July 2007 Entries
What is interesting about the Pod living concept is really the fact that you can quickly hide your mess by just closing the doors. It works like a charm if you suddenly have the urge to host a cocktail party at your place.
When you watch the media you feel that a key feature of the The Jade, a 57-unit condominium building in New York City is definitely the Pods. Developed by Yoo, a venture lead by John Hitchcox, Philippe Starck and Jade Jagger, the Pod is the realization of a principle we explored in my interior design education ten years ago.
What is the concept behind the Pod?
Enclosed within a single cube are meticulously laid-out utility rooms for the apartment. One Pod hosts the kitchen, the bathroom, the storage unit and even a washer/dryer closet as a free standing unit. Everything is hidden away with floor to ceiling doors. This design is tailored for small open space living.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
HOME decor
ENTERTAINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Tuesday, July 31, 2007 1:30 PM | Feedback (3)
If you have ever shop at Pottery Barn Kids, you know that the store is all about creating cute and almost fairytale environments for your children.
With all the fun kid accessories in the store, it is easy to design a theme birthday party if you shop there. Because their staff is fully aware that your kids love to entertain, Tabletop and Birthday Parties are spotlighted in their catalogue.
For play dates and celebrations, why not organize a Carnival event where kids can alternate between the acting roles of a concession seller and a Carnival visitor? Or if you entertain the kid at the beach, go with a friendly Shark luau party.
Pink and green birthday party theme
From table runners, dinnerware, table and chairs to personalized decorative items, this is the place where the kids are kings and queens. I am showing you the Polka Dot collection. The Hibiscus luau party is fun for a summer event.
Categories:
PARTY supplies
KIDS party
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Monday, July 30, 2007 8:27 PM | Feedback (4)
We are seeing the popularity of cupcakes at birthday parties, baby showers and even as wedding cakes.
The Cupcake wave caught Montreal over the last twelve months with the opening of several cupcake shops; we had none before. We are more used to the taste of French pastries here. So we may judge cupcakes from a different viewpoint than most Americans.
My mom often baked cupcakes for me when I was a little girl. The icing was a nicely done frosting of the right thickest and she even put sprinkles. So I fully understand the nostalgia and the deep feeling towards cupcakes that is all over the cupcakes industry. But the stylish hostess is worried.
Go for stylish cupcakes
Nostalgia is one thing but the world has evolved and even more on how we present food. I am showing you different alternatives in cupcake decoration in order for you to avoid my DON’T version taken from the style shot of Sur La Table Web site.
Categories:
BABY showers
KIDS party
CAKES
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Monday, July 30, 2007 1:33 PM | Feedback (4)
I usually suggest kitchenware as hostess gift ideas. But etiquette does not rule out bringing something else. If you are staying for the weekend at a friend house, you can give her something more personal.
Magazine bags, tote bags and wallets will thrill the fashionista and the ones that like to be organized. I received an email from Oktak announcing that everything in the store is 10 to 30% off until August 7, 2007.
For a hostess gift, take a look at the Pink Kitchen fabric. Select either the magazine bag or the square rainy day bag. Or you can choose zipped pouches or framed mini pouches in other fun and colorful fabric.
Arriving with a handmade product is usually perceived as more thoughtful gift. It feels more special. And you are almost sure that the hostess does not own the exact same thing.
Categories:
ALL occasions
LINENS
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Sunday, July 29, 2007 11:45 PM | Feedback (1)
Starting now, my Friday’s night post will be about the little things I bookmarked through the week on my notebook. Things that did not have make my editorial schedule. This way, we will start the week with fresh ideas.
Yesterday, I received an email from Heather at Skinny laMink to tell me about her new floral pattern tea towels called Summer Weeds on her etsy shop. Available in Burnt butter and smoke blue.
Oxo launched a new corn stripper. One innovation is a holder that also calculates individual portions of the corn kernels. This handheld device got the attention of Apartment Therapy: The Kitchen and NOTCOT.
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
PARTY supplies
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Friday, July 27, 2007 7:42 PM | Feedback (0)
I am a North American girl who dreams of living her old days in a small and charming European village. I am often scouring the Web for great European stockists.
This morning, I came across the wonderful party collection at Cox and Cox Mail-order Company. I discovered at Cox and Cox an impressive source of products for entertaining in style.
Celebrating a wedding, a birthday or an anniversary
What is great is that if you are crafty and have the time and energy, you can make your own confetti cones in a box. You can shop around for a charming wooden box or go to a stationery store to decide on a fine paper box. Insert a simple top tray on which you drilled some holes. Make the cones by rolling square pieces of fine heavy weighted paper like for Belgian French fries.
Forget about the paper confetti. Simply fill the cones with the delightful mixture of delicate lilac, ivory blue and pink delphinium petals. That is what you get in the Confetti Box kit at Cox and Cox for £45. In fact, you can visit the garden market or a florist to grab small flower petals. Think about using lavender or other garden herb flowers.
Categories:
PARTY supplies
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Friday, July 27, 2007 12:29 PM | Feedback (1)
My husband, Jerome Paradis, created this recipe after I told him about the Surubao drink that I saw on David Rocco’s Dolce Vitae. The way to go when you want to create a martini from another cocktail recipe is to adjust the alcohol and juice proportions. This is a trial and error situation to find the right balance.
We made these raspberry martinis for many events over the last year. Our recipe is perfect as it is. So much that our friends do not wish that Jerome’s invents a new martini; they want our Surubaotini.
Freshness is key
Since raspberries are in season, it is the best time and cheaper to try it now. The better the raspberry, the better the drink will be. People often think that the quality of alcohol is not important when you are making a cocktail. Wrong! Premium liquors always make better cocktails.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING
posted @ Thursday, July 26, 2007 4:49 PM | Feedback (2)
Cocktails are a big part of at home entertaining. Before you can aspire to become a mixologist, you need to start with the tools of the trade.
I bought my first barware essentials while I was attending University. My husband is the official bartender in our friend groups. Often, he must bring his gears because many people are poorly equipped for making cocktails at home. To help you set up your bar, I compiled the must-have bar tools.
Shaker
I prefer the 3-piece shaker to the Boston shaker (half stainless steel, half glass). The 3-piece shaker is definitely more stylish. I do have both styles at home. Since I suggest that you own two shakers for efficiency reason, you can one of each if you are not sure which one you prefer.
A strainer is usually integrated on the cup of the 3-piece strainer. So if you afford one good item, this is the bar tool to get first.
Like everything in life, better quality shakers perform best. Try to get a double insulated shaker; it is cleaner to operate because it does not produce condensation.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY supplies
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Thursday, July 26, 2007 12:23 PM | Feedback (5)
Personalization is hot these days. Social stationery does not escape this trend. The mother and daughter team of PosePrints.com launched a new instant-order approach to customized stationery. In plain English, your printed stationery has a character that looks like you.
PosePrints.com wizard allows consumers to create a digital look-alike pose image or cute caricature of themselves or their friends from a wide range of pre-drawn facial features and accessories. This is the same principle as when you design your Mii but with a nicer look. I tried the interface on PosePrints.com and it is easy to do.
If you are not familiar with the concept of avatar and Mii, you can read on wikipedia
A Mii (IPA: [mi]) is a digital avatar created by Nintendo for the Wii's Mii Channel. Miis are customizable and allow the user to capture a likeness or caricature, or capture the personality of themselves and others.
Categories:
PAPER goods
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Wednesday, July 25, 2007 6:42 PM | Feedback (2)
Following my last week trend report on raw material, I noticed that July-August 2007 issue of French Elle Décoration published several articles about this design style.
Once I reviewed my inspirational styled photographs it became clear that Blue Nature designed most of the pieces I wish to highlight.
Bleu Nature is born out of a wondrous exploration of driftwood-a free-spirited, untamed material by Frank Lefebvre in 1995. They got many lines including one inspired by the novel of Robinson Crusoe.
To keep things simple in this post, I am only showing you the work of Blue Nature for the new Mystique Hotel located in Oia on the Santori Island, Greece. The hotel shows that charms and simplicity can feel luxurious.
A collection of raw material furniture
The raw material trend works so well in bare white rooms of these villas. Many of the furniture and accessories were designed for the Hotel. Forget faux-bois, here all the pieces are made of old wood often found on sea shore.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
HOME decor
TRAVEL
ENTERTAINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, July 25, 2007 12:16 PM | Feedback (0)
I went to DemoCamp Montreal 3 tonight. Jerome, my husband, presented one of his software creations. That is why I am so late on my blog schedule.
Maybe it is the result of being around geeks all night long but this nifty digital kitchen gadget starts to grow on me. Named DaysAgo, this unique device counts the days so you do not have too. Winner of several awards including the Good Housekeeping Good Buy Award 2007, it was featured last February on Oprah.
How does DaysAgo work?
You activate the device before placing it on the food container. There is no need to attach it to another unit or system. The device will display the number of days since you activate it. It is battery operated – a battery can run for about 18 months.
Not just for food, Days Ago simplifies your life by keeping track of the last time you watered your plants, you cleaned the fish tank, and you did litter box refreshment and so on. This is perfect for a household with many occupants.
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, July 25, 2007 12:57 AM | Feedback (0)
Beautiful tea towels are a little indulgence. If you let them hang around your kitchen, even your everyday dish cloths must look good.
Make sure to keep a few special ones in your entertaining supply kit. Typically, friends end up washing the dishes. The stylish hostess proudly reveals her exceptional tea towels when she has company over.
So why not get a set of tea towels as a housewarming or a hostess gift? To make it simple for you, I compiled by top 3 dish cloth sellers on etsy.
PataPri from Chicago: Designed and Hand printed by Yuko Uemua
Make your kitchen happy by adding colorful and pretty kitchen tea towels is the mantra of PataPri. I bought several tea toweIs from PataPri last June. I adore them. The color palettes, the hand printed patterns and the strong sewed hanging hook. Their tea towels are made of 100% white linen.
Categories:
ALL occasions
LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, July 24, 2007 12:41 PM | Feedback (4)
Tonight I leave you with a set of inspirational shots. I took it from The Knot Web site. You can reuse these ideas for any milestone party. It gives me the chance to tell you a few design secrets.
Place cards and table-number centerpiece
The top left picture is so simple and beautiful. Start with a well designed printed table identifier tag. Do not hesitate to hire a graphic designer and to personalize designer tags. You can glue on both sides the printed label on a white foam core. Finish the top with a nice satin ribbon. I will insert a green flower tip to have more flexibility in fixing it into the grass. Select the style of the container to fit with the rest of your table décor. Voilà!
Fruits or vegetables make lovely place cards. You probably have seen it before but I like this idea. It is usually more elegant to print the information on a colored paper in the same hue as the fruit or vegetable. The key is to use the most beautiful waxed fruits you can get. That means that it is best to not use organic food because it lacks the preservative coating.
Categories:
PARTY ideas
ALL occasions
ENTERTAINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Monday, July 23, 2007 8:38 PM | Feedback (2)
Kitchen accessories are the typical wedding gifts. But why ones make the best wedding gifts?
Yesterday, I came across the 2007 design awards for the Best Cookware & Tableware Product compiled by Grand Designs magazine. I give you my top 3 choices.
Grand Design Awards 2007 winner
My first choice is the Balance scales designed by Hannes Mayer for Mayerunthiele. A Balance Kitchen Scale with porcelain bowl that rely only on gravity and a clever rocker to calculate the weight. The balance scale works without a battery or electrical power. Perfect if you attain a green wedding.
The kitchen scale is available in silver, graphite and gold. A high quality design red dot design award winner 2007, this kitchen scale is not an ordinary product. With a price tag of £129, the Mayerunthiele’s Balance scale is a beautifully designed practical gift. You can use the bowl for other cooking tasks and the balance can be wall mounted.
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
DINING
posted @ Monday, July 23, 2007 12:17 PM | Feedback (0)
Sale report: 20% off on all Riedel stemware at The Bay until July 26, 2007.
My muffin presentation got some coverage on the blogosphere. A few bloggers honored me and I want to return their support. In alphabetic order,
Absolutely Beautiful Things featured one of the kitchens I displayed earlier this month in Kitchen Love – part 2. Absolutely Beautiful Things is produced by an Interior Decorator from Brisbane, Australia. I like to visit her for inspirations. Later this year, she will turn 30 years old. I invite you to take a look at her birthday’s inspirations so far.
I was happy that I inspired Jen from An Eye for An I:nterior to plan a romantic picnic with her husband. Making time for special moments keeps the passion in a couple. I know a thing or two about this subject. My husband and I will celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary next September. I am a regular of Jen’s blog. Last week, Jen introduced us to several portfolios from movie / photo shoot location firms. Have a look at An Eye for An I:nterior. You will see home decors that will make you dream.
Then, Apartment Therapy: Chicago talked about my blog and made a reference to my muffin presentation. I assume you are all familiar with the admired AT:Chicago. I am an avid reader of their blog and the entire AT franchises.
Categories:
IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Monday, July 23, 2007 1:12 AM | Feedback (0)
Instead of talking style I will talk about function. Whenever you are designing an outdoor space for entertaining, you must fulfill the function before the styling can begin. My 5 tips are to design a backyard for grownups.
Plan well defined areas
Staying at the exact spot for the entire party during is quite boring. The best party designers know that time seems to pass faster if you move your guests around from one area to the next.
To make the best use of this trick from the trades I suggest you plan a barbecue / food preparation area, a lounge area and a dining room. Place the lounge area as far as you can from the dining room.
Do not put too close either the barbecue from the dining room because of the heat and the smells. Plan to get a few sitting places close by the barbecue. A simple bench works fine. This way, a small number of guests can hang around comfortably with the cook.
Categories:
OUTDOOR
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, July 20, 2007 10:07 PM | Feedback (5)
If there is one thing that can simplify the life of parents with young children is the advent of calling cards. This way, you always have on hand a little piece of paper with the important information and facts about your children.
With all the play dates, kid birthdays, baby sitters or new preschool teachers that your child attends to or sees on a monthly basis, it saves you times and money. Calling cards do not only help you. They help the other parents to stay up to date. When you arrive equipped, you increase the chances to be invited again.
What to write on a mommy / daddy calling card?
At the minimum, you need to print your names, address and phone numbers, the name of each child. Printing the birthday dates is appreciated by the other parents.
Put down important medical information and allergies. Include your cell phone as well as your home number. This is a lot of information to put on a 2 x 3.5 inches piece of paper, spread the info with a recto/verso design look a lot better.
Categories:
PAPER goods
BABY showers
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Friday, July 20, 2007 1:24 PM | Feedback (5)
Today, I want to talk about a formal outdoor dinner party. I selected a French style theme because French cuisine is truly elegant. This may be the perfect occasion to hire a chef at home.
Tips on how to hire a chef at home
Whenever you are hosting a formal at home dinner party, it is best to hire the kitchen staff along with the service staff. Even a small group of 6 to 8 persons requires a lot of work to prepare and plate an exceptional menu. Let’s face it, we want to enjoy the night with our friends, not being in the kitchen stressing out. The best hosts are the one who have the time to entertain their guests.
With the chef at home trend, you should not have any problem hiring a chef of your liking for your event. You can look on the Web or contact the best caterers in town.
But do not be surprised if the number of staff persons they suggest is higher than what you expect. Formal dinner requires more works. When you hire a chef at home, it starts with a meeting with the chef to plan the menu. They often worked with a sommelier, so you can harmonize the wines and the dishes.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
PARTY ideas
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Thursday, July 19, 2007 8:02 PM | Feedback (1)
I am running late today on my normal story schedule; I will post it this afternoon tonight. But in the meantime, I have a message of interest for all great Canadian bloggers. You can submit your blog or nominate a Canadian blog that you admire to join a friendly blogging tournament. It is a great way to get exposure and to discover the best of Canadian blogosphere.
I was thrilled this week when I received my invitation. I am officially in. I am new to this; but I guess I may need the support of my readers. So I will let you know. I start to go through the list of new blogs I discovered through the 1 % army.
If you are a member of Facebook, check out the Canada's 1% Army (Marketing/Media Bloggers) group for more information. Otherwise, you can get the details on Buzz Canada Web site.
An extended view of friendship through social networks
If you are in Facebook and want to add me as my friend, I invite you to do so. A popular blogger Robert Scoble with his "Add me as your friend" approach started this trend. You may not know about this story. My husband wrote a simple follow up article on the impact of Facebook and the definition of friends in social networks. He pointed out related links.
And do not worry. I will come back to our regular programming style starting with a post on French style outdoor party.
Categories:
IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Thursday, July 19, 2007 12:35 PM | Feedback (1)
This story is a nice follow up to the Jello shots. It is about liquid and fruits.
Serving individual water bottles in a cooler is handy but it is not very good for the environment. There is a growing trend in US chic restaurants and city halls to ban water bottles.
Become a trendsetter by serving tap water in pitchers at your summer parties. The key is to do it in style. You can upscale the look of the most basic glass pitcher just by inserting beautiful fresh fruits and herbs in the water.
You see here how the vibrant red, yellow and green increase the water appeal. The idea is to add color and a light flavor to the tap water.
How to decorate and spice up tap water?
Berries, apple slices, pear slices, citrus and herbs are the obvious choices. Spices, like anis, add a nice touch. Think about your menu or the event theme to decide what to put in.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
OUTDOOR
DISHING tips
DINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, July 18, 2007 9:16 PM | Feedback (7)
I want to talk about the opening party of my artist friend Bettina Forget. It gives me the chance to talk about party design planning.
Bettina is a talented painter. I like her work. She was my office neighbor across the hall over the last years. She just moved to the next door building because that building is full of art galleries. Naturally, she hosted an opening night on May 31, a Blue Moon night.
Bettina gets her inspiration from the stars. Therefore, the Blue Moon was more than appropriate as the theme of her opening party. This was a simple but fun event.
Let the theme take its course
One thing that this event shows is that you do not need elaborate décor to create a festive event. In this case, Bettina wears a vibrant blue wig. I was wearing clothes of the same blue. So clothing can be a part of the décor and they do not necessary have to look like costume.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, July 18, 2007 11:32 AM | Feedback (0)
This post is long overdue since I announced it last May. But I was unable to find in Montreal the right baking tools until now. I phoned and visited many specialty stores without success so far. I almost gave up but I wanted it so bad that I have all the facts.
What is so special about my way of serving muffins?
To be truthful, the design originated at MBCo. Montreal Bread Company is a hip little bakery franchise concept with three locations in Montreal. MBCo makes tall straight and narrow column muffins, reaching 3 inches in height.
You get a 2-inch diameter muffin with no angle and without its typical cap. A lot more stylish look especially if you take the time to tie raffia ribbon around the muffin. The parchment paper is put before you cook the muffins.
If you have several flavors, identify them with colored raffia instead of the natural one. Here, I use an orange raffia ribbon to identify a carrot muffin.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
FOOD + drinks
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Tuesday, July 17, 2007 7:48 PM | Feedback (4)
With so many tips on entertaining to talk about, I decided to publish more often. Starting today, the new schedule is two posts a day on weekdays; one post around noon 1 o'clock p.m. and another one before or after supper time. There is no set to my schedule. I hope you enjoy it. Now that I tried the schedule for two weeks, I made the little adjustments. See above for the current program.
Categories:
IN the press
REVIEWS
posted @ Tuesday, July 17, 2007 12:27 PM | Feedback (3)
A lot of people still interpret natured theme floral arrangements just as a simple grouping of native flowers. But without going to the creative extremes that only a talented florist can do, you can make your own chic raw style flower arrangement.
Cleverly layering moss balls and pebbles with a few prop accessories on a clean lined cake stand can look magical. This great centerpiece that I stumbled upon in the green Friday Flickr favorites of Creature Comforts blog is a living proof. I put the stylish raw centerpiece beside simpler natural bouquets so you can immediately catch the style differences.
The raw material trend is growing every day. You get the faux bois outdoor furniture. Indoors, studio wellspring revealed a luxurious living room with fabulous textured accessories and a magnificent black tree stump table.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
HOME decor
PARTY ideas
ENTERTAINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Tuesday, July 17, 2007 11:50 AM | Feedback (3)
I just discovered this collection through Rare Bird Finds, a blog where you dig up unusual gift ideas.
I wanted to add a cute and affordable gift option for an Animal Kingdom baby shower theme, here it is.
The Baby Cie La Jungle Wild Animals is a 5-piece Lunch set with tray, beaker, fork, spoon and bowl. Other available themes are pirates, farm animals, ballerina, ocean seaside and transportation. Starting at $23.50 USD per set, you can visit Amazon.com to see the entire line.
Another option is La Jungle Wild animals Dinner set with tray, cup, spoon and bowl for $23.95 USD. The Pirate theme sets would work well for a first year birthday with a pirate theme.
Categories:
BABY showers
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Monday, July 16, 2007 6:17 PM | Feedback (0)
Following Blueprint hip baby shower, I come up with another stylish inspiration for a baby shower party. This time my inspiration starts out with the Wren handmade fabric stuffed animals.
Fabric stuffed animals instead of plush animals are popular these days. You can find many styles on etsy stores. But my favorite ones are the giraffes and elephants by Wren handmade designed by Laura Normandin. The animals are cutely shaped and I like the fabric selection at Wren handmade. The 11 inch high giraffe and the 8 inch high elephant each cost $60 USD.
Be aware that the Wren handmade stuffed toys are for kids over 3 years old. But why not decorate the baby room with them until then? Display the animals on individual thick shelves nicely distributed on a wall or on the top shelf of a bookcase. Both options look great.
Categories:
BABY showers
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Monday, July 16, 2007 11:38 AM | Feedback (0)
French people treat cooking as an art. But it is not just food that is the subject of their studies. Take for example Caroline Gomez; she surrounds her art around the ways and customs of eating.
Rethink the tableware via the Wood Collection
Light meals and healthy large snacks are popular meals but you find only a small amount of dishes specifically made for them. Caroline Gomez designed her Wood collection to fill that gap. When you are eating a light meal or a large snack, chances are that you do not set a formal table. You are often on the move. You probably share the food casually with your mates in the living room or the terrace.
The Wood collection has 4 handmade products: a glass, a plate, a bowl and a tray. Caroline Gomez found a way to recycle peeler shavings and other wood rejects. But the collection is all white. Beautifully hand craft with imprints of real wood pieces, the Wood product range is made of white Limoges porcelain with a glazed interior and a satin exterior finish.
Categories:
PARTY ideas
OUTDOOR
ENTERTAINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, July 13, 2007 1:00 PM | Feedback (1)
I learned today that I drink my coffee at home like a true Italian. I even got the Oslo Demi-tasse / espresso and Cappuccino cups by Bormioli Rocco. By the way, these clear glass cups are great for serving desserts. The handle can be removed if you want a different presentation.
I learned all that and more by reading the guide on how to order a coffee in Italy. The guide is made for North American travelling in Italy. I got this story from Ms. Adventures in Italy, an interesting blog published by an American women now living in Italy.
Learning the basics
When we will take a vacation in Italy, I will order a Caffè Macchiato, a Caffè Macchiato Freddo or a Latte Macchiato. The Caffè Macchiato is served in a demitasse cup. This is an espresso stained with a little bit of hot milk, probably frothed. It is not a demi-cappuccino.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING
posted @ Thursday, July 12, 2007 5:54 PM | Feedback (2)
These photos were styled by Lara Hutton of The Names Agency. This Australian stylist marvelously created scenes for products and food amongst other things. I discovered her through a post on design to inspire blog.
If the photo in the park and the veranda scene do not inspire you to organize a stylish picnic this weekend I do not know what will. It is fun to see how a few careful chosen items can generate a magnificent atmosphere. These two themes are easy to duplicate. And they can be done on a limited budget.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
OUTDOOR
ENTERTAINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Thursday, July 12, 2007 3:18 PM | Feedback (2)
If you watched the excellent gardening series The City Gardener, you already know that Matt James operates miracles on ugly, small size, weird shaped urban gardens around the UK.
I told you earlier about my admiration for Matt James’ work. You will not be surprised to hear that I am thrilled to see him in a new TV series.
For once, I can talk about a TV series that runs simultaneously on HGTV in the United States and in Canada. HTGV ordered the series from Twofour Broadcast, the same company that produced The City Gardener. This time, Matt works his green-fingered magic on 26 gardens across America.
The synopsis by HGTV says:
Urban Outsiders tackles outdoor transformations from New York to Los Angeles, and does it all with energy, personality and modern flair. The concrete jungle has never looked this cool!
Categories:
OUTDOOR
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Thursday, July 12, 2007 11:33 AM | Feedback (0)
Adding to the fact that many bloggers visited Montreal lately, Holly from decor*8 requested suggestions on where to eat and to shop in Montreal. So this is the right time to publish my list of favorite restaurants in town.
Most of them are fine restaurants. They are reasonably priced for a night out. I added a few suggestions for lunches and breakfasts. My list is ordered by neighborhood. I select three neighborhoods that are popular and fun to explore for travelers.
Old Montreal
Olive & Gourmando - 351 Saint-Paul West 514.350.1083
This bakery shop is the spot for a quick breakfast, a lunch or to simply enjoy an excellent coffee with baked goodies while you are visiting Old Montreal. Everybody raved about their soups and sandwiches. Do not forget to get one of their delicious breads. Olive and Gourmando is open from 8 am to 6 pm Tuesday to Saturday.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING out
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, July 11, 2007 3:12 PM | Feedback (4)
Have you ever been to a dessert party, they are great is in it? Dessert parties are a nice way to end a soiree with friends.
If you do not know how or if you do not have the time to cook, I recommend you host a dessert party instead of a cocktail party.
Music can be the inspiration that triggers the design of your party. I used my Top 3 shows at the Montreal International Jazz Festival 2007 edition to shape three dessert party concepts. Make sure your musical selection sounds great by the end of the night.
White Russian drinks, smoky room and chocolate with Room Eleven
Thanks to the recommendation of one reader, I went to Room Eleven show on Saturday night. And I am glad I did. My husband wanted to hear the end of the show at the Bell Groove scene so I did not bought their CD right after the show. Big mistake because we could have meet the band and got an autograph.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
PARTY ideas
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Tuesday, July 10, 2007 2:54 PM | Feedback (1)
I want to take about serving ware today. They are an important part of entertaining. Since I think that any fine dinner should finish with a salad, here are some suggestions to equip you.
The salad: before or after the main course
In the United States and even in Canada, the salad course is often taken before the main course. But the rules of fine entertaining specify that the salad course comes after the main course just before the cheese plate and the desserts.
Being a French Canadian, I learned to be flexible about both rules. When you go to a nice restaurant or you entertain friends, I encourage you to follow the established rules of fine dining. Eating your salad after the main course is a healthier habit. The rumor says that the salad course improves the digestion of the main course.
posted @ Monday, July 09, 2007 2:39 PM | Feedback (3)
I was looking to design an inspiration board for a hip baby shower but Blueprint magazine beat me to it in their July edition.
In their Special Deliveries article, the staff of Blueprint concocted an orange and teal party theme. The modern style design looks fresh and in vogue. The beautiful color palette runs throughout the buffet.
Do not be shy to display gifts in your design. Here, the Binth alphabet poster sold at Generate store for $85 USD creates the perfect backdrop for the dessert buffet table. Inspired by Mid-Century Danish wood toys, the ABC poster designed by Suzanna Bierwirth, Peter Dunham and Linnea Gits sits perfectly with our baby shower party theme.
Making a mobile
The mobiles are cute, inexpensive and easy to make. The instructions are published on the article republished on Martha Stewart’s Web site. If you want to play a little but with volume, you can try to mix a few spheres with the circles. Another option is to throw a few acrylic orange squirrels from the Acrylic Ornament set by Ferm Living in your mobile.
Categories:
BABY showers
DISHING tips
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Sunday, July 08, 2007 4:50 PM | Feedback (2)
I decided to present you a variation around the same theme. You got a traditional Maine-styled inspired nautical theme. Then, you get a Zen-like, organic take on the by the sea party theme with the river bed pebbles centerpiece.
Maine Nautical dining theme
A summer house by the sea is ideal when you wish to entertain a large group. Staying a few days at the beach is always a hit with kids and adults.
The first design is inspired by a vacation spot in Maine. I am not a huge fan of fish nets and shells for my party décor. But if they are use in moderation coupled with stylish lanterns, beautiful furniture and a modern white dinner set, you can create something classy.
And good taste is what you got with this inspiration photograph from Pottery Barn. One idea to steal is how they play the blue and white theme with the glassware. The first table has clear glasses while the second table is dominated by the blue glasses.
Categories:
OUTDOOR
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Saturday, July 07, 2007 8:21 PM | Feedback (0)
Since the vacation period has begun, you may want some inspirations for an easy entertaining outdoor party. I will present you this week-end four unique styles. They are all perfect for alfresco dinner parties.
You will be able to reproduce these styles by adding a few accessories to what you got at home. I will point out the elements that make each style unique.
Ethnic sunny nautical theme
If you ever hosted a Moroccan style party, you may be left with accessories that you do not know how to match with something else. The eclectic style means that you do not have to be trapped in a style. I found you a great example of eclecticism in action.
My first look mixes Indian or Moroccan style lanterns with a bright version of the nautical theme. When you think about sailing and the sea, the sunrise and the sunset are a big part of it. One way to update nautical theme is to use the color of the sunset. As you can see on the top photo this unusual mix works.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
OUTDOOR
ENTERTAINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, July 06, 2007 6:44 PM | Feedback (0)
Whenever we wish to make an announcement, send an invitation or thank somebody properly, we want something that represents us. You can glue your picture on a folded card board but frankly, this DIY approach is not the most sophisticated one.
Designer Lindsay Stephenson of Penny People Designs takes the personalization concept to a higher level. You customize the Penny People from her card collection to look like you by changing the skin tone, hair style and hair color. The cards from this Toronto-based stationery studio display cute modern drawings.
Baby Stationery
For announcing a newborn, the Baby makes 3, 4+ cards looks adorable. You customize individually the mom, the dad and the baby. If you want to give something more special to your relatives, make a nice package with the note card or the correspondence card inside a picture frame.
Categories:
PAPER goods
BABY showers
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Thursday, July 05, 2007 2:26 PM | Feedback (1)
While I was eating out yesterday, my friend S. and I talked about how our kitchen layout influence the way we entertain at home. She suggested that I should write a piece on my best design tips for an entertaining-friendly kitchens. Here is my top 5 list.
Good ventilation in the kitchen
Open kitchens are great because they allow you to enjoy the party while you are prepping the food and cooking. But it is a nicer experience for your guests if you have and use an excellent aeration system.
I say use because I know people with huge restaurant hoods in their kitchens that do not use it because they are too loud. Honestly, a restaurant hood is often too powerful for the average house kitchen. Hoods are a status symbol that seduced many men. I recommend an efficient less noisy hood model and to always put it on when you are cooking. Whenever you can, open the windows to keep the air fresh.
Categories:
HOME decor
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, July 04, 2007 2:19 PM | Feedback (3)
Whether is for a cocktail party or a dinner with friends, serving your drinks in style is a must. So I seek out for you great glassware on the Web.
Whimsical Danish Swivel Cognac Glasses
The first one is for serving cognac or brandy. Designed by Rikke Hagen for Normann Copenhagen in 2004, the attention to bouquet, temperature and volume increases the experience of intimacy when drinking cognac.
The unusual shape will grab people attention. It is whimsical and chic at the same time. To serve aperitif and digestive liquors, you can get the smaller model.
A set of 2 stem-less swivel cognac glasses costs about $50 USD. You can buy them from Illums Bolighus (Royal Shopping), a Copenhagen store. I also saw them on Marie & Charles Epicurean Delights store.
Categories:
PARTY supplies
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Tuesday, July 03, 2007 3:29 PM | Feedback (2)
My friend Mel used to tell me that I should have a look at 18 Karat Home Store online. Even her husband knows her passion for the brand. Mel loves designer jewelry, bags and beautiful home décor items. I trust her taste.
We talked about 18 Karat fabulous designs while we were out so I kept forgetting to have a look. Wow, I was missing something great for people that like to entertain. They design, import and distribute unique products that are affordable, in vogue, organic and fresh looking.
Home decor accessories, vases and planters
18 Karat is the place to find the perfect accessories to finish up your home décor. You find conversation pieces with an organic sense like these Grande Vine Ball Vases at $225 CAD each.
To create a great entrance which is a must if you like to entertain at home, 18 Karat carries a huge selection of large scale vases and planters. They have stuff you cannot find anywhere else. Two floral industry veterans started up 18 Karat sixteen years ago by designing and importing floral containers for large volume users.
Categories:
HOME decor
OUTDOOR
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, July 02, 2007 7:30 PM | Feedback (4)
The Montreal Jazz Festival is on right now. I went to several shows so far. For the outdoor free schedule, my husband and I have a little crush on the 10 p.m. concert at the Bell scene. This is the Groove concert series.
Our music collection is growing fast with the Jazz Festival. We now own fresh and special music to play for our next parties. Yesterday, we discovered Oka, a very interesting Australian group. The Festival describes them like this:
Oka offers an emotionally charged synthesis of ancient and modern Oz music based on a singular instrumentation: electro rhythms, keyboards, percussion, saxophone, flute, slide guitar and vocals surround the aboriginal didgeridoo.
Last Friday, I was invited to a show scheduled at 7 o’clock. I did know Mina Agossi, a Franco-Beninese siren singer. Our group enjoyed her concert. What is more relevant for my blog is the night agenda.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Monday, July 02, 2007 4:35 PM | Feedback (2)