Category: get inspired
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Hip Hostess Series: San Diego
I’m excited to share that HWTM is teaming up with Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur to host a series of events for readers! For this "Hip Hostess Series", we’ll be traveling to 7 cities across the US over the next 12 months putting on (free) entertaining workshops/parties where you can pick up tips and ideas for seasonal & holiday entertaining…and indulge in some yummy food and cocktails of course!
The first event is next Thursday, May 22nd in San Diego, and we’ll be covering ideas for throwing "Tropical Zen" summer parties - kind of a fusion of Hawaiian and Asian styles with a contemporary twist. Read more →
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Floral Centerpiece Inspiration
TheKnot.com has a fabulous "centerpieces" photo gallery that’s definitely worth checking out - especially if you’re looking for some inspiration for your wedding or next party! Even though some of the designs in wedding pictures can be overly difficult or expensive to recreate for everyday parties at home, there are almost always some doable tips you can pick up too… like the kiwi-lined vase pictured above, for example - or the tulip bouquet embellished with simple grass details for a unique, artsy feel.
Especially loving these Lemon/Orchid and Manzanita/Rose/Orchid designs…
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Sweet Images from Sweet Paul

I recently discovered a fantastic blog called Sweet Paul that focuses on design, craft & food. Sweet Paul is authored by Paul Lowe, a talented interior and food stylist from NY. His blog is full of wonderful inspiration for food presentation - like the fabulous fruit ice cubes pictured above (from the cookbook Slurp ), which are definitely going on my list of things to try this summer!
These coconut cookie sandwiches are so pretty for a bridal/baby shower or all-white party..

Monday, April 28, 2008
“An Asian-Inspired Affair” - by The Wedding Chicks

{by Guest Hostesses: Amy Squires and Jocey Canrinus of the fabulous new wedding website: Wedding Chicks: Sassy Weddings for Cool Chicks!}
Throwing a stylish soirée can be simple if you stick to a theme. We decided to throw an Asian-inspired affair and want to share our fabulous finds with you! Here are the party details…
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Epicurious on Partying Green
A common misconception about "partying green" is that it means the look of the party has to literally be green - or at least based on earthy shades of green and brown. That’s why I was so happy to see this beautiful red and lilac table as the headliner image for author Danny Seo ’s "How to Throw a Green Party at Home " feature over at epicurious.com!
Friday, April 18, 2008
“Cause a Ric Rac!” - by Guest Hostess Sheena Kalso

Let’s start a Ric Rac craze, shall we? Such a nostalgic, even vintage, piece of sewing detail can add a special touch your party guests will notice. Here are a few ideas we’ve collected:
1. Sabre Paris has a Ric Rac plate collection of many, many colors.
2. Crafty mama Morgan Moore incorporated wide ric rac ribbon into this super cute apron she designed. If you’re not particularly crafty - what a great way to customize a store bought item for the Hostess !
3. Could personalizing a wine bottle get any simpler?
4. A fun DIY project inspired by a former Crate&Barrel product.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Spring Party Ideas
If you’re hosting a party or shower this spring, the Spring Parties Ideas gallery on marthastewart.com is full of inspiration! I especially love the idea of the butterflies on the paper lanterns (pictured above), and would love to try a super contemporary approach to this idea: maybe all-white butterflies on vividly colored lanterns like fuschia, bright orange, and lime, or vice versa - vibrant butterflies on white lanterns. Click here to check out the ideas gallery!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Get Creative with PEEPS
RealSimple.com has a great article/slideshow up right now featuring new and fun ways to get creative with Easter’s favorite sugar-coated marshmallow friends!
The feature also includes some “Fun Facts” - including this one which seriously shocks me: “PEEPS were made by hand using a pastry tube until 1954, when a machine was invented to create multiple marshmallow chicks at a time. Prior to this time it took 27 hours to make one PEEP.” 27 hours?! Who knew! Click here to check out the full article.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Seaside Ambiance
Even if you can’t afford that dreamy ocean-front home with the fabulous beach-side patio for entertaining (sigh…) , that doesn’t mean you can’t at least bring the beach to you! The trend in ocean/beach themed housewares this season is a breath of fresh air as we head into the warmer months, not to mention a great theme to work with for parties! (Who doesn’t love a trip to the beach?!) Here are a few cool products & ideas for creating your own personal seaside ambiance…
Pictured above: Sea Urchin Bud Vases - LOVE THESE! ($24.95/set of 3); Vanilla Starfish & Seahorse Soap Set - great for guest bathrooms or as party favors ($14.95/set of 3); Embroidered Coral Beach Guest Towels ($13.95/set of 2)
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Cupcake Cake Bites
Think it’s impossible for the beloved cupcake to get any cuter? The creative talents of Bakerella and her adorable chocolate cake bites/lollipops just might change your mind!














































