Cranberry Margarita

Holiday greetings! And yes, I am the worst blogger ever to have let so much time pass before doing a post. My apologies! It may have something to do with the fact that I have been living with friends since my new condo was ready and have been "homeless" since August. But I am in my new place in time for the holidays. And I making these CRANBERRY MARGARITAS as a Thanksgiving cocktail. Yuuuum!

Photo: Bon Appetit

Posh Baby Shower

With the Royal Baby Watch in full frenzy on both sides of the pond, I wanted to share a post on hip baby showers. Who says an old tradition can't get a stylish makeover?

If you send an evite go with PAPERLESS POST and any of these could be customized for a shower

Everyone seated at one long table. I love this blue table setting from Carolyne Roehm. 

Custom COOKIES wrapped in cello bags with a ribbon at each place

Serve fun drinks both alcoholic and non in mason jars. Have them already chilling in a tub and guests can help themselves.

With personalized straws on the side with fun messages for the mom-to-be. I would coordinate the color scheme, but this gives you the idea. Find straws HERE.

Classic tea sandwiches get an upgrade. Skip the cucumbers and make BLTs, curry chicken salad and other delicious sandwiches. Cut stars out of silver paper and glue to toothpicks. Cut in the shape of moons and you can find the cookie cutter HERE. 

Gazpacho is perfect for a summer gathering. RECIPE

Other ideas for a party menu

TOMATILLO and AVOCADO DIP 

Carmelized Onion TARTS with apples

Mini GRILLED CHEESE

Grilled ASPARAGUS with an Orange Dipping Sauce

For dessert, skip the cake and do something a bit more summery and unexpected like tarts with ice cream and warm blueberry sauce. RECIPE

And a Candy Bar for guests to take sweets home with them. 

In custom FAVOR BAGS

Have guests bring the new baby a favorite book that he/she is not likely to already have in their library. 

A few titles that might not be in the mom-to-be's library

LEONARDO THE TERRIBLE MONSTER

BAD KITTY

ARNIE THE DOUGHNUT

BIG RED BARN

Festive 4th Ideas

The weather in Boston has been the pits! Blech! Someone described it yesterday as soupy and clammy. Clam chowder?? Grey skies and 150% humidity does not feel very festive. But it is the 4th and time for some summer (or summah as we say here). Some ideas for entertaining.

Festive COCKTAIL

Patriotic TARTS

Ice Cream FLOATS

Blueberry Ice Cream PIE

Festive NAPKINS

Or THESE

Have a great holiday!

Top Photo: Martha Stewart

Posh Picnic

The last picnic I had was a year ago on the lawns of Tanglewood. I always forget how much fun they are especially, by the water. This picnic tore from KIM SEYBERT is oh-so-chic and comes with everything you need (the blanket is extra.)

Or CHINOISERIE CHIC is also an option

Perfect to tuck in your basket or tote as these Pincics in a Jar from Southern Living. Adorable!
RECIPE

Photos: Kim Seybert, Gracious Home and Southern Living Magazine

On My List: Salt House Inn

One of the best parts about living in Boston is how easy it is to get to Cape Cod for a weekend. I have been spending time there since I was little and no place makes me happier during the summer months. I recently read about the SALT HOUSE INN in Provincetown. The boutique hotel is the collaboration of two big names in the hotel world—C.O.O. of André Balazs Properties David Bowd and Starwood Hotels interior designer Kevin O’Shea. 

Kevin O'Shea's impeccable style is evident through out the property! 

Every morning you will have a decadent breakfast waiting for you including homemade granola. Yes, please!

Photos: Salt House Inn and Vogue

Maine Holiday

Over Memorial Day Weekend I was on the coast of Maine for the holiday weekend. Even the cold temps and torrential rains on Saturday didn't dampen our fun.

We rented a killer house in Yarmouth through AIRBNB. If you don't know about this sight then you need to sign up - stat!

A few photos of the house



We ate at a fab spot in Portland that seemed to be a hot spot with the locals - BAR LOLA.

On our way south to Boston we made a stop at one of my "Maine musts" SNUG HARBOR FARM,

 

Photos: New York Van Line, Airbnb, Maine Today, Woodbury and Morse, Portland Monthly and Snug Harbor Farm