12 Oct

8 Fashionably Creepy Halloween Treats

categories: food and drinks, halloween, thanksgiving

martha stewart halloween 2009 recipes

Here are a few new-found favorites from Martha that I recently discovered in her “Creepy Treats” gallery… which honestly leans more towards “clever & stylish, with just a dash of creep.” (Except for maybe the Ladies’ Fingers cookies, which easily qualify as full-on creepy!)

1. Devil’s Food Cake with Flame Tuiles –Is is just me, or is this cake more gorgeous than creepy?! This look would actually make for a pretty Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert too.

2. I Scream Sandwitches – “wicked witches” with an eerie tendency to melt!

3. Pumpkin Patch Cupcakes – Pumpkin-flavored cupcakes topped with adorable marzipan pumpkins. Pressed for time? Substitute any ready-made pumpkin candy. Read More…

9 Oct

Fall Decorating: The Simple Chic Approach

categories: centerpiece ideas, thanksgiving

modern fall decorations

As someone whose personal taste leans much more contemporary than country, finding great autumn/harvest-themed decorating ideas with a modern vibe can seem like a difficult task sometimes… which is why I’m feeling especially grateful for all these gorgeous ideas from BHG and Sunset.

These looks are still warm & inviting, but they also have a fresh, chic feel that the modernists can appreciate too! I’m really feeling this Yellow & Gold color palette for a contemporary twist on the Thanksgiving table this year… Read More…

9 Oct

Guest Interview at Pepper Design Blog

categories: guest blog, in the news

pepper design blog

Thanks so much to Morgan from Pepper Design Blog for inviting me to be a part of her Friday Guest Interview series! Click here to check it out.

Morgan has featured many of my favorite design/party people already – if you have time, check out these fun interviews with the following lovely ladies: (the links will take you directly to the interview)
Cortnie, Jen, & Vanessa from Lollipop Events
Chris from Celebrations at Home
Amy from Stem Parties
Kim from At Home with Kim Vallee

8 Oct

REAL PARTIES: Alice in Wonderlandia

categories: birthday party ideas, bridal shower ideas, real parties, wedding

Alice in Wonderland party theme

You might remember the B is for Baby Shower party that the girls from Lollipop Events & Designs created earlier this year. I’m a huge fan of their modern-meets-whimsical style, and they’re back with another fabulous party theme to share!

This colorful “Alice in Wonderlandia” design is like your own personal fairy tale… charming, stylish, and perfect for everything from baby & bridal showers to birthday parties or a ladies lunch.

Alice in Wonderland party theme

I’m especially loving the clever tea cup centerpiece and eclectic mix of vintage patterns & textiles! Read on for all the DIY tips for this setting, as told by the Lollipop girlsRead More…

7 Oct

Simply Stated: Preggatinis for Mom-to-Be

categories: Simply Stated, baby shower ideas, food and drinks

hostess

After a short summer break, I’m excited to be contributing regularly over at Real Simple again… starting with today’s feature – Preggatinis: Mixology for the Mom-to-Be.  If you think being pregnant means no “fun” drinks for 9 months, think again!

7 Oct

Paper Culture: Modern Cards & Invitations

categories: invitations, paper love

modern baby announcements

After discovering Paper Culture, I feel like I’ve died and gone to MODERN stationery heaven! Seriously… if you love stationery with a contemporary feel, take a peek at paperculture.com. The designs are so fresh and original; I can pretty much guarantee you’ll be stuck for a while!

Featured here are some favorites from the following categories: Baby Announcements, Adult Birthday, Kids Birthday, Baby Shower, Bridal Shower, and Personalized Stationery, and you’ll find lots more designs & occasions (including a fabulous Holiday Cards section) on their website.

modern baby announcements

Above: various designs from Adult Birthday. Below: Are these Baby Shower invites fantastic, or what?!  I’m especially loving the bold, bright color palettes (and the elephants!)… Read More…

  • BadaBadaBaby
  • Quirky Bird Designs
  • Project Wedding
  • Charming Cards
  • Gifts Define
  • Magnet Street Weddings
  • Lollipop Events
  • Hostess Jo
  • BadaBadaBride
  • Tiny Prints
  • The Celebration Shoppe
  • Peach Prints
  • Hello Lucky
  • Busy Bee Lifestyles
  • Vintage Paper Parade
  • Royal Design Studio
  • Design Dazzle
  • Wicked Good Dinner
  • Shades of Light
  • The Puppet Store

recipe box

  • Pot o’ Gold Brie + Salad
  • Basil Grande Cocktail
  • French Onion Soup
  • Better-than-Classic Butterscotch Pudding
  • Read More

wish-list

  • Trellis Travel Mug
  • Cheeky and Cheerful Occasion Cards
  • Tipsy Toes Ice Cubes Set
  • Eat, Drink & Be Merry Tags
  • “Happy it’s Happy Hour” Flask