6.06.2011

6 Party Items For Spring - Quintessence


With the arrival of summer, it is time to end 6 For Spring and my last guest is Stacey from QUINTESSENCE. Her blog is one of my daily reads and once you check it out, you will know why! 


1. Hurricanes  The glow of candles as the sun sets is is perfect for a party. With hurricanes  the wind won't dull the light.

Check out THESE from Williams Sonoma which come in two sizes


Or for a more dramatic effect, DUNES AND DUCHESS has some options that pop! 


2. Potted flowers and plants  Rather than cut flowers, use planted containers - smaller ones for the table and larger around the terrace and on sitting walls.


3. Summer Sip  Try CAMPARI or LILLET BLANC on the rocks or with soda and a slice a slice of orange. Also delicious when mixed with a dash of orange juice! 


4. A Summer Salad Cucumber Salad from Nigella Lawson is a great accompaniment with grilled steak, chicken, ribs or dish. It is so easy and refreshing.  



SWEET AND SOUR DILLED CUCUMBER SALAD
Time: 10 minutes, plus chilling

2 medium or 1 1/2 large seedless cucumbers
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt, or as needed
1/4 cup finely chopped dill.

1. Peel and finely slice cucumbers into wafer-thin circles. Place in a large bowl.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, vinegar and salt. Pour over cucumbers, and turn them well to mix. Add dill, mix again and adjust salt to taste. Spread in a shallow serving dish. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until chilled, up to 4 hours.

Yield: 10 to 12 servings.

5. The Perfect Outfit  Stacey's summer uniform is white jeans paired with a great top and heels or flats, depending on the occasion. 

One favorite is this Marni top from JULIANNE'S 


Or this fabulous J. CREW sequin tank for a dressier party


6. Croquet, Anyone? Sometimes it's fun to have a themed party. Stacey's favorite is a croquet dinner party. Since there are 6 colors on the stick, invite 5 other couples, each assigned to wear the color of their ball and mallet. Mix in a few cocktails and it gets quite amusing! Find a set HERE 


18 comments:

  1. I love her blog. The potted plants are a great idea and I just love what is shown above... now to find it!! xo

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  2. I love the croquet dinner party idea [matching sticks/attire]... Stacey's blog Quintessence is a must-read!!

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  3. Thank you Kate for having me here today. I just love summer entertaining - can't wait to kick off the season! I look forward to seeing what stylish ideas you have in store for us all!!

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  4. Stacey - What a great post. We play lots of croquet and the competition gets...heated...after a cocktail or two!

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  5. Beautiful table! I love cucumber salad, and I remember playing croquet as a child.
    Great post!
    Teresa

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  6. Perfect picks! Stacey's exquisite taste makes Quintessence one of my must-reads. And I'm in line behind Sue for that Marni top!
    Jeanne

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  7. Great ideas! Hurricanes are so beautiful - good choices! I love the potted plant on the table - more than one use! The Marni top is beautiful and I see it on you, Q! I love the cucumber salad - perfect for a hot evening - cool and refreshing.

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  8. Love the table with the orange? tree as a centerpiece. Croquet is such fun, my daughter still plays it with her friends when they come over. I am going to check out her blog now

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  9. Of course, I love every one of Stacy's picks!!!! I think wine gets a little heavy in the summer, so I'll be trying some Campari and soda...orange slice garnish, of course!!

    xoxo Elizabeth

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  10. Six great inspirations for the summer. I love the two tops. I just purchased a soft gray/blue sequined top that I plan on wearing with my white jeans!!! Now to get ready for summer entertaining!!!! If this rain in Calif would stop it might feel more like summer. Strange weather this year, but the plants are loving it!! Great post,Stacey Kathysue

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  11. OMG, little potted plants are awesome. And, they're totally "green" as they can continue to grow & prosper, giving back 10X the cost. Love the Campari & the lovely cucumber salad. Here's to Stacey!! Great post. xx's

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  12. Love everything here! Love the idea of a potted plant instead of the predictable flowers and the wicker hurricanes are gorgeous. I will take the Marni top too!
    Great job.

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  13. I can definitely see Q sipping away on Campari wearing that MArni top!
    xxoo

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  14. How fun to see
    two of my favorite
    blogs, mixing it up,
    here : ) My favorite
    idea is the croquet
    party. I do LOVE a
    good theme party....
    and I think my guests
    do, too! Fun ideas,
    all; thanks, ladies!
    xx Suzanne

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  15. I adore Stacey ... and now I'm dreaming of that Marni top!

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  16. Stacey has got some real style and I champion her potted plants idea and summer salads. I'm all over both! What a fun series this was! Will you be in the Hamptons this summer? Would love to meet.

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  17. Looks like a great party and I bet the company of Q would be tops!
    pve

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