Celebrating Summer’s End at Beaches, Bars and Bungalows

Last Updated on September 21, 2015 by Marybeth

No, we’re not sad to say goodbye to summer. Living up north as kids “summer’s end” used to mean school starting (ugh) stiff new school shoes (dorky) pulling scratchy wool sweaters out of moth balls (ew) and the long lazy days full of warm sun fading fast. But living in Florida we become so weary of the heat and rain by September we could cry.

And so we’re gaily waving goodbye to summer with a Summer’s End Celebration that shall now be a yearly tradition. YAY, we say, and also, what a good excuse for a party!

Here at Beaches, Bars and Bungalows we’ve always had an affinity for all things nautical. Sea faring, boat loving, fishing fanatics (well, CH is; I just read my book while he casts for snook), here is what we live by –

Signs made by my oldest, Maggie

– and one of the guest rooms in our house has been nicknamed The Shipwreck Room. (More on that later!) So when we discovered Sailors Siren, a mother and daughter curated shop featuring salt air goods and gifts with a southern accent, my vision of our celebration came together like I’d been to the Party Planner Master’s Degree Program! Everything fell into place, with fun products from www.sailorssiren.com plus things we had around the house.

I dragged our living room pillows, rug and side table outside

Key to having a stress-free celebration was serving only make-ahead food. I’m sure we’ve all done the opposite:  hunching over the stove, our hair falling (or frizzing), sweat and swear words flowing, while everyone else hooted with laughter over their icy cocktails.

I was able to spend time with family and friends instead of swearing over the hot stove

Heirloom bowls along with some finds from West Elm, Crate and Barrel, and candle holders from Anthropologie (on sale, always on sale at enticing and expensive Anthro!)

My food stylist and photographer canceled at the last minute (haha) so I don’t have artsy close-ups of each dish we served, but here are the links to some of summer’s best make ahead appetizers and store bought staples:

Molly and Me Sneaky Hot Pecans found at Sailors Siren

Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese Skewers from The Kitchn

Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs from A Spicy Perspective

Guacamole Deviled Eggs from Simply Recipes

Mexican Corn Dip/Cowboy Caviar from Caramel Potatoes

S’mores Bites from The First Year Blog

And our icy cold signature Cocktail was The Drunken Mermaid, recipe below courtesy of Sailors Siren:

Most of us are usually beer and wine drinkers, but this unusually smooth and rich cocktail has us all converted! Bring on the rum, mateys!

An essential tool for measuring, the jigger (I’m learning so much!) along with the True Tonic syrup and Grenadine 

Mermaid Rocks Glass at Sailors Siren, here

Each Sailors Siren Drunken Sailor coaster has an explanation on the back of the old fashioned seaman’s terms and phrases – hilarious, and educational! See more here, and the Blue Minna Striped Napkins, here

For our readers and followers, Sailors Siren is offering a 15% discount! Just enter SUMMERSEND as the coupon code at checkout! Limited time only, go visit them today www.sailorssiren.com

These beauties, I just want to squeeze them! My youngest daughter, Mae on the left, her bff Natalie on the right

Trying to light stubborn candles provokes weird villainous smiles from my son Max

Our bartenders

Maggie couldn’t make it to the party but drove all the way from St. Pete to bring me the sign she made!

Of course it must!

As the sun went down in the sky – it happens so quickly, doesn’t it? – our photographs got a bit blurrier (I’m still learning – will always be learning and studying – my beautiful and puzzling Nikon) but no one cared, and it wasn’t just The Drunken Mermaid whisking our cares away. We just felt blessed to be here, family and good friends who have hung together through happy and sad, some big health hurdles, uncertain futures, and who have all been so supportive of our blog. “People who’s hearts sing on your behalf” I believe the phrase goes…  Anyway, we wanted to share it with you all.

So farewell to summer, hello to crisp bright breezy fall where we will continue to go to the beach, rock our nautical vibe, throw parties and drink cocktails! The only thing missing will be those tears.

Happy Summer’s End, everyone!

We would love to hear of your salt air celebrations, and if you’re as happy as we are to have summer in our rear view mirror!