May

26

Totally Traveled: Fodor’s & Frommer’s

Global glamour. You have traveled, you are a bohemian, a nomad. Your passport has been stamped so many times you had to order another book and your e-mail inbox is constantly flooded with travel deals from Orbitz and Travelzoo screaming 20% off if you come here and 35% off if you go there!! Your bookcase looks like a tribute to Fodor’s and Frommer’s with each country alphabetized. You love your collection of rich textiles from the orient, have a collection of Russian nesting dolls from eastern Europe and shells from the seashores of Hawaii. Remember when you studied abroad and picked up those batik napkins in Bali and then went on to Europe where you tasted wines in the regions of France, Italy, and Spain? You love all of these elements and want to bring them all into your dinner party. But how?

DECOR: Throw a dinner party and mix all of your favorite decor elements onto your tablescape. It is a-ok to mix batik napkins with Morroccan plates and Italian wine goblets. Soften the mixture of prints and patterns by adding giant, lush peonies and ruffly sweet peas in various shades of pink.

ON THE MENU: Serve a menu of French farmhouse vegetarian dinner with light colorful dishes including chilled zucchini soup and pan seared apricots and figs alongisde refreshing Italian spritz punch and African wines. Oh and don’t forget your collection of Russian nesting dolls! But instead of stacking them onto your tablescape decor, turn them into dessert cupcake pops!!

DRESS THE PART: Wear a romantic mexican maxi party dress skirt with embroidery.

Sources:

- Russian Doll Pops
- Miles Redd
- Romantic mexican maxi party dress; $280
- Vintage batik fabric; $5.00
- Bouquet

Mar

30

Setting the Table with Elle Decor

Filed Under Dinner Parties, Weddings | 3 Comments

These tables vary in their styles but are all equally exquisite. No matter what style you choose on your wedding day, with some thought and creativity you can make it unique and chic.

Pretty in Purple: Perfect for the couple who want a feeling of Springtime and romance. Lace service plates set on a background of Topaz fabric accented by a delicate carafe and plates with unexpected Asian patterns. Pastels purple flowers with a touch of glamour, perfect for the Spring.

Go Globally Gold: For the couple who loves travel. Chevrons gold presentation plates accented by gold flatware set on a background of cherry satin fabrics in an ikat print. Tumblers with glowing gold rims and plates layered in ethnic patterns all fuse together to create worldly elegance.

Rustic Yet Elegant: Green, shades of copper, bronzes, and Metallics. Malachite dishes and vermeil spoons antique metal chargers, set upon an antique Spanish table. Goblets and glasses in four different shades of greens and bronzes mixed together. This table shows that sticking with two main colors, but using multiple shades of each color creates a gorgeous table with depth and glam.

Perfect Patterns: How many patterns make an appearance on this tabletop? We counted five! Striped water glasses alongside bubble double old-fashioned glasses in shades of blue. Blue and white striped napkins set atop Malabar fabric in shades of red and blue. This is a perfect example that mixing and matching creates a designer savvy look.

Source: Elle Decor

Dec

28

Music under the Moonlight at Midnight

Filed Under Dinner Parties, Holidays | 10 Comments

Let the countdown begin… Champagne bubbles and corks popping, kissing under the moonlight at midnight, parades, pinatas, fireworks, sequined cocktail dresses, the ball drop, Dick Clark, Times Square, and celebrating everywhere. Glamour is in the air as we round the corner into 2010…

SET THE SCENE: Throw a soiree filled with metallics, mirrors shades of lavender and aqua (via The Society), hang glitzy pinatas and throw glittering confetti.

DIY: Make ornaments out of newspaper (there is no better way to celebrate entering 2010 than to leave a green footprint by recycling the news from 2009 into chic ornaments! Be green and celebrate the happy headlines of 2009!)

TO WEAR: Leave 2009 behind in a soft beige leather lavish blossom clutch and sparkling Mui Mui heels that look like they have been covered in confetti. Don an elegantly chic tie dye blouse or a whimsical, eco-friendly ivory hemp dress accented by a bib necklace constructed from vintage jewelry (as seen on Haarpers Baazar).

Nov

12

Fall into a Fabulous Frock & Fete…

Filed Under Dinner Parties, Holidays, Weddings | 9 Comments

Fall has arrived. Orange leaves, pumpkins, squash and crisp clean air. Translate the warm and fuzzy fireside feelings of Fall into your wedding and dinner parties. Start by wearing a gown accented by burnt oranges or a glittering sequined cocktail dress with a floral sash in a dark Autumn color palette.

Gowns via Fashion Rouge & Ada and Darcy

Don’t forget about your bridesmaids… Keep the dark palette of black layered with shades of oranges, peaches and grays. The layers and ruffles of the dresses are reminiscent of falling leaves and will flawlessly compliment your Fall inspired wedding gown. We love the unexpected accent of mustard colored shoes!

Willow dresses via Eat Drink Chic

FOOD BUFFET: Use a garden plant stand as your centerpiece and fill it with potted flowers, silverware, and holiday pies! Simple and sensational. (via Country Living)

DIY PRESTON BAILEY FALL TABLES: Set tables with simply stunning and easy to create placemats using silk Fall leaves and floral arrangements set in glass vases covered and layered in leaves (either silk or right from your backyard.) Lastly, opt for bouquet of berries and autumn leaves instead of conventional flowers. All the DIY instructions can be found via Preston Bailey!

KIDS TABLE: Set a large giving tree in the middle of your mini table and have the children write down what they are thankful for! Fill favor bags with stamps, pens and markers and let the kids draw on parchment table set on the table as they munch on fun Turkey shaped treats! (via Country Living)

How are you incorporating Fall into your Holiday tables?

Nov

10

The Art of the Party: Turn your Event into a Masterpiece

Filed Under Art, Dinner Parties | 3 Comments

There is a true “art” to throwing a memorable event. Serving great food and setting the appropriate ambiance and mood with music and lighting are just the first steps. Introducing guests to one another and ensuring that the entire night has an inviting and welcoming feel are also important for a successful party! Hosting a fabulous affair is truly an art form. But what about infusing actual art pieces into your event? Throwing a wedding or dinner party in an actual art gallery or even having painted and illustrated pieces of art as part your decor, from your chairs to your coasters. It not only provides added visual interest and intrigue for your guests, but is a flawless way to showcase a true reflection of you!

Even formal wear can be transformed into a sculptural masterpiece. All dressed up and nowhere to go? This tuxedo sculpture is the work of Greg Lauren, the nephew of Ralp Lauren. It is a meticulously hand-crafted garment made of painted paper!

Give guests artistic favors that they will re-use, “Kensington high street water bottle”, a printed image of an old London transport poster designed by Arthur Watts and seat them on reclaimed chairs with original picturesque oil paintings or hand covered in vintage maps! Create your own works of art by personalizing throws and lampshades with photos and illustrations. Serve food on bone china plates with nostalgic illustrations or illustrated melamine dinner plates.

Throw flowers into a bowl hand decoupaged with vintage stamps or prop mini bud vases on top of a cubes covered in vintage stamps! Drink from custom ceramic mugs with custom graphics and set them upon coasters that feature original artwork. Last, mix fun vintage mannequins and couches covered in playful, whimsical fabrics around the event. The best part is that all of the art from your event will transform into masterpieces for your home afterwards!

To really bring art into your affair hire a muralist to encase your space into a large life size drawing or hire a highly skilled artist to come to your party and do live painting and drawing on the spot! Not only can your guests watch the artist turn the event into a piece of art, but it will make a great colorful keepsake afterwards! Artist Marta is based in France and has painted everyone from Prince Albert II to Sir Elton John!