I’m all for a classic happy hour or bumpin’ barbecue with family and friends during these summer months; but don’t you sometimes prefer to take a step back, slow down, and enjoy a retreat for a change?
Next time you’re scheming the next girls’ gathering with your best friends or female family members, reconsider the traditional party and invite them over for an at-home spa-inspired fête. On a Saturday or Sunday morning, what beats a mocktail in pajamas with your nearest and dearest? Shoulder massage train, anyone?
Thanks to Bella Vita, I’ll show you how to pull it off in a cinch!
GET ON BOARD WITH SUMMER PRODUCE
Greet guests with a colorful palette of summer’s finest melons and more. By taking a charcuterie board up a notch with seasonal fruits and flavors, this tranquil Montes Doggett tray will satisfy both sweet and salty taste buds and provide a natural gathering point.
Ingredients for your grocery list:
Prosciutto
Melon varieties (honeydew, canteloupe, watermelon)
Pear
Feta
Pecorino or a firm, nutty cheese
Dried mango
Lime
Mint
MAKE A MOCKTAIL
Mimosas and rosé are always a good time; but in this case, we’re opting for a more mindful get-together sans alcohol. This cucumber mocktail, served in Bella Vita’s new flutes by Casafina, are absolutely darling to toast with any time of day!
1 medium cucumber, sliced
1 bunch (about 1/2 cup) mint leaves
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Soda water (I love Lime Le Croix), about 5 ounces per serving
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
Super thin cucumber slices, to garnish
Mint leaves, to garnish
1. Combine water and sugar in small sauce pan. Bring to simmer and stir until sugar has dissolved. Turn heat off and add cucumber and mint. Remove from heat, place lid on pan and leave overnight, or at least one hour. Strain solids and store syrup in fridge for a couple of weeks, or until serving!
2. To make mocktails, place about 1 tablespoon lime juice in each glass. Add 1 tablespoon simple syrup. Then, top with soda water and garnishes. Cheers!
The Montes Doggett duo bowl No. 453 holds extra snacks to graze on. I especially love that this Peruvian fired ceramic is white and bright, conveying the ultimate spa vibes.
DRESS THE PART
Bella Vita carries the most luxurious line of satin pajamas called PJ Harlow, which I live in at home but want to share with spa party guests! Though all should be invited to lounge in their own pajamas, a sweet party favor (and perfect bridesmaid gift, by the way) are these Mikel Satin Boxer shorts! As hostess, I felt the authority to rock a robe. Highly recommend this one, as it’s not too heavy for summer temps but is perfectly conservative.
TEST SOME NEW PRODUCTS
The bath lines at Bella Vita are elegant at best, and I opted to bring home a Antica Farmacista-branded bunch to sample with my sisters. To add an extra element of spa day, grab some votives and candles to set the mood (and instantly offer aromatic luxury throughout your home!). This matchstick bottle is perfect to have on hand.
Well, what are you waiting for? Get your spa day on the calendar!
Thanks for Bella Vita for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own!
