15 Stylish Summer Host Gifts

 

Summer is in full swing, and we are entertaining again. It's time to shore up the gift closet. If you are invited for drinks, dinner, or the weekend, you simply must bring something to show your gratitude. I have some ideas for you. These luxe options begin at $16 but look so much more.  Any one of them will get you invited back.

Gingham Lacquer Tray

Gingham never goes out of style, and the entertainer just can't have too many trays. These are on sale 

Mark and Graham

Marble & Brass Dip Bowls

Here's the best little under $20 gift. They are available in five fab colors. Each one is a luxe look. Fill it up with some mixed nuts for a special touch.

West Elm

Wine Caddy

A good bottle of wine is always a nice idea. Presenting it in a chic woven caddy makes it a gift to remember, long after the wine is gone.

Anthropologie

Wine Soap Set

Your host can now indulge in a splash of bubbly, even if they aren't entertaining. These all natural vegan soaps have been crafted with notes from wine varieties such as citrus for "chardonnay" and berries, plums, and apples for "pinot noir." You are really giving the gift of Happy Hour for every day.

Uncommon Goods

Turkish Towels

One of my favorite things. I own two grey towels. They are so cozy and soft. A perfect gift for those who have a pool, love to picnic, or sit by a fire pit. The price is right!

Kalkedon Towels 

Hello Melamine Plate Set of Six

Say thank you and hello to the outdoor entertainer with this shatterproof set. It includes sayings Hello Gorgeous, Hello Sunshine and Hello Beautiful.

Just darling for a girls night gift.

Sundance Catalog

Real Dill Bloody Mary Gift Set

If you are invited to brunch or a weekend at the lake, spice things up with this all natural Bloody Mary Set. It's been made in Colorado using fresh cucumber water, organic tomato paste, and zesty horseradish and habanero.  The spicy jar of pickles add the garnish. Fun!

Shop Terrain

Joanna Buchanan Bee Straws

The perfect solution for wasteful paper straws.  Not to mention, they will be the only pests invited to the party. Cocktail party chic!

Joanna Buchanan    or    Neiman Marcus

Saucy Bitch Hot Sauces

I couldn't resist these doggone good sauces! Bring this set to your next BBQ. They will level up the flavors of everything! They ship free from...

Bergdorf Goodman

Frantoio Muraglia Intense Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This bottle literally stopped me in my tracks when I came upon it at Bloomingdale's. It's award winning and produced in Northern Apulia from Coratina olives. Also available in rose gold. It makes a stunning gift for any cook.

Bloomingdale's

French Kitchen Marble Cheese Board
Now who couldn't use this? I don't have one. This comes complete with a slicer. Under $25

Crate and Barrel

Cheery Notepads
Voted by Vogue as one of the best stationery stores ever. I agree. Their paper goods are clever, chic, and collectable. I love their notepad sets. They run the range from cheeky, sweet, or monogrammed.  P.S. you'll love their modern notecards for yourself.

Dear Annabelle

Truman Capote's Breakfast At Tiffany's

If you are going to be an overnight guest, this iconic story book is so appropriate and clever. It's done in full grain leather and personalized for your lucky host or hostess in gold.  If you want it unpersonalized, you can order from Saks.

Personalization Mall

Needlepoint Pillow

Here's a pillow with a point! For the person who knows how to pick their battles. Cleverly chic, hand embroidered and backed in velvet, Fun!

Furbish

Candle Discovery Trio

So I have gifted myself with this set, and absolutely loved the scents. You select three fragrances from many choices.  These small candles are terrific for  travel, and come with really good matches. It's a wonderful gift for when you need just a little something. Under $20.

Lafco New York

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That Summer Feeling

What To Wear For The 4th Of July

Summer's biggest holiday is just nine days away. Can you believe it? Hopefully you have some fun plans on the calendar. Whatever you are doing, it's good to have some festive fashion lined up for each activity.  There's way to do it without looking like a walking flag. Here's inspiration for the 

entire family.

BuDah Girl Bangles

Add a stack of stylish accessories to any outfit for some festive flair!

Budha Girl

Beachside Tide Maxi

From beach to bistro, this maxi takes a minimum of effort. If red isn't your color, this style is also available in 8 other stylish shades. Under $100.

Free People

Luminous Halter Gown

Made from a silk linen organza, this is one lovely look. Best yet, it's on sale. 

4th of July wedding anyone?

Zimmermann

Toes In The Sand

Shoes off and ready for the beach. Add some Boat Shoes, and he's good ship to shore. The Striped Tee is perfect for an all American look. The chambray jacket pulls it all together.

Janie & Jack

Mia Mini Fringe Clutch

Mar Y Sol designs affordable and adorable straw bags. This chic clutch is one of them!

Tuckernuck

Smocked Chambray Dress

Perfect for dressing up or down. In sizes 3 months - 12. Just add a red bow.

Janie and Jack

 Peter Millar Style

Versatile performance styles to navigate the scenes of any summer day. Great casual style for the well dressed guy.

Neiman Marcus

Puff Sleeve Tee & Pom Pom Earrings
A good sleeve is everything this season.  Pair it with denim and a statement earring like these. Find the Tee HERE and the earrings HERE.

Tuckernuck

Butterfly Garden

If you are a house guest or have house guests, wear these PJ'S down to breakfast. Butterfly Garden 🦋 is a new silky print and is available in sizes XS-3X

Natori

Double Flounce Tankini Suit

Boston Proper offers the best swim styles for those of us of a certain age. This suit will look fun and feminine way past the upcoming holiday.

Boston Proper

Nina Embroidered Shirt and Shorts

Zimmermann creates the prettiest fashions. The eyelet fabric is just fabulous! Even if you don't do shorts, the blouse can be paired with so

 many things.

Zimmermann

Nice & Nautical
There's no better place to look for a little red, white, and blue than Nautica. And their 50% off sale is better than fireworks.

Nautica

Rhona Silk Pant & Capri Shirt

No one does navy better than Ralph Lauren. These pieces from Ralph's Collection are the very definition of casual chic. 

Ralph Lauren

Capri Shirt.    Silk Pant

Monroe Open Knit Sweater

What a great look for less than I expected. Here's how to wear sleeves without being too warm.

Bergdorf Goodman

Team USA

This year, Polo Ralph Lauren proudly supports TeamUSA with a collection of casual apparel — defined by a palette of red, white, and blue.

Ralph Lauren

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Destination 4th Of July

Summer Sips & Beautiful Bites For Alfresco Happy Hours

 

No one ever has to ask me twice for a summer sunset cocktail. If invited, I might even join you for happy hour. In these warm weather months, taking a break for a bite and a beverage is always a pleasant idea. Today's post takes you outside and away from the oven (for the most part.) Enjoy these alfresco appetizers and summer sips all 

season long.

Electric Blue Butterfly Cocktail

Inspired by "Alice In The Looking Glass," this is one colorful concoction. You simply mix together vodka, blue curaco, lemonade, and 7 Up. The blue tinted sugar on the rims is a terrific touch.

Happiness Is Homemade

Baked Zucchini Bites

There seems to always be tons of zucchini in the summer. This is a tasty way to use it all up. Grated parm and a variety of fresh herbs gives these beautiful bites pizzaz.

Give It Some Thyme

Sparkling Spiked Peach Lemonade

A picture perfect pitcher for every summer weekend. As a bonus to this recipe, you'll learn a simple trick for peeling peaches!

The Kitchn

Caprese Salad Board

This beautiful board takes your cheese and crackers game to the next level. 

The Sweetest Occasion

Strawberry Daiquiris With Nectarine Basil Ice Cubes

How's that for a beautiful sip? Serve up something different and delicious!

Running To The Kitchen 

Prosciutto Goat Cheese Stuffed Peaches with Thyme Honey

Crispy, creamy, sweet and salty. All of the flavors we crave. A beautiful appetizer to serve with cocktails.

Half Baked Harvest

The Milly Acrylic Tumbler

Clearly cool! The shatterproof Milly tumbler in clear acrylic. The perfect non-glass glass for poolside sipping this summer. 

Bloomingdale's

Coconut Pineapple Rum Slush

This frozen tropical drink is inspired by salty air and Jimmy Buffet music. In other words, it's vacation in a glass. Best yet, there is no refine sugar added.

The Sweetest Occasion

Baked Feta With Roasted Strawberries

If you haven't tried roasted strawberries, you are missing out. Your kitchen will smell amazing and your guests will be in awe.

Lily Morello

Garlicky Whipped Feta Dip With Citrus Salad

Serve this with a side of mints! But if you are not a fan of garlic, use less. Don't worry, however, that beautiful citrus salad topping will balance the flavors.

Lily Morello

Mexican Street Corn Dip

What a master piece! And I would think fun to create. The tortilla chips are buried in fresh corn, cotija cheese, homemade queso, sour cream, fresh cilantro and all the lime juice.

Pure Wow

Frozen Paloma

A boozy slushy cocktail on a hot summer day sure can be refreshing. The ingredients are simple and begin with grapefruit juice ice cubes (so clever) Blend those cubes up with white tequila, lime juice and agave. Instant cocktail chic!

Broma Bakery

Melon And Feta Tetris Salad

This treat features simple combinations of melon, feta, olives, and some of the most refreshing flavors of the season. Just add picks and watch the 

melon vanish.

The Lemon Apron

Floral Ice Bucket

Here's how to impress your guests at any summer soiree. I have done something similar, and it was a success. So I know you all can do it, especially with the step by step instructions.

California Grown

Summer Garden Whipped White Bean Dip

Oh my! How delightful does this dip look? It's grown up for sure. Grilling the corn adds a smoky layer of flavor. Yum!

How Sweet Eats

Watermelon Cucumber Gin Lemonade

I am not a gin drinker, but anything with watermelon is of interest to me. The cucumber keeps this drink fresh, and the watermelon adds a touch of sweetness.

Heather Christo

Beet Tzatziki

Now I am not a big fan of beets, but I do love Tzatziki sauce. So I think I could give this dip a try. And what about that color? 

What's Gabby Cooking

Rainbow Coconut Water Spritzers

Here's a pretty "mocktail" that is like drinking the rainbow. A lovely house cocktail for those who do not embibe. Healthy, too!

How Sweet Eats

 

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