Southern Lady Entertain Decorate Celebrate JulyAugust 2014

I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream—and anything that draws us outdoors! This issue is filled with ways to fully embrace summer. And you know us! We want to celebrate any and every moment we can with gusto. My kiddos like ice cream. Let me rephrase: My kiddos love ice cream. Put it in a milk shake, a cone, or a sundae dish. No matter how it is transported, they will always say yes. Even though we are known to eat a little ice cream even during the dead of winter, it just seems more fitting when you are having to furiously lick the melting goodness off a cone because of those warm beams from the sun. On page 21 we show you how to host a fun…

Even though you’re dining outside, don’t overlook the importance of a beautiful table. You may choose to not use your fine china outdoors, but you aren’t confined to paper plates. Stores such as Target, Williams-Sonoma, and even antiques stores carry pretty melamine dishes that won’t break or blow away in the summer breeze. Best of all, you can use them again and again. For table linens, it is best to use pieces that can handle an occasional spill. Paper napkins are fine, but be sure to keep them in a cute basket so they do not blow across your yard. Craft paper is an inexpensive, easy way to protect your table while still showcasing your clever setting (and cleanup will be easy!). Plastic or bamboo utensils are a good choice for entertaining…

PICTURE-PERFECT PICNIC Make individual lunches to go that are as bright as the season itself. Place a napkin and flatware in a paper treat bag, and tie a straw onto it with twine. Then, secure onto a gable box, using glue dots, and personalize it by writing guests’ names on the box, if desired. Complete the look by placing a bow on the handle. SUMMER VIBES I love the bright feel of these paper products from Sweet Caroline Designs. The fun sunglasses and Popsicle prints exude summer sentiments. To order these or to create a custom design, e-mail Caroline at carolinefrierson@gmail.com. BOLD BLOSSOMS The key to this arrangement is in the very first step: covering the oasis block for a professional look. Wrap Aspidistra leaves around it, and then arrange a vibrant rainbow of blooms…

POTTED PLACE CARD Attach a place card to a dowel, and stick it in a small potted succulent. Put a plant on each plate, and fit a stemless wineglass over it—like a terrarium—to give a natural element to your tablescape. SUMMER TREAT There’s nothing like a cold, sweet Popsicle on a hot day. Serve them in stemless wineglasses to avoid a sticky mess. EASY ORGANIZER Keep small craft supplies corralled by housing them in glasses. Small glitter containers, pencils, and other materials fit perfectly for a clean display. FLOATING FLORA Fill glasses two-thirds full with water, and float a bright bloom in each one. Here, we used garden roses and placed the glasses in a bread bowl for a simple yet stunning centerpiece.…

create th e look Add a touch of nostalgia by using mostly pastels in your color palette, allowing a few bright colors to shine. Use inexpensive fabric or a washable tablecloth so you won’t worry about spills. ✓ Tissue balls of varying heights are an easy way to add bold pops of color above your table. ✓ Choose three ice-cream flavors and several topping choices. Display the recipes for signature sundaes, or let your guests come up with their own concoctions. ✓ Place ice-cream scoops with handles of different colors in a clear vessel next to the ice creams. ✓ Display cones in apothecary jars, and place toppings in small, patterned cups on cake stands. ✓ Bubbles make the perfect party favor for a summer gathering. (We found ice-cream bubbles at amazon.com.) Put your highspirited takeaway…

create the look ✓ To match a sunny summer day, a bright color palette of hot pink, blue, and green is in order. ✓ For an easy, inexpensive place card that doubles as a bold pop of a color, write guests’ names on lemons. If you’re using a Sharpie, first lightly sand the area on which you plan to write. ✓ Keep the centerpiece simple and easy. We filled a mix of blue vessels with succulents, grasses, and greenery for a casual, outdoor feel. ✓ A gathering like this is perfect for using fun, patterned plates. These are from Williams-Sonoma, but Target, West Elm, and other stores have similar looks. PARTYART Download, and print out our Poolside Dining paper package at celebratemag.com/party-art. • Party Sign CUCUMBER GIN SPRITZER Makes 6 to 8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes 2 English cucumbers 6 cups…