I Do II - The Enchanted Home

So many people who are happily married wished they could  plan their wedding all over again - let's call it a "do-over". With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to ask a few of my favorite bloggers to join me in a series - I Do II. Our first guest is the super stylish Tina from THE ENCHANTED HOME.

Every party starts with an invitation and letter press is a must! These are from THE LETTERED OLIVE

Location...location...location...a wedding amidst the stunning hills of Napa Valley - her dream location.

Wine and champagne are a must! Custom bottles with a monogram.

Tables aglow with candlelight, the sparkle of the crystal chandeliers and low tight arrangements bursting with peonies, roses and hydrangeas.

For the bridesmaids, beautifully fit gowns in blush with flowers to match.

 A ceremony in the vineyard with urns of roses.

Nobody does food better than PETER CALLAHAN!

A rustic italian meal with fresh pasta

A classic cake made by SYLVIA WEINSTOCK - the best in the business!

And edible favors for guests to take home.

Photos: The Lettered Olive, Pinterest, Style Me Pretty, Onetowed, Peter Callahan, Eat and Love, Bald Head Island

You are Cordially Invited....

You are cordially invited to a new series - I Do II. Starting tomorrow (and every Friday for the next few months) some of my favorite bloggers will share their wedding plans if they got to do it all over again. Can't wait to see their ideas!

Photo: Wedding Wonderland Blog

Mountain Retreat

I have spent much of my summer on the beach - Maine, Nantucket, Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard. I know - lucky me! It is one of the perks of calling Boston home. But I also love time spent in the mountains with crisp, clear air and expansive views. When I recently read about Dunton Hot Springs (not far from Telluride), it quickly went to the top of my "I need to go here and soon!" list. Check it out HERE and I think you, too, will agree. What a great spot for a destination wedding.

Because I Love It

Photo: Studioblush.com and Sixpence Events

Grilled Pound Cake = Yum

While on the Vineyard, I tried a new dessert - Grilled Pound Cake. It was so easy! While the grill is still warm from grilling the entree, you cook buttered pound cake for two minutes on each side. The result is toasted warm pound cake with the flavor from the butter topped with fresh berries and whipped cream. So good! RECIPE   

Photo: Southern Living

Beach Bound...Again

I am beach bound again...this time for a week on Martha's Vineyard. Summer sun, cold wine, lobster, toes in the sand, the sound of the waves and great friends. Heaven. 

I am going to drink in these views with a book and a glass of wine. I'll be back on the 27th. Enjoy the last few weeks of the summer!

Flowers on a Budget

Don't want to spend money on an expensive centerpiece? Do it yourself! I got these flowers at a local market, combined with floral foam - and voila! A centerpiece for a late summer fete.

The White Party

No, not Diddy's White Party, this is Le Diner en Blanc which happens today around the globe. 

This pop-up party originated in Paris and has now spread to Montreal and New York. This year will be the innaugural event in Boston. I can't make it this year, but will certainly put it on the list for next year! 

The dinner location is disclosed to thousands of guests at the last minute. Everyone then arrives dressed all in white, and ready to party. What fun!

Photos: Paris Daily Photo, Cool Hunting

Happy Birthday Julia!

Nobody did more for American cooking and entertaining than Julia Child. Today she would have turned 100 and her famous home (and kitchen) in Cambridge are not far from where I live. 

In her iconic kitchen in Cambridge

My favorite recipe of Julia's is her classic BEEF BOURGUIGNON. 

Bon Appetit!

Photos: Hooked on Houses, Hungry Poodle, Taste Food Blog

Because I Love It

While my kitchen is much more modern with stainless steel and cherry cabinets, this IS what my Jack Russell looks like. He often watches while I prepare for dinner parties (as recently as last weekend).

Photo: Tiny White Daisies

Beach Bound

At the end of the week I am packing my bags again for another week on the beach. This time I am off to Martha's Vineyard with a group of gal pals. This has me thinking of outdoor entertaining, lobster and all things nautical.

Canvas Tote Bags as Centerpiece. This is so simple = just nestle the vase inside custom totes.

Or a centerpiece of shells. Details HERE

Seersucker Cocktail Napkins. Find directions HERE.

Or these stenciled napkins

Watermelon Margaritas for Cocktails RECIPE

Urchin Place Card HOLDERS

Or Salt and Pepper SHAKERS

Love these Sloop Escort Cards

Plates from THOMAS PAUL

And, of course, it is not dinner by the beach without lobster. HERE is a recipe for a classic lobster bake.

Photos: Pinterest, Simple Song Design, Martha Stewart, My Recipes