Happy Weekend!

Have a relaxing weekend!

Weekend Inspiration

Have a great weekend folks!

{Picture courtesy of Patterson Maker}

Some Pretty Things

Christian Siriano

Butterfly Heels by Alexander McQueen

Dress by Celine

Courtesy of Patterson Maker

Etsy Love: Luminaries

Loving these darling handcrafted, self standing luminaries from Etsy!  

Available in different sizes. Pricing: $50.00-$60.00

Pretty Places and Things

Just a few pretty people, places and things. Enjoy! 

Recipe of the Day: Sauteed Kale with Walnuts

INGREDIENTS

2 T. olive oil

1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb kale, rinsed, cut from the stems, and coarsely chopped

salt to taste

juice of 1/2 a lemon

pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

In a large, deep pot, bring the oil to medium heat until it shimmers. Add the walnuts and allow them to pan-fry until aromatic, then add the garlic and saute until golden brown. Toss in all of the kale, and turn the heat down, tossing frequently to avoid burning. Then, cover and allow to cook until tender, approx. 15-20 minutes. Add the salt and the lemon juice and toss. Add pepper to taste.

{Courtesy of Write a Pumpkin, Bake Some Prose}

Art Appreciation: Vincent Van Gogh

Vincent Van Gogh has always been one of my favorite artists. His use of vivid colors consistently grabs my attention. It's hard to believe that by the time of his death he had only sold one painting. Here are a few of my favorite pieces.

Eat Pray Love

The beloved memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert--Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia has now been made into a movie starring Julia Roberts. The film also stars Javier Bardem, James Franco and Billy Crudup. So far the reviews have been mixed but you be the judge. We loved it!

Canopy Inspiration

Here's a good number of different styles of canopy beds to accommodate both modernists and traditionalists.

Hosting Your First Dinner Party as Newlyweds

So you managed to get through the big day and the honeymoon is over. You're excited to break out your new china but don't have the first clue about hosting a dinner party. Here are a few tips for a successful dinner party!

To start, these are busy times so it's important to extend invitations to guest well in advance. For an informal occasion invitation should be extended a week ahead. More formal occasions, or parties to which you may be inviting people you don't know particularly well, require the courtesy of at least two weeks notice. It's very important to stay organized so make a shopping list. Divide it into those items that you can purchase at the grocery store, wine shop, specialty food store and flower shop.

As a wine consultant, I can tell you that with choosing the menu the occasion itself will guide you to the foods you might serve. I always remember color when choosing my menu. It's easy to choose great foods but they don't always look good together on the plate. Jazz up your menu with contrasting colors. Vegetables can provide all kinds of colors. Like squash, green beans and purple eggplant. Also remember to inquire if any of your guests have any important food issues--vegetarian, low fat, diabetic and serious allergies.

Once you've selected a menu, the next step is choosing the wine. Here are some general guidelines that will help you along the way. Have you ever heard the term "Red with meat, white with fish"? Well not anymore. It's more flexible these days. Poultry, veal, pork, salmon and lobster call for either light red wines or robust white wines. Don't get nervous! Speak with your local wine merchant to help you in your decision making. Also, don't feel as though you have to pay a fortune on a bottle of wine to get quality. I recommend places such as WineStyles, Vino 100 and Total Wine.

A well-planned centerpiece will enhance the party's festive air. Flowers are the mose obvious choice however, nicely arranged seasonal vegetables, herbs and fruits also make stunning nonfloral decorations. Keep you centerpieces low and spread out. This will allow guest to see each other across the table. Candles on the otherhand always add a lovely ambience and flatters anyone seen in its glow. Note: Avoid scented candles as this will detract your guests' appreciation of the food and wine.

our first dinner party as newlyweds should be an exciting occasion. After planning an entire wedding, you will already have all of the organizational skills in place to put together a terrific party!

{Photo courtesy of Mochatini}

{Special thanks to Williams-Sonoma Entertaining}

Paper Olive: 2010 Stationery Tips & Trends

 When the fabulous folks at La Belle Mariee invited me to guest blog about 2010 invitation trends, it seemed like kismet. I have been noticing very specific trends among my clients and brides, and having been eager to share them.

  The first? Simplicity, in black and white. A multitude of brides have been choosing this sleek palette for their design. It’s always a favorite, and always in style – and with a pop of color, it is simple perfection.

The second absolutely goes to peacock feathers. Honestly, I’m mad about peacocks, and have several different designs that feature them – so perhaps it’s no mysetery why these are my most requested designs. Nothing says drama and elegance quite like a jewel-toned peacock plume.

Probably the most exciting trend I’ve noticed recently is the return to luxury. Sparkling crystals, chic fabrics, over-the-top boxed presentations. Many couples are opting for smaller, intimate weddings that allow them a grander budget when it comes to invitations – especially for destination weddings, which do tend to include smaller groups. From luxe beachy elements to cosmopolitan design, there are so many ways to be opulent within a destination setting – all of them fabulous. Makes me want to get married all over again.

 Marleine Pacilio is the owner and graphic designer of Paper Olive.

   

Spring, I Love You!

 {Courtesy of Paris Luxe}

Warmer weather, blooming flowers. Spring, I love you! Have a great weekend!

Lifestyle: Bed Hog Sheets

So what is the definition of a bed hog? I looked it up online and here is what it said:

Bed Hog - Definition - The bed hog is someone that takes over the entire bed, either shoving you up against the wall so you can't even breathe, or pushing you off the side,If they don't hog the bed, they hog the blankets, rolling up like they were wrapped in a cocoon, leaving you blanketless and shivering (Thanks to the folks at Urban Dictionary for the funny definition). 

Well you don't have to worry about bed hogs anymore. Check out this adorable "His & Her" sheet set from Bed Hog. These sheets are made of 100% cotton sateen and have a 300-thread count. Available in sizes King and Queen.  Retail price: $69.99-79.99

Fabulous Interiors

Live like a Queen!