wedding registry: summer entertaining

Good Morning!  Summer is around the corner, and every bride needs a few staples on her registry for entertaining outdoors on a warm night.  Here are a few of my favorite picks:  

Tear Off Napkins

 perfect for outdoor entertaining and much cuter than a paper towel.  Throw them in the wash when you are done and use them again and again!

tear off napkin

Catch-All Tray

There is nothing worse than trips in and out of the house when you are trying to relax with guests.  Make sure to include a large catch all tray to make carrying all of your entertaining essentials easier.  

catch-all tray

Mason Jar Mugs: 

Perfect for icy lemonade at your next garden party or luncheon.

mason jar mugs

Drink Dispensers

A fun way to let guests serve themselves. The only hard part is deciding what to serve...

glass drink dispenser stand

Chalkboard Drink Dispenser Labels

A cute way to make sure no one gets spiked lemonade instead of regular.  Throw them in a drawer with some chalk when you are done and re-use them again and again!

chalkboard drink dispenser label

Galvanized Steel Bucket

The best way to keep drinks cold!  Register for at least two - one for alcoholic beverages and one for waters, soda, etc. to make your entertaining a little easier.  

galvanized drink bucket

xo,

outdoor spaces

Good Morning!  

via pinterest

Can you believe it is still raining?  Luckily for me I have been cooped up inside classrooms and meetings most of the week, but I am definitely feeling ready for some sunshine and vitamin D.  Just the thought of the sun peeking through the clouds (maybe tomorrow?!) made me smile this early morning.  So, for today's "design post" I am sharing my favorite decorated outdoor spaces.  Dream away with me today... the sunshine will come back again soon and I would love to enjoy it in any of these places.  

via pinterest

What I wouldn't give for a BIG porch swing at the beach right now!  I love the mix of warm and cool toned pillows and the fact that they mirror the natural colors found right off the porch on the beach.  The wide planks on the porch and the beautiful view are just an added benefit!

via pinterest

I think this space is the perfect mix of upscale, casual elegance.  The columns and the beautiful lanterns make the space seem upscale, while the jute rug (in the foreground if you look closely) combines perfectly with the rattan chair and potted plant to keep the space liveable. 

via pinterest

What's not to love about this space?  Beautiful architecture, big open windows, green space, blue skies, and the perfect pop of Carolina blue in the pillows.  I'm there!

via pinterest

I pinned this photo on pinterest loooong ago and it was one of my most popular pins by far.  I have never been able to put my finger on exactly what I love about this space other than the entire overall feel.  This is actually my goal in decorating spaces- while there can (and should) be some items that you adore individually, it's how they all fit together that makes the space work.  In this picture the striped pillows always stand out, but I also think the wicker, the white washed brick, the color scheme, the hurricane lantern on the table, and the boxwoods all play a role in my love for this porch.  

Off to pull on my trusty rain boots and wait for that sunshine to peek through...

xo,

PS: Another great way to perk up on a rainy day is to shop at my Charles Emerson Designs Party!  Enter code "PartyWithAnnie" for 10% off through Tuesday, January 22.