Just Peachy!

 Peaches are at their peak in the Deep South and we can't get enough!

They are such a beautiful fruit and our whole kitchen smells "peachy" because we bought a ton from Mercier's Orchard in North Georgia. We went to preview a wedding venue with friends - they've asked me to style and coordinate their wedding which is going to be so much fun and so special. The venue was beautiful and not far from the best fruit orchard in North Georgia. Serendipity!

Peaches are a tender fruit so they have to be eaten quickly or you have to do "something" with them. 

The first thing I did was use some slices to garnish sparkling rose. It only takes seconds to add a special little touch to things and it makes all the difference. 

Our absolute favorite way to use peaches is to first grill them. If you haven't been eating grilled peaches on everything and anything you are missing out. It gives them the best taste and texture. 

Simply split your peaches and remove the pit. I use our electric grill on medium heat. I give the grill a light spray of avocado oil and then place the peach skin side down on the grill. Grill for about 6 minutes and then flip the peach and grill for 4-6 more minutes. 

They are delicious on summer salads - we used mixed greens or baby spinach, burrata (just pinch off bite size pieces), toasted pecans and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. You can add grilled chicken for a heartier salad. All those fresh tastes together - so delicious. 

We really like using our grilled peaches Caprese style. Instead of tomatoes with mozzarella we use our grilled peaches. Snip some fresh basil from the herb garden and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

And grilled peaches make the best summery dessert. 

Just place your grilled peach half in a small bowl, add a dip of creamy vanilla ice cream, a sprig of mint and drizzle with your favorite local honey. So simple but so delicious!

We have so many peaches that we are trying something new! I cut my peaches in half, removed the pits and put them in freezer baggies. Later on when we want grilled peaches with our dinner or some ice cream I'm going to pull them out, thaw them and grill them right up! I think it will work perfectly.

A touch of peachy summer after the growing season is over!

I Love Hotel Portofino

Oh my goodness, are you watching the series Hotel Portofino? It may be the most beautiful series I've ever watched. The setting of the hotel in Portofino, Italy is breathtaking and the interiors and clothes are stunning. 

(all images from the series are via PBS.org)

I'm streaming it on PBS but I believe it is available on Brit Box as well. It is just the first season and only 6 episodes. I am hoping there will be more. Everything is just so beautiful and idyllic visually. The plot has some twists and turns and it is set in the Roaring 20's so historically we know they are recuperating from the first World War and there is a background of rising fascism. It is so worth the watch (and I keep pausing to look at furnishings and the gardens and so much wicker and rattan!)

The color story of this series is so rich and enticing. The lobby, hallways and some of the main areas are painted in tone-on-tone of a soft blue. There is a study or library that is the richest blue - the color of blueberries. 

The exteriors of the buildings are a rainbow of muted tones. The light is incredible and there are potted palms, lemon trees and greenery everywhere. There is just the right amount of darker wood tone and natural wicker and rattan mixed in. 

For me, it is the beautiful outdoor spaces that I relate to the most. Al fresco dining, porches to relax on, picnics near the water...

We are all going to want to recreate the relaxed elegance of the Hotel Portofino for our own outdoor spaces this Summer.

I decided to see if I could pull together a Hotel Portofino "starter"  board.

As always, start with local vintage shops, thrift shops and online auctions. You might just find all of the wicker and rattan pieces you need right there. I'm going to link some items and sources below in case you can't find some things locally or if you don't want to take the time to look - Summer is flying by!

If you want a set of wicker right away, I think the new pieces from @varnish.collection are just beautiful. Look at the style and design - a perfect Hotel Portofino look. 

There are so many vintage dealers on eBay, IG and Etsy, too.

Next, you are going to need umbrellas. They are dotted everywhere on the grounds and beaches.

 

This fringed umbrella is so charming but a less expensive one in white or cream would work perfectly with the HP aesthetic we are going for. There are several for less than $50.00.

In addition to rattan and wicker chaises right down on the beach, folding canvas sling chairs were spotted about. 

This pair works perfectly - wooden frames and white or natural fabric slings. And this pair is under $90.00 for both! Find a little wicker or bamboo table to place between them for a bowl of fruit and drinks glasses. 

Gorgeous Turkish towels are draped over the chairs and carried by everyone heading to the warm waters of the Italian Riviera for a swim. We have some for the beach and they are really wonderful. Turkish towels come in so many fabulous colors but most of the towels in the show were muted beige or soft creams so I've linked these. 

Potted lemon trees and potted palms are everywhere! If you have a green thumb then head to your local greenhouse but, if not, here are some fabulous faux options. 

Such a great looking faux lemon tree. I have a real lemon tree and a faux version and I love them both! This one is 6 feet tall. 

There are a ton of amazing fake palms on Amazon. This pair is about $100 for both. Hotel Portofino had potted palms everywhere. You can't go wrong adding as many palms as you like!

And, of course, all of the lemon trees and palms are potted in fabulous urns of all different

 materials. You can find urns in every price range. 

Urns in a classic profile would work perfectly. These resin (lightweight) urns are a perfect fit and are about $40.00 each. I have found a lot of urn planters while out thrifting so be sure to check locally so you can have several planters to complete your look. 

You could also use this DIY to create fabulous faux marble urns from simple plastic planters!

Add all of these touches or just a few to your outdoor space and it will feel like you've escaped to an exotic hotel in Portofino - just be sure you serve "Italian Lemonade" - watch the show and you'll know what I mean!!

And be sure to let me know if you add a little Hotel Portofino look to your outdoor space!