ENTERTAINING
This is my daily collection of interesting stuff that I saw on the Web.
+ The stunning wallpaper & lampshades from British brand Miss Print can be ship to any global destination. A glimpse at the magnificent collection will convince you of my excitement. Via Apartment Therapy Chicago
+ Mata Hina is involved with interior styling, food styling and illustrations. This is a good source of inspirations. Via design to inspire
+ I am a huge fan of antipasto dinner parties. For casual entertaining, nothing beats serving charcuterie (cured meats), patés de foie gras, terrines and cheese. Via The Kitchen
Categories:
HOME decor
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
ENTERTAINING
DINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Sunday, August 10, 2008 12:33 AM | Feedback (1)
If you are looking for a modern bar that works for both an indoors or outdoors installation, check out the Jumbo Bar designed by Jorge Najera.
Made of rotationally molded polyethylene, the Jumbo Bar incorporates light sources beneath the surface.
You can easily vary the eye-catching glow by using colored light bulbs. It is a great way to change the mood of your party.
Jumbo Bar Accessories
From one angle, Drink Light is a luminous stool that matches the look and feel of the Jumbo Bar. Turn it upside-down and Drink Light becomes a fabulously trendy ice or wine bucket. The light comes handy to read the labels of wine or beer bottles at a night party.
SOURCING:
+ Jumbo Bar by Jorge Najera at Generate Design – price: $1499 USD
+ Drink Light by Jorge Najera – price: $379 USD
Categories:
HOME decor
PARTY supplies
ENTERTAINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Saturday, August 09, 2008 12:57 PM | Feedback (2)
When I received an invitation from Seven Daughters to sample their wines, the first thing I did was to check their Web site.
Let me tell you that they got my attention right away. The reason is that Seven Daughters target women, a rare move in the wine industry.
Instead of boring us with wine jargon, they emphasis on what, when or where I can drink their wines. I like their concept.
They made wine fun and exciting by suggesting party themes with my girlfriends. After all, women have always get together to talk, share and laugh. Click Girls’ Night In on Seven Daughters’ Web site to download themes for your next girls’ night in.
The Composition
The brand is called Seven Daughters because seven California grape varietals compose each wine.
French Colombard, Chardonnay, Riesling, Symphony, Orange Muscat, Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc are the main ingredients of the Seven Daughters White Winemaker’s.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Friday, August 08, 2008 4:29 PM | Feedback (0)
This is my daily collection of interesting stuff that I saw on the Web.
+ Inspired from the Japanese paper lantern, Arioso Toro does not look like your usual gazebo. Add a couple in your backyard to create instant VIP seats. Arioso Toro is manufactured by Plato from Thailand. Via Gaspard Live and Moco Loco
+ A beautiful kitchen nook photographed on a sunny morning by Geninne. I like how the dishes and the fruits are displayed. Via Geninne’s Art Blog
+ Easter Yu of Muscari finds an original way to present her ring bearers that she sells on Etsy. Via The Event Essentials
Categories:
HOME decor
OUTDOOR
PARTY supplies
BIG events
ENTERTAINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, August 08, 2008 1:57 AM | Feedback (0)
If you wish to make a statement, check out the exceptional wicker collection from Emu. It is nothing like you ever seen before.
The Yucca chairs were featured on an episode of Take It Outside where they were used as dining chairs. The high back means that adds lots of impact to a garden.
The chaise longue goes hip with the Alveo chaise. The semi-covered chaise spreads in a seat and a footrest. The shapes are pretty cool. The cover protects from sunrays and creates a cozy space that can be shared by two persons.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
HOME decor
OUTDOOR
ENTERTAINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, August 06, 2008 1:37 PM | Feedback (0)
Get inspired for casual summer entertaining with three different table linen looks.
I selected tablecloths from Simons, a retailer with stores in Quebec and Montreal. Simons sells women’s wear, men’s wear and home fashion at affordable prices. I often bought table and bed linens from their own brand.
Playing with Patterns
I cannot wait to throw a brunch with this setting. Everything starts with a china pattern. I am so glad that I selected the Chirp Dinnerware set because I can experiment with new tabletop styles.
I discovered that lots of accessories harmonize with the Asian feel of these teal and watercolor bird drawings. I did not expect that when I selected this pattern from the Simple Fine collection by Lenox. I chose this pattern because the drawings were cute and different from my own tableware. I wish to disclose that Lenox sent me a complimentary set last spring to get familiar with their line.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
TABLESCAPE
TABLEWARE
LINENS
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Monday, August 04, 2008 11:19 PM | Feedback (1)
I went to shop last Friday at Zone’s Westmount store. Here are a few interesting products I spotted. You probably have seen the style before but it is great to know where to find them.
The wooden tea box is adorable. If you are crafty, this is a project you can adapt to suit your personality. Fill the boxes with premium tea bags and bring it as a housewarming gift.
The white lanterns caught a lot of attention. Several were bought during while I was there. I almost grab a few for myself but I am not fond of white.
The sleek metal lanterns would fit better within my current terrace design since I already display a stainless steel top island.
Zone carries laser cut divider sheets and plenty of wall decals with drawings and text messages in French and English. Since both are easy to remove, they are a great party decor alternative.
Categories:
HOME decor
OUTDOOR
PARTY supplies
ALL occasions
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, August 04, 2008 10:20 AM | Feedback (0)
I started using a Russell+Hazel organizer when I was an event designer. Storing everything I needed in a single binder works like a charm. Every page looks and feels great.
How I used Russell+Hazel Binder in the Past
The binder collection is extensive. You personalize by putting inside accessories and page types.
I filled my own binder with a few business card holder pages, five pockets to store loose paper, brochures and invoices, the punched and perforated note pages for easy sharing or filing, the sketch pages and the to-do-list pages.
Uniting the chic modern style of Russell+Hazel with the wisdom of wedding editor Anne Chertoff of From "I Will" to "I Do" produces a fantastic wedding organizer.
What Is Inside?
It will be easy to shop and meet suppliers if all your inspirations and wedding details are stored in a single book. After your wedding, the organizer makes a great memorabilia.
Categories:
PAPER goods
ALL occasions
BIG events
ENTERTAINING
GIFT IDEAS
REVIEWS
posted @ Saturday, August 02, 2008 12:27 AM | Feedback (0)
After the sunflower bridal shower, it is the turn of the even more popular and accessible gerbera daisy to be the center of attention.
I imagine this tablescape for a teen girl birthday party. The tablescape was designed by the team at Bellenza as a showcase for their party favors, place card holders and votive holders. The concept fits a Sunday family brunch, a lady lunch, a bridal or a baby shower.
Décor Tips
Wrapping your napkins with a ribbon and a fresh flower is easy. You must delay the execution it until the last minute since you cannot hide a phial. The gerbera should be sturdy enough to support the lack of water. If you wish to preserve the flower longer, put a low height bud vase in each place setting.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
PARTY ideas
BABY showers
PARTY supplies
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Wednesday, July 30, 2008 12:48 PM | Feedback (1)
I felt in love with the work of two more Etsy sellers today. I love to shop on Etsy as I am telling my girl geek friends at lunch today. I find that my friend Tanya is a huge fan too.
In her Etsy Take Five Tuesday, decor8 introduced five amazing etsy sellers. Simple design note cards and stationery usually grab my attention. That is why I enjoy the work of Wendy Chung for Dozi Design.
I have a thing for Finnish design. Syko stands for whimsical and happy designs in patchwork and appliqué. She sews hand made housewares. Her cushion covers are adorable. Her laundry bag and shoe bag would be practical when you travel.
Categories:
PAPER goods
ALL occasions
LINENS
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, July 29, 2008 6:59 PM | Feedback (1)
Jaime of It’s a Jaime Thing sent me the pictures of two bridal showers she designed last year for a cousin and a best friend. They are lots of clues who can recycle for your own parties.
The Sunflower Sunshower
A hand-made tiki bar and lots of fresh sunflowers set the tone of this party. Her cousin, the groom to be, built the tiki hut for his father as a Father’s Day present. It is so cool to reuse his own creation for his bridal shower.
If you wish to host a tiki bar, check out ebay or your local kitsch stores to get your hands on a few tall tiki mugs. Get for the lucky couple a scorpion bowl for 2. These will make nice souvenirs to the couple.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
PARTY ideas
REAL-LIFE
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Tuesday, July 29, 2008 5:06 PM | Feedback (1)
Look at this blissful vacation spot. It is easy to imagine the feeling of waking up on this 180-degree view luxury suite. You wake up looking at one of the most pristine wild territories in Africa.
This resort suite marries cool modern and contemporary furniture to a rustic décor. This is an amazing place is a member of Relais & Chateaux. My to do list grows bigger everyday. I would like to stay at the Singita Lebombo Lodge located in the Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Take clues from the room. You can reverse the process and add rustic touches to your modern house for the duration of an event.
Magazine Pictures
Paris-based photographer Nicolas Matheus took many pictures for French magazines. Looking at his portfolio, I recognized some of the shots. How the rooms are styled in magazines supplies us with inspirations not just for our home décor but also for party decor.
Categories:
PARTY ideas
TRAVEL
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Monday, July 28, 2008 5:11 PM | Feedback (2)
I imagine this birthday party to be every little boy’s dream. What a treat it must have been for all the kids who showed up.
Reproduce the Look and Feel
You can organize a go kart competition as long as you have enough land. To avoid the cost of renting go karts, you can organize a bike competition where each kid brings its own bike. For safety reasons, clock individual runs. You can use big wheel bikes and tricycles for the younger kids.
Simply construct a race track with road safety cones. Try the circuit a few times to make sure it is safe for the kids.
Flag Race Pennants are easy to find in stores or online. Pennants are available at toys stores and party supplies stores. Auto dealer supply stores carry economical triangular and rectangular race flag pennants with long ropes.
Categories:
PARTY ideas
KIDS party
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Sunday, July 27, 2008 5:44 PM | Feedback (1)
Yesterday, I went to the opening of Apple’s Montreal flagship store on Sainte-Catherine Street West.
I met a few friends on my way there. I did not spent a lot. I just bought a sport armband for my iPod Touch. I selected the all black Sportsuit Convertible by Marware. I tried it this morning. It feels comfortable and sits well on my arm.
Artist Live Performances for Several Weeks
What is cool is that Apple hosts a series of free 1-hour concert at 7pm almost every night. Amongst the list, I would like to hear and see live performance from :
- Alex Cuba - Sunday, July 27, 2008
- David Usher – Tuesday, July 29, 2008
- DJ Champion - Friday, August 8, 2008
- Simple Plan - Monday, August 18, 2008
- Alfa Rococo - Wednesday, August 20, 2008
- Creature - Thursday, August 21, 2008
Categories:
OFF topics
BIG events
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Saturday, July 26, 2008 7:09 PM | Feedback (0)
Making a good first impression always counts. Nicely wrapping a gift takes a little more time than inserting your gift in a bag topped with tissue paper. But recipients notice this gesture. So it is worth the effort.
In certain cultures, gifts are open in private. Therefore, your gift is publicly judged by the way it is wrapped. People who worked in Japan told me that they received more than once a gift where the wrapping costs more than what was inside.
I like to keep a small assortment of wrapping papers along with ribbons and gift tags. Simplify your life with patterns suitable for several occasions.
Whimsy Press
Blue Bird from the Green with Envy line by Whimsy Press can be used for weddings, showers, and birthdays.
Categories:
PAPER goods
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Saturday, July 26, 2008 1:15 AM | Feedback (0)
I love all green salads except for the watery Iceberg lettuce. Watercress is at the top of my list.
Very Nutritious
I make a watercress salad at least once a week. I will keep doing it now that I know that watercress is deemed to be a super-food by dietary experts.
Watercress is a top source of vitamins C, B1, B6, K and E, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese and zinc. Click here for a comparative nutritional analysis.
If you wish to add watercress to your diet, you can start with these super easy recipes.
Tea Sandwiches Recipes
I always want to host a tea party but never find the right time. In the meantime, I collect recipes and delightful tea leaves.
Nikki of Canarygirl proposes her Homemade Aioli and Baby Watercress Tea Sandwiches, a simpler version of the classic. Nikki elevates the sandwich by using an arabesque pattern breakfast china set.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Thursday, July 24, 2008 5:17 PM | Feedback (3)
Passing from a NASA engineer to a successful cake designer and baker makes a pretty extraordinary story. BethAnn Goldberg had the creative gene since she started out as a ceramic sculptor before graduating from Stanford.
Studio Cake makes three types: the tiered cakes, the sculpted cakes and the cupcakes. The level of details is impressive. Look at the icy snow on the ground of the snowman cupcakes.
Let the Birthday Cake Be The Gift
If you are planning a birthday for someone that has everything, give a one of kind birthday cake instead. The guest of honor will be in awe when he/she sees the cake. Highlight the event with harmonizing invites, party décor and even wear costumes. Let the party of a lifetime be your gift.
Categories:
ALL occasions
KIDS party
BIG events
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, July 24, 2008 12:30 PM | Feedback (0)
This is an important moment in the life of a beloved blogger. Pam of housemartin opened her shop yesterday.
A Long Process
Pam prepped this opening for the last 2 years. I recalled the day she announced she found the place where to establish Ink & Peat.
I spotlighted her bouquets, made from home, several times last year. She is thrilled to do her floral creations from the store now.
Here are the first pictures from the inside of Ink & Peat. Her good taste and her style transcend in the visual merchandising. I imagine Ink & Peat will become a must-go destination in Portland. I am sure you will want to join me to wish Pam all the best.
>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: Ink & Peat
Via: A store is born [housemartin]
Categories:
PARTY supplies
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Thursday, July 24, 2008 1:49 AM | Feedback (0)
On Sunday, I talked about the upscale burgers prepared by French Chefs. We tried a recipe that same night. I referred to my version as my Parisian burgers on Twitter. Several Tweeple were curious.
Jerome and I relish the Parisian burgers. The burger reaches new height. We cannot wait to invite friends so they can appreciate their full flavor.
Last Winter
This is not our first excursion to a different burger experience. We savored the Father’s Office burgers in Santa Monica. We liked it but we were not overwhelmed by the flavor. Both recipes prove that mayonnaise, mustard or ketchup are not essential to make a delicious burger.
Our Interpretation of The Café Salle Pleyel Burger
This was a team effort. I dug the recipe, adjusted the ingredients to our taste and my husband Jerome cooked the meal. Be prepared to taste the ultimate burger. The burgers were cooked on the BBQ.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:15 AM | Feedback (3)
Look at the previous post as the Splurge and this one as the Steal. If you are looking for a cheap and safe alternative to regular candles, President’s Choice can come to the rescue.
The glow does not seem as impressible and realistic as the flameless candles by Candles Impressions. But if you are in the rush, you can buy those while doing your grocery.
None of these two brands produce something as cool as the Oxo Candela rechargeable lights. But if you need to light many tables, you will not bust your budget with the President’s Choice Flameless candlelight options.
>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: PC Flameless Tealights – price: $1.99 CAD
Learn more: PC Flameless Votives – price: $3.99 CAD
Learn more: PC Flameless Wax Pillar Candle – price: $9.99 CAD
Categories:
EVERYDAY
TABLESCAPE
PARTY supplies
BIG events
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Monday, July 21, 2008 5:33 PM | Feedback (3)
This is old news but I dug it today. So I thought of sharing it with you in case you missed that announcement. When exploring the Oxo’s catalogue, I noticed the candela lights designed by Vessel marked as an Oxo product.
Curious, I investigated the matter until I discovered that Oxo acquired the intellectual property to the rechargeable lighting products from Vessel in 2007. I think that since that acquisition, the price of the candela packs may be slightly lower than they used to be.
There were production and battery problems when Vessel was producing it. As a housewares company used to deal with manufacturing issues, Oxo was better equipped to solve the problem efficiently. Vessel still collaborates with Oxo on future design.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
HOME decor
OUTDOOR
ALL occasions
ENTERTAINING
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, July 21, 2008 4:45 PM | Feedback (0)
Serving burgers is so common that the stylish hostess is always on the lookout to elevate the basic recipe. Using a better cheese or changing the condiments is one way to go. Now the French Chefs are playing with the burger recipes.
Eating Habits
I still see many European who immigrated in Canada eating their hot sandwich or their burger with utensils. It feels strange. I must confess that I eat warm submarines with my knife and fork at home because it is less messy. But burgers and French fries are finger food. For their comfort, I provide two large napkins to every guest when we serve hamburgers.
Burgers are Turning Chic on the New York Times
This is why I enjoyed reading an article from the New York Times. It explains how the French Chefs are reinventing this American dish. My husband is cooking our version of the Café Salle Pleyel Burger tonight. I will talk about it if we like it. But I can tell you that it smells good in the house.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
TRENDS
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Sunday, July 20, 2008 10:25 PM | Feedback (1)
Last Friday, I indulged in a Finnish meets modern meets hammam water spa experience. I wanted to try it since Balnea opened a few years ago in the Eastern Township.
Sitting next to Lac Gale with a superb view of the Appalaches, the site is designed around the balneotherapy. I liked my day but Balnea felt short on the drinking water part and in helping me getting the most of the balneotherapy.
How My Day Goes By
Balnea simply provides a small water bottle for the day. Unlike many spas, they do not have a self-served cucumber water station. But you can stop by the café anytime for a complimentary herbal tea.
We booked the Sukhasana package which includes a semi-private yoga (our trio), one hour of massage and the lunch. Be aware that the lunch is up to $13, which means that you eat a soup and a healthy sandwich without extra. Their salad meal bowls are $12-$13.
Categories:
ALL occasions
TRAVEL
MANNERS
ENTERTAINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Sunday, July 20, 2008 2:16 PM | Feedback (3)
I am going to a BBQ this afternoon. I was invited a few weeks ago and I forgot this is a housewarming party.
As I woke up, I realized that I need a card and a gift. This happens to all of us. Luckily, I found a congratulation card that matches the personality of my friend in my stash. My husband will walk to a local merchant to buy the perfect item for our friend – I told him what to get.
This is why I like the concept behind the Fresh Style Card File collection by Cecily Ink. The set is organized by category:
- 4 birthday cards
- 4 thank-you cards
- 4 sentiments: sorry, get well, with love, miss you
I think the multiple-occasion card boxes is a market that is under utilized in the stationery business. With so many unforeseen events we have to attend, having cards on hand save us time.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
PAPER goods
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Saturday, July 19, 2008 1:09 PM | Feedback (0)
Kits saved us a lot of time; something that we all welcome. But I am picky when it comes to using kits for my tablescape or my party decor.
The Dos and Don'ts of Using Kits
The main reason to be careful when using kits is that kits can lack sophistication by being too repetitive. As a rule of thumb, I stay always of the exact same image printed on everything that comes in the kit.
Over the last couple of years, many innovative graphic design brands started their own fine stationery shop. These small graphic studios brought a different aesthetic to the paper goods market. As a result, we can find wonderful kit options at a reasonable price. The key remains to know where to look for fabulous kits.
This is why I am thrilled by Places, Everyone, the latest addition from Cecily Ink. Founder Alex Wijnen of Cecily Ink designed a cool paper table settings collection.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
TABLESCAPE
PAPER goods
PARTY supplies
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Saturday, July 19, 2008 12:46 PM | Feedback (0)
I am happy to announce that the Real-life Party series which will feature actual parties done by you is officially opened.
To be fair, it is the third real-life parties from readers since I showcased the Caveman Theme for a 40th Birthday Party in January 2008 and Yuri Gagarin's Night Party 2008 in Montreal in April 2008.
Birthday Cake and Party Favors
Steph, a.k.a. KiwiGirlSteph on Flickr made these adorable cupcakes for a boy fourth birthday party. This mom is very talented and she bakes cakes for her friends and family.
Categories:
KIDS party
CAKES
REAL-LIFE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Thursday, July 17, 2008 8:47 PM | Feedback (1)
Food covers are a necessity in certain regions. Unfortunately, they often lack style. This is not the case of these gorgeous bamboo food covers.
Available in three colors from the UK retailer Graham and Green, you can harmonize the bamboo food covers with a set of 3 baskets.
Like you can see on the left picture, the look feels more sophisticated if you mix colors. Repeat some key elements and have fun creating your tabletop.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Summer Bamboo Food Cover at Graham and Green – price: £10.95
Buy online: Summer Bamboo Baskets at Graham and Green – price: £12.95 for the set of 3
Categories:
EVERYDAY
OUTDOOR
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Thursday, July 17, 2008 2:15 AM | Feedback (0)
I was reading an issue of the French magazine Elle à Table at lunch. As I turned the pages, I noticed something particular about the food ads.
They have a warming message like we see for alcohol. Except that the message written in large font at the bottom of each food ad promotes good eating habits.
Processed Food Advertising in France
To feed my curiosity, I visited mangerbouger.fr to get the facts. All processed food products and drinks with added sugar, sweetener or salt are subject to this law. The law became in effect February 28, 2007.
I think that Canada and the United States should do the same. Everyone can benefit by following these 4 simple rules:
- Avoid food that is too fatty, too salty or too sweet
- Eat daily 5 portions of fruits and vegetables
- Refrain snacks between meals
- Exercise regularly.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
TRENDS
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, July 16, 2008 4:49 PM | Feedback (1)
One clear fact that emerged from my debate on kid birthday party favors is the party favors must be useful to win everyone’s hearts.
Craft Project
Ohdeedoh showcases this vintage looking oilcloth lunch bag by Martha Stewart’s Living today. They have a universal appeal.
Kids uses lunch bags all the time. This model has the advantage that you can insert it in the kid backpack. You could add a Velcro if you want that the bag stayed closed.
Categories:
KIDS party
PARTY favors
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Tuesday, July 15, 2008 2:10 PM | Feedback (0)
When we went to San Francisco last winter, we rented a Prius. It is a fun car to drive. We stayed at Hotel Vitale and two Fairmont hotels. My husband and I truly appreciated the fact that Fairmont gave us free valet parking because we drove a hybrid car.
Unfortunately, Fairmont green generosities extend only to California. I find the hip Hotel Vitale with its relaxing and good for the soul experience is missing the boat by not having a similar policy. This is the only area where I give a failing grade to Hotel Vitale.
Opus Hotels in Vancouver and Montreal
As a Canadian, I am proud to announce that the Canadian boutique hotel chain Opus Hotels started to offer free valet parking to anyone who shows up in a hybrid car. Opus Hotels has a blog where they tell how what measures they are taking right now to lesser the impact of environment.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
TRAVEL
TRENDS
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Tuesday, July 15, 2008 11:35 AM | Feedback (0)
Buying the candles for the birthday cake is the last thing I typically do when I host a party. This means that I settled too many times for the usual tricolor 24-candle package. I would feel less rush if I stock in advance.
With these 5 candles from 3 brands, you will be ready the next time you celebrate the birthday of a loved one.
Fred
The first two comes from the whimsical Fred brand. The Birthday Candelabra is available in pink or white. I want it next year on my cake.
I finished a couple weeks ago watching Rome series on DVD. Therefore I feel an attachment to the Roman candles.
Worldwide Co.
Continuing with humor, Worldwide Co. proposes 10 Who's Counting? models for or age sensitive friends or just for some Birthday fun. You can let the cake speak and say Lost Count, Don’t Ask, 21 again, 29 again, Thirty-ish, Forty-ish, Young at Heart, You’re Old. The traditional I Love You and Happy Birthday complete this collection. The Who's Counting? Candles collection won the Gift of the Year award in 2007.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
PARTY supplies
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Tuesday, July 15, 2008 1:48 AM | Feedback (1)
The pirate theme seduces both children and adults. A pirate party is fit to be really creative with the décor and the food. I spot the cutest pirate cake and cupcakes on Cupcakes Take The Cake blog.
The Sweet Tooth Fairy, a cake shop from Salt Lake City made a Jolly Roger pirate cake plus several dozens of pirate cupcakes for a pirate party. I like everything from the blue and red color palette to the execution.
Pirate Kid Party Ideas
If you are looking for decor ideas, check out the pirate party mood board I did last year. The pirate theme was designed for an outdoor kid birthday party. Yo-ho-ho! A Pirate Party! written by The Finer Things provides more cool ideas.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
KIDS party
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Monday, July 14, 2008 7:17 PM | Feedback (1)
I wish to share a little bit of my love for modern architecture houses today. This house is incredible on paper with two kitchens, a game room and 4 bedrooms.
Unfortunately, the interior pictures are sparse on the real estate site.
This house is beautiful without a doubt. It is easy to imagine the potential of this $1,975,000 AUD house. The total experience would be to see this house with some furniture.
Home Staging
It shows why home staging a house is important to get the best price. If you try to sell your home, make the most of every viewing by putting attention to lifestyle details.
Buyers want to look at more than empty rooms these days. Not every potential buyer is an interior designer or has developed the capability to see what a room will look like with furniture in it.
Categories:
EVERYDAY
HOME decor
ENTERTAINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, July 14, 2008 10:21 AM | Feedback (0)
We can always find unexpected creative products from the design team at Fred. This time, they outshine themselves with their latest collection.
My favorite new products from the Autumn 2008 collection are:
FINGERFOOD is an imaginative concept. The charming little plates with rings fit right on your finger to let you carry around hors d’oeuvres.
Fred is contributing a portion of the proceeds from the PEACE of CAKE mould to organizations dedicated to peaceful resolution of conflict, justice for all, and respect for human rights.
This little truck made from satiny porcelain rolls on real rubber wheels. I love the slogan for TOOTHPICKUP: it’s where to park your picks.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY supplies
DISHING tips
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Monday, July 14, 2008 1:56 AM | Feedback (3)
A bridal shower should feel special. Why not include a dress-up / costume session for the bride to be and develop your party theme around it?
Geisha Party Theme
A couple years ago, we dressed a girlfriend as a geisha. Her bridal shower occurred over a full day. It was split in 3 parts.
We planned a hair and makeup session at a beauty salon starting at 11 o’clock. Since it takes time to create the geisha look, a friend brings her lunch. She then wore the kimono. A toast with champagne completed the first round.
Then, eight girls participated at a genuine Japanese tea ceremony at my house. We had a tea tasting first. Then, the 45-minute tea ceremony took place. It was a fun experience for everyone.
The group expends for the evening party. We ate at a sushi and tempura restaurant. All the women and girls invited to the wedding came to dinner.
Categories:
PAPER goods
PARTY ideas
ALL occasions
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GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Sunday, July 13, 2008 9:33 PM | Feedback (2)
The French designers master the art of creating fun yet stylish textile patterns. And Atelier LZC continues to prove it.
We all need a few extraordinary sets to supplement our everyday tea towels. When placed on the right display, tea towels add visual interest to a simple room design. Tea towels often replace placemats and cooking mitts in the kitchen.
Entertaining Accessories
Why not put a tea towel instead a hand towel in your powder room when you entertain? Their latest Japon (Japan) and Souvenirs (Memories) models would compliment nicely an Asian party theme.
Bunny Maxwell sells a few items from Atelier LZC in the United States. They do ship internationally but you must call them to get the rates and timeframe.
The Parisian Gold Tray and the Nocturne Tray will add a definite French flair to your party. The trays are made from melamine.
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GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Sunday, July 13, 2008 2:25 PM | Feedback (2)
G. from my network got a fabulous idea. He organizes weekly friendly pétanque games in the park. Everyone brings their own boules and food. He brings a portable BBQ.
Make Your Own Club
Sometimes entertaining can be as simple as planning and hosting an event around an hobby. Everyone can bring their own stuff. Still, the investigator receives the merits of organizing the event.
G. uses Facebook to inform us of the event and gather attendances. It is quick and easy to set up. We have an informal meeting but you can easily make a league and keep leader boards.
Obviously, you can devise a Provincial party theme for an annual picnic event. Most cities require a permit if you wish to host a picnic of 25 persons or more in a city park. Often the fees will guarantee you a spot with tables and a few BBQ. Ask if you are allowed to serve alcoholic beverages.
You can find across America Pétanque clubs with actual pétanque courts. But it is not a must to play; you can play on grass if you have to. It is better to play on a hard dirk surface. R