1. DITCH THE PAPER
One of the easiest ways to elevate your celebration is to use real dinnerware. Adding placemats, using cloth napkins and lighting candles creates a refined tabletop, which can set the tone for your party. To really embrace the holiday, think about incorporating symbolic colors into your tableware. Need ideas? Check out our Outdoor Entertaining Pinterest Board

2. CREATE A SIGNATURE DRINK
Crafting a signature cocktail gives you the chance to highlight your favorite ingredients and gives guests a chance to try a cocktail they may not have tasted before. When selecting a cocktail, be sure to think about the time of day it will be served, the glassware it will be poured into and your guests’ preferences. Short on ideas? Try our house-mixed Pineapple Sunrise cocktail:
Pour 1 ounce of each of the following into a chilled cocktail shaker: White Rum, Grapefruit Juice and Pineapple Juice.
Add a scoop of crushed ice and shake until the mixture is well blended.
Pour into a chilled glass, add some fresh ice and fill the glass with club soda.
Stir briefly, top with a splash of grenadine and serve!

3. FOCUS ON FRESH
Know what’s in-season locally and use it! One of our favorite in-season July treats is fresh blueberries and watermelon. We especially like the creative way they’re threaded onto kebobs below, as found on Weelicious.com. Looking for a little extra flavor? Try adding mint leaves and strawberries to the mix. 4th of July just wouldn’t be complete without a serving of potato salad. Elevate this staple dish by using fresh herbs and less mayonnaise. As Bon appetite notes, “potato salad is better when it’s not a mayonnaise bomb.”

4. SET THE MOOD
While an ocean-view cabana may be the ultimate way to establish a sophisticated, relaxed atmosphere, let’s face it – it’s not attainable for all of us. Instead, let’s focus on easier ways to create this vibe: scent and lighting. Try incorporating fragrant flowers or aromatic candles around major seating areas, lighting a fire (think fireplace or firepit) and adding a touch of greenery to create a calming ambiance. To give candles extra glow in the evening hours, place them in glass containers.

5. ENSURE AMPLE SEATING
Another simple, yet overlooked way to elevate your celebration is to create multiple areas of comfortable seating. That’s right –comfortable. This means putting in a little extra effort and providing beverage buckets, throws and pillows throughout your entertaining area to ensure guests are contented throughout your party. Now that we’ve shared our top five tips, it’s your turn!

Heel savers come in many forms, shapes, sizes, colors — heck — even transparencies! Some of them are heel caps, others, high heel covers & guards. But no matter how you categorize them, each product exists to serve & protect your heels from unfortunate circumstances. And I’ve scoured the best high heel protectors available on the market & divvied them up by use.

So what is a heel protector, you ask? They’re essentially heel savers for shoes that protect either the heel tip, heel shaft or both. These accessories are used mostly for preventing damage to dainty stilettos, which are prone to damage, not to mention more easily sink into the ground!

So, where can I buy high heel protectors, you ask? Patience, my friends, patience! Why don’t I list some out to start, so you can become more familiar with the concept & we take it from there, ok? Moving on!

High Heel protectors for grass
Let’s face it: stilettos often venture where they likely shouldn’t. So it comes as no surprise that one of the most sought-out heel protection accessories are those that prevent heels from sinking into grass & getting ruined.

Like at a wedding or garden party where grassy lawns come into play. And you can’t really wear flats to a wedding can you!? Oh, alright, you can, but it’s usually not a first choice. Ask any party guest who has used high heel caps on grass recently & they’ll likely rave about them. Because walking & standing at these sorts of things is somewhat key! But wait…there’s more!

These nifty contraptions are not only reserved to protect your heels in the grass, but can also help shield your high heels from muddy streets, country roads & sand. What’s great about these heel caps is that many brands are making them in all kinds of shapes, sizes & colors. Making it easier for you to find a heel cap for your need & liking. The SolesMates Heel Covers for Grass

Solemates’ “High Heeler” is one of the most highly rated patented stiletto caps out there & a celebrity favorite. I recently found out that Solemates was the first of its kind to be invented (I verified it!). Ever since their product was released into the market, it has spurred a slew of copycat versions. Yes, they’re that good!
Made in the US, Solemates‘ heel caps are a discreet & functional option if you’ll be walking both on & off the grass in stiletto heels. The most popular style is the clear version, but they also come in black, silver & gold. Available in 3 sizes (narrow, classic, wide), these heel tip protectors can be reused.

The brand has expanded their line to include a variety of shoe care accessories, which I plan on featuring in the near future. This female-owned business was on Shark Tank a few weeks back. Did you catch the episode?

1. Island Breeze Rattan Twin Beds
The perfect solution for a vacation home needing extra sleeping space. Leather wrapped bent rattan creates a sophisticated, yet exotic look. Placed against light colored walls creates an intriguing contrast.

2. Sovereign Canopy Bed
In contrast to the bed above, this canopy bed’s design draws inspiration from island living, but features traditional turned posts and a sophisticated dark finish. Pair with animal prints or a black and white color scheme to create a dramatic, campaign-like escape.

3. Urbana Bed
Reminiscent of a wave in motion, the sweeping profile of this bed is perfect for those looking to create a serene space in which to unwind. Complete the look with neutral bedding and lightweight window treatments. This bed is versatile enough to work in a penthouse or seaside escape.

4. Belle Isle Twin Headboard
Taken from the « Beach House » collection, it’s no wonder these are a perfect addition to a coastal retreat. The beds bring the outdoors in by utilizing natural materials like reeded bamboo and bent rattan. Bright tropical bedding completes the look.

5. Paradise Point Bed
Transitional in design, this bed is sure to pair well with a variety of design asethetics. A woven rattan panel is framed by a dramatic open fretwork design balanced by soft returns at its ends. Paired with a spa color palette of light blues and greens creates a serene space.

6. West Indies Twin Headboard
True to their name, these headboards are certain to offer a dramatic island flair to any guest room. Carved bamboo posts with chippendale inspired fretwork showcase the craftsmanship of the bed, while muted tropical patterns on the bedding create a sophisitcated, exotic space.

7. Orchid Bay Upholstered Bed
For those looking for durable, easy-to-clean furnishings, the Orchid Bay bed should be considered a top choice. Its upholstered frame is made from a very popular and durable Polypropylene materal shown here in a soft lemon coloration. While it appears to be woven raffia, this easy to care for material guarantees your bed will last for years to come.

8. Mandarin Upholstered Panel Bed
The Mandarin bed makes a subtle design statement through its use of strong horizontal wood accents on an otherwise neutral frame. Clean lines and a linen weave fabric blending shades of white and ivory create a serene ambiance.

9. Pritchards Bay Panel Twin Headboard
Inspired by the island of Bermuda, these beds feature decorative lattice and a woven raffia panel. The crisp white finish allows for seamless integration into nearly any style home and highlights the chosen accessories and bedding. We particularly like the bright colors introduced by the zig-zag pattern on the bedding and ottomans.

10. Barrington Upholstered Platform Bed
This bed defines luxury through its clean architecutral lines and thoughtful nailhead trim in a Greek key design. Coupled with an upholstered headboard and footboard in a cobblestone pattern in rose gold, the bed exudes relaxation. Perfect for any modern retreat. Whether it be a coastal retreat or penthouse, we hope you’ve found inspriation in our favorite finds.