PARTY ideas
a source of inspiration through mood boards, activities and party themes
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.
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DINING
posted @ Friday, August 08, 2008 4:29 PM | 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.
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TABLESCAPE
PARTY ideas
BABY showers
PARTY supplies
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Wednesday, July 30, 2008 12:48 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.
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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.
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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.
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PARTY ideas
KIDS party
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Sunday, July 27, 2008 5:44 PM | Feedback (1)
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.
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EVERYDAY
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ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Thursday, July 24, 2008 5:17 PM | Feedback (3)
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.
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FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
KIDS party
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
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KIDS + BABY
posted @ Monday, July 14, 2008 7:17 PM | Feedback (1)
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.
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PAPER goods
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ALL occasions
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ENTERTAINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Sunday, July 13, 2008 9:33 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. Remember that the boules must be able to roll. If you like the game, here are so clues on how to build your own pétanque court.
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FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
OUTDOOR
ENTERTAINING
DINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, July 09, 2008 11:30 AM | Feedback (0)
If you are still looking for ideas to celebrate Canada Day tomorrow, do not despair. I got an easy solution for you than is sure to impress your friends and family.
Simply read the casual and relaxed guide prepared by Cheryl Chan for The Vancouver Province. The owner of Bright Ideas Event Coordinators, Sharon Bonner and I share party ideas to help you organize a fun Canada Day party.
The story covers every elements of your party from venues, décor, food and drink menus, activities, and settings. I wish to thank again Cheryl Chan for this interview.
Traditional Dessert
Pouding chomeur is a classic, comfort food dessert in Quebec. Adults and kids love the taste. I will prepare and showcase the three most typical recipes. You get to see the difference between the original pouding chomeur recipe up to an upscale version served on individual ramekins.
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FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Monday, June 30, 2008 2:21 PM | Feedback (0)
Literal party themes are not my thing. You do not need to fill the room with maple leafs or over saturate the space with the flag patterns like it is suggested by the mass produced dinnerware and party supplies.
You can still show your patriotism at your party by doing it on a more subtle way. Deconstruct the element of the flag, reinvent the color palette by adding a trendy accent color. The idea is to create a unique modern and more sophisticated party scheme.
If you look closely at these styled pictures by IKEA, you can devise around the Summer IKEA collection a beautiful scheme to celebrate either Canada Day or the Fourth of July. At least, you will be able to enjoy the stuff the rest of the summer.
Dining On the Lawn Setting
Do a picnic in your backyard. Lay down several eating areas with DYNING, a beach mat available in red and light blue.Fill the floor with red and white HEMÖN rugs, SOMMAR table runners and GRENÖ round cushions.
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PARTY ideas
PARTY supplies
HOLIDAY
KIDS party
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:00 PM | Feedback (2)
When I entertain at home, I prefer to cook easy to make but tasty recipes. The hostess should plan her event so she can enjoy the presence of her guests. This is why I like the latest book by Gordon Ramsay.
Entertaining Philosophy
A quote from Gordon Ramsay's Fast Food says it all:
"However amazing a dish looks, it is always the taste that lingers in your memory."
The stylish hostess makes an effort on food presentation. But we must accept that we are not Chefs either. My priority for easy entertaining is to design a stunning tabletop, cook a delicious meal and after, try to plate the food more beautifully.
About The Book
I do not really follow Gordon Ramsay on TV. I bought Fast Food because his cookbook provides tasty recipes built around menus and types of food plus some essential cooking tips.
You get recipes for fast soups, appetizers, antipasti, salads, sandwiches, eggs, working lunches, pasta, shellfish, fish, meat, vegetarian, side dishes, fruity desserts and creamy desserts.
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EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Sunday, June 22, 2008 2:48 PM | Feedback (1)
This story is born of two needs. I wanted to showcase the best from the Boating Party and Picnic board by Snippet & Ink on {frolic!}. The second need was to help you plan your Canada Day party.
Let's start with the latest cookbook by Anita Stewart. I bought my copy at Costco a few weeks ago. Anita Stewart's Canada is a culinary experience that mixes the traditional cooking of our grandmothers with the modern Canadian cuisine. It also celebrates the regional differences from coast to coast.
Whitewater Cooks by Shelley Adams is another Canadian cookbook. Reading the reviews, convinced me. I just bought online my copy. Everyone says that the recipes are really tasty and simple to make.
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FOOD + drinks
PAPER goods
PARTY ideas
HOLIDAY
DISHING tips
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Saturday, June 21, 2008 2:15 PM | Feedback (3)
If you or your children participate in a sport team, a party is certainly taken place at the end of the season. Or you may organize an alumni meeting this summer.
You typically want something special yet affordable. Get inspired by these adorable event design ideas.
Photo Display
The photos hanging by clothes pins on a twine is a concept that can be applied to so many events in so many ways.
From a graduation party, an engagement party, to a first year wedding anniversary or the first birthday of your baby, displaying photos creates a connection. Your guests feel more inclined to share memories.
For a baby shower, create a family tree line. The center will be filled by a few photos of the pregnancy and the happy couple.
Drinkware
Serving food and cocktails in mason jars is favored by cool bars, bistro restaurants and caterers. The details of this real wedding designed by Rebecca Stone of Duet Weddings are featured on Style Me Pretty.
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EVERYDAY
PARTY ideas
BABY showers
DISHING tips
BIG events
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:23 AM | Feedback (2)
Young boys and girls adore playing with a cardboard house. My nephew made his own from big appliance boxes, like we used to do when I was a child.
If you throw a kid birthday party or are having a play date, decorating a plain white cardboard house would be a playful activity that will occupy the kids for a while. It is a creative and social game.
Craft House Party
Mothers can be crafty too with cardboard houses. Imagine creating an entire village in a kid playroom.
Artists decorated these houses. They illustrated the extent of the possibilities. These artist houses were auctioned for a Unicef project.
Kidsonroof House has the typical house shape with windows, doors and letterbox. Based in Amsterdam, Kidsonroof produces toys for creative and playful kids. Their cardboard houses should be available in the United States at Wallcandy pretty soon.
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PARTY ideas
KIDS party
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ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Tuesday, June 17, 2008 2:38 PM | Feedback (0)
An impressive 24 countries in 38 towns celebrated the Apéritif à la française on Thursday, June 5th, 2008!
I really enjoyed my night at Apéritif à la française in Montreal. I was not alone. The evening was a big hit with 1,500 guests attending. This number includes industry insiders and the general public.
What Happened?
We tasted great food, flavorful cocktails, tasty French wines and dance to the beat of DJ Gregory from France.
Several activities besides food and drinks tasting were taken place. In front of the entrance, a series of vintage French cars were parked. There was a Citroën similar to the one lieutenant Columbo used to drive.
It was possible to book an appointment with the hairdressers to get a black tie event hairdo. I wish I did. A photograph then took a souvenir picture with your girlfriends.
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FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
DINING out
BIG events
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Monday, June 16, 2008 1:54 PM | Feedback (0)
Everyone who saw the fabulous robot cupcakes by the talented Hello Naomi is impressed. You have to admit her vintage robot cupcakes are hard to resist.
Most people think of the robot theme in terms of a young boy party. I can tell you that robots are not just for kids. Science-fiction fans love them too.
When my husband saw the cupcakes and the robot tabletop designed by Hostess of the Mostess (middle right pictures), he told me that he would be thrilled having a robot birthday party. Obviously, his version will be more grown up. I still have a few months to make it happen.
Based on the cupcakes by Hello Naomi and the tabletop by Hostess of the Mostess, I decide to scout for more robot party inspirations.
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PARTY ideas
ALL occasions
KIDS party
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 6:42 PM | Feedback (0)
Last weekend was the birthday of a friend. Cooking an elaborate dinner for 10 persons is very demanding on the host, unless you hire help. His girlfriend opted to hire a Chef for the night. A wise choice!
Food and Wine Pairing
No proper meal should be served without harmonizing food and wine.
The Chef can suggest a list of wines that you can buy. For the no-hassle entertaining experience, let the Chef bring the wine. This way, if the menu slightly changes due to produce availability, the Chef can adjust the wine selection.
Dinnerware and Cutlery Rentals
No dishwashing for you. The Chef and his aid clean up the kitchen before they leave. For that reason, the fees will vary whether you use your own dinnerware or if you rent the dinnerware. By renting the dinnerware, glassware and cutlery, the Chef team has less cleaning to do.
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FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
DISHING tips
MANNERS
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Friday, June 13, 2008 3:01 PM | Feedback (3)
Watching the first episode of the third season of Take It Outside gave me the idea of a Moroccan outdoor dinner party.
I give a high mark at Kelly Deck for the way she divided that backyard. Eight people easily sit on her custom made bench. It would be cool to have the space to build one on my own backyard.
The Décor
Stock plenty of cushions on the sofa and lay down a few large round cushions so people can sit on them.
Create a vibrant tabletop full of jewel tones. Prefer the earthy feeling of ceramics. Mix mosaic patterns with solid plates and bowls. As you can see from the tea picture at the bottom, you can mix lots of rich hues.
If you cannot find any Moroccan inspired dishes, I propose you check out the Sausalito dinnerware collection. Despite its Mexican influence, the colors of the collection harmonize well with this theme.
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TABLESCAPE
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
OUTDOOR
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
REVIEWS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, June 09, 2008 12:30 AM | Feedback (2)
These fabulous tablescapes were designed by a group of event planners for their association conference. They look too great that I could not resist showing you.
The party theme was Alice in Wonderland. The results are stunning.
My Favorite Elements
The inside of the huge drum shape fixture features drawings inspired by Alice in Wonderland. The Perfect Petal created these fantastic tabletops.
The cutlery planted on the gold tumbler glass adds an unconventional touch. The plates were gorgeous.
The metallic bird with the artificial rose is so pretty. Your guests feel important when every guest has its own flower. Doing it this way serves a double and even a triple duty. If you do something like that, you could tell your guests that this is their party favor.
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TABLESCAPE
PARTY ideas
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BIG events
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Saturday, June 07, 2008 12:51 AM | Feedback (1)
Four years ago, the first edition of Apéritif à la française was held in 13 countries and 17 cities. Since then, more cities and countries participate in this culinary experience. Montreal and Toronto in Canada plus New York City are the three North American participating cities.
The event always happens on the first Thursday of June. This year, it is today. It promotes the French art de vivre through a tasting of French food and drinks.
Big Bash in Montreal
I am thrilled since I am going tonight. I am thrilled because past events were a huge success.
These pictures were taken at the 2007 edition. The event is taking place at the Centre des sciences de Montréal in the Old Port. I purchased my tickets a month ago. Usually, Apéritif à la française is a sold out event.
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FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
BIG events
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Thursday, June 05, 2008 1:37 PM | Feedback (3)
A fun party theme idea for this Father’s Day is to host a father and kids baseball game.
Why not make a communal Father’s Day party where brothers, friends, colleagues and neighbors reunite to celebrate together?It allows everyone to have a playful and active day outside.
Food and Drink
These adorable icing baseball cookies caught my eyes last week. They are the creations of a San Diego mom named Lori. She took occasional cooking classes. It shows that Lori worked in the catering business while in college. Her blog, The Recipe Girl is about her adventures in her kitchen and her passion for cooking.
Your guests will be impressed to each have their own cookies. You can also divide the batches of cookies by family name.
Refreshments are important when you play outside. Make sure you have plenty.
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FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
ALL occasions
KIDS party
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Tuesday, June 03, 2008 2:33 PM | Feedback (0)
We owe a lot to our parents. After all they gave us an environment to flourish and expand our horizon.
The customs want that you throw a big party at the 25th and the 50th anniversary. Kids should be the ones that organize it. The problem is that kids are still in school for the 25th, so they cannot afford an extravagant party. And 50 seems so far and your parents will be old.
Why not throw a big bash when the kids are able to pay for it and the parents have not yet retired? This way, it can be a real threat.
Baby boomers are cooler and healthier. Forget the golf course and throw a hip Miami club scene. If the family is not ready to travel south for the party, here are the key elements to recreate the setting around a pool or on a sandy beach.
Unisex Party Theme
Devise a theme that will appeal to your mom and your dad. This scheme uses a lot of round shapes and feminine touches. But the metal, the futurist look of the Onfalos grill and the Bang & Olufsen loudspeakers talk to your dad.
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PARTY ideas
TRENDS
BIG events
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Sunday, June 01, 2008 1:46 PM | Feedback (0)
Style Me Pretty leads as a real wedding showcase destination. Today, Abby Larson featured the wedding of Paul and Melissa who got married in a city park in Austin, Texas.
The wedding was beautifully executed on a budget. I granted you that Paul is a landscape designer so it is not really a true DIY flower arrangement project. Still with practices and a good eye, you can aspire to reproduce something similar.
The Art of Repetition
These tabletop and event décor pictures illustrate very well a design principle that I cherish. I am talking about the art of design repetition. I favor duplication with variety to exact replication.
For this wedding, fruits and leaves are used over and over. Since they are reinterpreted on each station or function, you are surprised and seduced even more by the theme repetition. That leads to a sophisticated, carefully planned wedding party design.
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TABLESCAPE
PARTY ideas
BIG events
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Friday, May 30, 2008 12:40 PM | Feedback (0)
We do not have always to look at the latest things to find cool ideas.
A flashback to summer 2006 from Living etc teaches us a thing or two about outdoor party decorations. These are great ideas for your upcoming family events all summer long.
Eco-friendly Way to Keep the Insects Away
Living etc suggests we hang a clear plastic bag filled with water on top of your outdoor dining table to keep the insects away. I will try this trick to see if it works. Hang want the little kids to ask questions, use a fishing line for the invisible effect.
Decorating Ideas for an Outdoor Kid Party
- Set up several areas with toys. Prioritize games for all ages.
- A single element may be all you need to create a statement. Colorful cushions under a distinctive parasol, large dominos next to fun chairs took a few minutes to set up.
- The dressing-up tent can be used to make a play or a fashion show.
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EVERYDAY
PARTY ideas
OUTDOOR
KIDS party
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Sunday, May 25, 2008 1:06 PM | Feedback (0)
Perhaps you remember a TV show that's become a bit of a cult classic. The Joy of Oil Painting was a How-To show hosted by hippy-dippy artist, Bob Ross.
On each half-hour episode he'd complete an oil painting – usually a landscape with lots of "happy trees". He made it looks so easy! Suddenly I had a great idea for a party.
Tag Team Painting with Bob
Why not host a painting party? Fine art is so refined, right? Not in this case, because in order for this party to be truly fun, alcohol is a must. Best of all, no artistic talent is needed. I call this party Tag Team Painting With Bob (Drinks on the Side).
Basically, your guests are divided into groups of two or more. The show begins and painter number one paints along with Bob. After five minutes, the next person takes over while the first imbibes. And around they go until the show is over.
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EVERYDAY
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ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 4:23 PM | Feedback (3)
I am thrilled to have my first guest blogger, Jennifer Mitchell of Design Hole.
I'm so happy to be guest blogging for Kim. I write about interior design and this gives me a chance to write about my second love – throwing dinner parties for friends. Did I mention that I love to cook? I do.
My favorite dinner party is the one I throw every January, when it's my turn to play hostess for my book club. In our book club, the hostess chooses the book. And, while we all always enjoy the associated discussion, for us the evening is really all about the food.
I like to plan the menu around the location or theme of the book. Sometimes it presents a bit of a challenge, but it also makes it more fun. Here is one of my favorite book club ideas.
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EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Monday, May 05, 2008 11:43 AM | Feedback (1)
Event design is a huge market. Big brands have the monetary wealth to indulge in fabulous event decor. They make us dream and inspire us.
Let's me introduce you to the lavish creations from a prolific Australian three-dimensional design studio Gloss Creative.
Founded by Amanda Henderson in 2001, Gloss Creative merges the world of Visual Merchandising and design. They call their style Grand Simplicity. Gloss Creative works in four areas: marquees, runaways, set design and floral styling.
In case you do not know, marquee is the British term for a large tent set up for an outdoor party, reception, or exhibition. What I am showing you here are tents designed for the haute society horse races in Australia. I am talking about the Melbourne Cup Spring Racing Carnival events.
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PARTY ideas
DISHING tips
BIG events
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Saturday, April 26, 2008 2:33 AM | Feedback (1)
The latest episode of HGTV's Designer Guys was just in time to close my Earth Day coverage. The Designer Guys were called to give shape to the Tastemakers Celebrity Gift Lounge at Toronto International Film Festival 2007. Reusable, reclaimed and recycled act as the foundation.
My favorite ecological foundation, the World Wildlife Fund-Canada was official charitable partner. They raise funds and provides information for their Save Our Climate campaign.
Located in a 1250 square foot banquet room at InterContinental Toronto Yorkville hotel, the room had a temporary facelift to fit the event. The facelift required the use of temporary solutions that would not damage the original surfaces.
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PARTY ideas
TRENDS
BIG events
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Monday, April 21, 2008 5:51 PM | Feedback (0)
My friend and painter Bettina Forget hosted a great party last Saturday (April 12th, 2008) to commemorate the anniversary of First Man in Space. Yuri Gagarin became the first human to reach space on April 12th, 1961. Yuri orbited the Earth.
The Decor
The loft apartment was nicely decorated for the event. Several guests rented or made cool science-fiction costumes.
Astronomical art exhibit of paintings done by Bettina coupled with the projection of space images and astro-art iMovies created a wonderful atmosphere.
The Space Agency gave us posters, pins, stickers, tattoos so people without costumes looked more festive. Individual gift bags greeted us at the door.
The Drink Menu
Russian vodka was on top of the alcohol chain. The signature drink was Cosmonaut, a drink made of vodka and Tang. At the bar station, the Space-Themes Drink menu was filled with Apollo ‘n Lemon, Sputnik, Saturn V, Soyuz Capsule, Voyager, Mir, Rasputin and Sea of Tranquility.
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EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
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REAL-LIFE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Friday, April 18, 2008 2:41 PM | Feedback (0)
I was looking for fresh ideas a couple weeks ago when I received the digital version of Canadian House & Home May 2008. It is their Green Issue. I want to give pointers for people who care for the environment but are not an aficionado. In short, I am talking about a green party that we can all do.
1. Serving Uncooked Food
Since we eat three times a day, how we cultivate, prepare and consume food has a huge impact of the environment. So why not rely less on the stove for this dinner party?
Besides serving the obvious salads, sushi, meat tartars and vegetarian dishes, what can you do? Canadian H&H reminded me of the raw food movement. I am not a follower but I can see some merits.
Raw Food Movement
Cooking raw requires new cooking techniques and recipes. Raw food is not to cook over 118 degrees Fahrenheit because higher heat degrades the enzymes that help the digestion system. I look at some recipes. Many are lengthy especially if you wish to reproduce the taste and texture of cooked food. If you are a novice, your best bet is probably to order from a raw food caterer or restaurant in your area.
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FOOD + drinks
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TABLEWARE
PARTY favors
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Tuesday, April 15, 2008 12:52 PM | Feedback (3)
I just read the latest book by wedding style guru Maria McBride called Party Basics for New Nesters. The book aimed to be a guide for the first year of entertaining that will experience newlyweds.
The book captures a series of stylish decor, table settings, and menu options. Party Basics for New Nesters cover the yearly round of events from romantic parties for two, dinners for four, weekend feasts, family celebrations, and a wide range of holidays.
Featured posts
In line with the concept of helping newlyweds and young adults to raise the bar compared to their college day party days, I selected three wonderful posts that go back to the basics of entertaining.
NOTCOT for Target’s Club Wedd Catalog- 04.03.08
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DINING
posted @ Monday, April 07, 2008 12:50 PM | Feedback (1)
I was inspired by too many objects when I was writing my Dotted Theme for a Girl Graduation Party post, that I created a second mood board.
This one is an exercise in pattern arrangements. See how a traditional pattern can take a new life when it is harmonized with hip patterns.
My Design
You can leave the top open of the Teeny Green Dots Lunch Box to use them to store vintage mil bottle filled with non alcoholic cocktails or juices. Next to a buffet table, use them as a container for the napkins. Below is the Chain Link pattern from the MacBeth Collection. Chain Link is offer in Pool (blue) and Apple (green).
Categories:
PARTY ideas
PARTY supplies
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Monday, April 07, 2008 1:23 AM | Feedback (0)
A mother wrote to me because she is looking for fun unique ideas for the graduation party of her daughters in May. They want polka dots for a theme with lots of bright spring colors!
I expanded on the polka dots theme for a trendier look. I went instead with fresh, bold patterns where dots are omnipresent. The final look is amusing and young.
Sharing Memories
The mother told me that the girls do not want the boring photo albums. A graduation party is a time to remember where you have been. So I will show you other ways to share memories.
For starter, I suggest distributing around the room notebooks with colored pens for people to write their taught. The unlined notebooks work the best for a party since people can draw or write their messages. Small notebooks are more practical because they are easier to carry around. Select a model that does not require a writing surface. As the girls will get older, they will be happy to have memorabilia of their graduation.
Categories:
PAPER goods
PARTY ideas
BIG events
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Friday, April 04, 2008 2:59 PM | Feedback (4)
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)
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