Foodie Friday: Outdoor Entertaining Essentials

(Via Megan Hess)

As I gathered my grilling gear last weekend, I realized that my stylish stash was missing a few entertaining essentials. I feel creating a terrific tablescape outdoors is just as important as it would be indoors. Of course, casual can be chic, but "nice" is always the goal. So I went shopping for us, and came up with some fab finds for grilling, chilling, wining, and dining.

Jonathan Adler Monogram Tray
 The haute hostess needs this acrylic tray! With over 15 designs to pick and personalize, it makes a great gift, too.
Zhush 

Panal Acrylic Tumblers 
Play patio peek a boo with this break resistant drinkware. They are fun, right?
Pier 1 Imports 

Coastal Melamine Dinnerware
Bring the Mediterranean to your patio with these pretty pieces. Easy to clean and break resistant.
World Market 

12 Wick Citronella Candle
 Illuminate your party and keep the bugs at bay with this special candle. It's refreshingly scented with notes of feathery coconut, sweet vanilla, enticing fruit nectars, and a hint of citrus.
Shop Terrain 

Quesadilla Grill Basket
I love this idea as an appetizer at your next barbecue. What a terrific tool! 
Sur La Table  

Range Smart iPhone / iPad Thermometer
Digital power for your kitchen. Now you can have something going in the kitchen, while you are outside enjoying pinot on the patio. Click to get connected.
Food52

Gilded Platter
Patio pretty.  Why not fancy up your cocktails with a gilded platter? This one, however, is not as precious as gold, but instead it is made from aluminum. Love it!
CB2

Kuba Napkins
Outdoors is the perfect place to play with patterns! 
These brights are right at any meal.
Serena and Lily  

Metal Lantern
Shed a lovely light in the garden or on the patio.
World Market

Nautical Knot Personalized Plates
These Boatman Group melamine plates are unbreakable and undeniably stylish, ship to shore. 
Neiman Marcus 

2-In-1 Mesh Grill Pan Set
What a great idea! Use this as a fully enclosed basket for mussels, potatoes and more, or grill two dishes at once. This is one innovative set!
Sur La Table

Grill Planks Sampler Pack (Set of 5)

These are my secret source for serving sweet, smoky, and savory barbecue. First I sear the meat or fish on the grill, to get the grill marks on the food. Then transfer your food and finish on the planks. Best yet, they can be used over and over again. 
Food52 

Stainless Steel Sliding Skewers

I love a kabob - any kind. My skewers, however, are very hard to operate.  The sliding disc on these, solves the problem. Read all about these genius gadgets at
Williams-Sonoma

Mini Wagyu Sliders

In case your own Piggly Wiggly doesn't carry Wagyu, these are packed with flavor and ready for you to grill at home. Only at...
Dean and Deluca 

Faux Bois Picnic Dinner Plate
My favorite find of the edit! Made from BPA Free plastic, this woodgrain plate mimics the look of glass. Best yet, they are dishwasher safe!
Shop Terrain

Twig Disposable Flatware 
So much style for a picnic or a patio party. It's hard to believe that they are plastic. I need these!
Shop Terrain

Tropical Tea Towels
You know that you are going to need them. Might as well make them cute!
West Elm

Beehive Beverage Jar
Party perfect for big batches of cocktails, lemonade or water.
Sur La Table
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Dress Your Deck

Gift The Grad!

It's that time of year to celebrate the class of 2016. Graduation marks the beginning of college life or a new life in the real world. It's an exciting time, and a thoughtful gift is needed. I've done some shopping for you. Who wouldn't love one of these?

HERE: 15 Fun Finds For The Graduate

Double Lacquer Frame

This milestone deserves two frames to properly honor. A clean and simple lacquered style is perfect for post dorm room decor. Monogram and ship it for free! A thoughtful idea.

Mark & Graham

Kate Spade Ultra Thin Charger

As she goes on her merry way, make sure you can get a hold of her! This polished power bank will juice up her devices on the go!

Nordstrom

The Detroit Arrow

Streamlined for urban riding and hand assembled by bike specialists in Detroit. It's a limited edition and perfect for the student heading off to college. See the entire collection of luxe bicycles  for men and women at

Shinola

The Woman I wanted To Be, Signed Copy

 Diane’s new memoir is a deeply personal look into her journey through life. It is sure to inspire the girl interested in fashion, business and achieving her own dreams and goals.

DVF

Bric's Bellagio Luggage

In a world of black nylon luggage, these are standout stowaways. Lightweight and luxe, these chic cases are trimmed in Tuscan leather. The style comes in four sizes and three stylish shades. All on sale now.

Neiman Marcus 

Coach Colorblock Card Case

The College coed or grad will already know and love the name Coach. So you are off to a good start. This chic case will hold her first Credit Card, ATM, Student ID and more. It is a great gift at much less than $50.

Macy's

Cork Globe

Oh the places they will go! It will be fun for them to track their own adventures!

CB2

Jetsetter Convertible Backpack

As spotted on Taylor Swift, this backpack has a cult following. Buy it in her favorite color or in basic black to pair with everything. Great for travel or for the college campus.

Henri Bendel 

Through May 19th, receive $25 off purchases of $150+; $50 off purchases of $250+, and $100 off every purchase of $400+!

 Moon and Lola Acrylic Nice Block Engraved Monogram Key Chain

Big, bold, and just for her. She will adore this clearly chic chain for the keys to her new apartment, car, or dorm room.

Zhush 

Salvatore Ferragamo

Reversible Leather Belt Boxed Gift Set

A man needs good shoes and a fine leather belt to be well dressed. Start him off right with this luxe set. It makes so much sense!

Neiman Marcus

Taschen The New York Times: 36 Hours World

A trio of books that presents 36 hour itineraries for 365 global destinations. It's good to dream!

Amazon

Bison Lifestyle Accessories

Wallets, Card Cases, i-Phone Cases and more. Handcrafted, simple, well priced, and perfect for men of all ages.

AHAlife

Equation Geek Watch

Both the math major and the math challenged will appreciate this unique timepiece. This watch features the equivalent notation of each number on the dial.

Uncommon Goods

Uri Minkoff Pebbled Leather Wythe Weekender

Such a great look and so different in navy. Perfect for planes, trains, or automobiles. He would love anything in this line of leather goods.

East Dane

Box Of Style Subscription

Curated by stylist, Rachel Zoe, this is a gift that keeps on giving, at least four times a year. It features over $300 of fashion and beauty products that are sure to impress. No red blooded girl could refuse this unique gift. Read all about it at

Box Of Style - The Zoe Report

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Dream Decor On A Dime

Wedding Wednesday: Make It An Etsy Day

Megan Hess Illustration

It's wedding season. If you are planning one, it is time to attend to all of the small details. At Etsy you will find specialty items like beautiful bridesmaid gifts, wonderful wedding signage, great groomsmen accessories, and so much more. Here it's not just about saving money (though you can), it's about finding artisan made and unique products that reflect your own terrific taste and creativity. 

HERE:  Fourteen Fabulous Finds 

Modern Luxe Wedding Invitations
Bold and beautiful, these black and white invites set the stage for a stylish wedding.
Shine Invitations at Etsy 

 Wedding Entrance Sign Chalkboard Style
A large sign that can be used anywhere from the church to the reception. Even if these are not your colors, treat yourself by clicking the link. Every printed sign and card is fabulous. 
First Snow Fall At Etsy

Invitation For The Modern Bride
Soft, sophisticated and romantic, this invitation suite makes a stylish statement. You will love all of their printed materials for your wedding.
Shine Invitations at Etsy  

Thomas Men's Bow Ties 
A man's haberdashery that offers bow ties, ties, and matching pocket squares. Shop an array of styles that will match most bridal party themes.
WBTHAMM at Etsy  

Bridesmaids Clutches
A chic carryall makes a lovely bridesmaid gift. Personalize it and it becomes an elegant keepsake.
Eclu at Etsy  

Wood Laser Cut Place Cards
If your budget is unlimited or your guest list is small, this is an inspired idea! Available in four colors. The name tag then doubles as a table gift for each guest.
LHCalligraphy at Etsy

Emergency Boxes
Things happen. Any wedding planner worth their clipboard comes prepared. These wooden boxes work well in the groomsmen suite or the bridal suite. Transfer them to the reception restrooms following the ceremony.
WeddBox at Etsy

Watercolor Calligraphy Place Cards
Oh how I love these! The torn edges are so elegant. Such a personal touch will not go unnoticed. 
Love Supply Co. Etsy 

Sequin Tablecloth
If you don't have access to big city linen suppliers, you may just have to source them yourself. The glam table linens, photo booth backgrounds, and aisle runners will add a special sparkle to your wedding.
Vow Wow Decor At Etsy 

Grace Blush Silk Flower and Gold Plated Metal Leaf Bouquet
One of the prettiest shops at Etsy. Click for beautiful bouquets, hair pieces and sashes. Just beyond! 
Emici Livet at Etsy

Framed Chalkboard Wedding Sign
If you are doing a sparkler send off, you need this sign! It's a little bit rustic and with a whole lot of glam.
From Kelly With Love at Etsy

Gold Beaded Wedding Garter
Do not toss this garter! Instead keep it for years to come. Beautifully presented in a beribboned gift box.
Enrich by Millie at Etsy  

Hotel Wedding Welcome Bags

Give your guests a warm welcome. Fill these great gold bags with wine, gourmet candy, nuts, etc. You will find lots of inspiration here with over 1000 personalized items for your special event.

Gracious Bridal At Etsy 

Flower Girl Tulle Dresses
This dress is so special, it was featured in Etsy Finds! Each little gown in the collection is adorable.
Olivia Kate Couture 
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Wedding Wednesday: An Etsy Edit