Summertime weddings and parties outdoors can be scorchers. Cold refreshing beverages like iced tea and lemonade can help people stay cool. Another idea to consider is a “Cooling Station.” Chill small spritzer bottles in the refrigerator before setting them out for guests. Invite each guest to take one to keep themselves cool while at the party. Remember to buy the fine mist spritzers that “mist” rather than “squirt!”
Keeping food fresh at an outdoor party can be tricky. Potato salad sitting in the heat? Warm fruit? Disaster! I saw these serving pieces the other day at Sur La Table and thought they’d be a perfect solution for outdoor entertaining. So practical — and the clear acrylic will match anything.
I had a wonderful time working with Katherine and Allen on their wedding. One of the things I loved about the process was watching how they interacted with one another. It was so evident that each, in a beautiful way, brought something out of the other that no one else could. They lit up around each other and had fun together.
Their wedding was a great reflection of them — fun, elegant, and natural. It took place at Rust Manor in Leesburg and was captured in these gorgeous photographs by the talented Leah of Studio Juno.
The cocktail hour was set on the garden lawn accompanied by music from an acoustic guitarist. In the tent, the female guests were treated to pashminas to cut the evening chill. Beautifully packaged Haribou gummy bears — the bride and groom’s favorite — were given as favors. Vintage milk glass arrangements warmed each table and reflected a spectrum of pinks in keeping with the pink and grey-themed event.
Congratulations, Katherine & Allen!
Photography: Studio Juno
Dress: Priscilla of Boston
Makeup: Harmony from Picture Perfect Makeup
Ceremony: St. Francis Episcopal Church, Great Falls, VA
Florist: Growing Wild Floral Company
Reception: Rust Manor House & Nature Sanctuary, Leesburg VA
Caterer: Festive Foods
D.J.: My Deejay
Reception Lighting: John Farr Lighting Design
Rentals: Party Rental Ltd.Transportation: Atlantic Transportation Services
Calligraphy: Meant to Be Calligraphy
I learned today that Smith & Hawken is closing its doors. Gardeners everyone are in mourning, I am sure. I don’t even have a green thumb and I am sad! While the purveyor of the famous teak outdoor furniture and gardening goods is no longer accepting orders online, its brick-and-mortar stores are offering some great deals. If there is a store near you (in DC, check out the Georgetown location), scoot on over and scoop up an outdoor entertaining bargain.
Smith & Hawken
I admit it. I am a java junkie. Without at least one cup of coffee in the morning I am completely useless. The rational part of me understands that, yes, it would probably be better for my health if I did not drink caffeine. But the foodie in me can’t seem to part ways with my coffee cup.
Coffee is an essential part of almost any meal, whether formal or informal. Not just because I am addicted to the stuff, but because it plays such an important part in entertaining, I will be dedicating a series of posts over the next few weeks to the topic.
In this first post, I will cover coffee serveware. In future posts, I’ll cover creamer and sugar sets, coffee accessories, coffee and espresso machines, and other coffee accoutrements.
After you’ve brewed the perfect pot of coffee, it is important to consider in what you will be serving it. For small gatherings (six or less people) it’s perfectly acceptable to use the carafe from your coffee maker.
For larger gatherings (6-12 people) or for times when you feel guests will enjoying lingering over a few cups of coffee, it is important to have a functional carafe, and preferably a thermal one to keep the coffee hot over time.
For new entertainers, one of my favorite carafes to consider is the Mirror Carafe from Crate & Barrel. The price point is accessible, the coffee stays hot for many hours, and its simple aesthetic is appealing:
Mirror Carafe from Crate & Barrel
The creme de la creme brand of thermal carafes is considered to be Alfi. Their wide selection of carafes offers something for everyone.
Alfi Carafe available at Williams-Sonoma
Alfi's Achat Carafe
This Alfi Opal carafe would be perfect for outdoor entertaining.
Alfi Opal Carafe Chrome Plated Brass with Brown Wicker
Non-thermal coffee carafes abound. Oftentimes, carafes are offered as part of a china service so if you are registering for or completing your china set, consider including the carafe in the pieces you select. Otherwise, simply scout out a carafe that you like. Here are some beautiful options.
STELTON's Arne Jacobsen Coffee Pot
Christofle Vertigo Silverplate Coffeepot
Royal Copenhagen White Full Lace Coffee Pot & Cover
TIffany's Cirque Chinois coffee pot in hand-painted Limoges porcelain
For fans of french pressed coffee (and who isn’t?!), Bodum’s thermal press available at Sur La Table is lovely. Thermal presses are not as ubiquitous as regular french presses, but are far more functional — solving the frustrating issue the coffee getting cold quickly in the press after the first pour.
Bodum's Thermal French Press available at Sur La Table
Bodum also makes a double-walled glass french press, also available at Sur La Table, that also keeps coffee warm for up to two hours — a nice alternative if one does not like the somewhat bulkier look of a thermal press.
Bodum Double-Walled French Press
For larger parties, you cannot go wrong with this functional and handsome coffee urn from All Clad, available at Williams-Sonoma:
All-Clad Stainless Steel Coffee Urn, available at Williams-Sonoma
When I first met with Missy and Brian and learned of their vision for their wedding, I was instantly hooked. Featuring elegant tones of warm browns, natural greens, and ivory — all very earth-inspired tones — and set in the beautiful grounds of Woodend Sanctuary, the design ultimately reflected a classical, formal elegance without being “stuffy.”
The wedding began with a beautiful ceremony under a birch chuppah, the perfect complement to the tree-lined Grove in which the ceremony took place.
The ceremony under the nature-inspired chuppah
The ceremony in the Grove at Woodend - a magical setting!
Guests moved from the Grove to the Lawn to enjoy cocktail hour. Passed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails were served by Occasions Caterers‘ impeccable staff.
Guests enjoyed passed hors d'oeuvres outside
Dinner took place on the tented terrace, from which guests could admire the nearby woodlands. Gorgeous flowers for the wedding were provided by Growing Wild and were in keeping with the nature-inspired color scheme.
The Tented Terrace
Low centerpieces featuring shades of green adorned each table
The tablescape reflected the natural surroundings with its cream, brown, and green elements
Not officially on the guest list, but these onlookers were more than welcome at the party!
Night falls over the festivities
The wedding cake was adorned with brown satin ribbon, a white sugar flower, and a whimsical topper providing a nod to the wedding venue: The Audubon Naturalist Society.
A gorgeous -- and delicious -- wedding cake provided by Occasions Caterers
Music and dancing were important elements to Missy and Brian. They chose a 1940s-style band with a very vintage look. Talented and versatile, Raggs and the All-Stars played a variety of music throughout the evening.
Raggs and The All-Stars
The Bride and Groom hoisted by family and friends
Congratulations, Missy and Brian!
Photography: Visual Sketch
Catering: Occasions Caterers
Band: Raggs and the All-Stars
Flowers: Growing Wild Floral
I have lobsters on my mind today. This weekend I am heading home to the seafood-rich Boston area for a quick, last-minute trip. Couple that with the fact that summer is just around the corner and all I can think about is how fun a Lobster Bake would be right about now!
Lobster Bakes are best, of course, at a beach house. So if you are heading to Nantucket or Maine or (more locally) Rehoboth this summer, be sure to add a Lobster Bake to your social calendar. These al fresco parties are perfect for casual, summertime entertaining.
For crustacean-inspired decor and tips on hosting a Lobster Bake, check out the following:
Jasper White’s Lobster At Home is the perfect primer for everything lobster.
Set the tone with lobster-themed invitations.
Lobster-themed invitations available at finestationery.com
Customized lobster bibs are a fun way to personalize your party, while keeping guests spill-free…
customized lobster bibs from Abbey Concepts
These plates would be great for a salad to start, but larger, more platter-style plates should be used when serving the lobsters.
Lobster-themed stoneware dinner plate from Stonewall Kitchen
Don’t forget the lobster crackers.
Lobster Claw Crackers from Crate & Barrel
With the warm weather this week, outdoor entertaining is on the brain. Check out these inspiring Party Patio ideas from Martha Stewart.
Party Patio ideas from Martha Stewart
The Rex & Regina Blog shares both trendy and traditional ways to extend gracious hospitality through weddings, other social occasions, and at-home entertaining. Learn more about Rex & Regina.
