Keep It Simple

Who says wedding cakes have to be elaborate, over-the-top creations? When your celebration is more low-key, your wedding day style should match and that includes your cake. These chocolate layers were "frosted" with a beautiful cocoa stencil design. Have your calligrapher or invitation designer create a matching outline for your baker to copy. It's a great way to pull the look of your reception together.
Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart

Happy Birthday America!

Be it a family BBQ, a picnic in the park or playing in the sand, enjoy the holiday! Save a hot dog for me;)

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

The holiday season is in full swing and you know what that means: parties, parties and more parties. It's the time of year to get together with your loved ones and enjoy one another's company. The world's mood is lighter, brighter and full of cheer. The perfect conditions in which to celebrate. Hopefully, you'll open your doors and roll out the welcome mat. Over the next few days I'll talk about how to plan the perfect holiday cocktail party. We'll cover everything from the setting, food, cocktails and even goodie bags for your guests.

First up, decor. Creating the perfect ambience is a sure-fire way to get everyone in the holiday party spirit. With metallics being one of the hottest trends this season, it's very easy to find a way to incorporate these sparkling hues into your color palette. Here is an inspiration board to get you started. Surely you'll find more than a few things to tickle your fancy. My favs: the capiz shell lantern, beaded coasters, fresh leaf wreath and the snake print plates. Oh and remember, everyone looks better in candlelight!







Products courtesy of West Elm, Crate and Barrel, Pier 1, Red Envelope and Illuminations

Dressing The Table 101

Once again it's that time of year, when family and friends come together to express their gratitude for a myriad of things. Whatever you're grateful for this Thanksgiving, make sure your loved ones gather around a festively stylish table.

First up: Simply Pearfect. There is something to be said for keeping things simple. A clean white dinner plate, linen napkin and a perfect pear doing double duty as both a place card and dessert. Who knew setting the table could be so easy? No muss, no fuss.

Building on the pear setting, you could turn things up a notch by adding a linen runner down the center of the table and bowls filled with walnuts and more pears. Have the kids get in on the act by making cut-outs of their favorite leaves. Small pumpkins and candles round out the table top.


For those whose tastes lean towards more formal settings, this table is absolute perfection. The table is dressed with a gold linen tablecloth and a tonal embroidered runner. Oak leaf printed china is accentuated by an ivory napkin folded in a cone shape, secured with gold ribbon and oak leaf sprigs. Once again the theme is carried over with printed place cards and mini cornucopias. Notice how the understated silverware doesn't compete with but enhances the overall design? Your mother would be proud.


Fashionistas know metallics are very big this season. Bring a bit of the runway to your table this year. Cornflower blue sets off the golden pumpkins, while black enamel cutlery anchors this tablescape nicely.


We can't forget the kids! These tables are sure to keep the little ones entertained thru dinner. Simple white dinner plates topped with mini pilgrim ships, which the little artistes can construct themselves. A larger ship filled with nuts completes the look.


Tom the Turkey takes center stage with this table. Large sheets of construction paper can be cut to fit the table at your local craft store, just be sure to have the dimensions handy. Have the kids cut fringe along the edges like moccasins. To make this table truly interactive (and engage those with a short attention span) be sure to have crayons within reach.


And what would Thanksgiving be without a festive cocktail? The Cranberry Fizz is a definite crowd pleaser.

1 ounce Charbay ruby red grapefruit vodka
2 ounces Champagne
1 ounce cranberry juice
1 ounce black currant juice
Chill vodka, Champagne, and juices, then mix in a champagne glass. Garnish with 4 or 5 cranberries. As always, please remember to sip responsibly!

Have a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving, everyone.