Have. Want. Need.
This year you've probably invested in a couple gorgeous sandals, like this Franco Sarto Marquis Thong Sandal ($80). Why hide their fabulousness? There's a way to showcase your prettiest Summer sandals when you're not wearing them without making a mess of your closet. To learn how to display your sandal pride, read more Read more
Every season my kids and I create a "bucket list" of activities we want to do before the weather changes. Right now, given that it's Winter, that list includes everything from building a family of snowmen to learning how to play hockey (never mind that my son doesn't know how to ice-skate yet!). While some moms I know have their own "40 before 40 lists" of the 40 things they want to do before Read more
When you're celebrating the onset of 2012 tomorrow night, don't fall short on chilled bubbly. If you've got a warm bottle of Champagne and very little time to make it cold, we've got a fast solution for you. Place your sparkler into an ice bucket or another tall plastic container. Add ice to the bottom and sprinkle the layer with a few tablespoons of salt. Continue to repeat layering ice and Read more
Have a New Year's party at your own house this year? Playing bartender for the night could mean your work's cut out for you, so instead, make simple cocktail mixers ahead of time, and let your guests mix them with an alcohol of their choice. I've toyed around with a few and come up with three that'd be perfect for New Year's Eve in fresh fruit flavors: cranberry mint, grapefruit basil and Read more
Need a glass of vino, stat, but don't have the time or patience to wait for a bottle of Chard to chill in your fridge? Luckily, you don't have to! Here are five ways to chill a bottle of wine in 20 minutes or less. Just add salt: You probably already know that putting wine in a bucket of ice and cold water, rather than just ice, will chill your vino faster. But did you know that adding salt to Read more
Thanksgiving is such a large meal that many people prefer to share the cooking duties by hosting a potluck dinner in which everyone brings a different dish. If you're in charge of planning this sort of celebration, here are some things to think about: Start with the cooking assignments. You don't want seven sweet potato dishes and no mashed potatoes, so it's important to split up the menu. Send Read more
Enjoy this Halloween party post from designer guest writer Kyle Schuneman! Halloween is the time of year where everyone gets to let loose. Juggling kids’ trick-or-treating time with adult parties is always tough. Here are some great ideas for throwing a budget chic party so everyone can stop by and celebrate. Photo booth fun. Using Tempaper, wallpaper a Gothic feature wall in your space to Read more
On your big day, even if you're feeling incredibly nervous and without much of an appetite, it's important to remember to eat! The last thing you want is to show up at the reception with an empty stomach; after a couple of glasses of Champagne you could be buzzed, or worse, drunk. To avoid this unpleasant situation, I highly recommend you eat a healthy breakfast and lunch on your wedding day. Of Read more
Jet-setters, backpackers, hotel aficionados beware — your carefree travel from point A to point B may not be so innocent after all. There are germs lurking on the check-in counter at the airport, on the subway seat during your morning commute, and on the ice bucket in your hotel room. If you've watched the movie Contagion, you'll most likely already be on high germ alert. Here are are five Read more
Chili is one of my favorite foods to entertain with; not only can it be prepared ahead, but it's incredibly adaptable. So for my last dinner party, I chose to take things to the next level with a dress-it-yourself chili buffet. After all, if one can create a bangin' bloody mary or hot dog bar, why not a DIY chili version, too? To learn more about creating one yourself, read more. Read more
