Votive Inspired

With all the events and weddings that come with the Summer season, I’ve been thinking a lot about votives. The simple clear glass votives used at most events are just fine, but in my opinion, not dressing up your votives is a missed opportunity. These small vessels of light not only provide your table with ambience, but can be a great way to add something  unique to your tablescape. Here are some votives that inspire me. {Etsy Birch Votives}

 {Sugar & Charm’s DIY Terracotta Votives}

 {The Olive Tree’s Pink Neon Votives}

 {Monsterscirus DIY Concrete Votives}

{BHLDN’s Strawberry Nectar Votives}

Cheese Platter Essentials

Any display that includes bread and cheese is delicious, but when a cheese plate is done well, oh my is it good! Here are my essentials for the perfect cheese plate.

1. Cheese: Depending on the size of your party always provide 3-4 cheeses for your guests to assure that there is something that everyone will like. You’ll have your bases covered if you go with a smooth cheese (a goat or mozzarella), a buttery cheese (brie) and a hard cheese (manchego,  gruyere or parmesan) . I know not everyone enjoys blue cheese, but I happen to love a crumbly cheese with a nice bite so I think it’s nice to throw a gorgonzola or stilton into the mix.

2. Carbs are obviously an essential so I typically go with some french bread toasted that I toast in the oven with  some olive oil and an assortment of crackers.

3. Fruits like grapes, apples and dried apricots are perfect pairings for your cheese. I love a big chunk of brie spread on top of a green apple slice. Berries are also a great choice. Check out my blackberry brie crostinis here.

4. Nowadays you can’t go into a supermarket without seeing some sort of fig jam and it’s the perfect condiment for a cheese plate. A  savory jam, like a roasted garlic and onion is also delicious.

5. I always put some sort of trail mix or assortment of nuts out in order to provide my guests with some protein and some crunch.

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Bagels are by far one of my favorite foods and when you live in a city that produces some of the best bagels in the world, why not dedicate a whole bar to these delicious doughy treats? Seeing as the vintage look is in trend right now, I began by using my turquoise dresser as the bar utilizing its drawers as additional counter space.My vintage mirrored tray is the perfect accessory and displays all my bagel toppings. Silverware and polka-dotted napkins are held together by some simple twine while mason jars are filled with gorgeous wildflowers.Building my bagels up adds height to my tablescape and my gold framed chalkboard is the perfect way to finish off this vintage themed bagel bar.

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1. Begin with an 8 1/2 by 8 1/2 inch piece of card stock.

2. Measure 5 inches from the right side and fold over.

3. Fold the access card stock over the bottom layer and make a crease. Fold the bottom end up about 1/2 inch and make a crease.

4. Measure 4 inches from the bottom of your bag and draw a line. Cut off everything from the 4 inch line up so you have a place for your silverware to peak out.

5. Use hot glue (or a stapler) so your folds stay put.

I used Martha Stewart stencils to monogram and personalize my silverware bags. Even though my card stock had some great prints on one side, I used some old sheet music to copy one of my favorite songs on the other.

Please note that I measured my bag for plastic silverware and the measurements might be slightly different for real silverware.

Doggie Style

This party has not gone to the dogs, but rather celebrates our furry little friends in an upscaled and quirky way. Inspired by my  Banana Peanut Butter Dog Treats, I put together a simple and, of course, budget friendly, dog themed tablescape.Using some plastic dog figurines that I purchased from the toy section of my local convenient store I created a great set of place card holders. All I needed was some primer, gold spray paint and an X-acto knife to transform a little piece of plastic into a classy, but unusual conversation starter. 

A hot dog seemed like the logical choice for this doggie inspired party, but I upscaled the classic dish  by creating a Banh Mi dog. I put a Vietnamese twist on the hot dog by using pork dogs on a baguette with pickled carrots, cucumber and cilantro. All of this is topped off with some spicy sriracha mayo. Not only do I love the colors on this dish, but the flavors are out of this world. 

I put my old school brown paper lunch bags to use by creating “Doggie Bags” for my guests. Using my patterned scissors I cut my brown paper bag in half, adorned it with a paw print stamp and filled it with some delicious sweet potato waffle fries.

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I’ve been a fan of BHLDN since it launched in 2011, but it wasn’t until my friend mentioned the site this past weekend that I realized the true greatness of this online wedding shop. Created by the same geniuses as Anthropologie, BHLDN offers everything from wedding dresses to tabletop decor. You can find unique gifts, party-goer attire and reception decor. Everything they sell is vintage elegance with a hint of quirk. Here are a few of my favorites, but be sure to check out the entire website; you won’t regret it.

1.Dotted Voile Veil   2.Blooming Bridesmaid Card  3.Cendrillon D’Orsays  4.Macaron Soap Set

5.Placecard Stamp Set  6.Milk Glass Hobnail Jars   7.Dapper Bottle Stopper  8.Hovering Hot Air Balloon 

Doily Banner

What You Need:

Doilies (I used an 8″ and 10″ combination)

Double sided tape

Bakers twine (or any other sort of cord or ribbon you have on hand)

  

1. Carefully fold over the doily until the pattern lines up perfectly. Only put make a temporary crease as you’re not ready to fold over yet.

2. Once you’ve matched up the doily pattern strategically apply 3-4 small pieces of double-sided tape.

3. Align your twine in the center of your doily.

4. Fold doily in half and press firmly until the tape sticks and pattern matches.

In just a few minutes you’ll have a simple and elegant banner that will bring dozens of compliments your way!

A Garden Party (in the city)

Now that Spring is here I thought it would be nice to throw a little garden party outside under the sun. However, living on the 20th floor of an apartment building has its disadvantages. My balcony terrace tends to be rather windy this time of year so after some maneuvering I was forced to move my party inside. Nevertheless, here is my garden party, New York City style. Anyone who is willing to spend some extra money can create a beautiful tablescape, but few can do it on a budget. I added some simple elegance by using inexpensive paper doilies to create a table runner and banner.  Miniature monogrammed potted plants act as place cards and watercress sandwiches are a refreshing treat. No need to spend money on napkin rings when some simple polka dotted ribbon does the trick.  Homemade buttermilk scones and strawberry preserves act as my something sweet. A teacup is the right vessel for some fresh strawberries and my new ivory lace napkins are the perfect fit for this indoor garden inspired party.

Orange & Mint Tablescape

The gorgeous Summer-like weather we’ve been having in NYC is most certainly a reason to celebrate. I created a relaxed tablescape inspired by my nectarine & mint crostinis.

Using craft paper as a tablecloth not only allows for easy cleanup, but a fun way to assign seats for your guests.

An orange Sur La Table Ikat napkin with a stem of mint mimics my nectarine crostinis. A basic wooden clothespin holds everything in place and gives off a rustic feel. Using clothespins is such a simple idea, but it’s those small extra touches that  adds something special to your table. If mint doesn’t work for you, use your favorite flower. I promise that your guests will be very impressed.

Crisp green tea infused with mint is the perfect Spring/Summer beverage. This drink paired with my easy to make nectarine, goat cheese and mint crostinis are the perfect way to kick off the Spring season.

Nectarine & Goat Cheese Crostini

This unexpected warm weather has hit Manhattan and New Yorkers are sporting sandals and picnicking in the park. Fruit vendors on the street are bustling with customers and I was one of them. Although it’s not quite nectarine season, I was able to find some juicy ones that would work perfectly for this light and citrusy appetizer.

Toasted french bread, creamy goat cheese, sliced nectarine (or peach) and mint are all that’s needed to whip up this quick and easy crostini appetizer. If you’re in the mood for something sweet drizzle these bad boys with honey and you’re good to go.  This recipe is perfect for entertaining and even more perfect for this gorgeous warm weather. Pack up a tray of these crostinis, head to the park and enjoy!