Gardens Gone Wild

Extend your living quarters to the outdoors by creating a lovely little oasis using hardy plants and pretty pots. Whether a small patio or barely there balcony these simple tips should help the girl with the not so green thumb have the durable long lasting garden of her dreams. Patio perfection is easy to create and can be the ideal space for entertaining this summer. From brunch with the girls to cocktails with dinner guests at six, your patio or balcony can become the perfect place to entertain guests.  Depending on the amount of sunlight your outdoor area gets, most potted plants such as annuals, shrubs and trees bring in just the right amount of color and greenery to liven up any drab outdoor area. Study the amount of sun to shade ratio your patio or balcony receives throughout the day then plant accordingly. If your patio is relatively sunny use plants and foliage which can withstand the heat. If your patio is relatively cool, or only gets partial sunlight use plants and flowers which will thrive in the shade. Trees and shrubs with shiny leaves need less water and require less maintenance which is definitely something to keep in mind. A sitting area such as a bench, chair or even patio dinette set makes it comfortable to relax and enjoy the fresh air. Lighting is necessary if you choose to entertain guests in the evening hours. Small white lights or a dim sconce make for a romantic and inviting place for guests to retreat to. Make it clean, classic and fabulous using colors that you love and plants that make you happy. That way, the soirees you host this summer, will be the best indoors and out!

Home Bar Basics

Whether your going out for a night on town or staying in for night with friends, knowing how to prepare a good cocktail is key in sipping a drink that tastes as it should. I recently hosted a cocktail party for some close friends, and while preparing for the soiree I ultimately created my own at home mini bar which made entertaining a little bit easier and a lot more fun. I started with a perfect little place in mind, a corner of my condo with floor to ceiling windows. The main idea is creating a bar that suites your personal comfort, style, and tastes. Smaller places such as studio apartments and lofts can also provide the ultimate space to entertain in. For the perfect cocktail party, a cabinet can easily be transformed into a minibar and stocked with a few simple basics.

Liquor & Liqueurs 

Gin

Vodka

Rum (light and dark)

Whiskey (bourbon, scotch, and Irish cream)

Cognac or Brandy

Tequila

Wine (red, white and champagne)

Beer (domestic, import, and micro)

Amaretto (almond)

Chamord (raspberry)

Cointreau (orange)

Godiva (chocolate)

Schnapps (various flavors)    

               

Depending on your budget you can purchase more or less, but these staples provide a nice basis for an adequate mini bar.  Add bottles of wine or fancier liqueurs you may have accumulated as gifts and be on the look out for supreme sales at the market. Ultimately you can build up, re-stock, and replenish your at home mini bar as time goes.

 

Mixers & Garnishes:

cola                                                                                          

sprite

club soda                                                                                       

grenadine                                                                                  

lemonade                                                                      

cranberry juice                                                                 

orange juice                                                                             

simple syrup                                                                        

lemon                                                                            

lime                                                                             

sugar                                                                                   

maraschino cherries                                                            

martini olives                                                                          

                                                                                       

Style Your Space

When styled right, any space can become a beautiful place to spend your time. From a single room or studio to a larger loft or multiple room unit, the key to making any house a home is how you create the space to suit you lifestyle. For instance, I wanted a restful place to relax in as well as a space to entertain in. With that single notion in mind I was able to revamp my home into a space that catered to my personal taste using classic styles and a furniture arrangement that flowed.  A deep clean is necessary to purge all unwanted and unused items. Scrub down the surface areas and vacuum or dust mop the floors. Choose a theme for the decor using items and color schemes that appeal to your personal tastes and style. Staging the room for optimal space can easily be achieved  by arranging the furniture in a manner which allows for guests to flow freely through the space. A nicely organized space  can make for a  much more pleasant atmosphere. An uncluttered space can even alleviate stress, save time, and make entertaining all the more easy.