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. 

Entertaining Basics :: Block Party Essentials

Summer is in full swing, which means summer soirees are filling up our social calender.  Today we're sharing our block party essentials for a festive gathering for friends and neighbors.  With plenty of party details and thoughtful extras.

Create a cozy ambiance with string lights or votives.  Pay attention to your guest's needs by creating a sunscreen and bug repellent station, and offering blankets to keep your guests warm as the temperatures dip.  Serve fresh summer food in individual portions, with recyclable wood utensils, or on festive summer dinnerware.  Get creative with your beverages; a recycled wood wagon doubles as the perfect beer cooler.  Or offer up a delicious homemade lemonade in a summery drink dispenser.  The best part of any summer soiree is the minimal but effective decor.  Opt for a traditional picnic tablecloth pattern in red and seasonal flowers that pair perfectly with simple mason jars.  There you have it our summer block party entertaining essentials!  

Vintage & Rustic Rehearsal Dinner

So the BIL (brother-in-law) and soon to be sister-in-law are hosting a welcome dinner this Friday before their wedding ceremonies.  Their welcome dinner is being hosted by extended family, and they have a beautiful outdoor space, which is perfect for the couple's rustic and vintage theme.  Imagine hay bales as seating around a bonfire, old whiskey barrels as high boys or the base for a smores bar, and drinks stations with mason jars for friends and family to toast the happy couple.  With any vintage and rustic theme natural elements play a big role.  Raw wood (barrels, and directional signage); jute, burlap, and twine (as table runners, or wrapped around tins or mason jars); cotton balls (as decor); vintage glass bottles (as decor or centerpieces).  Classic treats like spiked lemonade, iced tea, smore, and pies add the vintage element, and we love the idea of relabeling beer bottles your own brand of moonshine.  Create an interactive drink station using the beer bottles as a ring toss, where guests get a chance to wine a prize (or a drink) if they get a ring around a bottle.  This is a great alternative to corn holes, and adds the element of old school traveling carnivals.  Finally, add modern conveniences like an outdoor station with cool towels, shawls, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent for guests to stay comfortable.  

{Photo Credits: Top Row: Wood Signs, Drink Station; Second Row: Favor Jars, Bonfire, Barrel Table; Last Row: Baby's Breathe Centerpiece, Pie Bar, Glass Bottles, Cotton}