During my decade+ living in New York, I had a lovely friend - neighbor (another Ohio girl) who owned a pied-à-terre next door, in our charming landmark building off Fifth Avenue. Anne lived in Hong Kong many years and spent much time in London. She hosted and introduced me to the happy term and experience of the “Drinks Party” … très chic – non? So, today I'm going to show you how to throw a Summer drinks party.
Here’s to Anne, happy times – indoors or out!
Today, Marlene is showing us how to throw a Summer drinks party
From cocktails to cheeseboards to outdoor decorating ideas, all of Marlene's suggestions are shoppable via text-widgets
Drinks are so festive, celebratory and oh, so pretty!! Beautiful colors in shaped vessels with wines, juices, fruit or veggie garnishes…with or without liquer!
Vintage Cocktails: Laziz Hamani, Brian Van Flandern (Amazon) | Baccarat Massena Collection (Bloomingdale's) | Baccarat Harmonie Highball (Bloomingdale's)
One of my prized books is Assouline’s Vintage Cocktails…beyond inspirational! It has fabulous photos by Laziz Hamani in iconic Baccarat crystal…Harmonie, Massena and more….fun and so beautiful! As many of you know, I have mad passion for glass and crystal…color and design, that I share with you weekly.
ANGOSTURA Orange Bitters (Amazon) | Clovers Garden Sweet Large Leaf Basil Herb Plant (Amazon)
Bitters and soda water with a sprig of rosemary or basil is also refreshing!! Non caloric too!! My mentor at Gump’s SF introduced it to me on a buying trip to Italy and I have loved it ever since, especially in hot weather! It’s a chic “drink” alternative at a business lunch too and much prettier with all the froth and bubbles than iced tea!
A little party (for any excuse at all) is lovely. Setting up an impromtu bar with straws, stir sticks, cut fruit wedges or twists, colorful napkins, appetizer plates and boards of cheeses, with assorted olives, etc. are simply ways to entertain without huge fuss. Of course, sometimes fussing is fun!!
Red River Bloody Mary Cashews (Neiman Marcus) | W & P Metal Straws (Williams Sonoma) | Traditional Cheddar Cheese Straws (Amazon) | Italian Crispy Breadsticks (Variety)
Cocktails – bartending and all their wonderful accessories hold special meaning. My husband bartended weekends during college and law school days in a charming little Cambridge Mass bar - Jack’s sawdust on the floor and all. It is said that blues singer, songwriter and guitarist Bonnie Raitt sang there “as lore goes.” After all she did go to Radcliffe!! ( Radcliffe College of Harvard University)
There is a new series of cocktail books…city and travel inspired! Maybe it will inspire your next Drinks Party or a special gift for a hostess gift or friend’s upcoming birthday treat!
San Francisco Cocktails: An Elegant Collection of Over 100 Recipes Inspired by the City by the Bay (Amazon) | New York Cocktails: An Elegant Collection of over 100 Recipes Inspired by the Big Apple (Amazon) | London Cocktails: Over 100 Recipes Inspired by the Heart of Britannia (Amazon) | Paris Cocktails: An Elegant Collection of Over 100 Recipes Inspired by the City of Light (Amazon)
Exciting, colorful accessories for your Drinks Party may include charming Butterfly pillows from the collections of the New York Botanical Garden in earthy organic colors and classic stoneware from Portugal! Pitchers of sangria, lemonade (vodka spiked or not) delightful…of course, they are happy holding wildflowers, too!
Optima Beverage Tub (Frontgate) | Miray Handpainted Side Table (Frontgate) | Anduze Indoor/Outdoor Planter (Frontgate)
“Garden seats” are favorites for a little drink. Who doesn’t need an extra side table or seat?! They are so versatile, a bit unexpected and personal, especially when hand - painted! Planters are beautiful with lemon or lime trees…some can double as drink or bottle tubs with ice!
'Bitter Campari' Giclee Print (Art) | Fortessa Jupiter Double Old Fashioned Glasses (Williams Sonoma)
Until next week, cheers and enjoy these last weeks of summer, maybe even with a Drinks Party!
xoxo MMK
This morning, Kelly shared 6 recipes you can make on vacation. Click the title or image below to read the article.
is our home design contributor. She posts about everything home-related on Saturdays.
What a lovely fun idea!
Thank you.
Hi Sharon-So happy you enjoyed!!
Happy Summer-cheers!! Marlene