4th of July - outfit inspiration and some essentials

Shirt by Scotch-Soda 
(their website is currently undergoing renovations; Gap and Old Navy have great basic t-shirts at really affordable prices) 

Skirt by the Gap 
(also comes in gray stripes; so comfortable and can be dressed up or down)  
Sandals by Tory Burch

(they also come in white, coral & black...one of each, please!) 

Rings & Necklace by Gorjana Griffin 

(they are having a sale! enter GG4USA at checkout)
Bag by Arcofadiver
(amazing bags; love great Etsy finds!)

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And the 4th of July party essentials: 

For Floating: Pretzel, Watermelon
For Protecting: Sunscreen, After Sun Soother
For Hydrating: Water Dispenser
For Celebrating: Shatterproof Wine Glasses, Sparklers

Enjoy the holiday (some Independence Day facts here)!

namaste, m&s

the planning continues

...there are other tasks to tend to.
 

 Ideas for the signature cocktail

** Champagne Bar: prefect for the cream, silver & peaches- themed gathering (recipes & how-to via Mint Love Social Club).

** Mint Love Julep: for the peach & mint-themed gathering (recipe via Mint Love Social Club). 

** DIY Cocktail Station: we love the gold details on this DIY cocktail station. Perfect for the black, white & gold theme! (recipe & how-to via Hostess with the Mostess).

** A Fall Themed Cocktail Station: although it may be wintertime, we love the fall season and feel that this theme can blend with a winter themed-party quite nicely (recipes & how-to via Waiting on Martha).  

...of course, one can always hire a mixologist.  

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Must haves for the menu

** DIY Crostini station: who doesn't love crostinis? Find a sweet & savory station at thekitchn. 

** Tapas: a tapas menu from The Fresh Market. How delicious do mini brie tarts with lemon curd sound?! yum.

** Simply party food ideas from Martha herself.  

...of course, one can always cater. How delicious & fresh does the food from Kitchen 12000 look? (for those in SoCal) and the food from The General Store (for those in NorCal) is amazing!!! 

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Clever ways to capture the evening's memories

** DIY Photo Booth: with mustaches of course (how-to & details at Made+Remade).

 

** An Instagram Photo Booth: a clever costume idea from Glitter N' Glue; it could also by used for a photo booth and people can hold cardboard hashtags!

Each picture is taken twice with a polaroid camera. One photo is given to the guest and the other, put in a photo album for the birthday girl (we mean birthday grown-up). In addition to this guest favor, these are also cute!

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Some outfit inspiration

namaste, m&s