Archive for May, 2012

May 10th, 2012 1 Comment

yellow & white: rugs, pillows and doors

I used to have my living room painted yellow at our beach house. Although it was always lively and energetic, I did tire of it after a year or so. I now prefer when rooms are more neutral and you can add pops of color seasonally with pillows and flowers. A rug though makes a huge statement in a room and I’ve always loved patterned yellow rugs. This photo and rug are from The Rug Company. I think it’s a great example of how much impact a colorful rug can make in your room and completely change the look … Read more

May 9th, 2012 No Comments

my chat with ‘sweet genius’ host, ron ben-israel

I’ve worked with Ron on many cake stories throughout the years for both Martha Stewart Weddings and InStyle Weddings. We were always so busy and enthusiastic about the design of the cakes and the inspiration we had found to collaborate though, that we never really just had a leisurely chat.  It wasn’t until I started this blog that I began asking Ron about his beginnings and how he got started in the cake business. Ron has an amazingly successful cake company called Ron Ben-Israel Cakes, based in New York City and he’s added tv host and judge to his … Read more

May 8th, 2012 No Comments

an easy table setting idea for mother’s day

Yesterday I talked about simple table settings for Mother’s Day using monochromatic flowers and baked goods. Here’s a very easy centerpiece and table setting that will be sure to make mom smile and she’ll have flowers to take home and enjoy or plant outside. I started with a simple white tablecloth and white china so the yellow accents would pop. I picked up small white flower pots and yellow marigolds at my local nursery (pots about $6 each) and lined them down the center of the table.  I wrapped striped yellow and white ribbon from Hyman Hendler around the plate … Read more

May 7th, 2012 No Comments

color palette: yellow and white

Yellow and white seems like a perfect palette for spring with all the daffodils coming up in the garden. It’s also a beautiful palette for Mother’s Day, which is Sunday, May 13th- so if you didn’t get a gift for mom yet, better do it this week. A yellow and white luncheon or afternoon tea and cake could be a gorgeous way to celebrate Mother’s Day. Usually when I think of yellow I think of lemons, but for this cake, baker Jim Smeal used pineapple. This cake is a fresh-coconut butter cake with thinly sliced fresh pineapple between the … Read more

May 5th, 2012 No Comments

saturday shopping at abc carpet & home

abc carpet & home in NYC is an amazing place for furniture and home accessories shopping. I usually start with breakfast or lunch with friends at Le Pain Quotidien on the first floor and then go floor by floor. The Silk Trading Company (fabric, drapes & accessories) used to be in the basement, but now Conrans moved in about a year ago. I snapped some shots of a few of my favorite finds. I love the tufted navy linen ottoman- I might need to get that as a new coffee table for our family room. (my house … Read more

May 4th, 2012 No Comments

lynn’s picks/ color palette: lavenders and blues

Clockwise:  Aran Cashmere Pillow, (sale!) $199, from Ralph Lauren, Upholstered bed, $899-1099, comes in Debutant Lilac or Blue Bonnet, from Land of Nod. Solana leather belt in Purple, $45, from Calypso, Double-Faced Satin Ribbon, $10.99 per roll, from The Container Store, Agate cheese plates, $60-75, from Jayson Home.

May 3rd, 2012 No Comments

auntie mame! auntie mame!

My friends and I are diehard Auntie Mame serial watchers. We absolutely love the 1958 film version of Warner Bros.’s “Auntie Mame” starring Rosalind Russell. It is eye candy for the decorating obsessed and is filled with many amusing lines that we repeat over and over. I think if you know New York City at all, you might find it funnier than if you’re not familiar with New York (“well I almost had to get out my foreign visa and set sail for Brooklyn!”) But the sets are truly inspirational, so take a peek if you have never seen … Read more

May 2nd, 2012 No Comments

the wedding of hillary and will herring

Nationally recognized event designer, Tara Guerard, planned, designed and  produced this beautiful lavender and blue wedding of college sweethearts, Hillary and Will. Tara and photographer, Liz Banfield, have teamed up on two books, available on Amazon– be sure the get your copies for beautiful inspirational photographs and ideas for your wedding or special occasion! Tara is based in South Carolina, but does events all over the country. Tara thought up these unique lucite seating cards,menu cards and table names and she collaborated with the Lettered Olive to execute them. What a great idea to keep things … Read more

May 1st, 2012 No Comments

Lavender sparkling water

Now that we have longer days it’s easier to entertain friends and family outdoors. Try a lavender syrup with sparkling water for a refreshing drink. (add a touch of champagne for a cocktail) I used tall, simple, clear tumblers so the lavender color shows, but it would look very special in clear etched glasses for a special evening presentation. I always keep a few bottles of syrup and Pellegrino on hand in case someone drops by unannounced. Lavender syrup, $21 a bottle, and clear champagne basic tumbler, $21 each, both from The Product Gallery.