The Picnic is the New Cocktail Hour

| image courtesy of @frecklesnur |

I'm a romantic at heart and approach every idea or event with a daydreamers lens, especially when it comes to hosting. I love to create intimate settings and experiences for friends and family whenever I am hosting; candles are always lit, wine glasses are at the ready, and a playlist or record is always playing to set the mood.

| image courtesy of @frecklesnur |

As a bit of normalcy begins to return to our daily lives, I've been thinking about the silver linings that have presented themselves over the last year. We're all feeling eager to share a cocktail and a meal with our dearest friends and family at our favorite restaurants, but I won't be fast to forget the magic of special experiences and memories made in the intimacy of your own home.

As much as I look forward to sharing a martini with a close friend at a one of our local go-to bars, I'm also dreaming up intimate summer picnics and garden parties at home. I can almost hear the clink of wine glasses and laughter in the air as I get lost in my daydream of a summer garden party where conversations and dancing linger late into the evening. These musings leave me to pose you, dear reader, with one question:

Is the garden party the new cocktail hour?

I think so.

| image courtesy of @frecklesnur |

| image courtesy of @frecklesnur |

| image courtesy of @frecklesnur |

| image courtesy of @frecklesnur |

| image courtesy of @frecklesnur |

What I love about cocktail hour at home is that it can be as relaxed or elaborate as you'd like. It doesn't take much to create a special evening; a string of fairy lights, a few throw blankets spread out for your guests to lounge on(we love using these vintage European sheets), a delicious cocktail, a simple no-fuss recipe, and a good playlist.

our list of garden party must-haves for your consideration: