So, I'm a lady who loves a good photo booth. That's why I'm sort of intrigued by Phhhoto, a new app that instantly turns your photo booth pics into gifs. What's cool is you don't have to be at a wedding to try it out—just download the Phhhoto app to your iPhone and start snapping away. The app takes a sequence of pics fast, then turns them into a moving image.
Where I think it could be helpful: In the fitting room. My sister, friends and I are always snapping quick pics of outfits we're trying on, then texting (or Snapchatting) them for a speedy yay or nay. Wouldn't they get a better read on the clothes if you could send an easy-to-produce gif? Just a thought. :)
(Image 1, 2)
What are your favorite hors d'oeuvres to serve when entertaining at home? My go-to is always a savory cheese plate—especially now that my sister gave me this gorgeous slate board, complete with soapstone chalk so that I can label every bite. :) This weekend, we have friends visiting and staying with us from out of town, and I'm already thinking about what I am going to include on my plate. To do this, I rely heavily on the expert recommendations (and generosity with cheese samples!) from the guys at Stinky's in Brooklyn.
Here, three things I've learned to better prep your plate:
• Always include a variety of textures and flavors. Serve one basic cheese, then mix it up. Add one soft cheese and one hard cheese; or cheeses from different regions (think one from France, one from the U.S.). You could even set out a range of milk types (goat, sheep, cow). The idea is that every cheese on your plate should be distinct.
• Take the cheese out of the refrigerator an hour before serving. It's most flavorful if eaten at room temperature.
• Serve with a selection of breads, and different-shaped crackers. Salty snacks pair well—or add a pop of sweetness (for example, try this Stonewall Kitchen spread) to brighten each savory bite.
More cheese here and here.
(Image 1, 2, and 3)
A couple of weeks ago, some friends of mine hosted game night. Read: Dinner (and plenty of wine) followed by a little bit of friendly competition. :) We played Apples to Apples, Catch Phrase, and a new game called Cranium Party Playoff—it was a hoot! It got me thinking about the games I used to play all the time as a kid. You'll laugh, but two of my favorites were Mall Madness and Mystery Date (we borrowed the original version from my next door neighbor's house). Looking back, both games were quite absurd, but I loved them all the same.
What games did you play as a kid? Are there any that you still play now?
(Image 1 and 2)
What do you typically pair with cheese? Last week, thanks to a fantastic class at the Brooklyn Wine Exchange—co-hosted by Stinky Bklyn—I learned the best answer: Champagne! Apparently, unlike red wine, Champagne (or sparkling wine and Prosecco) does wonders to cleanse your palette, no matter what type of cheese you serve. And here's a great holiday pairing to try: Challerhocker swiss cheese from Toggenburg, Switzerland and Billecart-Salmon Brut Champagne. You'll love it!
What are you serving up at your holiday celebrations this year?
(Image 1, 2)
In my opinion, a cozy home only needs three things: a spot for tea, a spot for me, and a spot for entertaining good friends. :) As the weather gets colder and we start to retreat indoors, I'm realizing just how essential these things are to my day.
Now you go: What do you need to make your home feel homey?
(Image 1, 2, and 3)
What a clever idea for a wine and cheese party! I love the use of chalkboards to label each dish, and better yet, make suggestions for what wine pairs best with the food. It's such a creative idea, and a fun way to personalize a party with friends at home.
What do you do to add a special touch to an evening at home? Would love to hear your ideas!
Plus: More chalkboards here and here and here.
(Images via Rock UR Party)
Now that we're only a few days away from the release of Pippa Middleton's Celebrate, I'd love to know: will you buy this book? I have to admit I'm pretty intrigued—I've checked out her family's company blog Party Times (which Pippa is known to write) on more than one occasion, and I think all the advice there is really good. For more about Pippa's book, read her interview with the Mail on Sunday here.
What's your go-to source for entertaining advice? I'd love to know!
(Image 1, Image 2)
There are so many ways to make a celebration special, but I love the look of these photo backdrops above. Such a clever way to personalize your next soirée! Each one is a bold centerpiece next to the food and drink, and seems guaranteed to inspire reminiscing as guests come and go.
What are some of the more memorable parties you've attended? What details stood out to you the most?
(Images via You Are My Fave)
It's a big question: with the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo falling on the same day this year, which one will you celebrate? I’m torn — I’m a margarita lover, but I also love big, colorful, floppy hats. :) The good news is that if you live in New York, the options are plentiful for toasting both occasions. Grub Street put together a great list of recommendations for places to go. I’m leaning towards Seersucker for the Derby; La Esquina for Cinco de Mayo. I mean, the round-up dubs them the “most festive” of the bunch. You can’t go wrong with that.
Which one will you celebrate? I’d love to know!
Is there anything better than a movie night in? Next time you plan one, take your cue from the big screen party above. The host (Camille Styles) didn't let a single detail go by. From the authentic popcorn containers to the vintage movie poster decor, this rooftop party was a success from the start. I especially love the idea to select which movie will be shown democratically by secret ballot. In this case, it was a themed selection in honor of Halloween. If you were hosting a movie night, what films would make your top five list to show?
(Images via The Glitter Guide)
Planning to throw a special celebration in honor of your pooch? Take your cue from party planner extraordinaire Amy Atlas. With the help of Brittany and Sarah from One Charming Party, this trio threw one heck of a soiree in honor of their favorite four-legged friends. The secret to a successful puppy party? It's simple: it's all about the details. From the clever "Come. Sit. Stay." invites to the range of dog-friendly treats, there was something for everyone at this festive affair. For more details on how they pulled it off, click here. But first tell me — have you ever hosted a party for your pet?
(Images via Amy Atlas and One Charming Party)
Over the weekend, I went on a mini-road trip to Connecticut for my friend's family's annual Kentucky Derby party. It was my first time attending, and wow — what an occasion it was! From the racetime excitement to the creativity of the hats, it was a festive and colorful day, mint juleps and all. :) The best part was when my horse, named Comma to the Top, almost won the race! His odds pegged him as a long shot, but he held his own. Photos from the day are above. Thanks to my friend's family for hosting such a lovely day!
Did you watch the Kentucky Derby? Which horse did you bet on to win?
More than dessert, I have a weakness for potatoes. There's something about all that salty, starchy goodness that I just can't resist. That's why I love the Spud Bar concept, shown in the delicious photos above. The idea came as the centerpiece for a bachelor party in Northern California, but consider the possibilities. Sporting events, summer holiday feasts — there's no limit to the universal appeal of this tasty treat! What do you think — would you stock a potato bar?
(Images via Somewhere Splendid)
I'd definitely dine here! The place is called La Petite Cuisine a Paris, which directly translated means The Little Paris Kitchen. Owned and operated by trained pastry chef Rachel Khoo out of her own home, this cozy idea for a restaurant came to be when Rachel needed a place to test recipes for an upcoming book. The subject? Modernizing traditional French recipes, of course, the perfect subject for someone with such a unique culinary approach.
It's not easy to score a reservation for lunch in Rachel's kitchen, but if you do, expect a tasty and intimate meal. Her apartment is just 226 square feet in size, allowing enough room for three people at the table, including the chef herself! This is definitely a dining experience I'd love to try. Would you enjoy a meal like this? Have you ever eaten at a restaurant this size?
(Images via T Magazine and La Petite Cuisine a Paris)
In honor of my dad's birthday today, I thought I'd post a few pics from his younger years. :) The first one is of him as a kid growing up in Massachusetts. I love the casual attitude he has while pausing to snap this pic for his mom. The second photo is taken with me as a baby on the beach in Maine. As a kid, we spent many summers there with all my cousins and aunts and uncles too. This photo is the perfect reminder — we need to plan another family trip there soon.
Happy birthday dad — hope you have a great day!
Looking for a new spring drink to try? Mix up a pomegranate champagne cocktail like the one pictured above. The recipe is quite simple really. Add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of pomegranate juice, 6 ounces of champagne and voila! Your drink is ready to serve. Garnish with pomegranate seeds for an extra pop of color. This cocktail is so delicious and pretty, none of your guests will be able to resist!
(Via The Weekly Spade)
For you! A few scenes from our night out this weekend at Blue Hill at Stone Barns. What an amazing meal. I tried to snap pics as each dish was brought out, but the lighting was a bit tough, and after a while, I got distracted by all the good food. :) My favorite had to be the mini-beet burgers pictured above. The photos I took only include the amuse-bouche part of the meal. We opted for the five course menu, which turned out to be a very large amount of food. It was such a wonderful evening, not to mention a special treat to escape the city and experience a place very similar to my small town roots!
