9 Party Items for the New Year - Haven and Home

Next in the series of party "must haves" from stylish fellow bloggers is the lovely and talented Marianne from HAVEN AND HOME. You will love her great eye and southern charm!

1. Coasters like THESE

2. Prosecco for Morning, Noon or Night, this is always a crowd favorite. Try NINO FRANCO

3. Something sparkly like this CARDIGAN.

4. Comfortable and chic shoes. When in doubt go with a WEDGE!

5. A beautifully scented candle. Marianne's favorite is RED FRUIT by Botanicus.

6. Stylish Paper Napkins. Yes, cloth napkins are preferable, but if Marianne is being honest, paper usually wins in her house.  A great source is IKEA.

7. Mason jars filled with candles and scattered down the center of the table. Instant ambiance and so simple!

8. PANDORA The genius website takes the pressure off of you to come up with a great play list.  Depending on the crowd, Marianne's favorites stations for entertaining: Van Morrison, Bruno Mars and Girls Just Want To Have Fun.

9. RECIPE CARDS When guests request the recipe, Marianne gives them a personal recipe card.  Love this idea!

Mason Jar Image: Apartment Therapy

Marianne - You truly have southern hospitality! I want a seat at your table.

Sparkling in Silver

There is something about the icy temps of winter that make me think of the cool tones of silver. Here is some party inspiration!

Beautiful Barn Wedding

Many of you have commented on how much you love seeing photos of the parties in our barn - thank you. I thought I would share photos from this charming barn wedding from STYLE ME PRETTY.

I love the simplicity - really charming and so easy to do yourself.

Party in Phuket

We have gotten over 50 inches of snow in Boston and it is only mid January! I am over it. Really. Truly. Done. 

I recently came across photos of the BANYAN TREE RESORT in Phuket. How nice would it be to escape the winter doldrums here? Oh to plan a party (or attend a party) in Phuket. Yes, please! 

9 Party Items for the New Year - Little Blue Deer

Shari of LITTLE BLUE DEER is the uber hip designer who gives blogs a stylish makeover (including ours). If you don't know her, be sure to check out her portfolio and her blog. You will agree - she rocks!

Shari's 9 Party Items:

1. Anthropologie Fleur De Lys DINNERWARE
Shari has already grown tired of her wedding china. Next on her gift list? Fleur De Lys dinnerware from Anthropologie!

2.  Peonies
What's a dinner party without a gorgeous flower arrangement? Difficult to find, and expensive (which pretty much describes Shari's taste), peonies are a stunning can't miss! Go HERE for the "how to" on this arrangement.

3. Crane's PEAR PLACECARD HOLDERS

You can serve pizza for a party if you have a beautifully set table, and that includes these whimsical placecard holders. Crane's is Shari's go-to for stationery and paper products, they never disappoint!

4. Cabbages and Roses TABLE LINENS

You will adore Cabbages and Roses table linens! Shari won a set from AB Home Interiors, and they are gorgeous.  

5. San Pellegrino Missoni Water:

Shari serves sparkling water at her dinner parties and loves the new Missoni Edition! 

6. Diptyque Coriandre CANDLE
This candle is perfect for a dinner party. The delicious scent is not overpowering and adds just a hint of warmth.

7. VOSGES CHOCOLATE BACON BAR

A fun and fabulous treat to send home with guests! Who doesn't love bacon?! 

8. Ruche Parisian Chic Striped TUNIC:

It's important to be comfortable and look fabulous while entertaining! This darling striped tunic would look fab with leggings and Chanel ballet flats for a cozy evening in! 

9. HOW TO DRESS WELL - Love Remains

Shari's favorite album of the year! It is perfect background music, and how can you not love a band called How to Dress Well? 

Shari - you truly are a style maven - what great ideas! 

Top Image: Sunday Supper

Green With Envy

Green is one of my favorite colors - for home accents or party details. Here is some inspiration on how to add pops of green to your next gathering.

Grateful

This is a blog about entertaining with style. So why the Saab? A week ago I was driving south on the Merritt and lost control of my car, crossed two lanes and flipped my car. Terrifying. Epic. I don't recommend it.

I was pinned upside down by the roof and my seat belt while kind strangers ran up to the side of my car convinced I would be dead. Thank god for Saabs!

I was cut out of the car by the fire department and taken by ambulance to the Stamford Hospital ER. I had a concussion, swelling (my face looked like a character out of Avatar), and bruises, but was so so so lucky. My Jack Russell Terrier, Auggie, also flipped and was fine. Amazing.

Auggie

I have spent the last week laying low (yes I do my blog posts in advance - so no lack of party fun) and counting my blessings. Still can't quite believe it happened, though I do remember every minute of the crash. 

Everyone has been kind, but a few folks were extraordinary in the care that they showed me and my dog! With profuse thanks: New Canaan Fire Department, New Canaan Police Department, Mary, Dixie, Rom, Lucia, Thaddeus and Jenn. Thank you! The black eyes are fading, the swelling is gone, but this is a life changing event for sure. 

Not to worry, back to party posts on Monday! 

Wedding in the Mountains

While I realize that summer is the most popular time for weddings, I think there is something magical about a wedding in the winter. The rich colors, the crisp white, photos in the snow and a touch of fur!

How fun are these details from various weddings?

Deer are all the rage this year, and I love them incorporated as part of a wedding theme.

Bridal party fashions that embrace the season

Winter flowers

Comfort food on the menu - yes please!

Some cake ideas that are perfect for this time of year

Images: The Knot, Martha Stewart, Style Me Pretty