DIY

A Nautical Summer DIY.

I don’t know about you guys, but this past weekend felt like a summer weekend to me — we had our first warm night out on the porch with friends and sipped on some warm weather beverages. With Memorial Day coming up this weekend, I partnered with Seagram’s Escapes to put together a little DIY to get you in the summer entertaining spirit! I am a fan of all things nautical, and decided to customize some koozies to keep my cocktails cool as the temperature rises. Read on for instructions to create your own nautical drink koozies.

Seagrams Escapes Summer DIY 2

To start, use painters tape to mark off the stripes at consistent intervals on plain white drink koozies (I use the width of the tape to mark off where the next one starts to space them evenly). Once the stripes are taped off, paint the space between the taped lines and let it dry completely before removing the tape. Next, use a pencil to mark off your design — I used a stencil to draw an anchor for a nautical motif — and paint inside the traced shape. You may need to use two coats of paint when using a lighter color over a dark stripe. Be sure to let the koozies dry completely before using! 
Seagrams Escapes Summer DIY 3Seagrams Escapes Summer DIY 5Seagrams Escapes Summer DIY 1Seagrams Escapes Summer DIY 4Seagrams Escapes Summer DIY 9If you’re interested in getting into the summer entertaining spirit, head over to the Seagram’s Escapes Facebook page and enter to win a Seagram’s Escapes party kit!

This post was sponsored by Seagram’s Escapes; all opinions and DIY ideas are my own. 

To make your own custom koozies visit:  Imprinted Koozies

 

 

Stripes for Fall.

Just what I needed, another adorable catalog to pop up in my mailbox, right? I’m currently being tempted by new-to-me retailer Joules USA with all of their uber-preppy striped clothing. From cozy cowl-necked sweatshirts and rugby shirts, to cheery wellies, I’m absolutely smitten.  And that fluffy red vest with striped lining just wants to come to home with me! I need it, right?

Joule Usa

Life

Envelopes and Ribbons.

It’s been radio silence over here for a few days as I started my new job and have been preparing for that little event I’m planning: the wedding. We’re just two and half months away which means it’s becoming ‘go-time’ — I’ve been spending my evenings lining envelopes and neatly practicing writing out addresses. Just another week or so and those invites will be out the door (and then onto the next project!). Not that I’m complaining, playing with stationery, picking out ribbons and floral details, and writing to-do-lists happen to all fall in the category of my very favorite things.

photo2photo

Entertaining

At the racetrack.

You know how brides start to get nervous and crazy as their wedding gets closer from all of the stress? See, I’m pretty relaxed about the wedding, but what I am stressed about is that with the big day just 3 months away, that’s only a few more issues of my favorite bridal magazines showing up in my mailbox! I might not be able to give up my Martha Stewart Weddings after the vows are said and done — especially after this gorgeous race-track inspired wedding in the most recent issue. Black and white stripes are playing a big part in our wedding decor, so these ideas are getting bookmarked! See the rest of the wedding here.

Martha Stewart Weddings Race Track

Life

The Fall Uniform.

Boston weather is making me a bit crazy this week — it’s freezing cold in the morning and then toasty warm by mid-day. I like to commit to a season, and I am ready for Fall. I’m already plotting my official switch from sandals and sundresses to my Fall Uniform … which pretty much consists of tights and boots with cozy dresses, and bright jeans with soft striped tees. What’s your Fall uniform?

Clockwise from bottom left: J.Crew, J.Crew, Madewell, Tory Burch, Dorothy Perkins, Essie, Essie

Life

On my radar.

Did you feel that touch of cool in the air this weekend? It’s causing me to go crazy with lust over fall fashion — I’m pulling out the black dresses and animal prints, and mixing in some bright accessories (like that hot pink bib necklace from Bauble Bar that just arrived in my mailbox this weekend).  These are just a few of the things on my radar this week:

Necklace ($36), Clutch ($187), Skirt ($45), Heels ($198)

Life

Save the Date.

Wedding planning has officially become ‘real’ — our Save The Dates have arrived from the printer! I am so lucky to have a very talented bridesmaid that custom designed our stationery suite for us. I love the black and white color scheme with just a pop of bright green that will set the tone for the rest of the wedding; and the devil is the details; we ordered monogrammed stamps to match. Can’t wait to pop them in the mail this week!

Entertaining

Summer Entertaining Essentials with Sequins & Stripes.

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!
Entertaining

Summer Entertaining Essentials with I Love Your Crazy

Some of my favorite bloggers are sharing their summer entertaining essentials for being a savvy hostess this season, up next in the series is Shannon, from the adorable blog, I Love Your Crazy:
Hi! It’s Shannon Darrough from the blog I Love Your Crazy! I’m ridiculously excited to share my idea of summer entertaining on Kate’s blog today. I live on the coast of North Carolina where oyster roasts and seafood boils are tradition. You can host larger groups without the dish duty at the end of the night, and if you’re lucky you’ll see a few fireflies. The best part? It doesn’t take a lot to pull a seafood boil together.
A few twinkle lights, cold drinks, and some newspaper for the tabletop make for a cozy time. Guests are always excited for the big moment when you empty all the seafood on the table. That’s right, no plates or silverware besides your crab crackers. When I’m going all out for a seafood boil, I love to play up the nautical vibe with pops of red and navy blue. I rounded up a few items I would use (or have used a time or two) when hosting an intimate seafood boil. Thanks for having me over!