If you’re in the GTA it’s looking like the weather is going to be fab (knock on wood!) so it’s the perfect occasion for a picnic. When I say picnic, I don’t mean, a bucket of KFC on a lawn with some bottles of pop (though that’s totally cool too). This year I’ve decided I’m going to get a bit more creative and chic for my Canada Day picnic. I’m going to trade in the Molsons for some of the unique summer wine pairings Food and Wine Magazine recently published. I’m also going to attempt to amp up my usual pasta salad. And of course, no summer picnic would be complete without some stylin’ threads.
Wine pairings can definitely be a bit daunting. All those different brands, regions, and grapes just send me through a tailspin. Its at times like this that I turn to the experts! I found a fabulous Food and Wine article that had a list of pairings for all your fav summer foods. I paid particular attention to the grilled foods pairings. Because Canada Day is a great excuse to give my BBQ a good workout.
I love a good grilled fish and am a bit of a citrus addict so I was particularly intrigued by this pairing:
On the Grill: Halibut or other light fish, vegetables, citrus marinades
But I also know I’m going to be making some steak for my guests:
The Food: Barbecued ribs, leg of lamb, steaks
Classic Pairing: Powerful, tannic red: Cabernet Sauvignon, French Syrah
Then, for the non-wine drinkers I’m going to whip up a batch of freshly made Mojitos! The perfect refreshing drink for a hot summer day!
For Décor, it can sometimes be a challenge to avoid going from Patriotic to super kitschy. Sure, a good dose of kitsch is appropriate for Canada Day, but my backyard doesn’t have to look like a party packagers exploded onto it. I am in love with these plates from a Style at Home article. They are definitely drool-worthy. Head to discount chains to find plates like these ones sale. And the best part is, because they’re not decorate din maple leafs, they are actually perfect for every day use.
For dessert, I’m making mini Strawberry Shortcakes. Just make a vanilla cupcake. Then slice the top off. Pile some freshly whipped cream and sliced strawberries on top of the bottom then put the cupcake top back on. Pile on more whipped cream and berries and voila! A delish and appropriately colored dessert! Then, arrange them on a cupcake stand with red cupcake liners and you have turned your dessert into décor too! Put some red jelly beans, nibs, and Swedish Berries in small clear bowl, and arrange them around the cupcake stand for the perfect sweets table!
Of course, fashion is almost as important as the food. My #1 Canada Day rule is to keep your outfit comfy so you can wear it from early brunch right till the end of nighttime fireworks. Here’s an outfit similar to what I’ll be wearing this weekend:
It’s the perfect dose of white and red so I’m showing my national pride in style. Note, my new fav find, Sseko Sandals. I’ve been wearing the Starboard straps all week, but this weekend I’ll be switching them out for my red straps (yep, that’s right…if you didn’t know, they’re interchangeable!) Read more about Sseko fair trade sandals on last week’s blog here.
Have a lovely Canada Day everyone…eh!
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