I’m not one for “earthy” decor, but I do love this idea of using Fall leaves on the tabletop with a sheer tablecloth. As Martha instructs:

“Display autumn leaves beneath a sheer tablecloth, and the dining room will look as brilliant as the maple in the front yard. Place leaves between paper towels or waxed paper inside a phone book for a week to dry and smooth them. If needed, use double-sided tape to attach foliage — in any grouping — to a standard white tablecloth. Then place a sheer cloth, such as organza, on top”

You all know that I am a sucker for anything gilded. Spray painting some gourds and pumpkins is the perfect way to blend autumnal charm with a dash of fabulous. And I love how this colorway complements my inspiration in yesterday’s post.

Gold leaf turkeys and candelabras? Absolute DO! Learn how to make them HERE.

White mini pumpkins paired with tapers make such a chic statement. Instructions HERE.

I’m not hosting Thanksgiving at my home this year. But if I were, I would definitely be doing something similar to the stunning tablescape above. Whether in teal and peach…

Or sherbert and cobalt – I really love the idea of pairing orange and blue.

And I’d definitely have to throw in something with a dash of sass like this:

Now who wants to see what I’d serve for dinner?

Tablescapes|Tabletop|Napkin

I’m working on a very exciting project involving a party for a group of fabulous people at a historic town home on the Upper East Side. I can’t divulge many details, but I at least wanted to share with you my inspiration for the decor.

Deserts will be piled high on a variety of tiered stands.

Balloons will abound from each and every corner.

White flowers will be atop every surface.

And elegant candelabras adorning every mantle. It is going to be so utterly glamourous! I just can’t stand it!

Stay tuned….

All images via my Pinterest.

So you know that I couldn’t not make some scrumptious dishes for a little bday soiree.

I took this Nutella cupcake recipe and stuffed them with banana. Divine!

I was inspired by Ina’s recipe HERE, but opted to serve them open face and as more of an appetizer than an entree.

These chive risotto cakes were perfection with a lemony arugula salad.

Great friends + Good Food = Fabulous birthday.

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of attend the Wife Style Conference. The pretty lady above is Ms. Lisa Thiele who taught us how to make gluten free food taste terrific.

Dee, the Cocktail Deeva, shared with us all of her top recipes and tips for a proper party (including using a tall cylinder vase to serve punch out of for maximum visual impact and minimum counter space – genius).

The fabulous Kelley Moore set a gorgeous tabletop and then walked us through how to do the same using unexpected items.

Note how she used an empty frame to create layers and visual interest on her tabletop.

The lovely ladies of HBloom hosted a guided tutorial of flower arranging (a skill that I have been hoping to develop for years).

Cooking + Mixology +Tablescaping + Floral Arranging = Heaven.

Thanks Wife Style!

Before. Light, bright, but boring.

During. The amazing Mister worked his mad skills on a valence.

After! What do you think??

Let me know in the comments below if you would like me to share more before and afters.

I’m a simple girl at heart. I will take over the top glamour and glitz over practicality any day. I get excited about clothing that has no particular function and tabletops filled with baubles just because.

Living in New York City allows me to constantly indulge and curate the joie de vivre, and I intend to start sharing more of it with you here.

Keep your eye out for a new series on the blog combining these three oh-so-necessary fancies of mine.

1|2|3

I decided to host a dinner party for some of my favorite ladies last night. Couldn’t help but setting a fun table setting with some of my favorite Luxury Monograms linens.

Strawberry bruschetta was the perfect fabulous finger food.

See the recipe below:

Strawberry Bruschetta* 1 cup strawberries, hulled and diced
* 1 tbsp. sugar
* 1 French baguette, sliced on a bias
* 4 oz. goat cheese
* 1 tbsp. olive oil
* 2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
* ¼ cup minced basil leaves
* Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
1. Combine the strawberries and sugar in a small bowl; toss to combine.
2. Let the berries macerate for about 30 minutes so that they begin to release their juices.
3. Spread a thin layer of goat cheese on top of each baguette slice. Top each slice with spoonfuls of the strawberry mixture.
4. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Top each slice with the basil leaves and cracked pepper, to taste.

Recipe via Everything Fabulous.

I hosted a really fab dinner party on Saturday. So fabulous in fact that I didn’t really get many photos! But I will share with you what I made:

Grilled Peach and Country Ham Salad

Shrimp Skewers over a Corn, Avocado and Tomato Salad

Served with sparkling lemon and limeades and freshly baked french bread.

And for dessert….

Key Lime Pie with a Gram Cracker Crust

Image via Roxy

Some of the gorgeous ladies in attendance: Mackenzie, Ashlina, Me, Crystal, Roxy, Crissie and Alisha.

This weekend we celebrated a dear friends birthday with a Mediterranean menu.

Beef and chicken kabobs were marinated in Greek spices and then served with flatbread, hummus, taziki and tabouli and couscous.

We savored the warm evening and enjoyed both new and old friends.

The Mister dressed appropriately for the celebration.

Bright blooms were the perfect finishing touch.

How did you spend your holiday weekend?