entertaining

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easy fall table setting

When I picked up these gorgeous gray/green heirloom pumpkins a few weeks back, I put them on my front porch, but I loved the color so much I moved them inside to my kitchen table where I could admire them all day long.  I decided to use them as the basis for a simple Fall-inspired…

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set a table like ina garten

I have a slight obsession with the Barefoot Contessa – her recipes are elegant but so easy to follow (I have yet to try one that hasn’t turned out amazingly), but just as much as I love her food, I am also a huge fan of her decorating and entertaining style.  Her rustic-meets-sophisticated table settings…

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black, white, green + lovely all over!

I fell head over heels for the fun celebration/dinner party that the talented gals over at at Confetti Pop created in honor of Rue Mag’s third birthday/anniversary!  The black, white and green color combination is so fun, fresh and classic and the gold and silver accents are such a beautiful compliment.  I especially love the…

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impromptu bar setup

The other night I had about 20 minutes notice that a handful of friends were stopping by after work – they were bringing pizza, we were supplying a few after dinner cocktails.  It’s times like these that I wish we had a fabulous, fully-stocked bar cart that I could just wheel into the dining room,…

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summer-inspired table setting

I’ve had this table setting from the home of designer and blogger extraordinaire Mark D. Sikes in my inspiration folder ever since I posted his home tour months ago.  When it comes to setting a summer table, there is no color combination more classic than blue and white – mixed with a little texture, some…

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memorial day bash must-haves

Memorial Day weekend is finally here!  The weather is beautiful, the pool is open, the fridge and pantry are stocked…the Stivers’ are ready to burn it down over the three-day!  Whether you’re hosting a barbeque, attending a party or just relaxing over the long weekend, here are a few essentials that will come in handy…

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set a chic (and cheap!) outdoor table

Summer is my favorite time of the year to entertain.   I love bringing the indoors outside to enjoy a yummy meal with my friends in the warm summer sun or under a sky of stars (and a ton of candles!).  So when my good friend asked for help setting a beautiful outdoor table for…

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happy 4th!

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our nation’s Independence Day than with good food and great friends. John Derian’s celebration at his Cape Cod home in Bon Appetit is my kind of get together – low key, casual and relaxed.  Oh, and it helps when the party’s right on the beach!  Below…

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summer entertaining essentials

Summer is in full effect and what better way to celebrate that to host a fun, fuss-free get together or barbeque!  Make a signature cocktail for everyone to sip, stick some beer in a chic beverage cooler, break out the cornhole and you’re set!  With these easy summer essentials, you can relax and enjoy your…