Haute Holiday: Grammy Sunday!

Tonight is my favorite award show of the season! Don't get me wrong, I love the Oscar's, Emmy's, and Golden Globes too but I tune in to those strictly for the fashion. When I watch a show I expect A SHOW! Granted, the costumes tonight are going to be phenom; but the performances alone are reason to tune in, not to mention honoring the best in the biz.

Minus the invites and decor, tonight's get-together it's all about the refreshments - both liquid and edible. The entertainment is built-in and as long as you have a great guest list you are set.

Invites: I know it's too late to pull these off, but how brilliant are the cassette tape invites?!

Custom lanyards are also cool.

{via Hostess Blog}

If you are going to be uber-formal and have a plated dinner use old records as chargers. La-la LOVE this look.

Grammy Grub: Use Grammy (ahem, Graham) Crackers as your constant ingredient:

{Graham Cracker Delight}

{Blue Mac & Cheese}

{Graham Cracker Crusted Chicken Bites}

{Graham Cracker Coated Tilapia}

{Nutellla Graham Cracker Whoopie Pie}

{Graham Cracker Brownies}

For the liquid libations ... 

{Key Lime Pie Martini w/ Graham Cracker Rim}

{Smoretini Shooters}

The Eventista's Edivce: get prepping! Showtime is at 8PM, red carpet an hour earlier. You can totally pull this off last minute, as long as you can drag yourself out of bed on lazy-Sunday! Xo

Fashion + Fete: Madonna

I have longed for Super Sunday for the past four months for three reason: amazing eats, hysterical commercials, and the halftime show! If the Super Bowl were on a Monday I have no doubt it would be a national holiday! The NFL is genius for blending sports with music with emotion because they engage all audiences throughout the nation ... actually, the world; It get's everyone hyped.

See, even if you don't enjoy watching football the whole event that is The Super Bowl is so magical. As a planner, I shake thinking about the logistics of putting on a major production (aka concert) in 30 minutes or less -  and they always do it effortlessly. So, unless you live under a rock you know that Miss Madonna is this year's halftime performer. HUGE!!

What I admire so much about Madge (yea, I guess we are on a nickname basis) is that she is always re-inventing herself in order to stay current; Yet she stays SO true to the unique qualities that make her, her. It's always my goal to portray that sense of individuality and in-the-knowness when I conceptualize an event.

My imagination is running wild with ideas for a sleek & chic watch party for the Big Game. The  vibe was inspired by Madonna's new album cover.

Mirror, Mirror: Reflective surfaces enhance light and reflection in a subtle way, especially when used on a horizontal flat surface. Serve up cocktails on a glamorous tray, or serve your game day grub on sophisticated chargers.

{Z Gallerie Mirage Tray}

The Queen of Pop: To offset the mirrored accessories,  I would totally use bright neon colors throughout the space. I'm not talking sensory overload or anything, just tasteful touches.

How fab is the dipped flatware?!

Material Girl: Another way to counterbalance the metallic shine from the mirrors is to add textures and patterns. When I select fabrics I tend to be over-the-top, but feel free to keep it simple too. Use fabrics on the table or as backdrops for your buffet table.

{Ikat table runner}

{Sweet Design}

Although this is ridiculously caloric, I had to include this creative gourmet snack because it blends fashion, food, AND football.

{Brownie Burger via Cupcakes & Cashmere}

If you appreciate my tastes but want to have a more traditional Super Bowl Bash, I approve of this party set-up because presentation is everything!

Celebrate responsibly!

JL Confidential: Game Plan

September arrives and the greater population of our country switches on their blinders and only see one thing: end zones & field goals. Ok, that was two “things” but you know what I mean – FOOTBALL – and when you think football you think tailgates … and oh, do I know a thing or two about a tailgate. Being a Penn State student you are trained to tailgate (the Freshman dorms over look the tailgate parking field). Now we are gearing up for the ultimate tailgate - SUPER SUNDAY!

As I grew out of my college football-watching self and transitioned into the hip, haute hostess that I am years later, I have refined the art of tailgating into a glam get-together for both sexes to enjoy. Let’s face it: beer and junk food taste great together, but our waistlines don’t enjoy it so much. Instead of fatty fare opt for plentiful proteins, scrumptious sides, and delish desserts. When the menu offers less “finger foods” it is more likely you will become fuller faster and not sit, nosh, & put on the pounds. Instead of the standard meats – chicken, burgers, hotdogs – substitute for other wild animals and birds like quail, duck, and alligator.

Game day is all about noshing so here are some delish dishes to serve up to your guests:

{Bacon Wrapped Quail Egg}

 {BBQ Duck Spring Rolls}

{Gator Bites}

And since I have to represent my home team .. GO GIANTS! Everyone in Manhattan should order this display right now. Yes, those are all mini cupcakes!

{Cupcake Craziness}

Do the Write Thing.

With the technologically crazed world that we are living in today we can do anything from video chat with our cousin in China to purchasing the latest Chanel jacket straight off the runway from our cell phones.  Although all of these 2012 advantages make life a lot easier, they also allow people to forget their manners.  When was the last time you received a hand written thank-you note in the mail?  Do people even own stationary anymore, or even use the U.S. Postal Service? 

All of these digital advances have put us in a time poor society, but how can we forget our please and thank yous?  These internet aids are supposed to make our lives easier yet many of us just use them as an excuse to be just plain old lazy.  For as long as I can remember my mother always made me write thank-you notes, and I could never understand why.  I vividly recall spending the weekend following my Bat-Mitzvah writing over two hundred thank yous, feeling like my hand was about to fall off of my arm.  Why couldn’t I just pick up the phone and call my relatives or email them about that amazing gift they gave me?  The answer: tradition. 

People have been writing thank you notes since before the times of the Pony Express.  Kings and Queens would send out letters thanking people for visiting them.  So, if the royals can do it, why cant we?  It all comes down to one thing, laziness.  Society at large enjoys taking the easy way out.  We feel why cant we just pick up the phone, or write a quick little email?  Lets think of it this way – someone took their time to pick out a present for you, why shouldn’t you take some time to show your gratitude?  Does it really take that much energy to write a short little notes expressing your appreciation?

Writing thank you notes can actually be a way to show your individualism as well. Today there are endless options in the world of stationary from textured paper, to stamps, right down to the ink you use!  There are even website for the societal sloths where you can personalize stylish stationaries. Here are some of my faves: 

{CECI NEW YORK for Tiny Prints}

{Etsy}

{Bernard Maisner}

Lets face it, life is all about the little things. Those little gestures that make you smile.  If you can take five minutes and show someone your appreciation, just think of that smile you will bring to their face.  Gracias, Merci, Grazie; Any way you say it make sure it’s a great thank you.

As Always,

In Style We Trust