Cupcakes and Cashmere

Easy Entertaining

July 12th, 2011

Lately it seems like we’ve been entertaining several nights a week, which is fine by me. I love impromptu dinner parties and I think we’re well on our way to perfecting the art of casual dining. Aside from serving up some of my favorite summer dishes (like this and this), I keep things simple: all white flowers, candles (they should always be scentless during a meal), and unfussy table settings. And since a Brita water filter on the table is about as unappealing as it gets, I’ve been infusing water with different flavors (like mint, lemon, and orange), pouring them into individual bottles (I got mine here) and labeling them with a simple image to differentiate them. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

{Mint}

{Lemon}

{Orange}

{Orange label}

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  • http://www.novembergrey.com november grey

    Brilliant. I have those same bottles and I always keep two in the fridge for cold water and guests. I poured some the other day and got compliments. But you just took it to a whole new level. Not only flavored, but labeled flavored?! Amazed. xx

  • http://stopandsmellthewildflowers.com Amber @ Stop and Smell the Wildflowers

    I love those bottles. What a great idea!

  • http://www.therosiestcheeks.com TheRosiestCheeks

    What a great Idea! I love this…

    http://www.therosiestcheeks.com

  • http://maboutculture.com Asua

    These are all great ideas!!

  • Emily

    they are sooo adorable! and cute and just fun!
    xoxo

  • http://chicgeekery.blogspot.com/ Malorie

    What a clever and unique idea! The labels are especially wonderful.

    http://chicgeekery.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.theredsee.net Red See

    Great idea, perfect for the summer!

  • http://goldendivine.blogspot.com/ Ashley Marie

    Such a great and original idea! Love how simplistic it is for those unexpected dinner parties. Thanks!

  • http://inside-outpdx.blogspot.com Catherine

    Another great flavor that I use in the summer when it’s really hot? Cucumber. Very light and refreshing.

    http://inside-outpdx.blogspot.com

  • Loren

    The idea of pouring water into a bottle is very Joans on Third.

  • http://iamtheheiress.tumblr.com Jen

    I LOVE the water bottle idea, and the labels are so sweet.

  • http://cwfrosting.blogspot.com/ caroline @ c.w.frosting

    Simple & gorgeous! Good point about scentless candles & dinner!

  • http://hellofridaybypaik.blogspot.com/ hello friday

    I love the idea having a label for each water. So cute!!

    http://hellofridaybypaik.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.delightedmomma.com Lindsay @ Delighted Momma

    how cute is this?! Okay I have to ask…is there anything that you DONT do…you are like the HOT Martha Stuart…but with style

  • http://www.paperdolltheory.com paper doll theory

    looks like it was a lovely dinner party! love what you did with the bottles. and infusing the water was a nice touch!

    love kelly
    http://www.paperdolltheory.com

  • http://www.honeyinthesun.com zelina

    Emily that’s such a fantastic idea great pics.

  • Ann

    You seem like an exquisite hostess! I love it when hostesses are creative…but not too fussy, precious, or pretentious. Avoiding those qualities reminds me of the great hostesses of the past like Babe Cushing Mortimer Paley, Betsey Cushing Roosevelt Whitney, and Minnie Cushing Astor Fosburgh. Loved them! So gracious.

  • http://www.cheekypinktulip.blogspost.com Cheeky Pink Tulip

    Oh gosh this is so cute! And I love the tealights in the short glasses. We’re doing the same for our wedding.

    Maria xx
    http://www.cheekypinktulip.blogspot.com

  • http://www.moonstruck-expose.blogspot.com moonstruck expose

    in love with that first shot! great post!!

    moonstruck exposé

    x. juliana

  • http://quiescentshimmers.blogspot.com Andrea

    love the fruitiness!

  • http://thesignaturebow.blogspot.com/ Leonie

    Great idea, definitely something I would like to try when we organize a dinner party!

    http://thesignaturebow.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.whatyoufancy.co.uk el {what you fancy}

    This is a gorgeous idea, Emily. So simple and elegant :)
    ~el

    http://www.whatyoufancy.co.uk

  • http://www.alexia-videdressing.blogspot.com Alexia

    My god, as elegant as ever, you’re the best!

  • http://styleofsam.blogspot.com/ Samantha

    What a fantastic idea! I usually leave the pitcher on the table (with the lemon/mint) but your bottle idea is so chic! Thanks! xo, sam

    http://styleofsam.blogspot.com/

  • Lindsay

    First off, love your blog. Second, you should try the SodaStream! You can carbonate your water then just add a little bit of freshly squeezed lemon/orange/lime, etc…and then pour into the cute bottles you have! A nice way to have homemade carbonated water on hand whenever you want!

  • http://heytherekid.blogspot.com Hannah

    I’ve never seen a more adorable idea!

    Thanks!

    XO
    http://heytherekid.blogspot.com

  • http://gelbarrientos.blogspot.com Gel

    I love the idea! <3

  • http://charmingcoutureblog.blogspot.com/ Caroline B
  • http://www.sincerelyarizona.blogspot.com/ Kristal

    I love the bottled water idea, this adds so much. Like you said, small step, big difference. It’s perfect for summer and the images fit perfectly. Hope your friends enjoyed this lovely dinner party!

    http://www.sincerelyarizona.blogspot.com/

  • http://notafer.tumblr.com/ Sidra

    Emily, this is so pretty! I discovered your blog a few months ago and it really helped me procrastinate during my exams. I read all the way back to your very first post.

  • Breeann

    Love the idea of using those bottles! I bought some from IKEA $2.99 and they work great! Note: do not use perrier or any carbonated beverage in these. Almost took someone’s eye out at my first dinner party using these :)

  • http://itsawordcloset.blogspot.com Lucy

    Such a wonderful idea!

    xoxo

    itsawordcloset.blogspot.com

  • http://www.in-HomeCulinaryClasses.blogspot.com Vicki Bensinger

    What a creative idea plus it makes the table look bright, fresh and healthy! Love it!

  • Laura

    love the table settings !!! white/grey is just perfect

  • http://www.littleredbook-thatshaute.blogspot.com Little Red Book
  • http://saraalana.wordpress.com sara alana

    Just went to a cute little cafe when I was visiting my folks in Sausalito (I’m a Marin baby too) and they had mint leaves in all the water and it was amazing! Now I know what to do with my crazy wild mint plant.

    saraalana.wordpress.com

  • http://lovetopeaces.blogspot.com Bailey

    you take such beautiful food photos! I really enjoy them. It’s a real art.

    lovetopeaces.blogspot.com

  • http://www.leotarddiaries.com j.esp

    love this idea, there is a catering service that does this as well along with some very appetizing food called Bon Appetit!

    http://www.leotarddiaries.com

  • http://simplysublimeblog.wordpress.com Sarah

    Simple is always beautiful! Great ideas!

  • http://730design.blogspot.com caterine

    Lovely. I love the different labels for the waters, such great and unique idea!

    Caterine
    730design.blogspot.com

  • http://beaandben.blogspot.com Sofia

    Totally beautiful. Must do this sometime.

  • http://brownstoneloving.wordpress.com Kate

    I absolutely adore this idea! I can’t wait to try it out myself!

  • http://www.thebudgetbabe.com The Budget Babe

    i have a feeling that about 1,000 brides-to-be just pinned these photos (myself included!)…thx for the inspiration :)

  • http://www.principessagabriella.blogspot.com Gabriella

    Great tips, the all white looks lovely! I love the water idea too, very cute and tasty! :)

    ♥ Check out my blog: Principessa Gabriella

  • http://www.barefootandpine.blogspot.com car

    i too am a chronic entertainer + i LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea!!!!!

  • http://daviniahamilton.com Davinia

    What a beautiful idea!

  • http://londonsnobonabudget.wordpress.com Snob on a Budget

    Wow! I love this idea, what a easy and cheap way to make your dinner party chic.
    I am going to share tomorrow on my link love.

  • http://allaboutg.blogspot.com Giselle

    Lovely idea. I always put water in a water jug and add loads of lemon slices to it. It gives it a nice taste and looks pretty too :)

    P.S. New reader here; love your blog x

  • http://kristinsveranda.com/vignettes Kristin

    Loved this post on simple but elegant entertaining touches…I’m all about that! In fact, I just did a post on my own blog last week about infusing water and some of my favorite combos! Love the idea of offering several types in one meal.- Just found your blog today for the first time via Gussy, and have thoroughly enjoyed my visit here! Hope your weekend was a good one!

  • Deb

    WOW party on. Great ideas for summer dinning.