Entertaining

Party In The Sun

July 2, 2015

Back when I lived in Los Angeles, I entertained constantly. And then, somewhere along the way, I stopped being all that interested in hosting parties; it was just so stressful. And then I moved out to the Bay Area and realized:

Oh. I totally love entertaining. I just need it to be all chilled-out and California-style.

The thing about summertime outdoor entertaining is that it’s just so simple, if you let it be. All you have to do is keep your refrigerator stocked with a few key items – fresh fruit, potatoes, hamburger meat, chips and salsa, and a cold bottle or three of Pinot Grigio - and you're good.

Crafts for the Uncrafty

Fourth Of July Star Jars

June 26, 2015

Well, these are cute.

Since Indy is still a little too young to stay up for actual fireworks, I was trying to think of fun ways to include him in the whole Fourth of July thing, and these star jars (which are pretty and festive for non-kid-inclusive celebrations, as well) do the trick. You can put real votive candles inside, or you can use those flameless LED ones if you want to let kids handle them (or if you just want to be extra-safe, which...you know...always a good idea).

Eat

First BBQ (Sort Of)

June 8, 2015

For our first dinner in our new home, we thought we'd do a BBQ by the pool. Or, rather, in the pool, because those kids are ob. sessed. (As an aside, because the safety issues surrounding kids and pools clearly deserve mention - our approach this weekend was to have a serious talk with our son about pool safety, confirm that the gate around the pool was secure, and install a home security system that also chimes whenever the doors to the backyard open.)

The BBQ plan was slightly confounded by the fact that we don't actually own a grill yet (although we will as of 4PM today, when it gets delivered, so if you have any fun recipes pleeeeeease pass them on; I plan to cook outdoors every single night, all summer long and my grilling repertoire is pathetic), but I dug our old stovetop grill from our NYC apartment out of a box, and that did the job. Also I could totally have served my family old taco shells and they would have been perfectly happy, because: pool.

The Menu: Since first meals in new homes should be 1) simple to make (because most of our utensils are still MIA) and 2) WONDERFUL, I went with my all-time favorite summer menu; it's fast and easy and inexpensive and so, so (so) delicious.

Entertaining

A Garden Party to Celebrate (And Say Good-Bye)

April 17, 2015

This weekend's party was beautiful to look at, but even more beautiful to be at.

You know, ever since I was a little girl I've gotten a bit teary every time a party comes to a close: once the food is eaten and the drinks are drunk and the candles are burning down and everyone’s gone and it’s just me and Kendrick puttering around, picking up discarded glasses and plates and wiping down countertops and floors, I look around and think wait.

Come back.

Decor

Easiest-Ever Black, White & Green Holiday Tablescape

December 19, 2014

I like a pretty tablescape as much as the next fancy-pants, but what I do not like is buying items that I will use exactly one week out of every year. This holiday season, I'm going for a Christmassy table setting comprised entirely of items that I either already own or have plucked from my very own backyard, making it both completely practical and completely free, whee.

Black, White & Green Holiday Tablescape

1. Pull every single white, black and gold piece of china you own out of your cupboards, and layer 'em up. If you've got any Jadeite or other green serving pieces, throw a couple of those on there, too.

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