Backyard party season is heating up! We’ve pulled together some sips, songs and some crafty wine decor to keep your summer shindigs hoppin’. First up – the wine!

Summertime Sangria

Here’s a recipe for a sparkling white wine sangria that will help cool you off as these hot afternoons keep rolling in:

Just Peachy Sparkling White Sangria

1 oz. brandy
1 oz. orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier)
Up to ⅓ cup superfine sugar (modify for preferred sweetness)
1 orange, halved
1 lemon, halved
3 peaches, sliced or chopped
1 bottle chilled sparkling wine (like Lady LaFemme Prosecco or Middle Sister Glamour Girl Bubbly)
1 cup lemon-lime soda

In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the brandy, orange liqueur and sugar. Squeeze the juice from the orange and the lemon into the pitcher. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add chopped peaches then the sparkling wine and soda.

Wine Sister Tip: Instead of ice try frozen grapes, they’ll chill your drink on a hot day without watering it down.

Summertime Tunes

Here’s our Wine Sisterhood Summertime Playlist perfect for sitting by the pool, celebrating with friends or jamming in the car with the windows down. What songs are stuck in your head this summer? Tell us your favorites in a comment, we’d love to add them to our playlist!

Summertime Style

And you know, when we Wine Sisters are by the pool or on the beach, we’ve got to look good. That includes the towels we’re laying on! Pick up a discounted Wine Sisterhood or Middle Sister towel through the end of July in the Wine Sisterhood Shop.

Use the code “SummerSAVE” at checkout to take $15 off the Wine Sisterhood towel.

Use the code “SummerFUN” at checkout to take $20 off the Middle Sister towel.

AND, if you’re looking for the full package, we’ve put these Wine Sisterhood and Middle Sister Summer Gift Packs together so you’re all set. Ordered separately, these items would cost more than $90, but you can pick up a package for just $65. Get ‘em while they last!

Summertime Wine Crafts

Now, it’s time to get crafty…

Set the scene at your next backyard soirée with a set of Wine Bottle Lanterns, like the ones pictured above, created by crafty lady Johnnie at Saved by Love Creations.  

First you’ll have to cut a few empty wine bottles in half. We like this list of wine bottle cutting methods here, pick the one you prefer.

Then, follow Johnnie’s instructions for adding color to your bottles. Place over tea lights (with flame or electric) and set your lanterns up on a banister like Johnnie did in her photo or arrange in a cluster on top of a table.  And there you have it – gorgeous summer decor!