Summer Entertaining Must Have's

Great friends, good food, warm weather and wine — isn’t that all you need this time of year? This week, I'm excited to show you what's new in our summer collection for entertaining and your kitchen at home. Thank you for looking at our summer collection of entertaining must have's.

Each season, I love nothing better than to get a few new dish towels for our kitchen. Somehow seeing a fresh, decorative towel hanging from my farm sink or Wolf range makes me happy, it helps me to "celebrate" the season in the kitchen in a small way. The French La Brasserie Bleue Kitchen Towel Set is a favorite. Two are crisp white with blue logo, the other is a light blue gingham check. They instantly made the kitchen feel refreshed and clean, and gave the whole room a little lift. I use these as oversized napkins too {see this blog post.} They soften up beautifully when washed, so they really are meant to use to dry your collection of French dishes, too. They come in a set of three, for 30.00.

Another French dishtowel that is graphic and pretty enough to frame is the Pastis Canvas Cotton Towel. A little heftier than the set of three,this sturdy, 100% cotton towel is oversized, and printed with eco friendly colored ink, will shrink 2~1/2% and soften when washed. Featuring the exotic aperitif label for Pastis de Marseille, this torchon is perfect for your kitchen, bar or the perfect gift for your hostess or wine steward. Would look great framed and hung in your kitchen filled with your collection of cuisine antiques. Made near Paris by our friends Torchon et Bouchons, machine wash & dry. The price for this superior towel is 26.00 ea.

What would summer entertaining be without drinks on the veranda? Our Antique French Bottle Carriers are the perfect way to tote a few bottles outside. Each has led a storied life en France, each is different, but every one we sell promises to hold your favorite vintage with care. Always in high demand, these make a luxurious gift for a host or hostess with your favorite vintage, too. They range in price from 80.00 to 165.00.

Of all the "finds" from Paris, these authentic handwoven French "Panier de Boulanger" Baskets, used in a French Hotel bakery for decades to "proof" the baguette dough for rising, then put back in basket to cool have remained exceptionally popular. {It was a thrilling find for us, and we were so excited to purchase each and every one of them available!} The bannetons can be found in the kitchen category. Hotel Bannetons range in price from 85.00 to 125.00.

Back in stock, these French C'est la Vie Glasses are a great favorite, I think every one of our clients has bought these at one time. Lovely size, a perfect gift for someone you love, we use these for French Citron Pressé, but I have been known to drink a light, fruity wine out of one of these, too. They are 24.00 for a set of two.

Also back in stock for summer, our Chalkboard Menu Paddles. After these were featured in a story about Entertaining French Style in our back garden, they flew out! For those of you waiting, they are back. Great individual Menu Chalkboards, to announce what your personal chef has prepared for dinner chez vous. Meant to look slightly vintage and aged, with a wooden frame, shaped as a "paddle" so that you can hold it easily, or hang on the wall of your cuisine. Each has a hole to string a French checked ribbon through, or to tie a sprig of Lavender on with twine. Perfect to place on the plate at each place setting with a special quote, or conversation starter, too! Sold in a set of 4 for 36.00.

Perfect summer bowl from morning to night, this Gingham Cafe au Lait Bowl has the fresh, modern look of French Bleu Gingham, with a nod to the past. Start your day with coffee from your bol, as the French do, then this bowl will be just as happy holding your summer salads, small champagne grapes, even ice cream. Set your prettiest summer tables for every day, or special occasions. Easy to mix and match with the other pieces in this line, glorious for outdoors! The bowls are 30.00 for a set of 2.

Technically not for summer only, I love the Vintage Silver Placesettings all year round. Thoughtfully selected, and fantastically fun ~ these silver ware sets are gathered from antique and estate sales. Silverware is the most important thing you put on your table, it's what your guests hold in their hand, tactile and unique. Always a favorite, with the elegance of silver and the casualness of mix and match patterns, these are real conversation starters. A set of five is 39.00.

Last, but not least, our darling French La Brasserie Bleue Apron. Absolutely adorable that's you in your French La Brasserie Bleue Apron. Made of cotton with a Bardot Light Blue Gingham Check pattern, and the logo La Brasserie Bleue printed in Navy. Keeps your designer white shirt clean while you add a soupçon of vermouth to your luxurious lobster bisque. The perfect hostess gift, too, should you wish impress your hostess and be asked back! The Gingham Apron is 30.00.

I hope that you have enjoyed seeing some of our latest summer must have's, along with a few all time favorites back in stock. I wish you plenty of breezy summer days, enjoying a drink and a delicious healthy meal outside with your family and friends. For some wonderful summer recipes see my post about the ladies at Glamorous Bite Here {their Santa Barbara Chicken is divine!}

Shop for the best in French Antiques, furniture with the patina of age, vintage accessories to delight you and your family & friends, and French Country utilitarian pieces. Treasures that make your home fresh, beautiful, inspirational and uniquely yours.Visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.com.