October 2007 Entries
The Classic enameled Aga has an interesting story. First this is the invention of Swedish Nobel Prize-winning physicist Gustaf Dalén for his wife.
In 1932, the classic Agas became all British. They are produced in the central English town of Coalbrookdale. For your information, British call our range a cooker.
What makes an Aga so special?
Besides being always manufactured from recycled scrap iron, what distinguish the classic Aga is the fact that you never turn them off.
Nowadays, the latest Aga Intelligent Management System (AIMS) system performs exactly with your lifestyle. A handset programming control means that your Aga can be shut off when you sleep and you preset at what times during the day the range should be ready to operate at normal power.
You will be surprised to hear that there are no switches or dials either. Each component holds at a temperature specific to its task: roasting, baking, simmering, warming or boiling.
The cast iron construction and energy efficient heating offer a truly unique cooking experience. It is like having 10 appliances in one. With a high-end AGA stove, you can bake, fry, grill, toast, stew, steam, roast, simmer and stir-fry.
How a heavy Aga cooker can be friendly for the environment?
Like I said earlier, the Agas have always been manufactured from scrap iron. Today, old car engine parts, pipes, gutters and so on provide more sources for recycling materials.
This is a remarkable stove if you like the old-fashioned look and have a budget around $12000 CAD. The enameled finish is available in 14 colors to match any kitchen decor. The design is proven so you will probably keep it for a long time. A huge part of green living is not filling up the garbage site.
Several sources of energy
Their natural gas used to the cleanest and lower-cost heating energy source. Now with the introduction of their latest 13-amp electric model in July 2007, things may change.
From a green viewpoint, an electric stove is easier to install and will require less maintenance. Apparently the special design of the electrical Aga results in an electrical appliance that cooks reproduce closely the results of the gas unit. The AIMS reduce the energy consumption too.
Some models can accept bio-fuels once and if they become widely available. The company invests in research to find alternate energy sources for their appliances.
The taste test
From a taste point of view, once you learn the basics of cooking with an Aga, your food will probable taste better. The Aga cast-iron ovens use indirect radiant heat and cook food gently. Food does not dry out and thus, the food retains its natural goodness and flavor. They are lots of books and the Aga stores have a kitchen for you to test drive the stove.
To finish up this post, I really like the ad with Sophie Conran. The campaign was shot by the charming and relaxed Mary McCartney, the girl of the Beatles member Paul McCarthy.
Sourcing:
UK site: Web site of Aga cookers
North American site: Web site of Aga ranges
RELATED POST:
+ Sophie Conran for Portmeirion dinnerware
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
posted @ Wednesday, October 31, 2007 8:25 PM | Feedback (1)
This party favor is just adorable. I saw it on The Style Dept, a home decor show on HGTV Canada. Better yet, this DIY party favor is cheap and fast to create.
It was used for an outdoor party but the Potted Herbs with a recipe card party favor can work in an interior setting. My suggestion is to build your menu around fresh herbs. Repeating elements in an innovative manner adds a level of sophistication to your event.
What do you need to make these DIY party favors?
- Small decorative pots or make your own pots by gluing a cork sheet on a highball glass
- Small herb plants like rosemary, thyme, oregano, winter or summer savory
- Tags
- Colored raffia ribbons or twines
Share the recipes of the meal you are serving. Write several recipes so that couples can take home two recipes. For take-away gifts, it is preferable to handwrite the recipes. If you have some free spaces on your tag, apply a beautiful stamp to dress it up.
Select two herb species and alternate them on the place setting. If you can buy your herbs in advance and let them bloom, the herb pot will seem lovelier.
Depending on your table size and format, I would evenly distributed 1 to 3 bouquets made by gathering one type of flowers.
The menu
Because this is fall, I selected the Medallions of Beef with Morels, Marsala and Creme Fraiche Sauce by Jamie Oliver. This dish is earthy and added some green vegetables in your plating.
I am a huge fan of Crème Brûlée; it is on the dessert menu it is almost sure that I will have it. We went to a lavender farm a couple of weeks ago, so I buy a small tin box of culinary lavender. This is expensive but you only need a tablespoon for most recipes.
Even without the cute vintage metal ramekins used by food stylist and photographer Beatrice Peltre, I assure you that the Lavender crème brûlée with fresh berries made by La Tartine Gourmande will be a winner.
Basic formula for a great menu
Having a casual yet stylish dinner party with friends is easy. The key is to pick delicious and simple to prepare recipes. Planning a multiple course meal is not complicated if you follow this basic formula.
For a no-fuss 5-service dinner party, start with a light entrée followed by the Medallions of Beef served with cooked vegetables, then hand out a straightforward green salad before having the platter of fine cheeses. Finish the meal with the dessert. Voilà!
Sourcing:
DIY project: Potted Herbs with a recipe card as seen on The Style Dept
Recipe: Medallions of Beef with Morels, Marsala and Creme Fraiche Sauce by Jamie Oliver - as seen on Christine Crushing Live
Recipe: Lavender crème brûlée with fresh berries by La Tartine Gourmande - right reserved photo by Beatrice Peltre (La Tartine Gourmande)
RELATED POSTS:
+ Potato, apple and camembert entree
+ Menu for an autumnal dinner party
+ Potato and Onion cakes
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
GIFT ideas
posted @ Tuesday, October 30, 2007 1:07 PM | Feedback (0)
Go nuts with home cooked treats for your own Halloween party. All night long you will pass candies to the kids ringing at your door. But what about your family?
I compiled a list of 3 treats that are easy to make the day of the event. Beware, your family will ask you to cook it again during the Holidays. All recipes are from Food TV Canada.
1 | Almond Croccante
This is a recipe by the attractive David Rocco. You only need sugar, water and almonds to make this treat. The recipe takes about 3 minutes to make plus 20 minutes to let it cool.
On top of the written recipe, there is a video online where you can see how is is done. So you have no excuses to not make the Almost Croccante.
2 | Peanut Brittle
I got two recipes for you. Both seem delicious.
The first one is by the pastry chef Anna Olson. She and her husband are the owners of Olson Food + Bakery in Port Dalhousie, Ontario. Serving it in the jar like Anna Olson’s Peanut Brittle did on the picture shows originality.
The second Peanut Brittle recipe is by the cheerful Michael Smith. On his Halloween Tricks and Treats episode of Chef at Home, it cooked more treat recipes and he explained the principles behind candy making.
This episode of Chef at Home will aired twice on October 31, 2007. You can watch it Wednesday at 10:30 AM EST or 7:30 PM EST on Food Network Canada.
3 | Almond Nougat
Nougat is fancier so I got to include it. And this Almond Nougat recipe by Anna Olson does not seem too hard to bake.
Just make sure you got a candy thermometer that works properly. To succeed when making candies, you must carefully follow the instructions and do everything at the right temperature. One degree can make a difference.
Have fun and go nuts with sugar this Halloween.
Sourcing:
Recipe: Almond Croccante by David Rocco on FoodTV.ca
Recipe: Peanut Brittle by Anna Olson on FoodTV.ca
Recipe: Peanut Brittle by Michael Smith on FoodTV.ca
Recipe: Almond Nougat by Anna Olson on FoodTV.ca
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
HOLIDAY
posted @ Tuesday, October 30, 2007 10:06 AM | Feedback (0)
I talked to you earlier about the trends towards colors and baroque inspired motifs. Manufacturers and designers are pushing the looks they want us to adopt. But do people embark?
So as a follow-up story to this week 3 blogs and a mood board, I went to verify if the cool crowd is really into colors and elegant motifs. I selected the MOMA Store as my test center.
If you examine MOMA’s best sellers list, the matter becomes obvious. A quick glance at their 7 most popular tableware items prove the acceptance of these trends.
We have to wait until the seventh tableware product to see a stainless steel and black serving tray. MOMA felt the need to photograph the serving tray with the Colored Riedel stemless glasses inside the tray. I rest my case.
The best seller list in the tableware category
These creations were designed between 1997 and 2007.
1. Colored Stemless Glasses by Maximilian Riedel – price: $55 USD for a set of 4
2. Curved Glasses by Leonardo Design Team – price: $65 USD for a set of 6
3. Colorful Rings Cutting Board by Antony Joseph – price: $28 USD
4. Distinct Patterned Glasses by Emmanuel Babled – price: $115 USD for a set of 6
5. Mediterraneo Bowl by Emma Silvestris – price: $65 USD
6. Raybowls by Sandy Chilewich – price: $48 USD for the Boomerang green, $60 USD for the Oblong orange
7. Serving Tray by Formsache21 – price: $150 USD
A great place for gift shopping
Members of MOMA save between 10-20% when they shop at all MOMA stores. This is a retail place where you can find amazing gifts for people with discriminating taste. Whether it is for a housewarming gift, a hostess gift, a birthday gift or shopping for the Holidays, I always find the selection at MOMA to be exciting.
Sourcing:
Shop online: MOMA store
Learn more: MOMA memberships information
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
KITCHEN tools
GIFT ideas
posted @ Monday, October 29, 2007 10:44 AM | Feedback (0)
Using colors is the easiest and the cheapest way to decorate a room or a table. The style, the shape and the motif of an object determine whether it is chic or not.
Colorful items look more festive. That is why I like to play with colors when I create a party design.
Each piece makes a strong statement on its own. If you put together these three objects, you will have the basis of an amazing tabletop.
1 | Design Hole
Instinctively, you see these stunning pitchers next to a modern dinner set. But beside bona china dinnerware, the contrast between the old and the new operates its magic.
The glass blowing artist and designer that created those pitchers is named Nicholas Kekic. The cheapest place where to buy his pitcher is iluren, at least from my research so far. On his Web site, you can get matching tumblers at $40 a piece.
Thanks to Jennifer of the always captivating Design Hole who first spotted these pitchers on the New York Times.
2 | Roomservice
The Tazana Stemcell Light collection and especially the Foilage Light caught my eyes. Its low price means that you can afford to hang a long row of 5 to 7 pendants. I discovered those through the blog of the Scandinavian woman behind Roomservice.
3| Pan-Dan
Nadejda of Pan-Dan introduced the Amar(ant) tablecloth by Isle Design. Here the designer pushed the envelope of traditional table cloth by coating elastic material. The motif is definitely inspired by traditional motif. This is a trend right now.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Glass Pitcher by Nocholas Kekic at iluren – price: $190
Buy online: Foilage Light by Tazana – price: $26
Buy online: Amar(ant) tablecloth by Isle Design – starting at 75 €
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
HOME decor
KITCHEN tools
posted @ Sunday, October 28, 2007 11:48 PM | Feedback (2)
You wish to have friends over on Halloween's day, why not plan your gathering around a stylish haunted house affair? This elegant dinner party is simple enough to prepare that you can host it in the middle of the week.
The decor by Martha Stewart
You start with a few decorative elements that I found while digging Martha Stewart's Web site.
To set the ambiance and to encourage people to stay until the end even on a work day, you can set up a dessert station in advance. This way, you do not waste energy and you have fewer things to do during the dinner party.
Candelabrums are a must to achieve this look. The Haunted party theme was published in 2000 on Martha Stewart Living with the instructions to build the Coffin Table and the Moth-Eaten Curtains. I selected this set because several elements go along the entertaining trends.
It takes no time or special skill to make these Specimen Jars. Start with three stylish clear glass vases, ideally of different shapes but within the same family. Fill them with a few drops of green food colorant dissolved in water and place inside a gourd, a green cabbage and a fennel. It is as simple as that.
The menu suggestion by Apartment Therapy
I taught of making my own menu but Faith from Apartment Therapy did a great job at hers. I invite you to have a look at Apartment Therapy to see it all. The pictures illustrate my three favorite dishes from their menu which are Rest in Peas, Spider Web Soup and Rare Tenderloin with Provencal green beans.
I added the Devilish Eggs as an entree because it is a great example of a nicely styled plate that is easy to reproduce. The only part I was not fond of from the menu of Apartment Therapy was the dessert. Martha's ideas for the Haunted House party look more appealing.
For the dessert station, you have a wide selection to choose from with Halloween Lollipops, a Graveyard Cake, Meringue Sweet Bones and red Shrunken Pears. If you host a small affair, I suggest you cook the Shrunken Pears.
Mignardises are little delicacies that French hosts served after the dessert course. Buy two pieces per person of fine chocolate to serve as mignardises. You can serve these with coffee, tea or a luscious Vintage Port wine.
Sourcing:
Decorations and recipes: Haunted House party by Martha Stewart
Via: Happy Halloween: Dinner Party Inspiration on Apartment Therapy
RELATED POSTS:
+ New twist on Thanksgiving menu
+ Basis of a casual 5-course menu
+ End of summer party menu
+ Mad Scientist Halloween party
+ Victorian Gothic feast for Halloween
+ Halloween makeup looks
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
HOLIDAY
posted @ Sunday, October 28, 2007 12:59 PM | Feedback (0)
If you are invited to a Halloween party, you need a costume. You can rent one but the look is clichéd. If you opt for a special effect makeup, you will get a unique look.
With a strong makeup disguise, you can be subtle with the clothing. But you still need to find the right apparel. When it comes to special effect makeup, the artists at M·A·C are there to help you.
Absinthe Minded, Zombie Chic, Rising Sun and Machineman are my favorites out of the 25 looks shown on M·A·C’s Web site.
How to proceed?
Taking an appointment is a must. When you call, tell the person that you want a special effect make up for Halloween as not everyone on their team are qualified to do this.
Some M·A·C counters have a private makeup room; La Maison Ogilvy has one in Montreal. I have been told to plan for at least 1 hour and a half. Budget $110 for a normal private session. If you want something similar done in the comfort of your home by a talented special effect makeup artist, it will cost you at least $200 + tips in Montreal.
Typically when you book a makeup appointment with M·A·C ($45 at the counter, $110 for a private session), you can buy cosmetics for at least that amount and get the makeup free. I do not know if that works with for special effect appointments.
I have been told to ask for Joan or Vanessa at the M·A·C counter of La Maison Ogilvy. The M·A·C store on Saint-Laurent Street may also be able to help you. I saw them create incredible body paintings a couple years ago during the Formula 1 Grand Prix celebrations.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Halloween looks by MAC Cosmetics
Learn more: Store locator of MAC Cosmetics
Learn more: M·A·C boutique at La Maison Ogilvy
RELATED POSTS:
+ Creepy treats and drinks for Halloween
+ Victorian Gothic feast for Halloween
+ Mad Scientist Halloween party
Categories:
HOLIDAY
posted @ Saturday, October 27, 2007 7:09 PM | Feedback (0)
I shown you several mingle plates in the past. The one by Superior Devices is quite different than the others for two reasons.
Not just for Wine stemware
First, the plate is not just designed to hold wine glasses. If children are invited, if you are hosting a breakfast event at a seminar for examples, you will probably serve something else than wine.
Due to its unique form - a patent is pending - the plate can be used for all types of drinks. You can deposit your soda can or a usual plastic beer glass on a dedicated compartment. As suggested on a TV show by HGTV, your coffee cup can sit on your plate while you are mingling.
I do not recommend that you walk with a soda can or a non-stemmed glass on the plate. This feature is for when you are socializing.
The plate works best with tapas, snack foods and hors d'oeuvres. The food neatly fit into four compartments. A stemware glass slides into the central opening. A side opening enables you to hold the plate securely.
Recyclable disposable party dinnerware
I received some samples from Social Plates. Their sturdy construction can withstand in my view one or two of hand washes. If you only serve snacks and finger foods, you can probably extend the life of most of them. When you are finished with it, the plate can go in the recycle bin.
From a visual standpoint, the plate by Social Plate is pleasing especially when you compare it to other non paper disposable dinnerware.
If you are looking for a disposable plate for a family event like a birthday, a baby shower or a children's Christmas party, these are a good recyclable option. They are sold in pack of 12 ($12.95 USD) and in pack of 60 plates ($49.95) at Ace Mart, a restaurant supply store that accept orders from consumers.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Social Plate Disposable Cocktail Plate at Ace Mart – price: $49.95 for a pack of 60, $12,95 for a pack of 12
Learn more: Web site of Social Plate by Superior Devices
Bottom Left Photo credit: review of International Home & Housewares Show 2006 taken from a HGTV Special presentation segment
RELATED POSTS:
+ Highs and lows of eco-friendly disposable dinnerware
+ Glass tapas plates called d'glas
+ Wooden and Porcelain Wine and Dine plates
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
posted @ Friday, October 26, 2007 6:34 PM | Feedback (0)
With the week-end at the corner, it is the perfect time to introduce this delicious entrée prepared with seasonal products.
This recipe looks really appetizing. Be warned, you will be inclined to find excuses to prepare the Potato, Apple, and Camembert timbales. For a start, everybody knows that it is best to cook a recipe at least once before serving it at any event.
If you are a fan of the popular blog La Tartine Gourmande, you probably recognized the work of food stylist and photographer Beatrice Peltre. Bea made these Potato, Apple, and Camembert timbales for The Boston Globe.
What do you need?
You need one ramekin per person, a mandoline and parchment paper to prepare this entree.
The ingredients are easy to find. You need Yukon Gold or Yellow Finn potatoes, a red cooking apple, a piece of Camembert cheese, some butter, all spice, fresh oregano, salt and pepper. Do not forget a pack of fresh herbs in bloom for plating.
For the instructions, read the Boston Globe article. Enjoy!
Sourcing:
Recipe: Potato, apple, and camembert timbales published on The Boston Globe
Photo credit: La Tartine Gourmande – all rights reserved by Beatrice Peltre
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
posted @ Friday, October 26, 2007 10:39 AM | Feedback (1)
We had a problem with our server around supper time yesterday. My blog was down for a few hours. My tech guy may do some fine tuning for the next few days. In the worst case scenario, my blog may become unavailable for a few minutes. So bear with me.
posted @ Friday, October 26, 2007 12:36 AM | Feedback (0)
We are right in the middle of the hunting season. In the Canada and the North of the United States, the colorful sceneries in fall mean that going to the cottage is popular.
Black forest Decor is not a store where I would normally go for shopping. But I discovered there wonderful tableware. It is the proof that we must keep an open mind when it comes to design.
Out of traditional cottage style pieces, I devised a modern Country table top. This type of tableware would look remarkable in a contemporary or a modern Country cottage design because it is unexpected.
The elements of my table top
Whether you prefer the Moose Lodge Collection or the Silhouette Black Bear Dinnerware Set is opt to you. I kind of prefer the Moose Lodge for its warmth but it is hard to judge simply from a picture. Mixing a Stag Horn pewter pitcher and a pewter fruit platter on pedestal elevate the look to higher grounds. The Antler handle flatware set repeats the look of the pitcher through the use of similar finishes. That is how you bring continuity to a design.
Resting everything on a brown or cream pure linen cloth with black or cream linen napkins plus a couple of glass chandeliers get you a look that has nothing to do with the literal and old-fashioned bears and moose home decor. You can easily modernize any traditional dinnerware set with the right accessories.
What you need to know about pewter?
You do not have to worry about drinking and eating from newly fabricated pewter tableware as long as you buy pewter approved for food consumption.
Last week, I went to Arthur Quentin, a store specializing in French Country style. I saw there the most exquisite pewter tableware pieces made in Italy. The manager, Ms. Renee Fournier explained to me that the first thing that a pewter collector does is to look at the several marks under the pieces. The price of pewter pieces is influenced by its maker, the usages and the metal contents. There are a lot more to say on that subject, so I promise to write about pewter dinnerware pretty soon.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Moose Lodge Collection at Black Forest Decor – price: on sale at $169.95 for 16-piece set
Buy online: Silhouette Black Bear Dinnerware Set at Black Forest Decor – price: on sale at $169.95 for 16-piece set
Buy online: Pewter Stag Horn Pitcher at Black Forest Decor – price: on sale at $229.95
Buy online: Antler handle with Sliver end cap stamped Flatware at Black Forest Decor – price: on sale at $104.95 per place setting
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
posted @ Thursday, October 25, 2007 1:24 PM | Feedback (0)
The largest party season after the wedding season is about to begin. It is never too late to infuse green elements to your Corporate Holiday party or any other business events.
Even if my track is home parties, I wish to speak about eco-friendly corporate events today. The reason is simple; a corporate event usually produces more waste than your average birthday party.
Your place at work probably organizes several events every year. Some of you participate in the organization of the social parties at work or you may organize several business meetings. In any case, you can spread the words at the office.
Introducing Them Concept
The concerns for the environment gave birth to a new breed of event planners and designers. In Montreal, Them Concept was born last August. Them is a creative event planning studio with an environmental approach.
With their advices and expertise, you will be able to host a carbon-free event. If they can pull it off for the launch of Halo 3 in Montreal, they can do it for your Christmas party or your golf tournament.
Two talented women are behind Them Concept. This pair does not waste resources because their skills are complimentary. Johanne Fondrouge is in charge of organizing and handling the budget while Nathalie Gendron is the creative mastermind. They will show you that you do not have to sacrifice style to host a tree hugger party.
Do not worry; I will address in this column how you can do your part at home? So stay tuned next week for more eco-chic party news.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Web site of Them Concept
Categories:
HOLIDAY
posted @ Wednesday, October 24, 2007 4:45 PM | Feedback (1)
It is the right time to stock up seasonal address labels for your Christmas cards. I am fond of the Blue & Coral Damask and the Polar Bear by Penny People Designs.
At $10 a sheet, they make a special and inexpensive Christmas for your new neighbors. You can add a pack of correspondence cards and give shape to a custom gift for your girl friends.
Until November 2nd, 2007, you will get an extra sheet for free when you buy one at Penny People Designs.
Quick tips on modern addressing for Christmas
Take the time to write down the address by hand. Even if you do not write in calligraphic style, a calligraphy pen looks better. Practice a little bit before you start.
There is a surplus of mailed letters during Christmas. So it is best to follow the recognized standards by the Postal Services when writing the addresses. Your letters will be delivered faster. And in case there is a problem, you increase your chances to get back your letter sooner.
The tradition and etiquette
Etiquette states that your return envelope goes on the back of the envelope. The Postal Services want it at the top left corner on the front of the envelope. Etiquette exists to establish what the good manners are and to show respect to others. In everyday life situation, modern etiquette provides some flexibility versus the traditional etiquette rules.
For Christmas cards, birthday party invitations and so on, I feel that none of your close friends and family members should be offended if you follow the Postal Services rules. I do so out of efficiency.
But if you send a formal event invitation like a black tie ball invite or a wedding invitation, you should definitely write down your return address on the flap of the envelope. There is no question about it.
I do not know what the explanation behind this formal etiquette rule is. If you know the reasoning, I will be glad if you were kind enough to tell us.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Buy 1 get 1 free Address label promotion at Penny People Designs - price: $10 for 30 labels
Learn more: Blog of Penny People Designs
RELATED POST:
+ Mommy and daddy calling cards
Categories:
PAPER goods
posted @ Wednesday, October 24, 2007 11:06 AM | Feedback (1)
Cupcakes are cute but sometimes we need a change of scenery. Arrive to the rescue the luxurious and whimsical Eleni's Cookies from a cookie shop in New York City.
These cookies are made from the finest natural ingredients. But why does this shop stand apart from the crowd? It is due to the way they decorate their cookies. If you serve them at your event, be prepared. These cookies are conversation pieces.
The way the owner Eleni markets her cookies is by theme instead of flavors. Several themes are designed for the hobbies, common Holidays and life celebrations. Their beautiful Breast Cancer Awareness collection looks and tastes wonderful.
New collections are available
The Party Animals set is really cute for a kid birthday party or it you are having a movie night featuring BBC's Planet Earth on high definition. My husband and I started watching Planet Earth yesterday night. I recommended this TV series to anyone.
Animal faces, new baby boy or girl and party time are new additions to an already vast catalogue.
A luxurious way to serve them
We do not often think of serving our cookies on a tiered cake pedestal as Eleni did for her New Baby Girl shower pack. But really we should. You could also prepare in advance guest plates with 2 or 3 cookies per person.
We often have celebrations at the office and cookies like those are perfect. They are easier to eat than cakes and people on diet can eat only one. The Birthday mixer contains cookies, brownies and one Happy Birthday Cake sugar cookie favor.
Each set comes in a tin cookie box. This makes it easy to bring them as a hostess gift or a housewarming gift.
Something to remember
For party favors, special 5-inch cookies are sold wrapped individually in a cellophane bag. If you are interested, they shipped their edible treats all over the United States.
I recalled that I have to introduce Eleni's masterpieces to you when looking at their Halloween treats and their wedding collection earlier today. I have to thank Barefoot in the Orchard for that little reminder.
Sourcing:
Buy online: New Baby girl by Eleni's Cookies – price: $65 for 17 cookies
Buy online: Party Animals by Eleni's Cookies – price: $65 for 14 cookies
Buy online: Thanks Again Gift Box by Eleni's Cookies – price: $65 for 16 cookies
Buy online: Birthday mixer by Eleni's Cookies – price: $70
For Canadians: HD-DVD Planet Earth, The Complete BBC Series on Amazon.ca
For Americans: HD-DVD Planet Earth, The Complete BBC Series on Amazon.com
Via: Eleni published on Barefoot in the Orchard
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
GIFT ideas
DISHING tips
posted @ Tuesday, October 23, 2007 8:35 PM | Feedback (2)
A few days ago, Lara of ready2spark featured beautiful floral arrangements designed by an amazing Dallas event studio. Curious, I went to browse their gallery. I found a few inspiration materials for your next parties.
From these pictures, it is clear that Todd.event design.creative services caters within the high end party business. But with some skills and imagination, anyone should be able to recycle these ideas on a smaller scale and budget. In any case, these pictures are a pleasure for the eyes.
I arranged the pictures around three themes. Keep in mind that these pictures come from several parties.
1 | Masquerade
If you planning a Halloween party but do not wish to fall within the usual theme, why not host a masquerade party? Guests should wear chic epoch clothes if you throw a Masquerade ball. I would have loved to be there.
Planning a simple costume for the staff is an important detail whenever you host a costumed party. The normal staff attire could break the party mood.
The rule of thumb is that if the guests are costumed; keep the staff costume a lot simpler so there is no mistaken identity. For this Marie-Antoinette masquerade, all the personnel simply wears a silky mask.
If you guests wear formal clothes or chic city clothing for a party that is quite festive (imagine a Cirque du Soleil event), then you can get wild with the staff's clothes. Their clothes then become an element of the party décor.
Plexiglas items are in demand with the hip event design crowd because they are versatile. Here, a Plexiglas box is filled up with hay cuts. This design makes fun bar tables. The rest of your setting will determine if the overall look is more or less Western. If you install the hay table in a hip interior place rather than on the desk of a brick house, add some color LED lights, the result would be totally different.
Candies are stylishly presented in apothecary vases, urns and woven baskets. Keep this look in mind not only at Halloween but also for a movie night party.
2 | Naturally green
The cheese station is simply stunning. Resting directly on a huge butcher block table, the cheese and bread does not need platters. Layering tons of grapes on top of a large rattan basket (half to three quarter of the basket is probably just filler) with a mystical greenery centerpiece in the background adds textures and contrast.
You can transform a slim cutting board into a serving tray by adding some decorative elements. And honesty, no guest will refrain to say Wow! at the sight of this immense iron chandelier creation.
3 | Pink parties
In this month of the Fight against Breast Cancer, it is appropriate to show you more ideas for partying in pink. The ultimate indulgence is drinking Pink Champagne. Here you see two ways to set up a drink station.
The petal curtain is the idea to steal. You can fashion this easy DIY project with your girl friends for a baby shower or a bridal shower. Beads are easy to find at any price range. To lower the cost, you can use cheap beads to make the strands and spurge on the flowers.
Investing in fashionable fabrics makes a difference. Here, the tacky purses are elevated by sitting on these exquisite gold and purple baroque stools. The lesson here is that there is always a way to get around a less desirable element.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Web site of Todd.event design.creative services
Via: Juicy Florals by ready2spark
Categories:
PARTY ideas
HOLIDAY
DISHING tips
BIG events
posted @ Tuesday, October 23, 2007 12:31 PM | Feedback (1)
With a few days left until the celebrations, I am giving you my last suggestions for Halloween decorations. This time, let’s talk about bringing the Halloween spirit to your kitchen.
These looks target the family. The first stop is the cleaning center in the kitchen or the bathroom. The Halloween Critters Jacquard Guest Towels and the spider Web soaps make a cute match.
What can you do?
Every family fridge that I know is filled with children drawings, photos and reminders. The Magnetic Spider Scatters is a fun way to hang them up. A package contains 12 small spiders and 4 large spiders.
Bake cookies in shape of an owl, a cat, a broom, a witch, a pumpkin and a bat for the joys of the kids and adults. Let go your imagination to decorate your own one-of-kind Halloween cookies.
Put half a dozen cookies in a clear cellophane bag or a paper bag, glue a sticker and distribute them as treat favors to your friends and colleagues.
Take the time your own cookies with a tea or coffee in one of the whimsical Halloween Critters Small Ceramic Mugs. Kids will prefer your hot chocolate if you served them in one of those.
An outdoor lighting
Putting up festive outdoor lights will feel inviting to your guests. You can decorate your driveway or the porch with a set of 10 Spider Web String Lights. The effect will be more impressive if you loosely mix and drape some angel hair-type around the lights.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Halloween Critters Jacquard Guest Towels at Wrapables – price: on sale at $9.99 for 2 towels
Buy online: Spider Web soap set at Wrapables – on sale at $9.99 for 3 soaps
Buy online: Magnetic Spider Scatters at Wrapables – on sale at $9.99 for 16 spiders
Buy online: Trick or Treat 6-Piece Cookie Cutter Set at Wrapables - on sale at $9.99 for 6 cookie cutters
Buy online: Halloween Critters Small Ceramic Mug (set of 4) at Wrapables– on sale at $15.99
Buy online: Spider Web String Lights at Wrapables – on sale at $15.99
RELATED POSTS:
+ Cupcakes for Halloween
+ Go wild with pumpkins
+ Carving pumpkins stencils
Categories:
PARTY supplies
HOLIDAY
posted @ Tuesday, October 23, 2007 1:54 AM | Feedback (1)
What caught my eyes for my weekly review of last week blogosphere are the miniatures and the contrasting illusions.
Sometimes, we wish to have guests over for a huge cocktail party but there is no specific occasion. To make that night special, why not design your own little exposition?
It does not have to be miniatures; you can showcase things you collect or your travel souvenirs. The idea is to have something to occupy your guests for a while and to break the ice.
1 | Apartment Therapy NYC
Lori Nix is artist that likes to take pictures on disaster set miniatures. I always have been fascinated by miniatures. I recalled when I was ten and I saw the huge animated Town of Tomorrow miniatures at Disneyland. I did not want to leave. Apartment Therapy shares interesting facts on their The Gallery: Lori Nix post.
2 | Emmas designblogg
I really enjoyed the view of the clear glass bottle grouping. If you can take the most utilitarian items, then the sum can be greater than the part. You simply need to neatly display multiples on a shelf. I took the inspiration shot from her Friday Flickr Favourites.
3 | Poppy Talk
It’s twice this month for Poppy Talk. In large+small, she spotlighted an interiors trend from the October 2007 issue of Living etc. This trend is about contrast. On play on scale, Living etc gave tips on how to create your own miniature or oversized kingdom for the pleasure of daydreaming.
You will be able to read the article from their Web site. On one photo shoot, Living etc captured the Alice in the Wonderland universe by putting a gigantic tea cup on the kitchen table and an oversized ruler as an adult height chart.
You could have a party where every guest has to bring their own small world and share their creation with everybody else. To make your party more cohesive, select a common theme that can be anything you fancy.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Web site of Lori Nix
Learn more: Play on scale article on Living etc Magazine
Categories:
PARTY ideas
posted @ Monday, October 22, 2007 8:06 PM | Feedback (1)
My week-ends are getting busier. So I decided that from now on, my review of the blogosphere week column would be published on Monday.
The rules of my weekly review
Each Monday, I spotlight three blog posts. The challenge for me is that I must create a mood board with the pictures / stories that 3 or 4 bloggers have posted in the last 7 days. The mood board must stay within the scope of my blog. That is why this column is titled 3 blogs and a mood board.
Categories:
OFF topics
posted @ Monday, October 22, 2007 12:23 AM | Feedback (1)
I have been waiting a long time for this moment. So I have to share this news with you.
I do not follow professional sports except for Formula 1 racing. You can understand my interest since Formula 1 racing represents a luxury life on the fast line and great parties.
The remarkable Kimi Raikkonen is my favorite driver on the circuit. I feel like celebrating right now because Kimi won his first F1 Championship. I like him so much that I switched from being an avid McLaren supporter to become a Ferrari follower.
Kimi has been unlucky at McLaren Mercedes. This year at Ferrari has not been an easy ride either. So he deserved it. Congratulations Kimi! I hope that this is the first of a series.
If you do not follow Formula 1, this article from CNN relates the drama of the last race and how intensive the 2007 season has been.
Categories:
OFF topics
posted @ Sunday, October 21, 2007 2:41 PM | Feedback (0)
A few weeks ago, we went to Sutton for the week-end. We ate breakfast at a nice café called Le Cafetier. There are a few ideas that you can recycle for when you have guests over. This post is about small discoveries I made while shopping.
1 | An old tool for serving tea
Le Cafetier serves the excellent teas from Camilla Sinensis, a tea house and boutique located in Montreal.
They bring an hour glass with each tea pot to check out the infusion time. It is a handy tea serving practice. It is so easy to duplicate it when you having friends over.
Hour glasses are sold as kitchen tools. But if you do not mind the plastic finish, you can even spare the expense. Simply dig into the boxes of the game boards you own. You will gather at least a couple.
2 | Delicious food
Since I am an avid lover of Egg Benedictine that is what I ordered. The Egg Benedictine at Le Cafetier is one of the most succulent I had the pleasure to eat in the last couple of years. Serving a homemade jam in an individual small bowl looks more stylish. You can find white porcelain bowls like these in China town for less than a dollar a piece.
3 | Beautiful Asian lanterns
Le Cafetier sells a few art and craft stuff. The silk fabric lanterns look incredible with the fabric taken several tints depending on the viewing angle. The colorful paper lanterns are simply joyful.
4 | Front Store of Atelier Bouffe
On the same trip, I had to stop by Atelier Bouffe, a kitchen boutique to see the new stuff they have. I adore visiting this shop.
The front store done by the owner or manager really caught my eyes. The birch trunks and long branches look amazing. They stayed straight up without noticeable attachments. I think the result is creative and beautiful. If you have a cottage, this is a décor you can reproduce easily for a fall or winter party.
The two tables pictured at the front are a breakfast nook and a console table by Francois Fournier from Abercorn, QC. Francois specializes in fine woodworking.
5 | Beautiful tableware
Atelier Bouffe carries French table cloths. They look as impressive in silver and in gold. They will not pass unnoticed on your table. The Bistro paper napkins made the short lists for an upcoming party.
Sourcing:
Le cafetier 9 Principale Nord, Sutton, QC J0E 2K0 | T 450.538.7333
Atelier Bouffe 14 Principale Sud, Sutton, QC J0E 2K0 | T 450.538.2766
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
HOME decor
FOOD + drinks
posted @ Friday, October 19, 2007 11:22 PM | Feedback (0)
In response to a reader who was looking for a mingle plate made of glass, I went scouring the Web.
So far I found one glass tapas plates designed for d'dimension from Sweden.
Johan Sandström designed a plate suitable for both sweet treats and tapas, the salty small dishes. We can read about this young designer on d'dimension Web site:
Johan provides solutions to our everyday problems in a Scandinavian steadfast manner. The outcome is an innovative design combining style and functionality.
Something called social plates, mingle plates are a must because having a free hand while you are socializing at a cocktail event is a necessity.
As you can see from the picture, d'glas fits on top of almost every shape of bar glasses. And when comes the time for bite-sized desserts, I am guessing that d'glas can stand on top of a regular teacup with saucer.
Sourcing:
Buy online: d'glas mingle plate for d'dimension at Scandinavian Design Center - price: $33.95 for 10 plates
Learn more: Products of d'dimension
RELATED POSTS:
+ Wooden and Porcelain Wine and Dine plates
+ A Handful of plate by Alissia Melka Teichroew
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
PARTY supplies
posted @ Thursday, October 18, 2007 10:59 PM | Feedback (3)
Yesterday was my husband’s birthday. When we visited Toronto last week, I found this stylishly hip greeting card collection in a shop on Queen Street.
The minute I saw the romantic couple on the rug I knew I have to give it to his birthday. Just to prove how much I like it, I already bought him a cool couple greeting card the week before. Chut! (This is an exclamation in French that in this case refer to the fact that I said too much and I should keep it a secret).
Going back to the work of Nila Aye, her blank card collection for Beaumonde addresses over a dozen of occasions. The look spins around a fashionable and fun party mood. These cards are designed with the urban crowd in mind.
Nila Aye created nice illustrations that celebrate a Happy birthday, a new born, a new home, an engagement or a wedding. The Get Well Soon, Good Luck and Congratulations models are amazing.
About the card illustrator
Nila Aye was born in Burma in 1972. She moved with her family to England in 1975. Each one of her stylishly chic cards feature a silver foil detail that add something out of the ordinary. The cards are printed on high quality board and they come with a premium color envelop.
An ode to the blank cards
Whenever you want to send a card to someone, try to opt for blank cards. People appreciate blank cards more because you must make an effort to write your message. In this email and Web epoch, this is something that people value very much. With Nila’s cards you get a cool look and the personal touch.
Sourcing:
Illustrator: Web site of Nila Aye
Learn more: Nila Aye’s greeting card collection for Beaumonde
For retailers: International distributors of Beaumonde
Categories:
PAPER goods
posted @ Thursday, October 18, 2007 2:05 PM | Feedback (1)
Tuesday night on my way home from a conference, I passed by the front store of Petits Gateaux, one of the few cupcake shops in Montreal.
Their Halloween cupcakes on the front window caught my eyes. Look at them as a source of inspirations to bake and decorate your own cupcakes for a Halloween party.
I guess that these looks can be reproduced successfully if you possess some skills in cake decorations. I really like the RIP designs and they can be a hit with children. I am predicting that the eye would not go unnoticed.
About Petits Gateaux
Located in the heart of the Plateau Mont-Royal, Petits Gateaux store design is another retro style concept. I am tired of the retro old-fashioned concept for cupcake shops. Are you? Still, this little cake bakery got fans in the city.
For their simple Halloween cupcake designs, Petits Gateaux won points on my book. Especially, since these seems like good DIY projects. If you give them a try, do not forget to share your tips with us.
Petits Gateaux
783 Mont-Royal Avenue East
Montreal, QC H2J 1W8
T 514.510.5488
Sourcing:
Learn more: Web site of Petits Gateaux
RELATED POSTS:
+ Carving pumpkins stencils
+ Creepy Halloween treats and cocktails
+ Mad Scientist Halloween party
Categories:
HOLIDAY
CAKES
posted @ Thursday, October 18, 2007 1:32 AM | Feedback (2)
My fellow Canadian stationery artist Lana Stewart of Paper Skirt passed on TV for a card making segment at the show Living in Ottawa by CBC.
If you are interested, watch it right away because the show is supposed to be available online just for 5 days.
I particularly like the sewed cards and the look of lined envelops which are so easy to do yourself. Lana's segment is the first story of the show.
Sourcing:
Watch: October 16, 2007 episode of Living in Ottawa on CBC
Via: Blog of Paper Shirt
Categories:
PAPER goods
posted @ Wednesday, October 17, 2007 12:46 PM | Feedback (0)
This is the first article of my new eco-chic party and stylish green living column. Stay tuned every Wednesday for more.
Although real dinnerware is the ultimate choice, it is not also possible due to time, group size and money. If you need to use disposable tableware for an event, what are the environment friendly choices out there?
The high version of environment friendly dinnerware
Launched in 2006, the bambu All Occasion Veneerware collection displays contemporary clean lines. The materials are peeled directly from the 100% organically grown bamboo stalk; but really no one gives supplements to one of the fastest growing plants on Earth. bambu is the ultimate in trendy chic right now.
The making of All Occasion Veneerware uses no bleaches or dyes. After disposal, the plates, trays and utensils biodegrades in 4 to 6 months. Bamboo is available at Branch and Greenfeet.com.
The prices are slightly cheaper at Greenfeet.com where you get 2 packaging sizes to cater to small and large events. Choose between the 8 pack and the 100 pack for plates, and the 24 piece kit (8 knives, spoons and forks) or a bag of 250 utensils (single type).
bambu Veneerware trays and sporks are designed for one-time use that may be composted when done. Therefore, you can fully set up your buffet table with environment friendly dinnerware. A spork is a spoon and a fork in a single item.
The low version of environment friendly dinnerware
The top left picture shows plates, oval platters, cups and bowls made of 100% biodegradable, compostable sugar cane fiber (bagasse) that is a byproduct of the sugar refining process. The utensils are made of 80% potato starch and 20% vegetable oil.
Their look is not impressive but they will make you feel good. Unbleached, FDA-approved food-safe that are comparable to Chinet brand plates for sturdiness. You can buy those Biodegradable Plates, Cups + Utensils in pack of 50 units at Branch.
Spread the words
If you use environmentally friendly products at an event, do not be shy to nicely highlight the facts at the event. Write down in chalk compostable, environment friendly and fair trade on small slate coasters. Decorative place card holders are another option. But do not forget to spread the words, so people become aware of the alternatives.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Web site of bambu
Buy online: bambu All Occasion Veneerware at Greenfeet - starting at $ 5.50 for 8 salad / dessert plates
or $65.95 for 100
Buy online: Biodegradable Plates, Cups + Utensils at Branch – starting at $6.50 for 50 salad / dessert plates
RELATED POST:
+ Recyclable and disposable Social Plates for all drinks
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
posted @ Wednesday, October 17, 2007 11:58 AM | Feedback (7)
A reader T. asked for my advice. She is planning a baby shower at the office for her sophisticated boss. The baby room décor involved red and white toile fabric with gold and yellow accents.
T. told me she enjoy the French style baby shower board I made earlier this month. But since her event will occur at the office; she would prefer a simpler scheme. I put the accents on what she mostly needs help: paper plates, napkins and cakes.
T. expects 40 guests at this baby shower. From a cleaning time and money viewpoints, she opts for disposable products.
How to determine the decor style?
First, I decided that the napkins will harbor the Toile theme. With that in mind, it appears that a plate model with solid center where the rim as the center of attention will harmonize nicely with the napkins. I feel that full pattern plates lose their appeal once you filled them with food.
Before you start looking for products, imagine the scheme in your mind. It will guide your choice when shopping. You either select what comes closer to your initial plan or decide to update your plan.
Stylish paper plates and napkins by Caspari
I always gravitate towards complementary pieces rather than kits. Here I felt in love with this fuchsia and gold filigree border dinner plate by Caspari available at Fine Stationery. Once you find a great piece, you search for the complimentary pieces. The gold Angel Guest Towel napkins harmonize the plate. Both are powerful pieces. Together they make a statement.
I think that the three-ply-paper guest towel format looks almost as sophisticated as real linen napkins. This format suits very well a baby shower party. I suggest you roll them in advance with utensils inside and tie them up with a tiny gold or pink satin ribbon. A medium paper weight soft pink rimmed dessert plate will finish the meal in beauty and let the place to the dessert.
The light green glass is from cb2. The Satellite HD dish glasses have an unusual modern shape. Use them to serve fruit salad and sorbet in top of drinks. The Green Paper Cups by Caspari is an option for coffee or tea.
A second plate and napkin combination
I went to