It’s been a very exciting few weeks for us as we welcomed our sweet pea baby Bennett into the world! We’re absolutely adoring him and loving to watch our little peach Ava become an incredible big sister. Our mornings have consisted of family walks enjoying our charming neighborhood surroundings and the sights and smells of a late spring and just being in awe of our two little ones. That and the reality of balancing said little ones, getting adjusted to being a family of four, and working hard on our very busy business and summer client roster. Now, more than ever, it’s important for us to savor the seasons and each moment in time.
On the late spring front, our peonies still haven’t blossomed and our lawn has just been mowed once, but the weather has suddenly gotten warm and sunny, so we’re happily basking in it after an incredibly long Seattle winter. It feels as if we’ve fast forwarded right into summer, with the evenings being fairly warm well into dusk. Windows open on a breezy summer night…yes!
With that, it’s only appropriate to savor the season and our favorite things, but to also share some of my favorite summertime things with you. Summer is just around the corner!
When I was growing up, my grandmother owned a flower shop just outside of Seattle, appropriately called Spotlight on Flowers. Flowers have been some of my favorite things since I was little, admiring my grandmother’s handiwork and my mom’s adoration for gardening and flowers, as well as entertaining. Some of my very favorite summer treats are the peonies that delight us all. Whether it’s a Coral Charm, an Athena, or a Festiva Maxima, I adore them all and can’t get enough when they hit the flower stalls at Pike Place Market.
Alongside my love of peonies is my love of outdoor entertaining and savoring warm summer nights. Often that includes cocktails with friends, particularly a crisp glass of rosé. If you’re looking for an easy gathering idea, invite friends to your patio or garden for a rosé tasting. Serve up 5-6 different varieties, like a crisp and sweet Syncline, a richer Veuve Rosé (who doesn’t love a glass of Madame?), or a refreshing La Veille Ferme rosé – an inexpensive and fruity glass.
To finish off my little favorites list, I have to mention Dungeness crab (hailing from Washington, it’s been a family staple each summer), an excellent charcuterie board (including cresponi salami and salted and herbed marcona almonds), and Mt. Townsend cheeses. A creamy Seastack is always in our refrigerator and, just by stacking a wheel or two with a good brie, you can make sweet petite cakes for your guests to enjoy. Just top with a few blueberries and honey and you have an instant charming treat. 
Photos by Kerry Jeanne Photography for Valley & Company Events
Those are a few of my favorite summertime things, what are some of yours?
-Aleah
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