Turning summer obsessions into a sweet soiree
Friday, July 30th, 2010It’s hot. Really really hot. So hot that no one can speak an intelligible sentence about anything that doesn’t include the words “heat, oppressive, humidity or TURN UP THE DAMN A/C!!”
Aside from the beach (or the “shore,” depending on where you reside), there really are some wonderful things that only happen when the temperature rises above the tolerable. So, rather than dwell on the heat, let’s focus on the great things about summer and how to translate them into a wonderful summer party with friends. The key to a great summer fiesta: SIMPLICITY. I’m from the south (kinda), and there we learned at an early age that slow and easy is the path to great hospitality in the summer sun.
What to serve
WATERMELON! I literally crave it — virtually without calories and certainly without fat, it is nature’s reward for not succumbing to road rage when you’re stuck in traffic on the way to the beach (a/k/a the “shore”).
There simply is no such thing as a great summer party without watermelon — in any form at all. But here’s a great way to enjoy watermelon after hours (or, as my father used to say — “it’s noon somewhere!”)
Navan Watermelon Daquiri
Ingredients per serving
(make ahead of time in a pitcher and let it get really cold before serving)
- 1/2 oz Navan (in case Navan is new to you, it’s a fabulous vanilla liqueur — better than any other — trust me on this)
- 1 oz 10Cane Rum
- 3 nice big chunks of fresh watermelon
- 1/2 oz Part simple syrup
- 1/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
Muddle the watermelon. Add Navan, 10Cane Rum, simple syrup and lemon juice. Shake over ice and strain into a chilled martini glass (from pitcher).
What to place
Then, to continue to keep things as simple as possible, Mother Nature gives us the most charming flowers for the table that require no effort at all to be perfect! When I see daisies in mason jars on a simply set table, it conjours up my favorite summer memories on picnic benches with the fam. I have to admit, as simple as they are, there is just nothing as sweet and pretty as the white daisies that grow abundantly all summer long. I just love them.
What to wear
And finally, while we’re spending a hot summer day, we must know that there’s just nothing more comfortable than a simple cotton sundress (this one is by Betsey Johnson) adorned with nothing but this wonderful straw hat we found at J.Crew.
Of course, I can’t help but add some flair to the ensemble by placing one of our great Emersonmade flowers (from the Eclatante Boutique) on the sun hat. But that’s just me.
The dream child of three amazing women who individually have spent years and years in the beauty industry, 
