Look Who's Joining the Patio Pop-Up Trend

Boston Harbor Hotel is introducing a new outdoor concept dedicated to celebrating the award-winning craft breweries of New England. This summer Brewer’s Alley at Rowes Wharf will debut with month-long pop-up beer gardens from leading local craft breweries.

Boston beer lovers are getting another outdoor destination this summer to enjoy the city’s craft beer scene. Brewer’s Alley, nestled between the Boston Harbor and Atlantic Avenue, is an all-new outdoor beer garden-inspired seasonal concept at Boston Harbor Hotel that will welcome local breweries for pop-up residencies during the summer. The month-long pop-ups kicked off on May 23, with:

• Cape Cod-based Devil’s Purse Brewing Co. (May 23 – June 19) 
• Jack’s Abbey Craft Lagers (June 20 – July 17) 
• Nightshift Brewing Company (July 18 – August 21)  Lord Hobo Brewing Co. (August 22 – September 25) 

The final pop up of the 2019 season will take place September 25 – October 26 and will be Oktoberfest-themed, featuring autumnal brews from eight different New England breweries.

Brewer’s Alley will be open seven days a week, weather permitting, from 4-10PM Monday-Friday, 12-10PM on Saturdays, and 12-8PM on Sundays. The space boasts seating for 100.

Find your friends and kickoff your Fridays devouring the details of local craft brews with us at Rowes Wharf! Cheers!

Wedding Wednesdays: A Mask Match Made in Heaven

When it comes to prewedding beauty, one of the easiest ways to step up your routine is to add a face mask to your weekly regimen. We love that this beauty product staple has been on the rise lately—but with so many options out there, it can be hard to pick the right one. Whether you're looking to tame breakouts, brighten skin or add extra hydration, The Knot has selected some of their favorite face masks that are sure to get the job done and have you glowing faster than you can say "I do." Keep scrolling to see our top picks from their list, perfect for every skin type!

Mask for Dry Skin
Looking for an ultra-moisture-rich mask that will quench dry skin? Then this one's for you. Use it twice a week to keep your skin supple and soft, and its advanced moisture complex will prevent against future skin dehydration.

Eve Lom Moisture mask, $90, Sephora.com

Mask for Oily Skin
You can visibly see this mask drawing out dirt with its activated charcoal, which leaves your skin smooth and tames excess oil. This product may increase sun sensitivity, so be sure to add a sunscreen to your daily skin care routine if you haven't already.

Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment, $69, GlamglowMud.com

Mask for Exfoliation
This mask uses three different ingredients to effectively polish your skin: Pumpkin enzymes exfoliate, alpha hydroxy acid peels and aluminum oxide crystals polish the skin. The end result is an even skin tone, reduced fine lines and revitalized skin.

Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme mask, from $42, PeterThomasRoth.com

Mask for Acne Prone Skin
This mask helps exfoliate skin cells while unclogging and minimizing the appearance of pores. The best part? It does it all without over-drying your skin with its unique gel formula.

Kate Somerville EradiKate mask, $54, KateSomerville.com

Mask for Clearing Blackheads
By adding this face mask to your routine once a week you'll be able to clear out blackheads. With all-natural ingredients like bamboo charcoal working like a magnet to draw out impurities from your pores, it will leave your face free of dirt and environmental toxins.

Origins Clear Improvement mask, $26, Origins.com

Mask With All-Natural Ingredients
This face mask is made with natural ingredients to fight against environmental toxins. Its formula uses fermentation and probiotics to cleanse and detoxify your skin, while working with your skin's own detoxification process on a cellular level to purify it and rid it of toxins.

Tata Harper Purifying mask, $65, TataHarper.com

Mask for Skin Brightening
With the use of natural botanicals, this mask will enhance collagen production for youthful-looking skin. Its light-reflecting complex will restore skin's youthful radiance and reflect light, giving you an all-natural glow. Who doesn't want that?

NARS Aqua Gel Luminous mask, $39, NARSCosmetics.com

Mask for Overnight Restoring
Add this face mask to your nightly routine and you'll wake up with hydrated and refreshed skin. Using technology inspired by NASA, the weightless gel texture bounces back, cushioning the skin to restore elasticity overnight.

Erno Laszlo Memory sleep mask, $90, ErnoLaszlo.com

Get the glow you deserve by devouring the details of a mask match in heaven thanks to The Knot!

Spring Cleaning...More Like Green Cleaning

With spring cleaning season in full swing, we wanted to share a few safe and easy alternatives to conventional cleaning products from Lauren Conrad. These DIY mixtures work just as well as the products in your grocery store, only they’re free from the funny fumes and harmful chemicals that many cleaning products contain. Pet friendly too!

Here are 10 green cleaning recipes to have in your arsenal:

1. Surface Cleaner: To get countertops and cutting boards squeaky clean (not marble or stainless steel), use a cut lemon dipped in baking soda. Wipe clean afterwards with a wet sponge.

2. Scouring Paste: Scour tough dirt and rust stains with a mixture of salt and lemon juice.

3. Drain Cleaner: To break up clogs, pour ½ cup baking soda down the drain, followed by ½ cup white vinegar. Wait 15 minutes, and then flush with four cups of boiling water (or hot tap water for plastic pipes).

4. Window Cleaner: Mix together ¼ cup white vinegar, 1 Tbsp cornstarch, and 2 cups warm water in a spray bottle. Shake well to dissolve cornstarch.

5. Sink, Stainless Steel, and Grout Cleaner: To remove hard water stains from your sink, make a paste with baking soda and water. Using a toothbrush, gently scrub the paste into your sink, pouring small amounts of white vinegar onto the paste to help with tough stains.

6. Toilet Cleaner: Combine 2 Tbsp tea-tree oil and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake, spritz along the rim of the bowl, and let sit for 30 minutes before flushing or scrubbing.

7. Garbage Disposal Freshener: Cut a lemon into slices and run through the disposal for a fresh, clean scent.

8. Soap Scum Dissolver: Heat 1 cup of white vinegar in the microwave and then combine in a spray bottle with 1 cup dish detergent. Spray in your shower or sink and wait one minute before wiping off.

9. Natural Disinfectant: To knock out germs and icky bacteria, mix together 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons dish soap, and 20 to 30 drops tea-tree oil.

10. Grease Stain Remover: Sprinkle cornstarch onto fresh grease spots and let sit 20-30 minutes before vacuuming.

It doesn't get greener (or cleaner) than this! Try these natural mixtures and devour the details of a greener and cleaner home!

Feels like Figawi at Fort Point this Memorial Day Weekend!

This Memorial Day weekend, there’s no need to hightail it out of the City to Nantucket for Figawi; City Tap House is transforming into the “Fort Point Nantucket” with Cisco Brewers. For three straight days and nights, Cisco Brewers will turn City Tap’s coveted patio into a replica of its microbrewery on Nantucket complete with a 60-foot flag celebrating everything Americana, a branded Cisco tent, lawn games, seafood specials and summer sips.

With live music each day, nationalistic revelers can test their hand at cornhole in a beer-fueled competition. (For those looking to not enter a bloodbath, there will be washers, giant Jenga and more.) From the kitchen, large gulf shrimp cocktail ($4 for 9; add a shrimp for $2 each), New England clam chowder ($10/$13) and the lobster rolls will be blissfully stuffed in a buttery roll ($23). On the liquid side, there will be icy buckets of Cisco’s Whales Tale Pale Ale and Gripah grapefruit IPA (5 cans/$25); pints of Cisco’s CranTUCKET Brut Rosé IPA, Shark Tracker and Grey Lady ($7 each); and a foursome of cocktails including the Blue Haired Lady with Grey Lady and 888 Blueberry ($10); the Figawi Wowie with 888 Cranberry, mint, soda water and lemonade ($10); a Blueberry Lemonade with 888 Blueberry, soda water and lemonade ($10); and a Madaket Mule with 888 Cranberry, ginger beer and lime ($10).

Each day will also feature its own line-up of events:

Saturday, May 25
The Royal Furs will be entertaining with a live set from 1PM to 5PM while summer’s socialites celebrate the release of Cisco’s CranTUCKET Brut Rosé IPA and don their best “Nantucket red” for a chance to win a prize and show it off in a Nantucket-inspired photo station. DJ Sprino will shut it down with the latest hit songs from 9PM to close.

Sunday, May 26
City Tap’s Sunday Acoustic Sunday series returns for the season! Whip out your leis and hula skirts for an island-style Sunday funday over the holiday weekend featuring live music by singer-songwriter Victoria Kelly (with sounds reminiscent of Sara Bareilles) from 6PM-9PM and a Pineapple Express cocktail with 888 Vanilla, ginger ale, pineapple and lime ($10).

Monday, May 27
Holiday revelers will balance their time between sipping, supping and social sporting at this MDW “Shuckfest” on City Tap’s fire-pit lined patio complete with $1 oysters and live music by the Bonus Cat Band from 1PM to 4PM.

What a weekend! We can't wait to devour the details of a Fort Point Figawi. See you there!

Wedding Wednesdays: 5 Creative Vegetarian Ideas for Your Wedding Reception Menu

Whether you, your partner or a few of your guests prefer veggies to meat as a main dish, finding worthy vegetarian catering options can be a tricky task. Vegetarian meals shouldn't feel second rate to a main dish of beef, chicken or fish, but they very often do. To ensure that the vegetarians at your wedding get the same quality fare as everyone else, The Knot shares these five fantastic tips for pleasing the vegetarian palates at your wedding reception.

1. Don't Overlook Hors D'oeuvres
Canapés, hors d'oeuvres and crudités offer a variety of ways to tantalize the taste buds of veggie-loving guests. Some suggestions include: falafel with yogurt, dill and lemon dip; herb and mushroom risotto balls; orange and watercress soup; and deep-fried goat cheese with marinated green vegetables.

2. Cater to Your Own Food Choices
If meat isn't your thing, no one says you have to offer carnivorous fare for your guests. A number of catering companies are getting creative and coming up with interesting and exciting ways to style and prepare all manners of foods to make them appealing for even the most carnivorous among us. Some options include: vegetable tagine with aromatic couscous, pumpkin curry, and blue cheese soufflés with steamed chard and asparagus.

3. Bring the Two Sides Together
One way to cater to both meat eaters and vegetarians is to provide options that allow guests to select foods that indulge their unique palates. Buffet style is great for accomplishing this—The Knot suggests an antipasto grazing station, which can accommodate meat and veggie lovers alike.

4. Offer Fruit and Veggie Sips
Looking for a twist on a signature drink or late-night snack? Try a pop-up juice and smoothie bar instead. It's also great for a postwedding brunch, helping to ease any reception hangovers.

5. Think Outside the Plate
There are lots of ways to incorporate veggies into your wedding day that are less about catering and more about eye candy. Veggies come in all shapes and colors, making them a natural fit for floral displays, bouquets and boutonnieres.

Take these tips from The Knot and devour the details of some delicious vegetarian options for your wedding reception menu!

Trade In Your Rosé for a Casa Rosa

We love Lauren Conrad. So when she recommends we try a drink, we do it! Stop the rosé (just for a little) and sip, sip away with this Casa Rosa cocktail. It's our new Happy Hour favorite!

Casa Rosa Tequila Cocktail

Ingredients:
2 oz. Casamigos Blanco Tequila
75 oz. fresh pink grapefruit juice
5 oz. fresh lime juice
5 oz. almond syrup
2 dashes jasmine water
edible flowers to garnish

Instructions: 

Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain and serve in a coupe glass. Garnish with edible flowers.

What a treat! Try this rosy recipe at your next Happy Hour and devour the details of your new favorite sweet drink. Cheers!

Monday Mashups: We Can't Get Enough of Immersive Experiences

To celebrate Savannah College of Art and Design’s 40th anniversary, the educational institution and BRC Imagination Arts teamed up to create a unique on-campus experience. SCADstory, a 360-degree, immersive experience that opened April 26, explores the school’s history, starting with its founding by an elementary school teacher from Atlanta according to BizBash.

The space, which spans 1,500 square feet, has 11 projectors, and uses a theatrical L.E.D. lighting system with over 22 million pixels, takes guests through a series of whimsical, emotional vignettes, narrated by an animated Wallace who guides visitors through the early years of the university. SCADstory also highlights many of the disciplines offered at the school, including animation, architecture, branded entertainment, cinema studies, dramatic writing, illustration, immersive reality, sound design, and visual effects.

Instead of creating a conventional exhibition or documentary-style video, the college envisioned a space filled with memories and moments—a series of immersive and emotional vignettes that would ‘string together’ to tell the story of an audacious dream. They felt it was a universal story that everyone can relate to.

The Los Angeles-based experience design and production agency usually works with high-profile venues and cultural institutions such as the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Milwaukee Brewers’ Miller Park but found that a university proved to be no different than a corporate client. Today, corporations are strengthening brand love with customers by celebrating shared values, while mission-based institutions like SCAD are becoming more innovative and entrepreneurial. But ultimately the goal of any project is to connect the heart of the brand to the heart of the audience.

The experience debuted as part of the college’s larger SCAD40 WKND, which took place April 25 to 28 and featured three days’ worth of programming including the Sidewalk Arts Festival, where students and alumni created colorful chalk art masterpieces.

In addition to showcasing SCAD’s past, present, and future, the primary goal of SCADstory is to increase student enrollment by celebrating the dreamer in all of us and showing that success comes through hard work and persistence. Similarly, it is also a tool for faculty recruitment and retention and a love letter to the people and the city of Savannah.

SCADstory, which is located in Poetter Hall, is free with a suggested donation of $5. All proceeds go toward student scholarships. So if you're in the area, stop by and devour the details of an immersive experience in support of the Savannah College of Art and Design.

A Whole Lot of (Good) Food is Coming to Whole Foods

Karen Akunowicz opened her Italian enoteca, Fox & the Knife, just three months ago, but the former Myers & Chang executive chef and 2018 James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: Northeast is already returning to her Asian cooking roots according to Boston.com.

On Friday, May 10, Chef Akunowicz opened SloPoke, a fast-casual concept that will debut in the Whole Foods Market at Charles River Plaza.

The Hawaiian poke spot will serve a range of signature bowls, including the Sake Poke with Faroe Island salmon, edamame, tobiko, sesame seeds, and mango salsa; the Ahi Poke with yellowfin tuna, radish, crispy wheat berries, and chili ponzu; and vegetarian options like the Goddess Bowl with local tofu, Brussels sprouts, fried quinoa, green apple, and green goddess dressing. Customers can also get creative by building their own bowls, choosing from proteins (fish, chickpea, tofu), toppings (wheat berries, fried coconut), fruits and vegetables (grapes, cucumbers, sweet onion), and homemade dressings. There will be grab-and-go options available as well.

“Prior to opening Fox & the Knife, I cooked with Asian ingredients at Myers + Chang for seven years, experimenting with bold flavors — including my poke, which was a signature item on the menu,” Chef Akunowicz said in a press release. “Now, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to open a poke concept where I can bring my vibrant flavors to the Whole Foods Market shoppers.”

SloPoke is part of The Friends of Whole Foods Market program, which partners with chefs and culinary and lifestyle brands to provide shoppers with new in-store experiences. That's a whole lot of food coming to the Charles River Plaza Whole Foods! We can't wait to try it! Run out for lunch today and devour the details of some seriously good poke thanks to Chef Akunowicz and SloPoke!

Wedding Wednesdays: Get Your Guests Going with the Perfect Cocktail Hour

Think of your cocktail hour as a souped-up version of your favorite happy hour. It's early in the evening and all your loved ones are together in a stylish and romantic atmosphere, complete with your favorite drinks, food and music. There's really nothing better. Here are some basic cocktail hour must-haves, plus a few extra-genius ways to wow your guests according to The Knot.

Knockout Signature Cocktails

Whether it's a classic or totally new, you can match your signature cocktail to your color scheme, let it reflect your personalities (as a couple or individual) or honor your favorite hometown or cultural flavors. Maybe your go-to sip is whiskey lemonade, while your fiancé's is gin and tonic. Feature both cocktails on the menu and give them creative names to reflect your personalities. And why stop at just one? Name drinks after your bridal party or serve favorite cocktails from both sets of parents.

Comfortable Seating

You'll want to give people room to mingle easily, so don't crowd the room with chairs. Instead, provide enough seating so your older guests have a comfy place to rest and anyone who's wearing high heals can take a break. A combination of low chairs, coffee tables and higher tables with bar stools will give your cocktail hour a different feel than your sit-down reception dinner. Want a cozier vibe? Build a virtual outdoor living room with armchairs, rugs and vintage end tables.

Mood Music

Since you're not at the dance party yet, keep the volume turned down and the vibe mellow so people can chat with ease. This doesn't mean you have to play cheesy elevator music, but matching your music to the mood is a good idea. Maybe you've planned a lively DJ to keep you dancing throughout the reception, but for the cocktail hour, slow it down. Hire a jazz trio, quartet or acoustic guitarist to set a distinct mood.

Open Bar

We've said it before and we'll say it again: Having a cash bar at your wedding is not a good move. If you're on a tight budget, skip pricey liquor and serve only beer and wine, or simply offer one signature drink. Looking to liven things up? Set up a specialty bar, like a cognac, microbrew, bubbly (with sparkling wines) or tequila bar. Ask your caterer about keeping an expert on hand during cocktail hour to give suggestions and tasting tips.

Scrumptious Bites

We know it's your menu, but make sure it's diverse enough so all of your guests can enjoy at least one appetizer. If you're at a loss for where to begin, touch on the major tastes: Serve something slightly salty, sweet, bitter and savory, and provide several dishes to complement to your signature cocktails. Don't forget to ask about any special diets or allergies ahead of time to ensure everyone has something to enjoy (and so anyone with allergies knows what to steer clear of). Something you might not have considered is to go ahead and give your guests something sweet before they even sit down to dinner. You don't want to spoil their appetite for what's to come (so save the chocolate ganache for later), but offering a seasonally sweet treat, like a fruit tart or lemon sorbet, could be the perfect palate cleanser before dinner. You can also forgo typical utensils entirely by offering all bites on edible spoons or in mini crispy cones.

Personal Touches

Little extras, like monogrammed napkins or barware, can go a long way in making your wedding feel totally personalized. Plus, stemless wine glasses with your wedding date or initials make an instant keepsake for guests. Fun tip: Don't wait until the end of the night to give out your favors. Instead, have a special wine or beer brewed ahead of time in honor of your wedding that you can serve during cocktail hour. Let guests sample it and then offer them each a bottle to take home at the end of the night, complete with a customized label.

There's not better way to celebrate! Take The Knot's advice and devour the details of a perfect cocktail hour with these helpful tips and tricks!

Happy Hour: Grapefruit & Floral Froses

The Kentucky Derby has came and went. Days filled with sun are lining up the 7-day forecast. And trips to the beach will be here before we knot it. So what does that call for? Some cold (and strong) cocktails! Cheers to Happy Hour!

Grapefruit Frose

Ingredients
1 bottle of rosé (standard 750mL)
1 cup ruby red grapefruit juice
1 cup Crushed Ice
sliced grapefruit and sprigs of mint for garnish

Instructions

1. Pour rosé and ruby red grapefruit juice in ice cube trays. Let freeze overnight.
2. Add the rosé and ruby red grapefruit juice ice cubes and crushed ice in a blender. Blend until mixed through, adding more ice as needed.
3. Pour into cocktail glass, add slice grapefruit and sprig of mint for garnish.

Check out the full recipe here!

Floral Frose

Ingredients
1 chilled bottle of your favorite rosé
2 oz. simple syrup
St. Germain

Instructions

1. Pour a bottle of rosé into ice cube trays.
2. Freeze for 6-8 hours or overnight. Due to the alcohol content, the rosé will not freeze all the way but will firm up to a slushy consistency.
3. Pop out the frozen rosé cubes into a large blender, add 2 oz. of simple syrup, and blend on high until pureéd into a perfectly pink, slushy concoction.
4. Pour into glasses and top each with a small splash of St. Germain.
5. Garnish with a flower if you’re feeling fancy and enjoy immediately!

Get the full recipe here!

Enjoy on your own or with friends! Either way, devour the details of a summer's day with these fabulous froses!

Monday Mashups: Mission Motivated Event Design

Though the American Cancer Society’s event planners couldn’t have predicted that Chicago would be hit with a snowstorm on April 27, they chose a gala theme that was ultimately the perfect foil to the unseasonable chill. Held at the Hilton Chicago, this year’s Discovery Ball had the feel of a lavish garden party—but wasn’t subject to any chilly temps according to BizBash.

From living garden statues at the cocktail reception to dinner tables decked with pots of lavender and rosemary, the “Where Hope Grows” theme infused nearly every aspect of event production. But the garden references had a meaning that went beyond aesthetics.

The Society's theme is always centered around their mission. When they first started brainstorming for their 2019 theme, the American Cancer Society focused on the phrase stronger together. Like the root system of a tree, connections running deep, intertwined, and stronger together. With the tree as an anchor symbolizing strength, they felt that together the world can grow hope for a future without cancer. From there, ‘Where Hope Grows’ was integrated into every aspect of the event.

During the cocktail reception, the 800 guests explored a touching installation dubbed the “Garden of Hope.” The candlelit tunnel of smilax vine showcased photos of the event’s honorees and those whom the Society called “loved ones lost.” During dinner, guests sat under a massive chandelier made of willow branches. Leafy photo ops abounded, with several living walls set up throughout the ballroom, and a video booth let guests pose on a swing in front of a hedge-like wall.

Even the cocktails got garden-inspired treatment. At one interactive station, guests could pick their own herbs and muddle fruits to create customized drinks. And, one of the evening’s specialty cocktails was an Old Fashioned with smoked lavender.

The addition of more interactive stations was part of the Society's goals to “elevate the guest experience". This year that included incorporating a booth where attendees could create short videos on a garden swing. It was a huge hit!

The garden swing wasn’t the only thing that was ultimately successful: the event raised $2.1 million. Take some tips from the American Cancer Society and devour the details of incorporating event design elements strongly motivated by your organization's mission into your next event!

Suns Outs, Funs Out: The Patios at City Hall Plaza

Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the City of Boston, along with Boston Garden Development Corp., announced that Boston’s highly-acclaimed seasonal activation, The Patios presented by Berkshire Bank, will return to City Hall Plaza from May 2 through August 31!

The Patios debuted in May 2018 as a highly successful placemaking initiative and, with the help of Wachusett Brewing Company, a very popular foray into the outdoor beer garden trend. Through combined efforts between City of Boston Property Management, BRM production Management, Citywide Contracting and Boston artist Jeff Smith, the underutilized southeastern corner overlooking Faneuil Hall has been transformed into a daily destination for locals, tourists and commuters alike. The Patios open this season with a slightly extended footprint, making way for the return of fan favorites like the Wachusett Brew Yard, Wag Wednesdays and putt-putt mini-golf, and some new activations that are sure to get Bostonians pumped for patio season.

The Patios is a part of ‘Boston Seasons presented by Berkshire Bank’, a three-year plan created by Boston Garden Development Corp. and the City of Boston Property Management Department to revitalize the existing plaza at City Hall and create a vibrant welcome public space for all. Located in the center of the City and just steps from the MBTA’s Orange and Green lines, The Patios serve as urban oasis for residents, commuters, and visitors offering daily programming including:

Sunday Grilling
The Patios presented by Berkshire Bank is proud to introduce Sunday Grilling this season. Each Sunday, guests will have access to four electric grills (available free of charge) on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are invited to bring along coolers with their own grilling favorites and accoutrements, or they can purchase the basics like hot dogs and hamburgers on site from local vendor, Bittersweet Homestead.

Beer & Margaritas
Wachusett Brewing Company, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is proud to return to the plaza with its iconic Airstream trailer to offer pints on The Patios, pouring Monday-Thursday beginning at 4:00 p.m., and 12:00 p.m. Friday-Sunday. New this season, Wachusett’s Scratch Cocktails Margarita, a refreshing, tangy, and tart creation perfect for patios season.

Locally Sourced Food Options
Bittersweet Homestead, based out of Westminster, MA, will be welcomed back with a larger pop-up location at the front entrance of The Patios and will now operate seven days a week. Additionally, Boston Seasons presented by Berkshire Bank is excited to share the arrival of the all-new Boston Public Market at City Hall. This local farmer’s market will operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from May 21 through November 19.

Productive Patios
The Patios will now be fully equipped for bringing your office outdoors. Each of the nine, custom furnished patios will be outfitted with multiple power outlets. The wi-fi networks have been completely upgraded to support team meetings or simply provide an ‘out-of-office’ sanctuary for individuals looking to add a breath of fresh air to their work week.

Evening Food Truck Program
This season, in partnership with the City of Boston’s office of economic development small business unit, The Patios has extended the food truck program for the post-work crowd. This addition adds a whole new schedule of food trucks from Monday through Friday, 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Wag Wednesdays
Complementing the new daily programming will be one of last year’s most popular activations, ‘Wag Wednesdays’, taking place every Wednesday from 12:00-2:00 p.m. each week. Shultz’s Guest House, a dog rescue based out of Dedham, MA, will bring a variety of puppies to meet and play with visitors and connect them with information on fostering and adoption. In 2018, ‘Wag Wednesdays’ at The Patios resulted in more than 200 applications and nearly 30 pups being placed with their forever families.

Other family-friendly activities, such as putt-putt mini-golf holes, will once again be free for public use seven days a week. Additional activities will be added throughout the season as well.

We know where we'll be every night of the week! Join us all summer long at The Patios and devour the details of a Wag Wednesday or Margarita Monday well spent. See you there!

Wedding Wednesdays: The Latest Trend in Kitchenware You Need On Your Registry

You’ve probably heard the hype about hygge, the Danish/Norwegian tradition centered around making the home comfy and cozy. And while you might already be familiar with applying this philosophy to your living space or bedroom (who doesn’t love curling up under a fuzzy blanket during the colder months?), The Knot is here to encourage you to extend this warm and welcoming Scandinavian mindset to your kitchen. The elements of Scandi style—simple patterns, rustic touches and a palette of light neutrals accented by bright colors—are popping up in dinnerware, cookware and serveware as well. Need some registry inspo? Here are four key characteristics of Scandinavian décor paired with The Knot's favorite pieces from Dansk to add to your registry. Enjoy!

Hand-Painted Blue-and-White Details

Blue-and-white dishes are a time-honored classic for good reason. Few dinnerware patterns evoke the same kind of nostalgia as these simple, two-toned pieces reminiscent of mosaic tiles—but they can also feel fresh and modern depending on the style. For a truly Scandinavian take, look for brushstroke patterns that appear to have been painted by hand.

Register for: Dansk Arabesque dinnerware, from $22, Dansk.com

Earthy Tones

Scandinavian style is all about taking a cue from Mother Nature, which is why warm, earth-toned neutrals are celebrated. There’s something comforting about the rustic look of clay-colored dinnerware that’s as speckled and spotted as a bird’s egg. Earthy colors like terra-cotta and slate add to the sense of cozy warmth.

Register for: Dansk Raina dinnerware in Sienna, from $17, Dansk.com

Sturdy Stoneware

Speaking of earthy inspiration, stoneware—with its aged finish reminiscent of kiln-fired pottery —is a natural fit for Scandinavian homes. And it’s durable too. The ability to withstand whatever life throws at it makes stoneware a great option for dinnerware or cookware. Bonus: It looks as welcoming in a table setting as it does serving up your culinary creations.

Register for: Dansk Vandvid dinnerware, from $30, Food52.com; Dansk Generations II cookware, from $42, Dansk.com

Vibrant Enamel

Enameled cookware offers the perfect blend of form and function (a major tenet of Scandi style, if there ever was one). The heavy-duty steel structure holds up to years of use, while its colorful coating looks bright and cheery on the table. Wooden handles only enhance the cozy appeal, so you can serve up your favorite comfort food in style.

Register for: Dansk Kobenstyle cookware, from $42, Dansk.com

We're feeling inspired and hope you are too! Devour the details of your own Scandinavian style with these items on your registry!

Time to Tiki

Boston.com shares that a popular Asian restaurant along Route 1 is about to channel some tropical paradise vibes. In mid-May, Kowloon will introduce a temporary tiki-themed bar and dining area behind the restaurant. And we. Can't. Wait.

The outdoor summer pop-up will have a 10-seat tiki bar, a bamboo structure with a thatched hut that California-based company Bamboo Creations is making. Additional tiki huts and tables with umbrellas will be spread around the area with enough seating for a little more than 100 guests.

As for the food, a limited menu from the restaurant will be available and the restaurant plans to have Kowloon’s food truck parked adjacent to the tiki area. Tiki drinks will also be on the menu, including both cocktails from Kowloon’s regular bar and special libations created for the summer space. Along with illuminated, faux palm trees and other tiki fixtures, there will be live Polynesian music and steel drum bands, and perhaps even some cornhole.

The city of Saugus has approved a close time of 1AM with entertainment ending around 12:30AM. The tiki-themed addition will operate daily, with an official opening date and set hours to be announced soon.

Keep your eyes peeled! It'll be tiki time before you know it. Get your grass skirts ready and join us in devouring the details of Kowloon's parking lot paradise!

Monday Mashups: We're All About A Great First Impression

What's one of the most effective ways to leave a lasting impression on event attendees? According to BizBash, it's focusing on their first impression. In addition to a smooth check-in experience, thoughtful event design elements—such as floral-filled entryways, creative signage, and on-theme entertainment—can ensure a positive experience for guests as soon as they arrive.

From a stylish shoe valet to a champagne-filled freight elevator to a red carpet with a massive fish tank, here are some clever ways recent event entrances have made their mark.

1. Start the experience outside the venue.

Gin brand Monkey 47 worked with the Narrative Group for its first immersive pop-up in New York in April. Guests were welcomed to the warehouse-like venue by a large, jungle-theme mural outside; the mural's design continued inside the space, which featured lush, greenery-filled decor.

2. Immediately immerse guests in the decor.

Decor can be used to immerse guests in the event experience right at the entrance. At HBO's after-party for the 2018 Emmy Awards, designer Billy Butchkavitz created a lush Garden of Eden theme. Guests entered the party through a floral-filled tunnel.

3. Offer drinks and other amenities right away.

In February, Beverly Hills philanthropists Christine and Gabriel Chiu worked with Aliana Events to host a vibrant, design-heavy event to celebrate Chinese New Year. As guests climbed the stairs to the event, they were greeted with champagne and lychee cocktails. At the top was a re-creation of the entrance to Chinatown in Los Angeles, branded with the Chiu name.

4. Host an activity at the entrance.

The Bata Shoe Museum's 20th anniversary gala in Toronto in 2015 used a maze to inspire guests to explore its galleries. At the entrance, guests were given "clue cards" that encouraged them to find the answers to various puzzles by entering different galleries. The event's design, created by Candice & Alison, featured maze-like markings that appeared in hot pink patterns on the floor. The markings also acted as directional signage that led guests into various parts of the venue.

5. Liven up a traditional red carpet.

If your event has a red carpet at the entrance, spice it up by incorporating on-theme props and designs. For the premiere of the HBO film My Dinner With Hervé, designed by Billy Butchkavitz, a step-and-repeat referenced Hervé Villechaize’s first career as a painter in France. The title of the film was displayed in portraits of various paintings against a green wall. The event took place in October in Los Angeles.

There's more ideas where those came from! Get inspired and devour the details of using immersive decor, fun activities, and memorable entertainment to impress guests right away—leaving a great first impression!

Taza Chocolate Annual Spring Block Party

Taza Chocolate founder and CEO Alex Whitmore took his first bite of stone ground chocolate while traveling in Oaxaca, Mexico. He was so inspired by the rustic intensity that he decided to create a chocolate factory back home in Somerville, MA. Alex apprenticed under a molinero in Oaxaca to learn how to hand-carve granite mill stones to make a new kind of American chocolate that is simply crafted, but seriously good. In 2005, he officially launched Taza with his wife, Kathleen Fulton, who is Taza's Chief Design Officer and designed all of the packaging.

The company stone grinds organic cacao beans into perfectly unrefined, minimally processed chocolate with bold flavor and texture, unlike anything you have ever tasted. They are a pioneer in ethical cacao sourcing. Taza was the first U.S. chocolate maker to establish a third-party certified Direct Trade Cacao Certification program. They maintain direct relationships with their cacao farmers and pay a premium above the Fair Trade price for their cacao and partner only with cacao producers who respect the rights of workers and the environment.

Most importantly, they're ready to party! Join Taza for their annual kickoff block party at the Taza Chocolate Factory right here in Somerville! This year's lineup has a little something for everybody so you won't want to miss out! Notch Brewing is bringing their Mobile Biergarten from Salem to Somerville along with Far From The Tree Cider to keep you refreshed. Hungry? They've got you covered with Bartleby's Seitan Stand, North East of the Border, Taco Party, Buenas, and Honeycomb Creamery. Yum!

Since it's not a party without music and dancing, Taza will have Kitzner Vassor spinning global beats to get you moving along with Bachata and Zouk dance lessons. For the live music lovers, Desperate Measures Street Band is bringing the brass!

What are you waiting for? RSVP yes on their facebook event already and devour the details of the tastiest chocolate around. See you there!