Brilliant Blog

Napkin No-No

November 7, 2010

There’s one item on your placesetting that can transport all of your guests immediately back to the 80s: your napkins. Check out these major napkin no-no’s and then run (don’t walk) to your caterer or venue to specify that you do not want anything even remotely resembling a bishop’s hat fold, a fan fold or your napkins stuck into a glass.

You can and should request that they note this on your Banquet Event Order and don’t be shy about sending them a photo of the type of fold you require. A simple, classic choice is the pocket fold or you can go for the (reasonably) idiot-proof long fold shown at bottom left below.

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Davis Photography, Elizabeth Anne Designs, and Christian Oth.

Dream Dessert on a Stick

May 18, 2010

Cheesecake lollipops are the latest trend in decadent desserts.  They’re a great addition to a “dessert tapas” table for large-scale events, or as finger food for a baby or bridal shower.  For those DIY hosts out there, click on the photo for the step-by-step instructions on how to make your own cheesecake lollipops.  Feast your eyes on these!

Photo Credit: PoshPosh.com

A Perfect Spring Luncheon

May 8, 2010

Last week I was lucky enough to be a guest at the FaceTime Beauty Concierge ladies’ luncheon! We feasted on amazing food by Cobblestone Catering, enjoyed the vintage inspired music of Loukoum from Elan Artists and enjoyed the company of our beautiful hostess, Linsey Snyder Wachalter of FaceTime Beauty Concierge as well as many other creative industry friends.

Isn’t this just the perfect setting? The flowers (especially the spectacular purple vanda orchids) are perfect for any garden party, baby shower or bridal shower, and were created by Caroline of L’Atelier Rouge.  The picture-perfect stationery was a custom design by the wonderful Bridget from B-Dub Productions.  Thanks to Mel Barlow for capturing the day!

PlaceCard Holders Get Glam

April 8, 2010

The creative ladies at 100 Layer Cake have really outdone themselves with using vintage earrings as placecard stands.  If my name were Theodore, Camille or Madeline, I’d feel very lucky to sit here.  What a glam way to bring in a little mix-and-match sparkle to any tables – bridal shower, baby shower, wedding or dinner party!

Photos by Jose Villa for 100 Layer Cake.

More Non-Floral Centerpieces

April 27, 2009

Here are some more non-floral centerpieces for the hosts that want a show-stopping centerpiece without flowers!  The button jars really lend a vintage-y detailed look – perfect for a casual affair like a baby shower or bridal shower.  The book centerpieces are more old-world and lend themselves more toward a semi-formal event such as a cocktail reception or networking event.

Photo Credits: It’sLove, It’sAllRelative, SpeakQuietly, 2000dollarwedding.com

12 Unique Meal Suggestions for Your Event

December 2, 2008

Recently, a couple asked me what options could they consider for their buffet selections outside of the typical “chicken, beef or fish.” The answer is: stations!  Instead of having one long buffet line of silver serving trays, go for 4+ stations that offer unique cuisine options and decorative motifs.  Check with your caterer to see what they offer and what they can accomodate.  Overwhelmed by options?  Select 2 stations that represent your hometown and 2 that represent your favorite vacation destinations. Here’s a long list of suggestions to get you started:

1. Bruschetta Station
2. Macaroni & Cheese station
3. Gourmet Pizza in mini sizes
4. Slider bar
5. Sushi station
6. Sweet & Savory Crepes
7. Mashed Potato bar
8. Chicken Wing bar
9. Pasta bar
10. Stir-Fry station
11. Yogurt Parfait bar
12. Fajita or Taco station

Mashed Potato Bar photo courtesy of CuisinEtc!

Non-Floral Centerpieces that Impress

August 5, 2008

A few inspirations for the DIY-party throwers and those on a budget:  instead of spending your hard-earned dollars on expensive flower centerpieces that will be thrown away after a few hours, try using other materials.  The ones below are showstoppers, pocketbook-friendly and easy to create.  Just a little sampling to get your brainstorm going…

Hot Color Palette Alert: Blue & Orange

July 29, 2008

Think summer, warm weather and sunshine with this beautiful and cheerful color palette.  Great for a beach-themed wedding or one that just needs a bit more punch!  There are so many ways to use this color combination: decorate your tables with bowls of different types of citrus fruits and use clear blue glassware and chargers or have  your bridesmaids incorporate the theme with blue dresses and orange-hued bouquets.  What a lovely choice!

Get Creative with Cake

July 24, 2008

Here are some inspirational cakes for your next event!  Base it on your event theme like the moroccan pillows, use your favorite photos as decoration, tie in some bright colors with citrus fruit instead of flowers, use your favorite hobby like the lighthouse or the design of your favorite painting like Monet’s Water Lilies.  It’s a great way to personalize your cake and will certainly be a showstopper at your event!

Party like a Rockefeller

July 23, 2008

During the depression, while the rest of the country was pinching pennies and just scraping by, the Rockefeller family was holding fabulous soirees complete with unique ideas.  One of my favorites centerpiece ideas stems from their lavish parties.  The Rockefellers would put a long, rectangular box filled with sand in the middle of the dinner table.  The mini trowels  placed in the box helps the guests unearth their party favors: emerald necklaces, diamond earrings, ruby bracelets, you name it!  Why not update this idea by choose or creating a box of your own, filling it with decorative stones, crystals or even candy, and hiding favors in it?