Archive for April, 2012

April 30th, 2012 No Comments

color palette: shades of lavenders and blues

This week’s color palette is shades of lavenders and blues. Did you ever noticed the different range of these colors in flowers?  The shades go from deep cornflower blue to the lavender color you find with lilacs (with more red in it). Just as in nature all these shades work beautifully together. This inspirational photograph is courtesy of Yifat Oren & Associates. Yifat is an amazing wedding and events planner based in Los Angeles. Most recently you might have read about her planning Reese Witherspoon’s wedding. Her events seem to have a controlled ease to them, making me want … Read more

April 27th, 2012 No Comments

lynn’s picks/ color palette: red, coral and pink

The weather is so nice lately (here on the east coast), time to stock up on some new essentials for the beach and fun day trips. Clockwise: Magic Marker Lip and Cheek Stain in Jitterbug, $19, from Jose Maran, Set of three Zipper Bags, $8-12, from Baggu, Marimekko Unikko Red and White Insulated Bottle, $86, from Crate and Barrel, Ali Yatch-Stripe Bateau Tee in Pink Flambe/Hibiscus, $34.50, from Talbots, Skinny Fit Straight Jeans, $19.90, from Unliqlo.

April 26th, 2012 1 Comment

fresh peonies, michael george’s favorite flower!

It’s that time of year for big, beautiful blooms of peonies. Since I began the week with sugar peonies (by Ron Ben-Israel) I thought it was fitting to feature fresh peonies. These peonies are arranged by Michael George. Michael is known for his monochromatic and mono-genus arrangements with perfectly clean cut stems. And it also seemed fitting to feature his fresh peonies because they are his favorite flower. Michael once said to me, “I think of the peony as the queen of the garden and the rose as the duchess.” (I found it interesting that he had a definite favorite … Read more

April 25th, 2012 1 Comment

Celebrated caterer Peter Callahan shares one of his favorite specialty drinks with me- his cranberry-tini

“Cranberry-tinis are one of my favorite specialty drinks, their color palette is striking which is an important component of a drink, and the flavor from fresh squeezed cranberries is crisp original and refreshing. Cranberry-tinis combine the two most important ingredients in a drink, color palette and flavor. Their palette of crimson red is a powerful color and the flavor is bold and universal.” says Peter Callahan. You can find the recipe to this drink in Peter’s recently published book, “Bite By Bite”. Peter’s “Peter Callahan Catering” is renowned for his miniature savory and dessert hors d’oeuvres. He’s done several parties … Read more

April 24th, 2012 No Comments

bright paper flowers for a casual gathering

I found these fun paper flowers from Pearl River Mart– a great store at 477 Broadway in New York City (but they also have a website). They have amazing little finds for bowls, plates, serving utensils, paper lanterns, paper umbrellas etc.. If you haven’t been to Pearl River make sure to stop by if you are in Soho. These crepe paper flowers are just $4.95 per kit and the package says it makes 3 flowers (about 7 inches in diameter) but really I could make about 4-5 from the kit-very simple directions and the kit comes with green pipe … Read more

April 23rd, 2012 1 Comment

color palette: red, coral and pink

Believe it or not these are sugar flowers! These are like little pieces of art- made by the very talented pastry chef Ron Ben-Israel. I still can’t get over how real his sugar flowers look every time I see them. Ron not only has a very successful and renowned cake business, Ron is in his second season of his hit show “Sweet Genius” on the Food Network. Make sure to tune in to get a glimpse of Ron’s enchanting and enthusiastic personality. We shot these beautiful sugar peony flowers in red, coral and pink for InStyle Weddings (photographed by … Read more

April 21st, 2012 No Comments

afternoon in the hamptons

Looking for a few things to do in the Hamptons on a beautiful Spring weekend? Stroll through Madoo Conservancy in Sagaponack, New York.  It’s a wonderful 2 acre garden created by artist and writer Robert Dash. Check out their site for opening dates and hours. Bright colors can be found throughout the garden like this blue gate painted in Stark Paint‘s custom color ‘Madoo Blue’. Head out to Amagansett and make sure to visit my favorite store for antiques, tabletop and unique collectibles, Nellie’s of Amagansett at 230 Main Street, Amagansett, New York, 631-267-1000. Owner Connie Dankmyer … Read more

April 20th, 2012 No Comments

lynn’s picks

Clockwise: Blue Top Zip Brief Tote, $2,650, by Valextra, from Barneys, Blue recycled leather notebook, $12.95, by Paperthinks, from Kate’s Paperie, Dauphine iPad sleeve, $295, by Tod’s, from Barneys, Strappy Fluorescent Thong Sandal, $375, by Miu Miu, from Bergdorf Goodman, Bolide travel cases, $295-340, from Hermes, Coconut orange n’ cream slices, $14.99 for a 2 pound bag, from Old Time Candy.

April 19th, 2012 No Comments

Nolitan Hotel, NYC

One of New York’s newest hotels situated on Kenmare and Elizabeth streets in Nolita (North of Little Italy) is Nolitan. Designed by NYC based Grzywinski+Pons. There’s 55 rooms, rooftop deck, 1pm check-out and they accept pets! Rates start at $269. The interior of a guest room is within our color palette this week. Here’s a great example of how to add vibrant color to a room simply but effectively, without major long term commitment. I found a chair that comes in stock in a beautiful blue and a simple throw to copy this look easily in your own … Read more

April 18th, 2012 No Comments

Southern Hospitality- the Wedding of Katie and Tony Conway

Katie and Tony’s favorite color is orange- so it made perfect sense to include orange in their wedding color palette. They started with their orange and blue invitations and followed through with the palette- all the way to the orange Camaro they drove away in. (These are vibrant colors, so you don’t have to get carried away with an orange wedding gown or all orange tablecloths.) Katie and Tony wove their color palette every so delicately through their ceremony and reception…from hanging paper lanterns from the trees, that Tony (being 6’9″) hung himself with fishing wire and fishing weights to … Read more