Fun Favors

Party favors are a fun touch for a birthday party or even a dinner party with friends. I found TOPS MALIBU through SIMPLESONG and they have an amazing assortment!

Sparklers in all shapes, sizes and colors:

Decorations and fun table favors

And a Todd Family favorite - surprise balls. Dixie would often bring them home from Italy. You unwind and unwind and unwind and unwind and find fun trinkets along the way. 

Style Me Pretty Magazine!

Even if you aren't planning a wedding, you should still know about STYLE ME PRETTY. It is one of the best online resources for party inspiration. And now (drumroll please...) they have a MAGAZINE!

9 Party Items for the New Year - Design Chic

Beth and Kristy are the mother and daughter duo behind the stylish blog DESIGN CHIC. I love their eye and you will love their blog. 

1. BEAUTIFUL CHINA 

How you display a meal can be just as delicious as the food itself. How about this stunning china by Michael Wainwright?

2. A Gorgeous Table
A special centerpiece or other creative details add an unexpected twist to a table. The dreamy chair covers on this table do just that. Beth and Kristy often set their table with beautiful party favors to the delight of their guests.

3. The Perfect Cocktail Dress

People don’t dress up enough anymore! Kristy picked the ivory dress because it is fun and flirty. Beth chose the sophisticated red dress for it's fun color and chic style. 

4. DANCING SHOES

Nothing says party like Christian Louboutin nude glitter pumps. Fabulous!

5. Mood-Setting Music

Beautiful music transforms any party. For a more formal affair, nothing tops a string quartet. For a more intimate dinner party, try Steve Tyrell’s A NEW STANDARD. 

6. Fresh Flowers

Fresh flowers are essential for any special event. Mixing the textures of hydrangeas, white roses and greens create a simple, elegant look fit for any occasion.

7. Linens
In a disposable world, it’s nice to use real linens. How beautiful is the detail on this tablecloth? It would set the perfect table paired with these linen napkins.

8. Fabulous Food
Even simple food can be a show stopper if it is delicious and artfully arranged.

9. A Well-Stocked Bar
Good wine, beer and liquor is essential for any party. It doesn't have to be expensive - there are so many good wines that are inexpensive and delicious! What’s Beth and Kristy's party essential? Champagne! A toast to your guests is the perfect way to begin or end the evening.

Ladies - Cheers to you for such great ideas! I want an invite to your next fete! 

Craving Comfort Food?

This time of year I crave comfort food and a glass of pinot noir to enjoy in front of my fireplace. I asked a few of my favorite folks some of their comfort foods of choice. I am sharing them with all of you (recipes too!) in case you also crave comfort food during the cold winter months.

Beef Bourguignon RECIPE

Cheese Fondue RECIPE

Cheese Souffle RECIPE

Congo Bars RECIPE

Croissants Find them HERE

Eggplant Parmesan RECIPE 

Garlic Mashed Potatoes RECIPE

Grilled Cheese RECIPE

Lentil Soup RECIPE

Macaroni and Cheese RECIPE

Spaghetti and Meat Sauce RECIPE

Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting RECIPE

So pick a recipe, pour yourself a glass of wine and enjoy with good friends!

Divine Dining Rooms

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL is one of my favorite magazines and I love when the new issue arrives and I can enjoy it with a glass of wine. Here are some of my favorite images of some of the dining rooms they have featured. Any of these would be the perfect setting for a dinner party with great friends.