Outdoor Entertaining with McArdle's

This is the time of year that I can't bear to be inside, making excuses of any kind to stay outside just a little bit longer (just like I did when I was 8 years old, begging to stay until I caught one more firefly or finished one more game of capture the flag!). While I still might stay outside to catch one more firefly, I'm just as likely to stay out on the patio for one more glass of wine with a great group of friends. Cooler temperatures forecasted for Greenwich this week means I will definitely be out there again this weekend!

After working so hard on my outdoor living spaces during the spring, I want nothing more than to share the fruits of my labor with company. Entertaining outdoors is so rewarding for me; the food just seems to taste better when it’s enjoyed outside. Because I've developed a system that works for me over the years, I'm more relaxed and am able to enjoy the party more -- something that doesn't go unnoticed by my guests. At McArdle’s, we can help with those special touches to make your party memorable. We have everything from the floral centerpieces (our website has lots of great options; Just Beachy is a perfect hostess gift or summer centerpiece for a small table), to gourmet goodies perfect for hors d’oeurves and desserts and cocktail napkins to match any decor, to the chairs to sit on and the umbrellas to sit under.

One thing that can absolutely ruin a party is a pesky mosquito buzzing in my ear. This year, with West Nile being found in mosquitoes in Old Greenwich, I want to be sure that my guests aren’t worried about them as well. This year I’ll be using Bite-Lite soy candles in addition to the more traditional torches. Bite-Lite candles are not only adorable (they come in luminary, metal tin and glass jar styles as well as simple votives), but have a delightful lemongrass and spearmint scent. For those who are looking for torches, we have them as well. In addition, we also have a selection of repellant sprays in our Garden Shop (some of which are organic, and others which contain DEET for those looking for ultimate protection).

Whatever your summer entertaining needs are, McArdle’s can help! Just email or give us a call, and we can help make your summer party the one people remember all winter long!

What's your favorite tip for hosting a specatular outdoor party?

Easter Baskets

When I was I kid, my favorite holiday was Easter. How could you not? It had the candy of Halloween, the trinkets and toys of a Christmas stocking, and adorable bunnies, all wrapped up in a pretty package with a giant pastel bow.

Here at McArdle's, we have lots of options when it comes to creating and filling a perfect basket for anyone (our gourmet milk chocolate bunnies are especially delicious).

For children's baskets, we have child-sized garden tools avalible in bright colors in the gardenshop, as well as seed kits that result in a "Magical Fairy Garden" and butterfly garlands to decorate with. My absolute favorite item this year might be the stuffed hare we have. You can see him in the back of the basket above.



For those looking to send a floral gift, we have a fantastic selection of plant baskets desgined and ready to be delivered. Right now, I'm loving the flowering bulbs we have blooming in the greenhouse. Give us a call at 201-661-5600 or email me at molly@mcardles.com to find out what blooming plants we have in stock today - new shipments arrive on a daily basis and is always changing!



Outside, we have fabulous cast-stone baskets pre-planted with pansies, bulbs and/or hardy perenials, ready to be enjoyed on a front porch or back steps - with a cast-stone bunny to match. Just as pretty as the baskets my mother made me when I was growing up, but without any of the candy calories!



Already have a great pot or basket but are loving the combinations we have? Email me at molly@mcardles.com so we can help it look it's best!

Happy Spring!