Beauty, Charm & Style

With plenty of 4th of July parties planning this weekend, this is a great recipe for any impromptu happy hours you plan on hosting. Plus, its delicious!

Summer Cocktail

• Ingredients:
• 1.5 ounces mandarin orange infused vodka
• .5 ounces fresh squeezed blood orange (about 1/2 of an orange)
• .5 ounce honey
• ice
• 1.5 ounces club soda
• Sliced blood orange for garnish and maraschino cherry if you so desire

In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, blood orange juice, honey syrup and ice. Swirl for 15 seconds. Pour into a low glass and top off with club soda. Stir to combine. Add your garnish and CHEERS!

With the summer sun starting to swelter, I am itching to throw some sort of semi formal party, just a gathering of some lovely friends. Time for a tea party!

Summer teas are light and flowery, with a variety of fruity teas, cucumber sandwiches and crème puffs. To throw a nice summer tea party, I’ve decided on a Summer Herb theme with a lovely color combination of pale green and yellow.

I forgo a formal tablecloth and opt for placemats, the more casual choice. Bone china cups and saucers are required even for an informal tea. If you do not have enough, request that each of your guests bring their favorite cup and saucer to the tea.

For the centerpiece, visit your local garden center and purchase potted rosemary plant. Purchase a large one for the center and enough small ones so that each guest will be able to take one home as a summer herb tea party favor. Simply arrange the small rosemary plants around the large one. Tie yellow ribbons around the plants for added color in the center of the table.

And remember, with outdoor soirees, it is important to have sunscreen available for all your guests.  I would even recommend you suggest guests wear big floppy hats. Its fun and adds a sense of summer cool to your tea party!