Summer Happy Hour Must Haves| Guest Post | Christina The New Mrs.

Hi, everyone! I'm Christina from The New Mrs. where you can find me talking about anything from everyday life including my husband and new puppy as well as travel adventures, marriage and relationships, a little bit of fashion, a pinch of home decorating and some recipes.   

Let's face it - happy hour in the summer is more fun than many times of the year.  There's just something about being able to enjoy a cold drink outside on the deck in the beautiful weather.  There are also so many fun essentials that can go along with this activity and I've highlighted a few of my favorite below!

I'm a big fan of accessories - I always love the "little things" so I like to have on hand some fun items in case an impromptu happy hour comes up or even if it's just me sipping a glass of wine on the deck - there's no reason that it can't be fabulous right?!

I am dying over the "Let's Have a TUD" cocktail napkins - first off, I love a totally unnecessary but totally needed (in my mind) item like a cocktail napkin and I love the (new to me) term TUD - Totally Unnecessary Drink. Too perfect!

We meet friends for happy hour a lot or visit BYOB's and the "Break the Ice" tote would be the perfect way to pack up your beverages and bring them along in style.  The two bottle wine bag would do just as well - especially if you're like my husband and I - we always want to bring a different bottle (red for him, white for me) so a bag that fits two is essential.

Speaking of toting your cocktail accessories around, a Kate Spade "happy hour" flask is the only way to go if you need to pack up your ingredients and take them on the go and a gold bottle opener is a great way to dress up your bar.

I'm a sucker for Lilly accessories and the stemless wine glasses mixed with the adorable coasters would be perfect to hold a nice fruity cocktail.

I've shared my obsession for anything pineapple/flamingo related this summer so the wine stoppers as well as ice tray would add the perfect little something "extra" to your night. 

The "fancy another?" drink tray and "I'll drink to that" koozie provide just a fun vibe.

The fruit highball glasses have such a summer vibe and any drink is better with a cute straw.

Homemade Chai Latte

Lately I haven't been in the mood for a cup of coffee every morning.  Some days I feel for something lighter or for a different flavor.  I've always had a love for tea, and specifically chai lattes.  I love to order them at Starbucks - a Grande Breve Chai - so I tried recreating them at home, and while it's not as amazing as Starbucks', it's still pretty darn good!

Chai Latte

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup milk - I use almond milk or half and half, but any milk works
• 1 tsp - cinnamon
• 1 tsp - vanilla extract
• Sugar to taste

Directions

1. Bring cup of water to boil 
2. Once to a boil, steep tea for 3-4 minutes or depending on tea instructions
3. Remove bag and add in milk of choice
4. Keep warmer on low to heat through liquid and add in cinnamon and vanilla extract
5. Once heated through, pour in your favorite mug and enjoy!

On warmer days, like we have in South Florida (where's Winter?!?) It's also nice to pour the latte over a cup of ice.


Have a great Tuesday!

PS -- Remember tomorrow is Wino Wednesday, come on by and linkup yor favorite wines!!