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I have always loved to entertain, even in our little New York City apartments.  So when we moved into our Houston home, I knew I would enjoy entertaining friends here and share it with you on HOUSE of HARPER.  I lucked out (to say the least) when the talented calligrapher, Meg Grant, moved in across the street.  She elevated our entertaining series with beautiful and unique personalized details since we started working together last summer.  But I knew we could really elevate our party scene for you with the help of a few more local creatives. So, I enlisted Smart in The Kitchen to help with the food and Maxit Floral Design to help with the flowers and they all blew me away with their talents.

With out further ado, welcome to our first HOUSE party series, a fun way to collaborate, eat and drink with some of my favorite Houston talents!

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Photographed by Kate Robinson | Calligraphy by Meg Grant & Co | food by Smart in The Kitchen | flowers by Maxit Floral Design

Our inspiration for the evening was a rustic, chic take on the 4th of July that would work for summer entertaining all season long.  We used muted blues to veer from the traditional primary colors associated with the holiday and Maxit incorporated these beautiful rustic vases and crates for the floral arrangements. I am obsessed with the stunning white arrangements she created for us.  I especially love the idea of white flowers if you have a more traditional fourth of July table to not distract from all the red and blue!

Meg found these really cool aqua sea glass bottles that remind me of summers on the east coast.  We served a variety of drinks to quench everyone’s thirst in the hot Texas summer sun!  For the food, we kept things light and simple with Marcia’s watermelon & feta salad to start and we finished the meal with a delicious strawberry pie!  (For easy entertaining, you can always pick up or cater the main course and just make the salad and dessert!  Fried chicken or barbecue would be perfect for an outdoor, casual summer dinner.)

Have a wonderful long holiday weekend!

For more entertaining check out our Summer Super Club, Cinco De Mayo, Easter Brunch, ChristmasThanksgiving & last summer’s outdoor dinner table settings!

Product Details:

dining details: table + chairs: c/o Frontgate |table runner: c/o Frontgate | placemats: World Market | plates: Ikea  | unbreakable drinkware: c/o Frontgate | Nantucket stripe napkins: c/o Frontgate | hanging lights: amazon

bar cart details: cart: Frontgate | blue glasses: Etsy  | tablecloth: Frontgate | Drink Dispenser: William Sonoma | drink stand: William Sonoma | lemon bowl: ARTERIORS