December 11th, 2013 No Comments

fruit can take the place of flowers for your centerpieces

Compotes or bowls of fruit can be beautiful centerpieces. Forgo the costly floral arrangement and pick up a fruit that coincides with the color palette of your wedding or celebration. Clementines, oranges and kumquats (which symbolize good luck in Asia) are a perfect choice this time of year. Above clementines and kumquats are paired with succulents for a chic table setting. Mixing gold, silver and glass as neutral elements allow the orange to pop. Having a lot of guests for the holidays? Rental companies don’t just do weddings and really large events, consider contacting your local rental company about chairs, … Read more

December 10th, 2013 No Comments

a clever but simple dessert- sorbet oranges with mint and cloves

What a creative idea for dessert or a sorbet course. Spoon orange sorbet into balls, top off with a clove and mint leaves for individual desserts.

December 9th, 2013 No Comments

this week’s color palette, inspired by oranges

This week’s color palette will be based around orange. I was inspired by this beautiful photograph on the shop Herriott Grace. Herriott Grace is a father-daughter company based in Canada that makes gorgeous wood spoons, rolling pins, pedestals etc.. Such special gifts for the baker on your list.  

December 6th, 2013 1 Comment

simple herb centerpieces & place settings for the holidays

The holidays can be a very stressful time of year, trying to fit in all the shopping, baking, attending events and parties, all within your usual busy schedule. So if you are hosting a holiday dinner, brunch or luncheon try these simple but chic ideas. Your table doesn’t always have to be red and green for the holiday.  Neutral creams & whites, chestnut colors and fresh greens is a lovely palette for any party.  Above, clear vases in different sizes and shapes hold mint and lavender. You can pick up fresh herb bunches like this while you are at the … Read more

December 5th, 2013 No Comments

give a gift of lavender seeds

One of the most romantic gifts I’ve seen is when we were shooting a wedding for Martha Stewart Weddings in South Carolina. The wedding was held at the groom’s parent’s farm and to the left of the house was a huge field of poppies where the ceremony took place. The groom’s father had planted the entire field brimming with colorful poppies for his wife as an anniversary gift. She had no idea he had done that until they bloomed that year.  To me it represented love, patience, kindness and beauty. I thought I’d give you a reprieve today from all … Read more

December 4th, 2013 No Comments

lavender themed weddings & celebrations

Lavender as a theme for weddings and celebrations can be really beautiful. Paired with soft whites, grays and even navy, lavender can take on a very romantic and charming presentation. Whether it’s just infused in small bits, like in this place setting above or as accents to the bouquet below or used as a flavor in cocktails or desserts there are so many options once you have decided on lavender. A small bouquet of lavender for each guest makes a beautiful presentation whether it’s for a wedding or a holiday table setting. A classic lavender decorated cake. Just because you … Read more

December 3rd, 2013 No Comments

lavender hot chocolate

We love hot chocolate and we were thrilled to find this lavender hot chocolate recipe via alamodejournals.com. If you didn’t catch yesterday’s post we’re talking about using lavender for holiday entertaining this week.  This will be a lovely treat for your guests this winter. Let us know if you try it!  

December 2nd, 2013 No Comments

this week’s color palette, lavender for holiday entertaining and decorating

I always think of maybe rosemary or cinnamon for the holidays, but this season I have been drawn to lavender. The soft pale violet color can be woven into the classic Christmas color palette colors whether it be red or greens. (I would choose to put lavender with either reds or greens, but probably not red and green together.) Lavender garnishes for cocktails, cakes, or in wreaths and tucked in garland can add a fragrant touch to your holiday entertaining and decorating. I found this lavender vanilla cocktail rim sugar from the Etsy shop, dellcovespices. It’s $3.95 for 2.5 … Read more

November 29th, 2013 No Comments

black and white kitchen inspiration

Whether you want a modern kitchen, a rustic kitchen or a classic kitchen, a black and white color palette works so well with today’s appliances and surfaces. You can infuse black by just adding in a black drum chandelier or going all out with high-gloss black cabinets, a black floor or stay somewhat in the middle with a black island or black lower cabinets and white uppers. Whatever your style, here are some inspiring photos to spark your creative juices.  

November 28th, 2013 No Comments

introducing five new incredible sea salts from chef dante giannini

Chef Dante Giannini has just created 5 new finishing sea salts. “I feel salt is such an important part of a composed dish. A pinch of the appropriate finishing salt can elevate a dish from good to outstanding.” Dante says. His collection of 5 sea salts are Garlic & Thyme, Three Herb, Chili & Lime, Fennel & Parsley and Ginger, Garlic & Sesame.  These salts can be used on fish, proteins as well as vegetables and even salad greens. They are $12 for each 4.5 ounce jar. Contact Dante at 914-494-3392 or thefarmtoforkchef@gmail.com to purchase. These would make the perfect … Read more