FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: BEYOND THE FRINGE

Happy March, m'dears! Camille Styles here, and I must admit that this month can be a bit of a challenge for us party planners...

Valentine's Day has passed, Easter has yet to arrive, and it's not quite warm enough to take our parties outdoors. I do love a challenge though, and I happen to believe that we can always find a reason to celebrate. I was particularly inspired by these shots of fluttering paper garlands and fringe-y tassels in the latest issue of Martha Stewart Weddings, and I used them as a starting point for today's "fantasy." 

Vivid shades of tangerine + papaya pop against pale peach and subtle grey, accented with touches of gold. I'm envisioning this for a birthday or bachelorette party where all your favorite girlies can don a pair of heels, pop open the bubbles and celebrate friendships!

Can you say festive? Branches strung with mylar & tissue tassels bring a sense of whimsy to the table, no flowers necessary.

I've got a major paper crush on these snipped-up invites stuffed with confetti. Get the sources here.

Specialty cocktails are even more special when accented with fringed stir sticks bursting with festivity.

Send guests home with candied citrus and coconut cookies, wrapped up in these colorful crafted boxes. Like little works of art, they're almost too pretty to open!

*images: {row 1} coral dress, confetti system garland {row 2} flowers, straws {row 3} cake, gumball machine, place setting, flowers {row 4} macarons, fringe garland, sofa. All fringe images from Martha Stewart Weddings.

CHA CHA CHA

I'm getting the summer entertaining itch early after spotting these fun little cocktail napkins...

Poms = Partytime!

*napkins by dransfield & ross

COCKTAILS AT SIX: ROSEMARY-PEACH SPARKLER

The sunshine is out this afternoon and it has me feeling all kinds of cheerful...

And I always say, one should match the evening’s cocktail to one’s mood. A little bit of this, and a snippet of that - voilà, one set of sunny sparklers to go around!

Rosemary-Peach Sparkler

3/4 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1 sprig rosemary
2 ripe peeled peaches, cut into 1” cubes
1 bottle Champagne or sparkling wine, chilled
(8) additional rosemary sprigs as garnish

Combine first 3 ingredients in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; cool to room temperature. Strain rosemary syrup in a sieve over a bowl & discard solids. Cover & chill at least 1 hour.

Place rosemary syrup and peaches in a blender, and process until smooth. Strain mixture through a sieve over a bowl. Cover & chill at least 4 hours. Spoon about 2 Tablespoons peach syrup into each of 8 champagne flutes. Top each serving with about 1/3 cup champagne. Garnish with rosemary sprigs.

* images & recipe cooking light + fashion i sing photographer juergen teller for marc jacobs

FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: EXOTIC BOHEMIAN

Although it's still a bit early for backyard barbecues and poolside soirées, I'm craving a dose of brilliant color to break out of the winter entertaining doldrums. Camille Styles here, and today's fantasy takes a cue from the rich textures and dappled sunlight of exotic locales...

A rich palette of tangerine, cerulean & terra cotta recalls the spice markets of Marrakech, perfect inspiration for an early-spring get-together with a few good friends. Keep the bohemian vibe going by scattering poufs around low coffee tables that invite guests to stay and lounge awhile.

Continue the boho-luxe theme by incorporating a curation of interesting objets among brilliantly-colored flowers. Garlands of gerbera daisies draped offhandedly over chairs is an unexpected artistic touch.

The key to styling flowers for such a gathering is to keep it relaxed and nonchalant. Orchids cut to a shorter-than-usual length tones down any fussiness, and appear especially lush when bunched in distinctive handmade pottery.

Such a fête calls for exotic flavors that hint of warm-weather months ahead. This Greek-inspired saganaki combines grilled wedges of cheese with arugula and sweet plum. Hop over to Camille Styles to get the recipes for the rest of the exotic bohemian menu (including roasted beet salad with mint & tangerine-fennel pot de crème!)

*images: {row 1} the urban hippie, piaulin, jules bianchi, moroccan pottery {row 2} hostess with the mostess, karen mordechai, better homes & gardens, helen rawlinson's etsy {row 3} moroccan door, graham & green, karen mordechai, tulu. party images scanned from domino magazine & food and wine magazine.

FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: VICTORIAN VALENTINE

Haven't quite embraced the romantic vibe of the season yet? Suffice it to say... today's post may not be your cup of tea. Camille Styles here, and this week's fantasy takes a cue from the girliest of all palettes in cotton candy, blushing peach and pearl.

It's the month of love, so why not get inspired to host a decadently sweet afternoon tea for your most-adored gal pals? Whether single or attached, let everyone indulge their romantic side by donning a frilly frock and whiling away an afternoon, laughing over macaroons & crumpets.

In the age of evites, a handwritten card sent to your besties will speak volumes of your affection. This vintage-inspired one by Rifle Paper perfectly announces the Victorian vibe of our fête.

Now's not the time for sensible eating, m'dears. Cake stands and lovely pedestals piled high with sweet treats serve as delicious centerpieces. Leafy ferns and blooming orchids add to the english conservatory vibe. Homemade macaroons sound a bit intimidating? Try this easy alternative for a just-as-pretty option.

Serve Earl Grey from a teapot that's feminine and refined. Every hostess should learn to brew a proper cup of tea, and this seller has an amazing collection of vintage pots.

Although I'm usually not much of a collector, I can never have enough cake stands and apothecary jars. Just ordered loads of gorgeous pieces from this fantastic source, and I'm sure they'll be making appearances at future parties for years to come. Check out the recipes for our full Valentine's Tea menu, including radish & butter tea sandwiches, pastel whoopie pies, & rhubarb meringue cake.

*images: {row 1} food fashion friends, 100 layer cake, australia entertains {row 2} fashion is a playground, absolutely ladylike {row 3} shannon jayne via joy de vivre, mary ruffle tumblr, martha stewart weddings, brookman harris {row 4} martha stewart, bruno marchioro flickr. party images from food fashion friends.

FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: SUPER BOWL!

Are y'all ready for some football? Camille Styles here, and though I can't claim to tell a fumble from a field goal, I do know the Super Bowl is the perfect excuse to throw a laid-back party and indulge in some seriously naughty snacks...

Our inspiration board proves that sporty needn't equal sloppy. An astroturf runner is a clean backdrop to an array of crowd-pleasing appetizers; terracotta pots with tiny footballs and colorful flags make centerpieces that ooze team spirit.

Start the party an hour before kickoff to give guests time to mingle and settle in with an ice cold beer. Set up the buffet on a kitchen island to keep things simple, and score big with chili fans by setting out a steaming pot of this Chicken & White Bean version.

Eschew the specialty cocktail in favor of a selection of microbrews. Trust me: the guys will thank you. These monogrammed beer mugs add a dash of style, especially when chilled in the freezer before guests arrive.

Fill galvanized trays with flats of wheatgrass for an on-theme and inexpensive decor element. With mini football figurines and goalposts, they become little playing fields right on the tabletop.

These football cupcakes equal total dessert victory: they'll satisfy sugar cravings and provide visual interest for the buffet. Get the full instructions here, along with our other party recipes for Mango & Avocado Salsa, Chicken & White Bean Chili, & Jicama-Citrus Slaw. Score!

*images: {row 1} beer poster, donuts {row 2} real simple party {row 3} epicurious party, chicken wings {row 4} grasshopper cake, taquitos. instyle parties!, pottery barn, bakerella.

FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: THE GLOBES

Camille Styles here, and I'm thrilled to be kicking off our Fantasy to Fête column for 2011 with some girly glam festivity. Sure, Oscar night gets most of the buzz on the awards show circuit, but doesn't it seem like celebs have even more fun as they wine + dine at the Golden Globes?

I'm planning to take a cue from Hollywood this year and host my own little Globes-night bash... a glittering table, live broadcast, and champagne on the menu. Our inspiration board is awash in (what else?) glitzy gold, with rosy accents and pops of black. So mark your calendars for January 16th, and invite a few friends for an evening oozing with Hollywood glamour...

Get dressed up and deck out your pad in glam shades of white + silver. Balloons look so chic when grouped en masse. (For this effect, more really is more!) Curl the ribbons for added festivity.

Scout out sparkly remnants from the fabric store to top the table, and use gold flatware for loads of shine. Tuck handwritten place cards in tiny envelopes for a bit of added mystery.



No awards show party is complete without a little healthy competition. Pass around ballots with all the nominees, and let guests make their predictions during the red carpet. Winner gets the trophy...or at least bragging rights!

Now's the time to pull out all the stops and surprise guests with some serious luxury. A note on caviar: basic black is always appropriate, but there are all kinds of interesting flavors from which to choose: gray truffle, green wasabi, crimson beet... all are lovely! Hop on over to Camille Styles to check out the recipes for our Golden Globes menu, including truffled deviled eggs, frisée salad with herbed goat cheese, & blini with caviar.

*images: {row 1} aruna b. photography via style me pretty, liz banfield, martha stewart weddings {row 2} martha stewart weddings, dwell {row 3} martha stewart weddings, cate blanchett {row 4} martha stewart weddings, karen mordechai for page six. balloons, high street market; table setting, karen mordechai for page six; ballot, twig & thistle.

LET'S GET TOGETHER, YEAH YEAH YEAH

Another goal of mine for 2011 is taking the initiative to keep in touch and get friends together more often. Well, guess what? There's an app for that.

From the adorable creator of GADABOUT, Hanna Nation brings us the POST app - and I love it! A fun little alternative to a quick text or email, it's like a mini invitation that you can easily send to anyone in your address book. And, for you lucky duckies that got an iPad for Christmas, it works on that too. Making happy hour plans and coffee dates just got way more fun.

*download the iphone app here, and the ipad app here

A FOLKLORIC FANTASY TABLETOP

On my snowy lazy day yesterday I spent some time daydreaming up a little Thanksgiving tabletop worthy of a little imagination... 

The feathery dishes are ones I own and I hope to use this year... the rest? A lovely collection of goodies that create a pretty little 'forest' of of white porcelain animals and feathery trees nestled along modern glass decanters to reflect the light of plenty of scattered tealights casting a glow throughout. Add a little shimmer with gold chargers and tie it all together with luxurious twigware. Oh, and a sprinkle of snow, of course!



*resources: ceramic deer and decanters via z gallerie. stemware and charger via crate & barrel. dishes and feather tree at anthropologie. stemware by michael aram.

INTERIORS TO INSPIRE: THE THANKSGIVING EDITION

It's almost here! (Really, where does the time go?) Julie from Chapman Interiors here today taking a break from my usual Interiors to Inspire to bring you a few refreshing tabletops that call for a feast of feasts - after all, this time of year, home is all about entertaining!

Fancy a more modern aesthetic? This first setting is for you - a DwellStudio table using a graphic approach with a traditional color scheme...

(square wine glass, lattice fabric, white plate)

Get a similar look by draping lattice-inspired gift wrap over the narrow width of the table, then top with your traditional white plates, a graphic napkin (I've found some fun paper ones at IKEA), a brown egg and some lovely gold-tone flatware  and you are on your way to a modern celebration.  Don't forget to grab some little pumpkins and give 'em a good coat of white paint for the centerpiece!

For those of you who love a nature-inspired tabletop... 

(white container, pheasant feathers, manzanita branch, textural plate)

Using organic textures and natural elements, this setting is still sophisticated without being stuffy. I'm really loving this simple clean palette paired with the softness of feathers. To pull it all together purchase vases and dinnerware in white that have a natural texture to them, then use branches in the centerpiece for the height, placing feathers along the outside edge of your container so you don't have to invest in so much plumage.

And finally, for the traditionalists who aren't afraid to indulge in a fabulous palette of color...

(cobalt wine glass, blue and white table cloth)

This gorgeous sparkling table from Eddie Ross is the perfect inspiration! He's paired deep cobalt with warmth of the seasonally appropriate ochres and rusts. So lovely and inviting. The key here is that strong pop of blue from the glasses combined with vintage brass elements to create a timeless table. (Tip, if you have a not-so-dripping-with-crystals chandelier over your table, try swagging strands of crystals just for the evening to sparkle things up a bit!)

Get your gobbler ready! Because the time has nearly arrived...

Cheers!
Julie

*images via: graphic modern, rustic feathers, eddie ross' sparkly traditional

FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: A GILDED THANKSGIVING!

'Tis the season to be thankful, my dears! Camille from Style Notes here, and today we're dressing up the Thanksgiving table in all its gilded glory. This is the perfect holiday to put a spin on tradition, so we're trading in the usual brown + orange tones of fall for something a bit more glamorous...

Our inspiration comes from an elegantly nostalgic palette of glittering gold with rosy pink accents. I'm imagining a table set with vintage gold-rimmed china and tons of warm candlelight that casts a flattering glow on the faces of family and friends gathered 'round.

Set a pretty place setting that's refined without feeling stuffy. A blush pink runner feels a bit more modern than a full-length tablecloth, and low loose bunches of garden roses are just right at any time of year.

A buffet overflowing with autumn's bounty is a dramatic centerpiece to the Thanksgiving feast (and makes serving a whole lot easier on the host!) Use platters & vessels of varying heights to add visual interest.

Pass around a tray of hot apple cider with orange zest and star anise for the ultimate comfort sip. (And if you're feeling extra spicy, add a dash of rum!)

To set a special occasion tone, create seasonal place cards inspired by falling leaves. It's a gracious tabletop touch that allows the hostess to create the perfect seating chart. Get the DIY details on crafting these little lovelies here.

An indulgent ending to the Thanksgiving meal is a given, and this is the perfect time to break tradition and think outside the pie. This spiced apple cobbler with pumpkin ice cream is brimming with fall flavors; serving it in individual footed compotes adds a dash of chic. Hop over to the menu to get this and a few of my other favorite Thanksgiving recipes...and I wish each of you a joyful day full of great food & counting your blessings!

*images: {row 1} martha stewart, betsy dunlap, rebecca thuss {row 2} martha stewart, instyle parties {row 3} 100 layer cake, skippy designs, williams-sonoma. table & buffet, instyle; cider, williams-sonoma; place cards, camille styles events.

FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: TAO OF GROOVE

Happy November! Camille from Style Notes here, with the latest dose of felicity in our Fantasy to Fête series. Today's inspiration board is a fresh, happy take on an autumn palette... c'mon, who says parties at this time of year have to be all about the falling leaves and turkey?!

I'm envisioning this board for a modern cocktail party with a classic combo of green & white, punched up with crisp black for graphic interest. Invite a few friends to mix, mingle & nosh on Asian-inspired hors d'oeuvres, turn up a playlist of lounge-y grooves, and enjoy a festive evening before the chaos of the holidays begins.

Keep things simple by setting a monochrome table with white dishes... add pops of energizing color by layering bold napkins in cheery chartreuse. Low glass vases full of fragrant herbs and white pumpkins are a sleek spin on tradition.

Even last-minute gatherings can be elevated by sending hand-written invites. Use a bold green sharpie to scrawl the deets on heavy white cardstock, then pop into a coordinating square envelope for an effortlessly chic touch.

For the most surprising presentation, serve chilled sake-tinis in hollowed-out cucumbers. Add a cucumber swizzle stick, & sip!

Since cocktails are the star of this party, offer two specialty drinks: make batches of this spicy ginger gimlet in advance so that guests can serve themselves once the party in full swing.

Satay is perfect mingling food: it's easy to eat with one hand while balancing a martini glass in the other. The chicken is marinated in bright Asian flavors like ginger & soy, and it's substantial enough to satisfy after-work party guests. For the full menu with recipes, hop over to Style Notes. And stay tuned for our next Fantasy to Fête... traditional turkey gets a major dose of style!

*images: {row 1} katy perry by lara backmender, sarah ridgley, williams-sonoma, blush events {row 2} eclectic images, brides, karen wise {row 3} brides, williams-sonoma, johny miller {row 4} matt armendariz, paper moon project. all menu images from williams-sonoma.

COCKTAILS AT SIX: THE BIG APPLE

Sometimes a city is home because you’re born there. Sometimes a city has a home in your heart because you choose to make it so (or in my experience, the city may choose you!).

I’ve never lived in New York City, but with a career in the fashion industry, at times it has felt like I might as well have! From the moment of my first taxi ride into Manhattan, I’ve felt that little gasp of excitement time & time again over the years - and when I go too long without a visit I do get quite homesick. Fall in New York (sigh!); in case you don’t make a visit yourself soon, sip on this apple inspired cocktail & close your eyes tight.

The Big Apple

1 cup sparkling apple cider
3 ounces whiskey
1 ounce dry vermouth
2 dashes bitters
1 lady apple (cut in 1/2 lengthwise)

Fill a large cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add apple cider, whiskey, vermouth, and bitters. Shake. Strain into two glasses. Garnish each with an apple half. Serves 2.

*images [ & recipe via blueprint issue No.2, we heart it, ]
recipe by shira bogar