My sister, Teresa (we nicknamed her “TC” as a baby) has a prolific Mexican lime tree in her backyard in San Diego, California. So, hmmm…how to use this crop of California Citrus? Here are some party ideas using citrus!
But first, I’d like to tell you something sort of personal. My little sister, TC is a generous, smart, fun-loving friend, aunt, daughter, and mother to two lucky dogs. She has created a welcoming home that allows our family to be together in Southern California for holidays and special occasions. Howard takes over her kitchen. We create countless dirty dishes and laundry, run up her utility bills, move around her furniture to maximize seating for movie watching and use up her guest passes at her gym. She takes care of our sweet 93-year-old mom in addition to running a full-time business.
All the while, TC is making memories for us for a lifetime and keeping our family close. She is a saint with a great hearty laugh. I hope you have someone in your life that enriches it like TC does mine.
Dramatic Citrus Tablesetting
I picked lots of limes off the ground and tree and washed them.
Did I mention that TC lets me set her table however I want?
Extravagant But Easy Hummus Platter
On Celia’s fun blog, After Orange County, I read about this hummus platter that she adapted from Taste Love and Nourish. You can make your own hummus as I did for my Greek Party Platter. But for this, I just bought two tubs of Trader Joe’s plain hummus and spread it all over the bottom of the platter and layered the rest. We served this with pita chips and warm naan bread. It was a hit!
A squeeze of lime juice on the canned chickpeas before adding them to the platter gives them a little extra fresh flavor.
TC’s Fresh Lime and Orange Margaritas
These tangy margaritas are delicious! But they pack a punch!
- 2 ounces premium tequila
- 1.5 ounces Cointreau or other Orange Flavored Liqueur
- 1 tbs. Simple Syrup (or more to taste) from the Grocery Store
- 3 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice Regular or Mexican limes
- 3 ounces freshly squeezed orange juice Regular or Blood Orange Juice
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Place all ingredients into a martini shaker with ice. Shake well.
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Pour over ice in salt-rimmed glasses.
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Garnish with a thin slice of orange and/or lime.
Neutral Attire (Yes, this is random)
Nothing to do with party ideas using citrus, but because you asked from my Instagram photo… Remember my Mix and Match Fashion Post? Here I am wearing a few comfortable things from the post…
Sweater Blazer • White Blouse • Black Skinny Jeans • Van Leather Slip-ons • Leopard Purse
The view in San Diego and my wish for you…
Happy New Year!
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Happy New Year Mary Ann! How lucky you are to have a sister that you can enjoy such special times with. I always enjoy reading about your celebrations together. Thanks for trying my Hummus recipe, glad it was a hit. Now I can’t wait to try your margarita recipe which looks so refreshing.
I love everything about this post! The hummus platter is gorgeous! I love your introduction to your sister, how wonderful to be blessed with a sister, I have 2 myself. And your outfit, it is perfect, casual and comfortable. Happy New Year!
I have got to try that hummus platter. Celia is the Martha of Lake Arrowhead! That tablescape is simply gorgeous! Simple, elegant and understated. Happy New Year so happy to call you my friend!
All cute Ideas Mary Ann! Love the outfit — I gave my daughter those black Vans and now want to try them out myself. 🙂
Wendy
You should Wendy!
Everything looks so pretty…table, view, and you look great. Am going to join weight watches. Friends have told me about their new app. They each have lost 10-11 lbs in two months. You are so encouraging. Thanks, Mary Ann
Katherine in NC
We had pizza delivery for dinner from Tony’s after the long drive home…I am TOTALLY going back on WW on January 2!!!
You are so lucky to have such a wonderful, generous sister! Everyone needs someone like her in their family!
Can’t wait to try the recipes, and thank you so much for all the wonderful advice, amazing photos and letting your readers get a small glimpse into your life. Happy New Year❤️
THANKS FOR YOUR ENCOURAGING WORDS, LINDA!!! TC drove back to SF with us to celebrate New Years together. Then she and her dog, Judge fly home. Happy 2019 to you!!
Beautiful tribute to your sister! Love the food too.
She is a great sister, Sally.
YOU are the one who is a great sister!! I’ve looked up to you my entire life and am so grateful for all of your love and support.
Hi Mary Ann, I love Mexican limes and didn’t know about them until several years ago when I asked my friend if I could have a few of her lemons! She “those are Mexican limes” and I was hooked. I love how you used them for your beautiful table and TC is VERY smart to let you do all the tablescapes, you are definitely fabulous at it!
The hummus platter you did looks so festive and delicious, perfect for a New Years Eve celebration! And those margaritas, yum!
Wishing you a new year filled with more amazing adventures, wonderful family moments, lots of love and laughter and of course, excellent health!
Hugs, Gail
Yes, Gail, the Mexican Limes are so favorful! Happy New Year, you wonderful, talented artist!
Love everything about this 12/29 blog – specifically the beautiful nod to my BFF TC ! You captured her persona 100% . Thanks for sharing the hummus platter and the margarita recipes . I’ll make sure Teresa makes this for me when on my next visit. And I purchased that JCrew Cardi in 2 colors :).
Love your style !
Happy New Year !
Liz Moody
We were just saying how we miss you, Liz! Happy New Year.
It is true, Liz – your ears must have been burning! You and Mares are so sweet to say all of those nice things about me – but you are way too kind. Love you both!! Oh, and Mary Ann bought me the J Crew sweater in pale pink!! 🙂
New Year’s Eve will mark my one year anniversary as a vegetarian and I can’t wait to celebrate with your Extravagant, but Easy Hummus Platter!
Bravo, Madeline. Happy New Year!
Prolific is right–that is a huge haul of limes. How lucky!
I just was eating some hummus left over from a party we gave. It’s so delicious and easy. The platter makes for a very pretty presentation.
Happy New Year!!!
Hi Maryann, don’t get around much to blogland but I picked a good day to visit yours….salivating over that hummus platter and WILL make it, I love hummus and it looks so pretty too. The lemon/citrus table is fabulous. Hope you are well, wishing you much health and happiness in the new year!
Thanks, Tina…love following you on Instagram and the amazing party that you just had!