Stylist. Photographer. Artist. Graphic Designer. Foodie. Fancy Pants.
Posts in Entertaining
I met Cortney of @cheesegal in the garden to do what we do best: eat, laugh, and drink champagne! I got to watch Cortney create one her Instagram famous boards (crudite this time) and it was truly like watching an artist at work.
It all started with a simple inspiration: a ripe summer strawberry. From there, Mary of Mrs. Southern Social and I collaborated to bring together an elegant, but whimsical, party that’s as sweet as summertime.
You know I love a tradition; especially one that involves celebrating with friends! This year marks the third time I’ve teamed up with Mary from Mrs. Southern Social for a Fourth of July soiree! This year, we focused on easy DIY decor and recipes that will impress a crowd, even if you’re tight on time (or kitchen skills).
There is something unmatched about the first few weeks, or days really, of summer. The light hangs around longer, the intense heat hasn’t quite settled over Tennessee, and it feels like every evening is an opportunity to sit and linger around the dinner table a little longer.
I couldn’t be more excited to team up with Crate&Barrel to create a sponsored Halloween table that’s not only cute and totally spooky but super simple to transition into the Thanksgiving holiday. Here’s my favorite images and inspo from our Halloween shoot as well as a recipe for the BEST EVER Salted Carmel Dipped Apples. Check back to see how I use the same Crate&Barrel items to create a super chic Thanksgiving tablescape.
Wow! What a night! I can't believe everyone that came out to the launch party for my first book, So Much to Celebrate, at Nashville's Draper James! We toasted with Le Grand Courtage Champagne and snacked on biscuits from Holler & Dash and macarons from Baked in Nashville. The line formed early for the coveted SWAG BAGS but everyone got to enjoy something special with Abigail McGinnis penning calligraphy book plates.
After years of hard work, my first book, So Much to Celebrate, has arrived! I couldn't be more proud of it or more eager for you to get you hands on it!
All my favorite things have collided—a feminine autumn tailgate with delicious food and sparkling wine set at a picturesque farm in Franklin featuring a vintage aqua truck and dreamy puppy dog. PLUS a give-a-away for my followers? Wow—this one's something special!
I recently hosted a garden party to celebrate the launch of Draper James' latest summer collection. I invited some of my girlfriends for an alfresco luncheon out on the back porch and we had the best time giggling in our new Draper James gingham!
Weekend afternoons and evenings spent poolside with family and friends are a treat that only summer can afford and nothing screams summertime-fun more than lemonade. This sweet and tart childhood favorite turned boozy adult cocktail will be your new favorite warm-weather refresher.
The best way to take advantage of the beautiful, warm days ahead is with a picturesque picnic eaten in a lovely al fresco setting. There’s something about eating outdoors, and on a blanket, that makes food taste slightly more delicious.
It was such an honor to treat my daughter, mother, and grandmother to a very special tea party celebrating Mother’s Day and the unconditional love it means to be a mom. Dressing everyone in Draper James, a brand known for Southern grace and charm, made it extra special. It is amazing how a clothing brand can bridge the gap of generations so effortlessly. To have myself, my mom, and my grandmother all looking polished and current-yet-timeless in the same brand is truly amazing. It really speaks to the ageless versatility of the Draper James style!
Here’s a tiny taste of the festivities. For more pictures and details, head to draperjames.com.
This cake has become one of my family's favorite Easter traditions. I think it's just because it's my favorite, I make dessert every year, and thus have forced it upon everyone else. Isn't that how all family traditions begin?
Whoever said whiskey is just for the boys never met a Southern girl! I recently gathered my girlfriends for a handsome girls night out at Homestead Manor's Glass Bar. This Draper James Southern Whiskey Tasting was totally dapper enough for the gentlemen but perfectly planned for the ladies.
Our nugget turned ONE this past weekend and in honor of such a momentous occasion, we threw her a Winter Onederland Owl themed party complete with confetti filled balloons, homemade buttermilk biscuits, and SNOW ... lots of snow.
Another Draper James party shoot for the books! I had such a blast with this one. Candy, kids, Christmas, and Draper James fashion ... what's not to love!?
I had such a blast working on this Summer Movie Night Party for Draper James that we collaborated again on an ultimate fall tailgate! While it premiered on Draper James' blog about a month ago (check out Part I and Part II here), I just now got around to posting it on my blog ... I mean, it ISstill football season. Plenty of time to tailgate. :)
As summer slides into fall, I find myself savoring the flavors of the sunny season. I am truly enjoying the last of the peaches, squash and corn until they come again next June. Late summer tomatoes, fresh herbs and citrus fill the final hot weeks. As the days get shorter, I am craving quick and easy meals that are not only light and fresh but feel special and celebratory as we say goodbye to summer.
Have you heard that Reese Witherspoon recently launched an amazingly adorable lifestyle brand called Draper James? It is preppy and chic and all together Southern. When I got the call from her team about hosting a party how-to, I knew instantly that I wanted to showcase a backyard movie party ... summer's ultimate treat!
Among my favorite things about being a kid were the campfires my family built on cool summer evenings. I remember how we would search the yard for the perfect sticks that we would later use to toast fluffy marshmallows. Once their snow-white skins turned golden brown and their insides gooey, we'd sandwich them together with chocolate bars between graham crackers and devour the fire-kissed confections always asking for “s’more.”
