Entertaining Tip of the Week

Happy Weekending!

Dinner Party by Lonny Magazine

You all know that Lonny Magazine is one of my FAVORITE online publications! Every issue is filled to the brim with amazing eye-candy and great articles. The November-December issue was no exception! The Editor in Chief Michelle Adams put together a wonderful piece on throwing a dinner party that I just couldn't take my eyes off of. It even includes a detailed timeline for preparations leading up to the start of the event. One particular piece of advice I love..."a well choreographed seating plan can make a party." We don't often think about this level of detail when throwing a dinner party but one of the great things about getting together is meeting new people! Mix it up at the table and have people sit next to someone they might not have met before. Just make sure each person has a little something in common to prevent that awkward "we have nothing to talk about moment".

The other great thing about this article is the advice given by Chef Dan Kluger for hiring a caterer. I know most of us probably make our own food for a casual party but sometimes it's fun to hire a caterer so you can completely relax and enjoy the night. Some of Chef Dan's tips:

Find someone who's passionate, professional, and organized and who has previous experience.

Ask to see menus and pictures of dishes he or she has prepared in the past.

All images via LonnyMag.com. Photos by Patrick Cline.

Too Cool Tabletop Design Tool by Anthropologie

My Tabletop Design

While I was looking around for table linens I stumbled upon Anthropologie's new Tabletop Design Tool. It is so much fun! You can choose from several different backgrounds and color schemes to create your design. It is great for a visual person like myself when it comes to assembling new tablescapes. It even gives you the option to add the items in your design directly to your cart. Aside from a great design tool..it's also a cheap art maker! Anthropologie's tableware is so gorgeous that you could print out your designs and frame them for a great art addition to your kitchen. My design is at the top and these are a few of the samples from the website. Have fun playing!!

Designs by Anthropologie

RecipEasy: Bread & Spinach Dip

Ok, so this is another ridiculously easy recipe. Actually...more of an assembly as there isn't any real cooking involved. Details details! It tastes amazing and with a little presentation magic looks like a million bucks. I remember having this at parties growing up but for whatever reason it had left my usual rotation of go to apps. Then, my mom busted it out on New Years Eve and I was instantly reminded of how great a dish it is for a party. Proof..I have already taken it to one since that night and it was a hit!

So here it is...are you ready? There are a whopping two ingredients! Sweet Hawaiian Bread and Marzetti's Spinach Veggie dip. That's it. All you have to do is slice up the bread and put the dip in a bowl and you're done. Now, as I have said before, presentation is the key when it comes to making a simple dish look as praiseworthy as it tastes. Here's what I do..first stand the loaf on its side and cut it in half so you have a top and bottom. Keep the two halves on top of each other. Next, cut out the center of the round loaf of bread so that the dish for you dip will fit inside. I like to eat this little part myself:) Then cut the rest of the bread like you would a pie. Place the bread on a pie plate and put the dip bowl in the center. Put the dip into the bowl and sprinkle it with a little paprika and chopped almonds. Store bought to homemade in two seconds!

Simply amazing! I secretly wish that it wasn't such a hit so that I could take home the leftovers!! But no such luck. So add this little gem to your repertoire and enjoy!

Entertaining Tip of the Week

Happy Weekending!!

Layered Linens

Serena & Lily

 I just LOVE the look of the layered linens on this tablescape by Serena & Lily. What a fantastic way to add texture and warmth to a table. Especially in the cold winter months! I also like the addition of blankets on each chair for dining al fresco when the temps dip. Although, in my neck of the woods you would have to give everyone a snow suit to eat outside!

I will definitely be trying the layered look in my next table design. Here are a few of the linens that are in the running...

duck feet napkins / ikat runner / herringbone napkins / owl napkins / india placemats / blue runner / natural runner / reversible tablecloth / embroidered tablecloth / robshaw tablecloth



I'm Back with Free Printable Gift Tags!

Okay, so I know I said I was only going to take 3 weeks off BUT I kinda lost track of time and here we are! A whole 3 months later I am finally back! I am still trying to adjust to the fact that it is indeed December (what?!) and it's time to trade in my flip flops for my boots. Which is probably why I'm still trying to finish my Christmas shopping. Good news though...today I have some super festive gift tags to share with all of you! So, if you are done with your shopping (unlike myself!), print up these gift tags and get to wrapping!



Click Here to Download



While I was away, I did manage to get a lot of work done on my upcoming collection. Of course, I didn't get as much done as the grand plan in my head had in mind but it's progress. All the cards are designed and samples printed AND I just put the finishing touches on my wholesale catalog!! It will be off to the print shop within the week and will be waiting for me when I return from my holiday at home. What a wonderful present to me! I will have a sneak peek for you soon. In the mean time, if you know anyone that has a retail store or online business that would be interested in receiving my catalog, please let me know!

Happy Wrapping!!