One of the best things about blogging? Fellow bloggers! I had no idea how nice and welcoming everyone would be when Party Resources decided to go viral. One of these fabulous folks is Carolyn from THE BUZZ.
Carolyn
I love her blog and her style. She works with her mother, DIANE JAMES, who creates the most stunning silk flower arrangements. Seriously, her flowers are gorgeous and would even trick the bees! Carolyn was kind enough to share her tips for entertaining.
Favorite cocktail:
Porch Swing - for recipe CLICK
Carolyn's favorite spot to entertain in the summer is outside on her terrace. One of her favorite dishes for summer gatherings is Ina Garten's Grilled Herb Shrimp. For recipe CLICK
Paired with Farm Stand Corn Salad from Oprah. For recipe CLICK
Both of these dishes can be made in advance so you can sip your Porch Swing and enjoy time with your guests!
Favorite Restaurant:
COOK SHOP in New York. Chef Mark Meyer supports local farmers, sustainable ingredients and you can taste the love in his food.
Favorite Party Sources:
CULTURAL INTRIGUE has a huge selection of lanterns, candles and party favors.
JAMALI GARDEN has a large assortment of table top decor.
Party Tips:
Never let your guests leave empty handed. In the summer send them home with small pots of herbs wrapped with burlap and twine. Or wrap up ornaments around the holidays!
Be creative with flowers! Use flowers as a centerpiece, but also around the plates for a festive table.
Mix and match china, silver and crystal - it's okay to use your everyday china with your wedding crystal.
Joe Nye's book, Flair. For everyone still learning how to throw a great party, this book is fabulous!
Images: Smitten Kitchen, My Recipes
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Hi Kate,
ReplyDeleteThis was so much fun to do! Thank you for thinking of me!
xxoo
Carolyn
Great suggestions! I always have my eye open for recipes that sound good. I like the corn and shrimp ones...I'll be trying them soon. Also, loving the idea of an ornament for guest who visit during the holiday season. Carolyn, has great taste!
ReplyDeleteWell, let's just head on over to Carolyn's for a Porch Swing!!! Love to learn about some new party sources! Fantastic post, Kate!
ReplyDeletexo Elizabeth
I'm exhausted from helping with a party for 100 Sat. night----three of us (all amateurs) created 8 table centerpieces and one huge buffet arrangement, all with oasis, chicken wire, and a formula of "face, line and filler". Is this passe? We cut eleagnus, azalea leaves, leucothea, and nandina berries the night before, and then prayed our order of flowers would be enough. The colors were gorgeous: hot pink, orange and red---all mixed with lime green and some yellow. But the process seems out of date and overly difficult. We probably spent 5 hours fixing the flowers. What do you think?
ReplyDelete