A friend of mine is an avid entertainer and gracious host, and fittingly, her husband is beyond skilled as a bartender. So the couple has expressly designated a patch in their garden to grow essentials for their favorite cocktails — basil, mint, lavender, and lemon verbena among them. Closest to the kitchen door, they grow regulars needed for their cooking routine, such as tomatoes and Read more

With temperatures rising all across the country, I'm sure those of you who have pools will be mighty glad you do this August. For those of you in chillier climates, a hot tub could be a key feature of your home. Perhaps since you built a new deck in your home, it's become your favorite place to entertain. One of my favorite places to escape outdoors is to my rooftop hammock. A friend of mine Read more

Now that Summer is officially here, it's time to better perk up your patio! Whether you have 10 square feet on your apartment balcony to decorate or acres of green grass and a poolside cabana, injecting some vibrant, weather-resistant textiles into your outdoor space will go a long way to making you feel the heat of the season. But a simple solid-colored Sunbrella throw pillow won't do . Read more

I've been obsessed with Summer style changes lately, so I perked up when I spied the Williams-Sonoma Home Semi-Annual Sale. With discounts up to 40 percent, you can find serious steals on home accents and furniture to outfit your warm-weather digs. I'm particularly fond of the playful color palette of these Printed Outdoor Pillows ($40, reduced from $60), which would make any outdoor area more Read more

If spending the entire Summer at the Ace Hotel Palm Springs isn't an option, chill out and check out my ideas for incorporating the decor into your pad. Using a mix of vintage furniture, surfer style, and California modern, the Ace creates a stunningly original aesthetic, and with the right pieces, you can too. Here's how to get the look of three of my favorite spaces. The Simple Suite With Read more