Thursday, February 19, 2009

Do You Know Where You Are Going?



I ask my husband this question every single time we get in the car to go to a party.  Of course this is after he has pulled out of the driveway and started heading down any street he feels like going down.  His answer is usually "no!"  Needless to say, a map would really be helpful!  Of course we all have access to great driving directions on the Internet but I love the idea of including something charming and informative in an invitation.  Check out these adorable maps by Merry Maps!  They are the perfect solution for your parties.  You could go ahead and have some designed for your home and include them in all of your invitations or you could wait for a special occasion and have them designed specifically for your locations.  They would also make a great Save The Date card for a destination wedding.  If you have a second home that you often invite guests to, you should have Merry Maps make up a card for you that you can send out to all of your visitors.  All of the maps are hand drawn and are created based on your personal details and favorite places to dine, shop, and visit.  They can be drawn for any city or location around the world!  To order yours, contact Daley Harris at 214-202-0822 or daley@merrymaps.com

Monday, February 16, 2009

Lemon Seeds!

While having lunch last week with the lovely and talented party planner Ashlee Klienert of In Any Event, I took a sip of my refreshing Iced Tea and a little lemon seed made it's way up the straw and into my mouth!  Ashlee had just finished telling me that she was meeting with her friend and etiquette expert, Melina Kelly, the next day.  I didn't know what to do with this seed that would not make Emily Post roll over in her grave.  I tried to take it out with my fork, as Emily advised people to do when they had food in their mouths that they could not swallow for some reason.  That didn't work as the seed was too small!  I didn't want to swallow it so I tried to take it out as discreetly as possible with my fingers.  After I had removed it, I asked Ashlee if she would kindly ask Melina for her advice on this every day issue.  Melina advices that when faced with the dreaded lemon seed, simply place a napkin up to your mouth and remove it as you would a piece of gristle.  There you have it!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Pack your bag...


Still on the lookout for the perfect sussy for your Valentine?  I love Neiman Marucs' Robin Wilkes approach to the  Valentine Gift dilema!  Check out the limited edition Alexander McQueen silver case for Samsonite ($2000) that she loaded up with everything your sweetheart will need for a little night away from the house (with you along of course!)  She filled it with everything from an Hermes H tie in pink ($180), a Simonnot-Goddard pocket square ($130), a pink Polo shirt by Ralph Lauren ($85), a Ralph Lauren pull-over in pink ($125), a pink and white cotton button down by Ralph Lauren ($125), and, last but certainly not least, a box of Godiva chocolate hearts ($13).  But I am going to add my own "warning" to this bag:  You must keep in mind that only real men can wear pink!  I am sure if you ask her, Robin could pack a bag for you too!  Give her a ring at 214-363-8311 x2372.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Breakfast in Bed...

My husband deserves breakfast in bed every morning but only gets it once a year!  I like to use my pink heart items from D. Porthault.  I start with my pink heart tray and cover it with a pink and white floral breakfast set (placemat and napkin).  I use an antique silver and pink enamel napkin ring around the napkin (I only have one so a breakfast tray is the perfect spot to use it) and a crystal bud vase from William Yoeward's beautiful collection holds a single pink rose.  I also have a pink heart plate from D. Porthault that is the perfect size for pancakes...heart shaped of course!  He gets his favorite espresso from our Nescafe Dolce Gusto served a heart shaped cup.  He prefers the espresso from the $169 Dolce Gusto over the espresso from the machine he spent over $1000 for!  You can read more about it in my latest book, Tablescapes: Setting the Table with Style.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Planning a Picnic?




Planning a Valentine picnic is the perfect way to charm you lovey.  I am going to pack my red picnic basket with all sorts of delicious yummys and, of course, some pink champagne!  But I would never serve it on just any picnic plate.  I am going to load my basket with two Winchester Mandala Plastic Plates from Madison.  At only $15 each you might want to buy a set so that you can use them over and over again!  I am also going to pack up a pink Heart Quilt from Target...one of my favorite entertaining resources!  Have your monogram embroidered onto your best white linens in your shocking pink and you are all set!  Happy Valentines Day!
 

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