Outdoor inspiration

First real week of summer!  I love this point of potentiality - so many sunny days ahead!  Put a date on the calendar, invite your best buds and plan to dine al fresco!  Our shop is brimming with beautiful books to inspire!  Here are just a few:Season's, by Donna HayDonna Hay's books are the perfect combination of eye candy and substance.  This beauty spotlights recipes using fresh seasonal ingredients.  This is a resource you'll go to for entertaining all year long.A Perfect Day for a Picnic, by Tori FinchI love this book for it's  clever themed parties.  Take it to the extreme and follow all of  the recipes and decor for one of the many picnics in this book or take an idea here and there for your own inspired meal.Handmade Gatherings:  Recipes and Crafts for Seasonal Celebrations and Potluck Parties, by Ashley English.This book is about communal dining.  Get the kids involved.  Everyone pitches in.  I love this concept because it takes some of the pressure off the host and moves the focus to enjoying the company, the food and the setting.

Chalkboard Paper

School's out, but chalkboard art is definitely in!  Chalkboard paper table covering sets the stage for a playful, casual summer dinner.  Stocked in our shop in rolls of twenty-five feet, just roll it out, add chalk and watch the fun unfold!  Couldn't be simpler!No need for place cards!Let your guests in on the fun!  Be sure to tuck a piece of chalk into each place setting and watch the art in action.  As the wine pours, the doodling begins. Ta-dah!  Our guests expressed themselves during the meal with a bit of creative doodling and we have a little souvenir of the evening.  Hmmm… wondering how we might use this paper…