Time Slips By

What better time is there to hold a garden party for only your most intimate of friends, than during those lazy and never-ending days of Summer, when the flowers seem to sigh in the heat and the sun lulls you into a state of unmatched serenity? 

Entertaining a small party of good friends with an elegant but casual flair doesn't have to be an overcomplicated feat. A decorative bowl filled with fresh berries from the farm stand, a collection of fun plates and glassware with bright colors, and some intentional choices when it comes to the food and drink department, are all that it takes. 

The details then, you ask? Just follow your five senses and you'll strike the perfect balance between gala on the lawn, and an impromptu picnic. The food and libation should always taste just as pretty as it looks, and the scents should be just as visually captivating as they are pleasant and light. We've taken the liberty of starting you off with some of our picks for a delightful afternoon that'll turn into dusk before you know it. So, let's savor the moment!

Oh, and remember that nothing here is sponsored, just a few recommendations from a friend to a friend.

Lots of Love,

L&F 

1. Charming Little Cakes 

How beautiful! How charming! The petit fours from Dragonfly Cakes are rich and moist with honest ingredients and delicate, natural flavors that taste purely from scratch. The sizing is always generous and includes just the right amount of filling. We cannot rave enough about these little tea cakes from Dragonfly Cakes. The artistry and care they put into both their designs and their baking speak volumes about how much responsibility they take when it comes to their craft. Our flavor pick for this gathering? The pistachio petit fours from the Citrus Grove Collection. Somewhat buttery and lightly nutty, these cakes are great for small gatherings or even as a gift to a friend. We have to admit, though, the Matcha Made in Heaven Collection made for some stiff competition. A must-try for all of our friends and a true delight for the senses! 

Dragonfly Cakes

Citrus Grove Petit Fours (9-Pack), $36.50

https://dragonflycakes.com/collections/all/products/citrus-grove-petit-fours-lemon-pistachio-9-pack

Matcha Made in Heaven Petit Fours, $36.50

Photos courtesy of Dragonfly Cakes

2. Laughter and Bubbly

If you want a smart mocktail that's bubbly and pink, taste a Lavender French 75 by Blind Tiger. It's bright and delicately floral but balanced out with the vague bite and crispness of lemon, expertly navigating the line between too sweet and not sweet enough. 

There's a well-bodied element that is unmistakably linked to this brand, and you can taste this throughout its whole lineup of spirit-free cocktails. Is it the juniper? Is it the other all-natural ingredients? We're not entirely sure. All we know is that we haven't sipped anything like it since.

With all of the same elegance as the original Prohibition cocktail, Blind Tiger's Lavender French 75 is sure to up the glamour factor at your little garden party, with or without the gin. Serve chilled in coups for ultimate sophistication, and the mixology will speak for itself.

Blind Tiger 

Lavender French 75, $24.99

https://blindtigerspiritfree.com/products/lavender-french-75

Photo courtesy of Blind Tiger

3. Midsummer Haze

Let's add a unique touch to our soirée and include the tranquility of incense. Dreamy swirls of perfumed smoke will easily set the tone of the afternoon and give it more of a leisurely pace. The scent of Shoyeido's Moss Garden is deep and sweet, reminiscent of damp earth, which is sure to satisfy even a beginner to the world of traditional incense. When lit outside, sandalwood, patchouli, and benzoin combine for an incense stick that's pleasant and light in fragrance. Set in a small holder in the middle of your table on a pretty plate and let it create the right backdrop to a wonderful time spent with dear friends.

Shoyeido

Nokiba-Moss Garden, $4.50

Photo courtesy of Shoyeido