If you’re “in the biz” meaning, the event biz… prepare to have your world rocked!

Have a Seat

At least, that was my reaction when I heard about Found Vintage Rentals. I am firstly OBSESSED with vintage anything. I am secondly, always searching for something new to show my clients (one more chivari chair and I’ll gag!) So, to find out those two dreams have married and had a little baby, and that little baby is Found Vintage makes me one happy event planner.

Just imagine of the possibilities… patina stone wear, Victorian chairs upholstered in burlap, rusted iron gates. Your decor possibilities just quadrupled! I mean, doesn’t this just make you want to throw a French inspired baby shower or a shabby chic wedding?

Swwwwooooonnnnn.

Know When to Fold 'em

Green with Envy

Outside the Box

Tantalizing Takeout

I made these little appetizer salads when our book club read Memoirs of a Geisha (we always theme our menu to the book) but it’s the perfect appetizer for a summer party. Guests always flip out when they see the miniature takeout containers and the recipe is so easy even the most harried hostess can pull it off!

Sesame Salad

Pre-made Slaw Mix I like the carrot, broccoli and red cabbage mix, but you can also use fresh cabbage and fresh veggies if you have time to chop

Red Bell Pepper julian cut

Mandarin Oranges

Won Ton Strips – I used Garlic Ginger Flavored from Fresh Gourmet

Sesame Salad Dressing

Slivered Almonds

Black Sesame Seeds

Full of Crunch

Toss all ingredients together in a large salad bowl, then place individual portions in the take-out containers. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and serve with chopsticks. Also, you can add grilled chicken for a heartier salad!

Get Carded

Recently, at a flea market I found a box of old black and white photos. They were 10 for $1 and since I will buy just about anything at that price I picked out 10 favorites. I didn’t really know what I would do with them at the time but I thought they were too cool (and too cheap) not to snap up.

I’ve started using them to make cards… I used double sided photo tape to adhere them to thick folded card stock and then I thought of funny sayings (at least in my opinion) to go along with the random pictures. It’s so much more interesting than a store bought greeting card and I know my friends (with similar senses of humor) will at least appreciate my effort. For next to nothing photos like this could help you create an entire stationary set, bookmarks, or even place settings for you next dinner party. Just imagine the conversation starter that would be!

Vicky Lynn

Betty Misses You

Dahlias are one of my favorite flowers to design with. They come in a million colors and sizes and are really hearty. You’ll see them popping up in my decor over and over again.

Pretty Pastels

Here are some pretty pastels at a wedding. This is a design anyone can create: dahlias mixed with herbs and greenery in various mason jars… so pretty!

Deep and Brooding

These deep maroon beauties were perfect for a birthday party bar piece… the use of deep reds and purples lent it’s self to our whimsical and feminine design.

Hot Pink Lady

This hot pink dahlia with white tips added the perfect bit of texture to our vibrant summery centerpiece at a beach wedding.

These flowers are so easy to use, you have to try them out!! You can place a bunch in a vase, or cut off the blooms and float them in a low dish for an instant centerpiece!!

Summer Salad

We did this set up a couple of years ago for an outdoor wedding, but I continue to use it time and time again whenever I want to serve a light lunch.

We set an 8 ft table and draped it with a vibrant silk table cloth. Two different kinds of salads (spinach and mixed greens) were pre plated for each guest. The end of the table was filled with bowls overflowing with salad toppings: various cheeses, olives, grilled vegetables, beans etc as well as artisanal breads and butters.

It was a beautiful buffet, it was efficient (guests had their salad course in a matter of minutes) and most importantly it was customizable to each guests taste.

This would be so easy for you to pull off at your next baby shower, ladies luncheon or potluck.

My Flower Bed

I adore fresh flowers around the house. It’s such a lovely little touch and it never ceases to make me smile. I usually keep vases all around me full of whatever bloom is in season, but this time of year my go-to “flower shop” is my very own backyard.

Just about ANYTHING will work as long as it’s hearty and wont wilt immediately after you cut it. Try different colors and textures (branches, plants, herbs, etc) all work wonderfully and adorn your space with something fresh and colorful. The best part is that your unending supply of centerpiece options is absolutely free!!

Large Piece

Small Piece

Matching Monograms

I found this photo today as I was pulling pictures for my slave drivers (otherwise known as publicists). It’s been so many years since we did this wedding, I’d forgotten all about this cool monogram. It was fairly simple… letters carved into particle board covered in seed paper and then attached to the gates that guests entered the party through.

The branches, hanging amaranthus, moss and callas were added to enchant the peep holes in the gates and clusters of similar pieces were placed along the walk way. It was such a precious way to welcome partygoers.

I wanted to share this with you Chic Readers because I think it’d be a lovely way to knock your guests socks off at your next gathering. Imagine doing it with your street number or a descriptive word like “Fete”. Also, because it’s made from wood you can store it and pull out every year for your annual party. Love it!!

hApPy nEw YeAr

Got New Year’s Plans?

At the gym yesterday, I swear, I heard this question about 15 times. New Year’s is a tough one here in LA. House parties run the risk of being shut down by the po and Hollywood is just a mess. But come on, no one wants to be singing Auld Land Syne by their lonesome when the clock strikes 12.

My solution- avoid HWood and WeHo and go to a one-stop-New Year’s-shop this December 31st. Our beloved Dolce Group and Night Vision Entertainment (of Pandora) have come together to present 2010: A Space Odyssey. With an open bar, munchies from Dolce Group restaurants: Ketchup, Bella, and Geisha House, a live performance by Shiny Toy Guns, and a meteor shower at midnight, this is the place to be at the stroke of midnight.

Tickets are going fast. Get yours at http://www.PandoraNightlife.com and party like it’s 2009.

Support Local Art!

Just kidding…it’s Unique LA, independent design and gift sale. This once a year event takes place THIS WEEKEND downtown at the California Market Center and features adorable creations from local designers. Unique LA is not your local church craft sale. This place is full of one of a kind clothing, jewelry, home decor, accessories, and art at affordable prices that are too good to pass up. I did basically all of my Christmas chopping at this event last year and did not hear a single complaint.

Want another reason to go? Detroit Sprinkles, my most favorite T-shirt company will be in attendance. This alone is reason to check out the sale. Avoid mall crowds and generic gift giving…Come on Chic Readers! Check out Unique LA this weekend and support local designers and artists.