Summer Entertaining: DIY Pattern Plates and Blueberry Pear Crostinis

Now that it’s June and the sun is really starting to shine around here, I am finding myself more entangled in summer recipes and DIY projects than ever. Summer picnics, summer recipes, entertaining ideas, you name it.

So, I teamed up with Seven Daughters to bring you some summer DIY inspiration with a painted plates and serveware project, along with a yummy crostini recipe. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s just jump in.

Blueberry Pear Crostini Recipe

Cut and toast baguette slices that are about 3/4 of an inch thick in the oven for about at 350 degrees for 5-7 minutes. Remove from the oven and spread brie over each slice. Add a slice or two of pear (or apple) to each crostini.

Then, drizzle a blueberry sauce and/or fresh blueberries over top. Add honey and they’re ready to eat. For an extra fancy touch, I added a little bit oh honeycomb to each crostini, which I picked up at a local cheese shop.

I would recommend pairing this crostini recipe with Seven Daughters Chardonnay. It goes really well with the brie.

AND if you want to mix and match your own crostini recipe, here are 7 crostini toppings that I love to mix and match for the perfect appetizer (in no particular order):

1. cheese that pairs well with lots of different flavors (like brie or goat cheese)
2. a sweet drizzly item (like honey)
3. a salty drizzly item (like a good balsamic vinaigrette or a pesto)
4. fresh seasonal fruit (like pears, peaches, apples, strawberries, etc)
5. fresh meats and seafood (like salmon, shrimp, or prosciutto)
6. veggies (like sun-ripened tomatoes, caramelized onions, etc)
7. fresh herbs and seasonings (like rosemary, dill, or himalayan sea salt)

So, now that the crostini recipe is good to go, we need a little something to put them on. Right? Here’s how you can make painted pattern serveware and dishes in a pinch…

DIY Painted Pattern Plates and Platters

Supplies:

– plain plates, bowls, platters, etc (porcelain or glazed earthenware are the best to use)
– paint brush
– china paint (I like Pebeo Porcelaine 150 because it’s dishwasher resistant and microwave safe)
– damp rag or damp paper towel

Instructions:

I’d recommend trying out some patterns on paper first or a spare plate that is less expensive (to get a better feel for how the paint with apply), like I did here. Once you have a pattern in mind, shake your paint and go to town. Keep a damp rag or paper towel nearby for any mistakes. Works pretty well for removing wet paint, smudges, etc.

If you want to create a tulip pattern like I did with the platter, paint a semi circle with little point on the tops. Simple as that. And for flowery star shapes, like the smaller cheese plate, just think of it as an asterisk shape (with straight lines) and then go over it again with a more loopy motion to create something that looks more like petals.

You’ll most likely need more than one layer of paint to create an opaque design. Let the paint dry to the touch (so it’s not tacky anymore) in between coats.

Then, to create a more durable, dishwasher and microwave resistance, the plate can be baked for 35 minutes at 300 degrees. *Just be sure that the type of plate or serve ware that is being put in the oven is safe at these temperatures.

And here’s how it all came together…

Assisted by Linda Jednaszewski
Concept, photography, and styling by Brittni Mehlhoff

P.S. If picnicking is on your list of musts this summer, be sure to check out my DIY picnic blanket idea.

How are you getting ready for summer? Any particular projects or recipes that you’re looking forward to making in the coming months?

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This post is in partnership with Seven Daughters Wine. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this site possible.