Gatherings

Gatherings

Suzanne and Gaines

There are big personalities, and then there are Texas-sized ones. The Kilpatrick family of the Wild River Ranch in Sisterdale, Texas have managed to achieve modern-day legend status across the state when it comes to partying: at one point the guest list for their annual Independence Day bash swelled to the hundreds. Gaines Kilpatrick and […]

Old Havana Inspiration Board | Camille Styles
Design

Hello Havana!

Amidst the hub-bub of 4th of July weekend, a small group of Cuban New Yorkers celebrated a historic moment on Friday when they boarded Jet Blue’s first direct flight from NYC to Havana. Thanks to President Obama’s decision to renew diplomatic ties with Cuba, a holiday in Havana may soon go from fantasy to real […]

gorgeous terrace in paris
Hosting Tips

Noomi’s Garden Party in Paris

Have you ever been to Paris? If so, can you remember that feeling you had when you first set foot on its streets? If you thought something along the lines of, “I have to live here,” you’re not alone. For most that sensation is fleeting, but for Texas native Ajiri Aki, life in The City of Lights was an undeniable […]

Blueberry & Ricotta Skillet Cake
Food

Blueberry & Ricotta Skillet Cake

Summer fruit is giving me life these days. Whether it’s raw, baked or preserved, I truly can’t get enough. This blueberry ricotta cake is the perfect way to highlight summer berries & serve a gorgeous, crowd-pleasing sweet. While it’s technically a “cake”, we highly suggest you give it a try for breakfast. After all, summer’s […]

Ember-roasted Strawberries with Vanilla Ice Cream
Food

Ember-Roasted Strawberries

I have a serious crush on Francis Mallman. The Argentinean chef takes the best ingredients and cooks them over live fire to create food that’s sensuous and rustic, lusty and delicious. Watch him on Chef’s Table and fall in love with him yourself. Watch, and like me, you’ll want to invite your friends over and […]

cherry almond tart
Recipes

Fourth of July Dessert Bar

Taken a look at the calendar lately? It’s hard to believe how quickly this summer is racing by and that the Fourth of July is only 3 days away! The 4th is one of my favorite food days of the year, and I’ve been scouring my recipe files for ideas on what to toss on the grill (there’s still […]

Cherry Almond Tart
Food

Cherry Almond Tart

Click here for the full “Fourth of July Dessert Bar” blog post photography by Jessica Attie

how to host a build-your-own waffle party with fresh fruit, jams, coconut & almonds
Recipes

Waffle Bar Party

I’m a big fan of brunch as one of the most fun times to invite friends over for a meal. It always feels way more laid-back than a dinner party, and everyone arrives feeling relaxed and happy after sleeping in that morning. For the first post in our series with Blue Diamond Almonds, I decided to organize […]

Food

Melon & Citrus Popsicles

First things first, can I get a collective HOORAY for summer’s arrival?! It’s officially here, and the longer days and warmer weather have put me in an unusually peppy mood, even for a gal who spends most of her time hopped up on sugar. And since I no longer have the luxury of spending two long months […]

picnic on the beach // Entertaining with DeNai Jones
Gatherings

This Family Beach Party is The Ultimate #Goals

If I had to choose the fantasy that I return to most often, it would be to live near the beach. There’s nothing that relaxes me like the sound of crashing waves and the scent of saltwater. I’ve heard people say that when you live at the beach, you start to take it for granted […]

Recipe for Yogurt Marinated Chicken Skewers
Food

Recipes for a Middle Eastern Dinner Party

Today’s mouthwatering dinner menu comes to us from a very special guest. Maureen Abood is the blogger-turned-author behind Rose Water & Orange Blossoms, and ever since her book arrived on our office doorstep we’ve been mesmerized by her fresh and classic Lebanese recipes. Think flower waters, fresh herbs and vegetables, toasted nuts, grains, lean meats and spices like […]