The Prettier Party

change of address.

2009-12-07T18:15:00.006-05:00

Success!! After an hour and a half last night with my trusty web-guru, Chris, I have finally got the hang of Wordpress. Please update your RSS, Google Reader, whatever it is you've been using to be a fabulous follower to www.theprettierparty.com. It's easier, it's sleeker, and it's where all the prettier updates will be. Farewell Blogger!

Image from Amy's Occasions.

anthropolgie, please adorn my tree.

2009-12-04T09:05:00.000-05:00

I love Anthropologie year round, but come Christmas time I love them even more. They tend to have one of the most outstanding ornament selections I've seen. From beautiful baubles, to forest creatures, stars, sparkles and reindeer - I wish I could take home the display tree from their store!

Yup, an assortment of these would really glooow in my apartment. Click here to shop their fantastic array!

pitas and pears.

2009-12-03T09:40:00.000-05:00

It was decided that I would host a cocktail party complete with a signature beverage and an array of hors d'oeuvres to celebrate my birthday. Thank goodness for Trader Joe's! After stocking up on some serious supplies, we got to work. The signature drink of the evening was the "Fizzy Pear" which was comprised of a splash of pear brandy, sparkling wine and a pear garnish. Very boozy but very delish.

My favorite appetizers of the evening were easy to make and fun to eat - thanks to TJ's mini pita pouches. Slice these bite-sized pitas in half and fill them with either tabouli or hummus and a half cuke slice for a delightful, easy to eat treat!

december.

2009-12-01T13:20:00.005-05:00

The month of December has entirely crept up on me! Arguably one of the most exciting months of the year - it's filled with glam, glitter, gifts, and more parties than will fit on a social gal's calendar. This obviously, leaves me with a plethora of things to write about. Decorating, feasting, giving and receiving - I'm hoping to cover it all in Prettier Party style.

While doing this, I am really excited to transition my blog from Blogger to Wordpress! Vassar surprised me on my birthday with my very own website (I bet you can guess what the address is...). The design is a little different (and will probably morph into something completely different as I figure out how to manipulate the new format - I am currently completely clueless) but mostly it will allow me many more options as I try and build my blog to be prettier and prettier!

gobble gobble.

2009-11-26T09:32:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am in Scotland for a British take on turkey day (and to celebrate my actual birthday). I hope you eat lots of yummy pies like Martha Stewart's stunning Apple-Blackberry Pie with a 'Fall Leaves' top.

PS. I have some very exciting news about my blog when I return!

a birthday girl head piece.

2009-11-24T09:12:00.000-05:00

My floral crown by Rhia made my birthday party much much prettier!
PS. How fabulous is my flower accessory from Anthropologie? Also care of Rhia (yes, she has amazing taste) - it is either a pin or a slide so can be used to accent almost anything - a coat, a top, a ponytail, a bag, a headband, a necklace, I could go on...

paperless post.

2009-11-23T11:42:00.005-05:00

Last week I chatted stationery. This week I am chatting virtual stationery! In an effort to save time, trees, and money but retain the classiness that is lost with facebook events or evites, Vassar used Paperless Post to send out invites to a cocktail party celebrating 24 years of my life this past weekend. An envelope addressed to the recipient appears in an email and links to a gorgeous virtual invitation to the affair - fully customizable with colors, fonts, images and a huge slew of gorgeous templates. It keeps a running list of who has viewed and RSVP'd to the party, complete with comments from the guests. With the holidays just weeks away - why not use Paperless Post for your upcoming party needs?

puppy delivery.

2009-11-17T14:27:00.004-05:00

You probably know that I loooove puppies (and when I say puppies I mean both the spastic young things and the adorable old guys too). I am very, very, very eagerly awaiting the day that I am graced with my own fluffy ball of energy and love but until then I am content being that girl who yells out "pupppyy!!" as soon as one enters my vision on the street.

I recently volunteered to help Adopt-a-Dog of Greenwich with the invitations for their spring casino night fundraiser. While searching high, low and all over the internet for inspiration and designers I was directed to The Pet Set. They have the most gorgeous dog inspired stationery I've seen! Elegant and sweet, tasteful and cheeky, these cards are fabulous for spreading holiday greetings, invitations to an upcoming fête or sharing thanks with friends. The invitation below is so adorable it would get an immediate 'YES' rsvp from me!

a fall feast.

2009-11-06T09:15:00.001-05:00

I am a very lucky girl. How many people can say they moved to Boston and received the prettiest celebratory feast as a result!? I can! Alison and Jennifer, my super-fantastic-wonderful friends had an intimate Welcome to Boston dinner party for me last Wednesday and it was stunning. They seriously took the time to think about the all of the details and created a fall table and menu that was just divine.

The food was amazing. I have not been so full and so satisfied ever. Carrot ginger soup, butternut squash ravioli with sage butter and fried shallots, a scrumptious salad, and pumpkin squares - YUM.

Look at the little details! What better way to spice up a classy place card? A metallic maple leaf sticker, of course.
The tea lights from Crate and Barrel created a warm fall theme amidst the gourds (and my flower arrangement in a pumpkin). I especially loved the birch bark candles.

Cider served in moose cups was the most delicious way to cap off the festive fall feast!

seriously cute cookies.

2009-11-05T12:09:00.004-05:00

I just came across these adorably decorated cookies! A Dozen Eggs, a bake shop located in Vermont, has perfected the art of cookie decorating. Whether you are looking to celebrate the outcome of the World Series,

a love for piglets,

or the upcoming holiday,

A Dozen Eggs will ship a beautiful package of gorgeous iced sugar cookies directly to your door!

party pumps.

2009-11-03T12:11:00.000-05:00

Slightly excessive? Perhaps. Incredibly fabulous? Yes yes! You can seriously splurge on these phenomenal shoes at Saks.

treat!

2009-10-31T10:26:00.000-04:00

I love cupcakes. Thanks to some food coloring, decorative frosting and candy corn, ghosts and pumpkins I have successfully executed a batch of spider-web desserts for today! I just love that holidays bring so many creative possibilities and festive party desserts.

Look at Cary's cute creations!

posh wine.

2009-10-29T10:57:00.000-04:00

It's in good taste never to show up to a party empty-handed but sometimes it's just too easy to grab a bottle of wine and go. Try this - if you take three minutes to tie a clear wrap with a ribbon and add in a flower or two, you will have a stand-out gift for your hosts!

trick!

2009-10-27T11:26:00.000-04:00

We are coming up on Halloween weekend! I am so excited I can hardly contain myself, mostly because I have decided to be a domesticated piglet for the evening (digression). Holidays provide one of the best excuses for festive creativity! For example, last night I made my cute and curly piglet tail out of bright pink pipe cleaners (I was very pleased with myself).

Anyways, by now you've probably noticed my love for flowers as they truly create an aesthetically attractive centerpiece appropriate for almost every occasion. Presently, fall flowers are everywhere - yellows, oranges, burnt reds and vibrant reds - and with Halloween just days away, what better than to create the perfectly plump vase to hold such a gorgeous array - the pumpkin! So easy and so cute - anyone who has carved a pumpkin before can whip up this display in a few minutes. All you have to do is cut off the top, dump out the insides, insert a plastic bag filled with water to line the pumpkin's gut and deliberately style the arrangement.

I am looking forward to gifting my wonderful dinner party hosts tonight with my splendidly fall flowering pumpkin!

tri-color salad.

2009-10-26T14:28:00.000-04:00

The tri-color salad, also commonly known as the caprese salad, was perfected by Alison last week at our inaugural dinner on Hilton Head. The savory mozzarella and sweet, juicy tomatoes topped with a tangy balsamic and a touch of basil was a delicious way to create an aesthetic side - not to mention perfect for our hungry group. Pair with an Italian dish and you have heaven in a meal or reduce the ingredients and you have a great snack!

the melagrana.

2009-10-15T14:08:00.000-04:00

There's nothing more fun than setting the mood for an evening with a signature cocktail. It's a great way to welcome guests to a party and instigate excitement for the coming festivities. The lovely Alison brought an inspirational cocktail concoction book by Kate Simon down to Hilton Head entitled, Tiny Bubbles - "Fizzy Cocktails for Every Occasion, Using Champagne, Prosecco, and Other Sparkling Wines." Let's not forget to note that bubbles are my absolute weakness and the majority of the recipes in this book look completely divine. The book covers traditional mixes, contemporary twists, non-alcoholic suggestions and some delectable looking bites to compliment the beverages.

After perusing the potential combinations, we decided to initiate experimentation with the Melegrana - a recipe involving limoncello, pomegranate juice, prosecco and a lemon twist garnish. I think it's safe to say that the cocktail was delightful. Light, fresh, and fruity with a slightly bitter undertone - it was the perfect way to start off an evening of fun with friends!

tea light bright.

2009-10-09T16:24:00.000-04:00

In my blogging absence I have been doing productive things - I swear! One of those is walking. I have walked everywhere (within Boston). And everywhere there are cute restaurants, and chic restaurants, and cozy restaurants. Despite differences in overall decor or attitude exuded by these (I am assuming to be yummy) establishments there seems to be an underlying similarity in that there are very simple clear candle holders with tea lights on tables in a huge range of them. Yesterday, I saw a waiter at Figs, one of Todd English's Charlestown spots, placing these little luminaries on the tables. While sauntering past Bricco in the North End, I noticed the bright white lights dotted amongst the dark brick. Even Cary and I have them placed around our apartment adding a warm glimmer. There is something so simple, yet so elegant and sweet about a little tea light.

Looking to jazz things up with something more intricate? These cute silver leaf votives from Anthropologie are only $6 each. I bet the light reflects gorgeously off of the silver accent. I envision an assortment of these dotted along a table with festive ornaments for the holidays.

ready to go.

2009-10-01T19:35:00.000-04:00

I'll be back next week, granted I survive tomorrow's U-Haul adventure!

Photo by: Annie Leibovitz; via got-ads

cute cupcakes.

2009-09-28T10:00:00.000-04:00

Of course, I've been saving dessert for last - the sugary end to my dinner party posts. Cute and simple yellow and green cupcakes were in keeping with the color scheme and a delicious post-dining delight!

I have been lucky to spend the last few months living at home with access to every kitchen utensil I could possibly need (and not need) - but those who don't have all the icing essentials handy might want some fun and easy help adding a little spark to these tasty treats. Thanks to Betty, topping the cakes with green accents was one of the simplest parts of the whole baking experience. Each of the 6 colors available come with four decorating tips for all of your creative icing ideas!

menu.

2009-09-25T09:26:00.000-04:00

I must admit, cooking for fourteen was a bit daunting - all those proportions had me dizzy so I ended up using some creative improvisation with my ingredient amounts! (Lucky me, it worked out.) I decided on two kinds of crostini for passed appetizers - pesto, tomato, mozzarella and basil and hummus with cucumber. Thanks to Lucy's stellar photography you can see the preparation in action!As a vegetarian, pasta is a staple in my diet and fortunately one of my favorite foods. After a failed attempt at a new recipe the night before, I decided to make my all time favorite dish - bowties with roasted garlic-covered cherry tomatoes, arugula, parmesan and lemon zest. I wish I knew who to attribute the recipe too, but Helen has been making the dish for years and is missing the origins and I can't seem to locate it on google. The main course was accompanied by a green salad, consisting of baby mixed greens, cucumber and avocado, lightly dressed with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette.
Yum yum. I'll let you head into the weekend with my favorite photo of my prettier guests!

name game.

2009-09-24T09:23:00.000-04:00

Place cards are so small but can add so much. Not only do they prevent the awkward milling around the table moment before the meal is served but they allow guests to be intermixed among each other to create new friends and spark interesting conversations. Let's also not forget that they are pretty! I used gift cards adorned with an orange and pink flower vase to make my place cards for Saturday.

American Greetings has a whole array of place cards that are ready to print. All you need is card stock and a pair of scissors and ta-da! The perfect table accessory. I love these cute pink and green ones. They also have ready to print candy bar wrappers - so not only do guests know where to sit, but they also get a sweet treat!

farewell summer, farewell tri-state.

2009-09-23T14:37:00.000-04:00

Finally - my dinner party! Fourteen of my favorite people from the Tri-State area (and beyond) came over on Saturday to indulge with friends. I think it's safe to say we ate too much, drank too much and enjoyed too much!

Just as I had hoped, the yellow and orange gerber daisies popped perfectly against the pink table cloth, while still picking up the plaid accents.

Since last weekend was the final weekend of the summer, I decided to use pinks highlighted with orange, yellow and green to echo the season that was departing. Of course, this was fitting for a dinner party that was intended to casually celebrate my departure too...

Thank you so much to everyone who made the night so memorable - more details to come!

the prettier place?

2009-09-21T11:03:00.000-04:00

The move is less than two weeks away - I could not be more thrilled!! I am going to digress from parties for the day (though I have lots to share from my dinner party this weekend) to show you my wonderful almost roommate, Cary, and my new apartment, which I am far too excited about.

This is the living room.

Our kitchen with this pseudo-bizarre/pseudo-chic plastic Legoland floor. (I love exposed brick!)

The first bedroom. (More brick!)

The second bedroom. (There's more brick in this room too!)

I'm sure once we move in and decorate it will be even more enjoyable. I can't wait to entertain in our charming new home!

oops a (gerber) daisy!

2009-09-17T09:19:00.000-04:00

It's official! I gave my two weeks notice yesterday at work and I am moving to Boston next month. To celebrate, I'm hosting a dinner party Saturday night with a farewell to summer theme. Along with the classic summertime ambiance of sunset cocktails on the porch and s'mores around the fire pit, I've decided to make Gerber Daisies the center of attention for the evening. Their broad blooms and bold colors create an arrangement that perfectly pops.

Here is a bright and beautiful vase, accenting a wedding featured on the knot. Click over to see how these simple but gorgeous flowers became an underlying theme in the event.

elegant orchid.

2009-09-16T10:42:00.000-04:00

A gorgeously complex (yet simple) single orchid makes a very tasteful centerpiece.

Pair with classic hurricane vases to complete the look.

fancy frocks.

2009-09-14T11:27:00.000-04:00

Looking for a pretty party dress for fall? Here are a few of my favorites.

Yoana Baraschi's Metallic Pleated Mini at Bloomies

Tibi's Scoop Neck Shift Dress at Shopbop
French Connection's Bonny Dress also at Bloomies (check out the FC website for cute colors)

festive baked goods.

2009-09-11T10:03:00.000-04:00

This post is a small part joke and mostly fabulous. My close friends and I seem to end up decorating cookies, cupcakes and real cakes for all of our holiday gatherings. While perhaps not culinary-museum-worthy feats, they certainly bring personality to the affair!

One can always look to Ina for a cake to make the party - my dear little friend Annie has now graced our 4th of July bash with the Contessa's divine flag cake for two years in a row. Complete with sparklers and a patriotic sing-a-long it's a guaranteed way to make the dessert the main event.

Looking for something easier? All you need is fun shaped cookie cutters, appropriate colored frosting and several creative geniuses to add flare to the dessert selection. Last Halloween, ghost shaped cookies were adorned with the names of the party-goers in orange and brown frosting.

hurricane flames.

2009-09-10T11:24:00.000-04:00

When it comes to table decor, candles are a staple. It is near impossible to get the soft, warm and unique lighting that a candle provides without one! While standing alone can look quite chic, often these wax luminaries become the focal point of a slightly more intricate design - delicately placed in tall crystal holders or several floating in a bowl.

Creating a simple, tasteful and gorgeous centerpiece is easy! Hurricane vases are one of my favorite looks as they give lots of space for creativity. Supporting candles using sand and a collection of small shells instantly brings the beach right to the table. Gemstones, corks and coffee beans are other great options.

For a totally different look, forgo the candle and fill with glass ornaments or citrus fruits as seen above from Apartment Therapy.

customized candies.

2009-09-09T14:49:00.000-04:00

What could be cuter (or tastier) than designing your own personalized M&Ms? Whether an engagement party (seen in my friend Amanda's cute white and blue above), a baby shower, birthday party, company picnic or a football game, you can print names, logos, and even faces on these tiny colored candies. There are twenty-five colors to choose from including shimmer options to add some pizazz!

breakfast delivery!

2009-09-03T09:38:00.000-04:00

Just as enjoyable as breakfast in bed!

My adorable friend, Jennifer, has the fortune/misfortune of celebrating her birthday on July the 5th. Yes, she is always surrounded by friends and enjoys a long weekend, but sometimes the festivities surrounding the birth of our nation over-shadow those pertaining to the entry of our beautiful Southern Belle into this wonderful land. This year we had her family to the rescue, and wow did they do a great job.

They called up Rebecca Thorpe with Girl Admiral, an event planning group based in Fairfield, Connecticut. Rebecca delivered a gorgeous breakfast spread for thirty to the door, including mimosas, fresh fruit skewers, chocolate chip scones with nutella, bacon, mini spinach, egg and cheese casseroles, a delicious red velvet cake and flower arrangement. It was an absolutely delightful way to start the morning!

Check out Rebecca's very cute and equally inspiring blog The Girl in Charge.

fold away.

2009-09-02T09:54:00.000-04:00

Napkins are an inexpensive and simple way to make a table pop. Add tasteful folding and you have the perfect place-setting accessory! Helen, my-craftier-than-I mother, has the book Napkin Folds by Bridget Jones and Madeleine Brehaut hanging around the house - so I delved in to explore the possibilities. It's probably best if you start with a freshly pressed, square cloth napkin, however, in order to get the crisp edges on the pinwheel I found a fun paper napkin to use instead. If I can do these you certainly can too!

The Parasol:

The Pinwheel:

The Lover's Knot:

The Spreading Fan:

I am so excited to jazz up my next dinner party!!

bloom.

2009-09-01T10:10:00.000-04:00

While in Maine last weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to visit both the Thuya Garden and the Rockefeller Garden on Mount Desert Island. Both gardens were at their peaks and absolutely stunning. A perfectly manicured melange of colors and shapes - I could have spent a day just sitting with my book amongst the blossoms.

It is so often that flowers are the chosen accessory of an event, whether a bouquet, corsage or a center piece, they add color and complexity to the decor. Naturally, I've fallen in love with the vibrant hues and the little intricacies of flowers.

Continue to quench your flower fix at my lovely budding-landscape-architect-friend Molly's blog, Pottering around an English parterre in Maryland.

a sweet treat.

2009-08-27T20:21:00.000-04:00

The cupcake craze is still very much a faze and there is really no reason not to settle for anything but moist, fluffy cake topped with impeccable frosting. At Boston's Sweet I found all of the above to celebrate my dear friend Sarah's 24th. Individually wrapped in an adorable box - it was the perfect edible surprise. With flavor choices including Red Velvet, Lemon Raspberry, Bubblegum, Pink Lemonade, Pina Colada... how can you not get several? A delicious after dinner treat, snack or gift for so many occasions.

I am totally jealous of your cupcake, Sarah!

Photo by Sweet Cupcakes

the search for the perfect wine glass.

2009-08-26T14:00:00.000-04:00

I am on a little mission to find my housewarming gift to myself. As I am going to move into a new apartment in the coming months, I am on the look out for one of entertaining's most vital elements - a delicate but excessively large wine glass.

Success may be found at Crate & Barrel in these Classico glasses that are 9 inches tall and hold 20 ounces of vino! Currently on sale for $3.95 it might be the perfect time to indulge.

I also have a weakness for stemless wine glasses. They are a bit more contemporary and little trendier. As seen in this wedding by fleursnyc, stemless glasses are another completely chic way to quench the thirst of your guests in style. They can also be easily converted into a cocktail glass when garnished or a miniature vase for small flower arrangements.

Isn't that centerpiece amaaazing!?

Photo by Still Photography

the ultimate party shoe.

2009-08-25T11:50:00.000-04:00

I am in love with Kate Spade's fabulous Guest shoe! It is the epitome of elegance and fun - perfect for a dressed up affair.

inspiration.

2009-08-24T13:04:00.000-04:00

Wedding photography is my go-to boredom killer. Capturing moods of extreme happiness while guests are surrounded by carefully thought out elements relating to venue, place setting, floral, etc., lends itself handily for gorgeous pictures. So fun to be involved with the individual pieces that come together to achieve a design that embodies the aura those celebrating hope to express through their event.

Todd Pellowe, a very talented wedding photographer in Louisville, Kentucky, recently posted this beautiful farm wedding on his blog, providing me with the motivation for the yellow and blue color palette I've chosen for The Prettier Party - basically I am obsessed with the bridesmaids and their fun yellow shoes!

Photo by Todd Pellowe

fiesta in a (pink) box.

2009-08-23T10:33:00.000-04:00

I have been dying to write about my party in a box but I've had to be patient so as not to give away any surprises... I concocted this arrangement as a thank you to (requested insert here: my wonderful boyfriend) Vassar's parents, who have been sooo kind to put up with me for an entire week in Maine!

After hitting up Balducci's, my absolute weakness when it comes to grocery stores, I set off to find the perfect container for all these South of the Border delights. Creativity got the best of me - I used the box my calling cards were sent in and found pink wrapping and polka dot tissue paper scraps, and ta-da! The perfect thank you party!

how does your garden grow?

2009-08-14T13:00:00.000-04:00

I could not be more excited - one of my closest friends, Amanda and her wonderful (Colby-grad!) fiance Chris, had their gorgeous engagement party just over a week ago! Her grandparents (and their adorable flat haired retriever, Oliver) hosted about 80 guests at their back-country home. All of the details had the prettiness of a garden party and the perfect reflection of Amanda's style. My absolute favorite touch were the baskets of freshly cut flowers from one of the attendants gardens. I love the combination of white and purple hues with a few bold pink accents.

I wish that I could have fresh flowers in my apartment all the time. Unfortunately, I am a bit inept with plants but a flower arrangement, no matter how simple, can make any space feel literally more alive. And there is nothing easier (or more economical) than using your very own garden and a classic wicker basket to create the perfect centerpiece.

I couldn't resist including a picture of Oliver and Gracie!

call on me.

2009-08-12T10:27:00.000-04:00

So maybe not exactly party related, but stationery in general is completely fabulous and can add so much to an event. Since I am not given a business card at work I just invested in the cutest Crane & Co. calling cards! (And if in transition it's always nice to have a statement card to network with.) Get your own at finestationery.com.

(pommery) pop!

2009-08-11T20:57:00.000-04:00

Celebrating? Why not drink pink?

Rosé is chic again. And it's no wonder why - a chilled glass in this flirty color makes for the perfect summer dessert beverage. With fruity undertones and all the bubbles of your typical sparkling - Pommery POP Champagne is just a lot more fun. Delicious and adorable - how cute would this be served with cupcakes? (Dare I bring up the possibilities come Valentine's Day...)

Added bonus - you can buy mini bottles to incorporate in table displays or give as party favors.

launch!

2009-08-10T11:54:00.000-04:00

Sitting at a desk all day with excel sheets cluttering my desktop is not offering much in the way of creativity, so I'm establishing a new outlet. We all love parties, the chance to bring together family and friends, forge new relationships, and celebrate all the joys life brings. Whether as elaborate as a wedding or as intimate as a garden gathering, I want to focus on the little things that make us swoon, from stunning flowers to delicate place settings, the perfect gift or scrumptious cuisine.