Summer Party

Over the weekend I had a dinner party to kick off the official start of the summer season. The weather in Boston has been stunning the last few weeks so it was perfect weather for some homemade watermelon margaritas

The table was set with my favorite plates from RAMPINI in Tuscany where we have gone a few times while in Italy. They were a gift from Dixie. The centerpiece I made with sunflowers from a local farmer's market.

Since the weather was so nice I decided to grill flank steak with our family marinade recipe which is so so good and so so easy! For two large steaks I use:

Recipe

1 and 1/2 cups soy sauce

1 and 1/2 cups vermouth (the cheapest you can find)

4-5 cloves sliced garlic

1 healthy teaspoon of ginger powder

Mix all of the ingredients and marinate the steaks for 24 - 48 hours in the fridge. Flip the steaks in the marinade when you think of it. Bring to room temp before grilling. Grill until done to your likeness. Let rest 10 minutes and slice on 45 degree angle.

Happy summer!

Perfect for Summer Cocktails

I love the iconic boat totes by LL Bean and Land's End. Perfect for day trips to the beach, time on the boat or a summer weekend in the country. While flipping through the latest catalogue from Land's End I see they now make a tote bag cooler! Genius!

Try as I might I couldn't find a good image of one filled with cold drinks like they show in the catalogue. Below is one empty and you will have to picture it with ice cold beer and wine. This would be a great gift when you are a guest this summer. Find them HERE. 

Photos: Land's End

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

Figgy Focaccia

Yummy, right? I thought so too when I spotted the recipe flipping through the latest issue of SOUTHERN LIVING. Deliciously simple it would make a great summer dinner paired with a mixed green salad with gorgonzola. Or slice it in small pieces and serve it as an appetizer. Fine the recipe HERE.

Photo and Recipe: Southern Living

Dinner Party on Cape Cod

I am off to Cape Cod with family and friends. I am sharing a post from last year with photos of our views (courtesy of my talented brother). And of a summer feast I made for everyone. Cheers to summer and I will be back to the blog on August 6th.

We eat all our meals out on the deck. Can you blame us? 

The menu included a creative take on CAPRESE SALAD 

My homemade caesar salad which is an adapted version of this RECIPE

Marinated FLANK STEAK cooked on the grill - the recipe is a family favorite and is deliciously simple

And for dessert deconstructed STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

A delicious meal enjoyed with favorirte folks in a stunning setting truly is summer perfection!

Bubblegum Tini

Leave it to our talented friend and celebrity caterer PETER CALLAHAN to create such a whimsical summer sip! Love it and the presentation with bubble gum in a plastic tray. Nobody is more creative than Peter. COCKTAIL RECIPE

Summer Classic - Tomato Pie

One of my first jobs was waiting on table in a restaurant that had the best tomato pie! Delish. It is so easy and perfect to serve with a mixed green salad for a brunch or lunch during the summer months when tomatoes are at their best. RECIPE

Photo and Recipe: Summer Living

Weekend in Wauwinet

Last weekend I was on Nantucket visiting friends in Wauwinet. Their house is on the ocean and right across the lane from the WAUWINET INN which overlooks the bay. On Saturday night we could hear the music and merriment of a wedding.

A wedding on Nantucket - could it be more charming?

Photos: Wauwinet Inn, Elizabeth Ann Design, Trent Bailey, Heather Parker, Brea Macdonald

Summer Centerpieces

Photos: Country Living, Joy Thigpen, Bungalow Blue Interiors, 100 Layer Cake, Jenny Hobik, Flickr, Martha Stewart

I Scream for Ice Cream (Pie)

Ice cream pie is the perfect way to end a summer dinner. This delicious recipe (complete with do-it-yourself caramel sauce can be found HERE.

Photos and Recipe: PIONEER WOMAN

Gotta Love Gingham

 

Photos: Janet Siemsen, Country Living, BRIDEFinds, Z Anthony, Jelly and Blancmage, Etsy, Pinterest