Good Morning! It feels like fall is finally here and I’m really excited about being outside, entertaining on the porch, sitting by a fire in the evenings and just enjoying the beautiful weather!

Several months ago, I spotted a bamboo bar cart at a local consignment shop and thought it would be ideal for my front porch, so I brought it home and I think it’s perfect for holding everything from a Bloody Mary Bar, to wine and cheese to dessert and coffee!

With college football season in full swing, cooler temperatures and Thanksgiving being right around the corner, I thought a Bloody Mary Bar would be just the thing. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good Bloody Mary any time of the year, but especially in the fall.

I like my Bloody Mary’s a little spicy and I love to make them more like “brunch in a glass”, but everyone has a different opinion about how they like their Bloody Mary, so it just makes sense to create a Bloody Mary Bar so everyone can customize their drinks!

I’m going to be completely honest here and say that I just don’t have time in my life to make homemade Bloody Mary mix, so my go-to mix is Zing Zang. I think it has just the right amount of spice and I like the thickness of it…I do not like a thin Bloody Mary. When it comes to vodka, we like Titos, but there are so many to choose from and you could even use pickle infused vodka (or make your own)! Using Zing Zang and Titos makes things easy so all you really need to do is concentrate on the garnishes and add-ons that make your drink really interesting. Bloody Mary’s are also somewhat healthy (stay with me here!) so it’s the perfect excuse to have one (or two) before noon…after all, you’re getting your antioxidants!

How to Make a Bloody Mary

Once you have your Bloody Mary mix (whatever you choose to use), you might want to tweak it just a bit by adding extra horseradish or Worcestershire and pour it all into a large pitcher.

When you’re ready to assemble the cocktails, rub a slice of lime or lemon around the rim of the glass, dip the rim into Old Bay seasoning, fill with ice and add 2 - 3 ounces of vodka (I count to 8 haha…it’s very scientific), then top it off with the Bloody Mary mix you prepared.

Garnish with your favorite nibbles (list below).

My Favorite Bloody Mary Garnishes

When creating your Bloody Mary bar, the garnish options are endless! Here are a few possibilities:

• Lemons

• Limes

• Celery

• Kosher pickle spears

• Pimento or cheese stuffed green olives

• Pickled okra and asparagus

• Pickled jalapeños

• Peppadews or other peppers

• Marinated pearl onions

• Baby corn

• Grilled Shrimp

• Crispy Bacon Strips

• Fried Oysters (if you really want to get fancy)

• cheese squares (I like pepper jack)

Set out mini ham biscuits, cheese and crackers, and a plate of deviled eggs and you’ve got a full-on brunch! You can make your Bloody Mary bar as simple or elaborate as you choose…either way, your guests are going to love it!

Just in case you’re wondering what I’m wearing…

It was still pretty warm last week when these pictures were taken so I wore a cute cami from Cabi, my jeans are Frame Denim and my booties are by Marc Fisher (I’m going to live in them this fall!). Here are a few similar cami’s to wear under jackets and alone on a warmer day!

I hope you’ll try this idea and let me know what you think! It’s easy, fun and delicious!

I’m leaving for San Diego on Sunday and I’ve never been so I’m very excited to see all the sights and do a little blogging while I’m there. Hopefully, I’ll have time to do a packing post before I leave!

If you’ve enjoyed this post, you will definitely want to subscribe to Blondie, by Crazy Blonde Life! The holiday issue is going to be filled with delicious recipes from one of my favorite chefs, interviews with inspiring women, gift guides for everyone on your list, my travel guide to Lourmarin in the South of France, as well as the columns that you depend on with every issue!

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As always…I would LOVE for you to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest (loving my fall boards), Facebook and LiketoKnow.it!

What are your weekend plans?