With summer in full swing, I’ve been finding myself craving inordinate amounts of lemonade and sweet Arnold Palmers in the midst of Colorado’s dry, arid heat. I feel like my obsession with citrus is just beginning this summer, and I couldn’t wait to host a citrus inspired brunch, complete with fresh tangerine towers and a lemon, buttercream “naked”cake.

For the invitations and brunch menus, I was able to partner with Basic Invite to design the perfect invitation that set the tone for the event. While I’ve used other online stationary companies before, I was overwhelmingly impressed with the amount of options and customization that Basic Invite offers, so that you can create your perfect invite.

Once you select a design you can change the color of each element on the card to over 180 different color options so you can make sure the card is exactly how you want it down to the littlest detail. They even have three foil options: Gold, Silver and Rose Gold, if you want to jazz it up a bit.

Also, Basic Invite was one of the few websites that allowed me to order a printed sample of the actual invitation to see how the colors will print, as well as the paper quality before ever having to place the final order. (Can I get an “amen” from all of you other indecisive perfectionists out there?!)

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To complete my dreamy citrus setting, I found a handful of vases on sale at Pier 1 to create eclectic, whimsical floral arrangements (found here, here and here)

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Sourcing actual mandarin or tangerine sprigs did NOT happen, but I was able to find these artificial mini tangerines at Michaels, and hot glued them onto fresh greenery to achieve my dream center piece. To add even more flair, I made these tangerine towers based off a tutorial I found here . (My own tutorial here). I love how they add height and color to the console backdrop.

I then set the table with simple white plates, adorned with these Anthropologie salad plates to add subtle pop of color. Using crisp white napkins, paired with gold flatware, my Great Grandmother’s crystal really stood out. The crystal is something I’m always dying to find a good excuse to use, not only because of sentimentality, but I love the dainty floral pattern that you don’t see much in new crystal stemware.

While the menu was bubbling over with citrus inspired treats, the ultimate indulgence was the lemon buttercream naked cake. I love the simplicity the cake, adorned with fresh clementine’s and crisp greenery.

If you’re dying to host your own summer brunch, right now Basic Invite is celebrating “Christmas in July” and offering 15% off with coupon code: 15FF51. If you’re not into brunch, but still into 15% off, now would be another good time to get your invites or printed holiday cards for other Holiday gatherings. It’ll be one less thing to check off the To-Do list in December! See some more examples of Basic Invite’s amazing stationary here.