The sunny days of summer have finally arrived, and with them come new, exciting opportunities to brighten up your home, gatherings, and travel plans. To help you make the most of the season, this issue of American Lifestyle is full of fresh ideas, offering an expert's take on virtual interior design, secrets to hosting the ultimate summer party, bold recipes you’re sure to love, and a deep dive into the western destination of Flagstaff, Arizona.
Interior designer and TikTok star Julie Jones had an unconventional journey to residential design. After moving virtual following the pandemic, she now owns her own business and offers mini consultations for those in dire style emergencies. Inside, discover more about her creative process and how she helps bring homeowners’ visions to life.
Summer is a time to gather with family and friends, whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, a graduation party, or an anniversary soiree. The guide in this issue has all the essentials to help you prepare an unforgettable event, from setting the scene with decor to planning the perfect entertainment. Stick to these tips and tricks, and you’ll leave your guests raving.
Speaking of gatherings, no party is complete without an impressive and delicious menu. This issue includes four bold and tasty recipes to cater to every palate: a spicy take on corn dogs, two options for grilled kebabs, and a tidy version of the classic s'mores to round out the selections.
If you're looking to jet off on vacation, set your sights on Flagstaff, a charming mountain city in Arizona where history, nature, and stargazing come together. Check out the enclosed article for a breakdown of all the opportunities for adventure this city has to offer, both within its limits and along its outskirts.
Here's to an exciting summer season! As always, it’s a pleasure to send you this magazine.
Interior designer and social media sensation Julie Jones discusses her indirect path to residential design, how she went virtual, and the importance of staying grounded.
Have you always been creative?
Yes. My mom was a seamstress and taught me to sew at a very young age. I started making my own clothes around age twelve and drew a lot as well. I ended up attending a design school that wasn’t just about decorating—it was much more technical and challenging. That was a win-win for me because I love creativity yet am also meticulous.
How did you get started in the design industry?
When I graduated in 2008, jobs were scarce, especially in interior design. I met a contractor through a mutual connection and started doing residential work despite that not being my goal; I thought I’d be in hospitality, architecture, or commercial design. I was later hired by that same contractor’s design-build company.
COVID was a turning point for you. Would you talk about that?
Out of necessity, I began taking designs virtual in 2020, even with local clients—for almost two years, I hardly talked to any of them face-to-face. At the time, everyone was busting out their hobbies, and mine was painting. A friend who worked in social media saw my art and said I should put it online. I politely said no, so he offered a trade: I’d paint his dog, and he’d create social media channels for me.
I agreed but found it all very intimidating. Thankfully, he coached me, egging me on to discuss interior design and talk to the camera. It took several months to get comfortable with it before I finally created content. But after I made my first interior design video, I got sixty Instagram messages that same day. It was crazy! I then started offering a mini design consultation service on TikTok called SOS, named after the subject line of the first Instagram request I ever received. I ended up going viral after that.
How did that mesh with already having a family and a full-time job?
It was stressful. I had a heavy workload and was putting in seventy hours a week between both. I knew it wasn’t healthy for anyone, including my four boys and husband.
Ultimately, I had to decide between one or the other. While I really liked my job and my boss, I had a hundred people waiting for me to help them online. I prayed about it and eventually chose virtual because it meant I could be my own boss. Once I made that call, the business really took off now that I had the time to put into it, not only meeting with clients but also building my website on the back end.
What are some of the primary challenges of virtual consultations?
Virtual design certainly presents unique challenges for me and my team, primarily with communication since it’s not traditional face-to-face talking with a client in their home. So we must overcommunicate to the point that everything is documented, for both our sake and theirs. That’s why we have a questionnaire—something I never did for in-person clients. Also, in the virtual world, everything must be done before we meet with someone. Based on what they tell us, we make every decision for their space and then meet with them to present the design. If there’s something they don’t like, that’s their opportunity to say so.
Is that also why you have a style quiz on your website?
Definitely. Before this quiz, people would tell us their “style,” but we’d usually find that it wasn’t really what they wanted. For example, they’d say they love modern, but when I’d ask them to show me examples, nine times out of ten it was something completely different. In general, people don’t understand the labels they’re putting on their visuals.
What’s the difference between your space planning and interior design services?
Space planning is the technical part of design that determines the functionality within a room or home. In fact, every job we do starts with it—we don’t even consider clients’ wants at first. Instead, we look at their floor plan from a bird’s-eye view to help determine the sizes of items like furniture, rugs, and kitchen cabinets, all of which we’ll provide in technical drawings.
Then there’s the room makeover option, where we show clients the space planning plus a 3D floor plan that includes everything right down to the paint color. They’re much more involved in this phase, verifying every element from the measurements being correct to the furniture and decor we chose working for their tastes. It’s all done through email, so it doesn’t require much of their time. We just need their intent for the space, and we’re good to go.
What prompted you to start your own home brand?
Julie Jones Home launched last fall, and it’s going really well, even though I had no idea if people would be open to purchasing products from me. However, I thought it met a need: finding items that weren’t on the market, including furniture and decor. In addition, I can vouch for everything I source—I’ve literally sat on the chairs and sofas and know they’re good quality.
You have over a million social media followers. What does that reach mean to you?
It’s surreal. This all started organically with me just talking to the public on my phone. I don’t share a whole lot about myself in my content, and that’s intentional since it’s about my clients and what they need. I’m not a celebrity; I am who I am and this is my job, and I fiercely keep it separate from my family life. To make sure I stay grounded, I continually remind myself why I do this: to humbly help people with interior design and space planning.
For more info, visit juliejonesdesigns.com
When the calendar turns to June and the sun shines its brightest, the season to celebrate reaches its peak: students toss their graduation caps in the air, many couples reach milestone anniversaries, and smitten lovers often tie the knot. If you’ve taken it upon yourself to commemorate such occasions at your own property, you have quite the responsibility ahead of you. After all, playing host means creating a beautiful backyard bash that sparks enjoyment and creates valuable memories for guests and honored attendees alike.
It might be an intimidating endeavor, but you can pull it off by gathering the essential ingredients of a great party, ranging from the basic necessities to the extra touches that will earn you style points—and perhaps even pleas for you to throw the next event. No matter what you’re celebrating this summer, follow these setup steps to inspire awe and create a day your loved ones will reminisce on for years to come.
Text and email invites are fitting for casual festivities, but parties feel more special when they’re announced via formal letters that share the pertinent details, such as this elegant set. Mail them directly to your guests well in advance; the Emily Post Institute suggests using the purpose of the event to determine a good time frame (e.g., within four weeks for a cocktail party or up to three months ahead of a fundraiser). Check out the chart on its website for a full timing breakdown.
You’ll need a head count before the occasion to gauge how many chairs and tables will be necessary. After guests RSVP, assess whether you currently have enough to suffice or will need to acquire more; depending on your budget, you can purchase cost-effective options or, for a more formal touch, order some from an event-furniture rental service. Though assigned seating is by no means required, it can be useful for grouping compatible guests.
Summer weather is ideal for outdoor gatherings, but you may want to offer relief in case the sun is an awful dinner guest or a rain cloud decides to storm the soirée. Possible coverings range from simple four-post canopies—like this patriotic one—to elaborate rentable party tents. If you have the space, consider planning an indoor-outdoor event: set up meals or refreshments inside and allow for casual chatter outdoors. Guests will appreciate the flexibility.
Without the appropriate adornments, your bash will feel like just another weekend get-together, so budget both time and money for decorating appropriately. For best results, meet with the guest of honor at your home at least two weeks before the event to brainstorm a theme like “beachy” or “classic Americana” and choose a complementary color scheme. Once those are decided, gather a mix of attractive lighting, accessories like candles, and floral arrangements for formal affairs. Setting out throw pillows and hanging sheer curtains can also help incorporate indoor comforts into your backyard. You may even want to order a custom event banner to display a congratulatory message.
Pay special attention to your table settings as well. Place themed tablecloths, color-coordinated dinnerware, and a centerpiece that will have guests pulling out their phones to capture the scene. Fresh flowers exude elegance, but handmade crafts like these summery options balance price consciousness with attractive panache for informal occasions. And if you aren’t serving a meal, simply maximize your snack-table and beverage-bar decor instead.
Your choice of soundtrack is key to setting the mood, making it essential to curate songs or albums that suit the event’s tone and the celebrant’s tastes. You can easily build a digital playlist on a music app, then stream it via Bluetooth to an outdoor-friendly speaker. Just watch the volume—guests should still be able to chat comfortably over the music.
Offering your guests cold water is basic etiquette, especially this season to help make the summer heat more tolerable. But good hosts know to provide additional refreshments like iced tea or lemonade. If the occasion is appropriate, also stock a bar with adult beverages, including a combination of liquors, mixers, and individual bottled or canned options.
Aim for chalices that perfectly fit the vibe, such as the standard and unserious SOLO cup for casual gatherings or a set of crystal goblets for refined affairs. To perfectly bridge a jovial nature and alluring style, find versatile products like these tiki cocktail glasses. And don’t forget the ice!
No matter the occasion, guests will expect at least some nibbles, even just snacks like pretzels and a veggie platter. If you are looking to serve a well-rounded meal, though, be sure that you stay on theme. For instance, when throwing a laid-back barbeque, you could purchase a selection of meats, veggies, and comfort-food sides or send a potluck sign-up sheet for guests to contribute. And for a formal event such as an anniversary party, a catered menu and cake are musts; contact a catering service and baker as early as possible to make arrangements. Whatever type of sustenance you serve, always plan for slightly more food than you expect to need—it’s better to have too much than too little.
In case conversation runs dry or just won’t take off to begin with, plan enjoyable diversions like a karaoke machine or a bounce house for a family-friendly event. To dance the night away, consider clearing a large indoor room or outdoor space, laying vinyl floor wrap to provide a smooth and stylish surface. You can even designate spaces for specific activities, including a table for playing party games and a viewing area complete with cushions and a projector and screen set for watching movies or photo reels.
If you’d prefer to save some sweat, hand the organizing reins over to an expert. Hiring an event planner can be a saving grace if you already have a lot on your plate, and it may be downright essential for holding an elegant gathering like a wedding reception. Though their services won’t be free, they can better ensure that you gather all the fundamentals and ultimately craft an exceptional summer bash for the books.
When planning for the perfect gathering, it’s important to include dishes that people of all ages and taste buds will approve of. And you can’t go wrong with this quartet of recipes—featuring a mix of spicy, meaty, veggie, and sweet options, there’s sure to be something for even the pickiest palate. Best of all, they’re simple to throw together, making them easy additions to your summertime menu.
Crispy, jalapeño-infused batter surrounds cheesy corn dogs, creating a crowd-pleasing finger food with just the right touch of heat.
Featuring juicy chicken in a zesty marinade, sweet pineapple, and aromatic onions, this dish is bursting with bright flavor.
Vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and corn offer a lighter kebab option, and a tangy fajita butter brings everything together in a sizzling feast.
A playful, portable version of the campfire classic, these treats offer a fresh way to enjoy some marshmallowy goodness.
This corn dog mashup has some spice! Just wrap a few hot dogs in some cheese and dip them into a jalapeño batter, then fry them up for a crispy, delectable snack.
Serves 4
Tip: Add more jalapeños to spice up this recipe to your heat preferences.
A little bit sweet and a little bit spicy, these kebabs stacked with tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and sharp red onion are sure to conjure up coastal vibes.
Few foods look or smell better than a sizzling plate of fajitas, and now you can achieve that same vibrant flavor and color in a kebab!
Searching for a party treat that won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours on end? Try this unique twist on a campfire favorite that you can make in under fifteen minutes.
Sitting 7,000 feet above sea level against a backdrop of towering mountains, Flagstaff is an impressively picturesque city that invites travelers of all interests to come seek adventure. Once an early railway hub and humble stop along the famed Route 66, this now bustling college town offers more than just a vibrant cultural scene with fascinating shops, art galleries, and delicious eateries—it’s also a popular gateway for those eager to explore American history, celestial wonders, and fascinating landscapes. No matter where you choose to set your focus, you’re sure to head home feeling well satisfied.
Though Flagstaff may not be the biggest city, it is the largest in the state, meaning it’s packed with sites and activities to explore. A good place to start is at the Amtrak station, a vintage railroad depot located downtown that also houses the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Here you can read educational exhibits detailing how the city became a stop on the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad in 1882 and the role this major event played in the area’s development. (And don’t forget to pick up a few train-themed souvenirs!)
The station also sits right on Route 66, so be sure to snap a photo of the shield mural of the highway’s logo painted on the pavement just outside. Afterward, walk about a block east to get a look at the Phoenix Avenue Route 66 mural, which depicts local “Mother Road” landmarks and classic cars.
Another spot of significance to Flagstaff’s past is Riordan Mansion State Historic Park; it features the arts and crafts–style residence of Timothy and Michael Riordan, whose family played a prominent role in the regional growth of numerous industries. Built in 1904, it is actually two separate homes joined by a shared living space and features a treasure trove of antique furnishings, colorful stained-glass windows, and various memorabilia, all of which can be viewed during a guided tour.
Of course, if your interests lie more with the arts, you aren’t bereft of choices either. Since the late 1910s, the Orpheum Theater has been a cornerstone of entertainment for Flagstaff, offering everything from film screenings to magic shows to concerts by local and national artists. And you certainly don’t want to miss the Northern Arizona University Art Museum, situated in the oldest building on campus. Peruse the thousand-plus pieces in its permanent collection, including an eclectic mix of furniture, sculptures, paintings, and more from a wide range of countries like Peru, Italy, and India.
There’s even more to do right outside city limits. Nature lovers, for example, could spend a few quiet hours at the Arboretum at Flagstaff, wandering through 200 acres of botanical gardens, serene meadows, and a tranquil ponderosa forest bursting with wildflowers and wildlife. Or for a bird’s-eye view of the area, take the gondola at the Arizona Snowbowl up a lofty 11,500 feet above the trees to see breathtaking panoramas of the San Francisco Peaks and surrounding volcanic fields and red rocks. In the face of such majesty, you may never want to head back down.
After the sun sets in Flagstaff, you might be struck by how bright the stars seem to shine. This is because the city actively works to minimize its light pollution, such as by using narrow-band amber LED lights to reduce the glare of its streetlamps, affording spectacular glimpses of the night sky and Milky Way. In fact, it became the very first International Dark Sky Place when it was recognized by DarkSky International in 2001 for its celestial beauty. To catch the best local constellation views, head to the expansive grounds of Buffalo Park on the outskirts of town or venture about twenty minutes southeast to Lake Mary, whose high altitude and remote location offer an ideal setting for cosmic observation.
For an even closer peek at the heavens, visit Flagstaff’s Lowell Observatory to peer through its public telescopes and explore its exhibits, including those that highlight its own history. Notably, Pluto was first discovered here in 1930, and the observatory’s Clark Refractor was used to help scientists and artists develop detailed lunar maps for NASA’s Apollo 11 mission, the first-ever successful moon landing.
You can also learn how these astronauts trained for their historic moon walk at Cinder Lake Crater Fields, a desert area just north of Flagstaff where NASA created lunar-like pits in 1967 to allow them to get a feel for navigating the moon’s surface. Another must-see is Meteor Crater, located about forty minutes farther east. This site marks the impact of a massive meteorite that crashed over 50,000 years ago, leaving behind a colossal crater nearly a mile wide and 550-feet deep.
Flagstaff is a popular base for outdoor enthusiasts heading to the Grand Canyon, which sits just eighty miles to the northwest, but there are many other natural and historic treasures even more close by. For instance, a short nine-mile drive east of the city will take you to Walnut Canyon National Monument, which provides stunning views of ancient American Indian cliff dwellings, the canyon itself, and towering ponderosa pines. If you’re up for adventure, you can also descend the challenging one-mile Island Trail into the canyon to explore the ruins up close.
Meanwhile, less than an hour north, you’ll find Wupatki National Monument, home to the impressive Wupatki Pueblo—a multistoried, red sandstone 104-room structure once inhabited by ancient indigenous peoples. It even features a ball court as well as a natural blowhole that offers a refreshing breeze of cool air from deep within the earth. And if you take the thirty-four-mile Sunset Crater–Wupatki Loop from the site, you can experience the nearly otherworldly landscape at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, where the earth erupted nearly 1,000 years ago, leaving miles of volcanic cinders and solidified lava flows.
With its rich history, vibrant atmosphere, and photo-worthy natural surroundings, Flagstaff certainly doesn’t disappoint. Venture out there yourself, and you’ll be sure to encounter adventure at every turn.
For more info, visit flagstaffarizona.org
