The dog days of summer may be here, but it’s still a great time to enjoy a good party.  I love everything about backyard barbeques: good company, the smell of savory meats roasting away on the grill, cool and refreshing sweet tea in my glass, summer berry desserts and a playful game of horseshoes or badminton.  And as much as I love to host parties, I enjoy being a party guest just as much.

If you’ve ever been on a road trip with kids you are more than familiar with the agony of hearing the classic question, “Are we there yet?”  Although sometimes dreaded, road trips can save a lot of money and situational stress (think airport security checks and delayed flights) and can be a lot of fun (with the right mindset and preparation).

‘Tis the season for a wedding; it is summer after all.  Across the country, April through November is the busiest time for weddings and it’s likely that as you are juggling your summer vacations you are also carving away weekend time to attend weddings.

There is something about a wedding that is just so magical.  Call me sappy, but I usually shed a tear when I see a glowing bride walk down the aisle and her to-be husband’s face as he takes that first look.  And my favorite part, of course, is the entertaining.  Enjoying a great meal, with great wine, music, dancing and conversation—is there anything better?

Grab your kids, a favorite teddy bear and a picnic basket and settle onto a patch of warm green grass because July 10^th is National Teddy Bear Picnic Day!  The concept is over 100 years old, as the music for the famed “Teddy Bear Picnic” song was composed in 1907 and kids all over the United States and beyond have been sharing in teddy bear picnics for generations.

I love the idea of indulging in this fantasy world of crumpets and tea for an afternoon; I mean, why not?  If I were to think of the perfect companions (besides the kiddos, of course) I would gravitate toward the Original Pooh characters.  There’s nothing like the classic Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore and Pooh to remind me of what childhood was all about.

It seems that summer just started and yet the Fourth of July is already upon us.  I love this celebration; not just because I can run my bare toes through the grass and feel like a kid again as I watch fireworks streaking, in their beautiful hues, across the night sky, but because it reminds me of what it means to be an American.  When taking the time to reflect upon our country’s past and appreciate our many freedoms I am always humbled.

So as I am enjoying that all-American BBQ with my friends and family I love to have something on hand that reflects the theme of the day, whether it’s donning something with an American flag pattern,  making a patriotic treat, or letting my kids run around with red, white and blue glow necklaces.  I was thrilled to find these glasses and hand towels from Cat Studio which embrace the Americana style.   The rich artistic designs on these items span different states, cities, regions and national parks.  The glasses are frosted, which is so apropos for enjoying a cold drink on a hot summer day and the dish towels look homey with hand embroidery along the edges.

Just as the temperature begins to show signs of heating up, and my flower beds begin to show signs of life beyond winter, I found the most gorgeous collection of silk photo albums that are simply too elegant to forget. And in fact, I was invited to a fabulous black tie event last weekend at my friend, Lynda's home (yes, her home!) and I so wish that I had come across these works of art before I settled on something lovely as a hostess gift-- but not nearly as special.

Made one at a time by a crew of seamstresses from Dallas, these small books offer a powerful punch-- of color, that is! Adorned with a huge bow (remember that everything is big in Texas!) or a stunning crystal brooch, I love how elegant and rich they all look together. In my mind I am imagining these lady seamstresses drinking sweet tea, discussing their favorite summers while their children run around barefoot in smocked john-johns or bishop dresses-- and lovingly hand crafting the photo albums all the while watching dragonflies. If this is up your southern alley (like mine), then these gifts deserve a prominent place in your home.

Recently, I was invited to celebrate a friend's birthday. This friend is a very busy mother, wife and business owner. And frankly, I wasn't sure what to buy the person who seemingly has it all. But as my head was hitting the pillow one night last week, I came to a revelation: she doesn't have time to relax! But instead of purchasing an impersonal gift certificate to a spa, I wanted to but something that she'd use for a while and remember how much I care.

As I drove home today with my top down (yes, I have a convertible!) my train of thought went something like this: 1) I need to schedule a pedicure since I'll be wearing my flip flops this weekend! 2) Humm, I wonder where I hid those summer favorites from last season? 3) Do my kids' flip flops still fit them? 4) I guess I should probably pick up a few new pair for the family since I am sure that none of ours will fit or frankly, be found. Bummer. 5) I wish I had some way of keeping these small flops together at the door without making my house look more cluttered.

Ok, I must admit that I am smitten with the newest Julia Knight serving pieces. No really, I think I've gone crazy... I want it all! The vibrant colors scream spring entertaining, and the pieces are completely meant to mix and match-- which is exactly how I like to decorate. Each piece is an unique, handmade sculptural work of art.  Sandcast by hand in high-grade aluminum, each piece is hand-painted with a special color enamel and then mixed with crushed Mother of Pearl. How many times did I just say "done by hand?" These are really exquisite.

I'm not sure about you, but it appears that everyone I know is going out of town for this President's Day weekend.  So I thought it was only appropriate to share a few items that I think might make your holiday trip a bit more enjoyable.

These cards provide hours of trivia to any kid on a trip. Based on the chronology of the US Presidents, you will learn which President earned a Nobel Peace Prize and which President endured a childhood nickname of "Useless." Sure to enlighten, entertain, educate and inspire this small book travels nicely and won't make FSA folks whine. For $10.95 this might be the best investment you will make for your trip, plus it might count as extra credit at school.