A couple weeks ago, I had the pleasure of hosting a preview party for Mark and Graham’s 2013 Summer Collection. Thirty or so creative gal pals from Austin and beyond gathered at my place for champagne cocktails, seasonally-inspired tartines and shopping the brand’s nautical-inspired offerings. From the stripe-centric photobooth to the thunderstorm that sent us all running for cover, it was a totally unforgettable night…and of course I had to share all the details as captured by Wynn Myers. Click through for the highlights, including a peek at Mark and Graham’s newest offerings and a few ideas of throwing a “French Nautical”-themed fête of your own!
We welcomed guests at the door in a perfectly-French way with beautiful calligraphy by Mia Carameros. A few strands of rope, picked up at the hardware store and knotted, gave it a nautical vibe.
We displayed some of my favorite Mark and Graham items around the patio so guests could see the products up close and feel for themselves how luxe the materials are.
A tiered galvanized stand displayed ingredients for cocktails, and guests could take their pick from the menu: lavender lemonade, french 75 or summer crush. (so tough to choose! Though the summer crush was a smash hit.)
*stand from Pottery Barn. Calligraphy by Mia Carameros.
Champagne on ice pretty much screams summer party, and I love Mark and Graham’s hand-blown ice bucket. I had mine monogrammed with the word Chill.
*shown with Mark and Graham Grosgrain Border Dinner Napkins and Classic Tall Pitcher.
Since Mark and Graham is all about personalized gifting, each guest took home a monogrammed cosmetic bag, perfect for summer travels. We packed them up in kraft paper bags adorned with anchor key fobs.
Guests jumped on board the nautical theme… love Lisa’s striped wedges.
A café table set with Mark and Graham accessories to provide a little tabletop inspiration for summertime gatherings.
*typographer linen table runner, skinny mint juleps, elegant everyday sloped highballs.
So many great totes – and I love the modern take on a classic monogram shown here.
Jenn carries a straw bag that’s so on-theme.
Word of Mouth whipped up these tartines (open-faced French sandwiches) in flavor combos straight out of my dreams:
- roquefort, chambord figs, local honey, toasted walnuts
- sweet pea hummus, grilled asparagus, lemon zest
- seared tuna, tapenade, blanched haricot verts, watercress
- shaved lamb, smashed white beans, mint pesto
It was such a great party menu – guests could grab a little slice and sample each one (no utensils required!)
Anchors away!
*Tiered stand by Pottery Barn set with Mark and Graham mint juleps.
“Liquid courage.”
*Mark and Graham pewter circle flask.
Guests were loving every bit of the summer catalog…
Shay did such a great job of getting guests to loosen up and have some fun in the photobooth. Erin and I were workin’ it.
Sally and Molly came in from Dallas to party with us!
The Mirror Mirror girls… always glam.
Jenn & Lisa.
Camille! You don’t know how much I’m loving this! It’s totally a party I would have loved to attend! Nautical fun! Beautiful job! I’m so checking out their line! XO
What a fabulous party- yet again!!! I love checking in to see all the creative ways one can entertain! Looked like a fabulous summer soiree =) xx Sallie
You should do a giveaway for a chance to attend one of your fab parties! I’d love to go to one & I’m sure I’m not the only one.
I just had someone show me how to make the galvanized stand – so excited!
Love the Mark and Graham products — especially that tote bag! — and all the personal touches that make this party look like such fun.
Positively ILL that I missed this. Love all nautical so hard!
I love how these pictures turned out!! The party was so much fun, and I’ve been loving my Mark and Graham cosmetic bag. Miss y’all so much!
So glad you like the photos, Lisa!! xo
Love this! Such a gorgeous looking event.
looks like SUCH a fun event! love the tiered ‘display’ of drink ingredients – so festive 🙂
Where is the phenomenal bag Jenn is carrying from? It’s perfection!
Thank you, Vanessa! It’s from a darling line called WHIT by Whitney Pozgay. http://www.whit-ny.com
So much fun! Beautiful photos, ladies and products! Thank you for letting me be a part of it! <3
i am trying to read the ingredients in the hit drink of the night…summer crush…peach, basil and ??? please let me know…thanks 🙂
Scroll to the bottom – the whole recipe is there, and you’ve GOT to give it a whirl! 🙂
mmm those tartine combos sound so tastey. love figs! and i’m loving all the flowers!