Sweet Inspirations

Unsure about whether to offer a wedding cake or dessert display to your guests?  Perhaps these artful beauties can help with your quandary.
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My love for metallics and desserts collide!  
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I want to snuggle up to this piqué-inspired cake.
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I can’t contain my adoration for this charmer.  Stripes?  Bows?  Come ON!
(Sure wish I had a better photo to it justice!)
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The thin rope detail adds a nautical nuance.  
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Love this peachy petal ombré cake.
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Glittery scallops!
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Unexpected use of truffles.
And have no fear, here is the perfect way to make sure nary a single slice goes unappreciated!

Photo Shoot: Pullman Barn Autumn Engagement Party

I’m thrilled to finally share the gorgeous pictures of the photo shoot Renny and I designed this fall.  It was featured on Style Me Pretty‘s national site yesterday, but here are some of the pretty pic’s for your viewing pleasure, all shot by Stevi and Matt of Averyhouse.
With the idea of producing a fanciful collection of parties that follow the progression of wedding-related celebrations a couple encounters throughout their engagement, Renny and I decided to take readers on a year-long journey with a dreamy faux couple, we’re calling Charlotte and William, joining them from fete to fete.

And so, we start with the engagement party thrown by our couple’s best friend.  And here’s our story…
 After getting engaged at the end of summer, the couple’s friends decided to plan the engagement party for late fall and hosted it at a charming new venue on the property of the Chicago Botanic Garden:  Pullman Barn.
 Set-up just outside of the barn was a darling (and delicious) muddling bar, featuring all sorts of goodies  for a one of a kind concoction, upon guests arrival. 
Muddle while you cuddle

 Inside the intimate barn, guests found their seats with the aid of individually labeled gift baskets, doubling as place cards.

 The gift baskets were themed “For a Lazy Sunday Morning” and included items intended to be much appreciated after a late night of celebration.  Each was packed with a thermos ready for hot cider (just add water), fresh scones and apple-honey butter, super strong coffee, a seriously cozy blanket and crisp,  fresh apples.
 The rustic picnic tables were dressed with comfy cushions and a beautiful tablescape of silver, gold and amber vessels hosting bold pops of coral, peach and navy.

 A garland of golden foliage hung overhead, while candles danced below.
Heirloom flatware and lace-cut dinner plates were used for the family-style feast.
 A new obsession of mine…custom placemats were paired with napkin rings printed with the parties’ date, all designed by Cheree Berry Paper.
  Fluffy peonies, open roses, seasonal ilex berries, concord grapes and autumn foliage were artfully arranged by floral goddess, Cornelia McNamara.
After dinner, guests were encouraged to relax and enjoy the setting.  Whimsical games included golden apple croquet…
Customized mad-libs about the couple later read around the fire.
Talk about indulgent!
And what outdoor party is complete without s’mores!
The beautiful spread included sweet items like cider-spiced donuts, gourmet grahams, home made marshmallows and salted caramels, fresh herbs and savory items like cheeses paired with delicious crackers and fresh honeycomb.  Guests paired their treats with cider or cordials.
The firepit was enhanced with cushions, pillows and throws for a cozy, lazy evening.

The coral, camel/gold and navy palette was seasonally appropriate, while proving to be unexpected and fresh.

For all photos, click here.

We’ll be glad to share more of Charlotte and William’s parties throughout the year!

(dreamy vendor credits:)  concept, color, prop and set design by bliss.  all photography by averyhouse.  floral styling by cornelia mcnamara.  printables by cheree berry.  setting and tables compliments of the chicago botanic garden.  Rentals provided by tablescapes.

Red Carpet Review – Golden Globes 2012

After being slammed with solid meetings last week and all day Saturday, yesterday was quite lovely.  I spent the day with fabulous industry friends at a dual baby shower and then had a relaxing evening parked in front of the TV.  
I always love the Golden Globes because it is the first real awards show, giving me the opportunity to undeservedly judge celebrities on their hits and misses.  The red carpet this year was, sadly, a bit of a bore.  I am not sure I have a clear favorite and thought most everyone played it perfectly safe.  
Here goes!
Sophisticated Simplicity in Black

Claire Danes looked beautiful in J Mendel and always seems to prefer slim cut dresses that highlight her teeny-tiny waist.
Kate Winslet’s Jenny Packham dress was also simple and understated, but was very elegant and age appropriate.  
I did love Selma Hayek’s Gucci gown – a fabulous shimmering slip of armor.
Pale Passed

Elle Macpherson looks seriously insane sporting two trends of the evening:  A nude hue and mermaid silhouette.  Elle is forty-freaking-seven years old.  Geeze.
Ack.  Angelina Jolie.  I’m not obsessed with her look and absolutely can’t stand her condescending glares, but she certainly looked every bit the part of Hollywood royalty.  Her MASSIVE Lorraine Schwartz earrings were the most amazing solitaire studs I’ve ever seen and her bold lips worked well with her Atelier Versace dress.  
Diane Lane’s beautiful Reem Acra dress was stunning on her.  I loved the nude hue paired with the flattering spindles of gold woven throughout.  Her hair and make-up were spot on.
I am always a fan of Calvin Klein Collections’ simplicity and therefore really loved Heidi Klums’ dress.  The necklace was pretty fantastic and paired perfectly with the dress, but  do think her hair was a bit too every-day and didn’t like the matchy-matchy feel of the necklace and the ring.  
Kate Beckinsale looked absolutely STUNNING.  I have such a crush on her.  While the Roberto Cavalli dress was super safe, it did look smashing on her.  Hair, make-up and earrings looked beauteous.
Katharine McPhee also looked beautiful in her flesh-colored Donna Karan dress.
Charlize Theron’s origami Dior Couture gown was a bit more daring, and I totally appreciated it.  I thought the dress looked even more beautiful in person (and by in person, I mean on TV...)  She has laryngitis and sounded adorable and was a serious trooper.  
Jessica Biel.  For some reason, I’m not a huge fan.  This Ellie Saab dress is putting me to sleep.
Color Can Cure!

My love of yellow continues and Paula Patton looked fabulous in her big bird-hued Monique Lhullier gown.
While her hair and make-up were completely underwhelming…I am In Love with Kelly MacDonald’s Lorena Sabu glittery gown!
The ravishing Revenge star, Madaline Stowe looked STUNNING in Vera Wang. 
The Decidedly Disappointing 

You could call it daring, and call my bluff, but to me this looked a bit more like an Ed Hardy design rather than the Giles Deacon winner she was hoping for.

Oh my.  Madonna:  Ew.

Meryl Streep is SUCH a fabulous actress, but this gown reminds me of a bad western button down, and her hair was truly fashioned in a banana clip.  I’m not kidding.

Boring.  Too old.  Think how great this would look on someone like Meryl or Helen Mirren…now that would be darling!

I don’t hate it from the waist down, but I can’t get over how ridiculous the top of Nicole Kidman’s Versace gown looks.  

Yes, Piper, the joke is on you.
Michael Kors should have put Mary J Blige in the next size up.  Not flattering.

Sarah Michelle Geller’s dress was certainly not boring…but it was something…
 I actually didn’t mind the dress itself…but it was just not right on Julie Bowen.  The dress seemed much too feminine and almost reminiscent of something Grace Kelly would have worn:

Hopefully the gang can step it up as the season continues!!

(image credits) all golden globes photos taken from in style.  grace kelly found in google images.

Welcome, Winter.

Winter in Paris.  Park Benches.  Sunny Snow Tunnel.  Bridge.  Streetlamp.  Snowy Road.  Umbrella Stroll.  Cutie Car.  
Winter has officially arrived, fashionably late, this year.  I adore the muted silence that accompanies a fresh snowfall.  
While cozying up on the couch with a steamy latte, catching up on back issues of stock-piled magazines and losing myself in an old movie sounds like the perfect snow-day indulgence, I’ve got a favorite client in town for another day of planning bootcamp.  Today we have another tasting and decor showing, among other appointments. 
Today, I will be sporting something very similar to this in an effort to navigate the snowy streets of Chicago.
Cape.  Blouse.  Vest.  Bag.  Boots.  Jeans.  Earrings. 
I felt like keeping it bright, practical and playful for todays daytime appointments.
Happy Winter Weekend!

Easy Entertaining – Savvy Shortcuts

If you’ve decided to host a little something to watch the Golden Globes this weekend or just want to have a game night with girls – but you are not sure about committing to a full meal, here are a few easy ideas to help lighten the load…each course can be brilliantly made ahead and reheated prior to or as guests arrive.

Easy Appetizer:  Delish Low Fat Spinach and Artichoke Dip

I’ve adapted this imprecise recipe from Cooking Light…

3/4 10oz package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
5 green onions, chopped, using all of the whites and some of the green
1 can drained artichoke hearts, chopped
1, 8oz block reduced fat cream cheese
8oz low fat sour cream
1 cup shredded low fat mozzarella
1/4 cup grated pecorino romano or parmesano reggiano

2 tablespoons minced garlic

garlic salt to taste
garlic powder to taste

And now what?
Saute green onions in large non-stick, high-lipped pan.  When almost done, add minced garlic and artichoke hearts.
Add cream cheese in smaller portions to aid with the melting process.
Add chopped spinach and sour cream, mixing well.
When all is blended, reduce heat.  Add mozzarella cheese and pecorino, stirring constantly.
Add garlic salt and powder to boost flavor (tasting bites are a must!).
Remove from heat and serve immediately (or store in microwaveable container and reheat before serving.)

I like to offer a few things to pair the dip with ~ from carrots and peppers to pita chips or toasted cubes of sourdough bread.

(Pssst!  Feel free to increase quantities to ensure leftovers…this is a fabulous counterpart for sandwiches or even topped over a grilled salmon filet!)

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Easy Entree:  Hearty Vegetable Soup

I took and adapted this recipe from an old issue of House Beautiful, created by Jill and Jewels Elmore.
3, 15oz cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
6 cups chicken stock
3 cloves garlic, sliced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 sweet onion, diced
1.5 cups grape tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon sea salt
pinch crushed red pepper
cracked black pepper
grated parmesano reggiano or pecorino romano to taste
garlic powder to taste

Here’s the scoop:
Place beans, rosemary and stock in a large pot on the stove, bring to boil.  
Reduce heat to low, simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
During that time, heat a skillet over medium/high heat.  Add olive oil and saute the onion until soft and translucent.  
Add tomatoes, crushed red pepper and black pepper and salt – cook for 2 minutes.  
Add garlic cook for 1-2 minutes.  
Add the vegetables to pot of beans and broth, cooking for another 15 minutes at low heat.
Serve with sprinkle of cheese and crusty bread.  If you’re seated on the couch instead of at the table, spoon the soup into large mugs for easy eating!
(This soup stores wonderfully and can be made a couple of days in advance – or made the day of with the thought of lovely lunches days after your gathering.)
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Easy Dessert:  Brown Sugar Pavolvas with Macerated Berries and Mint
  I’ve adapted the recipe from both Cooking Light and Ina Garten…
For the meringue:
4 large egg whites
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar (I use superfine…of course)
1/4 cup packed splenda brown sugar (regular is fine)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the creme:
1 small tub light coolwhip
2 vanilla beans
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the berries:
1 cup fresh strawberries, quartered
1 cup fresh raspberries
1 cup fresh blackberries
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
1/3 cup splenda brown sugar
1/4 cup minced fresh mint
And here’s what to do!
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Use parchment paper on a large baking sheet.  Draw 6, 4″ circles on the paper and turn the paper over so you don’t get pen/pencil on your meringues.
Beat eggwhites, constarch and salt on high until foamy (I use a KitchenAid stand mixer, but a hand mixer will work just fine!).  Gently and gradually add the granulated sugar and brown sugar – spoonfulls at a time.  Continue beating until thick and glossy.  Add vanilla, mixing until stiff peaks form.
Fill a piping bag (or freezer bag with a small, dime-sized hole in one corner) with fluffy meringue. Trace the circles, filling in the bottom evenly, then retracing the perimeter to create a bit of a lip, so they  resemble nests.  
Place meringues in the oven, then immediately turn the oven down to 300 degrees.  
Bake roughly one hour, checking the status toward the end to make sure they aren’t overcooking (significantly browner in color).  
When finished, turn oven off and cool meringues in closed oven for roughly 4 hours (or longer) until completely dry.  They should not stick to the paper or your fingers.
Gently remove meringue nests from paper and store until use. 
(These are perfect made a day or two in advanced.  Keep in a dry, air-tight container).
Place all washed fruits in a large bowl, add brown sugar and fresh mint.  
Carefully stir until evenly coated.  Let macerate.  I like to make the berries the day before so they are extra juicy and delicious.
For the creme, carefully slice vanilla beans in half, lengthwise.  Scrape teenytiny vanilla-bean goodness from the beans with the tip of a knife.  
Stir into coolwhip.  
Stir in vanilla extract. 
 (Creme can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.)
Assembly is simple!  A single nest, generous dollop of vanilla creme, topped with berry mixture.  Add a fresh sprig of mint for color contrast (but of course!)
     I am a meringue lover and love to keep a few unassembled ones to crumble into my ice cream after dinner or with coffee for “breakfast” (What…not much different than an egg-white omelet, right?!)
Now we just need some fabulous dresses or some high stakes to finish the night!
(image credits) dip, soup and pavlovas shot by me 

Drifting Back to Reality

Now that I’ve made it through a week of playing catch-up (ok, perhaps I’m still playing catch-up), I thought I’d  share a few photos from our annual trip with the in-laws.
The Southern Caribbean water and weather was seriously divine – perfect for sunning and catching up on some reading…
As someone who rarely can even make time to scan my beloved design and wedding magazines, I happily flew through these two delightful reads…”Rules of Civility” (a glamorous yet down-to-earth  glimpse of NYC society the late 1930’s) and “Silver Girl” (a beachy read taking place on new  favorite…wait for it……..no surprise here…………Nantucket!)
A few favorite photos, clockwise from top left:  Sunrise skyline as we prepare for departure.  Husband and the sea.  NYE (post wardrobe change…).  Les macarons shipped seaside from Rollet Pradier in Paris.  Sailboats in St. John.  Dinner in San Juan.
Beautiful botanicals in St. John.
Athleticism doesn’t really count when playing bocce…right???  (Phew.)
Is it too soon to start planning our next getaway?

(Photo credits)  All images other than book photos taken by me and my fancy new zoooooom lens and iphone.

Glorious Gifts – Well Received!

‘Twas the season for giving…which I enjoy…immensely.  But it was also the season for receiving!  Among many generous gifts from family and friends, this holiday season, I did have a few favorites that I’m still love love loving…
Snappy new monogrammed phone case from quirky favorite Iomoi.
The absolute perfect pump from JCrew.
And…these flirty flats for running around (…when my feet revolt from trying to be chic in said leopard pumps…)
And perhaps my favorite of all…While Husband Joel is NOT the southern prep I was once certain I’d end up with, the charming fellow did surprise me when we met for cocktails on New Years Eve (after leaving the room in a necktie) by donning this brilliant bow tie.  He left it on all evening long and I so appreciated starting the New Year staring at his handsome bow-tie-clad self.
 Any other favorite gifts this season?  Do tell.

Style Me Pretty Feature – Real Wedding of Rebecca & Dan!

Bliss is thrilled to be featured on Style Me Pretty‘s national website this morning!  They have chosen to feature one of my very favorite couples of all time, Rebecca & Dan.  
Rebecca and Dan are an inspirational couple that could not possibly be more in love – I ADORED getting to know each of them even better throughout the planning process.  Sweet Rebecca was actually a sorority sister of mine, and I now feel jipped that it took until planning her gorgeous wedding before we really fell for one another…over a love of design, darling details and beautiful flowers!
The inspiration board I initially created (below) was a useful design tool when working closely with the florist and stationer.  (We decided to swap out the pinks for more of a warm peach/coral accent…which I’m still obsessed with!)
Because I’ve already posted a bit about their story, today I wanted to simply share a few more of their beautiful photos, taken by Stevi and Matt of Avery House.

R&D – when can we start planning your anniversary party?  
Miss you so…Xx
(photo credits) inspiration board photos not sourced, all wedding photos by Avery House

Matchbook Magazine – Featured Wedding

The newest issue of beloved online lifestyle publication, Matchbook Magazine, is live and after excitedly perusing the pages, I was thrilled to see some adored, familiar faces in the back of the issue.  The wedding of favorite former clients (and true lovebirds), Meghan and Brinker, was selected as one of two featured weddings.
We 20 and 30 somethings must remember…good apparently can come from an evening spent at Butch McGuire’s…
For more on Meghan and Brinker’s wedding, click here.  
(image credits) all taken from matchbook magazine.  wedding photography by amanda hein