sangria

I do love a nice glass of sangria in the summertime. I was intrigued that Martha had a 'Sangria bar' at her latest shindig, and thought it sounded like something worth trying. 

Food & Wine has a selection of yummy-sounding sangria recipes, as well as other drinks that can be served via pitcher right here.

amy atlas...she's done it again

As always, I'm blown away by Amy Atlas' creations. Loving this green birthday tableau. 

cuatro plates

The meals we had on my recent vacation were quite divine. And the presentation of the food was just as extraordinary. Curiosity got the best of me one evening, and I turned over the empty plate to see where it came from. To my surprise, it was CB2! I know these platters were part of the ensemble, though I couldn't find every piece I spotted on their website (probably means they were discontinued). The Cuatro plates are now officially on my wish list! Starting at $1.95 for the small size, I don't think I'd feel too guilty about the purchase.

sunday supper club

We had our supper club over last Sunday evening, for a change of pace (we usually get together on Saturdays). Though some were concerned that the mood would be dampened by a 'school night' gathering, it turned out to be a lovely way to start a week. Do you ever have Sunday get-togethers? 

I fondly remember Sunday evenings (when I lived in NYC), with girlfriends, huddled around the TV watching the latest Sex and the City.

tiny kitchen entertaining

Domino offers tips on how to entertain with a tiny apartment kitchen here. Personally, when I lived in NYC the thought of having people over was very unappealing...all because we had no dishwasher (and two roommates who hated doing dishes). The glasses would sit there for weeks while we all had a standoff as to who had to actually do them!

entertaining journal

I used to keep an entertaining journal that documented each party we had at our house, or sometimes just a record of food that I made for someone else's party. The middle three images are from a 'dog days of summer' birthday party I threw for my two labs (really just a good excuse to have people over), as well as a friend. I still refer to that binder- I would put recipes of things I made as well as 'reviews' of them, invitations that were sent out, etcetera. I'd like to think I will do the binder again- but I think it's a long shot with how full life feels these days. The only two resolutions I've come up with this year are: 1) don't use a paper or plastic bag all year and 2) start back with pilates 1-2 times a week. I've got many, many more to make- but I'm starting with those for now!

free yourself from clutter

An inspirational conquer-clutter video from Domino here. The end result...the previously unorganized fellow finally feels good enough about his apartment to have friends over for a birthday party! Is clutter and 'stuff' holding you back from entertaining friends in your home?

pretty up your drinks

I love these beverage dispensers from Roost. Lemons, cucumbers or limes in water, sangria, fruit tea (a Nashville favorite)...so many possibilities! If only I had the room to store them.

thom, please invite me over

I usually cringe while watching home makeover shows...sometimes the 'after' is much worse then the 'before.' But I'm addicted to Thom Filicia. I adore him, and if I could choose any TV interior designer to redo my home it would be Thom (or Sarah Richardson of Design Inc). I'm so sad that Thom passed me over for the living room decorating contest he had a couple of months ago...I was hoping he would redecorate and we would hit it off, then we would become BFF's and he would want to have me up to his lake house. I just found this post on Domino's website- a great video with Thom describing how he entertains for friends at the cabin. Thom- I'm still available, if you'd like to have me over. 

To see, click here.