Easy Crab Feast

Last weekend we had a little crab feast with some of our friends.  At our house (probably like at most houses) we like to use parties as an excuse to tie up all of those loose ends around the house.  (see my last 2 posts ;) 

We finally had an excuse to mulch our gardens & break out all of that wedding drinkware. 


We strung up hanging lanterns & set out a couple of folding tables in the grass.  Here's a pre-party pic:



For a quick & summery arrangements, I filled old ironstone pieces with sunflowers for the tables:


We packed the kids off to visit "Gramma" and their playhouse shed turned into the bar:


I loved having this massive drink dispenser for the margaritas:

(I'm kicking myself for taking this pic before I'd set out the rock salt and hid the tequila to make it look pretty but oh well ;)

I made a couple of different salads including my chick pea one.  (recipe here)


 
We covered the tables in newspaper & topped with sunflowers & crabs:


My husband steamed the crabs in the oven using a roasting pan and they were easy & awesome.  I loooove Old Bay seasoning and sprinkled it on top and then we served the crabs melted butter, extra old bay & lemons.

It was soooooooooo yummy and I want to do it again right now. 

I love how the lanterns looked at night, lighting the patio for games:



I really loved having this party because getting it together was actually pretty easy.  It was a lot of effort but it was pretty planned out, which made it simple.  Food & friends  is always a good time, especially when the weather's perfect & you're outside.  
 
Of course I forgot to get pics of us.  (Fellow bloggers, I know you understand.)


...And I definitely did something to my hip dancing.  I think it was the kip-ups.

xoxo,
lauren

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26 comments:

pve design said...

I feel inspired to have a party! (once the renovation is done!)
pve

Amy said...

We had such a good time, the food was delicious and the company was great as always, as usual it was great seeing you! XOXO *Amy

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

Oh. YUM! Yummie YUM!

Lovin That! said...

That looks like a great evening! I'm inspired now to have a summer crab fest :-) Where did you get the patio laterns?

Brittany @ Each Day Gets Better. said...

i love the lanterns. so romantic. and the sunflower in the pitcher. gorgeous.

Helena - A Diary of Lovely said...

So much fun, I will be trying the chickpeas recipe, looks delicious!

*Tara said...

Looks like a great party. When the host/hostess has a great time, everybody else does too!! Great job!

kayce hughes said...

Looks beautiful and fun. The perfect combo.

kwaltz1 said...

looks fun! we are having our crabs flown to CA in July...can't wait.
you must share where you bought the latterns - love them and want them!

Marianne said...

I can't wait for our weather to get nice enough to entertain outdoors! Love that you turned the kids playhouse into the bar!!!

Linda in AZ * said...

*** Great idea for a "simple" (???) and DEFINITELY F*U*N day/evening!!!

It all looks soooo welcoming & your yard is looking just terriffic!!! It's not only nice to HAVE that, but to capitalize on it and USE it to make fond memories!!! KUDOS, Lauren!!!

Warmest,
Linda in AZ *
bellesmom1234@comcast.net

Linda in AZ * said...

*** P.S.... Re the LANTERNS~~~~

Saw a lady BUYING SOME at WORLD MARKET/COST PLUS just about a week ago... she was telling the cashier (I mean, you can't HELP but hear what's being said when yer in line, right???) how THRILLED she was to FIND them, & was also THRILLED w/ the good PRICES of them....... Maybe that will help some of your above readers who asked about them.. XO, Linda ***

Loretta Fontaine (EcoHappy Blog) said...

Lauren- The backyard is looking so nice. I think the last pic I saw the siding was still beige!

...and your "bar" was so chic! Everyone should have a multi-tasking shed like that! What a fun party. I want to throw one so badly, but like Patricia we're under construction here, too.

Loretta

Summers Cottage said...

Love this! This is my type of party - relaxed and fun. While the parties with the rented linens and matching plates/candles/flatware are fun to look at in books and magazines, this type of party is much more enjoyable! Thank you for sharing.

thecoghlans said...

The crab feast was extremely yummy & the drinking games afterwards were so much fun. Thanks for inviting us! Can't wait to see you guys again, hopefully soon. :o)

her life beautiful said...

Where in the world were you able to find such a PERFECT drink dispenser?! I have been hunting for a decade, please help, ha! Thanks, Andrea

The Buzz Blog @ Diane James Home said...

What loads of fun and such a pretty setting - you are inspiring me to break out the Mexican glassware and stir up a batch of margaritas this weekend!

Comeca Jones said...

Looks fun! the lights are beautiful.

daninotes said...

Looks like tons of fun!

Unknown said...

what a pretty garden love the paper lantens

Mona Thompson Providence Ltd. said...

Looks like a fabulous party!! I know a great time was had by all.

Jeane M. said...

Lovely and festive. Love the type of lantern used. :-) outsourcing company

Santi said...

lovely home :)

and great food .)

santiroyalhome.blogspot.com

Crea-T-V-T said...

I love the carpet in the 4th picture.

Neoglitch said...

Wow, that crab really looks delicious! Ohh... I want some, I've never had crab!! :(

I hope that you enjoyed the party. Thanks for sharing! :D

HI 98129 Lover

William Arthur Blog Team said...

We love this post and the casual flair of your crab feast!! A delight. ; )