Monthly Archives: May 2014

The Gathering Project Retreat: Summer Dinner Party

I am super excited to let y’all know about an amazing upcoming event today on H&T.

The Gathering Project is a new initiative for makers and doers in the Mid-Atlantic area. It is a creative retreat designed for story-tellers, picture-takers, cocktail makers, bread bakers and the like. It’s a chance to step away from life’s day-to-day routine and learn new skills, eat warm meals and meet new friends who are also “seekers of beauty”. AND on Saturday, June 14th, they will be hosting their June retreat in DC. 

June’s retreat is centered around the theme of “throwing a summer dinner party” so you know this is right up H&T’s alley! It is designed around workshops that will help you imagine and throw the summer party of your dreams.

All attendees will participate in creative professionals and are able to make and take something home from each one. The classes include: “The Art of Making Really Good Bread: Olive Oil Dough,” “Decorative Dinnerware”, and “Making Healthy Signature Summer Fruit Crumble.”

Check out the video below from their January retreat! How fabulous does this look?


Also included in the retreat/ticket price is a hearty dinner, unlimited snacks and drinks throughout the day, and a variety of beautiful gifts from generous partners (see “partners” page for complete list). Each guest’s name is also entered to win a few lovely giveaways!

Sounds pretty much like the perfect day to me! I hope you’ll join me at this retreat and all H&T readers can get 10% off their tickets with promo code: BAC

Purchase yours HERE and let me know if you’re going!

Have a wonderful weekend! 

OOTD: Memorial Day Weekend

Another outfit post today on H&T – I think this outfit is fitting for patio parties, brunches and of course, Memorial Day weekend activities that may or may not include hosting and/or toasting.

Also, be sure to check out my Summertime Entertaining Tips on Fashion Washington to get you started this weekend!

(Deets Below)


Top: J.CREW (similar here) // Skirt: Zara // Sandals: BCBG (similar here) // Bag: Lilly Pulitzer (similar here) // Earrings: Sweet & Spark // Sunnies: Anthropologie // Monogram Necklace: DKM Accessories

Have a fabulous weekend!

patio party + summer cocktail recipes

This past weekend was quite possibly the most beautiful few days we’ve had all “Spring” here in DC. I hosted a patio party out back complete with summer cocktail tastings.

With Memorial Day weekend just a few days away, I thought it could not be a better time to try out some new recipes for this upcoming summer.

 I set up my outdoor patio table with a variety of cocktail glasses, mini San Pellegrinos, colorful paper straws and cocktail napkins, and yes – my new favorite tablecloth from Cynthia Rowley.

{Tablecloth // Blue Mason Jar // Paper Straws // Serving Tray (similar here) // Ice Bucket (similar here) // Cocktail Glasses // Patio Furniture}

To host a patio party – you also need 3 more things; fresh flowers (tis the season for peonies!), cooperating weather and a handful of recipes (bright colors are also strongly encouraged).

Fruit Infused Water

Ingredients: 

  • sparkling or regular water
  • fresh mint leaves
  • sliced cucumbers
  • strawberries
  • limes

Tips: I made these the night prior in large mason jars that I kept cold in the fridge. They are quite refreshing and help you and your guests stay hydrated for an afternoon of cocktail tasting. Serve with a colorful straw and refill as needed.

Watermelon-Orange Margaritas

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of fresh cubed watermelon
  • 1.5 ounces of your tequila of choice (I chose Patron)
  • freshly squeezed lime juice (1.5 limes)
  • splash of San Pellegrino Orange soda (to taste)
  • splash of lemon-lime soda water (to taste)
  • spoonful of sugar
  • rainbow colored sugar (for the rim a la Dean & Deluca)
  • sliced limes (for garnish)

Tips: If you’re hosting a party with a variety of drinks, buy airplane bottles of your favorite liquors. They are perfect for tastings and help you measure out cocktails appropriately. Also, you can splurge a little more by doing so (a la Patron) and not buy an entire bottle.

Cucumber Melon Mint Sangria

Ingredients (pitcher-sized):

  • 1 bottle of sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio
  • 1.5 large cucumbers (sliced)
  • 12 mint leaves
  • sliced limes
  • 2 cups of cubed honey melon
  • 1 cup of lemon-lime soda water
  • 4 spoonfuls of sugar (or more, to taste)

Tips: Make ahead of time and store in the fridge to let the wine soak up the fruits and veggies. Sangria is all about taste so use the recipe above and mix to your liking. Also, this is not your traditional sangria – it’s quite refreshing and even those that do not normally enjoy white wine loved this one! You can also make this sans alcohol and use soda or sparkling water instead.

Adult Lemonade

Ingredients:

  • freshly squeeze lemons (1.5 or so for each)
  • 2 spoonfuls of sugar
  • 1.5 ounces of vodka
  • splash of lemon San Pellegrino soda
  • sliced lemons (to garnish)

Tips: This is a twist on homemade lemonade and also is “to taste”. It’s up to you how many Mary Poppins you add (i.e. spoonfuls of sugar). Also, be sure to chill your vodka ahead of time.

 Now I know that the official day of summer is not until June – but who’s waiting until then to celebrate? Summer begins this weekend if you ask me!

So go out and host & toast!

Cheers!

how to: make-your-own-mojito-kit

I was so flattered when the ladies of Commerce Street Events told me that I inspired their Spring party favor at the Sips & Dinner dinner party. You probably know by now that I love myself a good favor and this one is proof that you can still enjoy them at 21+!

Alas, we’re sharing this DIY Make-Your-Own-Mojito-Kit that you and your guests can enjoy – think about how perfect these would be at a bachelorette weekend or bridal shower too!

(Printable also included below.)

What You Need:

  • Cute Packaging + Buckets (a la Target for these blush buckets)
  • Stemless Wine Glasses (a la Target or Go Vino)
  • Drink Stirrers (DIY used for this or pick up some paper straws)
  • Mini Glass Containers (for Blueberries and Mint – The Container Store has similar ones)
  • Mini Bottles of Light Rum
  • Fresh Mint
  • Blueberries
  • Limes
  • Sugar
  • Ribbon
  • Cardstock

Directions:

  • Add stemless wine glasses, limes, and mini bottles to your packaging or mini buckets.
  • Throw in a drink stirrer (made using ribbon and craft sticks) or paper straws.
  • Add a tablespoon of sugar to the paper packaging and seal with washi tape.
  • Add the blueberries and mint to the mini glass containers.
  • Print off the recipe from the attached printable and attach with ribbon. Enjoy!

MojitoPrintable

 

Stay tuned next week for my patio party + favorite memorial day weekend drink recipes!

{Photos by: Rachel Moore Photography}

sips and supper dinner party

This week, I am sharing with you a gorgeous dinner party that my friends at Commerce Street Events hosted. It is “H&T approved” and I hope inspires you to throw your own!

Below is a recap of Sips & Supper!

With spring in the air it was the perfect time to have a blooming affair. We had the pleasure of styling this lovely table for a spring in-home dinner party. Each guest received a hand delivered invitation with fresh flowers and hand dyed silk ribbon. From the start, we wanted to create a very personalized experience for the guests. Since this was a smaller event, the little details made a big impression.

Shades of blue combined with pops of pink were the perfect color selections for this seasonal affair. Our team mixed pieces from the client’s grandmother’s vintage collection along with fresh finds to fashion a new budget friendly look. The grandmother’s blush depression glass was a favorite amongst the crowd. The florist created a long arrangement of florals for the centerpiece that included hydrangeas and peonies.

After cocktail hour, guests found personalized mini easels at each place setting. Even the caterer was on board with incorporating fresh spring flavors in the menu. Conversation kept going as drinks were flowing through the evening. Guests were able to pick up a make-your-own-mojito kit on the way out to keep the party flowing even at home.

Tip for a Spring Soirée: 

  • Fresh blooms are a must for any spring bash.
  • Creative hand delivered invitations will intrigue your guests and leave them feeling special.
  • Mixing your own china and décor with new finds is a great way to freshen up your table.
  • Festive music will keep the party lively. Our favorites include: Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, Billie Holiday, and Ray LaMontagne.

Stay tuned for a “how-to” on their make-your-own-mojito kit (read: party favor) which was H&T inspired!


Sips & Supper Vendors: 

Event Styling and Production: Commerce Street Events // Venue: Private Nashville Residence // Photography: Rachel Moore Photography // Florals: Oshi Flowers // Catering: Catering & Events by Suzette // Invitations: Ink Nashville // Linen: La Tavola Fine Linen