Posts Tagged ‘celebrations’

August 7th, 2013 No Comments

wolffer estate vineyard on long island’s east end is a gorgeous location for a wedding (or just an afternoon of wine tasting)

Located in beautiful Sagaponack, New York, in the Hamptons, Wolffer Estate Vineyard is absolutley stunning. Whether you are looking for a location for your wedding or for any private event you might want to check out this estate. The vines are so meticulous and the grounds transport you to another world- like you might even be in europe. Large wood doors from Germany, huge stone urns with flowers billowing over, wood beams and iron chandeliers come together for a unique design aesthetic which was the vision of the late Christian Wolffer. Take a moment to read all about this … Read more

July 17th, 2013 No Comments

weddings: these brides layered in color for a fun style to their wedding day

Layering in different colors into your wedding day can be tricky. These brides layered in our color palette of pink, yellow, red and blue in fun, but still pretty ways. From pale yellow and pink bouquets against red dresses, to streamers with globe lights this is proof a wedding can be casual and fun too. Too casual for your style? These can also be great color ideas for the rehearsal dinner or a welcome dinner for out of town guests. Red drinks with red striped straws are a fun way to add color to your cocktail hour. A yellow and … Read more

July 4th, 2013 No Comments

a favorite recipe for the 4th of july from our facebook winner, marg h. of missouri

Thank you everyone for sending in your favorite recipes for the 4th of July! We wanted to try and find something a bit different for you all. Marg from Missouri sent in a cocktail recipe that she says is sure to please! She found the recipe on the blog, A Cup of Mai (which they adapted from Southern Living) and it’s a raspberry beer cocktail. She says it’s sure to make everyone at your party happy with “beer” for the men and and a pretty red cocktail for the ladies! ( See recipe below) For red and white striped straws … Read more

July 2nd, 2013 No Comments

paper and polka dots can add a lot of fun to your 4th of july decor- try these simple ideas

Adding red, white and blue in a few unexpected ways can really bring in a more festive feel to your 4th of July celebration. Red, white and blue ribbons to hang lanterns is a great idea (notice these ribbons are polka dot). You could also hang paper stars in different sizes from the ribbons or paper lanterns. Varying the height and size of the stars or lanterns could also add more visual interest. Jamali Garden has sest of 4 white mini lanterns for $15. We see a lot of stars and stripes for the 4th, so adding in polka dots is … Read more

May 22nd, 2013 No Comments

Weddings: Sugar Flower Cakes

Since we featured baker, Ron Ben-Israel’s Sugar Peony Cake color palette on Monday I thought I’d show you the entire cake from that story I worked on with Ron that appeared in InStyle Weddings magazine. It’s just so hard to believe they are sugar flowers, isn’t it? The photographer didn’t even realize they were sugar until she came up close to move one of the flowers! (The original cake body fondant was a lavender/pink color and the magazine paper printed a bit more blue in color- which was unfortunate.) If your baker is talented enough to make sugar flowers … Read more

April 24th, 2013 No Comments

flowers with michael george: a peek at the rewards of spring from michael’s very own personal garden

Last week every flowering tree burst into a profusion of blossoms. Dogwood, cherry, magnolia and lilac are all available locally or from your garden. More great news, peonies have arrived at great prices. The coral charms are a bit more expensive. As far as telling you what to do, c’mon, you know what to do. And if you don’t remember, think of mom or grandma and you will remember. Spring is here. For the more avid gardener, muscari, violets and blue bells are all up and with the cool weather the daffodils and forsythia are still fine.  –Michael George … Read more

April 22nd, 2013 No Comments

trick of the trade: use multiples and repetition with centerpieces for a dramatic presentation (along with a tight color palette… of course)

I almost forgot that I used this week’s palette a number of years ago in collaboration with Antony Todd, so I thought I’d share it with you today. We worked on a story together for Martha Stewart Weddings, transforming the giant open space in the middle of the Starrett-Lehigh offices which was photographed by the very talented Victor Schrager and art directed by visionary Ellen Burnie. When planning a party, celebration or even a wedding it’s always best to start with a color palette. Then as you begin to decide on your decor an easy trick of the trade for … Read more

April 10th, 2013 No Comments

flowers with michael george: forsythia

I noticed over the weekend that the flowering trees were showing their buds. After a few warm days we will be pruning our forsythia and bringing the branches into our home. One or two large scale, 3-5 foot tall and others that will fit. Compliment the yellow forsythia with white or yellow market daffodils or another seasonal bloom in small containers. Keep it natural and simple, relax and enjoy the spring. -Michael George Note from Lynn: I’ve learned a lot from Michael of the years and he always has great tips- which you can find in his book- Simply … Read more

March 20th, 2013 No Comments

weddings with peter callahan: 5 creative ways to include citrus at your celebration

1. (above) Hollowed out lemons filled with fresh squeezed lemonade and vodka with candy sticks and straws. “I love hollowed out lemons, they remind me of happy summer days and add a great flavor to any lemonade.” -Peter 2. Mini key lime pies with edible johnny jump up flowers. “Key lime have the perfect sour to sweet factor and I like them served chilled.” – Peter 3. Sgroppino bar with lemon sorbet, limoncello, vodka and prosecco served with citrus marigold garnish. “This is a classic dish from Italy that a client brought back from a pre-wedding trip. The action of … Read more

March 13th, 2013 No Comments

weddings with peter callahan: 5 creative ways to use green mint or basil at your celebration

Our March weddings contributor, Peter Callahan of Peter Callahan Catering, has so many ideas using mint and basil it’s hard to narrow them down! But here are five creative ways to include these flavors at your wedding or celebration. Above, Peter serves Mint-tinis with a flowering mint garnish on white drink trays lined with fresh mint leaves. Below, “In summertime we like mint and cucumber water for dinner or at the bars served in French glass bottles with long cucumber slivers and spearmint stalks and leaves.” – Peter “For our ice cream bars, we have assorted ice cream flavors, all … Read more