Summer Days

I have tons of great summertime memories from when I was a younger kid and teenager.

Time seemed endless and events felt exciting. It always seemed like the days went slower and there was plenty of time to relax. 

Picnicking was a simple and affordable adventure for a family with a lot of kids, such as mine. We’d head out to nearby nature preserves for the evening. Our summer menu varied, but absolutely included juicy watermelon and the quintessential summer smore’s. Inevitably, melon seed spitting would turn into a family-wide challenge to see who could go the furthest. Good times were had.

Now, all grown up, I embrace the enjoyment of a casual dinner with friends on the patio. A menu featuring the bounty of summer is simple enough, yet elegant and inviting. Whether you prepare everything yourself, or decide to lean on your favorite local establishments, an easy-breezy summer dinner could go a little something like this…

• Welcome your guests with a beverage and pretty tray of prosciutto wrapped melon to start the evening.

• Continue at the table with a summer salad of heirloom tomatoes and fresh burrata, topped with capers and a drizzle of pesto, served with garlicky crostini.

• Prepare marinated and grilled steak, sliced thinly, for the main course, and serve with a tangy summer corn and bean salsa.

• Make quartered and grilled olive oil rosemary potatoes as a side.

• Dessert can be super simple; get a couple pints of peach ice cream and scoop alongside crispy shortbread cookies. Hint: Pistacia Vera and Winn Winn Café bake fabulous shortbread cookies!

As the evening fades, relax and enjoy the memories and stories that good friends always seem to recall when they get together.

Don’t forget the stylish summery table! A pretty table lets everyone know they are special guests in your home. Begin with a fun tablecloth, runner or place mat. Arrange candles, cups of herbs and summer flowers down the center of the table for all to enjoy.

Here’s to summer!

~Regina

Fawning Over Ferns!

As we round the corner into the Summer months, we want to give a nod to ferns in all their gorgeous glory.

Beautiful, lush green ferns are a classic summer accent. They look perfect hanging on a front porch, presented in an eye-catching urn by the front door, or tucked into the garden as a focal point.

Kimberly Queen, Maidenhair & Blue Star Ferns with Algerian Ivy line this lovely window box.

Boston ferns are probably one of the most common varieties we see, especially used in hanging baskets. They also do well in a planter, and prefer a shady environment.

Whatever you do, don’t let your ferns dry out too much for an extended period. You don’t want the fronds to get crispy! A lack of water will cause them to wilt, and their bright green color begins to fade.

A deep watering and misting a few times a week in the heat of the summer will keep them growing and happy. It’s also a good idea to fertilize with a mix that has a NPK of 20-10-20, every 4-6 weeks, during the growing season.

A Contained Garden designed for a shaded backyard patio utilizing this gorgeous Campania Urn.

There are a few other varieties I absolutely love!

We use the Kimberly Queen a lot in Contained Gardens and window boxes. They look great dropped into a basket or planter, as well. A smaller Kimberly Queen (6 inch pot or smaller), can be styled as a simple outdoor centerpiece. It makes a great focal point in a larger container, as the upright fronds work well with a wide-ranging combination of other annuals or perennials.

The Blue Star is a lovely addition with it’s long, broad, blue-hued leaves, and the delicate Maidenhair, though it requires much care and attention, adds charm and elegance.

The Macho Fern is a variety we have been using more recently. It has bold, bright green fronds that grow up to 3-4 feet long, dwarfing other common fern varieties. The long fronds arch beautifully create an attractive and lush look. Macho ferns thrive in warm, shady conditions with consistent moisture and acidic soil.

Whatever variety, the key is consistent watering and misting to keep your ferns looking fabulous all summer long.

~Regina

Macho ferns

P.S. For Contained Gardens in general, you can’t count on the rain for a good watering. It’s never really enough to help your planters! So, grab that cup of coffee in the morning, or a refreshing beverage in the evening, and get to work. The reward will be beautiful!

My Spring Memories

Since I was a kid, playing outdoors all the time, I’ve been aware of the seasonality and beauty of flowers.

I grew up in a big family with 8 kids, so my Mom was definitely NOT spending time gardening. However, we had older neighbors that were part of our daily life, and their yards had lovingly tended gardens and flowers. Remember, computers weren’t around then, so neighbors would often be outside in the evening, puttering around overseeing their progress. These were small homes and yards but there was a great sense of pride and enjoyment from tilling the earth and growing flowers.

My siblings and I spent a lot of time at their houses, watching them enjoy the spaces they created, while they showered us with tasty treats and kind attention. I loved everything about these visits.

Spring certainly peppered the neighborhood with happy daffodils in assorted colors. Billowing spirea bushes appeared. That’s when I first made wedding bouquets. I would pick a bunch of small white blooms and gather them together in a bouquet. This was also the time of year for May Crownings, a Catholic tradition that honored the Blessed Virgin Mary by adorning a statue or image with a floral crown. Actually… I think that was the start of party planning for me, too. I had everyone in the neighborhood join in!

In May the driveways were lined with seemingly endless rows of peony bushes, from the back yard to the street. Blooming Cherry trees, Redbuds and tulips came up next. None of these blooms last particularly long but the excitement and fleeting beauty they bring to the seasons has always given me peace and pleasure. I hope you find enjoyment in it, too.

Here’s to Spring!

~Regina

The Art of Gracious Entertaining

Hosting a dinner party is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a special occasion, or simply gather around a pretty table with special guests. 

Photography by Ray LaVoie

A bit of planning will ensure that you’re a guest at the party, too. Start by setting your guest list at around 6 to 8 individuals; a good number for managing serving and enjoying conversation.

Decide on a seasonal menu that you're comfortable cooking. Believe me, now is not the time to practice something new. And remember, even Ina Garten says it’s OK to add something delicious to your menu from your favorite restaurant or caterer.

Welcome everyone with an aperitif or other refreshment from the stylish bar you’ll set up. A few garnishes, such as a simple cup of herbs or flowers, add a touch of freshness. Don’t forget a fun cocktail napkin!

When it comes to styling the table, think of layering. I often start with a colorful paper runner. Hester & Cook is a favorite, and they have many styles and accessories.  Chargers add another layer and texture. If your menu includes a salad, set the prepared salad plate on the dinner plate, ready to go when guests are seated. That way when you clear the salad plate, the dinner plate is in place for the next course. 

Now for our favorite part… flowers! A collection of small vases designed with a colorful combination of small blooms (ranunculus, peonies, roses) and berries or greens are a perfect pairing. Sometimes I keep it simple and use a lot of one flower variety in two different tones, such as a hot and light pink. Summer dinners can utilize aromatic pots of herbs, creating an organic seasonal table.

Lastly, add soft light with a mix of votives, lanterns or tapered candles. We also love the extra touch of a pretty place card or menu to truly personalize the experience for your guests.

Bon Appetit!

~Regina