Hostess with the Mostess™

Looking for a fun signature drink to serve at your Labor Day bash this weekend? Here are some cool ideas from Food Network :

{pictured above, clockwise from top left} Golden Daquiri , Plum Caipirinha , Summer Watermelon Situation , and Gin & Tonic Gellies

Or..if you’re planning on doing an "all-white" labor day party - here are some fitting signature drink ideas to go along with your theme:

{pictured above, clockwise from top left} Coconut Groove (from hostesswiththemostess.com ) and Vanilla Lake , White Russian and Vodka Creme Brulee - all from cocktailtimes.com

I saw this beach burner portable bonfire by artist John T. Tunger featured on ThisNext yesterday and thought it would make such a fantastic attraction for any beach party or luau… The cut steel flames even act as great cooking rests for sausages or marshmallows!

Aside from the beautiful design aspect, Tunger’s entire collection of fire line art bowls are made of 100% recycled content, provide safer fires on windy evenings, and can be converted (for an extra cost) to clean-burning propane or natural gas. Available for purchase in the John T. Tunger etsy shop.

Designer Ana Romero recently launched a new online store featuring products that showcase the bright, ultra-modern patterns from her Puzzle* line. Puzzle* is based out of beautiful Lisbon, Portugal - but because Ana’s store is part of Cafepress.com, orders are shipped from the U.S. and international shipping is available too! Click here to visit the shop and check out the full line of Puzzle* mugs, coasters {pictured below}, stationery, art prints, and more!

You may have seen my post on the new products from elum designs earlier this month…and judging from the response it seems that you guys love elum just as much as me! That being the case, I’m hoping you’re REALLY going to love the thought of winning some free goods from them… because today, elum is generously offering up a prize pack of their products – which will include 3 sets of social notes and 2 gorgeous gift bags – to FIVE lucky readers ! (retail value per prize = $50+)

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As a long-time admirer of Tara Hogan’s fabulous INK&WIT line - I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to blog about it here! It shouldn’t take many words to convey how extraordinary Tara’s work is though - these pictures alone should be a great testament to both her design talents, and the playful, yet elegant style you’re sure to find in her postcards, mini notes, art prints, and more.

pictured above: Eco Elephants postcards (super cute! These would be great to incorporate into baby shower or kids’ birthday party decor.) / and below: Thanks for being so dear postcards (so clever - and a great hostess gift idea!) - both $14/set of 10 cards

pictured below: 2×3″ Mini Merci Birdberry notes ($12/set of 10)

To view more of Tara’s work, be sure to visit the Ink&Wit website and her etsy shop. Cuteable also did a great interview with Tara recently - click here to check it out!

New York-based artist Jessica Howard recently emailed me pictures from her brand-new line of contemporary ceramic dishware , and it was love at first sight! Jessica’s simplistic illustrations, rich colors, and clean product lines have come together perfectly to create a truly beautiful line of modern dishware. Click here to view the entire collection.

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Hi Everyone -
Apologies for the delay in posting today and the late-in-the-day posts last week - I’ve been traveling every single day since last Tuesday and am JUST getting back after the final (thank goodness!) 8 hours in the car. How is it that sitting for 8 hours straight can make you tired? Somehow that seems to be the case. The 4am wake-up-call probably didn’t help either :0

Anyways, I’m planning to make it up to you this week with more posts than usual - and a bunch of GREAT giveaways starting this week and continuing throughout the next few weeks, so hope you’re feeling lucky Speaking of giveaways, today is the final day to enter the Mod Summer Giveaway over at Life in a Venti Cup, which features a bunch of cool stationery by Pulp Factory, so be sure to throw your name in today if you want to enter!

Cheers,
Jenn

There’s a new gallery on marthastewart.com called “Cutest Cupcakes” - and I have to agree! How adorable are these little guys… great for kids parties, birthdays, baby showers and more. I’m especially loving the Shark and Beach design…

And if you’re looking for something great to put your cute cupcakes on, how about this fantastic cupcake stand set from Horchow? The stands can be stacked to create a tall tower or displayed individually - and all have slightly raised rings to keep cakes neatly in place! {via Florid Disposition}

I was browsing through the latest issue of Blueprint yesterday and fell head over heels for this artsy black wine rack from Umbra…and then discovered a couple more beauties in their online store…

Pictured above: Cru wine rack - and below: Napa and Loopsy wine racks

If you haven’t been introduced to the ELSEWARES Independent Art & Design site yet, it’s definitely worth checking out! There are tons of great finds for your tabletop, home, stationery collection, wardrobe, and more. Some of my personal favorites are pictured below - click here to check out the entire collection!

{pictured above} Roots & Shoots Plate Set by Working Class Studio, Full Contact Spice Grinder by MINT, and Smorgas-board Plate Set by Pop Ink.

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