As a party planner in Austin, I’ve styled some pretty fabulous piñatas for the fiesta-themed parties my clients can’t seem to get enough of. But I’m not sure any of have been quite as show-stopping as the ones by CONFETTISYSTEM, a design team who fashions some of the most creative piñatas, streamers & party decor I’ve ever laid eyes on. In the words of creators Nicholas Anderson & Julie Ho:

CONFETTISYSTEM transforms simple materials such as tissue paper, cardboard, and silk into interactive objects that create a point of focus, where memories are made and a spontaneous collaboration with the viewer is sparked. CONFETTISYSTEM’s creations… evoke a sense of nostalgia and lighthearted fun.

Isn’t there something incredibly fascinating about a beautiful work of art that’s actually created to be destroyed? Take a look at some of the items I’m dying to use on a party…

How perfect would these ruffly piñatas be for a super festive New Years Eve party?

Don’t forget the blindfolds…

I love how these garlands are whimsical, and a bit avant-garde…they could easily pass as a cutting-edge installation at an art gallery. Hop over to CONFETTISYSTEM for lots more images and buying info.

Be prepared for major paper cravings on Style Notes today (and yes, those are a frequent occurrence for us!) I stumbled upon these pretties over at Mitchell & Dent’s darling Tittle Tattle & Tales of Terrificness blog. The letterpressed paper, the soft color palette, and especially the creative styling of the shoot with macaroons & vintage china is all simply perfect.

Hop over to Mitchell & Dent’s site for buying info and lots more eye candy.

So excited to introduce the first guest in our new “My Essentials” series here on Style Notes. Once a month, we’ll be taking a peek into the closets, cupboards, & little black books of the most stylish tastemakers on the planet to discover what items they can’t live without. First up: Paloma Contreras, editor & creative director of nationally recognized lifestyle blog La Dolce Vita. Paloma’s mission is to feature all of the elements that make up La Dolce Vita, or “the sweet life”: interior design, fashion, travel, great food, and inspiring people & places. Of her personal style, Paloma says: In terms of fashion, I tend to veer towards classic, feminine styles. Interior design-wise, my style is at once classic, glamorous, eclectic, and a bit more masculine. Take a look above at the items that Paloma can’t live without:

{1} paris {2} vicky cristina barcelona {3} canon rebel xsi {4} musee d’orsay {5} j.crew high-heel flare jeans {6} jo malone dark amber & ginger lily {7} POST iphone app {8} mad men {9} hotel pulitzer, barcelona {10} stella by stella mccartney candle

Discover lots more sweetness at La Dolce Vita, and follow Paloma on Twitter at @LaDolceVitaBlog.

These gorgeous photos of Gwyneth, shot by Mario Testino, have pushed me over the edge…I’m ready for fall!!! Can’t wait to bring my trench out of hiding and don it against the slight chill of an autumn afternoon, falling leaves dancing in the breeze. And isn’t Gwyneth just the picture of classic American beauty? Definitely makes me excited for the more refined, sophisticated looks parading down the runways this season…

*Images via Dress Design Decor.

Happy September! Though I was expecting it, I couldn’t help but feel suddenly surprised when I caught a glimpse of today’s date on the calendar. September 1st seems to be a checkpoint at which our entertaining senses are granted permission to stray from sunshine and picnics into the world of changing leaves and fuzzy sweaters. All at once thoughts of Fall fashion and holidays with the family started overrunning my mind. Lucky for us, Rosa Ronco of the lifestyle blog Chic Deco will be guest posting seasonally to help us with our bittersweet transitions. Originally from Spain, Rosa created a beautiful board inspired by rich traditions from Italy, France, and Spain. From Rosa:

For us Mediterranean people, Autumn is the time of harvest and abundance. Our tables come alive with fruit, wine, and dried flowers and leaves.

What are some of the foods, fashions, or events that you’re most looking forward to this Fall? I personally can’t wait to make use of my slow-cooker!

I have this dream of spending a summer afternoon on the grounds of a Tuscan villa, lunching al fresco with family & friends at a long wooden table overflowing with great food & wine. In this fantasy, there are abundant platters of seasonal salads to nibble on as the afternoon turns to evening, the vibrant colors of the fruits & vegetables providing all the table decor needed. I’ll stop before I go off on a total tangent, but that’s the concept that inspired this grilled peach, tomato & mozzarella salad, chock-full of the late summer produce that I can’t get enough of right now.

This salad is a perfect light lunch or first course for entertaining, since it can sit at room temperature for a while and actually get more delicious as the flavors marinate together.

Grilled Peach, Tomato, & Mozzarella Salad

*serves 4

• 2 peaches, each cut into 8 wedges (peeled & pits removed)
• 2 heirloom tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh mozzarella
• 2 cups arugula
• 1/4 cup basil leaves, torn
• Balsamic vinaigrette

Directions

Preheat a grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush tomato & peach slices with olive oil; season with salt. Grill the tomato slices for 1 minute on each side, set aside to cool. Grill peach wedges for 1 minutes on each side, & let cool.

Mound the arugula on the center of a platter. Surround it with overlapping layers of peaches, tomatoes & mozzarella. Sprinkle red onion & basil leaves over the top of the salad. Lightly drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over top of salad & season with salt & freshly ground black pepper.

]]> http://notes.camillestyles.com/2010/08/31/tuesday-tastings-peachy-keen/feed/ 2 Camille Grilled Peach-Tomato-Salad Ingredients-Camille Styles Events Grilled Peach, Tomato, & Mozzarella Salad Peaches-Tomatoes-Mozzarella-Camille Styles Events http://notes.camillestyles.com/2010/08/30/fairy-tale-day/ http://notes.camillestyles.com/2010/08/30/fairy-tale-day/#comments Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:00:32 +0000 Camille Styles http://notes.camillestyles.com/?p=6360 ]]>

Back in the Victorian era, it was commonplace for women to fall victim to swooning: you know, rapid heartbeats, feeling faint, and maybe even collapsing dramatically into another’s arms in emotional distress. Although I’m not dealing with the constraints of a too-tight corset, I definitely experienced the swoon when I laid eyes on these gorgeous shots by Meg Perotti of a very Victorian & perfectly-styled wedding set in the fairy tale surroundings of Nestldown. I’m talking serious material for the inspiration files here: romantic linens in a soft palette, a vintage suitcase holding escort cards, sweet favors of homemade preserves. And the flowers, oh my! Don’t the lush arrangements of blooms & fruit look as though they jumped straight from a 17th-century still-life? Feast your eyes on all the loveliness…

*Images via Style Me Pretty; Design by MAP Events.

When I checked the calendar today, I was shocked to see that Labor Day is quickly approaching…bookending the end of summer and welcoming the first hints of fall! Today’s inspiration board celebrates this national holiday with a taste of americana in red & white gingham, stars + stripes, & faded bandanas. It’s a weekend made for (what else?) a barbecue, but a down-home celebration needn’t mean mediocre hot dogs & store-bought potato chips. Tiny-sized burgers are made even cuter with bandana flag toothpicks; festive koozies make a humble bottle party-worthy; & a strawberry-topped tart is a gorgeous way to serve up the last tastes of summer. Mason jars work double duty as lemonade goblets and vessels for the homemade jam that guests tote home as a sweet remembrance of the day. Make your own favors with the darling labels found here.

*Images: {row 1} Barn, Gertrude & Mabel via Snippet & Ink; Boots, Photorange Photography via 100 Layer Cake; Sliders, Martha Stewart {row 2} Beer Koozies, The Lettered Olive; Parfaits, Style Me Pretty; Strawberry Tart, Martha Stewart; Matches, Photorange Photography {row 3} Tomatoes, Karen Mordechai via Sunday Suppers; Table, Gertrude & Mabel; Spread the Love, Miss Pickles Press {row 4} Strawberry Shortcakes, Jonathan Ong via 100 Layer Cake; Shoes, Gertrude & Mabel.

We’re experiencing a sudden front of gorgeous weather here in Austin (below 100 degrees!) and I’m looking forward to a weekend of soaking it up. Headed to the farmers market this morning to snap some photos of late summer’s bounty, and hopefully head home with a tote full of peaches, tomatoes & zucchini. I’ve been told that I must sample some of the hummus & baba ganoush being served up by The Mediterranean Chef there every week, so perhaps I’ll throw in some pita and call it a picnic. A hike on the Greenbelt & a some furniture shopping for our under-construction house will pretty much round out my weekend to-do list. What are all of you up to? Hope it’s full of fun, and enjoy a few of my favorite links from the week!

It’s a very merry CHERRY party!

Stashing this sweet DIY project for my Christmas gift files.

Just when I think I’m done traveling for a while…I get bit by the bug.

Summertime girly-ness in a glass.

The highlight of this wedding stunner? The funny, sweet & totally charming bride & groom.

Love this twist on s’mores for a good old-fashioned campout.

*Image: Adi Nevo

If you haven’t already, hop over to coco+kelley and check out the latest post in my Fantasy to Fête contributor series. Especially if you’re in need of some tranquility to ease you into a weekend state of mind… This mood board is inspired by crashing waves, sea glass bottles and salty air in serene shades of emerald & sky. This “fantasy” has all the makings of the perfect spa party; an afternoon of pampering with a few of your besties. And don’t forget to read up on the feel-good menu with recipes. I’d love to know: If you had a perfect day of pure relaxation, what would it look like?

*images via {row 1} ceci new york, style me pretty, tara donne {row 2} style me pretty, rebecca thuss {row 3} martha stewart weddings, jo malone {row 4} atlanta bartlett, ashley meaders, style me pretty.