Summer Entertaining

The sun is finally out today and my plants are drying out from all the rainy weather we've had. It's also my wedding anniversary and it reminds me of how much fun it is to entertain outdoors in the summer. Our wedding was held in a seaside tent on a day when we were lucky enough to have exceptional weather.

I can't wait for more warm nights ahead and having parties on our deck. When my husband, Sean, and I throw together a last minute get-together we always spark up the grill and cook chicken and veggies.

For a last minute party menu, don't forget:

Chicken breast for grilling: Splash with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder and rosemary.
Cut up red bliss potatoes: Dressed with the same as the chicken
Sliced red pepper and eggplant: Put right on the grill

Grab some summertime beer, like: Sam Adams Summer or Blackberry, Blue Moon or Wachusett Blueberry. For the wine lovers, like me, an unoaked chardonnay is the way to go. My favorite is The Wishing Tree. And if your really ambitious, make some mojitos. I grow peppermint in my garden, so I always know it's fresh.

Then all you need is your good friends, some good music playing on the radio and the sun setting on your dinner party!

Peonies from Nancy's Garden

I love peonies. I used them in my wedding bouquet and I'm growing some on my deck. My aunt Nancy has tons in her yard and graciously brought some over last night. They've made my whole house smell light and fresh!

The Garden Grows

Sean is in London this week for business, so I decided I'd spend the day working on the garden. After a delicious breakfast at Taste of Thyme in Salem, I cleaned and planted in between shooing the dog away. They love to trample plants!

Here's Baxter getting in trouble
While I didn't plant this grapevine, it's a welcome addition to the garden

Mixed greens, basil and chives. My basil looks like ants or some other creature have been munching on it.

The green beans have really taken off and the cucumbers look like they're growing too. Unfortunately, none of the eggplants made it, so I planted some more and the peppers were slow to take off so I added lots more of those as well.

I have so many tomatoes left over. If anyone wants tomato plants, let me know!

White Flower Farmhouse

A couple other blogs I read have picked up on this great little home and garden store in New York. While not located on the North Shore, They would certainly fit right in.

It's called White Flower Farmhouse and they feature tons of nautical and beach inspired home decor. I'm loving this farm table. It would look so chic in a whitewashed, airy beach house:

These nautical flag pillows would make a great accent on a big chair.

They offer lots of fun things for home and garden. You can order online, too!

Historical Renovations

This month's Traditional Home magazine did a great spread on a historical home in Maryland. I love these tall, floor to ceiling windows and long airy hallway.

Salem's Farmer's Market returns!

The farmer's market in Salem has returned. My grandfather and his parents participated in the farmer's market starting in the 1940s. He would drive into Boston to Haymarket each Saturday to pick up produce and transport it back to Salem to sell. There is a great picture of them at their cart
hanging in my aunt's restaurant.

Salem Main Streets has been working to renew the tradition and now it's a reality! The market operates Thursday evenings from 4:00-7:00pm in Derby Square, right near Old Town Hall.

Visit their website for more information.

Summer Lighting

I don't know where I would put these Potter Barn lights in my house now, but I'm in love with them and wish I had a mudroom or front hall so I can buy them. They have a old fashioned, nautical feel that is light and airy.

These on the other hand I can buy. They would look great on our patio. If I had a big tree, I'd hang them from the tree to light up my backyard. Pottery Barn Lanterns