Hilary Duff's Top Stress-Free Summer Hosting Tips...

Courtesy of Kayla Kitts
William and Susan Brinson, Callie Collection

Hi Friends,

Why stress when you could be drinking wine in the sunshine?

I think we can all agree there are few things better than summer nights drinking wine with your BFFs. And it's even better when a fun gathering comes together without a hitch. Not everything has to be complicated and planned weeks in advance, we say.

For easy, stress-free party prep, actress and singer Hilary Duff has tips for making summer entertaining a breeze. From wine flight pairings and self-serve bars to DIY decor and super simple recipes, Hilary has you covered.

Wine Flight Pairing

"My go-to drink to pour when my friends come over is wine. I usually always offer a red and a white wine option to please all palates. I love to serve a side-by-side assortment so everyone can try a few in a small wine flight. My new favorite wine, Callie Collection, offers a great selection including a Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and fresh red blend, which together create the prefect wine flight."

"To spice up the tasting, sometimes I like to serve a small plate alongside the wine flight and pair a cheese, honeycomb or nut with each wine. With the Pinot Grigio, try a manchego alongside marcona almonds. Chardonnay pairs well with a nice gruyere and pistachios, and the fresh red blend is perfect with a few slices of prosciutto."

Beautify Your Self-Serve Bar

William and Susan Brinson, Callie Collection "Create your own beautiful self-serve bar. Having a self-serve bar area is an entertaining win-win. Not only does it add some design pizazz (hello, Instagram!), it’s a fully functional decor piece that keeps your guests’ glasses full. Stock with glassware, cute napkins, coasters and ice buckets."

"I love making pretty ice cubes to include at my self-serve bar. I like to use fruits that are appropriate for the wine being iced. I'll sometimes make a bunch and toss into a big acrylic bucket to serve as the bottle chiller. If you’re serving water, infuse your ice tray with fresh berries and display them in a pretty silver ice bucket with tongs for guests to put in their glasses. If you have extra, try putting them in your wine chiller for a floral touch."

Planter = Bottle Cooler

"Put a new spin on an old standard and use a beautiful planter as a wine bottle cooler. If you don’t have one handy, an acrylic or metal beverage container large enough for three to four bottles will do the trick."

Fruit Cubes in a Snap

"You want to make your cubes in layers. Start with a tray filled about 1/4 of the way with water. (I like the larger cube molds you can buy for liquor drinks; they melt more slowly and show better.) Add your fruit and freeze. After this layer is frozen, add another layer of water on top and freeze again. Allow to freeze overnight, or at least 8 hours, for best results. The fruit and herbs I like to use are blueberries, raspberries, blackberries or mint."

"Which One is Mine?!"

Callie Collection

"To keep track of your wine glass when your friends come over, I love these unique and easy wine charms. I typically include a basket of ribbons or fabric strips to offer to my guests. It’s easy, pretty and the ultimate way to recycle."

Instant Photo Memories

"Whenever I have friends over, I always have a Polaroid camera or two available and encourage people to take photos throughout the night and commemorate their shots on a cute string and clothing pin display. Guests can take their favorite photo home at the end of the night, and the strung-up printouts make a cute Instagram moment, too! Customize by creating or purchasing colorful clothespins and use a ribbon or string that matches your color scheme to help set the mood and match your other party decor."

Bonus: Quick Appetizer + Wine Pairing

Eat: Sing Bite Shrimp Scampi Spiadino

Drink: Pinot Grigio

Callie Collection

Ingredients:

1/4 cup olive oil | 5 basil leaves, chopped | 1 large lemon | grated peel + juice of 1 large lemon | 6 cloves garlic | 15 large prawns | 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped | lemon pepper

Directions:

1: In a medium-size bowl using a fork or wire whisk, beat together oil, lemon peel, lemon juice and roasted garlic.

2: Remove 2 tablespoons of the marinade to a small bowl, and set aside. Place the prawns in a medium-size bowl, tossing in the marinade.

3: Scatter the lemon wedges and shrimp in a saucepan. Cook the shrimp for about 3 minutes or until opaque on each side, turning once.

4: Brush the shrimp with the remaining marinade. Garnish with whole parsley and/or basil leaves to add a seasonal touch.

Bon Appétit!

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Live well,
Yvonne

10 Theme Parties to Throw This Summer (Just Because)...

Courtesy of Erica Reitman

Hi Friends,

Who needs a reason to throw a party?!

With summer in full swing, we've got pool parties on the brain. Everyone loves a luau or patriotic bash for the Fourth of July, but I wanted to round up a few out-of-the-box ideas for some themed pool parties that can really grab the spotlight during these warm-weather months. (And even if you don’t have a pool of your own, feel free to forward this article on to your friends and neighbors that do!)

Vintage Surfing Bash

Kara's Party Ideas via Very Pretty Parties

If you love old movies like Beach Blanket Bingo, then you’ll have fun with this retro, beachy, pool party theme. If anyone in your family is a surfer, even better! Use some of their surf gear as decor around the pool. Hit up your local thrift store for some fun Hawaiian shirts or retro swimsuits. (You can even have a rack available at your party with some shirts your guests can grab upon arrival.)

Set up a surf and turf theme on your food table. For more snacks you can try finding some retro candy items. And make sure to blast some music from a local oldies station or Pandora's Surf City station for some surf-friendly tunes.

Moroccan Riad

She-n-He Photography

If you’re already obsessed with the Moroccan decor trend, this one will be an easy one for you to pull off. Set up your pool area like it’s a traditional Moroccan house or riad. This would be perfect if you're planning an evening or nighttime bash, as it can look moody and elegant. Put some of your favorite Moroccan pillows around your outdoor space on chaise loungers, and hang metal lanterns from the trees. If you have any Moroccan-style ottomans or poufs, bring those out as well. Choose plates and flatware in gold or other metallic tones. (You can even use paper or plastic—there are lots of available choices these days.)

Magical Mystery Tour

Apartment Therapy

Beatles lovers will really dig this idea: a magical mystery tour pool party. You can really have some fun with this one and let your imagination run wild. However, this adorable unicorn floaty is one of the first things I would order.

For snacks you can do bowls full of colorful jelly beans for a serious rainbow color pop or chocolate-covered strawberries ("Strawberry Fields Forever"). You could make fun decorations with signs that declare messages from other Beatles songs like "All You Need Is Love." And of course, you can make a fab Beatles playlist to keep all of your guests entertained.

'80s Music Videos

Living Locurto

MTV, neon and big hair — if all of these things make you smile, you might be a child of the '80s. In which case, you'll love an '80s music video-themed pool party. Guests can come dressed as an ode to their fave '80s singers or characters. (Think of the women in Robert Palmer's "Addicted to Love" video or Olivia Newton John's "Physical" for inspiration.)

If you have access to TV screens in your outdoor space, make a playlist on YouTube and let these videos play on a loop, or simply make a playlist of your favorite '80s jams and play it through portable speakers. You can also find some fun '80s decorations, like this inflatable boom box.

White Party

One K. Renee; Jennifer Ross Photography

P. Diddy throws a white party, the Real Housewives throw white parties, so why not you, too? This is another fun idea for an evening or nighttime bash.

Ask all of your guests to come dressed in white, and deck out your space with white accessories. Set up tea lights all over your patio, and if you really want to go overboard, fill up your pool with white beach balls for some added drama. Check the wedding aisle of your local craft store for white candy and other white accessories like serving pieces and tableware.

Country Picnic

Eric Perry

For a more rustic, down home pool party, consider a country picnic theme. You could set up beautiful quilts all over your lawn and make a lunch "basket" for each of your guests. (Thrift stores usually have a big selection of baskets you can get ahead of time for a dollar each.) You could make a simple lunch of sandwiches, chips and a drink such as La Croix seltzers or some bottles of lemonade.

Simple flower arrangements would look pretty in old tea or coffee cans around your space, and you can play your favorite country station or create a folk or bluegrass music playlist.

Summer Camp

Jason Kisner

This is a fun theme to tackle for a group of your nearest and dearest friends. Buy some whistles at your local party or discount shop and give one to each guest as they arrive so everyone can pretend to be a camp counselor. Create a fun cocktail reminiscent of the "bug juice" we used to drink in camp, or set up a s'mores bar where people can grab marshmallows to roast for dessert. For some extra fun, divide your guests up into two teams and hold your own "Color War" where everyone can compete against each other in different activities.

Olympic Games

A Small Snippet

A summer Olympics-themed pool party is another fun idea for an active group of friends or family. Let the kids participate in some swimming competitions, and purchase some faux medals that you can give out to everyone. Ask everyone to come dressed in their favorite red, white and blue-themed swimsuits and attire.

Beach Club

Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved

For a more elegant shindig, consider throwing a beach club-themed pool party. You can strategically place your outdoor umbrellas around the pool to create mini-cabanas. Another fun idea is to go to your local office supply store and purchase name badge holders. You can then design simple “beach pass” inserts on your computer and give one to each guest as they arrive. You can float a bunch of beach balls or pretty rafts in the pool and do a fun barbecue with chicken, grilled vegetables and burgers.

Bond, James Bond

Kara's Party Ideas via IDEA! event + style

If you really want to go all in on a fun theme, try throwing a James Bond-inspired pool party. You can hit up your local party store and buy a bunch of water guns and sunglasses to give out when your guests arrive. Embrace the Casino Royale theme and use poker chips to decorate your food table. Use plastic martini glasses to serve all of your beverages.

Enjoy your Summertime fun...

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Live well,
Yvonne

1st Day of Summer!

Courtesy of The Old Farmer's Almanac

Hi Friends,

We love Summer and wanted to share some information and great ways to celebrate the season with you. First, lets get information on the summer solstice facts—plus, fun ways to enjoy summer!

The timing of the solstice depends on when the Sun reaches its farthest point north of the equator.

The word solstice is from the Latin solstitium, from sol (sun) and stitium (to stop), reflecting the fact that the Sun appears to stop at this time (and again at the winter solstice).

In temperate regions, we notice the Sun is higher in the sky throughout the day, and its rays strike Earth at a more direct angle, causing the efficient warming we call summer.

This summer solstice is the day with the most hours of sunlight during the whole year; check your local Sun rise and set times—and how the day length changes!

Now, 10 Ways to Celebrate Summer...

How will you celebrate the solstice and all that extra daylight? Here are 10 ideas plus, some "summer essentials" from the Almanac.com General Store!

1. Light a bonfire: The solstice day was traditionally celebrated by dancing around the bonfires. Check out our dramatic fire bowls and fire pits.

2. Go fishin': We love to get out on the water. Consult our free Best Days for Fishing chart—plus, tackle-box and bait tips.

3. Plant a seed or a tree: Traditionally, to the farmer, the solstice is the midpoint of the growing season, halfway between planting and harvesting, and an occasion for celebration. Browse our neat seeds kits and containers.

4. Cook outside: There's nothing as tasty as grilled food. Have a big cook-out on the solstice. Get a taste of our mouthwatering Grilling and BBQ sauces.

5. Camp: Plan a camp-out to enjoy the great outdoors whether it's a tent in the backyard or a cabin in the woods! Check out the camping store page for some fun ideas. Don't forget the best natural insect repellent on Earth to enjoy the outdoors in peace.

6. Listen to songbirds: We love our feathered friends. Attact birds to your garden with our beautiful bird feeders.

7. Get pampered. Midsummer Day, near the solstice, was said to make old people look younger. It was also thought that walking barefoot in the dew would keep one's skin from getting chapped. Summer certainly does cure the winter dries. You can also check out popular gardener's lotions and fisherman's soaps to soften calloused working hands. There's even an "annulment of time" rejuvenating cream!

8. Let the light in! With all this extra daylight, hang one of our gorgeous suncatchers or decorative accents for your window or porch. Here is the Almanac suncatcher, shot in our town of Dublin, NH, against the backdrop of Dublin Lake.

9. Read a book. Temperatures rise and lazy days ensue. Relax on the beach or the porch and read up on gardening tips, natural health, and more. See our great books and guides.

10. Watch the night sky! In ancient Egypt, the new year was celebrated when the star Sirius rose around the time of sunrise. This roughly coincided with the summer solstice and the annual flooding of the Nile River. Click for our free monthly Sky Map and explore the night sky from your own backyard!

Enjoy these lovely hot Summer days...

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Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Happy Father's Day!

Courtesy of SendOutCards

Happy Father's Day Friends,

Today is the perfect opportunity to show our loved ones how much they mean to us, not only on Father's Day but every day of every year.











Enjoy this day with the people most important in your life, family and good friends...

Check back for more creative ideas and enjoy all the timeless treasures of Father's Day; the warmth of home, the love of family and the company of good friends.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Summer Backyard Water Games for Kids...

Courtesy of HGTV
Photography by Tomas Espinoza

Hi Friends,

No pool? No problem. Turn your backyard into a mini water park with fun games like obstacle course baseball, wet-sponge corn hole and water balloon pinatas.

Let the Fun Begin!

The kiddos will have no trouble staying cool with these backyard activities. Just make sure you have plenty of towels on hand before you let them back in the house!

First Base

Use a kickball or whiffle ball to get an old-fashioned game of baseball started. But there's a twist. The kids won't simply run the bases, they have to go through an obstacle course to get to home plate. To get to first base, they have to crawl under these arches (aka - pool noodles staked into the ground using pencils).

Second Base

You can't get to second base without getting soaked. Giant inflatables with sprinkler features are a playful way to dial up the fun when they’re closing the distance between first and second base.

Third Base

Rounding second and heading for third is all about coordination and staying calm under pressure. These easy-to-make noodle rings certainly keep players on their toes.

Corn Hole Without the Corn

This party favorite gets a splashy twist or two. Sub out the traditional bags of feed corn with water-soaked sponges. Be warned, if you miss you MAY get hit with a water balloon by the opposing team.

Pinata Party

There’s NO better way for kids to burn off extra energy than to take several whacks at a pinata. Keep it safe by using a lightweight badminton racquet rather than a bat. Amp up the fun by hanging several water balloons around the pinata. If they miss, oops, they get wet.

Water Balloonapalooza

Before the kids arrive, fill up a bunch of water balloons and stash them in large kitchen garbage pail or plastic storage tote. This way the kids will be ready for the most epic water balloon battle to end all battles. Your backyard throw-down just may go down in the neighborhood history books.

Chill Zone

Playing outdoors can be pretty exhausting so offer some shade where kids can sit, catch their breath and chill out. Provide enough chairs or blankets so that everyone can relax.

Sand Castle Station

Not everyone loves the intensity of a team activity like kickball so offer an alternative, low-key activity. In the chill zone, we created a small sand castle station inside a shade tent. A pile of sand and several beach toys make it a perfect little play spot in the shade.

Refreshment Cart

Keeping kids hydrated is critical during the summer, especially if they're constantly on the move. Set up a refreshment station so everyone can help themselves to snacks and electrolyte-rich drinks. Place it all in a utility wagon or on a lightweight folding table so you can keep the refreshments close to the action.

Handy First Aid

Anytime you've got kids playing outdoors it's a good idea to have a few first-aid basics on hand. If you like the size and convenience of a kit, you're not alone. There are plenty to choose from, and many include not only band aids but antiseptic wipes, anti-itch lotions and antibiotic creams in cute, one-use packages.

No pool, no worries...

Have Fun!

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Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

32 Ways to Keep Kids Entertained All Summer Long...

Courtesy of Keri Sanders

Hi Friends,

Make "I'm bored" a thing of the past...

Summertime for kids is one of the most magical, memorable times of their lives. With so much freedom, they finally have the time to explore, run wild and just be kids. But with so much free time, it's easy for kiddos to revert to a summer of TV and video games. Keep them off the couch and make the most of their break with these fun and totally entertaining ideas.

©iStockphoto.com/Geber26; Graphic: Keri Sanders

1: Visit a national park and join a Junior Ranger program.

2: Paint a chalkboard wall or let your driveway be the canvas.

3: Sign them up for music lessons.

4: Make sun tea. Find easy directions here.

5: Have a water balloon fight. Mix in non-toxic paint for extra fun!

©iStockphoto.com/Pamela Moore

6: Conduct a science experiment.

7: Explore a nearby cave. But watch out for bats!

8: Build a treehouse together. Find awesome inspiration here.

9: Make your own tasty ice cream sandwiches. Try this recipe.

10: Join in on your local library's summer reading challenge.

©iStockphoto.com/Jennifer Morgan

11: Go camping in the backyard. (And you don't have to rough it!)

12: Make homemade popsicles with candy inside. Try this recipe.

13: Create a water park at home. Hose + Sprinklers + Tarp = 1 Day of Fun.

14: Encourage them to write a book and read it to the family.

15: Set up a lemonade stand. Find simple instructions here.

©iStockphoto.com/monkeybusinessimages

16: Go on a nature walk and let them take pictures as you go.

17: Make a fairy garden. Find adorable inspiration here.

18: Put together a treasure hunt using funny riddles as clues.

19: Recreate some favorite family photos. You'll love this project, too!

20: Grow a garden together. Kids will adore this pizza garden.

©iStockphoto.com/Christopher Futcher

21: Help them write and perform their very own play (with costumes!).

22: Let them plan the dinner menu. Spaghetti with syrup? Let's do it!

23: Build a blanket fort.

24: Go on a picnic. Make it easy with these tips.

25: Get a pet. Summer is the perfect time to train a new puppy or kitten!

©iStockphoto.com/svetikd

26: Have a tea party. We recommend these sweet petit fours.

27: Find a pen pal and teach them the art of hand-written letters.

28: Set up a backyard obstacle course.

29: Throw a tie-dying party and invite the neighborhood kids.

30: Collect summer flowers, then make these awesome lollipops.

31: Go to a dollar movie to cool off on a scorching day.

32: Have a yard sale and let them donate what doesn't sell.

Keep the kiddos involved this summer, perfect quality time for the entire family.

HAPPY SUMMER!

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Take Your Picnic to the Next Level With These Must-Buys...

Courtesy of Erica Reitman

Hi Friends,

Finally, Summer! Kick-off your summer with a picnic for family and friends. Get started now by adding these to your picnic basket ASAP.

Keep in mind: Stock could change after publish date, and the publishers may make money from these links.

Waterproof Picnic Blanket

This large outdoor picnic blanket is both waterproof and super easy to tote. With a detachable faux leather handle, this roomy blanket can comfortably fit four people for an alfresco picnic. Keep this in the back of your car, and you'll always be ready to stop and snack no matter where you go.

Buy It: Amazon

Sleek Lunch Box

These adorable reusable containers are like lunch boxes for grown-ups. It features a main compartment to store your sandwich or salad, as well as a hidden spot in the cover for veggies or dry snacks. There's even a small container you can use for dressing that also fits in the lid. A handy strap keeps everything in place, and the whole piece is dishwasher safe.

Buy It: Food52

Reusable Flatware

Ditch the disposable plasticware that somehow ends up snapping in half for this stylish, reusable flatware set. Made from sturdy polycarbonate, each four-piece place setting (four settings come in each set) has a fork, knife, spoon and teaspoon. The set is available in onyx, clear or white. We think it's a worthwhile investment for any alfresco entertainer.

Buy It: Food52 (Set of 16)

Compostable Wood Plates

Say goodbye to wasteful paper or styrofoam plates with these attractive alternatives. Made from wood, these large plates are more sustainable than most and a great size for a generous lunch- or dinner-sized meal. And while they are disposable, they're also compostable. Win, win!

Buy It: Food52 (Set of 25)

Insulated Wine Bag

This smart-looking portable wine tote is fashionable and functional. Perfect for any white wine or rosé devotees, the tote is padded and insulated, so your wine will stay cool for hours. This is a must-have picnic companion, but can also work for parties, pool days and football tailgates.

Buy It: Amazon

Wine Glass Holders

A genius solution for next-level picnics, these wine holders will quickly become a staple in your summer toolkit. Made of stainless steel, these holders have stakes that allow you to secure them in the ground with ease. They hold most standard-size wine glasses as well as beer bottles.

Buy It: Crate & Barrel (Set of 2)

Wine Tote (With Pour Spouts)

Discreetly hold and pour two bottles of wine from a removable, easy-to-use, BPA-free beverage pouch. Each tote has a zippered, insulated pocket that keeps your beverage pouch chilled for hours. Plus, we love that it's stylish enough to use with or without the pouch. It operates as a fully-functional purse with a high-quality interior lining and side pockets that can also hold all your essentials (including your vino).

Buy It: PortoVino / Amazon

Stackable Champagne Glasses

These colorful champagne glasses would make a fun addition to any picnic. The six-piece set, made from unbreakable plastic, comes with a storage bottle that allows you to stack up all the glasses for easy transport. The glasses are dishwasher safe, lightweight and easy to carry.

Buy It: AHAlife (Set of 6)

Freezable Cocktail Maker

Imagine toting fresh, frozen cocktails on your picnic. With the Rabbit Freezable Cocktail Maker, it's easy and possible. Simply fill the silicone carafe with your favorite ingredients, place the lid on top and pop the whole thing into the freezer overnight. The next day take it out, squish the sides of the carafe until the contents reach the ideal consistency, and voila — you've got yourself a primo batch of margaritas, frose or whatever other recipes you dream up.

Buy It: Williams Sonoma

Casserole Bag

Perfect for transporting hot dishes, baked goods or anything else that needs to be kept upright, this tote allows you to easily bring along delicious homemade creations on your picnic or camping adventures. Simply slide your dish into the tote, grab the handles and head out.

Buy It: AHAlife

Chilled Condiment Server

Ditch those hard-to-clean squeeze bottles for this handy chilled condiment server. Fill up the bottom with ice, then add all of your favorite condiments. Or get creative and use it for a specially themed picnic like a taco bar. You could include cheese, onions, shredded lettuce, tomatoes and limes for a fun picnic fiesta.

Buy It: Amazon

Woven Woodchip Picnic Basket

This classic and beautiful picnic basket is perfect for any occasion. The woodchip exterior is waterproof so it protects against wet grass, preventing ground moisture from penetrating your meal.

Buy It: Amazon

Tumbling Tower Game

If most of your picnics are about maximum family fun, you'll love this tumbling tower game. This game set includes oversized wood blocks and a gorgeous canvas, zip-up carrying case. Stack all the blocks and take turns removing each block one at a time without tumbling the tower.

Buy It: Crate and Barrel

Picnic Wagon

If you're ready to up your picnic game this summer, it might be time for a picnic wagon. This sturdy, four-wheel wagon is meant to go with you and your family anywhere — the beach, the park or even camping. It's big enough to use for all of your picnic supplies and any other extra gear you might need. When not in use, you can fold up the wagon for easy storage.

Buy It: Overstock.com

Enjoy summer with your family, friends and neighbors for a good time all around.

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne