When I spotted the gorgeously colorful ad from the new Hermes campaign (center), I was instantly inspired to create a party based on a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues. A touch of psychedelic with a nod to the Wizard of Oz, this palette is a pure shot of happiness. Set up a playful dessert buffet with nostalgic treats like popcorn & cotton candy; string a rainbow of paper lanterns through the trees; cluster joyful blooms like poppies & peonies in haphazard arrangements. Guests are sure to embrace a bit of whimsy for a springtime soiree; after all, who wouldn’t love to go over the rainbow right in your own backyard? read more…
How did another weekend arrive so quickly? Not that I’m complaining…the next two days should be fun, unstructured time to spend with my honey, work on some projects at home, and hopefully get outside and enjoy some sunshine! Maybe I’ll cook up a big pot of my favorite chili & cornbread for the Super Bowl tomorrow: I may not be too absorbed in the game, but any excuse for a party, right? I’ll have some great Valentine’s Day posts next week to get you in the mood for Love Day…In the meantime, enjoy a few of my favorite links from last week! read more…
I’m on the hunt for the perfect vintage cake stand. Since my mother & I are making the wedding cake for my brother’s June nuptials, we’ve been brainstorming on the best way to display it. All this research has reminded me how a pretty cake stand can elevate just about any table design to new heights of gorgeousness. Think beyond the cake, and try using a cake stand to display non-edibles, like springtime flowers (above) or a still-life of fruit (below.) read more…
In this morning’s post, we started planning the invitations, menu, & festive Bellini Bar for a late-night dessert party to ring in Valentine’s Day. Now we put the finishing touches on this February 14th to make it one to remember, no matter what your relationship status. read more…
Make this Valentine’s Day one to remember and throw a late-night dessert party… whether it’s a decadent gathering for 20 or a romantic rendezvous for two. Set an amorous tone with a “Love Letters” theme that’s reflected in the invitations, menu, and decor, and opt for a glamorous color palette of boldly combined reds and pinks. No matter your relationship status, this is the year’s best excuse to break out the bubbly and shamelessly satisfy your chocolate cravings. read more…
Swooning over this romantic, illustrated Valentine’s set from Rifle Paper Co. Don’t you love the vivid colors and vintage feel of the calligraphy? The set includes 3 of each design: perfect for sending sweet nothings to all the loves in your life. Check out the Rifle Paper Co. site for lots more paper delights to lust after, year around. read more…
Added to my shopping list: t0day’s gift pick from Meg, who joins us from Mimi & Meg each week with stylish & unique hostess gift ideas. These Madeline Weinrib pillows are chic, vibrant, & the perfect way to add a splash of modern pattern to subdued furniture. In a chic range of colors & prints, one of these would be the perfect gift for the host who has everything. Says Meg: read more…
This week I’ve been completely absorbed in the history of famed Berkeley restaurant Chez Panisse and the biography of its brilliant and eccentric founder. Alice Waters and Chez Panisse recounts the journey from a 1970’s “counterculture” venture to the institution credited with a modern food revolution that promotes simplicity, freshness and seasonality. Such a fascinating read, and I must share a paragraph from the forward that encompasses Waters’ vision, as well as my own ambitions in entertaining and planning events: read more…
Just added to my inspiration files: this vibrant party photo shoot from Amorology Weddings (spotted on Style Me Pretty.) The shoot celebrates LOVE and was set in a romantic orange grove in San Diego County. Doesn’t the color palette of juicy citrus & brilliant turquoise make you happy just to look at it? read more…
Faux Bois is a French decorating term meaning “False Wood,” describing warm, woodsy finishes that look freshly plucked from an enchanted forest. Such an earthy look seems particularly fitting at this time of year since it evokes a toasty, wood-burning fireplace; yet it’s warm tones also seem to forecast early springtime picnics in the park. For those with a crafty bent, a Faux Bois finish can be created on paper or walls with a few simple DIY techniques. I love to incorporate real wood & branches in party decor for a look that’s organic and refined: present an array of cheeses on a rustic wood cutting board; recycle a tree stump as a surprising vessel for flowers; and present guests with the most eco-friendly favors: tiny saplings wrapped in burlap packages. read more…
