At Ease | 4th of July

Last summer I inaugurated a light hearted shopping series At Ease that I hope to continue occasionally this season as well. For this week, I gathered a few casually chic items perfect for stylish at-home entertaining with the 4th of July in mind.

Starting from the upper left:

A fresh summer fragrance with a bottle too pretty to put away, the unisex Un Jardin Après La Mousson from Hermès expresses the post-monsoon Indian landscape with a light exotic mix of ginger, cardamom, coriander, pepper and vetiver.

Kenneth Jay Lane’s marbled enamel necklace is a an easy statement maker that adds a dose of affordable chic in a versatile summery blue.

Add some flamenco flair to your summer patio with this flirty Santa Barbara Mirasol umbrella in the perfect sun faded red.

Whether at home or on vacation, this crochet knit Missoni maxi dress adds a summer beach-friendly vibe to any occasion.

I fell in love with these Juliska Delft Blue Waveny Wicker charger/placemats when I saw them at their Connecticut flagship shop. They look wonderful on their own or layered over a patterned tablecloth. And their Painterly Dot Napkins  with whimsical Soutache Blossom Napkin Ring are the perfect accompaniment.

While most are familiar with Christopher Spitzmiller‘s beautiful ceramic lamps, it’s his exquisite hand marbled plates that are on my lust list of late. In a gorgeous Delft blue and white, they are individually glazed and dishwasher safe.

When entertaining at the beach or with children, acrylic can be a wise choice. Practicality and good looks come together in Mario Luca Giusti’s chic drinkware collections. I saw these Lento Basso tumblers at tabletop market and loved their fashionable fusion of form and function.

Like everything else she produces, AERIN’s capsule shoe collection is a statement in understated sophistication. These Harper jelly thong sandals are the perfect addition to a summer wardrobe where they can go from impervious beach chic to terrace dinner with effortless style.

Mark Cross is a brand with timeless elegance. Their charming Manray Rattan Tote exudes Grace Kelly style and yet goes equally well with jeans and a tee.

A denim jacket is go-with-everything summer staple. This one from J. Crew offers instant worn in vintage appeal with a flattering cut.