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Thursday, July 31, 2008
I usually cringe while watching home makeover shows...sometimes the 'after' is much worse then the 'before.' But I'm addicted to Thom Filicia. I adore him, and if I could choose any TV interior designer to redo my home it would be Thom (or Sarah Richardson of Design Inc). I'm so sad that Thom passed me over for the living room decorating contest he had a couple of months ago...I was hoping he would redecorate and we would hit it off, then we would become BFF's and he would want to have me up to his lake house. I just found this post on Domino's website- a great video with Thom describing how he entertains for friends at the cabin. Thom- I'm still available, if you'd like to have me over.
Labels: entertaining, thom filicia
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Oh Anthropologie, how I love you so! Today's mini-trip to the store was especially inspiring with so many fun things to look at. If I had lots of storage and lots of money, I think I would have entertaining closets full of their wares. Above are some favorites.
Labels: anthropologie, inspiration, party decor
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Today is my husband's birthday and I had big plans to make an ice cream cake for him. He is one of those rare people that doesn't like birthday cake- HATES icing, and apparently always has, even since he was a wee one. I had planned on getting an oreo pie crust, stuffing it with his favorite Edy's Grand mint chocolate chip ice cream, donning premium chocolate wafers in the center, and topping it with Camembert chocolate shavings. My plans literally started to crumble last night when I attempted to take the pie crust out of the aluminum casing, and it fell to pieces. His mom then upstaged me this morning by delivering a coffee cake. So this evening I ended up fixing him an bowl of ice cream with some Magic shell on top, with a lame birthday candle in the middle. C'est la vie.
Labels: buttercup bake shop, cupcake, cupcakes, magnolia bakery
Monday, July 28, 2008
Party pennant how-to spotted on Purl Soho. How lovely!
Labels: party decor, pennant
The Sohr's had us over for brunch a couple of weekends ago. Benjamin, the cook of the house, made the most amazing meal- including hash browns that were to die for! When I asked him how he made them, he said 'like everybody else does.' Ummm...I don't know about you, but I don't make hash browns that often, and if do, I am a by-the-book recipe cook. So I made Benjamin write down the recipe. Stupid me forgot to take pictures of our brunch together, so instead, I'm including an old picture of Benjamin from their old store, Favorite (see above). Thanks, Benj!
Labels: benjamin sohr, benjamin's hash browns, recipe
Friday, July 25, 2008
My mom just returned from a cruise around the Baltic, and sent me this great shot from her stop in Copenhagen. Can you imagine pedaling around these four? They've got their own little party happening in the back, with lollipops and snacks. Seems like a great concept that will hopefully find its time here in the States. I can't imagine it is too far off, given our gas prices!
Labels: inspiration
Thursday, July 24, 2008
this 1950's vintage party photo via Habitually Chic.
Labels: party inspiration, vintage party
Hello Naomi! (via Flickr) must think I am stalking her. I am obsessed with all of her gorgeous cupcakes! I only wish she lived close enough for me to taste the goods (she's an Australian). Above are some photos from her first wedding cake creation. Bravo, Naomi!
Labels: cupcake, cupcakes, party food
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Labels: inspiration, party decor, pennants
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Given the current economic condition, it seems fitting that we should bring back Budget Living! I loved their motto of 'Spend Smart. Live Rich.' While I wasn't always so thrilled with some of the photography (a bit too 'retro'-feeling at times), they jam-packed so many ideas into each issue. I just picked up the BL 'Party Central' book last week, and love it! The book includes themes, recipes, and best of all- the receipt total of what the party will cost. Above are a couple of snippets. From top: New Year's party with 'hangover helpers' in a pinata; Kentucky Derby party; recipes for a Camp party.
Labels: book favorites, books, budget living, party perfect favorites
Monday, July 21, 2008
Labels: alfresco dining, decor, meals outside, table setting
Friday, July 18, 2008
I have been obsessed with Ann Wood's gorgeous creations for some time now. However, I can't figure out what kind of occasion can justify a purchase. The birds make great cake toppers- and while a wedding is an obvious choice (except I'm already married), I'm trying to think outside the box...an anniversary party? maybe a single one for a baby shower? The expense makes me feel as though it would need to have multiple uses. I'm definitely not the only one who is a fan. Ann's creations usually sell out the same day they are listed in her etsy store. For those who are interested, her website states that she is now only taking limited orders, so plan ahead!
Labels: birds, cake toppers, decor
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Almost lost among the wedding-related ads, I spotted these amazing suckers on a third browsing of the Summer '08 Martha Stewart Weddings (top photo). The letter lollipops look impeccable, thanks to the help of the Weddings stylists, I'm sure!
Labels: lollipops, party favors
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Looks perfect for a summer soirée! Via One More Moore (recipe right here).
Labels: appetizer, recipe, summer parties
I just about cried when I found a water glass, left by a house guest on top of a computer printout, had made a bright pink ink stain on my Saarinen marble top table. I had saved up for the tulip table for a verrrrry long time, and had only recently indulged...telling my husband it would be an 'heirloom piece' we would have for years.
Labels: stain remover
The latest issue of Cookie (with Amanda Peet on the cover) has a very interesting article in it called 'Party Police.' I am guilty of at least one of the sins it describes, including often putting the tag line 'no gifts' at the bottom of an invitation I've sent out. Sally Schultheiss, the author, makes quite a strong argument against this practice, along with her two other pet-peeves...those who put 'no candy' and those who put 'no siblings' on the invitation. While I don't necessarily agree with her point of view, it will definitely give me pause for thought the next time I consider a 'no-gift' party! It's actually quite an entertaining read.There are also a couple of other good (non-party) articles in the mag, including one on Amanda Peet (who voices strong support of vaccinations), and an article profiling four different women who made different child bearing choices.
Labels: cookie magazine, etiquette, invitation, party police
Monday, July 14, 2008
Plastica, a store based in L.A.'s Silverlake neighborhood, houses all sorts of cool and one-of-a-kind items. Plastica is the perfect place to find unique partyware, gifts and practical everyday items that are durable and affordable, as well as design savvy. While many of their items are plastic (the material that inspired their name), they feature items made out of a variety of other materials as well. Lucky for us, we don't have to live in L.A. to enjoy their wares, since they have a great online store as well!
Labels: party sources, plastica