A Summer Garden Party -

Our flat has access to a private garden for tenants. It has a keyed entry and is a pet-free area, which keeps it quiet and the perfect spot for picnics. Ironically, a family of foxes now lives in the garden, but they don’t seem to be as comfortable taking over a picnic.

We were so fortunate to have my friend Katie, a writer herself, in town the week of her birthday. What better way to celebrate a guest than with cake in the garden?

Katie and I both eat gluten-free so I made my favorite gluten free birthday cake recipe for the first time here. Minus my standing mixer at home, it felt so familiar (and tasted great too).

We brought down the cake, some picnic essentials, my favorite classical children’s outdoor toys and ourselves for a quick golden hour of cake, juggling lessons, jump rope and snapshots.

SHOP

picnic and garden party items // classical children’s outdoor toys

mommy and me bows // vintage sundresses under $100

girl’s patchwork print dress

I placed some custom orders with Luna’s Accessories when I was in Dallas and she snuck in these Mommy-and-me hair bows. They were the perfect addition to our Saturday dresses to feel party-ready.

Katie also got on board the vintage sundress trend with this gorgeous gingham number she found at a local vintage shop. I am all about finding the best dresses for European travel or just regular American errands in the summer heat. Katie’s new find inspired me to round up more of my favorite vintage sundresses under $100.