Summer entertaining, party ideas and a fabulous entertaining giveaway!!

Hello there dear readers. First order of business is to announce the lucky winner of the beautiful new Betty Lou Phillips book, congratulations goes to......

Result: 31 Kathysue June 8, 2013 at 12:36 PM

Happy Saturday Tina,
Love your random post and you introduced me to a new designer, always love finding new designers to read about!! We just had fish tacos here the other night, we love them. We like to go to Half Moon Bay here in Calif. to the Flying Fish to get them when we are visiting the ocean. Someday I am going to make it to the Hamptons and I will be trying fish tacos!!
Great giveaway, would love another design book to add to my collection, one can never have enough design books!!
Kathysue

Congrats! Please contact me here with your shipping information so this can get on its way to you!

If you didn't win but want to order it, click here to be taken to Amazon. Its a fabulous how to, and a priceless guide for anyone who needs guidance, direction and insiders tips on decorating!



 Today's post is so appropriate because today incidentally I am hosting a birthday luncheon for one my dearest friends in the entire world. I am having about 14 girls over for lunch (you know pictures will be forthcoming). I always make a point to add one or two new recipes with every party I have, big or small. So am adding a Greek/baby spinach/pasta to my repertoire (fingers crossed). Peach Sangria is a given and the perfect light drink choice! So I will be busy with that today and I am in official party mode. Have 40 coming over on Sunday for a Fathers Day get together.

So the official summer party season is upon us! Don't you love a good summer party? Or sipping a chilled glass of rose outside on the patio? A family BBQ or a simple dinner for two al fresco? There are so many joys when you combine summer and eating! Today's post is dedicated to all the things that inspire me for entertaining for the summer as well as many party ideas. Hope you get some good ideas too! Have any favorite tips or advice you care to share? Would love to hear it!
With my two things this week, my wheels are turning and I am getting busy with details, nothing over the top but you know me, Miss OCD I want it to be pretty!! It's a little trickier with almost 40 people!


As one door closes another opens. Though the contest for the gorgeous new Betty Lou Phillips book ends today with a lucky winner, I have a new book giveaway book for an incredible party/entertaining book by Danielle Rollins.....Soiree. It is amazingly gorgeous. All details on bottom of the post!

 Summer has arrived! Love this, the idea of flanking a burlap covered buffet table surrounded by clusters of flowers in rustic galvanized tins....inexpensive and just gorgeous! S Kaye

 

Now this speaks to me....how about you? Wine, cheese and a little bread is all I need:)

 Sunflowers on an outside table to me signify summers arrival...love this. Sara Kaye

 The soft candlelight and the reflections off the blue and white porcelains filled with summer blooms is spellbindingly beautiful!!  Number Four Eleven

 Isn't this dreamy? And so easy to replicate. A sprig of lavender and/or herbs tied with raffia....S.Kaye

Spectacular white setting by super talented Sharon from My French Country Home....bravo!

 Don't  you love this? It's so elegant but not fussy, very simple, and European feeling! See....proves you can have the simplest setting but if its done with flair...its always a home run!

Oh yes..these look good! Lavender Collins.....I will take one!

 You know I loooooove this. Elegant florals in a cluster of blue and whites, oh yea!!

Gorgeous pink peonies are a wonderful way to set a summer table, one of my faves! Sara Kaye

 No one said you need a fancy holder for your wines and champagnes, the charm of this rusty old red wagon is too cute for words! PB

Candlelight preferably in the form of large hurricanes is a must for any summer table, such an easy way to add gorgeous ambiance!

 Who said a table set for a BBQ can't be fabulous! This one is just gorgeous.....Pottery Barn

 Love this too. The most complicated part is the flowers, otherwise its quite simple but oh so elegant! Wandering the Good

 Sharon proves that there is nothing a monogrammed linen napkin and twinkling lights in elegant votives can't make just magical, My French Country Home

 Have you ever seen tomatoes looks so elegant! Why not put them in an urn as a centerpiece, they are plentiful, inexpensive and gorgeous! Best part is you can grab some salt and olive oil and enjoy them at the end of the night:) Lovlie Greenie

 Don't underestimate the power and beauty of a beautiful late day summer sky, a picnic table and a few lanterns..this is dreamy!

 OK to me no summer gathering whether for 2 or 200 is complete without a wonderful antipasta display!

 Such a pretty table, amazing what impact the blue and white with flowers has on the table! A Perfect Peacock

 I am going to need to copy this...LOVE the idea of the baguette with herbs tied with twine, so charming! Inhisgrip (via Tumblr)

A big tall ice cold pitcher of Sangria filled with fruit is the ultimate summer drink, as tasty as it is pretty!  Miss Buttercup

 Sunflowers are inexpensive, offer such great colorful impact and last so long! Sara Kaye

Love the idea of all the yellow against the white...summer perfect! The City Sage

If you are lucky enough to be able to entertain on the beach, its hard to beat such a beautiful setting...the blue and is perfect with the backdrop of the ocean and sky! Pepper Weddings

I could dive right in, love the idea of displaying the fruit and cheese on things like rustic trivets, and pretty vintage pans...gorgeous!

Love this rustic but elegant table set for two...a little imagination goes a  long long way!

 Touches of blue against all white is truly spectacular! Sara Kaye

Lemons and sunflowers are like summers poster child...a great way to add a punch of beautiful happiness to any summer table! Everyday Celebrating

 This is so beautiful....a bottle of rose against the beautiful dusk light and candlelight....scrumptious!My French Country Home

An inexpensive tin filled with a farmers bouquet is a perfect way to dress up any summer table

 Stunning! I love the freshness of this spectacular setting. Tory Burch

 And lets not forget summer is all about seafood! Even if you don't have such a lavish display even a small bowl of shrimp cocktail or claws is a perfect party food! Style Me Pretty

 No matter what you do..by all means take full advantage of all the great fresh product this season has to offer! Simple is often best, Yummy Mummy kitchen

White dishes, a white tablecloth, inexpensive white chairs..just add great food and you are set! Layla Grace

 I have done this many times, fruit kebobs....so easy and makes for a pretty display!

The elegant simplicity of this setting is just gorgeous, reminds me of a perfect summer evening, being surrounded by good friends and several bottles of wine:) Salt Water wishes


Now it's   time for the really fun part...the giveaway and its a giveaway by none other than the uber talented hostess with the mostess, Danielle Rollins, the Atlanta based party and entertaining guru. This new book, Soiree- Entertaining with style  is soooo fabulous, every page a divine treat for every one of your senses. Only problem is that it will have you brainstorming about planning a party...really gets you in the mood! Danielle was generous enough to kindly offer a signed book to one lucky enchanted reader! Here is the lowdown on how to be in the running-


1. Leave a comment on this post
2. Second chance leave a comment on Danielle's Facebook by clicking here
3. Third chance leave a comment or like me on Facebook by clicking here
4. Throw me a party for my next birthday ( just kidding but if you want to I am in)

I will announce one lucky winner next Tuesday, so be sure to check back to see if you are the lucky winner! And if you still want to buy the book anyway because it really is that good....then click here to be taken away to Amazon to purchase Soiree!

Here is the book, lovely Danielle and a few pictures of her elegant style from the book........

Talented lady don't you think? Are you hungry yet or feeling in the mood to throw a parry...or both? That's a wrap. Hope you enjoyed the post. Are you planning any parties or summer bashes this season? What is your favorite way to entertain? As always love to hear about what you are up and your ideas. Thanks for stopping in and wishing you a fabulous day!