Entertaining Basics :: Dinner En Blanc

So excited for next week's Dinner En Blanc, the countdown has officially begun.  If you're planning on being a part of this stunning soiree, here's a little inspiration on what to bring next week.  With all the traveling and logistics, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, but we've put together a little list of essentials.  And do get you in the mood, check out this lovely Diner En Blanc documentary.  If you aren't going, not to worry, you could easily recreate an all white soiree for your next summer evening dinner party. 

{1.} First and foremost, let's not forget the bubbly, champagne flutes, & bucket

{2.} Set the table with lovely white linen, beautiful dinner plates and napkin rings. 

{3.} Add to the romance with hydrangeas and candle light.

{4.} Go for fancy details with this stunning parasol and this seasons hottest trend the floral crown.

{5.} You can't forget dessert like these lovely rose cupcakes.

{6.} Finally bring something handy to carry your goods, like this handmade picnic basket, as you'll be walking all over downtown Chicago to get to the final location.

{7.} Other items to consider: food (unless you're getting a catered basket), sparklers, cutlery, napkins, etc. 

Lolla 2014

Happy Monday lovelies.  I'm beyond exhausted from a fabulous day in Lollaland on Saturday and celebrating the Mister's birthday on Sunday.  I can't believe I've been missing out all these years, on Lollapalooza.  Here's to reliving the fun!

Entertaining Basics :: Pool Party

Today's entertaining basics, couldn't be better timed, because it finally feels like summer!  Of course nothing truly feels like summer like a pool party; complete with popsicles, cannon balls, and sun tans.  Here are all the essentials you'll need to throw killer pool parties this summer.

 

Pool Party Essentials:  Giant Inflatable Swan | Cooler | Festive Balloons | Popsicles | Beach Towels | Beach Umbrella | Waterproof Speakers | Drink Umbrellas | Floating Pool Lights

Thirsty Thursdays

For the Mister's birthday extravaganza we ended the night at a bar that made some amazing Moscow Mules, aka his new favorite drink.  I love how incredibly refreshing this drink is for the summer, and those cute little copper mugs are an adorable plus.  And if you're not a huge fan of vodka switch it out for some dark rum and you have yourself a Dark and Stormy.  Here's to our new favorite summer drink, the Moscow Mule! 

Memorial Day Weekend Ouftfit

Unfortunately, it's supposed to be potentially rainy and only in the upper 60's/low 70's this Memorial Day weekend in Chicago, not ideal weather.  Which of course proves problematic when deciding what to wear.  My solution: the cropped jacket, I love the look of a cropped denim jacket, it's both polished and trendy.  It's the perfect way to transition an out fit from day to night, and keep you warm when the temperature dips.  Here's my take on the cropped denim jacket, one jacket 2 ways...

Day:  Wayfarers, Navy striped boat neck tee, Coral jeans, Peep toe pumps, Crossbody bag, Monogram necklace, Cropped denim jacket

Night: Striped tank maxi, Sandals, Clutch, Necklace, Cropped denim jacket

Tasty Thursday

What do you do with 6 ears of left over corn from this past weekend's festivities?  Make elotes!  We used this recipe last night and feasted on one of my favorite summer staples, roasted corn.

Summer Camping

We are headed to the lake this weekend for an end of summer getaway.  My favorite thing to do besides being on the water is being huddled around the fire at night.  Here are some camp fire essentials for this weekend's getaway.  Sans the banjo, I don't know anyone who can play the banjo, but I imagine it would be fun while making smores.



{Banjo | Plaid Shirt | Horse Stool | Moccasins | Pendelton Blanket | Thermos | Jack Spade Backpack | Lantern | Over sized Sweater}



Summer Dresses for Under $50

Summer is almost over, that means digging through your closet and reviving some fabulous dresses, or updating your wardrobe with one of these lovely ladies for under $50.


{Coral Chevron Dress | Lilac High Low Dress | Black & Tan Chevron Dress | Printed Dress | Polka Dot Dress}



Dear Summer



{via}



Could you possibly slow down a bit.  I can't believe it's August already, and summer is almost over.  More importantly I haven't squeezed every last bit of sunny rays from you and I need more time.  More beach time, more bbq time, more smores and bon fire time, more fireworks, more ice cream, more wind in my hair as we go sailing, more reading on the beach time, more farmers markets, and more firefly catching.

xoxo,
~Me

Picnic Essentials

We spent last night at Millennium Park's Music Mondays.   I love outdoor concerts and hanging out with friends, enjoying our city, and a mini picnic is the best.  While we were there we saw quite the display of picnic goodies, from lawn chairs to tables, buggies, and cases of beer.  Here's my picnic essentials list for our next Music Monday.



{Roll Up Picnic Blanket | Picnic Basket | Wine Glass Holders | Table in a Bag | Cheese Board | Fun Utensils | Bottle for Water or Homemade Sangria}

 

Peach and Navy

I love the combination of peach and navy for the summertime.  The idea of soft and romantic peach offsetting a fresh pop of navy is refreshing and perfect for an outdoor wedding.  Some navy and peach inspiration for your summer wedding, enjoy!

{Photos via: Top Row: Bridesmaids Dresses, Invitation; Second Row: Bride & Groom with Wedding Car, Bridal Party Dresses/Shoes, Rings; Third Row: Ribbon Escort Card Display, Table Scape, Groom, Ring, Menu}



Thirsty Thursday: Summer Cocktails

Hope you lovelies had a wonderful 4th of July!  We had a bbq on the beach, topped off with fireworks, the only way to end any 4th of July celebration.  These Blackberry Proseco Popsicles would have been the perfect edition to our festivities.

INGREDIENTS:

20 oz Prosecco
1/3 cup of blackberries
4 oz crème de cassis
Splash of fresh lime juice
2 pinches of lime zest

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place blackberries in a bowl and pour crème de cassis on top and toss to coat. Using a muddler or a rounded blunt end of a kitchen tool, crush berries into the crème de cassis. Add lime juice and zest, toss to combine.

2. Measure out approximately 1 teaspoon of berry mixture into bottom of your chosen popsicle form and pour Prosecco on top.

3. Freeze for about 2 hours or until mixture starts to solidify enough to hold a popsicle stick upright. Insert popsicle sticks and finish freezing popsicles overnight.

A few notes:

1. Do not remove from freezer until ready to serve, or plate over crushed ice as the carbonation in the Prosecco creates tiny air pockets that will make the popsicles melt faster.

2. Cordial glasses were used for the popsicles in the picture, but any form will work.

Neon Hot Summer Nights

Loving neon for the summer.  It's that perfect pop of bright color for any hot summer city night.  Some of my favs.


Dress | Bra | Shoes | Nail Polish | Purse | Necklace

Thirsty Thursday: Summer Cocktails

Nothing is as refreshing as chilled, crisp, white wine on a hot summer day.  And what I learned from Alpana Singh, at this years Epicurious Entertains Chicago event, is that sommeliers love a good Riesling for the summer.  Can't wait to make this Riesling Strawberry Slushy this weekend, and it's one more thing off my summer bucket list.

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups hulled strawberries

1 bottle [750ml] dry Riesling

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons sugar

DIRECTIONS:

1. Reserve 1 cup of the Riesling – cover and place in the fridge to chill.
2. In a food processor, puree strawberries with the remaining wine, lime juice and sugar.
3. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze until solid.
4. When you’re ready to serve [or drink], puree the ice cubes with the remaining wine in your blender.

Monday, Monday: Summer Bucket List

The Mister and I spent this weekend's flight to Charlotte, creating our summer bucket list.  I love Chicago in the summer time and I can't wait to get started on our bucket list, happy Monday!



{via, rnlMusings}

 Summer 2012 Bucket List

1. Downtown Sound: Music Mondays in Millennium Park

2. Movies in the Park

3. Celebrating our 3rd wedding anniversary

4. Lollapalooza

5. Hit up the beach and possibly get in a volleyball game
6. Getting some practice in at the Driving Range

7. Saturday farmer's markets8. Lounging outside: parks, beaches, etc

9. Ride the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier

10. Boating in Chicago
11. Jazz at the Shedd Aquarium
12. Grilling on the balcony
13. Bonfires & Smores
14. Road trip
15. Make those refreshing summer cocktails
16. Bike the lakefront
17. Summer manicures
18. Pool Party
19. Wednesday night fireworks at Navy Pier
20. IMAX or Drive-In
21.  Concert at Ravinia
22. Summer baseball game
23. Chicago Summer Street Fests
24. Fresh cut flowers at home
25. Summer concert at Lincoln Park Zoo
26. Get the girls together for a summer dance night

27. Chicago al fresco dining
28. Weekend getaway: cottage or cabin rentals
29. Traditional Chicago Summer activities: Taste of Chicago, Chicago Air and Water Show, Pride Parade
30. End of Summer Wine & Cheese party
31. Food trucks

Summering with JCrew

And we're back from Omaha, and the incredible wedding of two lovely people.  Needless to say I'm completely exhausted, and there are over 300 pictures on my camera that need to be edited.  I promise, I'll be recapping the beautiful wedding soon.  In the meantime here's a little JCrew to get you excited for summer.  If you haven't already checked out their tumblr, you should it's full of goodies.



{photos via JCrewing}



Happy Memorial Day

We're basking in the aftermath of the bestie's wedding.  Hope you have a fabulous Memorial Day!!


{via}



Epicurious Entertains Chicago Recap

This past Saturday, we had the pleasure of attending Epicurious Entertains Chicago.  It was a blast, we sipped on wine, cocktails, tasted chocolates and learned a thing or two about flower arranging and herbs.  The presenters included Katrina Markoff of Vosges Hout-Chocolat; Alpana Singh, Master Sommelier; Mike Ryan of Sable Kitchen & Bar; Mike Hines of Epoch Floral, and Chris Cerveny, Gardening Expert.

Some Epi-insights:
Alpana Singh
1. If you smell baking scents (nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves), it means the wine has been aged in oak.
2. Riesling is the perfect summer white, amen!
3. The thinner the grape skin the lighter the wine.  A thinner wine is more appropriate for summer.
4. Citrus whites (with green things: apples, limes, pears) are great to pair with Asian foods.
5. Reds should be chilled in the summer, to prevent it from heating up to room temp, and becoming too acidic.

Katrina Markoff
How  to taste chocolate:
1. Warm it up between your fingers
2. Smell it
3. Bite into the chocolate
4. Press it down on your palate
5. Eat it
6. With your mouth closed, inhale through your nose and 'chew  the air' and register the impression that makes on your palate.
 
Mike Ryan
Best Beer-Cocktail: Left Hand of Darkness
Ingredients: 1/2 oz clear creek pear brandy, 1/8 oz st. Elizabeth allspice dram, 3/4 fresh lemon juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup
Instructions: Shake, strain into goblet 

Best Herb-Cocktail: Last Dance in the Ica Valley
Ingredients: 2 oz Encanto Pisco, 3/4 oz fresh lime juice, 3/4 oz simple syrup, 2 sprigs fresh tarragon, 2 dashes grapefruit bitters
Instructions: Shake, fine strain, serve up.  Garnish with 1 tarragon leaf

Mike Hines
1. When you take flowers home put them in warm water, to break up the sap, after sharply cutting the stems (either angled or straight).
2. You don't need to add anything to the water, no plant food packets, but to keep the water from turning murky: avoid direct sunlight, and add a drop of bleach
3. Tulips are the exception to the warm water rule, they go in ice cold water.
4. The tighter the bouquet, the more friction it creates, preventing growth and keeping your flowers alive longer.
5. Tuesday and Fridays are the best days to shop for flowers.
6. Roses: remove the thorns and leaves (they will absorb the water and prevents water from absorbing into the actual rose).
7. Re-hydrate hydrangeas by sticking them upside down, blooms first, into a bucket of warm water for 30-40 mins.


Display created by Mike H. 





Vosges Chocolate Tasting - My favorite: Olio d' Oliva





Us at Epicurious Entertains Chicago

 Photos via Instagram {@PraveenMPatel}

Run for the Roses: Kentucky Derby Inspiration

This Saturday is both Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby. I've always wanted to attend the Kentucky Derby, sipping a mint julep, and sporting a large floppy hat.  If you aren't able to make it to Louisville this weekend, then bring the Kentucky Derby to you.  Whether you prefer sipping on a margarita (on the rocks with salt, please) or a mint julep, here's some Kentucky Derby inspiration for your weekend, enjoy!

{Photos Via: Top Row: Mint Julep Cup, Horseshoe Place Cards, Horse Decanter; Second Row: Horse Centerpiece, Invitation, Roses, Coasters, Julep Cups with Bow ties; Third Row: Kentucky Derby Poster, Spectator, Cupcakes, & Mint Julep Centerpiece}

Style File: Life Imitating Art

I saw this on Pinterest and was instantly smitten.

This is how I wore the same style in Mexico at the bestie's bachelorette party:

tank // skirt // necklace // gladiator sandals