Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts

Saturday, June 18, 2011

COCKTAILS AT SIX: THE VENTIAN SPRITZ

Ciao from Italia, my loves!! Right about now, I'll be enjoying the beaches of Sicily, soaking up ridiculous amounts of sunshine, and hopefully sipping one these refreshing concoctions...
the venietian spritz cocktail
While this recipe originates in the north, it's popular all over Italy, and is a delightful mix of bitter and sweet... sort of how it's going to feel to leave this magical place in another week.

The Venetian Spritz:


4 ounces Prosecco
A splash of sparkling water
1.5 to 2 ounces Aperol
Orange
Lemon
1 green olive

In a glass over three or four ice cubes, pour the prosecco, a dash of sparkling water and the Aperol, being sure to follow that order lest the Aperol sink to the bottom without mixing. Garnish with a slice of orange, a twist of lemon (or both) and an olive.

*images via the glitter guide, recipe + drink via the nytimes, and marie claire

Thursday, June 16, 2011

FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: PICNIC ON THE AMALFI

Since the moment Cassandra mentioned she was headed to Italy this summer, I haven't been able to stop dreaming of vino in Rome, shopping in Florence and most of all, long lazy days spent sunbathing on the Amalfi Coast...

Amalfi_InspirationBoard-c+k
Camille Styles here, and today's fantasy is totally inspired by the idyllic two weeks my husband and I spent in Capri and Positano on our honeymoon two summers ago. The incredible seafood, deep Mediterranean waters dotted with pristine yachts and sailboats, and the nautical-chic style of the jet-set as they escape the bustle of a bigger metropolis. A lovely little fantasy on which to base today's fête, no?

Amalfi_Coast_Inspiration
A sandy stretch of beach and a fun group of friends are really the only necessities for the success of this party. A lightweight folding table and swath of linen fabric are the base for a spread of fresh, seasonal dishes. On the menu? How 'bout a very Mediterranean cucumber, tomato & feta salad and this most-luscious marinated bean salad with grilled shrimp & watercress.
Grilled Shrimp Salad
Amalfi_Coast_Inspiration-CamilleStyles3
What to wear to such a summer get-together? A swimsuit of course, although a classic striped boatneck is a must to guard against the sea breezes when the sun begins to set.

MrBoddington_Invitations-CamilleStyles
Formal invites are not really necessary for a gathering this relaxed, but when the stationery is as charming as this by Mr. Boddington's Studio, you just might not be able to resist. The Wolfgang style is so fitting for an oceanic occasion with it's urchin-like pattern and inky blue script.

Amalfi_Coast_Inspiration-CamilleStyles1
Arriverderci, Cass...we can't wait to hear about your adventures!

*images: {row 1} couple, bunting, compass escort cards {row 2} necklace, feathers {row 3} clementine place setting, capri, rope{row 4} map, invites, oyster, dress. all party images: roland bello. invitations: mr boddington's studio.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

COCKTAILS AT SIX: THE BUONASOLA

The beaches are calling my name...
buonasola cocktail
It seems only appropriate to propose a cocktail that celebrates the sunshine, and maybe even a little nod to Italy today? A little vitamin c to go with your vitamin d, if you will... 

The Buonasola:

1 part Grey Goose L’Orange Vodka
3/4 part limoncello
3/4 part Rouge Vermouth
1 tsp superfine sugar
3 parts orange juice

Fill cocktail shaker with ice, and add all ingredients. Shake vigorously, and strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Present with an orange slice. Drink up some sunshine and refreshing goodness!

*recipe and drink image via grey goose, bathing beauty via camilla akrans

Friday, June 10, 2011

Happy Hydrangea



Part of my job for the Microsoft Preview event includes picking out and styling the flowers.  Hydrangea will definitely be on my shopping list. If you are lucky enough to live in an area with abundant bushes, you can just go right outside and cut them.  I will be picking mine up from the Flower District but they will be no less beautiful.  Hydrangea always seem so happy and cheerful to me too.  How can you look at them and not smile?  Hope these images make you smile too! Bon Weekend!

Martha Stewart

Elle Decor

Ashley Whittaker

Martha Stewart

Elle Decor

Elle Decor

Carolyne Roehm

Ashley Whittaker

Victoria Hagan

Carolyne Roehm

Elle Decor

Elle Decor

Meg Braff

Carolyne Roehm

Carolyne Roehm

Elle Decor

Photo by moi

unknown

unknown

Martha Stewart

Elle Decor

Nate Berkus via Elle Decor

Martha Stewart

Monday, June 6, 2011

BACKYARD ENTERTAINING: WHITE + MOD

It's official. Summer is upon us in the Northwest and I'm so ready to host a little outdoor patio dinner party! In seeking some inspiration, I rediscovered this tabletop created by JL Designs, and I'm completely smitten...
desertretro28
Being a California girl, I am totally drawn to this mix of succulents and white modern accents - it couldn't be more reflective of the beach-meets-desert culture of SoCal.
desertretro2
desertretro16
Of course, no party is complete without a signature drink - whether your hosting 10 or 100! I think this one sounds particularly refreshing and the the little drink card is so perfect!
JL designs palm california tabletop
desertretro5
I love how much candlelight Carissa used along with the cafe lights...
desertretro41
Heavenly! Are you as inspired as I am for a little outdoor entertaining? Even if you only have a little patio in your apartment, there are ways to make it happen (I'm going to be shooting my own example soon!) I can't wait for late summer evenings around the table with good friends.


*photography by aaron young, paper elements by wiley valentine (love them!), and complete design by jl designs

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Enjoy the Present

“Children have neither past nor future; they enjoy the present,
which very few of us do.” - Jean de la Bruyere

I posted this photo on my tumblr page and couldn't resist sharing it here as well.  When you stop to smell the roses this summer, definitely stop and smell the hydrangea too!

Photo by Max Kim Bee

Friday, June 3, 2011

HAPPY WEEKEND...

The temperatures are slowly rising around here... I think it's time for me to perfect my 'almost summer' style...
mailene berger
A Panama hat will be required. As will white-on-white... the jacket only necessary for the cooler evenings...
micasarevista.barcelona
I can't wait to host my first outdoor dinner party of the season... must get the patio in entertaining mode!
Liu Wen by Hans Feurer for Vogue China3
And I'll definitely be adding some high shine accessories to the white-on-white look for a beachy glam vibe. What are your must haves for this summer??

Have a fabulous weekend everyone! Stay cool...
xo cassandra
*images via malene birger, mi casa revista, and fgr

Thursday, June 2, 2011

FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Happy June, lovelies! Why not welcome summer with an afternoon of decadence at an ice cream parlour-inspired fête...

...and modernize it with pretty invites, feminine flourishes, and decidedly gourmet twists on traditional flavors? Camille Styles here, and this week's fantasy couldn't get much better, in my book: an entire party centered around rich, creamy combinations and colorful toppings to encourage creative mixing.


How gorgeous is this watercolored stationery from Fine Day Press? Scrawl the sweet details inside, and pop in the mail...no doubt many excited RSVP's will ensue!


A divided wooden box filled with marshmallows, sprinkles, coconut and other pastel-hued accoutrements makes a chic vessel for toppings. Place metal scoops in each bin and let guests go to town with their sundaes! (via eat drink chic.)


While picking up a variety of store-bought flavors is perfectly fine, there's really nothing better than homemade. Hop on over to camillestyles.com to discover a few of my favorite recipes for the yummiest ice cream, sorbet and popsicles.


A chalkboard menu adorned with fabulous script is such a pretty way to let guests narrow down their options. I also happen to adore those gilded vintage glasses for serving sundaes, don't you? (via 100 Layer Cake.)


Remember those little wooden spoons that came with individual ice creams back when you were a kid? These have the same nostalgic charm, and the colorful twine makes them party-worthy. Spotted via Ez, who smartly suggested using them as little gift tags or invite enclosures. Love!

*images: {row 1} dress, lucite cone holder, sorbet {row 2} drink flags, parlour sign {row 3} ice cream bowls, cameos, couple, ice cream cone {row 4} pink egg cups, ice cream sandwiches. strawberry ice cream, delectable deliciousness.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

PACKING A PALETTE

Whenever I go on trips, I like to pack clothes in a similar palette so that I know I can mix and match pieces as I go. I'm just beginning to think about what to bring to Italy with me - but two weeks is a much longer time than a long weekend to consider just one color scheme! Which is why I may be taking some serious inspiration from this editorial as I select my wardrobe...
italy palette packing inspiration
I love the mix of rich jewel tones with softer pastels and nudes - there's tons of color, and endless options of ways to mix them all. The hardest part may be what hue to choose for my mani pedi! 

*editorial photographed by lachlan bailey for vogue nippon