It’s happened to us all. A special occasion is looming, you’ve sent out the Evite, you’ve got a great menu, and, of course, a killer soundtrack – but how do you make it stand out? White linens and votives? That simply will not do! True, it’s hard to walk the line between creative and kitsch – how does one pull off elegant entertaining for the every occasion, without coming off as cheesy and overly thematic (we are technically adults after all!)? The answer is easier than you think. Take your cues from the season. Calling on the sights of summer is an easy way to tie in chic creativity in everything from the backyard bbq to a bridal brunch.
Start with small touches – as simple as the ice in your drink! Take a basic ice tray, fill with water. Then, drop in mint leaves, lavender or raspberries. The summery additions will freeze with the water as it turns into cubes, and make a festive and refreshing addition to any drink as they melt.
Want to take this idea from simple to stellar? Create you own ice mold vases – easy directions found here just substitute your favorite summer berries.
Next, steal the show with a stellar centerpiece. Grab some seasonal (and coincidentally, inexpensive!) blooms such as Hydrangea, Gardenia, Lilacs or Lillys. Toss together randomly, reminiscent of a field full of wildflowers. Dress your arrangement up or down with an elegant vase or rustic jar depending on the formality of the occasion.
A signature summer drink is obviously the perfect event accessory. Garnish with seasonal fruit, and make in a big batch for sharing! Cost Plus has an awesome collection of drink dispensers to choose from to house your delicious drinks. There are tons of sweet and tart and totally summery cocktails to choose from – here is a favorite:
White Peach Sangria
You’ll need:
· 1 (big) bottle Moscato
· 1 can Grapefruit flavored Pellegrino soda
· 3/4 cup bourbon whiskey
· 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange or grapefruit juice
· 2 white peaches, pitted and sliced, plus more for garnish (optional)
· 1 lemon, cut into half wheels, plus more for garnish (optional)
· Ice
Combine all of the ingredients in a 2-quart pitcher or punch bowl and stir gently. Cover and refrigerate. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh peach and lemon slices.
Finally – throw a summer twist on an elegant classic. Instead of a soothing, hot hand-towel for your guests, twist up the same towel, run under cold water and pop into the freezer for 30 minutes. Pass out to your guests for a chilly and refreshing conclusion to a fabulous evening.
Throw on this track to rev the party back up for an all night summer soiree your guests will be talking about all through the cold months to follow
By Rachael Cameron
