Entertaining with Birch Lane

Good Morning.  I hope everyone had a great holiday!  Ours was a good mix of both work and play.  I feel like after Memorial Day weekend, even though we have a few more days of school remaining, we are in summertime mode.  And one of my favorite things about summer is dining al fresco with our family and friends.  Come and take a peek at how I pulled together a fun entertaining spot in our backyard!

In the evening our backyard is completely shaded, so pulling everything into the yard makes for a perfect spot to hangout.  The kids can run barefoot and play in the yard, while the adults sit barefoot and indulge in yummy food and drinks.

I've found that keeping things simple is key, especially with children involved in the gathering.  So having an easy, laidback setting works best for us.  These gorgeous tabletop pieces from Birch Lane create just the causal look I love.  The galvanized planters are so functional.  I used one to hold a small bouquet of fresh flowers and another one to serve my chips and guacamole.  So, so great! 

Having everything prepared ahead of time is also my preference, so I can sit back and enjoy time with our company. This drink dispenser is perfect to make a large batch of your favorite beverage and allows your guests to help themselves if your hosting duties get pulled in another direction.

As much as I like things to be laidback when I entertain, I still like everything to be pretty as well. And pretty doesn't have to be complicated.  Beautiful drinkware, striped napkins and some fresh fruit gave this entertaining spot the pretty finishing touches it needed.

I am so impressed with the my tabletop pieces from Birch Lane.  They were the perfect details I needed to create this casual entertaining spot for us to enjoy with our dear friends.  Their beautiful, timeless pieces added both function and beauty to our al fresco gathering.

And if you are looking for a delicious summertime cocktail, I will be sharing this scrumptious melon sangria recipe soon.

Happy Summer!
XO

*Thank you Birch Lane for sponsoring this post. 

We can also keep in touch here:

Memorial Day Treats

patriotic cupcakes

individual s'mores cones

star spangled ice cream

Hi there!  Are you ready for the holiday weekend?  I've rounded up some of my patriotic treat ideas that I've done in the past in case you're looking for a quick, festive goodie to bring to your holiday celebration.  You can click the links below each picture for a full post if you're interested.  You might also like this red, white and blue cake or these yummy s'mores bars.

I hope you all have a great weekend!  Stop by next week to see my outdoor entertaining project that I've been working on.  So happy with how it turned out and can't wait to share!

P.S.  Nordstrom's Half Yearly Sale is still going on all weekend with up to 40% off savings!  Definitely worth checking out!

We can also keep in touch here:

Holiday Weekend Outfit

top | denim shorts (similar) | sunglasses | bangles | tote | sandal

Hey there!  Three more days until the unofficial start of summer...Memorial Day weekend!  I love Memorial Day weekend as it's not too hot here yet, but warm enough for all the fun outdoor summertime activities.  And if it ever stops raining here, we have plans to head down to the coast for the weekend.

Anyways, I pulled together this fun outfit.  I've actually just ordered the sandals and now own the tote.  And I must say that the tote is much cuter in person then Target's lovely online picture :)  I think the sandals are going to be so great for so many different outfits this summer.  I'm 5'5" and love a little bit of height with my shoes, but still like to be comfortable and not wear a huge, clunky wedge.  Can't wait to get them!  You can find more of my favorite fashion picks under my "SHOP" tab.

And one more detail before I sign off...Nordstrom's Half Yearly Sale kicks off May 20 - May 31!  There are soooo many of my favorites 40%.  It's definitely worth checking out!

Have a good one!

We can also keep in touch here: