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.

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