Better Homes and Gardens June 2016

We humans are social creatures, and entertaining is one of our great art forms. Just think about the word entertain. Having people over for even the simplest evening is indeed a bit of a performance. It forces us to clean the piles of mail offthe table and plump the pillows on the couch. It takes us out of our routines and makes us stop thinking about work or family worries for a few hours. Most important, throwing a party brings friends together and matchmakes new ones. I’m not much of a stickler on etiquette— and the rules keep changing. But I believe that having a party is a social contract with a few basic rules. First, the host is obligated to serve dinner or refreshments within a reasonable window. We’ve all…

WHAT’S TRENDING ON BHG.COM 1 QUICK AND EASY DECOR Get a party-perfect outdoor room in just 10 minutes. BHG.com/OutdoorRefresh 2 GARDENING BUZZ See how to help pollinators in your garden. BHG.com/Pollinators 3 FREE SUMMER GUIDE We’re sharing our ideas and inspiration for your best backyard bash. BHG.com/SummerGuide [ SWEEPSTAKES] Win daily! GO TO BHG.COM/WINENTERTAINING FOR A CHANCE TO WIN THE HOTTEST SUMMER ENTERTAINING AND OUTDOOR LIVING PRODUCTS! DETAILS, PAGE 142. Enter at BHG.com/WinEntertaining BLOGGER OF THE MONTH THE CREATIVITY EXCHANGE BHG.COM/CYNDYBLOG @THECREATIVITYEXCHANGE CYNDY ALDRED THECREATIVITYEXCHANGE.COM The Creativity Exchange has grown to cover all things home, from organizing to DIY projects, but Cyndy originally launched the site to help others pick paint colors. And she does play favorites on that front: “Repose Gray from Sherwin-Williams is the perfect paint color. It looks amazing in any lighting.” READER SHOPPING HYDRANGEA INCREDIBALL BLUSH This incredibly hardy hydrangea boasts clouds…

OBSESSED WITH SUMMERY STRAW It’s the perfect marriage: Natural material lends texture, while shots of color and unique shapes update the look. The result is not only cheery, it’s also transporting—nothing says summer quite like something woven. Go graphic with an allover pattern or go more subtle with a vibrant trim. Either way, these festive pieces are sure to conjure that breezy feeling all year. WOVEN WONDERS Textural, relaxed, even a little rustic—these pieces exude effortless chic. MALAWI CHAIR A sculptural shape in a go-withanything neutral makes this the star of the room. $299; cb2.com OMBRÉ RUSH PLACE MAT Thoroughly modern designs woven on old-school wooden looms. $15; abchome.com LEATHER-HANDLE STRAW BAGS Not just for beach season—these sturdy totes will serve all year. $20 each; jamaligarden.com SISAL COASTERS Up the glam factor with navy and silver. $35 for six; rwandabaskets.com NILE FLOOR BASKET So…

When James Beard Awardwinning duo Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison opened their specialty food and tabletop shop in 1999, Atlanta had nothing else like it. Their curated “country store” quickly became a local institution, catalyzing a revival of the industrial Westside while stoking interest in hard-to-find food products. “Nothing is put on the shelf that we don’t have a relationship with,” Anne says. Gorgeous dinnerware and serving pieces, wines, local cheeses, organic meats, and kitchen tools are arranged in microshops within the larger market. Grab a breakfast sandwich from the bakery’s new morning menu, and take it all in from a seat at one of the large farm tables in the 1935 building’s convivial central gathering space. Delicious in every sense. starprovisions.com INSIDER GUIDE Anne shares a few can’t-miss picks in some…

DIY TIP You can buy pure essential oils at health food stores. Try a few drops in your bath, or mix into coconut oil. Don’t apply directly to skin; it can cause irritation. Amy Galper, founder of the New York Institute of Aromatherapy, on her favorite essential oils: 1 ROSEMARY “Invigorating—use it before a big meeting.” Find it in: Jurlique Nutri-Define Refining Foaming Cleanser, $55; jurlique.com 2 ROSE “Warm and nurturing on days when you need extra positivity.” Find it in: Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream, $43; dr.hauschka.com 3 CHAMOMILE “Helps reverse irritability. Sniff—then smile!” Find it in: Aveeno Stress Relief Body Wash, $6.99; aveeno.com 4 LAVENDER “Makes a long soak even more relaxing.” Find it in: Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salt Lavender Soaking Solution, $2.99 ; target.com 5 LEMON “Crisp and uplifting— ideal for mornings.“ Find it in: Origins Clean Energy Gentle…

1 P.M. I sneak in a workout whenever I have a free hour and usually have a meeting right afterward. My quickie beauty routine: I rinse offwithout getting my hair wet, then put on Schmidt’s Lavender + Sage Deodorant. It takes a little getting used to—you spoon it out of a jar and rub it on like a lotion— but it really works. 1:05 P.M. I’m a big fan of wipes for the face—the ones from Cetaphil ($5.99; target.com) are inexpensive and easy to toss in your gym bag. I mist Heritage Store Rose Petals Rosewater ($9.89; amazon.com) all over to take down redness. Then serum—I like Laneige Water Bank Serum ($35; target.com)— and sometimes a primer like Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional ($44; benefitcosmetics.com). 1:09 P.M. I slick my hair into a…