Happy Weekend

What are you up to this weekend? Tonight I will be solo, so wine and House of Cards (obsessed, totally late to the game) are in my future. 

Then we are having people over for an early dinner tomorrow. I am going to grill skirt steak and make some chimichurri, make my favorite potatoes from Miss Gwyneth, and an avocado caprese salad (recipe to come). Oh and repeating that amazing goat cheese appetizer from earlier in the week. 

Meanwhile, I am obsessing over this blazer. 

Halfsies on a cape and a blazer, so chic and Olivia Palmero-esque. 

And this Victoria Beckham dress Zoe Saldana wore on the Cannes red carpet. 

It is simply stunning. 

Have a great weekend everyone! 

xo
Erin 

Al Fresco at Your House

When you are inside for most of the year you want to spend every moment outside once it gets warm out. A few bees and sometimes too hot nights are worth it just to enjoy dinner outside with friends and frosty beverages. Here is a simple Italian menu that is delicious, perfect for the season, and easy to put together so you can enjoy the evening as well. 

Appetizer: Ricotta & Rosemary Crostini Drizzled with Honey

Salad: Arugula, Burrata, and Melon Salad with Crispy Prosciutto

Main: Tuscan Lemon Chicken

Dessert: Watermelon Granita 

I use all of the recipes through the summer and love how many of the steps are done in advance. 

This meal would be great sitting at this table, at sunset, with lots of laughter coming from your friends. 

1. Minty fresh tray to serve drinks and apps from C. Wonder $78

2. Simple stripes always look great on a table, Anthropologie $88

3. Obsessed with this Serena & Lily bamboo bar cart $395

4. Anthropologie Dinner Plates, love this print $18

5. Love these gold striped glasses $54 for set of 4

6. The wooden handles on this flatware is so chic from Sur La Table $69

7. At such a great price, these World Market director's chairs can handle all your guests $16

Happy Summer. 

xo

Erin 

Fresh Summer Pasta

My mom made this delicious pasta when I visited recently. It is one of her go-to recipes since it can be made in advance, uses the best of summer ingredients, and always is loved by her guests. Make it to your taste and enjoy the freshness and sweetness of summer's favorite fruit, the tomato. 

Fresh Tomato Pasta 

serves 4

2-3 large tomatoes, chopped

handful of fresh basil, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, smashed and finely minced

8-10 ounces brie or fresh mozzarella cheese, chopped

4 tablespoons olive oil 

salt and pepper

crushed red pepper (optional)

1 lb. fine linguine

In a large bowl, add all the ingredients except for the pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add crushed red pepper to taste if you want some heat. Let sit at room temperature for one hour and up to all day. 

Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and pour over the sauce. Toss to combine until cheese is melted and sauce and pasta are well mixed. 

Serve immediately with some cracked black pepper on top and crusty bread to soak up all that lovely sauce. 

xo

Erin 

Halloween Table Setting

I hosted a "Fright Night" dinner for my girlfriends last weekend and thought I would share my table setting with all of you. I am not much for "themes" or too much when it comes to holiday decorating, but I had fun putting this setting together for a casual girls night. 

I kept the place mats casual and the napkins were paper in a preppy print, but orange for the occasion. The wax lips were a fun way to start the meal off with lots of laughs and pictures. 

I found the skull votive candles at Z Gallerie on sale. The tiger striped pumpkins were a steal at Trader Joe's. 

The glasses were a last minute addition that I found hidden away from when I received them as a wedding gift. The tulips were easy to put together. 

1. Fill three containers with water

2. Trim off excess leaves off tulips and bring together in a bouquet bunch. Trim length down to an inch or two higher than the container. 

3. Secure with a rubber band. Take one of the small leaves you trimmed off and wrap around the rubber band to hide it. Use a pin to secure (I used some old earrings). 

That was dinner at my house on Saturday and my attempt at Halloween decorations for grown ups. The flowers are holding up great and I have to say it makes me want to get even more festive as the holidays come closer. At least a little bit. 

xo

Erin