9 Party Items for the New Year - Hampton Hostess

For the last guest in the "9 in the New Year" series, I am delighted to have Barbara from HAMPTON HOSTESS. She has a flawless eye and loves to entertain at her home in Southampton, so I knew her top picks would be top notch! 

1. Invitations - Don't you love receiving a pretty invitation in the mail?  If you are having more than 8 for dinner, send out an invitation.  Barbara's favorite? THE PRINTERY in Oyster Bay has note cards that are luxurious, chic and stylish.

2. Flowers - For instant drama, arrange beautiful white orchids in small vases and arrange them around the table. Add votives and voila! 

3. Individual Salt and Pepper Cellars - Natural elements add drama to your table. Barbara places small shells with salt and pepper at each setting. You can order a set HERE.

4. Rose Wine - DOMAINES OTT is light, delicious and beautifully pink.

5. Jewelry For The Table - RABLABS BRAZILIAN AGATE serving plate is stunning.  Cheese and crackers never looked so good!

6. Playlist - Set the mood for the evening with hip, Parisian lounge music from HOTEL COSTES. 

7. You Wear It Well - Something chic and comfortable like Calypso's Ikat CAFTAN DRESS is party perfect.

8. Simply Delicious - CHICKEN TAGINE looks like you slaved all day, but the delicious dish is really a one pot wonder.

9.Bite Size Dessert - Serve mini BROWNIES and small CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES for dessert-everyone loves a little sweet!

Top Image: Carolyn Roehm

I Want to Party with Victoria Hagan

Or at least in one of the homes she decorated. I recently saw a copy of VICTORIA HAGAN'S new book and I was swooning over her style. These spaces are so warm, open and welcoming and would be perfect for entertaining.

My New Favorite Blog

Most of us have a short list (ok - maybe not so short list) of favorite blogs we check out daily with our morning coffee. I recently found A CREATIVE MINT and I am obsessed! 

The style is simple yet hip and the photography is beautiful. It is a great source of inspiration for entertaining, flowers and even how to package the perfect gift.

Look how the author (Leslie) turned this

In to this

Are you kidding me? Talk about a great eye! And she even makes classic twine look fab!

Some other fun images

Go check it out! Caution: You too will be come obsessed and add it to your list of "must reads".

Celebrity Caterer - Peter Callahan

Party Resources works with many talented caterers. However, PETER CALLAHAN is without a doubt the most creative. Peter has worked with numerous celebrities, but the best endorsement of all? He caters all of Martha's parties - enough said.

Peter is the mastermind behind the concept of delicious food done in miniature. Go HERE to see a clip from the Today Show.