Shoo Fly, No Bugs Invited

We've all been there, wonderful people, delicious food, beautiful setting and ..... bugs.  With summer entertaining (and summer bugs) in full swing, I thought it would be nice to look at some pretty ways to say shoo fly.

1). Keep it natural.  The easiest and most natural way I've ever seen to keep bugs and bees out of your drink. It's one of those "why didn't I think of that" things :)  If you need a larger slice for a larger glass, you can always use grapefruit slices.

2). Keep it contained.  If you can, use a container that keeps your beverages enclosed. Especially with a sweetened drink, like this strawberry lemonade, this keeps the bugs out, with no way to get in :)  Target has a nice selection  http://www.target.com/c/beverage-dispensers-service-serveware-kitchen-dining/-/N-5xtqi

3). Cloche it!  Cloches were originally used to cover tender seedlings from frost.  Today we use them to display just about anything.  This is a great way to keep the bugs out, and freshness in.  Granted this is one extraordinary cloche with a marble base and etched glass, but it's a beautiful piece you'd be proud to pass to the next generation, or give as a wedding gift. From Classic Hostess  http://www.classichostess.com/etchedpatisseriecloche.

Here is a clever and inexpensive way to turn Terra Cotta pots into cloches. Use a a non-toxic paint (only on the outside) and use a rope (knotted inside) for the handle.  I love this!

4). Cover it like a lady.  Use doilies & lace edged hankies  with beads or buttons sewn around the edges to cover glasses, cups, & pitchers. This is something that ladies have been doing for centuries, and I think it's pretty and practical. Note how embroidery hoops lined with muslin are used in a similar way in the top photo.

5). Use cupcake liners. What a great way to keep bugs and bees out of your glass. With cupcake liners coming in many sizes and designs, you can really have fun with this one.

Here's another way to use cupcake liners with mason jars. This is just too cute <3  You can use this for individual salads, soups, and side dishes too, just skip the hole for the straw.

7). Put a lid on it!  I love these fabric lids, here is the tutorial from The Farm Chicks http://thefarmchicks.typepad.com/farmchicks/2011/08/food-covers.html

 Apothecary jars with lids have yet another purpose, use them as serving bowls

8). Screen it.  Look for vintage screens like these at flea markets and antique shops.

I love this wicker and screen serving dish. It's less than $20 including shipping at home decorators collection  http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Entertaining_Wicker_Tray_and_Cover/910/

9). Put it in a safe, a pie safe :)  Pie safes are wooden cabinets with screen doors.  They've been used for centuries to keep food safe from bugs.  You can find these at antique stores and flea markets.  If you can't, consider replacing wood panels on a cabinet with window screen fabric. It can be found at any hardware store.  This is a large Pie safe and you could keep an entire buffet in this cabinet.

This pie safe would look great on anyone's porch or patio. A piece like this would be great if you like to entertain outdoors.  This pie safe has screening on the sides, and in front. I think I need my husband to build me one just like this :)

Here is a small tabletop pie safe.  This is made from galvanized tin, but it's size would make it quite portable, and easy to move around.  So here's to a Summer of bug free food, I hope you learned a few ways to keeps the bugs at bay :)