Hostess With The Mostest

My mother always taught me that you never show up at someone's home empty handed. While I admit I often default to the easy grab... the bottle of wine... there are a lot more creative hostess gifts out there. Here are a few...



For The Entertainer

A personalized lucite tray from Dabney Lee At Home

For The Foodie

Why not give a vintage French cookbook, beautiful and full of classics. Look for them on Ebay and Etsty.

For The Fashionista

The Jacinda cuff by Dannijo is a bold statement under a hundred bucks... a no brainer!

For The Traveler

A Super 8 Camera can make anyone look artsy with its grainy, old school quality. Check out this video someone shot with a Super 8 while in Rome. Click here for where to buy info.

And to all those hosts and hostesses whom I only brought a bottle of wine to, I am sorry, I'll try a little harder next time. xoxo

A Spring Baby Shower

This past weekend my sister threw my husband and I a couples baby shower. Hosted on the rooftop of our apartment building, we were blessed with perfect weather, 360 degree views of Manhattan, and the most fantastic group of friends. Although that's all we needed to have a good time, I do know there were a lot of details that were carefully thought about. Here's a list of a few key elements and inspiration images...



#1: A Color Story

It's important to pick a color theme for any party. For us, yellow was the color of the day, cheery and gender neutral!

Photo courtesy of Snippet and Ink


Photos courtesy of Divine Party Concepts

#2: Pretty Spring Flower Arrangements

White hydrangeas in blue and white china look fresh and are cost effective.




Blue and white china is a great alternative to your typical glass vase. You probably have a few around the house so use what you've got!

Photos courtesy of Southern Accents

#3: White Shade Umbrellas

It can get hot on a city roof deck so white tables with matching umbrellas keep guests cool and make the space look extra inviting.

Image courtesy of Martha Stewart

#4: Great Food

Finger food in "baby size" are easy to eat and you can skip the silverware. We had mini brioche sandwiches, and a must at any baby shower - cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery.






#5: The Baby Bump

It wouldn't be a baby shower without one!

Me and my bump - boy or girl?!

Friday Favorites - Cocktails and Hors Doeuvres

We love ourselves a good cocktail party! Today we bring you our favorite cocktail and hors doeuvres combinations.

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Sybil's Pick...

I must be missing Italy with my lovely girlfriends because my current favs are a Bellini (always my fav!) and Arancini (Rice Balls). Arancini originated in Sicily in the 10th century and Harry’s Bar in Venice is an institution! No problem docking your gondola here. Pure Indulgence!

Bellini:
2 oz peach juice or peach puree
4 oz Champagne
Pour the peach juice or peach puree into glass.
Slowly add the Champagne


Click here for the Arancini recipe

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Laura's Pick...

When entertaining, I'm a cheese and vodka kind of girl.

Appetizer:
Rogue Creamery in Oregon creates the most amazing hand crafted cheeses. Pair their River Blue with mango chutney (I use store-bought from Trader Joe's) and your favorite gourmet cracker or flatbread. Amazing.





Cocktail:
I fell in love with limoncello in Italy and recently discovered it's even better when shaken & strained with Ketel One vodka!

Limoncello:
Add equal parts vodka and limoncello and some simple syrup to taste.
Shake with ice, strain into ice cold martini class and garnish with a sugared lemon peel.

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Leslie's Pick...

I am channeling the spirit of Mad Men with this one. On a hot Spring or Summer day I think a Gin and Tonic is the perfect drink. I am partial to Hendricks gin. For the hors doeuvres go with a classic like deviled eggs, but not just any recipe will do, for this I defer to the expert, chef Mario Batali. Click here for the recipe they use at his restaurant The Spotted Pig.

Gin and tonic:
2 oz gin
5 oz tonic water
1 lime wedge
Pour the gin and the tonic water into a highball glass almost filled with ice cubes.
Stir well. Garnish with the lime wedge.

Cheers!!