I love it when a traditional, old-school brand decides to dust itself off and take on a fresh look that maintains its classic identity. Claridge’s, hotel for the rich & royal since the 1800′s, recently did just that with the help of cutting-edge London design firm Construct. The branding overhaul boasts a major art deco vibe (evocative of the hotel’s marble lobby) that’s been turned on its head with a decidedly modern twist. I’m definitely inspired by the color palette of teal, gold, black & white…and wondering how I can get my hands on one of those fab chevron striped pencils!

I created today’s inspiration board for my sweet friend Tracey, who’s planning a glam bachelorette party with a silver, black & white theme. For this one, she wants to keep it a bit, er, classier than a typical bachelorette bash (no penis cakes, please!) but still wants the affair to feel super special for the bride-to-be. I came up with a look that is dripping in glamour with a bit of a boudoir touch. Mirrored surfaces, luxe fabrics & a crystal chandelier are girly and sophisticated. Polka dot cupcakes & lighter-than-air butterflies give it all a touch of playfulness. And a mix-your-own cocktail bar with rock candy stir sticks is such a sweet way to toast one last night with the girls!

*Images: {Row 1} Menu card & calligraphy, Style Me Pretty; Petit Fours, Amy Atlas {Row 2} Chandelier, Martha Stewart; Orchids on table, O Magazine {Row 3} Liqueur Bar, Martha Stewart Weddings; Cupcakes, Le Cupcake; Florals & Fabric Flower, Style Me Pretty; Tray, vintage Chanel.

Adding bold stripes to this minimalist RSVP card is an unexpected & totally well-placed touch.

Since my brother is considering a photobooth for his upcoming Santa Monica nuptials, I’m storing all photobooth-related content in my inspiration files.  I love how these photos look grainy in a vintage way, and see what I mean about this couple being way too adorable?

This couple should be an example to every other bride & groom: don’t be afraid to throw a little tradition out the window and make your wedding a reflection of YOU, quirkiness & all!  This program with illustrations of friends & family is such a personal touch… and notice the ceremony music includes Bob Dylan & Sigur Ros. Now that sounds like a true “marriage celebration” to me!

I don’t typically go for recipes that use food-coloring… there’s something a bit icky about such artificial alterations.  But since tomorrow’s Halloween, a bit of icky-ness is allowed, and these “scary apples” (from MattBites) are way too impressive to pass up.  Says blogger Matt:

Black glossy cinnamon-scented candied glass enveloped small apples, twigs became their handles, and a few shockingly red candied apples only made their black counterparts more ominous. It was halloween on a silpat, a spooky forest that completed my cocktail.

I love this dark & mysterious tone for Halloween… a bit like Snow White’s poisonous apple which, when bitten, will cause “the victim’s eyes to close forever in the Sleeping Death…”

Get the spooky recipe.

Today’s inspiration board is in bewitching shades of black set against bone white & smoky grey to create a mood that’s wickedly sophisticated.  Obviously a halloween party is in order, but no need to make it a kiddy affair… a candy buffet in somber tones displays sugary treats, and dripping candelabras evoke a glam (yet haunted) mansion.  Jet black table linens & a smattering of rubber spiders add a devilish touch to this All Hallow’s Eve.

Images: {Row 1} Candy Buffet, Martha Stewart; Reception, Brides; Portrait, Philip Newton {Row 2} Blackberries, Rebecca Thuss; Chalkboard Setting, Fete NY; Feathers, Rebecca Thuss; Calligraphy, Neithersnow {Row 3} Squash, Martha Stewart; Cheese Display, Rebecca Thuss; Spiderwebs, Martha Stewart.

I was so inspired by the amazingly gorgeous “French Open” photo shoot in Vogue’s October 09 issue, all about drama, simplicity, and that signature elegance embodied by the French. The goal is to capture a bit of that je ne sais quoi to create a chic fall party… I’m envisioning a special birthday, a glam wedding shower, or a wine & cheese tasting to ring in autumn.

White script on a black envelope is stark & unexpected.  The French have a certain way of doing everything so stylishly, yet appearing to never try too hard.  For a simple invitation, I’d scrawl the details on a gorgeous white card, pop it in a black envelope & send it on it’s way.

What’s more French than wine & cheese?  This is the perfect opportunity to introduce unique pairings with wine, fruit, breads & crackers, chutney… the options are endless.  Choose an assortment of cheeses (soft, firm, fresh, aged) and give your guests a pen & paper to note their favorite combinations.  The best part for the host is that there’s no cooking involved!

Clueless about what cheeses to serve with what accompaniments?  LOVE this cheat sheet that makes suggestions on out-of-this-world flavor pairings.  Copy these combos on little signs for the tables so your guests can try them all.

Floral arrangements should be lush, monochromatic, & effortless.  An all white & green color palette is classic, and using glassware, pitchers, & teacups as vases lends a bit of vintage charm.  Be sure to label each cheese with a pretty sign… doesn’t this spread look like a Dutch still life?

What to wear to such a fete? I’d keep the outfit super simple, and then layer strands of pearls in black & white, à la Coco Chanel.  So chic!

End the night on a festive note with baby bottles of pink champagne and French confections like macarons, meringue kisses, & raspberry mousse.  Get all the sweet recipes from Cannelle et Vanille.

Images: French Open Shoot, Vogue; Calligraphy, Neithersnow; Cheese & Tables, Leesa O’Reilly via Kim Vallee; Cheese Pairings, Real Simple; Hydrangeas, Atlanta Bartlett; Cheese Display, Martha Stewart; Pearls, The Green Vase; Champagne, Ritzy Bee; Dessert Table, Cannelle et Vanille.

Farm-fresh, seasonal food is extra luscious at this time of year, & I love designing a menu & table that tastes & looks like the colors of fall.  Hence my fascination with these exotic Kumato Tomatoes spotted on Sunset Produce’s site, in autumnal shades of brown tinged with crimson.  How gorgeous is this “Kumato Caprese Salad,” a seasonal riff on my summertime favorite?  The contrasting layers of fresh mozzarella & dark tomatoes lend such drama to a first-course presentation.  Get the recipe.

Take inspiration from the unique hue of the Kumato to add other dark & delicious finishing touches to the table: decadent truffles & dramatic flowers in similar shades of reddish brown (maybe we could even call it aubergine?)

Image by Janne Peters, via housemartin.#mce_temp_url#

I’m loving the chic new campaign by Club Monaco.  Modern & romantic with lively pops of color… exactly what I’m envisioning for my winter wardrobe!  The “Classic Black Dress” is so feminine- I’ll pair it with black tights, platform heels, & a ladylike bag for a lunch meeting with clients.

Terribly late on today’s post, but I’ve been busy pitching a party concept to Brilliant Magazine for their “Mad Men Goes Modern” soiree.  My inspiration board sticks to a palette of black, white, & red (to convey retro glamour) with pops of aqua (to say we’re not taking ourselves too seriously!)  Think low lighting, flickering candles, & sultry bossanova.  A poker table, cigar girl, & specialty martini bar.  Stay tuned for all the details as we make this concept a reality… It’s the classic cocktail party, with a twist!