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!  

Fall Harvest

Happy Monday!  Fall is officially here, but in the off chance you're enjoying an extended Indian Summer, I put together a fall harvest inspiration board, perfect for warmer fall weather.  Love the warmth of early fall colors, and the natural textures from burlap to jute to hay and linen.  Here's to Fall!

{photo credits: Top Row: Bouquet, Chairs; Acorn Place Setting, Pumpkin Centerpiece; Boutonnieres, Couple}



Moroccan Nights

I love the teal greens, soft sage, and gold accents of a gorgeous Moroccan Night themed soiree. Imagine the golden ambiance or a sunset in the desert, mirrored in the twinkling lights of hanging lanterns, a billowy tented reception reminiscent of a Bedouin tribe, gilded centerpieces featuring beautiful succulents, and opulent & luxurious fabrics in the form of draping, rugs, and pillows.  Creating an exotic and vibrant backdrop for your next soiree whether that's an intimate dinner party or a wedding reception. 


{Photos Via:  Top Row: Lanterns, Candle Centerpiece; Second Row: Henna on Feet, Trellis Pattern, Succulent Centerpiece, Gold Mercury Votive, Succulent Bouquet; Third Row: Favors, Dress, Tent}



Apple Orchard Red

Nothing says Indian Summers like a trip to the apple orchard.  It's the perfect bridge between late summer and early fall.  Those crisp reds, and deep rust colors are the perfect backdrop for a romantic outdoor wedding.

{Photos via:  First Row: Bow Tie, Bridal Party; Second Row: Apple Heart, Boutineer; Third Row:  Invitation, Chair, Couple}

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}

Emerald Green Engagement Dinner

I just thought a change of scenery was exactly what everyone needed on this wintry/slushy Chicago morning.  I'm loving the details of this vibrant emerald green engagement inspiration dinner on the beach.   First off, how adorable are the bride and groom-to-be!  Add in the gold accents, the string lights, the fabulous bar, and those gorgeous place settings and you've got the elements for a fabulous soiree.  Happy Monday!

{photos via Glamour & Grace}

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}

 

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

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}

Hunger Games Wedding Inspiration

With the release of the movie topping all box office charts, we are in full Hunger Games fever.  The movie has inspired these styled wedding shoots from Green Wedding Shoes and The Wedding Chicks, loving the different interpretations of a Hunger Games Wedding.  Here's our take on Katniss and Peeta's nuptials.  With rustic elements, a braided bride, and plenty of Hunger Games references.  To us the love story of Katniss and Peeta is all about finding beauty and hope in a dark world, Some Hunger Games wedding inspiration for your I Do's, enjoy!

{Photos via: Top Row: Alter, Invitation; Second Row: Table, Love Cake Topper, Place Setting; Third Row: Boutonniere, Braid, Hunger Games Symbol, Bows, Candle Centerpiece}

Let It Snow

It's getting closer to the holidays, and the one thing we seem to be missing is some snow.  Snow means some of my favorite holiday activities: skiing (or in my case watching the Mister ski), sledding, snowball fights, snow angles, and cozying up by the fireplace.  Some flurry inspiration for your Thursday!

{Top Row: Wreath on Door, Couple and Christmas Tree, Lights; Second Row: Mittens, Trees; Third Row: Carriage in the Snow, Kissing in the Car}

End of Summer

 I can't believe it's September 1st, and although it's 95 degrees outside today and we have another 3 weeks left, I can't help but ask, what happened to summer?  Those 3 months always fly by too quickly.  And though I'm sad to put away my flip flops, I am excited for the fall.  Some end of summer inspiration for your Labor Day weekend, which we'll be spending in NYC!!!! (can you tell I'm excited).  Happy September!

{Photos via- Top row: Feet in the sand, Car in the field; Second Row: Lady in Black, Picnic on the Pier; Third Row:  Wine Bottles, Porch, Canoes}

Monday, Monday....Amazing Public Pools

And we're back from Door County, WI.  It was relaxing, serene, and we had a fabulous time; we're sad to be back to reality.  In the meantime here are some amazing public pools from all over the globe for your Monday Morning, via Cup of Jo.  Happy Monday!

{photos via Budget Travel}

Door County

We're off on vaca. One of the 3 that are coming up, (NYC in September & Hawaii in October)The only thing I'm not looking forward too, the 6 hour drive.  Please note, myself and road trips do not mix well.  Door County festivities include: cherry picking, sailing, summer festivals, bon fires, bike riding, light house tours, drive-in cuddling, and of course eating.  Have a great rest of the week!

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Weekend Edition

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 Celebrating the Mister's birthday with an afternoon pool party & night time festivities ~ Lounging beach side at the Indiana Dunes ~ Hanging with the parents

Summer Cocktails

Loving these fruit fused summer cocktails.  Happy Sipping

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Blackberry Mint Lemonade
Ingredients

• 3 cups water
• 1 cup sugar
• 18 mint leaves, torn
• 2 cups frozen/fresh blackberries
• ice
• 3 mint sprigs
• 4 cups natural store-bought lemonade
• mint sprigs

Instructions

1. Bring the water and sugar to boil in a small pot. Stir the water/sugar mixture until the sugar is dissolved then turn off the heat. Add the torn mint leave and give the pot a stir. Allow the simple syrup to cool.
2. Add the blackberries to a blender. Place a strainer over the mouth of the blender and pour the mint simple syrup into the container. Discard the mint leaves. Blend the simple syrup and the blackberries on low speed for just a few seconds at a time, just enough to break the berries apart but not enough to puree them.
3. Fill a juice pitcher halfway with ice and add the mint sprigs. Pour the lemonade and the blackberry mixture over the ice. Stir the blackberry mint lemonade and add more ice if necessary before serving.

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Watermelon Mint Lime Martini
Ingredients

• 1 cup watermelon juice (crush watermelon in a tall cup and strain through a metal strainer or cheesecloth)
• 4 ounces Vodka
• 1/4 cup simple syrup
• Juice of 1 lime
• 6 torn mint leaves
• ice
• lime wedge and mint leaves for garnishing

Instructions

1. Place the watermelon juice, vodka, simple syrup, lime juice, and mint leaves into a cocktail shaker halfway filled with ice. Muddle the watermelon cocktail until the mint leaves are torn in smaller pieces. Shake well and strain the drink into two martini glasses. Garnish with a wedge of watermelon if desired

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Blackberry Thyme Margaritas

Ingredients:

18 blackberries, divided

3 small sprigs fresh thyme

1 cup crushed ice

1/3 cup tequila

¼ cup simple syrup

Juice of 1 lime

1 tbsp. orange liqueur such as triple sec or Cointreau

¼ cup sparkling water

Directions:

Place 16 of the blackberries in a food processor or blender with the thyme leaves.  Pulse to puree until smooth.  Strain the blackberry puree through a fine mesh sieve into a small bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.  

Combine the blackberry puree, ice, tequila, simple syrup, lime juice, orange liqueur and sparkling water in a blender or food processor.  Blend until smooth and well combined.  Pour into two glasses and garnish with reserved blackberries and additional thyme, if desired.

Stunning Vintage Bridal Shower

There are so many reasons I love this vintage & modern bridal shower.  Vintage suitcases, dresser drawers filled with goodies, scrabble letters, Chevron patterns, bling and pink peonies, oh my!  The first word that comes to mind is gorgeous, romantic, and delicious.  The gray, pink, sparkles, and chevron play perfectly together so that it's both visually stunning and romantic.  And I love the little details of this shower from the tiara, to the hand made paper rosettes, and beautiful seating areas and gift station.  The ladies at Modern Moment Design are amazing and did a beautiful job styling this shower.

{photos via Hostess with the Mostess}