M is for Mantles

Holiday cards ordered - check! Now I am thinking about holiday decor and of course, mantles! Love these shots from LONNY.

Talented Zak Kunish

Last week I received an email from a PR firm in New York asking if I would like to interview their client for our blog. After looking at some of his work, I happily agreed to profile and interview ZAK KUNISH. Here are few shots of his floral and event design.

About Zak

Zak started designing parties at a very young age. Through his school years Zak’s business grew rapidly. His designs captivated clients including Levi Strauss, Revlon, Deutsche Bank, Rupert Murdoch and others. After graduating college, Zak went full steam ahead and merged his unique invitation business with extraordinary event design and décor. Zak’s talents, which focus on tabletop design, brought him into the New York City spotlight designing events for The Pritzker Organization, The Ritz-Carlton, The Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, Exclusive Resorts and many prestigious event companies throughout the tri-state area.

Q + A with Zak Kunish

Two “must haves” when you entertain at home?

Chilled beer glasses and a fantastic appetizer

What magazines and blogs do you read for inspiration?
New York Magazine and NY Social Diary

What is your greatest extravagance?
I am a stickler for great service and fine food. My latest extravagance was going to Gordon Ramsey at The London Hotel for dinner and enjoying a great meal with lots of laughter.

Two famous people you would love to have at your next dinner party?
Bill Clinton and the Dalai Lama

A few party “don’ts”?
If you are the host, don’t have more than one drink. It is not a good idea for guests to be leaving because you are intoxicated! Also, do not feel that you need to be over the top. Sometimes the simple parties are the best ones!

Two things you can’t live without?
My BlackBerry and chocolate milk

The best party you ever attended?
The absolute best party I ever attended was a friend's wedding in Florida. The food was superb; the mix of guests worked perfectly and the dancing was endless. I still remember it like it just happened last night!

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
That I started my first company designing invitations when I was 14. It has evolved into full-scale event design company. This business runs through my veins!

Surfside on Nantucket

I have been spending time on the Cape and the Islands since I was little. This house on Nantucket from the current issue of ELLE DECOR is off the hook! I keep looking at the photos and drooling over the design details. 

The house would be ideal for parties and house guests and is located by one of the best beaches on the island - Surfside. 

Check out the entertaining spaces. I love love love the kitchen. 

The clean lines of the family room

The perfect spot to curl up with a book and take a break from the beach

The modern white chairs paired with old wood floors. Swoon!

Oh...and the rest of the house is not to shabby either! 

Best.Bathroom.Ever.

Plenty of room for guests

A quiet space to work and to blog.

And after a day of entertaining, I would love to rest my head here

Stylish New Online Mag

I know what you are thinking...do we really need another online magazine? This magazine will quickly be at the top of your list of e-reads. I clapped with joy when I got an email from Shari of LITTLE BLUE DEER that she joined Janelle of ISABELLE AND MAX to launch HOUSE OF FIFTY.

The premiere issue is filled with lots of stylish ideas, but I read it with an eye for entertaining.

How to arrange spring flowers

Or items for the perfect summer meal

Or cap of a meal with a decadent dessert

They even show you how to have a beautifully stocked pantry

Hop over and check it out...you will love it too!

New Year - New Look!

After seeing Shari's work on of my favorite blogs HAMPTONTOES, I reached out to her at LITTLE BLUE DEER about giving us a face lift to kick of 2011! She is so talented, so nice and so reasonable! What do you think? 

All Wrapped Up - Game On Santa

With my shopping done, I am now wrapping presents and every year I pick a theme. I swooned when I saw these wrapped packages from ROCK PAPER SCISSORS. Fab!

Here are some other ideas from Martha. Go HERE for all of the "how tos".

I went for a classic (and budget friendly) theme. The paper is from CVS, the silver balls came in a sleeve of 12 for $2 at Target and the red satin wire ribbon from a floral wholesale store.