Celebration Cocktails: Cheers!

{ Via: Home Sweet Jones }

Entertaining this weekend? Greet guests with a house cocktail or signature drink.  Doing so makes for a warm welcome, and gives everyone something to talk about. Most of all it's fun! This recipe roundup offers maximum chill for summer days and nights. Cheers and Happy 4th!

Casa Independence Day

This pretty punch is a tequila drink blended with summer berries. Ole!

Town & Country Magazine

Firecracker Champagne Paloma

This recipe had me at those adorable ice cubes! This is a simple, quick, and festive cocktail with a special 4th of July touch.

Half Baked Harvest

Watermelon Frosé

Greet me with this cocktail, and I may never leave. It's super easy, and no blender required. This cocktail also looks wonderful in a champagne coup.

How Sweet Eats

Blueberry Coconut Sparkler

Fresh blueberries, coconut rum and ginger ale combine to make a festive drink with just the right hint of tropical paradise. The coconut flakes on the rim are a fun final touch

Spiced Blog

Pink Lemonade Moscato

I have never actually had moscato, but it sounds good. With sweet flavors of peaches and orange blossoms, it is perfect for summer. What a delightful drink it creates!

The Fashionable Hostess

Popsicle Cocktails & Mocktails

These chic cocktails are made with champagne, but if you want to make them non-alcoholic, you can substitute sparkling water.

Freutcake

Star Spangled Mule

 The berries make this recipe special for the 4th and beyond. This is a celebration in a mug!

Inspired By Charm

Red White and Blue Layered Cocktail

With lemonade-infused vodka, grenadine and blue curacao, this makes a lovely layered drink you can serve over ice. Click over to watch a step by step video.

Creative Ramblings Blog

Red,White & Blue Sangria

You can never go wrong with Sangria, especially in the summer months. Make sure you make enough. This is a crowd pleasing recipe!

Noble Pig

Firecracker Berry Margarita Floats

I will always opt to drink my dessert. What about you? These are a gorgeous afternoon treat or evening dessert for any summer day.

Half Baked Harvest

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Star Spangled Savings

( Via: Tiffany LaBelle }

Cue the fireworks! The best sales of the summer are happening this weekend. So between your barbecues and beach days, find time to follow these links for the most stylish sales around. Bookmark the post, as I will be updating all weekend, as the sales come in.

 

~ Home ~

Crate & Barrel: Save up to 60% on 4th of July Steals & Deals

{ New } Jayson Home  Save up to 50% during the Summer Sale! Fab finds for the home and great gifts.

Joanna Buchanan: 25% off everything! No Code Needed. Some of the prettiest tabletop and entertaining accessories anywhere.

Jonathan Adler:  4th of July Event. Enjoy 25% Off Sitewide including Markdowns (already up to 65% off). Use Code: SPARKLER. Offer ends 07/05

Layla Grayce: Shop the 4th of July Sale and save up 30% on over 100 pages of designer home furnishings. Ends 07/06.

{ New } Mark & Graham:  4th Of July Summer Sale: Save Up to 70% Off . Great source for gifts!

One King's Lane: 20% off Everything. 

{ New } Rugs.com   Shop the 4th of July Sale and save up to 80% off. And get fast free shipping. I just saved 50% on an outdoor rug.

Serena & Lily:  20% off Everything!

Use Code: SPLASH

Sur La Table: Save 20% on your order. 

Use Code: JULY

{ New }Terrain: Two ways to save ~ Take an extra 30% off Sale prices. And Shop their Tag Sale where so many items are marked down by 25%. Prices as marked.

Wayfair: Huge sitewide sales on things for your home ~ indoors and out!

{ New } Williams Sonoma: Shop the Warehouse Sale this weekend only. Save up to 70% on cookware, food, tabletop and more.

Women's Fashion & Accessories

{ New } Amrita Singh: Bet selling lucite jewelry is on sale now. Save up to 60%

Anthropologie: Take an Extra 50% off Sale Styles. All sales final. Over 40 pages of fab finds! 

Baublebar: Shop the Fourth of July Event. Sale items starting at $10: 100+ new items added. 

Boston Proper: Save up to 70% during the semi-annual sale. Ends 07/06

{ New } Club Monaco: Take an Extra 50% off all Sale styles.

{ New } DVF: 20% off the sale section with Code 4JULY20.

Halston: 20% off sitewide. Use Code: SUMMER20

Jack Rogers: 30% all Limited Edition Exclusive Sandals. Use Code: USA

J.Crew: Shop the Red, White & Crew Sale! Save up to 70% on sale styles. Plus get 25%  off almost everything else. Use Code: GOFOURTH

Kate Spade: Take an extra 40% off sale styles!

Code: EXTRA30

Lafayette 148 NY:  Save on over 200 spring and summer styles. You will love the classic looks and high quality fabrics.

{ New } Lunya: Save 25% on Washable Silk Loungewear. It is all so lovely.

{ New } Madewell: Save 40% on shorts, swim, and tees. Save 25% on almost everything else. Use Code: SUNSHINE

Michael Stars: Shop more and save more! Save up to 30% sitewide. Love their tees and tops!

Natori: Summer Sale is on Sale. Use Code: SUMMER22 to take an extra 40% off sale prices.

Neiman Marcus: Save up to 50% off select Women’s RTW, Ladies Shoes, Handbags, Fashion Accessories, Men’s, and Children’s. Ends 07/02

Net-a-Porter: Save up to 60% at one of the very best websites for Designer Fashion and Accessories. The sale even includes some beauty and skincare by Charlotte Tilbury, Elizabeth Arden, and more

NYDJ: 4th Of July Outlet Sale. Save up to 80% off. Use Code: JULY40

{ New } Saks: Shop the Fashion Flash and save up to 75%! Sale ends 07/04

{ New } Splendid: Save 40% on almost everything today 06/30 with Code: VIP4. Save 30% on everything 07/01 with Code: FOURTH. Ends 07/05

Stuart Weitzman: Take an Extra 25% off sale styles. Use Code: PLUS25

Vince: Shop The Vince Vault Sale on past collections, and save an extra 40% with Code: VAULT40

Sachin & Babi: 30% off Full Price & Sale Styles. Use Code: SUMMER30

Tory Burch: Semi-Annual Sale. Take an extra 25% off all sale styles. Ends 07/04

~ Men's Fashion ~

Brooks Brothers: Save up to 40% on summer's fave styles, and up to 70% all sale styles

{ New } Club Monaco: Take an Extra 50% off all Sale styles.

J.Crew: Shop the Red, White & Crew Sale! Save up to 70% on sale styles. Plus get 25%  off almost everything else. Use Code: GOFOURTH

Mr. Porter: Enjoy up to 60% off on men’s designer clothes, shoes and accessories.

Peter Millar : End of Season Sale.

save up to 30% on select styles.

Ralph Lauren: Shop the Designer Sale for Men, Women, and Home.

{ New } Tommy Hilfinger. 20% off sitewide. 40% off $125. 30% off $100. Use Code: STARS

~ Beauty & Skincare ~

{ New } Annemarie Skincare. 25% off sitewide

Use Code: FIREWORKS25

Armani Beauty: Enjoy up to 50% off on timeless classics with Code: ICONIC

Beekman 1802: Spend $50 Get $10 off with Code: FIREWORKS10. Spend $75 and Get $20 Off with Code: FIREWORKS20

{ New } Bobbi Brown: Save up to 50% on fan favorites. It's a nice selection of products including the Beach fragrance!

{ New } Butter London: Save 20% sitewide on non toxic nail enamel. Code: JULY4th20

{ NEW } Korres: Save 40% on everything! Love their Shower Gel! Free shipping, too, The discount will be applied at checkout.

Laura Geller: Save up to 60% off! Plus get an extra 10% off with Code: JUL10

Lovely Skin: 25% off most brands like Laura Geller, Coola Sunscreen, Natura Bisse and more.

{ New } Nordstrom Rack: Huge sale on MAC Cosmetics. Save up to 40%!

Philosophy: 30% off Sitewide. Code: FIREWORK

Saks: I found a great beauty sale at Saks on brands you love like, MAC, Bobbi Brown, and more.

{ New} Sara Happ: 50% off sitewide. No code needed. Sara creates the very best lip gloss ever!

~ Children ~

Hanna Andersson: Summer favorites are all 

50% off!

Janie and Jack: Classic designer children's clothing. Now save up to 60%

Maisonette: vSave up to 50% at my favorite children's store. Their collection of fashion, home goods, and gifts is curated from all over the world.

Pottery Barn Kids: Shop The 4th Of July Sale and save big on adorable things for play, the home, gear, and fashion.

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Make A Splash This Summer

Wedding Wednesday: Wow Wedding Cakes

 

Cake, champagne, dancing.  That's what is important to me at a wedding. Of course, we all want to celebrate the couple, but there must be cake! As Julia Child once said, "A party without a cake, is just a meeting." Here's a bakers dozen from around the world, for your own wow wedding cake inspiration.

Made In Cake

Provence, France

"We make each wedding cake according to a dream, according to an ideal, according to the colors and flavors were chosen by the couple." Please take a minute to look and listen with a visit to the website. It is like a journey to France. This cake is part of the edible paper designs.

 

Pip & Bits

New York, NY

Oh so gorgeous! This bakery has been written up in The Knot, Wedding Wire, Brides, and more. One look at their website and you will know why!

Flouring LA

Los Angeles, California

Heather Wong aims to focus on a Southern California inspired taste and aesthetic, using only sustainably sourced, organic ingredients from local farmers and vendors. This three tiered custom lavender lemon cake features sculptural meringue frosting.

Autumn Nomad

Jackson, New Hampshire

All I can say is, their website is THE land of inspiration. Wow!

My Moni Cakes By Monica Vinson
Memphis & Surrounding Areas

I had trouble selecting just one cake. Monica creates the most stylish sculpted cakes. The One above is fab for fall weddings!

Sweet Heather Anne

Ann Arbor, MI

This cake spoke to me for the modern bride that wants something sophisticated. The cake styles vary from modern to marvelous!

The Blushing Cook

Watermill Wy, London SW19 2RD

One of my favorite ways to style a cake. I actually have done this for my niece's wedding. It is not an easy task, and for this DIY Girl, it was scary. But it sure was pretty.

Jasmine Rae Cakes

San Francisco, California

Jasmine Rae de Lung is a real artist. Her cakes are beyond fabulous. The one above is part of her water series. Her flavors are super interesting. Think hibiscus flower, sea salt caramel, earl grey tea, and much more.

Flourish Cake Design

Chicago

I am in awe of the delicate and intricate design of this cake. Such detail!!! These creations are truly couture cakes.

Buttercream Bake Shop

Washington D.C.

Layer upon layer of fondant, gum paste and wafer paper were colored, cut and dusted for depth. There is also edible gold leaf and dozens of hand made and painted sugar flowers.

Duchess Of Cameron 

New York, NY

Perhaps you have heard of owner, artist, Grace (Grey) Pak. She has accolades from all over the world including Martha Stewart, Vogue, The Knot and more. She creates bespoke, hand painted cakes that are as delicious as they are beautiful.

Ana Parzych Cakes
Cheshire, CT

"Ana Parzych Cakes is a couture cake design studio that specializes in creating the most luxurious, exquisite, lavish and sometimes even blue printed & engineered cakes for weddings & special events."

Earth & Sugar

Palm Beach

I may have saved the best for last.  The title of this cake studio reflects their natural approach to confectionary creations. Such artistry!

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Wedding Wednesday: Technicolor Celebrations

Stylish Summer Host Gifts

With the holiday weekend ahead, summer entertaining really ramps up. No matter where you are invited, you simply shouldn't arrive empty handed. This summery selection will get you asked back again. 

Arbequina Olive Tree

Give them something to remember you by long after the party is over. This 5 foot tree produces an olive variety from Spain. It's quite a clever gift, and it will grow indoors or out.

Shop Terrain

Perfect For: Your weekend hosts.

Fleur Shortbread Assortment

Almost too pretty to eat, but I bet they will. Gwenyth Paltrow has good taste and knows a yummy cookie when she sees one. Flavors include lemon thyme, pistachio, lavender, and orange blossom. It's the edible flowers that take these cookies to another level.

Goop

Perfect For: Any host with a sweet tooth

Tondo Acacia Wood Servers
I have a few of these servers, and they are great anytime of the year. You will find a style they will love, and that will fit any budget. Priced from $9.95-$69.95

Crate & Barrel

Perfect For:  Those woodsy types in your life.

Summer Fling White Grapefruit Bar Soap Duo

Inspired by a sun drenched beach cabana. This soap sounds like summer in the palm of your hand. It's naturally made with the sparkling scent of grapefruit and pineapple. Under $35 and beautifully presented.

Lafco NY or Neiman Marcus

Perfect For: Hostesses that enjoy being pampered.

Outdoor Glasses Set

In all the colors of the rainbow. These great glasses come in three sizes and 7 stylish shades.

West Elm

Perfect For:  Anyone who entertains outdoors

Molcajete in Basket

Verve Culture's mortar and pestle come nestled in this colorful woven basket. Make the salsa, guacamole or bean dip, then keep the tortillas warm in the basket.

Uncommon Goods   Or   Neiman Marcus

Perfect For: The global cook who loves a good Mexican spread and a margarita

Woodford Reserve X Williams Sonoma Cocktail Mix, Old Fashioned

This marvelous mixer brings the iconic flavors of a classic old fashion to life. It wouldn't hurt to add a bottle of Woodford Reserve to the gift. You'll get invited back for sure. 

Williams Sonoma

Perfect For: Mixologists and bourbon lovers.

Dundee Citronella Candle

Keep the bugs at bay in the most sophisticated way. Under $40.

Crate and Barrel

Perfect For: The minimalist and modern host

Summer Cocktail Napkins

I enjoy a chic cocktail napkin indoors or out,  This set of six features a tropical mix of colorful embroidery. Wonderful for under $20.

Williams Sonoma

Perfect For: Any haute host

Joanna Buchanan Cocktail Picks

Forget the umbrella drinks, these pretty picks decorate any summer beverage beautifully. 

Joanna Buchana or Saks

Perfect For: The hostess that loves a bit of bling

Wicker and Leather Serving Tray

Designed to make summer entertaining a breeze, this tray is terrific and on sale!

Mark and Graham

Perfect For: The host or hostess. It's also at the perfect price point for your weekend hosts

6 Player Croquet Set

A classic outdoor game for summer. You can't go wrong with this idea. It's perfectly priced at under $60

Verishop   or   Bed Bath & Beyond

Perfect For: Hosts with families, and those who love outdoor games

Fia Luster Coupe

These chic coupes have caught my eye for a long time. The luster and colors are beyond lovely. Great for serving champagne or even dessert! At less than $5 each, it is a good idea. Gift yourself!

CB2

Perfect For: Entertainers and those with a bar.

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Cheers To Outdoor Cocktails