For many of us, our summer drinking ritual includes pulling a brown bottle from a cooler and twisting off the cap.  But I’m planning an outdoor dinner party for August and I wanted something that was a little fancy but eminently drinkable. (And if I can make it in a dispenser and walk away, that’s good too.) Enter, The St. Germain Mint Margarita from Waiting on Martha (photo from her awesome site).

The recipe, featured in Sweet Lemon Magazine, is super simple with just five ingredients: St. Germain, Patron tequila, mint, agave and club soda.  It’s like a Mojito, Margarita with St. Germain…how cool is that?

On a related note, I’m going to need some cabs on standby to get my guests home.

Jessica Simpson Scallop Print Dress ($138)

When hosting a summer party where I will be cooking, I like to wear prints because they hide stains.  Even with an apron on, I’m going wind up spilling or splattering or wiping something on my dress.  It’s unavoidable.  I cook like the Swedish Chef from the Muppets.

I ordered this dress from Nordstrom last month, and I thought it ran a bit small on top, but about right on the bottom. Size guide put me at XS, but it was pinchy even without a bra, so I returned it for a small.  Good quality fabric for the price, really pretty details on the back.

Looking for something less expensive?  I like this strappy ikat print maxi from Felicity & Coco and this dee elle maxi from Nordstrom in cobalt print.  I also like this retro-print maxi from Last Call with a smocked bodice and string halter.  And this cap-sleeve printed maxi from Gap is nice too.

Plus size: I like this chevron print maxi from INC (comes in misses also).  Petite: I like this diamond-print maxi from LOFT in a pretty plum color.