the pink clutch ...: A Gentry Bourbon Date Night

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I was researching tailgate parties for a friend the other day on Pinterest to collect some images for a photo shoot she is working on and was immensely inspired by all the amazing classic preppy photos. It was one monogrammed button down with pearls after another. Add in a little plaid and finish it off with a needlepoint belt and I was completely smitten. My preppy heart could hardly contain the goodness that was all over my screen. As sad as I am to see summer come to a close I was slightly excited to see some plaid goodness everywhere. Maybe in a month I will be ready to embrace the fall.

Just maybe ...

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Until that point I will be working the summer vibes until way after Labor Day since it doesn't really cool off here in the south until way late into September. At the moment it feels like 100 and the humidity is out of control, but I am still happy it is truly still summer. In the spirit of a new season slowly approaching I can, however, set up a cocktail hour and bar cart fitting of the feelings the search invoked in me. A little fun for our regular stay in date night, a classic cocktail with all of his favorite things complete with a small dinner of cheese, crackers and nuts for two.

Bourbon || Table Paper || Monogram Swizzle Sticks

I think this sounds absolutely perfect ... which is why I made it happen for last night's date night. I gathered his favorite drink (Bourbon) and made one of our favorite ways to enjoy it, the mint julep. While he and the boys were in South Carolina last week he snagged a bottle of Gentry Bourbon which I have been absolutely dying to try. I added in a few of my favorite classic pieces, pulled in some of my monogram favorites, snagged some white roses and some snacks from Trader Joes and it was ready to set.

Easy peasy really and so fun to set up for the two of us. I was literally dying to make the Mint Juleps and may have stalked him to find out when he would arrive. They were delicious and the whole evening was just what we always want Thursday nights to be, relaxing and low key.