Happy Friday, gang! As we ease into September, I love holding onto those warm afternoons with something simple, festive, and flavorful, like a backyard happy hour. This week’s Fridays with Oscar brings you two casual-chic outfits, a peach thyme smash cocktail that hits all the right notes, and one of my favorite herby bites to serve with drinks. If you’re craving a soft transition into fall, this is the perfect place to start.
Here’s What You’ll Find in This Post:
- Backyard Happy Hour Style inspiration with Beth’s lace popover + denim and Kelly’s petite-friendly relaxed pants look
- A refreshing 🍑 Peach Thyme Smash cocktail recipe that’s perfect for early fall
- Savory Herbed Goat Cheese & Veggie Tartlets that pair beautifully with a glass in hand
- And of course, a check-in with Oscar and Ollie 🐾, who are always ready to join the party!
Beth’s Backyard Happy Hour Style
Nothing says relaxed chic quite like a lace popover paired with easy denim. This week, I reached for my Mother Rambler Jeans from last year, but good news: two similar versions are available to shop now in the “Dirtbike Flowers” and “Flowers Al Fresco” prints. I styled them with a Lace Popover from Ann Taylor Weekend, a feminine and breathable top that feels just right for late summer gatherings.
Slide sandals from Sam Edelman keep things comfortable, while a few Lagos pieces, hoop earrings, and a lapis bangle add just the right amount of polish. I love finishing the look with my initial necklace for a personal touch. Backyard happy hour style is all about ease without sacrificing sophistication, and this outfit strikes the perfect balance.
Shop Beth’s Backyard Happy Hour Style
Kelly’s Backyard Happy Hour Style
For petites, relaxed pants can sometimes feel overwhelming, but these mid-rise painter pull-on pants from Banana Republic are the exception. Their cropped length and slight barrel leg create a flattering line that works perfectly for laid-back evenings. I styled them with a fitted linen button-front top for a lightweight layer that still feels structured.
Shop Kelly’s Look
Gold flat sandals add shine without competing with the outfit, while a pearl and coin charm necklace keeps things feminine and elevated. Check out yesterday’s post to see another way I styled these same pants, plus get my tips for styling casual pants for petites.
Kelly’s Backyard Happy Hour Style
Backyard Happy Hour Recipes
🍑 Peach Thyme Smash
This cocktail is exactly what early September calls for—peachy, herbaceous, and just bold enough to welcome the season ahead. The thyme syrup adds a sophisticated note while keeping things light and refreshing.
Peach Thyme Smash
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe peach sliced
- 4 oz vodka or bourbon
- 2 oz thyme simple syrup see below
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- Ice
- Club soda
- Thyme sprig for garnish
Thyme Simple Syrup:
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- 5 –6 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions:
To make syrup
- Bring water and sugar to a simmer, stir until sugar dissolves. Add thyme sprigs, steep 10 minutes. Strain and cool.
Cocktail
- Muddle peach slices in a shaker.
- Add vodka (or bourbon), thyme syrup, lemon juice, and ice. Shake well.
- Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
- Top with a splash of club soda.
- Garnish with a thyme sprig and a peach slice.
Did you make this recipe?
We’d love to see! Tag us @styleatacertainage
🍅 Herbed Goat Cheese & Veggie Tartlets
When hosting a backyard happy hour, I love having an appetizer that looks elegant but is secretly simple to throw together. These herbed goat cheese & veggie tartlets are made with puff pastry and packed with late-summer flavor—from sweet cherry tomatoes to creamy, tangy cheese and a hint of fresh herbs. They’re always the first to disappear!
Herbed Goat Cheese & Veggie Tartlets
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry thawed
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese softened
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or chives
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut into 6 squares. Place on the baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix goat cheese, cream cheese, and herbs.
- Spread a spoonful of the cheese mixture onto each square, leaving a small border.
- Top with cherry tomato halves. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden and puffed.
- Cool slightly and drizzle with balsamic glaze, if using. Serve warm or at room temp.
Did you make this recipe?
We’d love to see! Tag us @styleatacertainage
Frequently Asked Questions
Recipe Questions Answered
Q: Can I make the peach thyme smash ahead of time?
A. Yes! Mix the thyme simple syrup, muddled peach, and lemon juice a few hours before serving. Just add the bourbon and ice when it’s time to pour.
Q: What’s the easiest shortcut for the tartlets?
A. Use pre-made phyllo cups or puff pastry shells. They cut prep time in half while still giving you that crisp, flaky texture.
Q: How do I keep the goat cheese tartlets warm for guests?
A. Place them on a sheet pan and pop them back into a 200°F oven for 5–7 minutes before serving. They’ll stay crisp without drying out.
Cheers to Backyard Happy Hour Style!
September has a way of bridging two seasons, and this backyard happy hour captures that spirit. Casual denim, relaxed trousers, and light layers keep us cool for the moment while hinting at the coziness to come. Paired with a refreshing peach thyme smash and herb-filled tartlets, it’s the perfect way to savor summer while welcoming fall. However you spend your weekend, I hope you find time to gather, sip, and enjoy the simple pleasures of the season. Oscar, Ollie, Kelly, and I wish you a restful and stylish weekend!
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