Another Vintage Picnic at Daisy's

Sometimes I wish I could buy a magazine company just so my friend, Daisy, could organize all the shoots, spreads, creative content and distribution of it. She just makes everything pretty.

To kickoff an especially great weekend, she hosted a gal party at the pond down the road from her house. I laughed and bonded in great company, with sunshine, music, food, and an invigorating swim across the pond to make me feel like an Olympian (with a floating noodle assist).

A preparty shot from Daisy

It really doesn't matter how pretty the place is, how classy the drinks or how artfully prepared the food is. Despite matching linens and handmade decor sewed fresh for the occasion, I know that at Daisy's place, I will always feel welcome and special.

Meyer lemon finished campagne from Della Fattoria with local cheeses.

Fresh cherries, apricots and raspberries with St. Germain cocktails.

And that was only the beginning of the weekend ...

Nordic Kiss

My good friends know that I have trouble transitioning into summer drinks, given my passion for porters, stouts and whiskeys during the cooler months. Don't get me wrong, I love a cosmo or a gin and tonic as much as a gal can, but finding my "summer drink" is tricky. 

I drink Lillet on ice or Campari sodas when I'm with friends or in the garden, but I like having a regular stock of something more versatile in the home. And one should never drink Lillet alone, really.

I've made a couple Ikea runs since my move and I found a bottle of elderflower syrup. I was curious, and drawn to something that is sweet and feminine, but also recommended for flavoring water. How practical! I got a bottle, hoping I could get creative.

This is a lovely variation of a drink my godmother made me, only hers uses St. Germain, an elderflower liqueur in the most beautiful bottle you've ever seen. This is my take, a little twist on the French Gimlet.

 -2 oz. citrus vodka
-1 Tablespoon of elderflower syrup or St. Germain
-4 oz. grapefruit soda (you can use juice, but I like the bubbles for summer)
-slice or twist of lime

Serve up or on the rocks.

Great for a party, or just to celebrate you!