March 2008 Entries
A look at entertaining essentials: a beautiful dinnerware to serve great food, a glamorous living room to enjoy the sunset and a stylish outdoor room to sip your cocktails.
My 3 picks of the week
Blue Orchid Designs for Style Spotlight: Terra Keramik
This post introduced a new line of environmentally friendly dinnerware. This dinnerware is über stylish dinnerware according to Liene of Blue Orchid Designs. I really like the vast selections of rich, saturated glazes. You can select eight exquisite colors. The platinum rims bring sophistication to sophistication to an otherwise simple design.
If you are interested, the online store of Terra Keramik operates from Connecticut. They currently deliver within the United States, Canada and Australia.
Categories:
HOME decor
OUTDOOR
TABLEWARE
DINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, March 31, 2008 3:35 PM | Feedback (1)
I do not have kids but I watched closely the hip modern trend regarding baby gears. I think this trend illustrates well the desire of consumers to get the products they want.
Several hip baby brands and stores were founded by style-conscious parents who did not like what big chains are selling. It is also a sign that more people are not ready to give out style because they became parents. As a stylish living advocate, I am thrilled.
If you are attending a baby shower soon, you may want to check out the inventory of Quilt Baby. Founded by parents of two toddlers, Quilt Baby is an independent modern baby bedding and accessory company located in Asheville, North Carolina.
Practical Baby Gears with Modern Style
Quilt Baby provides high quality, practical products to style conscious parents. Their catalogue contains over 20 bold and fun patterns.
Categories:
BABY showers
ALL occasions
TRENDS
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Sunday, March 30, 2008 1:26 PM | Feedback (2)
I am always watching for stylishly decorated cupcakes. Fondant decorated cakes are my favorites. So imagine how glad I was yesterday when I came across the most stunning cupcakes I ever saw.
The power of social networks
My journey started by looking at the Facebook profile of new friends I made last Wednesday at the Montreal Girl Geek Dinner. I spotted a comment about a cupcake montage for the m0851 Fashion Show and Press conference. This event occurred this week as part of the current Montreal Fashion Week. This is how I discovered Michelle, the talented girl behind Clever Cupcakes.
Categories:
PARTY ideas
KIDS party
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Saturday, March 29, 2008 1:35 PM | Feedback (3)
I received an email from Jaime Derringer, the blogger behind the always interesting Design Milk blog, announcing new prints on her etsy shop. Her latest prints are produced in limited print run of 25.
At $10 and $18 a piece or 2 prints for $30, her art is quite affordable. Frame a couple of Jaime Derringer’s art prints to decorate a room without breaking the bank. Her hummingbird series would fit very well in a nursery. Write her name down if you have a baby shower party coming soon.
How To Use Art Prints To Decorate Your Home?
I prefer organized wall groupings. You can never be wrong with the traditional long row and the square or rectangular matrix. For that reason, I go with identical size for all my frames.
Categories:
HOME decor
ALL occasions
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, March 28, 2008 12:40 PM | Feedback (0)
Even though I am a modernist, I still fall under the spells of old-world charm. That is why I enjoy browsing the Horchow’s online catalogue. For spring 2008, their inventory is getting better.
I selected some pieces for designing an easy entertaining Spring / Summer tabletop. These are pieces that you will cherish for years to come. You can mix and match them with lots of things.
An inside look at my Spring tabletop
The star of your table will be the hand-painted Scribed Poppy Dinnerware. The pattern looks fresh and fun.
For the traditional look, place a natural tone tablecloth on your dining table. If you want a fresher look, opt for the hip Chilewich Tablemats. To reproduce the look of the wooden table on this picture, use the Woodgrain Tablemats in driftwood or pecan.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
TRENDS
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:43 PM | Feedback (1)
As I visited Toronto for the IDS 2008, I booked the Sunday brunch at Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar. I heard the buzz about this place so I was excited.
Jamie Kennedy has earned a great reputation in Toronto for his upscale restaurants. With the Wine Bar, he proposes an affordable option executed by the Chef of cuisine Tobey Nemeth.
My opinion
Sadly I liked the décor more than the food. In all fairness, I should have sat at the kitchen bar. Usually it is a treat to see what is going on.
That Sunday, we were speaking about Status Competition, our Facebook application, at PodCamp Toronto. So I opted to sit at a quiet table. I imagined that Jerome and I may refine our presentation during the brunch.
Categories:
DINING out
TRAVEL
DINING
posted @ Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:49 PM | Feedback (0)
I really like the effects that are now possible with 3D wallpapers. After seeing the beautiful tiles designed exclusively by Barber Osgerby for Stella McCartney's retail shops, I decided to show you more accessible options.
In fact, the Embossed Wall Flats by Inhabit are a far better solution. Far better since this is an eco-friendly product made from bamboo pulp. The peel-and-stick adhesive tabs can expand in any direction to create a fun, modern pattern.
I would like to create a feature wall on my home office but the difficulty remains which of the 5 patterns to select. The ten 18 by 18 inches panels per package cover 22.5 square feet. Resellers of Inhabit include Velocity and All Modern Furniture.
Categories:
HOME decor
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Tuesday, March 25, 2008 12:19 AM | Feedback (4)
My theory is that you should keep at home a reserve of hostess gifts. This way, you are always ready for an impromptu dinner party invitation and you save time by minimizing your shopping trips.
A lot of people from newlyweds to single men are searching for clues on how to entertain properly. The best books for them pass on tips for simple entertaining. Easy to follow instructions and gorgeous photography are essentials. Otherwise, people do not put into practice what is in the book.
That is what I like about the books by Ryland Peters & Small. To make it easier for you, stash any of these 4 new releases until you need a hostess gift:
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
ALL occasions
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
REVIEWS
posted @ Monday, March 24, 2008 7:33 PM | Feedback (1)
This week is all about the drum shape and fashionable fun patterns.
My 4 picks of the week
Purple Area for Clarissa Hulse
The Urban Jungle range enlivens a classic ivory and black with punches of neon pink, aqua and sweet pea. Clarissa Hulse emulated the urban landscape by the bright lights of city life.
One of the most distinctive textile designers in the UK, Clarissa Hulse is designer of luxury housewares specializing in wallpaper, cushions, throws and lamp shades. Fabrics by the meter are also available.
GlamNest for Getting' Steamy in Here! The Hottest Vent Hoods Ever
Categories:
HOME decor
KITCHEN tools
FAMILY style
DINING
KIDS + BABY
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, March 24, 2008 10:54 AM | Feedback (0)
I am glad that my very resourceful friend Kelly gave me a tip this morning. It is a cool event concept.
The investigator, Laurent Haug is a Swiss guy that got the brilliant idea to draw attention to the best cooking of grandmothers.
The idea is relatively simple to implement in any city. Grandmothers get more attention and see their expertise recognized by younger generations. Grandmothers can pass on their old tricks to us.
You discovered the best cooking tips only if you cook with someone. Did you know putting some white vinegar on your salad when you wash it brings the insects to the surface? Laurent learned this handy solution from her grandmother while she participated in the first Dinner with Grandma.
How it works?
You find a restaurant that is willing to participate. Ideally, select a restaurant with 30 to 60 places. Plan the event on a slow restaurant night, like a Monday night. Find a grandmother that is an excellent cook. Have a test run of the grandmother cooking. You can use the social networks on the Web to find the grandmother candidates.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Sunday, March 23, 2008 2:07 PM | Feedback (1)
In this fabulous sunny day, I wish to wish to everyone who celebrates it a very Happy Easter! For the rest, I hope you indulge in a nice piece of fine chocolate.
I found the lovely Oeuf Maisonnette Easter Egg at Chocolate Trading Co. UK. It is so cute. The Chocolate Filled French Hens eggs are presented in a genuine egg box, creating a fun but seriously good Easter gift. These eggs are filled with chocolate praline naturally made with cane sugar and Bourbon vanilla.
For my part, I prefer the rich taste of dark chocolate. I am glad that I received a cute, fashionable bunny with a ruffled dress. Ruffles are in this summer by the way.
Enjoy your chocolate treats. Happy Easter!
Sourcing:
Learn more: Chocolate Trading Co. UK
Categories:
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Sunday, March 23, 2008 12:01 PM | Feedback (0)
I followed the International Home and Housewares Show 2008 in Chicago mostly through the eyes of The Kitchn. From what I have seen so far, these cooking tools are my favorites.
Emily Henry’s Flame-Top Collection in Figue
I told you earlier about the Urban Colors for the oven and tableware collection of Emile Henry. Take a look at the Flame-Top line in figue (fig). It is so cute. The rich purple color of Figue mixes nicely with the Granny, Litchi (pink) and Muscade (nutmeg).
Kitchen Gadgets by Chef’n
Manual kitchen tools are the new frontier for green living. They use fewer parts, are smaller and do not consume electrical powers. If your kids enjoy cooking with you, they are less dangerous to handle. But young children should never be left alone when they help you in the kitchen.
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
ALL occasions
FAMILY style
DINING
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Saturday, March 22, 2008 1:56 PM | Feedback (0)
When we are taking about Scandinavian, we talked mostly about products from Finland and Sweden. In fact, I think I spoke more often about Danish products than Norwegian creations.
The government of Norway with the industry has launched an offensive a few years ago to raise awareness about what they produce. They identify UK as an important platform for their marketing campaign.
Again this year, the visitors of UK's leading contemporary interiors event will be able to see and touch the best of Norwegian design. The trade show 100% Design is scheduled for September 18 to 21, 2008 at Earls Court in London.
100% Norway viewed over the years
It was announced that 100% Norway 2008 will be once again curated by Henrietta Thompson. The upcoming stand has tripled over the size of last year. In 2006, 100% Norway stand was colossal. The 2006 stand exhibited cutting edge Norwegian architecture including a view at fashion, furniture and city bikes. From macro, the stand went micro as 100% Norway 2007 zoomed in to the creativity found in glass, porcelain and textile design. The theme for 2008 is not yet public. I will keep you posted.
Categories:
HOME decor
TRENDS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, March 21, 2008 1:12 PM | Feedback (0)
If like me you are not afraid of colors, you must be happy these days. For the others you are more timid, I am showing two rooms with pretty strong colors.
Fuchsia wall
I saw several rooms where the focal point is a bright fuchsia wall. The first time I saw a fuchsia room, I admired the audacity of the owner. After seeing several, I realized that every room looks amazing. They were a pretty diverse mix from kitchen, living room, bedroom and even office space. Now, I crave for my own fuchsia wall room.
Green walls
For Spring 2008, green is in vogue. By painting the backdrop of the stairs an Absinthe green the wall, the stairs become more important.
The office space is shared by the four members of the family. Arranged as a workshop, the room feels sophisticated with the traditional American walnut and the classical shape of the chairs. But the Granny Smith accents and the multicolor rug convey an unexpected whimsical mood to the space.
Categories:
IN the press
HOME decor
TRENDS
REVIEWS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, March 21, 2008 1:42 AM | Feedback (4)
Outstanding flower arrangements fill a room or a table with elegance. The Flower Council of Holland Web site is always a good source of inspiration for floral trends.
What is hot for Spring 2008?
Design trends are global. Floral arrangements follow what we are seeing in fashion and home decor. Grey, whites and happy colors steal the show.
The excellent blog ROOM and Serve showcased yesterday four amazing Easter bouquets. I am showing two of them. The rest are from the Spring 2008 photo gallery. A series of bouquets shows that white provides energy. They are all impressive and inspiring.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
PARTY supplies
HOLIDAY
TRENDS
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Thursday, March 20, 2008 12:39 AM | Feedback (0)
Just in time for Easter, Bleu Nuit carries the most adorable bunnies and amusing mouse.
Made of linen, these charming bunny and mouse dolls with their cute corduroy dresses will please girls of all age. This will be Easter gift that will last a lot longer than chocolate.
There are sold for $18 at Bleu Nuit on Saint-Denis Street in Montreal. If you organize an Easter egg hunt, you can get one as the big prize. Bleu Nuit is the bed and linen store of Arthur Quentin.
Sourcing:
Learn more: www.bleunuit.ca - it is not shown on their Web site
Categories:
ALL occasions
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, March 20, 2008 12:08 AM | Feedback (0)
This morning, I received my shipping confirmation for the latest book by Jamie Oliver. I cannot wait. I am a huge fan of the guy. When Jamie at Home will hit my cooking library shelf, my count will be 6 out 8 of his books.
Some recipes are in several books but it is fun because you can see how that recipe evolved and refined your own version. My husband and I (we do team work) made the best risotto. We use recipes from two books; handy since the pages of recipe are always visible. We take the better of each one.
My favorite Jamie Oliver’s recipes
I am giving you the recipes that I am cooking over and over, book by book.
The Naked Chef
The Mushroom Risotto with Garlic, Thyme and Parsley is my ultimate risotto. We often make this on a Friday or Saturday night so we can eat risotto cakes for breakfast the next morning. So do not be afraid to make plenty because a risotto cake is divine. The recipe is simply the same as making a patty of hash browns except that the potatoes are replaced by the risotto. I fried mine in olive oil. Check out his basic risotto recipe.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
ENTERTAINING
DINING
REVIEWS
posted @ Wednesday, March 19, 2008 1:24 PM | Feedback (4)
I discovered a wonderful French porcelain maker today. I am not just showing you their vessel. REVOL targets the hospitality market which explains these amazing food presentations. Wow!
Since 1789 from Saint-Uze in France, the culinary ceramic maker REVOL draws its inspiration from the heart of the Rhone valley, famous for its wines and gourmet cuisine. The vessel they produce response to today’s culinary trends.
European products are often available in a vast array of colors. Les Froisses, translating into Crumpled Tumblers, is available in 14 colors. This 9–piece collection is used for hot beverages, appetizers, tapas, French fries and desserts this stackable tumblers.
Like I said in earlier, Breakfast dinnerware constitutes an under-used category. But maybe te stunning dishing seduced me. Anyway, Breakfast delivers the basic vessel for a stylish morning meal.
Categories:
DISHING tips
TABLEWARE
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, March 19, 2008 12:15 AM | Feedback (0)
You won't be surprised if I tell you that I watch lots of cooking shows. We have a Media Center at home so for the past three years I stopped listening to live TV. I watch about thirty minutes of TV daily. That explains why there is usually a delay between the start of new shows on TV and when I effectively watched them.
That is the case with The Main, a show that was first aired October 1st, 2007 on Food Network Canada. A second season is already produced. I watched a few episodes this week and I like it. The Main is hosted by the first winner of Superstar Chef Challenge on Food Network which was an adorable Canadian guy from British Columbia named Anthony Sedlak.
The Main is fresh and dynamic cooking show. Anthony is about 25 years old. I feel that the music theme wants to portrait an edgier side than your typical cooking shows. But really his recipes target the average family and singles.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING
REVIEWS
posted @ Tuesday, March 18, 2008 1:22 PM | Feedback (0)
If you have not decided yet what to do for this upcoming Easter, I compile a list of my best posts on the subject. I hope it would help you find the inspiration you are looking for.
Shown here:
Categories:
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Tuesday, March 18, 2008 12:24 AM | Feedback (4)
I have been a fan of Sagaform for many years now. Sagaform produces innovative kitchen accessories with beautiful simple lines at an affordable price. And did I mention that Sagaform is Scandinavian?
I particularly appreciate Sagaform for their amazing serving ware. They are designed with casual entertaining in mind. Here are my picks from the 2008 Sagaform catalogue.
Bamboo by Peter and Eva Moritz
This entertaining collection is made of farmed bamboo. The line is quite complete with serving bowls, serving / cutting boards, sandwich plates, butter knifes, serving spoons, and salad utensils.
A fun feature is the spoon fitting sleekly over the edge of the bowl. This way, there is less stuff on the buffet table. The cutting board has an unusual, two-circle shape with a handle placed on the middle.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Monday, March 17, 2008 1:45 PM | Feedback (0)
I invite you to an event on March 26th, 2008. I would like to meet you at the next Montreal Girl Geek Dinner. That night, I will be speaking about how to create your online brand identity from my own experiences.
If you are a blogger, you realized that blogging has made it possible to “become a media”. The concept of my speech is to share my experiences, be inspirational and exchange ideas with the group. See you there.
For more information and to confirm your presence, check out the March Montreal Girl Geek Dinner event on Facebook.
Categories:
OFF topics
posted @ Monday, March 17, 2008 12:40 AM | Feedback (0)
This week is all about mid-century modern furniture and an amazing chandelier. The feeling is soft and airy.
My 4 picks of the week
Design to Inspire for My favourite Canadian magazine
Design to Inspire is a blog that features to die for home interiors. I visit Design to Inspire for a moment of day dreaming. This time, Kim (just like me) talked about Canadian House and Home magazine, one of my monthly must read. I select a room that would make an exquisite eye candy girl bedroom or a modern nursery.
Canadian House and Home magazine produce a digital issue of its magazine. In fact, my digital issue arrives in my inbox before I receive the print version. I like being able to access the entire magazine online anytime, anywhere. But I subscribed to both versions because I still like flipping the pages of a magazine.
Categories:
HOME decor
TRENDS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Sunday, March 16, 2008 4:50 PM | Feedback (1)
With a name that translates to What is it?, you expect unusual products from C.Quoi. This French design studio offers a feast of whimsical yet practical objects for the home.
C.Quoi produces several objects for the kitchen. I select my favorites for entertaining. Perfect for a brunch, these luxurious items add more than charm and beauty to your tableware.
After reading what makes them so special, I convey that each one will make a one-of-a-kind wedding gift or housewarming gift.
203 Bread Basket by Karine Jollet
203 is a linen bread basket filled with cherry pits. You can warm the bag in the microwave to keep your bread hot. 203 can be closed like a purse to keep your bread fresh or opened for serving. If you are looking for an indulgence, 203 is the bread bag for you.
RBE Egg Basket by Karine Jollet
I really like the modern country style of this unique egg basket. RBE is padded with straw in order to delicately impregnate the eggs with its countryside aroma. I do not know if it works but the idea sounds charming as long as the scent is delicate.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Saturday, March 15, 2008 10:00 PM | Feedback (1)
With Easter at the corner, you may visit friends or family from out of town as home guests.
Beside taking care of their sleeping quarters, I feel the bathroom is the most important room to prepare in advance. For a stay longer than one night, you can plan on having an extra key ready at their arrival.
I gave you some tips on how to prepare the bathroom so you and your guests enjoy their time together.
My checklist
- Set everything in advance, so you will get more time to enjoy the company of your guests. Your guests will feel welcome right away and enjoy a more comfortable stay.
- Vary the colors or the patterns from one towel set to the next. Your guests must be easy to identity which towels they were assigned to.
- Prepare a well-stocked basket / shelf on the linen closet with the basis: soap bars, body wash, hair products, razors, hair dryer, moisturizing lotions. Place in jars: cotton balls, hygienic cotton swabs, adhesive bandages, and tampons.
- Have enough space to hang the wet towels. Since you may not have enough wall space in your bathroom, install a few extra double hooks instead of more towel bars. Install temporary over-the-door hook on the guest bedrooms. A fun idea from Finland is the towel clips. The kids will love having their own clip to hang their towels. You never know, the towel clips may persuade your kids to clean up every day, at least for a while.
- Leave some free storage bin or shelf in the shower or bath tub so you get can leave their products. The cling corner bin by Umbra is a simple solution that you can remove when you guests return home.
- Provide a pair of plush slippers for each guest that you can throw in the washing machine. Get the average size for women and for men.
- Do not worry if you forgot something. Your guests would not mind since they felt welcome from the start.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FAMILY style
LINENS
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Saturday, March 15, 2008 3:09 PM | Feedback (1)
You may not know that I begun my career as a mathematician. So it is normal that I celebrate the spirit of Pi Day. This celebration occurs every year on March 14th in reference to the irrational number Pi = 3.1415926535...
If you are interested by this mystic number, I suggest you read Contact (the film was a poor imitation), a novel by Carl Sagan.
If you recalled your mathematics, Pi represents the relationship between a circle’s diameter (its width) and its circumference (the distance around the circle).
Fruit pies and savory tarts
I watched today an old episode of French Food at home by Laura Calder. It happens to be on savory tarts. I listened to it because I thought the tarts can be the heart of your menu for this Easter brunch. It is funny that is occurred on Pi Day. It is typical on Pi Day to eat a fruit pie.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING
posted @ Friday, March 14, 2008 11:00 PM | Feedback (1)
It is not because you are born in 1850 that you are not young at heart. Urban Colors shows a younger, hipper side of Emily Henry.
The Urban Colors collection injects a sense of fashion into the traditional ceramic cookware brand. And to stay current, Emile Henry adds two more colors and new shapes to the Urban Colors collection.
You now have a choice of five tasty colors, each named after a food: Muscade (nutmeg), Poivre (pepper), Figue (fig), Granny and Litchi.
Accessorize your kitchen
With the open shelving trend in the kitchen, you need remarkable vessel. We may admire the bold and lively kitchens that we see in the magazine but must people are not ready to commit. Kitchen cabinets are such a huge investment that we select materials that we can live with for a long time. This fact typically translates into neutrals.
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
TRENDS
TABLEWARE
DINING
posted @ Friday, March 14, 2008 5:25 PM | Feedback (2)
Typically, that would not be my first choice of vessel. But there is a “je ne sais quoi” that I like about these two collections at Williams-Sonoma.
Strangely while I was assembling my board, I realized that they work together. When you entertain with kids, it feels stylish to integrate children design with fun grown-up patterns as long the two patterns share some commonalities.
How to get the vintage look
The Nostalgic Easter series display a center design inspired by 1920s Easter cards. If you have young children, you can use these all year long because the illustrations carry a children book vibe.
The folkloric design from the 17th century of Provence is draw in richer tones. When you examine Provence closer, you realized that the pattern stays within the same color palette than the Nostalgic Easter collection. Furthermore, the magical forest of castles and animals theme continues the storyline. Provence is ideal for entertaining with kids.
Categories:
HOLIDAY
KIDS party
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Friday, March 14, 2008 2:47 PM | Feedback (0)
Lisa Zuraw of sweetbeets produces the most adorable birthday cards. Lisa finds the inspiration for drawing her original illustrations by watching her children play. Her cards focus on infants and preschoolers from what I have seen.
Sweetbeets’ cards are eco-friendly. They are printed using vegetable-based inks on 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Her technique leaves a crisp impression that you can see and feel. That is the beauty of letterpress printing.
Sweetbeets will debut at the National Stationery Show in New York, May 18 to 21, 2008. So if you are going at the show, visit her at booth 2134.
There are many new babies in my circle of friends. That is why I started a reserve a few months ago. Her cards cost $5.50 each or make your own set of any 4 cards for $18 at her etsy shop.
Lisa Zuraw also writes Modeco Kids, a blog on modern and eco-friendly products for babies and children.
Categories:
PAPER goods
KIDS party
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Friday, March 14, 2008 12:51 AM | Feedback (0)
When you entertain with kids it is best to plan ahead some activities. Several activities should run over the entire course of the event.
Beside the traditional Easter egg hunt, plan for an Egg dress up contest. This kit from Martha Stewart Crafts made it easy for you. Then, stop by the art store to pick up additional supplies so the kids have more options to create their masterpieces.
Hold the contest before the meal so you can deposit the eggs in potted grass beds. Use them as your centerpieces. Kids will be delighted and you have one less thing on your to do list.
A twist on the Easter Egg Hunt
Earlier this week, I read on a blog or a magazine (I cannot recalled which), a cool idea for the Easter Egg Hunt. Paint or decorate the eggs in 2 different colors or completely different styles. Assign each color/style to an age group. This way, you get more than one winners. And the game is fairer for the little ones.
Categories:
PARTY supplies
KIDS party
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Thursday, March 13, 2008 1:39 PM | Feedback (0)
Today I presented an unusual source for party inspirations. An office.
Advertising companies and cool IT companies often provide fun working environment. They devise whimsical meeting rooms to stimulate the creativity of their team. It is also a place where the employees can relax between tasks.
The Google Office in Zurich looks pretty amazing. The cocoon forest is so cool. It is a child theme executed in a refined manner. Therefore, the room design is suitable for grown ups and kids.
A pattern is often enough to transform an object. For a more feminine design, the exterior of that cocoon exhibits a baroque floral motif in another space. A pinky red and black chandelier hangs over it. Lovely! Check out the Picasa Web album to see it.
When I saw the penguins, the igloos and the old ski gondolas, I immediately imagined an end of winter party at the cottage. Then, start building several canoe sofas for the barbecue party season. The canoe sofa should be a hit so everybody will want to be invited at your parties.
Categories:
PARTY ideas
KIDS party
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Thursday, March 13, 2008 12:33 PM | Feedback (0)
This tablescape celebrates the Easter egg from a different perspective. A Sunday brunch with kids calls for a whimsical table. I infused a fresh treatment to a predictable theme. All I had to do was to mix bright colors with uncommon tableware.
Vibrant accent colors
The felt Chicken cozies are the stars of my table. Denise from Black Eiffel spots those cute ones on the April issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine. Make those in two to four colors since you want to inject a punch of color to an otherwise white theme.
Once the cozies are removed, the colorful double old-fashioned and the highballs of the Rustica Barware collection maintain the vibrant pop of color to the table.
Designed by Yousuke Shimizu, these spectacular shallow bamboo bowls would be perfect as serving bowls for the cereals, the oatmeal and any other dry food. The bamboo bowls combine the 2 key design elements.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
HOLIDAY
KIDS party
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Thursday, March 13, 2008 1:34 AM | Feedback (1)
You do not need a design that screams Easter to look festive. Since the typical pastel Easter decorations are not my style, I created a series of hip and fun Easter tabletops. I will be presenting two tabletops today in two separate posts.
What is great for you is that my Easter tables featured tableware items that you can reuse for any occasions. In fact, the design comes from the shapes and the patterns of things you need to eat, not from a bunch of superficial accessories. It is simple and beautiful.
The birth of a concept
Thinking outside the box allows you to find fresh concepts. I usually start by analyzing the key elements of the celebration. The idea is to approach an event design from a different perspective. Basically, I look at at the Easter brunch party this way:
- Easter is a festive, family gathering that occurs in Spring
- Hosting an Easter party means planning several activities for kids and a table where the children will feel comfortable
- The egg and the bunny are the more popular symbols associated with Easter.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
HOLIDAY
KIDS party
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Wednesday, March 12, 2008 1:36 PM | Feedback (2)
Styling your buffet table requires time, imagination and special dishes. I found a serving ware solution that is stylish, original and affordable.
When you are in a hurry, go straight to this composition by CB2. You can reuse all or some of the elements to serve appetizers on a coffee table, at a buffet station or when sitting at the dining table. The possibilities are vast so you can have fun playing around with these bowls and servers.
To reproduce this look, you will need to get:
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
DISHING tips
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Tuesday, March 11, 2008 4:16 PM | Feedback (0)
If you are still looking for ideas on how to style your Easter brunch, I will share several design ideas this week. So do not worry.
The Fashionable Blue and Yellow
I am starting with two decoration ideas and the best looking desserts from Martha Stewart Living. Get inspired by these crafty projects and recipes to create your own version this Easter.
If you read my posts last week, you spot the resemblances with the Spring 2008 color combinations. Since the pictures were taken a couple years ago, simply adjust the hues to fit into the 2008 color trend.
Blue and yellow mixed with white is so far my favorite palette for Easter 2008. I am assembling my own Easter tabletop the one I will use in real life. Mine may eclipse the blue and yellow scheme; we will see when I am done.
For now, let's go back to what Martha Stewart has the best to offer in my opinion this Easter. Like I said before, these are old projects from Martha Stewart. They still look interesting today.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
ALL occasions
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, March 11, 2008 1:34 PM | Feedback (5)
Felt seems to be all the rage. Looking at the amount of felt products for the home featured by my fellow bloggers last week, I almost smell a trend. I saw more this morning while I am reading my RSS feeds. I like felt so I cannot be happier.
My 4 picks of the week
Design Hole for Felt Accessories
Like me, my friend Jennifer Mitchell of Design Hole was amazed all the wonderful things crafty and ingenious people are making out of felt.
I am showing this cute set of mustard base bowls by Papaver Vert. Imagine them as the nest for your Easter eggs. The rest of the year you can serve wrapped candies or use them in the entrance to store loose changes, keys and your cell phones.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
HOME decor
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, March 10, 2008 2:29 PM | Feedback (3)
I selected three ideas for stylish entertaining. These fresh design ideas were featured by a trio of talented bloggers that I visited frequently.
Exceptionally, there will be a second pick of the week tomorrow because there was too many wonderful posts on the blogosphere last week.
My three picks of the week
Style Me Pretty for Do-It-Yourself Projects
Have you ever seen prettiest coat checks than these handmade tags? Absolutely gorgeous! And this Do-It-Yourself project seems that they are not too complicated to make. Follow the instructions on Style Me Pretty.
Design & Inredningsbloggen for Krydda med musik
Cheerful and unexpected are the two words that come to my mind when I first looked at this pair of salt and pepper shakers designed by Naoto Fukasawa. A great find by Pethra of the Swedish blog Inredningsbloggen.
Categories:
HOME decor
PAPER goods
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Sunday, March 09, 2008 11:30 PM | Feedback (2)
As you might already know, I sometimes worked as a freelance writer for other media. I wrote two articles earlier this winter for the Web site of Food Network Canada. Because of my travel, I forgot to invite you to read them.
Cocktail recipes
The first one talked about 5 Lost Classic Cocktails that are enjoying a new popularity. I give you my own favorite recipes based as close as possible to the original recipes.
Discover the story behind the Negroni, the Classic Champagne cocktail, the Mojito, the Black Russian and the classic Margarita. One precision is that I do prefer my margarita with 100% agave Silver tequila and Grand Marnier.
A couple weeks ago, I enjoyed an excellent White Russian served with a white and milk chocolate curl at the Library Bar of the Royal York Hotel in Toronto. The menu of the Library Bar is filled with historical drinks.
Categories:
IN the press
FOOD + drinks
DINING
REVIEWS
posted @ Saturday, March 08, 2008 6:51 PM | Feedback (1)
These pictures from Habitat illustrate well the trends I saw at the Interior Design Show (IDS) Toronto 2008 last month. It also demonstrates that a little color goes a long way.
Deep Dark Luxury
The purples, chocolate browns, deep blues and k