My Summer Essentials

Summer is a laid back time of year. Your summertime social calendar isn’t all planned in advance, like it is around the holidays. People just throw parties together on a whim. Friends drop in unexpectedly—which is both a tremendous joy and also a bit of a headache, if you’re not prepared to host at a moment’s notice.

In the wise, wise words of LFO, “Summer girls come and summer girls go.” So astute.

So my list of summer essentials is all about being prepared for accidental parties. Bookmark this post, share it with friends and be the girl that’s ready for anything.

A Great Cocktail Recipe

My favorite summer cocktail recipes are the ones I can memorize. Fewer ingredients and fewer directions mean you can get back to the party even sooner. You know… a cup of this, a squeeze of that. May I make a few suggestions?

• Beer Margaritas
• Skinny Cucumber Vodka Cocktail (pictured below)
• Summer Shandy
• Sparkling White Peach Sangria
• Cranberry & St. Germain Sparkler
• Mango Michelada

A Sturdy Pitcher and Glasses

I would recommend some sets I like here, but really: This is a place to be imperfect. You don’t want anything precious or super breakable, so the best wares for summer entertaining are going to be the ones you already have. (I’m using this set all summer.)

A Cute Coverup that Actually Covers Up

Because sometimes when people drop in to use your pool, you haven’t had time to shave. I’m loving lightweight maxi dresses and comfy cotton pants. Here are a few picks:

A Great Playlist

I shared my summer Spotify playlist right here the other day. All that matters is that it’s upbeat, crowd-pleasing and long enough to play along a lazy afternoon.

MY SUMMER PLAYLIST

Some Fresh & Frozen Snacks

As a recovering perfectionist I have to remind myself, “You don’t need to be Martha all the time.” So I’ve been trying to keep low-maintenance, store-bought nosh stocked in the fridge lately. I like having a pre-fab tray of crudités packed up for a random get-together. And here’s another helpful tip: Frozen mozzarella sticks are just as delicious as anything you slaved over the stove to make.

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More on Summer Essentials

This post is part of a blog link-up sponsored by the gals at The B Bar. If you’re looking for more of the best of summer, check out these blogs below. 

 

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26 and Not Counting
Alyssa J Freitas
soak and simmer
The Not Quite Adult
Carrie Loves
The Yuppie Files
PRBlonde
Knowing Kelly
Something Good
Feathers and Stripes
Cassandra Monroe
Otherworldly
Sunny Side Up
Life Modifier
Leigh Clair
Rae Loves
Rose Colored Water

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Rossetto
Fashion to a T
PreppyPanache
Emilie Lima Burke
Ember & March
Business Betties
with love from ellie
Mint Julep Girl
Love Peace and shimmer
Rae Everyday
Little Wild Heart
star-crossed smile
Luv in the Bubble
Perfect Enough For Us
LIFE BY BRI
Sorcha Eleanor
Brikasia

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Dreams and Colour Schemes
Elana Lyn
Sequins & Strawberries
Pattern Me Pretty
Beauty and the Pitch
White Oak Creative
The Toppy Top
White Cabana
In The Grey
Taryn Williford
Cooper + Thames
Mrs. on the Move
Magnificent Temptations
Meg Biram
Victoria McGinley

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Here from the link-up? Stick around!

I’m a visual designer & lifestyle editor whose mission is to help creative people make their mark. I post about food, parties, podcasts, and my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. I like to invent things, like this chicken & waffles cupcake recipe and my annual fantasy Oscar party draft game. I’m a newlywed and a boy-band fanatic. You can learn more about me here, and learn about this blog right here in the Front Matter.

I value identity, creativity, ambition, independence, innovation and fun. If you do, too, we’ll be fast friends. Here are a few ways to keep up with the latest from me and this site:

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