Black Tie Optional

Cozy with Cocoa

Winter has finally arrived in Boston with colder temps and a few minor snowstorms. Is there anything better than a fire and cup of cocoa on a snowy day?

A good cup of cocoa should be made from scratch. My favorite RECIPE

Images: Tiny White Daisies

Forgo the Flowers

I love floral centerpieces for any party - large or small. But sometimes it's fun to do something unexpected and forgo the flowers. Here are a few of my favorites. 

Images: Martha Stewart, Tiny White Daisies, Pinterest, Intimate Weddings, Casa Sugar, Wedding Bee, John Thigpen, Eddie Ross

Brunch Bliss

Truth be told, I am not a huge fan of brunch. My ideal morning is lingering over coffee and a light breakfast. But this RECIPE for French Toast with Berry Butter may just convert me!

Credits: Tiny White Daisies and Pioneer Woman

Orange Crush

Orange (actually Tangerine) is the hot color for 2012. Here are some ideas in how to incorporate it when you entertain.

Photos: Pinterest, Lewis Miller Design, Tiny White Daisies

Chinese Chic

If you are a regular reader, then you know how much we adore our talented friend celebrity caterer, PETER CALLAHAN.

In honor of Chinese New Year and to celebrate the Year of the Dragon, Peter created these hip “fortune cookie” hors d’oeuvres. While they may look like cookies, they are made of wonton wrappers and filled with a spiced chicken mixture.

The best part? You can have them shipped directly to your home - perfect for a Super Bowl Party! The chic bites arrive with a little red acrylic tray that has six tiny reusable takeout boxes attached for serving. (Peter and his team are genius when it comes to presentation.) You get three dozen hors d’oeuvres, to be reheated before serving. Add some parsley or shredded lettuce to the bottom of each box for a nice presentation, and put a paper fortune, also provided, on top. You can even order your own custom fortunes. Order HERE 

Credit: Photo and Copy New York Times

For Your Lap

I can not stop swooning over the new line of napkins from Vietri. Love. Love. Love.

Vietri began in 1983 when a mother and two daughters traveled to Italy and fell in love with colorful, hand painted dinnerware made by local artisans. Today, the company is the largest U.S. importer of exclusively Italian, handcrafted ceramics, flatware, mouth blown glassware, lamps, urns and planters for home and garden, dining and decorating. 

Here are a few more of their new line of napkins. Find them HERE

Images: Tiny White Daisies, Travel DK

Simple Side Dish

Last weekend I had the Food Network on in the background while doing work around the house. Ree Drummond from the uber successful blog THE PIONEER WOMAN was on and my ears perked up when she mentioned she had a fabulous recipe for Potates Gratin that don't require peeling the potatoes. Say what?? Now she had my undivided attention! I made the recipe for a group of friends the following night and it was delicious! Of course I have to share it with all of you. RECIPE

Image: Williams Sonoma

Pretty in Pink

RSVP Required

My friend Liz wrote to me about a stationery company that her friend founded that I might want to feature on the blog. Yes, please! I fell in luh-ve with LETTUCE PAPER when I looked at the website. Whether you have a wedding, party, or even a baby announcement on the horizon, check out their work.