Whether or not you care to root for the Colts or the Saints – you certainly must root for a gorgeous array of amped-up snacks…Superbowl Sunday does not mean you have to resort to wings and potato chips…gather your girls and enjoy a made-over Superbowl spread…
I love the rustic table, lined with a raw, gauzy cheesecloth as a linen. Display gorgeous cuts of cheese accompanied by fresh fruits, breads and spreads.
You can find charming fresh honeycomb at Whole Foods for an incredibly beautiful and unexpected addition.
Pop freshly popped popcorn over the stove with a bit of truffle oil and pinch of fresh parmesan for a gourmet, savory twist to the mundane snack. Simple parchment cones set in a basket makes for an easy, disposable way to share.
Don’t forget the sweets! {Could you imagine your guests’ surprise when greeted by a towering croquembouche!}
Or perhaps something a bit more modest, but still quite thoughtful…waffle bowls of varied ice creams or gelato.
Enjoy!
{image credits} all images taken from martha stewart
Although snowy Chicago looks a bit more like this…I happen to have a few of my favorite spring blooms to keep my spirits up.
The perfumed fragrance of the beautiful bulb flowers, Hyacinth, are reminiscent of early spring days when my brother and I would spend hours playing outside in our back yard when the hyacinths were in full abundant and aromatic bloom (oh how I miss our gorgeous, expansive backyard!). The adorable and tiny bell-like florets almost look like a delicate garden fairies’ party dress.
A favorite of almost every bride, ruffly Ranunculus are looking simply gorgeous these days. They come in a wide variety of colors – from soft, muted tones to saturated vibrant hues.
Time to stop dreaming and get back to work. Luckily with these beauties by my side all day, inspiration is sure to follow…
{image credits} all floral images my own. snowy scene via 1x.com
I am so proud to introduce you to a brilliant new concept created by dear, dear friend Kate Duff along with Alexi Mintz.
3floz.com is fit for brides that are given strict packing instructions from her groom before soaring off to Capri, for girls sneaking away to Palm Beach for the weekend, for any ‘ole jet-setting frequent flier, or for anyone that simply has a hard time deciding on which product to try next.
3floz.com is an online boutique selling luxe beauty products – all in sizes of 3 fluid ounces or less!
Their website officially launches later this week, we know it will be an absolute smashing success. In fact, Star Magazine just named the boutique as one of their Hot Websites!
Congratulations, Kate and Alexi, we absolutely can’t wait to see what’s next!
I have always, always loved French Macarons – initially intrigued by their charm and beauty – but later captivated by their crunchy outer shell, light and fluffy meringue-like texture and delicious varied fillings.
Not to be confused with the American coconut macaroon, these petite bite-size beauties are simply too cute for words…and are certainly of trend at the moment…lovely for me – more options!
This current resurge of my obsession came unexpectedly, when I found a plate full of gourmet macarons awaiting my husband and I in our room over our recent vacation. The brief tease was only enough to taunt my palette and bring me back home craving more…I began the search for local treats.
While we do not have the famed Beverly Hill’s Paulette Macarons around our corner, I was pleasantly surprised by a cutie local patisseries’ confections…Fritz Pastry located on Diversey. The well-priced beauties were delicious and gorgeous. They have selections daily and can be ordered for any event with flavors like vanilla, chocolate, rose, lavender, green tea, raspberry etc.
Here was my breakfast yesterday, compliments of Fritz Pastry and rich Illy Coffee. The perfect way to start the day inspired and energized.
Enjoy for breakfast, like I did, have on hand at your next dinner party or include them on your gorgeous dessert spread at your wedding – they can be created to fit your color palette!
I am beyond obsessed.
{image credits} in order from top. brass knuckle, bobbette and belle, the gothamist, paulette macarons, my own picture, miles aldridge image taken from vogue.
An absolute favorite client of mine was recently married on a wintry, festive holiday evening.
Meg and Josh got married at the most charming Lutheran Church in Chicago, St. James, situated on a tree-lined residential street in cutie Lincoln Park.
After the ceremony, guests were transported through the holiday-dressed city to the iconic Drake Hotel for a wonderful night of dinner and dancing with nearly 400 of the bride and grooms closest friends!
The Gold Coast Room literally twinkled from top to bottom with hundreds of flickering candles of all different forms. Tall gold candelabras were enhanced with winter greens, rustic pine cones and snowy white blooms.
The ladies wore beautiful graphite dresses, kept {just a bit} warmer with the help of beautiful pashminas. Even Santa couldn’t stay away!
Meg and Josh found true love in one another. There is no doubt that their life will be brimming with love and happiness.
I simply can’t get enough of the new(ish) online magazine, Lonny (London & New York).
After the absolute heartbreak that followed the closing of many design publications {domino, sniff sniff, at the top of the list} Michelle Adams {previously editor at domino, as well as owner of cutie rubie green} and Patrick Cline {dreamy photographer extraordinaire} decided to take on an inspired, daunting project.
Enter Lonny.
In editor and chief, Michelle’s, words:
OUR MISSION is to reopen the doors of accessible design. By embracing an online platform we provide inspiration at the click of a finger, directly connecting our readers to their favorite products and resources. Our freedom from page limits means that we can share more content in each issue, delivering an intimate look into the way people really live. At Lonny, we value independent thinking and believe not in following trends but rather in making choices that lead to happiness. We believe that good design and affordable design can coexist and that true inspiration can be found in the teeniest of homes or in the grandest of spaces.
The amazingly talented {and sleep deprived} Lonny team has done a remarkable job of staying true to their vision thus far. With this issue, specifically, I can’t help but wonder…Was it written and created specifically for moi? {I’m sure every girl thought the same thing! Congrats again, Lonny!} With features of French hotels, kate spade and J.Crew, this issue simply makes me drool.
Here are just a few of my favorite photos and features from their second {current} issue:
The charming and fantastically styled Parisian Hotel Keppler reminds us that people are traveling differently these days. Searching for stays that are reminiscent of gorgeous homes with special touches and loads of personal attention, people are seeking out boutique hotels as opposed to the monster compounds that many name-brand hoteliers have previously created.
The 1900s building was turned into a hotel after the second world war and redesigned by Pierre-Yves Rochon in 1997. The fabulous location is nestled in the heart of Paris, a few steps away from Champs Élysées.
A simple black and white color palette is accented with pops of color to distinguish rooms from one another. I adore the layered textures and patterns showcased in every room. {A look that is here to stay also in wedding design…}
The Hotel Keppler is a fresh and current hotel that welcomes a juxtaposition of classic style with modern touches.
Here, a few page spread highlighted the recently revamped kate spade new york 5th Avenue flagship store. True to form with loads of kate’isms, the store is beautiful. {I have to note that I am equally as proud of our local kate spade boutique on Oak Street {my hoped-for second home} for being dressed just as beautifully!}
And although it seems I could truly re-highlight all of the gorgeousness found on the ‘pages’ of Lonny’s 175 page issue, I will control myself…
And so finally, another feature of a beautiful store. This time J.Crew Collection {in Manhattan, next door to YET another favorite – Lilly Pulitzer} is elegantly represented. The look of this boutique is virtually driven single-handedly by the style maven and creative director for J.Crew, Jenna Lyons.
I am obsessed with the nondescript door with “the stores name and address whispered gracefully in gold cursive”. The boutique is decorated in stylish vignettes, worlds apart from the cold steel racks of large department stores. The absolutely gorgeous black and white bathroom is a direct copy of Lyons own powder room.
Michelle, Patrick and the rest of the Lonny Crew – we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Keep up the inspired, hard work.
{image credits} all images taken from lonny magazine, shot by patrick cline
As I am currently crusin’ from island to island in the Caribbean, I had to pop into the internet cafe to wish you all a smashing New Years – I so hope 2010 is your absolute most beautiful and inspiring year yet!
Thanks so much to the wonderful editors of Brides Chicago for selecting my very own wedding to feature on the glossy pages of their publication! The Spring/Summer issue is on stands now. Here are just a few of the details highlighted by the Brides Chicago feature…
Our wedding took place on the grounds of the charming and beautiful country club where my family has been members for years, Hinsdale Golf Club. The ceremony was initially intended to be set in the gorgeous manicured gardens, however, in an unsurprisingly Chicago turn of events…weather forced us inside for the ceremony and cocktail hour. A second chuppah was created out of the fabric backdrop behind the band in a mere 20 minutes as guests were arriving.
My girls wore adorable party dresses from JCrew and carried bold magenta peonies {number one favs of my mother and I!}, accented with charming dusty miller and camellia. Our custom letterpress invitations were produced by the lovely Jenna from Clementine ink + paper.
My mother in law and I surprised my husband {and our guests} with a serenade by the Cubs Dixieland Band for the duration of the cocktail hour.
Dinner and dancing took place in an elegant {and massive!} white tent set in the middle of the golf course – guests arrived via chauffeured golf cart and open air trolley.
Petite cabaret tables were positioned on the lawn outside of the tent where we had croquet and cigars available for guests, once the weather cooperated. These cocktail tables were dressed in yellow linens and surrounded by white chiavari chairs with custom black and white striped cushions.
Back in 2006 {just after we got engaged} I chose a color palette that I had yet to execute for a client…Frenchy black and white accented by sunny yellow {ok ok, so since then the color combo has been a bit overdone…} The tables were set with graphic black and white linens from BBJ and topped with centerpieces set atop ornate lacquered stands and garden urns. Flowers included cattleya orchid blossoms, casablanca lilies, open roses, fragrant peonies and barely-in-season viburnum. We had beautiful yellow silk ribbons detailing each guest napkin that perfectly framed our menu cards.
Partytime Productions provided the tent and gorgeous lighting – pin spots highlighting each centerpiece as well as textured projections shone on the canopy above. The tent ceiling also featured suspended votive candles that twinkled above guests as they danced and a black chandelier noted our family head table.
The sweltering day and unexpected weather did not disappoint. The day was about love. About life. About family and friends. It was absolutely overwhelming to look around the tent knowing that every person in attendance was there to celebrate and support Joel and I.
Forget dreams of a McMansion, luxe cars and expensive jewelry – can I throw a fabulous wedding-themed fete each year? Please…?
Off to one of my all-time favorite clients’ festive wedding…
Meg and Josh are getting married at the incredibly charming St. James Lutheran Church, with the reception at the iconic Drake Hotel on this snowy, romantic, wintry day. I wish them the very best life has to offer!
Here are a just a couple of snowy images to inspire…
{photo credits} happy couple taken in front of the drake hotel by the talented kristin kasperek of iklikphoto. winter wonderland with red umbrella from caleum. pine trees getty images. cutie red bow from kleine diva in paris. twinkly lights from harpy. snowy scene from jung n freud.
