September 30th, 2013 No Comments

this week’s color palette: a fall harvest palette

The leaves are starting to change here in New York and pumpkin fields are full. This time of year I love bringing out my Black Clay Pottery, black tumblers, flatware and decorative owls. Also setting the table with Terra Cotta Hurricanes and votives on our outside patio brings that garden feeling to the tabletop and act as a centerpiece.  I like selecting muted color pumpkins for the table instead of the bright orange (which I usually save for pumpkin carving). Natural color linen table runners keep the table soft against the dark plates … Read more

September 27th, 2013 No Comments

the milk pail’s hot spiced cider recipe, yum!

I took a rare morning off today and I went on a field trip with my daughters. We went apple picking at the Milk Pail in Watermill, NY. It’s a 13th generation family run farm by the Halsey family. Nestled near Mecox Bay and the ocean it’s a beautiful farm complete with a stand in the middle of the fields complete with coffee, cider, donuts, fruit and more. I thought I’d share their Hot Spiced Cider recipe they gave us this morning. Can’t wait to try it out! – Lynn Butler Beling The Milk Pail’s Hot Spiced Cider (serves 8) … Read more

September 26th, 2013 No Comments

edible chocolate mushrooms, leaves and acorns- andie’s edible sweets are amazing

Andie’s Edible Sweets on Etsy.com has the most amazing sweets. The beautiful items on the shop are like miniature pieces of edible art. Impress your guests at thanksgiving with a leaf cake (with edible leaves) or put out these nut flavored candy acorns as treats! Branches, feathers, mushrooms, owls- they all can adorn a gorgeous fall buffet or wrap tiny bags of them as favors. They also have snowflakes as we head into winter or gorgeous chocolate seashells or even edible scrabble letters.  Take a look at the shop on etsy.com- you won’t believe your eyes!

September 25th, 2013 No Comments

simple favors- they don’t just have to be for weddings

Favors at weddings don’t have to be so expensive. A simple little token for guests to take away with them is always a gracious gesture, but don’t stress; If you can’t find a gift that you want to give you don’t have to give a favor. If you can’t think of a personalized favor, a favor of a local treat is always a great idea- local candy or fudge, honey, maple syrup etc..  Also, you don’t have to be hosting a wedding to give your guests a favor; You can give your guests a favor whether the gathering is small or … Read more

September 24th, 2013 No Comments

how to create a simple buffet for entertaining

Setting up a casual buffet for entertaining friends at home can be simple. I like to bring a table that I usually use inside- outside for two reasons. One, it feels homey and creates a unique look. Two, it allows your outside patio table to be used to actually sit down and eat with your guests. If you don’t have an extra table, you can use anything from an old dresser or a cardboard table and drape it in a nice simple ivory cloth. Use everyday items from your kitchen like cutting boards , cereal bowls and tumblers as food … Read more

September 23rd, 2013 No Comments

this week’s color palette: muted fruits & foliage colors for casual outdoor entertaining

It’s officially fall. But while it’s still warm why not continue to entertain friends and family outside. Creating a casual afternoon of cocktails and bite sized food doesn’t have to be as daunting as you might think. I’ll be sharing my tips all week for casual entertaining so I hope you’ll follow along today through Friday. Pictured above is this week’s color palette which I introduce each Monday and my paint chip picks from Benjamin Moore.  Colors chips from top to bottom: Pearly Gates 190, Pearl Harbor 2165-50, Golden Gate 033, Palace Pear cw-650 and Sweet Pear 389.  It’s a … Read more

September 20th, 2013 No Comments

easy weekend entertaining with cherry fizzes and hot toddies

These are the last weekends with a bit of warm weather before the cool air comes in, so why not take advantage and invite a few friends over for drinks? This cherry fizz (above) is easy and non-alcoholic. I always like to have a non-alcoholic drink for guests (besides water) so they feel like they are part of the celebration. Cherry Fizz: Serves 2 / 1 cup cherry juice, 1 cup ginger ale, mix with ice and serve in chilled glass. How about a Hot Toddy? (see recipe below) Serve in an old fashioned thermos to take outside to an outdoor … Read more

September 19th, 2013 No Comments

it’s not wallpaper, it’s a stencil!

I think sometimes we’re all just a bit timid about making a commitment to wallpaper, right? I even only have wallpaper in my powder room. So when I came across this company called NotWallpaper I’m excited to be able to try it. They are stencil rollers to make painting the pattern very easy. This is a great DIY option. A focus wall could be fun with one of these patterns. Or you could even paint the pattern on a large canvas and frame for a unique piece of art. Try blik or New York Central Art Supply for art … Read more

September 18th, 2013 No Comments

budgets can sometimes make you think outside the…cup

This creative couple certainly thought outside the box with their reception decorations. Using coffee filters they dipped them in water color paint and made them into garlands that draped over their reception tables. Sometimes a budget can make you look for alternate, more affordable options. If you love this idea but really don’t have the time check out etsy.com for some more handmade options. This is a great idea too for birthday parties or other celebrations. Our stylist tip though is to make sure you have enough garland to really make an impact. This garland would not have the … Read more

September 17th, 2013 No Comments

at home with carolyne roehm

Since we started off the week yesterday with an image from one of my favorite floral books (Bringing Nature Home) I thought I’d continue the week with my favorite books for inspiration. I’ve always been a fan of Carolyne Roehm and I often go to her book “At Home with Carolyne Roehm” for seasonal table setting and decorating inspiration. Although my tables are usually a bit more minimal I love her over the top parties and gorgeous setting of her home. It reminds me a lot of the Ralph Lauren aesthetic. What is so nice about this book is … Read more