DIY Personalized Drink Tray

I found this cool tray at Marshall's and thought it would make a great addition to an "Al Fresco Dining" themed gift. I wanted to make it more personalized so I added an easy and inexpensive touch that made it the centerpiece of the gift.

 

The tray itself was rustic so I thought some burlap would be perfect for it. I found this laminated burlap at Joanne's Fabric. It cut perfectly (no frays!!) and was sturdier than standard burlap which made it just right for a placemat to have drinks or food carried out on it.

I cut the laminated burlap to fit the base of the tray.

Then, I used a permanent black marker and stenciled in the first letter of their last name (this was part of a wedding gift, so using the new married last name initial was perfect!!).







I used my spray adhesive to secure the burlap into the tray. It really made the gift look much more personal and it took about 5 minutes!!

I thought this gift theme was such a fun idea for a new homeowner, bridal shower or wedding!! Below are some ideas that you could include.

Al Fresco Dining Gift Box:

- Personalized Drink Tray
- 4 placemats
- 4 napkins
- Napkin Rings
- Table Cloth
- Candle holder (a tall round one could be a candle votive or a wine bottle holder)
- Bread tray with dip bowl
- Gourmet Olive Oil
- Seasoning for bread dip
- Bottle of Wine
- Shatterproof Govino wine glasses
- Chalkboard for menu or fun message to be printed on

Crockpot Quinoa and Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Looking for a simple and healthy crockpot recipe that your whole family will love?! Keep reading!!! I actually did all the prep work the night before and then put them in the crockpot the next morning before work.

Ingredients:

• 5 large peppers
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 15 oz jar tomato sauce
• 1 cup quinoa (I use red quinoa)
• 1 small onion diced
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

• Wash peppers and cut off tops. Remove the stems from top of peppers and dice them, set aside.
• Wash, rinse and drain the quinoa. Add quinoa to 1 1/2 cups boiling water. Reduce to medium for 15 minutes, fluff with fork. 
• While quinoa is cooking, brown the ground turkey in a large skillet. 
• Once ground turkey is browned, add tomato sauce, peppers, onions, garlic and quinoa.
• Fill peppers with ground turkey and quinoa filling.
• Cook stuffed peppers in crockpot on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
• About 10-15 minutes before serving, add shredded mozzarella cheese to the top of stuffed peppers. 
• Last but not least....Enjoy!!!!