All images Rodrigo DeMedeiros – 425 Magazine
Early August…with scorching temps and blazing sunsets, is for me, the
peak of summer!
There’s nothing better than a last minute
happy hour at home, hanging out in the
garden with friends and family! Who doesn’t love basking in the
afterglow of an August sunset,
squeezing out that last drop of summer entertaining goodness!
THAT is my inspiration for the August issue of 425 Magazine on
newsstands now with gorgeous images by Rodrigo DeMedeiros !
I created a casual table in our garden. It all starts with a
SERENA & LILY striped beach towel
which I turned into a pretty
table covering. I spotted the yummy pattern at their
Melrose Avenue shop, while living
in Los Angeles for several weeks this summer.
Next comes dinner plate dahlias and potted succulents.
Crostini, heaped with delicious toppings from caramelized onions to fresh
fig and Manchego, make for delicious small happy hour bites…while
a leather tray topped with Grapefruit Gin & Tonics nestles
effortlessly into the gardenscape!
A show stopping Sur la Table pineapple drink dispenser filled with
my passion fruit tropical cocktail, rounds out the
happy hour sips menu!
We wind down with a super quick tipsy peach cobbler for dessert. The
recipe is online at 425 Magazine HERE and check out
the woozy watermelon vodka slush served in the rind … it’s the closer.
My grandmother Nettie always finished HER meals with fresh fruit…
I just happen to blender blitz and spike mine!
Anyway, cheers to August summer nights! The 425 Magazine August issue is
in stores NOW! Hey, I’ve just given you a taste of August. The current issue features
more amazing photography by Rodrigo and all the recipes!!
#IHart425
Inspired by a love of beautiful, yet simple design, food and entertaining. Monica’s distinct approach led this former television news gal to create La Famiglia Design. 
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