Our friend Robin, of Robin Cain Photography, was ...]]> One of the great things about living in Colorado is the great access to farm-fresh produce during the summer.  From fresh corn to fragrant tomatoes, everything seems to be in season right now, so we decided to take advantage of the abundance of wonderful food at a summer “Farm to Table” dinner party last weekend.  The meal featured local, organic produce and flowers, and herbs and other goodies right out of the garden!

Our friend Robin, of Robin Cain Photography, was able to come and photograph the festivities.  She’s such a talented photographer–check out her blog or site if you’re looking for a Colorado wedding or portrait photographer!

It’s such a great feeling to work with farm-grown produce, especially when you know where it came from.  It doesn’t have to be fancy (as you’ll see here), but be inspired by the flavors of the season!

Above: Salami, figs, and a goat cheese spread.

Warmed goat cheese spread:
Simply combine equal parts cream cheese, marinated feta, and goat cheese; add whatever herbs you have on hand (I used chives and thyme; but rosemary would be a wonderful addition!) and bake in dishes at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.  Serve with crusty baguettes or crackers.

Our cat, Butters, had a great time with all those savory smells!

Above: These wonderful fingerlings came from a local farm and were seasoned with garlic and rosemary, roasted in olive oil.

Roasted Fingerlings:
Slice fingerlings thinly. Drizzle with olive oil, fresh diced garlic, and thyme, rosemary, or other favorite herbs.  Roast at 400 degrees, in a single layer on a  baking sheet for about 25 minutes, or until browned and slightly crispy. Finish with a dusting of sea salt.

We finished off the meal with a delicious dessert of lemon curd cakes, drizzled with lemon syrup and dolloped with a creme fraiche whipped cream, poppy seeds, and a sprinkling of pistachios.  The best combination of salty, sweet, and tangy–and a perfect end to a summer meal!  Recipe via Food & Wine.

What recipes are you enjoying this summer?

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2011 · Permalink · 3 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Cooking and Food, Entertaining, Real Parties

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{purple and blue spring tabletop photographed by Simon Bevan for Remodelista via Apartment 34}

{shabby chic breakfast from Le Chat de Sucre via Amy Atlas}

{casual Sunday brunch, image by Carly Taylor via ...]]> I get together with a few friends each month for a brunch club, and it’s coming up this weekend!  I’m so excited to celebrate Chicago turning the corner towards summer.  If brunch is your favorite meal too, here are some pretty brunch table ideas to use for your next get-together!

{purple and blue spring tabletop photographed by Simon Bevan for Remodelista via Apartment 34}

{shabby chic breakfast from Le Chat de Sucre via Amy Atlas}

{casual Sunday brunch, image by Carly Taylor via A Subtle Revelry}

{children’s brunch ideas image by Christian Cruz via The Sweetest Occasion}

{brunch display created by Frilly Milly Events, image by Lauren Blair Photography via Hostess with the Mostess}

{coffee cupping brunch – styling by Bash, Please, images by Annie McElwain via Design*Sponge}

Do you love brunch as much as I do? Are you amazing entertainers like my friends, or a “meet at a restaurant” girl like myself?

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Posted in: Entertaining

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Jana’s mom handmade the jam for favors!

Love the giant initial J, Chiavari chairs, and simple floral arrangements.

The table runners were also handmade by Jana’s mom.

Jana and her Maid of Honor.

The ...]]> Jana, an EAD Weddings Phoenix blogger, shared her poolside bridal shower a few weeks ago. We thought it was so cute the Living readers would love it. The shower was hosted by Jana’s maid of honor, bridesmaids and mom. They did such a great job with simple decor and fun games.

Jana’s mom handmade the jam for favors!

Love the giant initial J, Chiavari chairs, and simple floral arrangements.

The table runners were also handmade by Jana’s mom.

Jana and her Maid of Honor.

The games consisted of Jana chewing a piece of bubble gum for each question about Mike she answered incorrectly. And collecting ring pops (instead of clothespins) each time the forbidden word “wedding” was uttered.

Thanks for sharing with us Jana!

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Posted in: Bridal Shower, Entertaining, Real Parties

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This House of Lavande beach party is pretty fabulous, and I think this would be pretty easy to duplicate on a much smaller scale for an outdoor party when the weather warms up. ...]]> One of my favorite places to look for party, fashion and decor inspiration is Vogue.com. They have a great collection of images. Even if I can’t afford the brands and companies they promote, it definitely inspires me. Here are a few images that have caught my eye lately.

This House of Lavande beach party is pretty fabulous, and I think this would be pretty easy to duplicate on a much smaller scale for an outdoor party when the weather warms up. The biggest expense would be the tent, but you could definitely bring down the cost with some creative planning.

It’s hard to see because the image is so dark, but the seating consists of a giant square and then rounds set up in the middle. Wouldn’t this be great for a large scale wedding reception?

I’m not sure if this current trend of undead type makeup is related to the Twilight saga success, but I’m not really loving it. You don’t have to go crazy with the bronzer, but a little color wouldn’t be so completely awful.

Ah, this is more like it. Mila Kunis is a dreamboat and a half. That gown is perfect for her vivid coloring, and her makeup is noticeable without being overdone.

Where do you go for fashion and home inspiration?

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2011 · Permalink · 1 comment · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Beauty, Entertaining, Fashion

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Thank you for sharing Sarina!

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2011 · Permalink · 6 comments · StumbleUpon It! Posted in: Entertaining Follow Ami on Twitter · Join us at EAD Weddings too! ...]]> As it’s currently quite cold and rainy here, I thought all of us could use a burst of sunshine! Sarina from Sarina Love Photography sent over this adorable backyard bridal shower. It’s full of whimsical details and DIY goodness. I love the pops of color throughout the event, and having crafts in place of games? Fantastic!

Thank you for sharing Sarina!

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A few weeks ago, I gave a tutorial on ABCD Design that seemed to be a hit with all who read it. I figured since many of you don’t make it over to ABCD on a regular basis that perhaps I should teach you how to arrange flowers in a glass container here on EADL!

First, it helps to have the right tools for flower arranging. A Swiss Army knife, a set of stem cutters, and some clear floral tape will ...]]>

A few weeks ago, I gave a tutorial on ABCD Design that seemed to be a hit with all who read it. I figured since many of you don’t make it over to ABCD on a regular basis that perhaps I should teach you how to arrange flowers in a glass container here on EADL!

First, it helps to have the right tools for flower arranging. A Swiss Army knife, a set of stem cutters, and some clear floral tape will get you started on the right foot. If you want details on what, why, and where to buy – I covered the tools of the floral trade here.

First, select the flowers. Second, decide what type of container is appropriate for the flowers you selected. I found these fabulously girly mauve and gold containers at Jamali Garden. These pretties didn’t break the budget, ($13 a piece) and they coordinated with the color palette of the apartment perfectly. (see above)

Let’s get started, shall we? Get out your flower arrangement tools and place them on your work table. You’ll also want a garbage can for scraps, leaves, and stems. You may want to roll out some paper on the floor and table top for easier clean up afterwards. As a matter of fact, I often stand upon the paper that the flowers came wrapped in when I am working. Now let’s and prep your containers…

To get started: fill the container 2/3 full of water. Tepid water works best. If you want the flowers to burst open quicker, slightly warmer water will help. Use a towel to dry around the edges of the vase and then tape a grid over the top of the container. Be sure to leave at least a quarter to a half an inch of tape over the edges. Run another circle of tape around the edge to secure your tape that is creating the grid over the top.

You’re ready to start placing your heartiest stems in the vase. These will create the structure that will keep your flowers in place. Start arranging them in a clockwise fashion. Remember to cut a fresh end on the flower stem (always on an angle so it will drink properly) right before you place it into the vase. Place one stem in each outside portion of the grid that you created with tape, laying each consecutive stem upon the one that was placed before it. Like this…

It looks great just as it is, doesn’t it? You could continue to fill the arrangement out with a few more of the same bud -or- add a second variety of flower. For these arrangements, I decided to use Cala Lilies. When introducing another type of flower to the arrangement remember this: if you use it up high in the design, also use it down low in the arrangement. There should be variation in the height of the flower to keep your eye moving around as you look at it.

I never like my arrangements to look too perfect – they are from nature after all – nature has movement, and looks natural! For that reason, I like to place my tallest stem off center slightly to the left or right. The rest of the flowers work off of that off-center, “center” point. Does that make sense? (It might help to look at the diagram above.)

So there you have it – how to arrange flowers in a glass container. Do you have any questions that I can answer?

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2010 · Permalink · 2 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Entertaining

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All photography credited to Vanessa Tierney.

A few vendor details for all you party planners:

Table and Chairs – Taylor Rental in Middletown, RI Table cover – Vintage duvet cover bought at an estate sale for $10! Flowers – DIY Shift ...]]> We have the CUTEST shower inspiration shoot for you guys on this cold Monday morning. It was styled by Stephanie Frazier Grimm of Couture Parties. She chose Paradise Public Park in Newport, RI as the venue – the grounds hold a restored and relocated 1810 windmill.

All photography credited to Vanessa Tierney.

A few vendor details for all you party planners:

Table and Chairs – Taylor Rental in Middletown, RI
Table cover – Vintage duvet cover bought at an estate sale for $10!
Flowers – DIY
Shift dress Place Card Holders – DIY
Swizzle sticks – Preppy Cards
Mini wedding cakes and shift dress cookie favors are by It’s My Party Newport
Bingo cards – download from Martha Stewart (laminated with a colored paper backing)
Bingo chips – Laminated paper punched with a large hole punch
Photography - Vanessa Tierney
Styling – Stephanie Frazier Grimm of Couture Parties

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Posted in: Entertaining

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© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2010 · Permalink · 6 comments · StumbleUpon It! Posted in: Bridal Shower, Entertaining Follow ...]]> This is, by far, one of the coolest showers I have seen in a long time. Styled by Frilly Milly Events, shot by ICG Photography and found via Opulent Couturier, it’s a “LumberJack and Jill” couples shower. It has all the earmarks of a great party:  a good theme, an opportunity to dress up, substantial food and a funky photobooth. My favorite details are the Smores cupcakes and plaid stationery.

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2010 · Permalink · 6 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Bridal Shower, Entertaining

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Here are some tips and ideas for your next get-together.

One of the easiest tips is to pick a color scheme and use it in everything you can.  Like the photo above, or the one below, color can be a powerful unifying theme.

Another easy way to ...]]> This time of year there’s lots of opportunities for hosting parties, from football games to Halloween and Thanksgiving.  And decorating for them doesn’t have to cost you a bundle – all you need is a little creativity and planning.

Here are some tips and ideas for your next get-together.

One of the easiest tips is to pick a color scheme and use it in everything you can.  Like the photo above, or the one below, color can be a powerful unifying theme.

Another easy way to decorate is to use things you already have.  Do you have any pretty plants?  You can use them as centerpieces.

And don’t worry if you don’t have enough wine or drink glasses for everyone, mis-matched glasses can be really charming (and it also makes it easy for people to remember which glass is theirs)!   If you only have 3 and need 10 – local thrift stores are great for finding interesting vintage glasses for little money.

Speaking of drinks, are you serving a signature drink?  Do you need something to stir them with?  Lollipops are cute and functional, and add a pop of color.

If you do need to buy some supplies to help you decorate, there are lots of places other than just party stores you can use.   Home improvement stores, dollar stores, and the supermarket, just to name a few.

Drop cloths can be used for table cloths:

Bandanas come in every color imaginable, and can make great napkins:

Dollar stores often have great deals on votive holders and simple vases.  Simple cyllindrical vases can be filled up with fruit, simple floral arrangments, or candles:

And coffee beans or lentils can be great fillers around candles:

Do you like to get crafty?  If you have some time before your party, there are lots of things you can make inexpensively.  A plate glued on top of a chunky candlestick can become a cake stand:

Old vintage bottles can become a pretty centerpiece when coated on the inside with paint:

Unless it’s a special occasion, parties really don’t need to cost a fortune to throw.   All that matters is that everyone enjoys themselves and has a good time!

Do you have any great party decor tips, anything you’ve used before?

*pictures from: Apartment Therapy, Young House Love, Brick City Love, Centsational Girl, Real Simple, Google Images, Google Images, Dollar Tree, Rachel Ray, Prudent Baby, Martha Stewart

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Image via Athleta

The Organic Cotton Senorita Dress from Athleta. They come in the most delicious, organic colors. The dress comes ...]]> I don’t know about you, but I spend most of Springtime fretting about when the weather is going to teeter over 70 degrees. It must be my Swedish heritage, because I fare much better in frigid Winter weather. When the ladies of EAD asked me to share the items that get me through Summer, several comfortable, body cooling-items came to mind…

Image via Athleta

The Organic Cotton Senorita Dress from Athleta. They come in the most delicious, organic colors. The dress comes to just above the knee, they’re super comfortable, flattering and machine washable. The Senorita Dress is so versatile. I wear them to clean around the house, to the farmers market and dress them up when we go out to dinner. I purchased two last Summer and they are the first thing I reach for on a hot day. Casual, Summer perfection! *FYI: they’re on end of Summer SALE right now!*

Image via Athleta

I have also been wearing my Shapeable Poolside Sun Hat quite a bit. I am the type who gets sunburn through a window on a Winter day, so the wider the brim, the better! I like this sun hat because it’s crushable. You can pack it in a suitcase or bag and re-shape upon arrival.

Image via Coolibar

During the Summer months, I always have a Sandalwood fan in my purse. At $0.65 a piece, I can’t help but beat the heat in the NYC Subway with my own wind-chill factor. *Just last week, I went to an amazing interior design event at the D & D building. Nate Berkus, S.R. Gambrel, Laura Kirar, and Jesse Carrier were all there to sit on the panel. It was a hot and steamy night in NYC, not to mention, many of my interior design idols were gathered in one room – You bet I pulled my fan out to create a wind chill effect!

Image via Amazon

I have two favorite shoe styles for Summer in the City. During the day, I love my Gizeh Liquid Gold Birkenstocks.

Image via Birkenstock

And at night, (or when I want a slightly more sophisticated, streamlined, but still comfortable look) I like to wear my nude color, kitten heel, Martha Davis peep toe mules. So cute and super comfortable for walking around!

Image via Martha Davis

Now that I have covered my wearable Summer must haves – I’d like to talk little about must haves for the home. First of all, one must have a fabulous iced beverage dispenser. For my own use, I selected the Simplicity Collection beverage dispenser from Chefs Catalog. I like it because the dispenser doesn’t need to sit on the edge of the counter top. I recently did a review of glass iced beverage dispensers on ABCD Design. If you’re in the market for one too, you might like to take a peek at all the different options I found!

Image via Chef’s Catalog

And in the kitchen? I adore my Cherry Me Apron by The Hip Hostess. Because really, you can’t get any more Summery in the kitchen than dressing up in a kicky sheath apron!

Image via the Hip Hostess

Don’t forget to freshen up your kitchen counter top with these good looking vintage style pantry storage tins. (I am considering them for our new kitchen in the country house!) Even though it’s dreadfully hot outside, the weather will soon turn and you’ll find yourself wanting to bake breakfast scones and muffins!

Image via Stylish Stuff

And last, but certainly not least, in the Summer I think it is imperative to keep a case of Veuve Clicquot 1/2 bottle splits on hand. It’s so refreshing to have a wee-bit of icy-cold champagne at the end of a long, hot Summer day – without having to commit to drinking an entire bottle – Unless, of course, you want to! *winkwink*

Image via City Wine Cellar

So tell me: What items get you through the dog-days of Summer?

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2010 · Permalink · Comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Entertaining, Fashion, Life

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