Excuse the grainy iPhone pictures here, but in my fury of preparations for last weekend’s bachelorette party, this was the best shot I got of a fun little item I added into favor bags. I refuse to subject my gal-pals to the hot pink/zebra/glitter products of the bachelorette aisle at party stores and went with a DIY approach to favors. Among the contents were these mini envelopes filled with Advil for the after-after party. I got the bags and stickers at Gus & Ruby Letterpress, and drew a few silly sayings on the closure labels to let guests know that recovery was on the way – and from my personal experience, they came in handy come Sunday morning.

bachelorette goody bag 3

I was at a new grocery store last weekend couldn’t pass up the delicious looking fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice on display — and being the healthy gal that I am, immediately started thinking about which liquor I should mix it with.  The debate concluded with a tie, gin and champagne — and the Grapefruit Gin Fizz was born. Ready for this recipe? Start with 2 oz of gin over ice, add 6 oz of fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, top with a splash of St Germain and finish with a champagne float and  garnish with a slice of fresh grapefruit. Striped straws are optional, but highly recommended (and let’s talk about how cute my new straw dispenser is — an amazing wedding gift from a cousin that knows me really well.) Bottom’s up, it’s Friday! 

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Every party needs a signature cocktail, and an Oscar’s viewing party should be no exception. I mixed up a drink I’m calling the “Red Carpet Cocktail” just for the occasion. Pour a flute 3/4 of the way full of champagne and then add a few splashes of Rose’s grenadine for a colorful punch. Garnish with a cherry Twizzler wrapped around a bright red maraschino cherry and of course, a striped paper straw. (Looking for more Oscar’s Party ideas? Check out my post over on the Wayfair blog today!)Header ImageCocktailADSC_0039

This year I’m serving up a punch for my signature cocktail: Champagne Clementine Fizz. It’s a little pink, and a little bubbly, and with the cute bows I found at the craft store to tie on my champagne glasses — it’s even a little glittery! Want to whip up a batch for yourself? In a large drink dispenser, combine two bottles of champagne — feel free to use the cheap stuff, I promise no one will know, one bottle of sparkling clementine soda (you can find this at Trader Joe’s) and a few ounces of St Germain or another elderflower liquor to taste. Mix it together and throw in some frozen cranberries for color and to keep the drink cool. Cheers to 2013!

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I have a few sneak peeks of a photoshoot I helped out on this weekend — I can’t wait for the pictures to be published because I have some very talented girlfriends at Bring to Light Photography and Little Flower Cottage. It also didn’t hurt that I got to drink a few of the props when we wrapped!

It was a pretty amazing weekend; I had tons of fun celebrating my fiance’s birthday at the delicious Island Creek Oyster Bar in Boston. Saturday was spent sourcing some eye-catching treats at Macaron Sweeterie. And Sunday was the cherry on top of a fun weekend, working on a styled shoot with two of my best friends — check back tomorrow for a sneak peek! How did you spend your weekend?
My new cooler tote is c/o Scout by Bungalow

Some of my favorite bloggers are sharing their summer entertaining essentials for being a savvy hostess this season, up next in the series is the lovely Liz of Sequins & Stripes… 

Hi there! It’s Liz from the fashion and style blog, Sequins & Stripes, and I am thrilled to be here today sharing some of my go-to’s for easy summer entertaining. Because the summer months tend to be crazy busy, impromptu parties are usually the easiest to throw together and the most fun to create. I like to keep a few pieces constantly stocked in my kitchen {like these pretty paper napkins, a book of cocktail recipes, and easy decor} and add a few details to make the party feel special. This summer I dream of bringing a Palm Springs inspired girls brunch to my patio in Chicago…

Design Darling mini vases  //  Macaroons and Sweets from my favorite local bakery  //  Bottomless glasses of champagne  //  Mrs. Lilien’s Cocktail Swatchbook  //  Pretty patterned napkins  //  Kate Spade Market Street Plates  //  Bamboo Flatware  //  Pretty Design Darling topiaries for additional decor  //  Society Social Fifi Chairs for seating  //  Colorful bistro tables  //  A striped umbrella to shade my guests from the summer sun

I would request that all of my guests dress in their favorite sunnies and biggest and brightest baubles, wouldn’t that be lovely? A huge thank you to Kate for having me today! Happy summertime to everyone!

Have you seen this new limited edition Chandon bottle for Summer? I’m making it my mission to find some to pop on the Fourth of July — and of course it would pair so well with a little red, white, and blue number. Peplums, stripes, and a little dash of red is a winning combination for a patriotic celebration, don’t you think?

Top, skirt, sandals, earrings, tote, champagne

It’s one of my favorite nights of the year: the Academy Awards! I am settling in for the night with some champagne, popcorn,and  movie theater candy to get my celebrity viewing on. I even got some ‘red carpet’ red velvet cupcakes for the occasion. Watching the coverage of all of the ball gowns strutting into the theater is like my version of the Super Bowl, I’ll be sure to post all of my best-dressed picks tomorrow! Are you excited for the Oscars tonight?

PS: My blog is up for a Homie award on Apartment Therapy for Best Home Design Blog! Won’t you go and cast your vote for DomestiKatedLife?

I snapped a few pictures on my phone on before guests arrived on New Years Eve. It was a fun-filled night with good friends and bubbly drinks. I’m still working on my resolutions for this year; I need a few days to recover from celebrating first!

 
 
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