HOLIDAY
party themes, activities, invites, menus and gift ideas and more on Valentine Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day and similar occasions
To host a casual chic patriotic party, you need to think outside the box. You want to stay away from an overload of flag images. Be inspired by the color palette and the spirit of the celebrations.
I gather wonderful yet simple décor ideas to celebrate Independence Day. They are the best of what I saw this week on the Web. You can even use them if you are at the last minutes.
Drink Recipes
GlamDish featured wonderful drinks that would be great all summer. Cheers to Red, White & Blue! proposes a Chambeer (1 part Chambord, 3 parts beer), a Blue Mojito, a Blakberi Blues and a Blue Hawaiian.
Menu
Check out Rachel Ray’s Fourth of July feast for tasty recipes. Check out her Berry Cakes with Cinnamon Whipped Cream.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
FOOD + drinks
HOLIDAY
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Friday, July 04, 2008 12:09 PM | Feedback (0)
The weather is bright, warm and sunny in Montreal. This is the perfect day for an holiday.
Like PoppyTalk, I wish to celebrate Canadian talents. Here are a few Canadian artists and designer products that are worth mentioning. Canada Day is the day to remember our roots so it does not matter that I introduced some in the past.
Housewares made by Canadians
The Trees storage box and the die cut felt trivets by bookhou are prettily modern.
Jenna Rose is another Canadian designer who makes wonderful housewares and fashion textile products. I have a thing for round textile storage box. There is an old-fashioned charm to her Rooftops Storage Box.
Categories:
HOME decor
ALL occasions
HOLIDAY
TABLEWARE
ENTERTAINING
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Tuesday, July 01, 2008 12:41 PM | 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.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Monday, June 30, 2008 2:21 PM | Feedback (0)
This story is just in time for Canada Day. Who can resist these amazing teepees?
A green living trip to Yukon offers us a chance to go back before the start of our country, to explore our wilderness while enjoying all the convenience of the best green travel experience.
It is fun to be able to indulge in luxury when we travel. I know I do. I would like to explore the natural beauty of the Canadian North someday.
It is now possible to visit Yukon in style and live a unique eco-tourism experience. This is a green vacation spot for people with a good budget. If you are planning a trip to Yukon, take a look at the amazing green resorts from Perfect Earth Tours.
Unique Accommodation
You can stay in a cabin suite but the ultimate experience is to stay in a teepee. The teepees are custom made with organic canvas. Each hardwood floor teepee features all the amenities that you find at a luxury hotel room.
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HOLIDAY
TRAVEL
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Saturday, June 28, 2008 4:51 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.
Categories:
PARTY ideas
PARTY supplies
HOLIDAY
KIDS party
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:00 PM | Feedback (2)
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.
Categories:
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)
Robin and Patches (the owner’s cat) of Lookability produced these cute flipbooks. When flipped properly, this book shows the joys of a primitive animation technique.
The Father-Daughter Robot Dance is so a propos with yesterday's post. It also demonstrates that the robot theme applies as much to a girl than a boy. Remember it for a kid birthday.
You can read the story behind the making of these two flipbooks on Robin’s blog also called Lookability.
It is late to give that to your dad for Father’s Day but I think these flipbooks were cute gift ideas. I forgot to tell you that Sharman Yarnell interviewed me last week about Father’s Day gift ideas for her radio show Showtime on CJAD 800 AM in Montreal.
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PAPER goods
ALL occasions
HOLIDAY
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Sunday, June 15, 2008 12:30 PM | Feedback (0)
I love cookbooks. It seems I never have enough. With so many books, which one to choose.
Save time and start with the 2008 finalists of the James Beard Foundation Cookbook Awards? After all, they examined the latest publications for us.
James Beard Foundation Cookbook Awards is said to be the highest honors for food and beverage professionals working in America. The awards reward excellence in 13 book categories.
I am showing you four books from the Entertaining category. These inexpensive books will each be appreciated as an hostess gift.
Canadian Nominee
A Canadian is nominated this year in the Entertaining cookbook category. I introduced Dish Entertains last year.
The author of Dish Entertains is Trish Magwood, the owner of dish cooking studio located in Toronto. Trish is completing against two cookbooks:
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
HOLIDAY
FAMILY style
HOSTESS gifts
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
REVIEWS
posted @ Tuesday, May 27, 2008 12:44 PM | Feedback (0)
Finished up your invite or add a special touch to a thank you card with your own customized stamps. They are also appropriate to mark a special occasion, a kid birthday or something special happening in your life.
Where to buy?
The personalization process is the same whether you live in the USA or Canada. The difference is where you buy them. In Canada, you must use Picture Postage, a service from Canada Post in partnership with Canadian Bank Note.
In the United States, several companies own a vendor license from United States Postal Service to print customized postage. You can buy the stamps in the denomination that you need: postcard, envelop size and weight. Unfortunately, Canada Post offers only the customized stamp for the most current postage (standard letter under 30 grams).
Categories:
EVERYDAY
PAPER goods
ALL occasions
HOLIDAY
BIG events
ENTERTAINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, May 15, 2008 11:16 PM | Feedback (2)
I hosted a casual Mother’s Day event this year. My husband and I invited our mothers for an intimate breakfast.
My husband cooked wonderful omelets. I have to say this was his best ever. He prepared a Swiss cheese and mushroom omelet with freshly cut chives from our garden.
Tableware
We kept the tabletop really simple. The beauty emerged from the charming plates and cups. It was also the first time I ate in my new Chirp dinnerware set by Lenox. This 2007 pattern is so adorable.
I could have placed the plates over my Birds 'n Trees placemats from Modern-Twist like I shown you here. But a checkered tablecloth caught my eyes that morning. I bought this cotton tablecloth at La Maison Simons last year.
Categories:
HOLIDAY
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Wednesday, May 14, 2008 10:31 AM | Feedback (0)
My husband and I are having breakfast with my mother and my mother in law.
I wish all moms a great day surrounded with their loved ones. Happy Mother's Day!
This is a picture of my mother and I that was taken a few years ago at Mother's Day.
In fact, I delayed the delivery for about two weeks to be born on Mother's Day. I was a double gift for my mother. This is my excuse when I am late for a casual social event.
Categories:
HOLIDAY
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Sunday, May 11, 2008 12:18 PM | Feedback (0)
My favorite Mother's Day memory is the year my brother, sister and I (all in elementary school) pooled our money together and bought as much chocolate fudge as we could afford from our mother's coveted chocolate emporium. As Mom is a chocoholic, she was thrilled. And so were we, since, for some reason, we bought way too much chocolate for just one person.
The memory inspired me to create a Mother's Day menu designed with children in mind. Adult supervision is required, but the kids can do most of the work.
Breakfast in Bed for Mom
Breakfast is the easiest meal to prepare. And after all the tedious work that Moms do, they deserve a day to sleep in and enjoy a day off. Start the day off right with the most important meal of the day. And if there's chocolate involved, prepared by loving hands, it's sure to be an extra good day.
Breakfast Menu
- French Toast au Chocolat
- Sage seasoned sausage patties
- Fresh strawberries
- Coffee or tea
- Freshly squeezed orange juice
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FOOD + drinks
HOLIDAY
DISHING tips
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
posted @ Saturday, May 10, 2008 4:53 PM | Feedback (1)
Tea Forté showed its care for design from the start when they introduced their pyramid shape tea bags. The unique Silken-Tea-Infusers that are individually hand crafted feel luxurious. Many brides and grooms sent a delightful message with them as wedding party favors.
Innovative Ice Tea Pot
With the warm weather, we are longing for iced tea concoctions. Tea Forté Reinvent a classic. I have to agree when their ad says
Fresh and authentic flash-chilled iced teas with a boldly original tableside presentation.
Drinking tea is good for you and makes you feel good. Offer a few moments of relaxation to your mom by giving her this revolutionary brewing pitcher. Operating it is at easy as 1, 2 3.
- Pour boiling water over infuser
- Steep 3 to 5 minutes
- Pour over ice and enjoy!
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ALL occasions
HOLIDAY
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
ENTERTAINING
DINING
KIDS + BABY
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Saturday, April 26, 2008 10:40 PM | Feedback (0)
After beauty products, why not talk going out purses? Some women go crazy for shoes. I enjoy beautiful shoes but I prefer purses.
Every stylish woman should own at least a collection of purses to accessorize with her outfits. As I go to many cocktail events for business and pleasures, evening purses are a must for me.
New Going Out Handbag
My closet will host a new going out handbag soon. I like purses with a personality. Coriander, the latest pattern at Oktak seduced me. I selected the paprika color because bright colors are popular for summer 2008.
I bought my first going out handbag from Oktak last summer. The unique frame purse cleverly integrates the closing mechanism in the handle. I was surprised by how well it works. The design carries a feminine vintage vibe that I enjoy.
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ALL occasions
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Saturday, April 26, 2008 6:34 PM | Feedback (0)
For a few annual celebrations, Sprinkles Cupcakes creates specific designs. These limited edition cupcakes are a quick and chic way to personalize your party or to simply highlight your day. The next four calendar events are in April and May.
Passover – April 19 to 26
Flourless Belgian dark chocolate cake topped with a Madagascar Bourbon vanilla bean glaze. A blue Star of David put the finishing touch to the Passover cupcake design.
Earth Day – April 21 to 25
Like they did in the past with the Pink Ribbon strawberry cupcake, Sprinkles will donate the proceeds of a dedicated cupcake. The proceeds will go to local tree planting and environmental care organizations. To show your support, get a vanilla cupcake with a green tree on the top.
Categories:
HOLIDAY
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Friday, April 18, 2008 5:37 PM | Feedback (0)
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
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HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Sunday, March 23, 2008 12:01 PM | Feedback (0)
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)
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:
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HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Tuesday, March 18, 2008 12:24 AM | Feedback (4)
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)
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)
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)
This post started because I saw the most wonderful dishing of picked eggs photographed in the March 2008 edition of EnRoute magazine. I forgot my copy on the plane so I will describe it for you. And I promise to show you my own version before next Tuesday.
You may be aware that pickled eggs are back in style. But the current version are far more sophisticated than boiled eggs in vinegar jars available in cheap deli restaurants.
These pickled eggs are subtle in taste, often done with organic eggs, duck eggs and quail eggs. You can serve them resting on a nest of watercress or mache salad.
Farm 255, a restaurant that seeks to reconnect food to its roots & people to their food in Athens, Georgia currently serves pickled eggs as appetizers with olive oil, dill, cracked pepper and fennel. Yum!
Nature inspired Easter Tabletop
Forget the artificial color Easter eggs and go for a more natural look. I really enjoy wrique did by dying boiled eggs with onion skins. It really looks like a piece of art. Instead of the basket, use a grayish or brownish earthenware small bowl, a rice bowl for example.
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TABLESCAPE
HOLIDAY
DISHING tips
TABLEWARE
PARTY favors
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, March 05, 2008 1:27 AM | Feedback (1)
To conclude my series on Valentine’s Day this year, I thought of leaving you with inspirational shots. I will also share with my plans to celebrate Valentine's Day.
Food
The food is from the La Porte restaurant on Saint-Laurent Street in Montreal. I took these pictures last October. The oysters tasting plate was amazing.
Restaurant La Porte is a story of love. First of all this is a small French restaurant run by a couple. Thierry et Pascale Rouyé had a restaurant in France before they moved to Canada. These long-time restaurateurs have transmitted their love affairs to their son who is a sous-cook under his Chef father.
The restaurant is named La Porte because they imported a stunning wooden door that they saw while visiting Morocco. It is the focal point of their restaurant.
Finally the attention to details and simply hearing them talking about their dishes indicate that food is a true passion for them. I recommend you try La Porte the next time you fancy upscale French cooking.
Categories:
HOLIDAY
DINING out
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Thursday, February 14, 2008 12:48 PM | Feedback (0)
If you are still looking for inspiration to compose your mini menu on Valentine’s Day, I spotted some pretty romantic recipes on Tastespotting.
Start or end the day with a Hot Chocolate
If you are in New York City this February, schedule a stop at for their famous Hot Chocolate Festival. I wrote it down on my itinerary. Daily flavors are offered on top of the regular blend.
Today, it’s Darkest Dark Hot Chocolate. On the 14th, it’s the Love Potion Hot Chocolate. While a Caramel Hot Chocolate and Chili Pepper Hot Chocolate will be served on February 16th and the 17th respectively. The City Bakery sells its hot chocolates in a shot size at $2 but you can savor a full-sized cup for $4.50. Add 50 cents for a marshmallow.
Otherwise, make your own hot chocolate by melting small pieces of fine chocolate (the darker the better for me) in warmed milk, then sugar and add a dash of vanilla and a cayenne pepper. You can try the Hot Hot Cocoa recipe by Michael Smith.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
HOLIDAY
TRENDS
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Monday, February 11, 2008 9:38 PM | Feedback (0)
Even more than red for me, chocolate is the most associate word to Valentine’s Day. That is how I got the idea to set up a brown tablescape. And I forced myself to find beautiful brown dinnerware.
Traditional look
I want to find something that is stylish and will make a statement. The traditional hand-painted Ludovica dinnerware is an exclusivity of Horchow. The style testifies the Italian charms. The beauty of the set is enhanced by the Italian pewter chargers.
The Bavaria model from the Italian brand MEPRA is a classic flatware with just the right amount of decorative elements. If you prefer something a little bit more ornate, the Medici Flatware displayed on the Ludovica saucer looks amazing. The cylindrical, beautifully detailed pewter handles make a statement.
Contemporary look
Since I selected recipes by David Rocca, a more hip dinnerware set seems right. The Cocoa Blossom by Mikasa has all the qualities I was looking for. The color scheme appeals to men. The lush blooms feel young yet refined. And I like the variations in the patterns between the various plates, bowls and serve ware.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
FOOD + drinks
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Thursday, February 07, 2008 8:44 PM | Feedback (0)
February 7, 2008 marks the start of the Year of the Rat. It is also the beginning of the Chinese New Year celebrations.
If you have nothing planned for tonight, there is still plenty of time to improvise with the quick entertaining guide I wrote for the Web site of Food Network Canada.
About the decor
I illustrated some of the key elements of the party so you know what to look for to design your décor. I took the picture of the red lanterns while I was visiting Las Vegas two weeks ago. There are the kind of lanterns you should look for.
If you live in a town with a Chinatown neighborhood, you will have no problems finding the red lanterns, a trio of spring couplets or the red envelops for the pocket money. Wrap your party favors in red packet or small bags.
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IN the press
PARTY ideas
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
REVIEWS
posted @ Thursday, February 07, 2008 2:35 PM | Feedback (0)
If you wish to escape seasonal hearts and the red rose overloaded displays, I devised a solution to celebrate Valentine’s Day in style. You can celebrate Valentine’s Day without taking the predictive road.
What I did is to go back to the root of this festive day which is celebrating love. And I asked myself: How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day if you are in a long term relationship? I have been married for thirteen years. So my husband and I do not celebrate Valentine’s Day like we did in our first year of romance.
Be a part of your love story
I believe that sharing happy memories brings strength to a couple. Therefore, I composed a scheme around reminiscences. Looking back at old photos bring back wonderful memories. I suggest that you challenge your partner to find the top 20 photographs of happiness together.
At the beginning of the night, hang your selected photos up on the footfalls multi designed by Umbra. After eating a wonderful home cooked dinner, look at the photographs and relive these wonderful moments. I am sure it will spark things up.
Categories:
PARTY ideas
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Thursday, February 07, 2008 12:24 AM | Feedback (1)
Something we need a little help for inspirations to prepare our menu. In February, the team at Dish Cooking Studio can help you solve your Valentine’s Day meal dilemma. These are activities you and your lover can enjoy together.
Get Ready for Valentine’s Day
On February 8, Brooke Neveu and her fiancé Jesse, who is an Executive Sous-Chef of the Four Seasons Hotel, Toronto will prepare a romantic meal that you can replicate at home for the big night. This is your chance to learn new cooking tricks and recipes.
There is a 2 for 1 promotion of Get Ready for Valentine’s Day, call to book your seats. Go with a girlfriend. This way, you can help each other if you encounter a problem duplicating the menu.
Couples in the Kitchen
Instead of going to a crowded restaurant this year, why not do something different? You will still enjoy great food and wine during the evening. It is just that it would be a more intimate atmosphere with no work required. This event will be on February 14, 2008 from 6:30 PM to 9 PM at Dish Cooking Studio. It leaves you plenty of time for romance thereafter.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:19 PM | Feedback (0)
Made from English fine bone china, these egg shape candle holders are lovely and modern. They are sold in pair, one medium and one large egg, nicely packaged in a recycled board gift box.
UK artist Michelle Mason designed her latest creations so you can watch the wax drip like egg yolk. It is a fact that the British people like to eat soft-boiled eggs on the morning.
I like the romantic idea but not the wax stain on my tablecloth. If you are like me, you got two choices:
- Buy no dripping candles but you lose the concept
- Rest the pair of egg candle holders on a tray or a wood board
I prefer the second option.
Decorating your home at Easter or for a brunch
Better yet, a single tulip or a branch fits into the hole. So get a few pairs. Mix and match candles, empty eggs and plants to create a dramatic effect in your home.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
HOME decor
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, January 25, 2008 3:10 PM | Feedback (6)
The love in your life deserves something unique. So start with a crafted card from artists on Etsy. I compiled 4 cute Valentine stationery that fit the bill.
First, Love Birds Valentine’s Day Note Cards is a set of 6 note cards designed by Jennifer of Turtle Papers. Lovely! Comes with 6 chartreuse envelops and costs $9. Charming zoo animals, origami cranes and delicious cupcakes are typical topics.
Love is in the Air brought up memories of a popular disco song. I am singing it as I am writing this post. The picture refers to many years before. The orange caught my eye and I like the vintage feeling. Designed by Australian-born Helen of Pepperina Press, Live is in the Air displays eye-catching shades of strawberry silhouette and orange lettering.
Categories:
PAPER goods
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:02 PM | Feedback (1)
January 6 officially marks the end of the Christmas celebrations. You should take down all your Holiday decorations by this date.
Epiphany is referred to as Three Kings Day for commemorating the visit of Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, the three Magi.
But really, everyone can host an Epiphany party since beside its origin no religious ceremony is involved on the celebrations as I know it. And the Three Kings Day customs are fun and simple!
What is a traditional Three Kings Day party?
To make a story short, the tradition goes like that. You host a feast and serve a cake for dessert with a hidden dried bean inside a King cake or the Galette des Rois (puff pastry with an almond paste). You served a piece of cake to everyone. The person who found the Bean is elected King or Queen for the day. The custom implies giving a gift and a head crown to the winner. The winner elects his Queen or her King.
I recalled when I was a kid, I looked forward for Epiphany. I was either invited to a party or my mother would throw a party with my friends and cousins. It is not just for kids, the event has been popular with adults for centuries. I encourage you to have one this Sunday.
Categories:
PARTY ideas
HOLIDAY
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Friday, January 04, 2008 3:25 PM | Feedback (3)
Dear Readers,
I hope that all your dreams come true in 2008. In any event, I wish you Health, Joy and Happiness.
Happy New Year!
Kim
1998 Vintage of La Grande Dame
I spot this gorgeous Couture Gift Box of La Grande Dame. If you are looking for a splurge for the hostess, this gift set is a sure way to get invited again next year.
To celebrate the launch of the 1998 vintage, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin created a brand new Haute Couture packaging.
Sourcing:
Buy online: 1998 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame at WineChateau.com - price: $155.99 for 750 ml
Buy online: 1998 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Rose at WineChateau.com - price: $294.89 for 750 ml
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Monday, December 31, 2007 3:20 PM | Feedback (3)
For my second board, I wanted to do something for the hipper crowd. I came over this eye catching restaurant in Santiago, Chile while browsing the blogosphere. Wow! Imagine hosting a New Year party in a place like this.
I cannot tell you all the details about this restaurant because I spot it on Plateforma Arquitectura, a Spanish-speaking blog. Simply looking at the pictures is already a treat.
The boutique hotel movement responded to our desire to bring our home to the hotel. Then people got inspired by the interior design of these hotels and bring the best into their home. The same happens between restaurants and home cooking. But when you look at Restaurante Mercat, the modern fashionable decor has a homey atmosphere.
For a party like this, I needed an invitation card that dares to be different for your New Year’s Eve Party. The New Year Soiree (NTC) invite, designed by Bonnie’s StylePress, has more to offer than your average New Year card.
Categories:
HOME decor
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Sunday, December 30, 2007 12:13 AM | Feedback (2)
For us, Christmas is a family celebration while New Year is a time to have fun with your friends. I concocted some design and menu ideas for the glamorous girl who invited her friends at home.
I always savor a tasty dinner at New Year’s Eve but I always plan for lots of time for dancing and having fun. It should feel like a party, not a dinner event.
My Source of Inspiration
Although it is too late to send your printed invitations, the Bonnie's StylePress invite that I am showing you sets the tone of the event I designed. If you send something like that, your friends will know what to expect.
Monogrammed table linens add a classic touch. Monogram napkins are available in cloths and paper. Both the invites and the Caspari paper napkins can be found at Fine Stationery.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Saturday, December 29, 2007 4:20 PM | Feedback (1)
My second tabletop is easier and faster to assemble. For that reason, I will explain my design choices in this post.
Baubles in a glass vase were popular this year. I could have used a taller vase but I like that we see the top ornaments without interference.
I bought several large uniquely shaped baubles in pink, burgundy and moss green. I gathered them inside a glass vase on a bed of tiny gold and copper baubles. I also placed the remaining of my Acrylic ornaments by FERM Living around the vase. They were baroque leaves and motifs in red, pink, lilac and bright green.
Because we were at the cottage, I opted for artificial silver and black branches instead of a floral arrangement. Honestly, it was too high when we were sitting at the table. So I replaced it with a trio of large decorative baubles that unfortunately we did not photograph.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Friday, December 28, 2007 4:17 PM | Feedback (0)
As I told you earlier, I designed two tablescapes for Christmas. The first one was for our Christmas Eve party (réveillon) and the other was for our Christmas dinner.
Each year, we celebrated at the ski cottage. My mother in law has a white Christmas dinnerware set with a holly rim. So I need to consider that fact as I devised my themes.
I reused the beige table cloth from last year. For a more festive look, I put a burgundy patterned voile textile on top. You usually need to make your own. Here a trick if you are short on time. Simply visit the already made curtain section of a fabric or home decoration store and select a tab top curtain panel. You cut the tabs and no one will know that it was a curtain.
My centerpiece vignette
The inspiration for my centerpiece was these cute squirrel acrylic ornaments by FERM Living. The blue acrylic box was recycled from a Davidoff’s Cool Water gift box that I bought for my husband last year. I kept it because I knew it can be handy for a DIY project.
The supplies for my do-it-yourself centerpiece
- 1 light blue acrylic rectangular box – about 2 inches high
- 1 box of Acrylic Ornaments by FERM Living
- 1 bag of soft gray decorative sand FLORERA at IKEA
- 1 bag of red decorative sand FLORERA at IKEA
- 1/2 bag of snowflakes
- 4 artificial trees – 2 small covere