Floral 101

When I am hosting a small dinner with friends, I often create my own centerpiece. I know this seems daunting, but it is really simple!

The plates are hand made from Tuscany (a cherished gift from Dixie) and the source of inspiration for the color scheme.

Flowers from the local market.

Cut the floral oasis to the right shape and then soak in water.

Place in container. This glass piece I bought at a tag sale from the fabulous EDDIE ROSS.

The smaller pieces were used for a small bud vase in the powder room.

Simple right? Just slowly add the flowers (I was short on time so this is not my best work, but it gives you a sense). Voila!

All Things Oysters

Since I am blogging from Wellfleet, MA (on Cape Cod for those of you not from the Northeast), it seems fitting that I post about oysters. Wellfleet Oysters are some of the best in the country and with a glass of chilled champagne - delish!

For dinner out head to B & G OYSTERS in Boston. It is fantastic!

Or in Wellfleet head to the WICKED OYSTER.

Looking for a new experience in Boston? Try oyster shucking classes at NORTH END FISH MARKET. The owners are such fun, too! My friend Paula joined me for the lesson and they even gave my Jack Russell (Auggie) the red carpet treatment.

Oyster salt cellar from GUMP'S.

Oysters Rockefeller is a classic. For a recipe from Tyler Florence CLICK.

Photos: All Recipes, Chincoteague Oysters, Yelp

Got the Blues

Style Me Pretty

When blue is used well for entertaining it is fabulous, but when it is done badly....enough said. The new line of RALPH LAUREN HOME masters the use of blue in typically chic and classic RL style.

Great paper products for invitations and thank you notes from DEMPSEY & CARROLL.

Party pictures from STYLE ME PRETTY that rock blue.

Local Scoop: Boston Best Eats

If you live in Boston then you likely know Lynn Dale. She is an events guru, is actively involved with many charities here in Boston and is overseeing all aspects of Mass General Hospital's upcoming bicentennial. If that weren't enough, she is also so nice and so fun!

She was kind enough to share her favorite spots in Boston.

Lynn and her fiance, Frank Wisneski

Favorite Spot for Cocktails:

SORELLINA

Pretty place, pretty people, pretty cocktails.

Best Food (on an expense account):

Barbara Lynch's new spot - MENTON. It is reminiscent of fine dining in Europe and there is a captain for every table. Suffice to say it the experience and the food are "beyond"!

Another option that is not quite so pricey, but still very good is MARKET by Jean-Georges.

Best French Bistro:

When you want a simple, delicious meal then head to AQUITAINE in the South End. Aquitaine has, without question, the best mussels in the city - pair them with a glass of white wine and french bread. Delish!

Best Burger:

The best burger in Boston can be found at the bar at the BRISTOL LOUNGE. Add a side of Parmesan fries and you have perfection!

Best Place for a Working Lunch:

THE CATERED AFFAIR at the Boston Public Library has great food which is beautifully presented in a stunning room adjacent to the Library's courtyard.

Best Place on a Cold Night:

It is hard to imagine with the endless 90+ days in Boston that we will ever cold weather again, but we know it is around the corner. For a cozy night when the weather turns chilly, head to PIGALLE and curl up in a corner booth.

Photos: Urban Daddy, Yelp and Zagat

Georgia Peach

Summer is the time to enjoy the very freshest fruits and veggies. Peaches are one of my favorites this time of year.

Delicious recipe for Peach Melba from Martha Stewart. For recipe CLICK.

Georgia Peach Pie from Food and Wine. For recipe CLICK.

Or try a White Peach Margarita from Bobby Flay. Yum! For recipe CLICK.

Another option is a Frozen Peach Champagne Cocktail from Rachel Ray. For recipe CLICK.