As most of you know, it is Masters Week! I am super excited because it is one of the only weeks during the year when everyone comes together to celebrate the sport that I love so much. I will be traveling to New York the end of this week, but thank goodness I will be back home in North Carolina for Masters Sunday so that I can celebrate right!

Here are some of my recommendations for hosting the Ultimate Masters Party:

What to Drink: Arnold Palmer

When I think of the perfect drink to have on the golf course, on a warm summer day, and especially during the Masters, the drink that comes to mind is of course an Arnold Palmer. This drink can be enjoyed by all because classically, it is non alcoholic. Just add equal parts ice tea and lemonade! 

However, if you would like to add a little kick to your drink, I would recommend ice tea flavored vodka.

I especially like the idea of serving your Arnold Palmer's in mason jars because it gives the drink a classic southern feel.

What to Eat: Masters Pimento Cheese

I don't think that you can attend the Masters at Augusta (or host the perfect Masters party) without having the famous Pimento Cheese Sandwich! This recipe is very easy to follow and should only take you about 10 min to create. Recipe serves 6.

INGREDIENTS

• 8-ounce block swiss cheese
• 8-ounce block sharp cheddar
• 1 cup Duke's mayonnaise
• 1 4-ounce jar small chopped pimientos
• ½ teaspoon sweet Spanish paprika

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Shred cheese with a fine grater then place cheese in a medium mixing bowl

2. Add mayonnaise, pimientos, and paprika, mixing well for about one minute until the spread is creamy and smooth.

3. Serve on white bread

Something Sweet: Augusta National Sour Cream Pound Cake

This is a recipe for the delicious sour cream pound cake from the "Tea-Time at the Master's Cookbook." It will be light and delicious, especially during the final few holes on Sunday.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 sticks butter soften to room temperature (only use real butter!)
• 2⅔ cups sugar
• 6 eggs
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 8-ounce carton sour cream
• 3 cups plain flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cream butter and sugar well.
2. Add one egg at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir soda into sour cream, allowing it to dissolve.
4. Add flour and sour cream to butter mixture.
5. Add vanilla.
6. Pour into a greased and floured tube or bundt pan.
7. Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour (place the cake in a cold oven, and then set the temperature. While baking, do not open oven).
8. Continue baking at 325 degrees for 15 minutes longer.
9. Cool on a rack for 10-15 minutes and remove to a plate or cooling rack.

How to Decorate

When decorating your home for your Masters party, I would recommend sticking with three main colors: white, yellow and green. This way you  are able to still have a festive feel to the party without going overboard with golf decorations. 

I found this simple arrangement and I think its absolutely perfect.  I love the idea of using actual golf balls in the vase, and the yellow tulips add a great pop of color. 

What to wear: Dress a little preppy

I say that if you are hosting a Masters Party, you might as well go all out. Dress a little preppy and pretend that you are actually at Augusta National cheering on your favorite players (Jordan Spieth anyone?)

I hope that you all have a fantastic Masters weekend! Let me know if you try out any of these recipes or ideas for your Masters Party... would love to hear how they turn out.

XOXO,

Rachael Claire