June 2007 Entries
It started with a wonderful review published in studio wellspring blog. This is the blog of a San Francisco-based interior design.
Studio wellspring is a place where this blogger shares the menagerie of inspiration she discovers along the way. She has a good eye. Take a look at the beautiful coffee and tea serving set that she shown us on her Robin's Egg Bliss post. This is what I call entertaining in style.
Then, I got the honor to be on the Apartment Therapy – Los Angeles edition (AT:LA). I made it to this week Slinks with my post about Small Space Outdoor Entertaining. I wrote this last May.
Wow! I have been a fan of Apartment Therapy since I started reading blogs. Thanks I want to thank Gregory from AT:Los Angeles.
For the ones that do not know what slinks means:
Categories:
IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Saturday, June 30, 2007 1:36 PM | Feedback (4)
Nature is something that really defines the Canadian way of life. So why not let nature be the star of your Canada Day Party? Especially that birch tree, old wood stump and faux bois are so hot right now in the design world.
All winter, I was eager to buy the birch candles. The problem is that I did not have anything else to go with that theme. That is until now.
When I saw the genuine Canadian birch bark set at small stump, I could not resist anymore. Look at them; they can be used in so many ways for entertaining. The birch bark tube display kit at small stump. You can see that they nicely pack up their orders.
Besides the obvious cachepot, the birch bark cylinders can dress up a buffet table. Use them to hide Mason jars filled with jams, relishes, pickles or utensils.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
PARTY ideas
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Friday, June 29, 2007 12:57 PM | Feedback (6)
I received the Deluxe CD that I won on FoodTV.ca blog. Wow! I like the CD a lot.
Fans of the TV series will be pleased. The vibes of David Rocco's Dolce Vitae are all there. The style of music is broad. The selection is excellent. At some point, you feel like dancing. This is a happy album. The music is perfect for alfresco dinner parties and summer cocktails.
The album photo is splendid. If you show the Deluxe CD to someone that has never seen the show, they will grasp the spirit right away. The only thing I am missing is the ringtones, which are coming soon.
Check out the interview with David on FoodTV.ca, Cooking Fusilli with David Rocco. You can win the Olive Wood Dolce Vitae Lemon Reamer. I told you about it in my five kitchen gadgets post last week. Act now; the draw will be July 4, 2007.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Friday, June 29, 2007 10:14 AM | Feedback (0)
While you are shopping at LU Prints, take advantage of the reduced prices through July 15th, or while supplies last!
I suggest you take a look at the set of 4 Leafy Placemats on sale at $16, the Leafy Apron on sale at $25 and my favorite, the Geese Apron. The Leafy is slighty shorter than the Geese Apron.
LU Prints creates beautifully crafted waist aprons and kitchen linens. All their textiles are hand screen-printed patterns.
The characteristics of a good entertaining apron
I suggest you wear a waist apron instead of a full size apron when you are throwing a party.
First of all, waist aprons look more fashionable because we can see your top outfit. Secondly, your apron will not appear on lots of photos. So, you will get the impression that you spend more time hanging out with for your guests.
Categories:
ALL occasions
LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, June 28, 2007 2:05 PM | Feedback (3)
When I did earlier my series on Habitat, the small fishing boat scene cut my eyes. It taught it would be great for pirate theme party for kid.
A few days after, my nephew had his birthday. My sister in law M. made the party around a pirate theme. Then, I started working on my board.
Temporary tattoos are easy to find at toy store. M. got her pirate tattoo kits at Toys R Us. Kids and adults like the idea. Most people put more than one. The tattoo was our entrance ticket if we want to go swimming. All guys grab the skull heads; so make sure to stock well.
Every party starts with the invitations. If you can, try to send the invitations by mail. I found these coaster shape invites at Aliroo, a UK stationary company. Their designs are very cool. The invites are printed on genuine 94mm diameter coaster stock. They are sold in set of 8 invitations with matching envelops. Aliroo carries a vast selection of grown up invitations; check out their entire selection for inspiration.
Categories:
PAPER goods
PARTY ideas
KIDS party
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Wednesday, June 27, 2007 11:55 AM | Feedback (1)
This is a follow-up to my story about Canada Day Bash profile but this time I discuss my menu options.
One way to build your Canada Day menu starts by planning your meal around one particular region in Canada.
It does not have to be the region where you live. Your party will stand out from your neighbors and people will praise your originality. Make your décor and play music from artists that we identified with that region.
The editorial team of Food TV Canada Web site created their regional menus: the Canadian East Coast menu, the Canadian West Coast menu and the Quebec menu.
Reading them all inspired me to create my own Canada Day menus. All the recipes I proposed in this story are published on the Web site of Food TV Canada.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Monday, June 25, 2007 8:24 PM | Feedback (1)
I have been a fan of flavored salts for a while. After you tried a good flavored salt, you asked yourself how you manage all these years without it.
Flavored salts most commonly flavor a recipe and dish up a plate in no time. Use a flavored salt as a rub to enhance the flavor of a simple fish recipe. A little bit of black olive sea salt can add another layer of flavor to a recipe that has black olives as the dominant flavor. Other times, flavored salts provide an easy way to complement another flavor on my plate.
Making your own flavored salts
Ever since I saw Jamie Oliver making is own citrus flavored salt on TV, I realized how simple is it to make your own flavored salt.
I was thrilled to see on Tastespotting that Jaden from Steamy Kitchen just published three recipes of flavored salts: Szechuan Peppercorn Salt, Citrus Salt and Matcha Salt.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY favors
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Sunday, June 24, 2007 10:57 PM | Feedback (0)
While looking at the fabulous culinary creations of French chef Jean-Luc Rabanel, I came across a stylish way to serve white or rose wine. I have never been a fan of the O Riedel wine glasses until I saw this picture.
O Riedel wine tumbler collection was all the rages a few years ago. But O Riedel defied the first rule of wine tasting. You must never touch the wine. That is why you got a stem.
I know, Italians defied it all the time by drinking wines in everyday glasses when they have a casual family gathering. At least, the O Riedel looks stylish. So why do I never use them before? I am something a purist.
But the way L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel used the O Riedel wine glass charms my design sense. I see the practicality of this method when the temperature rises. Put the O Riedel wine tumblers on your table Set your table with each O Riedel wine tumbler in a bowl filled with crushed ice at your next outdoor parties. Your guests will be impressed by this fresh table setting.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
DINING out
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Sunday, June 24, 2007 2:43 PM | Feedback (3)
Although I like the bold patterns, soothing environments relieve us from our daily stress. When we are taking about calm and relation, the ocean rings a bell for most of us.
This inspiration board started by looking at number 105 issue of Cote Sud magazine. A beautiful array of soft blues and greens takes place over a 10-page article. This color combination caught the eyes of others as well. I saw a few shots I was planning to use published on the style files blog before I finished assembling mine. Beautiful things never stay a secret.
So, I reoriented my board to highlight new photos. I imagined a backyard setting for casual trendy events. For this backyard, I imagine three distinct areas: the pool area, the lounge area and the casual dining space. Each space has its own personality but the three spaces share a common theme.
Categories:
HOME decor
OUTDOOR
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Saturday, June 23, 2007 1:00 PM | Feedback (0)
If you have pets at home, you know that like living with children pets need toys and beds to be happy. But let’s face it; what you get from the pet shops is not stylish to say the least.
If you spend a lot of time and money designing your interior, this can ruin your entire design scheme. Who wants to entertain guests with ugly cat stuff lying around?
A stylish modern brand
I dug up by reading Design Milk yesterday something wonderful for cat lovers. Do you love cats and great design? is the first thing you read when you visit cat-interiors.de, a venture by one talented married couple.
This German designer team creates a line of products which are well thought out with cats in mind and which can be integrated into any modern living environment.
Categories:
HOME decor
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, June 22, 2007 9:19 PM | Feedback (3)
The manager of Give Simple Catherine emailed me about a great melamine collection that they got at Give Simple online store. Better yet, several products are on sale right now. So I went to check it out. What I came across was the wonderful French Bull melamine collection.
Bold and festive patterns are ideal for par ties around the pool and for family events with kids. The design industry creates wonderful affordable things these days. Wonderful patterns are found in tableware, textiles and stationeries.
When fashion designer Jackie Shapiro founded French Bull in 2002 things were different. She started a little revolution back then by making home ware products for design conscious consumers at accessible prices. Jackie Shapiro describes her company in these terms:
Categories:
OUTDOOR
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
DINING
KIDS + BABY
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, June 22, 2007 5:59 PM | Feedback (1)
J Lee from An Eye for An I:nterior I tagged me. Thank you for choosing me.
Rules of the game:
Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to then report this on their own blog with their 7 things as well as these rules. They then need to tag 7 others and list their names on their blog. They are also asked to leave a comment for each of the tagged, letting them know they have been tagged and to read the blog.
I was in rush this morning so I did not read the rules properly. I inverted the steps of the rules. I am sorry for my seven tagged bloggers; I may have got you a little bit confused.
My 7 random facts/habits
- I am a Formula 1 fan who is disappointed lately by the lack of form of her favorite driver, Kimi Räikkönen
---- July 1, 2007 Update: I am a much happier fan after his win at the French Grand Prix
- I am buying make up products all the time. I do not like to look the same two days in a row
- My closets need to be uncluttered. I tried to find time but there is always something more fun to do. I watched Neat and Mission Organization to boost my stimulus.
- I have a favorite brand for every product I use.
- I can become addicted to video games. In 1998, I played 14 hours in a row at Ultima Online. Last year, I was addicted to Animal Crossing on Nintendo DS. Both times, I was saved by vacation.
- I love to travel. Europe is one of my favorite destinations. Japan, Scandinavia, Australia and New Zealand are places I want to go at least once in my life.
- I like to start eating dinner between 8 and 10 pm, even during the week.
Categories:
OFF topics
posted @ Thursday, June 21, 2007 3:00 PM | Feedback (7)
New more efficient food preparation tools pop up constantly. If you are invited by someone that like to cook and you do not know what to bring as a hostess gift, why not take a look at the best of the crop in specialized kitchen tools. My hostess gift ideas are all under 30 dollars.
I select Sur La Table online store because they got a nice selection. You can also stop at a local shop that specialized in fine cooking. I like to support my local independent retailers because these small shop owners are often passionate and they bring us more innovative and well designed products.
Vegetable brushes are often awkward to hold. This one called Chef'n Palm Vegetable Brush let you slip your middle finger so that the head rests in your palm. At $4.95 USD each, you can stock up a few Chef'n Palm Vegetable brushes and get helpers at the food preparation station.
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
ALL occasions
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, June 21, 2007 10:59 AM | Feedback (5)
I told you earlier about my participation on a Canada Day Bash Profile written by Nadine Anglin for the Web site of HGTV Canada. The Canada Day Parties newsletter edition reached my inbox this morning.
You also get a Canada Day party menu that was prepared by the foodtv.ca Editorial Team. You will find the recipes on Food TV Canada Web site.
I will let you discover the complete Canada Day menu. The recipes are all great so take a look. But I cannot wait to tell me my preferences.
I will start with the Ahi Tuna Sashimi and Green Papaya Salad with Chile-Lime Dressing by Vancouver-based Lumière Restaurant chef Rob Feenie.
Categories:
IN the press
FOOD + drinks
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
DINING
REVIEWS
posted @ Wednesday, June 20, 2007 4:23 PM | Feedback (3)
This week started with posts about Scandinavians, so I continue with this book that I got last month. I bought it online. I was excited about the content and let me tell you that Scandinavian Country fulfills my expectations.
Magnus Englund and Chrystina Schmidt are not at their first experience as authors. They wrote together Scandinavian Modern which sold 80,000 copies in hardcover. Scandinavian Modern is available in paperback since April 2007.
The pair is back with a book about the rural holiday homes in Scandinavia. The regional differences in style, the choices of materials, the lifestyles, the traditions and the vision of the new waves of architects are well summarized in this book.
Magnus Englund and Chrystina Schmidt made us understand the essence of Scandinavian rural holiday houses, cottages and cabins. Wherever you live, you will be able to reuse the ideas in this book.
Categories:
HOME decor
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, June 20, 2007 10:11 AM | Feedback (2)
Corns on cobs are part of the North American tradition for a barbecue. In Quebec, we have an old and popular party tradition called Epluchette de ble d’inde that starts with the harvest season – which will be in a few weeks.
Having an epluchette is hosting a casual outdoor party where old and young enjoy freshly picked corns. Typically, the corns are the main course but serving appetizers, desserts and meats are common.
We buy the corns in large pouches from a producer, peel (eplucher) the corns and cook for a few minutes in boiling water with a little sugar and some milk. Some people replace the milk by beer but I never tried it. Never add salt to the water because the salt will toughen the corn. We eat the corns from the cobs with lots of butter, some salt and pepper.
With young kids around, removing the corns from the cobs is a must. You can use a knife but that is messy. Happy Mundane presented this morning the Corn Zipper, a neat kitchen gadget available at Williams-Sonoma for $12 USD. It is so classy that I want one. Reading the product description from Williams-Sonoma will convince you:
Categories:
EVERYDAY
KITCHEN tools
OUTDOOR
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Tuesday, June 19, 2007 1:25 PM | Feedback (0)
ISAK is a brand of coordinated home accessories for the modern kitchen, lounge and kids room.
Designed by the creative Swedish-born Sandra Isaksson, the first range of ISAK products was launched autumn 2006 in UK where she now lives. “Beautiful happy things” is their motto.
ISAK whimsical patterns are modern with a retro mood. Having a tulip cutting board, a green apple serving tray, a bird plate or a daisy espresso cup is out of the ordinary. Sandra Isaksson repeated several patterns in every product of the line to make it easy for you.
The catalogue includes patterned cutting boards, round and rectangular serving trays, kid breakfast trays, cups, plates, canvas prints, wallpapers, cards and books. The plates are large enough to be used as place mats.
ISAK’s own online shop ships worldwide. Retailers in the UK, Sweden, the US and Canada also sell the line, although I cannot named any at this moment.
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Monday, June 18, 2007 8:30 PM | Feedback (1)
I was the subject on a piece in a Swedish blog this week-end. As a fan of Scandinavian design, I visit Emmas designblogg to see what going on in other parts of the world.
Today, she talked about a Danish online store called Design Delicatessen. This retailer mastered more than a thing or two about the art of styling a catalogue.
I am leaving you with this kid birthday shot by Design Delicatessen. You got a glimpse at how this retailer promotes a festive banner. Like I told you before, doing a little more makes a difference. Go visit Emma’s blog to see the rest.
Link: Design Delicatessen post on Emmas designblogg
Featured in: New to me blogs on Emmas designblogg
Categories:
IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Monday, June 18, 2007 8:27 PM | Feedback (1)
Quizzes are fun to do. If you are planning to renovate your kitchen, take this quiz that I found online on House & Garden magazine to discover what type of kitchen best suit your lifestyle.
The quiz determines your type in 10 questions by looking at your family size, your entertaining habits, your style and your concerns.
Categories:
HOME decor
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, June 18, 2007 6:12 PM | Feedback (0)
I just read about this cute recipe box on Oh Joy! blog. It is so pretty that I want one. The cupcake deck is a set of 25 cupcake card recipes on a cute box. The recipes are by cook author Elinor Klivans. It is fairly new, the deck hit the store last February.
The book description on Amazon.ca:
Drawn from the best-selling book, Cupcakes, this deck includes such inviting recipes as Chocolate Mousse Cupcakes, Vanilla Cheesecake Crunch-Top Cupcakes and the deliriously delicious Lemon Angel Cupcakes. Here are 25 scrumptious ways to bring smiles faster than a kid can lick the batter off a beater.
Categories:
ALL occasions
CAKES
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Friday, June 15, 2007 11:18 PM | Feedback (0)
I started reading Cote Sud many years ago, before I took a trip around Provence. I love the style of the South of France. Nowadays, you get the rustic charm mixed with hip modern style, bright sunny days and lots of good food. Reading Cote Sud always inspired me.
This year, bright and bold patterns are in. The Number 105 issue (April-May) showed off five examples of this trend done in floral patterns.
The first photo is dinnerware made by Coursange. Anouch & Anouchka are two serving plates with Henri Matisse-inspired drawings. Very cute!
Number 2 is Imagine un jardin (Imagine a garden) porcelain line by Genevieve Lethu. In another post, I will bring you more into Genevieve Lethu’s universe because I am absolutely thrilled about her sense of style. Her shops are pure heaven for the cooks and the entertainers. I like it so much that I add one of her lifestyle shots to conclude my post.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Friday, June 15, 2007 12:14 PM | Feedback (0)
Going with innovative product is often to best option when you are looking for a gift for someone that has everything. I stumbled upon this amazing wine tray that fits the bill.
The UU22 wine tray is a cool gadget. MuNiMulA designed the tray to fit four stemmed wine glasses plus one bottle of wine. This design is truly masculine making it a perfect Father’s Day gift.
The bottle spot plus a thin cut for the wine glasses securely hold everything in place when you are moving around. No more mess.
MuNiMulA is a design/manufacturing firm with an ever expanding line of home objects and furniture from Michigan State. Their look is clearly industrial. Their collection is mostly aluminum constructions.
You can buy the UU22 wine tray by MuNiMulA online for $98 USD. It is available in aluminum, deep red, green and orange
Categories:
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Thursday, June 14, 2007 11:01 AM | Feedback (3)
I have been featured in reZenerate your space, the blog of Robin Van lent, a guy who likes design, architecture, building stuff and entertaining his friends.
Featured in: Two new blogs of interest on reZenerate your Space blog
Categories:
IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Tuesday, June 12, 2007 10:13 PM | Feedback (1)
The cheerful orange is my favorite color. So I am happy to show you these cool party accessories by the lifestyle company Impulse! Enterprises. My orange cocktail concept emerged when I was reading the Oh la la Lucite: Shatter-resistant tableware post on Toast and Tables, a blog about dinnerware.
Impulse! Enterprises Web site presents their fabulous line of products for entertaining at home. I know now who made the Orange Bottom Ball Martini Glasses I got for my birthday a few years ago are by them. I knew many of their products; I did not know the name of the manufacturer.
If I am not mistaken, the Bottom Ball glass collection fits into the votive holder. You can carry 5 glasses at the time. Unfortunately, the more practical 9-hole square votive candle holder model only comes available in purple. Try to find another company that makes one in clear acrylic. I am sure that I saw one before in a store or online.
Categories:
PARTY ideas
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Tuesday, June 12, 2007 8:38 PM | Feedback (3)
This range with the humorous motto Grumpy Old Man features cool gifts for Father’s Day.
The Grumpy Old Man (GOM) line is available online at Bliss Home, based in UK. You may receive the package a few days after Father’s Day, but Bliss Home ships outside UK. They are the company behind the Living Kitchen collection of Nigella Lawson, the food writer and television cook.
I particularly recommend the GOM BBQ Tool Set or the GOM Picnic Set/Rucksack for your dad. If the man gets ill-tempered every time he catches a cold, get the GOM water bottle for daddy.
Categories:
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:48 PM | Feedback (0)
My last review of the 2007 Spring Summer Catalogue by Habitat is all about dragging the lounge out on your cabin porch. The idea here is to set an outdoor room to enjoy more of the lake or sea view.
Using Habitat furniture to teach you how to do it
Habitat displays their SARADA furniture range that includes a dining table, a dining chair and a lounger. SARADA is made from dark-brown hand-woven plastic and aluminium that can stay outside all year long; at least in United Kingdom. The indigo colored rattan chair hammock with a sheepskin rug adds a retro ambiance to this loungy porch.
Lights are very important when dressing up any outdoor spaces. At the cabins, candle lanterns usually rule. Spread them all around the space. Put a few on table, strategically hide others at the floor level and hang several under a parasol or on the fringe of the porch roof.
Categories:
HOME decor
OUTDOOR
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:02 PM | Feedback (0)
I love clean line spaces so well-done modern houses are my favorites. Architects designed great spaces for living and entertaining. I found via design to inspire blog this dream house in Brisbane.
Some Easy Entertaining Tips
Having your lounge beside the patio is great. If the sunny is too hot, you can sit inside before dinner to enjoy your cocktails.
With the lounge located like that, your guests can sit comfortably and talk to you while you are putting the finishing touches to your meal. At the end of the evening, you can go back to the lounge to sip the last drinks.
The best party usually takes place in more than on space. It creates the impressions that you did more that evening. This type of plan floor works well for living and entertaining. That is why they are so popular lately.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
HOME decor
ENTERTAINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Saturday, June 09, 2007 10:38 AM | Feedback (6)
This romantic scene could sell a lot as postcard. How can someone not feel in heaven out there, especially if you eat an incredible meal?
Do not despair if you do not have a country house because it may be possible to reproduce this look in the city or the suburbs if you happen to live in the right backdrop.
How to reproduce this look
Under the biggest tree of your yard, hang a couple of outdoor lantern chains. Put enough lanterns to create a magical atmosphere.
Since Habitat is not available in North America, what you need to reproduce this look is dining furniture in metal with clean lines. Villa designed by Bethan Gray for Habitat is a mosaic and metal round table. The mosaic is made with copper colored glazed ceramic tiles. A modern style aluminum table top can also create interesting light effects.
Categories:
OUTDOOR
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, June 08, 2007 5:06 PM | Feedback (2)
Summer is made of a succession of family-style barbecue parties. With Father’s Day in less than two weeks, the enchanted shed photo shot produced by Habitat reveals a ton of inspiring treasures. Why not convert a garden shed in a kid play house?
It is a fabulous idea. This transformation is complete with a kid’s bunk bed, door curtains, storage boxes, stool, deckchairs and lots of toys. All the kids will want to come over.
For its VIP for kids range, Habitat asked the collaboration of a dozen of celebrities. Shown here is Moonbuzz, designed by the astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Kids can explore the moon from every angle with this moon pendant. Belly, Smooth and Sweety form the cute Fashion Monsters trio. They were designed by the extraordinary fashion designer Christian Lacroix. It is never too soon to be surrounded by good taste.
Categories:
OUTDOOR
KIDS party
KIDS + BABY
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Thursday, June 07, 2007 5:29 PM | Feedback (0)
Fruits and vegetables taken right out of your orchard and the garden is the ultimate luxury. If you ever experienced it, you know why I am so excited about it. I lived that luxury last year on vacation in Costa Rica with seventeen of my friends and everybody was ecstatic.
I have been growing my own herbs on my terrace for many years now. It is incredible how much more flavor you get when you put freshly picked herbs on your salads. The increase in taste is exponential. If it is noticeable with herbs, imagine with fruits and vegetables.
If you followed Chef Jamie Oliver in his culinary adventures, you know how much he cares about food. In his latest TV series, Jamie returns to a laid-back approach with a show produced around a large country garden. If you like going to the farmer’s market every week, you will enjoy this TV series.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, June 06, 2007 2:42 PM | Feedback (2)
Last month, I talked to you about the fact that with many of my friends having babies, inviting family and friends over for brunch may become more popular than my late dinner parties.
I saw this article in the May/June edition of Blueprint magazine. They arrive to the same conclusion: parents with young children prefer brunch parties.
By the way, I did not forget to do the amazing muffin presentation I promised you. It is coming!
The Blueprint magazine set the brunch in a cheerful backyard setting. The basic idea is to plan in advance the playing areas with the right toys for the kids that will be coming.
Then set a beautiful table for the parents to relax but make sure that it is easy for them to watch the young children. I like the way they lined up the breakfast buffet.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
KIDS party
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Tuesday, June 05, 2007 10:49 PM | Feedback (2)
Confetti is one of these festive traditions that pass the test of time. You do not need a cannon to have your own flying confetti.
My homemade version
I am sure there are some handymen out there can think of a more technological method but I devise the low key version.
You can put your confetti in tulle or another festive fabric. Roll the tulle to make a long row. Attach it at both ends with a string. Hang it as high as possible. When ready, you just need two persons to untie the string and unroll. Voilà!
Answers.com defines voilà like this:
Used to call attention to or express satisfaction with a thing shown or accomplished.
Technical specifications
I find out that the best flying confetti format is 2 inches by 3/4 inches. Contrasting colors work best. If you want a sophisticated look, use as many colors as possible but made sure to limit yourself to the color palette of your party decor. In any cases, use at least two colors of tissue papers because you lose the effect with monochromatic tissue paper. Start cutting, they are a lot to be made.
Categories:
PARTY supplies
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Tuesday, June 05, 2007 12:22 PM | Feedback (0)
Miniature dishes always look more sophisticated. They have a certain je ne sais quoi that makes them more appealing.
By nicely organizing your individual dessert servings on a tray or a plate you get more impact.
For easy at home entertaining, you do not need to bake everything. Your best local pastry can provide a few things. Just cut them into small pieces.
I suggest you make your own tiny crème brûlée; it is too hard to do. Here individual butter dishes were used instead of the usual ramekins.
Pannacotta served in shooter glasses garnished with a piece of peach is another great presentation trick. Just put some attention to details to replicate this look.
This dessert plate, la grande finale, is from one of my favorite restaurants in Montreal, Primadonna on Saint-Laurent Street. This is a popular place during the Formula1 week-end. Make sure to reserve in advance, you can do it online.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
DINING out
DINING
posted @ Monday, June 04, 2007 11:46 PM | Feedback (1)
We all have at least one girlfriend that fits this description. As a follow up to the reader question, I got inspired to make a board around this style. For this baby shower, I imagined a tea party in a modern garden or a chic loft apartment.
I started with this gorgeous invite pattern at Fine Stationary, available at $92.25 for 25 custom printed cards with envelops. Designed by Bonnie’s StylePress, the invites are clearly chic and hip.
The color palette and the elegance are the key elements that make me choose this floral arrangement. The bouquet complements my design for this baby shower party. This floral arrangement was done by the talented florist behind housemartin blog. I love her work.
Rosanna’s dinnerware came to my mind instantly when I planned this inspiration board. I got to use the very Parisian look of the tea lunch set called Ladies who lunch. The set comes in a beautiful gift box with two luncheon plates with teacups for 40 dollars.
Categories:
PAPER goods
PARTY ideas
BABY showers
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Sunday, June 03, 2007 12:11 PM | Feedback (3)
I have been so busy lately that I forgot to tell you about this great experience. In an interview, I shared my thoughts on designing a fun Canada Day Party. You also get from the team of HGTV.ca useful tips to make your Canada Day Bash the best outdoor party with ideas for invitations, drinks, music and safety.
I do not want to say more, just go and read the fabulous article written by Nadine Anglin that you will find on HGTV.ca Web site. Thank you again for this opportunity.
Link: Party Profile: Canada Day Bash by Nadine Anglin on HGTV.ca
Categories:
IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Saturday, June 02, 2007 2:12 PM | Feedback (1)
A reader, Carrie, asked for my advice to choose the best napkins to go with the invitation card called Expectant Mother by Doc Milo. She will like that green be the focal décor color of the baby shower party.
I know Expectant Mother by Doc Milo is a popular invite so I agree to do this because there is a good chance others wonder about that issue.
In fact, lots of people have a hard time to mix and match colors, patterns and shapes. And there is a good reason for that: this is a hard thing to do.
We learn in design school a large set of rules that guide us in making our selection. Unfortunately, we also learned that it is not only pure science; art plays a role in making wonderful compositions. Designers rely on their trained sense of style and years of experience to create a fabulous look.
My idea with this post is to share my savoir-faire with you. I will explain in simple terms how to and why I selected these 3 napkins as companions to the green Expectant Mother card.
I started by examining the color palette of the card. I put my emphasis on the focal point of the card, which is the expectant woman. What the expectant mother is wearing provides the best clues. I made the conscious decision to eliminate black and white. My color palette reads this way: lime green and hot pink are the dominant colors with orange and light blue acting as secondary colors.
Categories:
PAPER goods
BABY showers
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Friday, June 01, 2007 7:46 PM | Feedback (0)