Easy Summer Entertaining with Vera Bradley

Pitcher | Serving Bowl | Serving Tray | Accent Plates | Tidbit Plates | Wine Glasses | Tumblers

Outdoor entertaining never looked so good! With Mother's Day just around the corner, I wanted to share with you a fun, simple, and beautiful brunch for any of you hosting Mom next weekend!

Creating the perfect ambiance is a must when hosting any event. For this intimate brunch, I was inspired by Vera Bradley's new outdoor entertaining collection. From kitschy wine glasses, to the prettiest serving tray and pitcher, I wanted to play off the feminine florals and bright colors. The collection - all under $32 - has everything you need to be the hostess with the mostest.

Creating a decadent meal and delicious cocktail also helps set the mood for any party. I love utilizing food to play up the color scheme, as well as flowers. Flowers are such an important touch, especially for mom! Whenever I'm in need of some showstopping arrangements, I go to my wonderful friends at Hahn Gallery. If you're in Houston, be sure to check them out.

With Mother's Day being on a Sunday, a light and refreshing meal was a must. Salad is always a great, healthy alternative to finger food, which racks up the calories. This Dragon Fruit Summer Salad, addicting Pomegranate Rosemary Champagne, and yummy Lemon Tea Cakes are exactly what the doctor ordered for "ladies who lunch." Trust me, they are as pretty as they are delicious.

Pomegranate Rosemary Champagne
(serves 6)
 -1 bottle of your favorite Brut champagne
- 1 large pomegranate, seeded (or an easy tip, purchase already to eat pomegranate seeds.
- 1 few sprigs of fresh rosemary 
- Fresh cut lemon slices 

Add all ingredients into your favorite pitcher, mix until well combine, serve chilled or over ice and enjoy! 

Dragon Fruit Summer Salad 
(serves 8-10)
- 1 large box of spring mix
- 1 small pint of raspberries
- 1 small pint of blueberries
- 1 dragon fruit sliced and cut up the inside 
- 6 oz. caramelized pecans 


Start with your base layer of spring mix, and then layer all of the fruit and pecans across the bowl. 

Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing
- 1/4 cup of raspberry balsamic 
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil 

Wisk together the two ingredients until well combined. Pour on top of the salad or serve on the side. 


A big thank you to Marla from The Blonde Pantry for curating these delicious dishes and drinks. For the Lemon Tea Cake recipe, click here!

This post was brought to you by Vera Bradley. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Ashley Nicole Style possible.

Powder Blue Lace Dress Under $100

Dress | Bag | Shoes (similar style here and here) | Earrings | Ring 

Happy May, my friends! I hope you had a wonderful weekend, and are soaking up the last bit of spring before summer rolls around. I try and enjoy every day that I can outside, because if you're from Houston, you know it's only a matter of weeks before we start melting from the heat and humidity. 

 I recently wore this ensemble to the Heroes & Handbags luncheon last month, and it may be my new favorite look! The purse definitely takes center stage and makes a statement. The floral appliques are so different, and it also comes in this smaller size. The dress is classy, while still being perfectly girly and on-trend. It's under $100, and runs TTS. I love the choker neckline, and the powder blue color. This color looks great on every skin tone, but looks especially nice against sun-kissed skin. 

Speaking of, I've been getting asked a lot recently about my glow, and I swear by St Tropez Bronzing Mousse. As much as I love being out in the sun, I know how bad it is for my skin, plus it's hard to find the time to layout. This sunless tanner glides on easily, doesn't make you look orangey, and hardly has a scent. Most importantly, it doesn't rub off on your clothes or towels. I've found that it lasts for about 2-3 days, which is perfect if you have a party to attend, or a last minute date night. Be sure to check it out and tell me what you think! xo

Causal Chic Under $40!

Tweed Vest | T-Shirt | Jeans | Purse (budget friendly version here) | Heels (similar style) | Earrings | Watch (similar style)

How cute is this tee? The tassels are so fun, and of course the Parisian lover in me thinks the "Bonjour" signage is great! It comes in three other colors and is only $9! 

I love using blazers to dress up a causal outfit because it makes any outfit look more polished. This blazer is under $40 and makes this tee look chic and dresses it up. This "blazer" is actually a vest, but when I put it on it looked a little long when paired with the jeans. If it was wintertime, this tweed vest would look great worn buttoned up with a pair of leather leggings, but during the spring/summer it looked a little heavy. I tossed it over the shoulders, and voilà - cute, right?