Handmaker of Things

4th of July Favorites

It's that time of year again, almost 4th of July. How are you celebrating this year? Lots of food, family, and friends hopefully. If you're throwing a party, and you're anything like me, you want to start planning now. I'm rounding up a few of my favorite 4th of July posts with food, drinks, and crafts that you can use to make your party special this year! 

Add a little extra fun to your cocktails with these red, white, and blue drink stirrers. Don't you think the star one looks like a sparkler! 

Speaking of drinks, what's more perfect for a summer get together than a lemonade cocktail bar? Nothing that I can think of. Ahhhhh, refreshing. Homemade lemonade recipe included. 

Looking for a patriotic dessert to round out the evening? This red, white, and blue cake is super easy (and you don't need to be a pro to make it happen). 

Hope you're inspired to create something fun for your 4th of July event. Tag #handmakerofthings, and share your holiday crafts. I can't wait to see what you make!

Happy handmaking ~ Emily

 

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I always feel lucky to be an entrepreneur and run my own business. When I get to collaborate with other amazing creative women, then I feel over the moon. This shoot put together by Rachael Adele and shot by Sarah Sweeney Photography. They told me they were putting together this great dinner, and wanted a very woodland feel for the floral. Lots of greens, and clean white flowers, I was more than happy to oblige. Beautiful dinnerware and votive holders created by Convivial Production were a perfect counterpoint to the organic florals. More lovely serving pieces, like the gorgeous marble tray were provided by Coveted Home. Gram and Dun provided tasty bites, and personal gourmet salts came from Season + Square right here in my hood, Brookside. A huge thank you to Rachael and Sarah for having me take part in something so creative and lovely. 

xo ~ Emily

 

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Cocktails. Need I say more? These are some of my favorite posts to write, mostly because I get to taste test them all. Today's concoction may just be my new favorite summer beverages, and it all happened totally by accident. I was doing my normal grocery shopping, buying juice for Eleanor, and I came across this amazing Rose and Elderflower Lemonade from Belvoir Fruit Farm. Have you heard to it? It's pretty much the cutest place ever. The bottle just jumped off the shelf at me, so I was immediately inspired to create a cocktail with it. 

I mean how cute is that bottle top label? And it's not a lie. I sampled the lemonade first. I was trying to decide if it would pair well with one of the herbs in my garden, which I've been wanting to use in a cocktail recipe. When I sipped it the first thing I thought of was basil so I thought I'd give it a try. 

 

Here's the ingredients I used for this cocktail:

• Belvoir Fruit Farms Rose and Elderflower Lemonade
• Stoli Vodka
• Sweet basil leaves
• Granulated sugar
• Lemons and rose petals for garnish

I started by tearing apart one basil leaf and adding two pinches of sugar. I muddled those two in my glass. Next I added three ounces lemonade, one ounce vodka. Stir it all together, and then add a generous amount of ice. Garnish with a lemon slice and a rose petal. 

I contemplated adding a splash of champagne for a touch of bubbles, but the lemonade is "lightly sparkling". I'm glad I didn't because I think there's a nice balance here, and the cocktail is more crisp and clear without it. Perfect for those summer parties you might be hosting. It's so delicious and fresh, and pretty too. No brainer right!

I hope you'll try out this cocktail recipe. Share your pics with hashtag #handmakerofthings. I'd love to see what you create! 

xo ~ Emily

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Carly and Drew's wedding was the very definition of classic. Both ceremony and reception took place at Grand Street Cafe's special event space. A palette of black and white with just a touch of green made for a simple, elegant look. Her bouquet was lush and romantic with peonies, garden roses, and lisianthus, and the greenery centerpieces were some of my favorites we've made. So simple, but modern and fresh (and the views not bad either). Thank you so much to Carly and Drew for letting us be part of your day. Images by emmy-ray and Dasa Photography.

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This post has been moved. Please find it now on my new baby and kid focused blog, Hazel & Ollie. There I'll be sharing all kinds of inspiration from nursery decor, kids fashion, maternity and new born shoots and more!