Do you see what I see?

Mirror strands, like the ones above will sparkle behind the stage

The Gibbes Ready, Jet-Set, Go! Gala is next Saturday, December 8. I'm starting to get all cloudy in my head because of all the last-minute details! I thought it would be a good mental exercise to post my design so I can see what it seems like all together.

The gala theme is retro air travel, hence "Ready, Jet-Set, Go!" and some items included in the live auction will be "The International" - a trip for 4 to a luxury golf resort in Ireland, "The Weekender"- tickets for 2 anywhere in the country and fine Gucci luggage to go with it, and "The Mogul"- a getaway to Beaver Creek, Colorado.

Ireland above and a diva-licious necklace from Geiss & Sons below

So, in the spirit of aeronautics I am focusing on making these jet-set guests feel like it's the best plane ride they've ever been on (not hard to do, if you're not really on a plane, right?). Here is a small sample of my design ideas.

Tiger Lily will create a few different versions of the arrangement above, to look like clouds

Groupings of two different shades of blue pintuck linen will add interest

got these customized wing pins made for staff to wear and guests to have fun with

There's a lot more--like flying through the clouds, the VIP Sky Lounge area, the all-white dance floor, furniture arrangements to mimic airport waiting areas, Vintage Velvet, etc. but I feel so much better now that I can see all of this together. Maybe I'll do the rest next post. What do you think?

photos: BizBash, Tiger Lily Florist, BBJ, istockphoto

Funny haha

I was at my friend Sara's house for brunch a few Sundays ago, where I was introduced to "omelettes in a bag", when you put two eggs and various accoutrement in a freezer bag and combine, then place the bag in boiling water for about 15 minutes. After time's up you have a perfect tasting and conveniently shaped omlette on your plate and eventually in yo belly.

Anywho, while I was there I was able to really take a look at Amy Sedaris' book I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence, and now it's totally on my Christmas list. It's the perfect gift for any contemporary hostess in your life as Amy's tongue-in-cheek version of being hospitable will probably have you rolling on the floor by the front flap;

Dear Reluctant Shopper,
Welcome to my flap. If you are reading this, I can only assume that you're hesitating to buy this book. Maybe you're thinking I don't know anything about this book; I would like more information. Should I buy it based solely on the exceptionally striking cover shot? Well, that's a good enough reason for me.

I'd seen it here and there, but for some reason never picked it up, now I can't get enough. Check out fredflare.com to get a copy and some other cool shizz.

photos: amazon.com

Whew~!

It's over, my first Thanksgiving as a rockin' hostess. I think I put Rachael Ray to shame a bit, here's a glimpse at our table, and as my friend Nikki pointed out, you can still see the can marks on the cranberry sauce... nice! A regular post in a bit.

Bret's got it goin on!

Guest Girl

Alright, I mention her occasionally in my blog entries, she's one of my fave ppl and the most effortlessly fashionable lady drinking Beam in Kentucky; today Jesse Hendrix-Inman will be my guest blogger! As a writer, artist and rock-n-roll wifey, Jesse's an expert on all things "bitchin'", lol. Check out her blog, girlbydesign, and what she has to say about holiday partay fashion, thanks Jess!

"For me, holiday style is best expressed through the perfect balance of elegance and fun. ‘Tis the season for the Little Black Dress, the cocktail hat and shimmering, sparkling accessories.

J.Crew has an excellent selection of simply elegant party dresses, and the website even has a special section devoted to the Little Black Dress. There are also several great pieces that channel Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly in unexpected colors.

Above: The high neck and ¾ length sleeve make this dress a practical option for snowy evenings. Paired with glittery black tights and black ankle boots, this dress will make a chic, modern statement at any cocktail party.

Above: The amethyst hue of this simple silhouette is rich and unexpected. Could purple be the new black? The addition of a feathery cocktail hat like this one

By Boring Sidney at etsy.com adds a bit of vintage glamour to the look. Keep it elegant with simple black pumps and a black shawl.

Finally, our old friend Target (that’s Tar-jhay) has been offering some stunningly elegant dresses ever since they expanded into bridal territory.

Above: This dress is perfect for a night at the ballet, opera or museum gala.

Add this festive headwrap, also by Boring Sidney, and you’ve got yourself a modern update on the inspiring flapper vibe. Keep the rest simple by recycling the black pumps and wrap from the purple dress!

The holidays are an exciting time to express yourself. Just remember, fashion may be all about labels, but style is all about you!"-- Jesse Hendrix-Inman

week before Thanksgiving = chaos

I feel like I have been slacking on my blog lately, but I have to admit I've been very busy studying up on how to be the perfect hostess for a Thanksgiving feast. Our first year in our new home and my husband up and deemed our house as THE PLACE TO BE for 7 + our baby nephew. I had a great entry to post yesterday, Jesse was going to be my guest blogger about holiday fashion and style, because that's her thing. Alas, I couldn't open her file so, I'll have to post this juicy info next week.

You can check out my dear friend Laura Kate Whitney's new blog, Sense Charleston. LK's approach to exploring the senses will inspire you to do the same!

Anywho, as I'm basking in my turkey-frying virginity and figuring out the best way to organize my crazy shopping list, I'll try to post a bit here and there next week. I'll even post the pics of my triumph or loss-- for the record books. Ciao!

photos: Epicurious.com

Spirit Hands

I find the holidays a lil' stressful, what with all the different colors you're supposed to decorate with, and cookie recipes out the --s! This year, as I'm decorating my new-ish first home and looking for party decor ideas, I'll keep the word "festive" in mind. It doesn't discriminate; "festive" is just exactly that, and here's my idea of fun (you know I have to say, "and festive") holiday entertaining--

Fabulousstationery.com will personalize your party invitations AND make you look cooler than you feel.

I SO want these Illusion wine glasses. They would totally be the perfect ice breaker for a "jingle mingle" because they have an interestingly clever design... and they will most likely contain WINE!
Cast a cool shadow with the lumen candle, which projects flickering wintry wonderlands of cedar, magnolia, or pine trees on your wall. These were designed by Adam Frank, a Brooklyn based artist and inventor.

... And back to the alcohol, overindulge the ever present holiday sweet tooth by toasting to good times with chocolate shot cups. The price makes them sweeter than boring ol' shotglasses any day.

If I were ambitious enough, I would try to make this Spiced Hot Chocolate Recipe, but I'm not... so I won't.

photos: Domino Magazine, Fabulousstationery.com, Uncommon Goods, Red Envelope, Urban Outfitters

Throwback

Remember when music videos made you feel all warm and fuzzy? If you want a really good way to start or finish a Friday then watch this all-around fave.

Etsy small world

I first learned about Etsy from Jesse, a new Kentuckian (sp?) girl by design, of course. Then I was cruising thru my blogosphere this morning and saw a post about the coolest labels, and the link took me straight to Etsy. It's like an e-bay express for cool creative craftspeople, so basically it totally rocks. Here are some things I've uncovered on Etsy that would add that personal touch to anything you have planned.

The top picture is a handmade gift tag from Digital Paperie, I will most likely use this in an upcoming wedding I'm planning, we'll tie them around the necks of the mini-champagne bottles being given as favors.

Above, totally unique wedding invitations and accessories by OhSoSuite.

If you wanna cop the Angelina Jolie gift-giving style, circa Billy Bob, you can surprise (or seduce) that special someone with these little stolen treasures of Parisian cemetery dirt... by aldetha.

Sky's the limit

What's in store for me? I don't know, but I'll try to find out in the next couple of months, wish me luck!

Sundays are for chillin'

Last night was a picturesque house party at Casey Lavin's. Casey is the Assistant Director of Food and Bev at the Sanctuary and can also be deemed a "grill-master", if I may? On the corner of Wentworth and Smith St. the weather was perfect, the game was on and a few friends gathered for some good food, poker, and good times. So did Sumter, the dog! Proves you don't need all the pomp and circumstance to plan an event, just a good selection of various meats and beer.

Mmmmmm...

Poker chips and chocolate chips

That's Sumter, he's a good dog.

Halloween Views at Vickery's

Notice how the pictures get more and more "drunk" looking on my end, haha. FUN night!
DJ Moo-moo and Electric Company rocked the hiz-ouse!

LOLOLOL