Theme can add festive punch to summer party – AZCentral.com

’60s South Beach

Showtime’s new “Magic City” TV series, set in midcentury Miami, is inspiration for party decor and music with a retro vibe, served with Cuban-influenced canapes.

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At Pottery Barn, you’ll find a collection of melamine plates, serveware and coordinating linens in muted vintage tropical prints. Or bust out these tropical bar towels, featuring Miami-esque pink flamingos.

And even if you’re land-bound, craft stores offer shells, coral and starfish you can add to baskets and trays filled with store-bought play sand to create table decor. Or place one dramatic tropical flower or frond in a tall, slim vase.

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Palm-leaf-patterned ceramic serveware in deep blues and olive greens are part of Cindy Crawford Style’s Eden collection at J.C. Penney.

Serve appetizers with Latin flair, such as Cuban shrimp skewers, mini empanadas and spicy popcorn. Play the music that was popular in the era at Miami’s big hotels – Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis Jr.

Fight the heat with spicy Latin dishes >>

Cocktails in Cortona

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You may not be under the Tuscan sun this summer, but you can still set a similar scene for your guests. Fill a large glass vase – like this one from Target – with water, lemons and sunflowers. Or take a cue from London-based stylist Sania Pell and fill clear vessels with untrimmed vegetables such as radishes, celery and carrots for a rustic look.

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Pottery Barn has melamine versions of the iconic Talavera pottery, while Williams-Sonoma has unbreakable dishware in Mediterranean patterns.

Small bites are the way to go with any cocktail party; they’re easy for guests to handle, and your food trays will be easier to refresh. For this one, consider tiny tomato tarts, a sampler of Italian ices, and shot glasses filled with cold soups like cucumber dill or tomato basil.

Mediterranean menu for summer parties >>

Tokyo terrace

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A city balcony is the perfect place for a chic, Asian-inspired cocktail party. Branchhome.com has Wasara’s elegant bamboo and sugarcane-fiber disposable tableware that’s great-looking and eco-friendly.

Set up the Zen zone with baby conifer pots or moss nestled into interesting dishes. Wrap votives in origami paper.

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CB2′s Format orange enamel tray and an array of colorful, user-friendly, clothespin-style chopsticks would be stylish options.

Mini crab cakes, salmon satays and melon-ball lollipops, along with bowls of Japanese crackers and wasabi nuts, will satisfy snacking guests.

Flavorful veggie-based Japanese dishes >>

Cabin fever

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Bring the woodsy-cabin vibe home to the city or suburbia with a few playful accessories and a comfort-food menu. A few inexpensive bandanas, a plaid blanket – such as this one from L.L.Bean – or an old quilt make colorful table coverings; a wind-downed branch or group of interesting rocks wrapped in lights would look wonderful as a rustic centerpiece.

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Bed, Bath and Beyond has a Picnic Time Kabrio Willow picnic basket which would make a fine centerpiece for an outdoorsy-theme; use it for a real picnic when the weather cools down.

Set out mini sliders, roasted vegetable skewers and paper cups filled with seasoned fries. Consider a flavored water or gourmet soda bar; it’s a unique idea for any cocktail soiree and keeps things just as much fun for teetotalers or designated drivers.

Gourmet campfire-style food >>

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Riverbend Presents Second Installation of Floor Plan Concepts Introduced This Summer – YAHOO!

PRWeb – 

Riverbend Timber Framing continues its summer series with the introduction of two Southwestern and two traditional Craftsman-style Timber Frame design concepts.

Meridian, ID (PRWEB) July 02, 2012

Since the beginning of the summer season, Riverbend has introduced a total of eight new plans to our portfolio of unique design concepts. With architectural styles ranging from French Country to Southwestern to Craftsman, our fresh designs have excited and inspired potential clients to begin the journey of building their traditional timber frame home.

Moving from the induction of the French Country inspired concepts earlier this season, Riverbend has showcased its four newest designs of the series, which include: the Southwestern styles of the Carolina Retreat and the Palo Verde, and the Craftsman styles of the Bridgewater and the Sonoma Hills.

Both the Carolina Retreat and the Palo Verde display traditional timber framing in the interior, while highlighting Southwestern-style and sprawling elevations on the exterior. Blending stone, terra cotta, stucco and of course, timber framing, these designs will easily fit in the Southern parts of the country or any other location where clients prefer this style.

In contrast to the festive Southwestern-style, the Bridgewater and the Sonoma Hills design concepts focus more on the beautiful and flowing timber frame connections throughout the plans’ interiors. Their deep overhangs and picture windows are reminiscent of traditional building that seamlessly connects the outdoors with home interiors.

A variety of uniquely designed concepts will continue to debut all summer long. Stay up-to-date by checking emails, visiting the website and following Riverbend on Twitter and Facebook.

View the latest Riverbend Design Concepts, and more at: http://www.riverbendtf.com/floorplans.html.

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PFB America, a wholly owned subsidiary of PFB Corporation, is the parent company of Riverbend Timber Framing, PrecisionCraft Log and Timber Homes, and Point Zero Homes.

Riverbend is a manufacturer of custom traditional timber frame homes. Using traditional timber frame designs and an integrated energy efficient building system, Riverbend’s homes are built to last. With 30 years of experience, Riverbend creates inspiring homes that match each client’s unique lifestyle, architectural preference and budget.

Danielle Bright
Riverbend Timber Framing
208-493-2655
Email Information

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Tuscany Village in Henderson offers amenities for summer – Las Vegas Review Journal

Posted: Jun. 30, 2012 | 2:04 a.m.

Summer has officially kicked into high gear in Southern Nevada, and Dunhill Homes is making life a splash at its Tuscany Village master plan in Henderson. With dozens of amenities including large community pools and an award-winning golf course, Tuscany Village is the place to beat the heat this summer.

“More than anything, home shoppers are looking for convenience and amenities when they embark on their new-home search,” said Marina Petric, sales agent at Tuscany Village. “There is no other community in Henderson that offers so many amenities and benefits for such a low monthly fee. Not only does Tuscany Village offer residents exclusive use of its multimillion dollar recreational facility, but also a 24-hour guard-gated entrance, 50 channels of cable television and no special improvement fees like most other communities require.”

Dozens of indoor and outdoor activities are offered to residents every day. From relaxing at the pool or playing tennis to working out in the gym or taking a class, residents have many choices for fitness and fun.

“And, of course, convenience is top-of-mind with 12 beautifully designed floor plans, six of which are single story,” Petric said. “You will not find more options for single-story living in Henderson than at Tuscany Village. Each home is unique and offers additional options for personalization.”

Among Tuscany Village’s flexible single-story plans is the Roma 1810, which measures 1,810 square feet and includes two bedrooms, two baths and a home office. Options include a three-car garage on selected home sites, powder room, third bedroom and a fireplace.

“This is the perfect plan for those who want a single-story home, but still want the private areas that a two story offers,” Petric said. “The home office is in the far front of the home adjacent to the garage and front entry, so it is completely separate from the main living areas. And the master suite is to the rear of the home with an option for its own back patio.”

Six other single-story plans at Tuscany Village range from 1,215 to 2,683 square feet with prices starting in the $ 150,000s.

In addition to Dunhill Homes’ La Vita Tuscana recreation center, Tuscany Village is home to an award-winning golf course set within the rolling hills of the area. Designed by renowned golf course architect Ted Robinson, the groomed fairways and greens offer a challenge to any level player. The course has twice been named Golf Magazine’s No. 1 golf course in Las Vegas in its annual BBQ (Bang for the Buck) quotient. It is open to residents and the public.

“During the summer months, the golf course also offers special pricing for early tee times, and recently introduced a brand-new outdoor patio with a kitchen and barbecue at the club,” Petric said. “Our golfers are in heaven when they spend the morning on the greens and the afternoon with a cold beverage at the club.”

The resort lifestyle continues at La Vita Tuscana with a full-size gym, equipped fitness center, aerobics room, basketball and racquetball courts, among other indoor fitness options. Outside, residents and their families enjoy a 25-meter lap pool, a resort-style pool, oversized spas, large covered cabanas, lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, abundant walking trails and a children’s playground.

All floor plans at Tuscany Village are certified by the Energy Star program. Tankless water heaters, radiant-barrier roofs, dual-pane low-e argon gas vinyl windows and other energy-efficient elements are included as standard features in the homes.

To visit Tuscany Village, take Lake Mead Drive in Henderson heading east. Follow the signs to the community and turn left on Mohawk Drive to the main entrance.

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