Entertaining

Summer BBQ Tips.

Please note: This post was created in paid partnership with Time Inc. and Chinet.

A few weeks back I got the chance to work with MyRecipes.com and Chinet to film a little video sharing some of my favorite tips for throwing festive summer BBQs — using everyday items like bandanas and mason jars and Chinet products. We tackled everything from the table decor (a DIY no-sew table runner!) to setting up your BBQ buffet (with a festive plate weight and bandana napkins) to creating a no-bake, red white and blue dessert perfect for the Fourth of July (because who wants to turn on the oven on a hot summer day?). Check out the full video below, and read more summer BBQ tips on myrecipes.com.

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Recipes

4th of July Weekend.

This was one of those weekends where I totally forgot to break out my real camera because I was too busy having fun. Hurricane Arthur did little to deter my patriotic celebrations — I went to a friend’s beach house and we had a rainy night in with a lobster dinner, my frozen berry cheesecake jars for dessert, and a whole lot of cards against humanity. Once the weather cleared up we hit the beach for some book reading and sun bathing — it was bliss. I am having some major Monday-blues after such a good long weekend — anyone else? 20140706-200421-72261579.jpg20140706-200423-72263059.jpg20140706-200422-72262320.jpg

 

 

Life

Fourth of July.

Happy Fourth of July! This is one my absolute favorite holidays — what’s not to love about a day of  sparklers, classic red white and blue outfits, and delicious bbq? I’m off to spend my day by the pool with friends, and then to see the Boston fireworks tonight. Hope you have a fabulous day celebrating too!

Fourth of JulyClockswise from top left: Harding Lane Nantucket Hat, Striped Anchor Tee, Men’s Gingham Swimsuit, Anchor Tumblers, Breton Stripe Sea Bag, Chandon Summer, Jack Rogers Sandals, Striped Beach Chairs, Turkish Towel, Red Bow Bikini Bottom

 

Recipes

Berry Sangria Spritzer.

I don’t know about you, but I am ready to celebrate America tomorrow, bring on the flags and the hot dogs and the fireworks! And bring on the cocktails too. In preparation for 4th of July celebrations, I whipped up a cocktail recipe that’s both festive and refreshing: the Berry Sangria Spritzer. In a pitcher, combine a large handful of mixed berries (raspberries and blueberries were my mixture of choice), and few sprigs of fresh mint. Fill the pitcher with white wine — sauvignon blanc works well — and let the pitcher sit in the fridge overnight so the berries infuse into the liquid. When you’re ready to serve, scoop out a few of the berries into a glass over ice, and pour out the wine mixture so the glass is 3/4 of the way full. Fill the glass the remaining 1/4 of the way with plain or berry soda water and garnish with some fresh mint. The result is a light cocktail that  is perfect for a sizzling hot summer day!

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Entertaining

Guest Post: 4th of July Florals.

My friend Navya, from the little flower cottage, is back posting her second installment in our flower series:

My husband and I throw an annual party and I like to make sure the house is feeling patriotic as soon as guest walk through the door — but you won’t find any store bought banners or dyed flowers here! To me, the Fourth of July is all about celebrating our American roots, so I think it’s a perfect time to break out a few of my vintage pieces to set the tone.  Since our party is pretty casual I’m often out back with friends (ice cold drink in hand) while guests continue to arrive — so this year these pretty flowers and vintage books will be greeting all our latecomers!

Life

Red, white, and bubbly.

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

 
 
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