With the arrival of spring, many are getting the itch to entertain outdoors again. Spring is the perfect time to start planning your patio and backyard get gatherings. The weather is just right and the spring blossoms make the most fragrant scents, a perfect time to entertain outdoors.

When setting your outdoor table, gather inspiration from nature itself. Yellow and green hues make  are  great choices for a spring table scape- they have that  complete spring feel.

To save on costs and to ensure gorgeous blooms, consider incorporating Daffodils, Tulips, or Lilac into your table centerpieces.

{photos from The Knot}

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Posted by Myriam under Table Setting | No Comments »

Easter is the perfect occasion to host an intimate brunch. With Spring in the air, and close family and friends- your Easter brunch can be a great time to gather and enjoy nice company. I found this cheery spring brunch idea over at Simple Stated and I think it would be perfect for an Easter brunch.

You could serve up lemonade, lemon meringue pie, egg salad– get creative with this sunny and warm color scheme. Here are some brunch necessities that coordinate perfectly. Find out more about this Easter brunch idea and where to shop over at Simply Stated.

{Special thanks to  Jennifer Sbranti}

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If you find yourself planning a Bridal Shower this year, you are responsible for putting a day together that the bride will remember for a lifetime. Pressure? Sure, but don’t stress about  it…just start getting ideas and let the planning begin.

When it comes to planning the bridal shower, my biggest recommendation is to let the bride herself inspire you. Is she laid back and easy going? perhaps she would enjoy a luncheon or garden party. Is she more sophisticated and proper? Then perhaps a more formal event would be to her liking. If you keep the guest of honor in mind when planning her shower, you wont go wrong. Also- if you just aren’t sure what she would prefer…just ask her! You don’t have to give away all the details, but some brides actually like to have some input and not be completely surprised.

If you need more inspiration, you can look towards her wedding colors to get a palette- but you are not required to throw a pink bridal shower simply because her wedding is pink. If something else inspires you (that would be complimentary to the bride’s taste), I say go for it! I happen to like the idea of a color palette of white  with just a touch of color from the wedding theme.

For example, you can serve white desserts like this stunning spread by Amy Atlas which feels simple yet elegant. For drinks, you can serve white chocolate martinis or champagne. Bring in the wedding colors with a pop of color in floral arrangements or garnishes.

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Preparing for you party is not always the most glamorous event. If you are like me, your hair is usually up in a bun (a mess), your face smeared with a combination of grime and food, and your attire far from fashionable. A little chaos before you “pull it all together” is rightfully expected, hosting a party (big or small) always keeps you busy right up until the last minute. Scrambling and tousled,  somehow it all works out and you are ready to go 5 minutes before your guests begin arriving, looking great. Even though you and I both know you will look great for the main event, why not have some glitz and glam while you are preparing as well? Sure, no one will be there to see your darling apron just yet- but you will feel so much cuter while running around finishing all of your pre-party tasks! Here are a few galmours aprons I love:

You can always show off your darling apron while serving dinner if your event is more formal as well! These are some of my favorite aprons.

You can see the ones above (and many more designs) at Carolyn’s Kitchen, Anthropology, Everyday Chic, and Florence Adams which make my favorite of the bunch, the black and white toile print.

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Posted by Myriam under Hostessing | No Comments »

It is traditionally polite to bring a hostess gift when attending a party or dinner in a person’s home. A bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers will be apreciated, however keep your hostess in mind and consider these fun and colorful gifts for her.

These eye-catching party picks look festive spearing hors d’oeuvres or cocktail garnishes.    Plastic. 3″ Tall. Set of 6. 

Plum Party Price: $7.00

Glossy teardrops in intense opaline yellow or orange brightly showcase any blossom. Unique Tandie Vases are handblown vases with cut and fire-polished rims are scaled small for desk, nightstand or powder room.

Crate and Barrel $12.95 each

Brights ice cream cups with spoons-set of 4 

Plum Party $21.00

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Black and White just screams classic to me. Stylish, mature…yet always has a modern feel. A black and white party theme is fitting for many occasions, from weddings to a small dinner party. Here is an inspiration board to get your in the classic mood.

Party Inspiration Details

Set the stage with a simple and elegant table top. This black and white dinnerware from Noritake will pop placed atop a white linen table cloth. These damask cloth napkins would add texture to the table and can be purchased individually if you only need a few. Party decor like these candle stones, paper lanterns, and black and white place cards can really pull your theme together I found all of these great finds at Pink Frosting). For a sweet ending, serve guests Martha’s  fabulous cheesecake recipe. Oh- and don’t forget the cocktail! 

How about a Black Russian?

30ml vodka
30ml Kahlua coffee liqueur

To Make:
Shake the vodka and Kahlua together over ice and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.

Black Russian - a delicious cocktail made from vodka and a coffee flavoured liqueur such as Kahlua. For a White Russian float some cream on the top - even more decadent!

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No matter how many times I set a formal table, I always seem to second guess myself as I am placing my dinnerware, flatware and stemware. The fear of placing something in the wrong place always leaves me having to ask someone (mainly my mother) or pausing to think it over … once again.

I came across this graphic “cheat sheet” and thought it would be fitting to share with you.

1. Napkin
2. Salad Fork
3. Dinner Fork
4. Dessert Fork
5. Bread & Butter Plate w/ Spreader
6. Dinner plate
7. Dinner Knife
8. Teaspoon
9. Teaspoon
10. Soup Spoon
11. Cocktail fork
12. Water Glass
13. Red-wine glass
14. White-wine glass
15. Coffee cup and saucer

Of course you can omit any item you need. For example, if you are not serving bread, you should not place the bread plate on the table. Also, as far as the napkin placement goes, you can also fold and place it in the center of the dinner plate for a more modern feel.

For future reference, bookmark this page and you will have it for the next dinner party you host!

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This Flower Power themed party is so adorable, I just had to share it with you! The vibrant colors and fun touches are perfect for any occasions. From bridal showers, to baby showers… birthday parties to a simple spring brunch, this theme is so versatile.

Decor

Flower power balloons. See the how-to from Martha Stewart.

Favors

These adorable mini garden pails can be filled with any sort of goodies. Above are pails filled with sweet treats and a lollipop daisy (just poke the lollipop stick through a paper flower).

Dessert

Flower Cupcake assortments all decorated to look like a garden of sweet treats.

For food & drink at your flower themed party, check out these fresh suggestions from Martha Stewart.

Yummy flower shaped sandwiches and fresh veggie sides. Perfect for a large crowd or even the pickiest eaters.

Martha’s Flower Power Punch with tiny water balloons serving as table cloth weights. Tiny air-filled balloons serving as toppers on the drink stirrers.

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