Category Archives: entertaining

Summertime Oasis in the City


It’s no secret that summer has officially started, and the warmer weather is calling us outside for our meals and socializing.  Our new neighborhood brings us closer to friends and our new home brings us more outdoor space than we have ever had.

We’d like to eventually have our outdoor space be an extension of our indoor space – comfortable, inviting, and meant for drinking and dining.

This is my wish list:
Alfresco Dining Collection by Crate and Barrel
This outdoor collection is a bit more modern than the rest of our indoor furniture, but I think the clean lines and bright pop of orange serve our space really well, and would keep the space looking fresh, vibrant and fun.
The bizarre mix of high heat and bursts of rain and an abundance of humidity has introduced us to a little friend, the mosquito.  In our effort to thwart his reign of terror we’ve been stocking up on citronella candles left and right, they aren’t typically as cute as these!
Citronella Candles in Pineapple, Cassis and Rain scents at Bloomingdale’s
Now that there is a place to sit, and the bugs are being kept at bay, pull up a chair and have something to eat.  These bright plates by Jonathan Adler remind me of my favorite citrus fruits and seem so very sunny and happy!
Jonathan Adler “Kaleidoscope” Summer Dishware at Bloomingdale’s
I recently read in Food & Wine (August 2010) the right beverages to drink in these high temperatures.  It turns out when it’s 100+ degrees (which it has been, gross!) the only worthwhile thing to drink is a beer.  Drink it in these:
Portland Beer Glasses by Crate and Barrel
Hold the remaining bottles and cans in this – it just says party to me, and what’s not to love about that?
Beverage Bucket at Bed, Bath & Beyond

True confession, I’m not a beer drinker.  I want lemonades, mojitos and sangria and other fruity fun drinks – and I want them to be beautifully displayed in this.  I love that its pretty and functional, and reminds me of a favorite Spa Hotel in my hometown.
Beverage Jar at Sur La Table

How will you make your summer space chic?

A belated 4th…



We moved on the weekend of July 4th.

No matter what anyone tells you, moving is exhausting.

The three day weekend proved to be a the perfect time to pack, haul and move across town.

So that Monday off was critical! And on Sunday we were able to finally sit back and enjoy our independence from moving trucks, packing tape, and boxes and celebrate our nation’s independence too!

Our very good friends, and now new neighbors, invited us over for 4th of July BBQ. In full disclosure it is probably the first time I have ever gone to someone’s house for a meal/party/celebration without bringing something, but with the exception of ice cubes, and some beer we were saving for later, I had nothing to share. Not to worry – we were well fed and imbibed. Yum! Real coconut pina coladas. I’m not a fan of coconut, like at all, and these were pretty damn good!

BBQ’d sliders with a toppings bar? Uhm, hello Summer! I am officially in food heaven. These were delicious and we all enjoyed eating them, a lot!

That’s me in the background – can you tell how happy I am over the bacon/swiss/sliders? Glee!

After dinner we managed to climb up, feeling very full, to our roof for the most spectacular fireworks show I can remember ever seeing. The neighborhood effort definitely rivaled the National show. It was like a welcome party just for us!

Our friends taking in the view!

We can’t wait to celebrate more!