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Showing posts with label entertaining. Show all posts
Showing posts with label entertaining. Show all posts

HAPPY WEEKEND...

    No doubt many of you will be dashing around to holiday parties this weekend, but as for me, I'll be dashing off to my alma mater for a weekend of visiting with friends and college hoops! As fun as it will be, I am a little sad to be missing out on some fabulous fetes...
    marchesatablescape
    So if you are attending one, be sure to have an extra glamorous time for me, would you? And next week I'll be sharing my own ideas for holiday parties - attire and tabletops!
    xo cassandra
    *image: marchesa tablescape for house beautiful

Post Title

HAPPY WEEKEND...


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http://cocokelleys.blogspot.com/2011/12/happy-weekend.html


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FANTASY TO FÊTE: HOLIDAY COCKTAILS

    'Tis the party season, m'dears; hope you're all getting in the spirit! Camille here, with a major dose of holiday festivity that includes the requisite amounts of bubbly + bling...

    Our inspiration board is brimming with shimmer and shine: a cool palette of silver and champagne echoes an icy winter landscape, while touches of black add a dash of sophisticated polish. I think this is my dream look for the swanky holiday cocktail party I'm dying to host as a perfect excuse to break out the silver, ice down bottles of Veuve and slip into something sparkly.

    Champagne and oysters make a natural pairing for a luxe spread of hors d'oeuvres - for a more cost-effective yet equally-festive option, try my recipes for Ginger-Spiced Cider and the Perfect Cheese Plate.


    There's nothing I love more than a long communal table full of family, friends and loads of flickering candlelight. Serve food family style so everyone can help themselves, allowing you to be a guest at your own party.

    For this table, I'm sticking to a snowy white palette for the arrangements of garden roses, peonies, tulips and hydrangeas. Silver or mercury glass vessels reflect the light beautifully and bring an aged patina to the table that feels so right at this time of year. For more floral inspiration and how-to's, check out a similar centerpiece we put together at my house.

    I fell so in love with these silver, gold and white stockings from Crate & Barrel that I bought them for my own house this year! A mantle adorned with silvery tinsel and golden votives looks so magical above the glow of the fire.

    *images: {row 1} balloons, champagne, stir sticks {row 2} stockings, caviar {row 3} white ornaments, appetizers, table & tree,chandelier {row 4} oreo cake, cupcakes, party blowers, silver wreath. champagne & oysters, communal table, silver centerpiece, stockings.

Post Title

FANTASY TO FÊTE: HOLIDAY COCKTAILS


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http://cocokelleys.blogspot.com/2011/12/fantasy-to-fete-holiday-cocktails.html


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FOODIE FASHIONISTA: PARTY PINK!

    Happy December Lovelies! (Yes, December, already...) Crissie from Chicasaurus-Rex here, and I am ready to ring in the holiday season, which means it's time to get ready for lots of holiday entertaining! To kick things off, how about starting with something a little nontraditional for this time of the year... color wise at least. 

    Bring on the pink! And if you plan to serve an ombre cake, like this pretty little thing (which I think you should) you'll also need a lovely pink ombre floral centerpiece. Clearly. Wear a girly polkadot dress and a pair of Mary-Janes to complete the party perfection! 


Post Title

FOODIE FASHIONISTA: PARTY PINK!


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http://cocokelleys.blogspot.com/2011/12/foodie-fashionista-party-pink.html


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ROUNDUP: GRAB A CHAIR!

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ROUNDUP: GRAB A CHAIR!


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http://cocokelleys.blogspot.com/2011/11/roundup-grab-chair.html


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LET'S GET DRAMATIC

    We can't really talk about holiday decor without discussing a little styling in the dining room too...
    drama in dining
    Along with my dramatic black Christmas tree, I'm going to have to create a table setting that can compete for attention! Perhaps some classic sophistication in black and warm neutrals (and a hit of red?)
    drama in dining3
    Or a super vintage inspired mint and pale pink (with doses of black to tie in with the tree of course). I could see this going very retro meets deco.
    drama in dining2
    Or, what my be my favorite (no surprise) a rich shade of green with tons of shimmering gold. Care to place your vote?

    *images by benjamin alexander, alina gozina, signe vilstrup via dustjacket attic, mary macdonald, david roemer

Post Title

LET'S GET DRAMATIC


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http://cocokelleys.blogspot.com/2011/11/let-get-dramatic.html


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AND A VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU...

    One of the things I was most thankful for today? Better lighting in my apartment! I spent the morning re-shooting the whole tabletop and it was absolutely worth it. I hope you enjoy...!
    happy thanksgiving
    The inspiration for this setting came solely from this vintage fabric that I've been dying to use in a table design for quite some time now. I wanted the feeling to be woodsy, soft and romantic, but not fussy. The florals in the linen are so strong that I didn't need anything else overwhelming it, and the only other pattern I knew I wanted in there was the beautiful herringbone napkins from Sferra (especially after polling you all on your favorite elements from my initial inspiration boards!)
    thanksgiving fall tabletop coco+kelley1
    thanksgiving fall tabletop coco+kelley2
    thanksgiving fall tabletop coco+kelley3
    While the majority of the colors in the tablecloth are soft greys and greens, there's also a bronze element and that's where I got the idea to do warmer toned stemware (from West Elm) combined with cool tones in the florals to mimic the linen.
    thanksgiving fall tabletop coco+kelley4
    thanksgiving fall tabletop coco+kelley5
    The same theory applied to the dishware - a combination of warm gold chargers (from Pier1) and cool grey dishes (purchased at velocity) lent itself well to the table linen, and the gold flatware (by canvas) absolutely popped! If you were to want a more rustic look, I would swap out the gold chargers for wood and tie some burlap around the floral arrangement. 
    thanksgiving fall tabletop coco+kelley6
    thanksgiving fall tabletop coco+kelley7
    thanksgiving fall tabletop coco+kelley8
    And now... there's only one thing left to say...
    thanksgiving fall tabletop coco+kelley9
    Thank you. My dear readers, friends, contributors fellow bloggers, design lovers, pinterest addicts, tweet chatters, facebook followers, and especially commenters. Thank you for building this amazing community. Not just here at coco+kelley, but in this whole other world that we have created where we all get to inspire and encourage and share with each other every day. I love you all (for reals). Happy Happy Thanksgiving! (Now, where's my pie...)
    xo cassandra
    *ps - i'm quite aware that in my haste to set the table i set the flatware in the wrong place, swapping the forks and spoons. my apologies for offending anyone's traditional sensibilities. martha would be so disappointed! on the other hand... for us italians, it makes sense for the fork to be on the right and spoon on the left - pasta twirlers that we are. i think nono would approve.

    *images all shot by cassandra lavalle for coco+kelley

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AND A VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU...


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http://cocokelleys.blogspot.com/2011/11/and-very-happy-thanksgiving-to-you.html


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INTO THE WOODS

    Let's face it. I live in Seattle. It's hard not to get all nature-inspired with tabletops around here. But, that doesn't mean that a little glamour, a hint of modern styling, or even a bit of english countryside can't come into play...
    glamour in the woods tabletop inspiration fall
    I always love a little feather detail in my Thanksgiving tabletop, and this hint of sparkle is a sweet addition to a more traditional tabletop. I'd love to see a centerpiece of casual tree branches to contrast such a refined setting.
    modern english countryside tabletop inspiration fall
    Tailored herringbone lends itself well to a modern update with simple dishware and a layer of birch brings an organic touch, but my favorite is the gold flatware which elevates the whole look.
    organic in black and white tabletop inspiration fall
    We all know you can't go wrong with black and white, but the classic combo styled on a rough edged wood table, paired with a burlap runner and casual dishware makes it cozy and approachable.

    So, my loves, which one is your favorite? And which look would you like to see me incorporate into my own Thanksgiving table? I'll be styling it up this week!

    *images by paolo roversi, via style me pretty, martha stewart, from me to you, toast, alchemy events

Post Title

INTO THE WOODS


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http://cocokelleys.blogspot.com/2011/11/into-woods.html


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FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: MASQUERADE DINNER

    Camille Styles here, with this week's party fantasy in onyx and white. I couldn't let Halloween pass us by without squeezing in one spooky-themed soirée...

    Our inspiration board is chic and simple in a strict palette of black and white. This Halloween fête is more sophisticated than creepy…a masquerade ball, perhaps? Goth-romantic invitations, dark hors d’oeuvres and an onyx ball gown are perfectly fitting for such an occasion.
     
    The strength of this table design comes from the black-on-black styling...illuminated by candlelight, a full moon and that fabulous seventies disco ball. A lacy tablecloth, gothic chandeliers and moss creeping across the entire table completes the mood.
     
    Ask guests to come wearing masks to add to the sense of mystery...and it doesn't hurt that these glittery, lacy masks are pretty chic accessories, if you ask me!

    Since Halloween is really all about candy, I'd incorporate plenty of sweets into the evening. These figs and candied fruit are perfect for dipping into a pot of warm fondue. And my gooey, melty brownie pudding would make an excellent grand finale.

    It all looks pretty magical, no? Hope you all have a ghoulishly glam Halloween, and see you back here in November for some major Thanksgiving party inspiration!

    *images: {row 1} black wedding gown, bouquet, cupcakes {row 2} candlesticks, cheese plate {row 3} spiderweb, place setting, stationery {row 4} stationery, feathers, candy, ballroom.

Post Title

FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: MASQUERADE DINNER


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http://cocokelleys.blogspot.com/2011/10/from-fantasy-to-fete-masquerade-dinner.html


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A GOLDEN GIRL BIRTHDAY

    I'm making my way home from High Point Market today, which means I'm spending my birthday in airports. And when that happens you've got to make a little celebrating go a long way...
    tumblr_lthlswPO3P1qhmaqi
    Like topping off a cupcake with some thing a little more fancy (or fancy-looking at least!). This adorable squirrel is really a plastic toy animal turned into fabulous candle holder. Makes birthday wishing a little more fun, don't you think?

    *image and diy instructions via the sweetest occasion

Post Title

A GOLDEN GIRL BIRTHDAY


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http://cocokelleys.blogspot.com/2011/10/golden-girl-birthday.html


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FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: ASIAN PERSUASION

    Hi c+k readers! Camille Styles here with our latest party fantasy, and today we're thinking way outside the Chinese take-out box...

    Inspired by the flowers on a Geisha's dress, a rainbow of paper lantern and swaths of Silk Road fabrics, I created a board in shades of poppy, amethyst and indigo. How would I translate this Far East sensibility into a real-life fête? Let's see...
    Of course I'd start with my outfit. A little silk number like this Chinoiserie Tank evokes a classic Asian motif in such an updated way.

    Strings of Chinese lanterns dancing overhead is the quickest way to set an exotic tone. I love the mix of colors and prints available at Luna Bazaar.

    Everyone loves a fortune cookie, and this homemade version by Peter Callahan allows the host to tuck in her own custom messages. Why not include a few juicy trivia questions about other guests to really get the conversation going?
    For a few more thematic menu ideas, check out my recipes for Crunchy Asian Salad and Peach Spring Rolls. Brew pots of hot tea and pick up loads of chopsticks...doesn't it sound like the perfect way to spend an autumn evening?

    *images: {row 1} girl, orchid, stationery {row 2} paper dolls, calendar {row 3} pagoda, girl {row 4} lanterns, pillows, geishas. party images: girl with chopsticks, lanterns, fortune cookie, tea-drinking couple.

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FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: ASIAN PERSUASION


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http://cocokelleys.blogspot.com/2011/10/from-fantasy-to-fete-asian-persuasion.html


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ROOM OF THE WEEK: CHANGING SEASONS

    Now that autumn has officially arrived, there will be no more outdoor dining in these parts. Already, our mornings are taking forever to warm up from the chilly nights! So, I thought this week's Room of the Week was especially appropriate... and interesting to say the least!
    Picture 6
    At first glance, it may not look like much, design wise. Sure, the flowing curtains give off an amazing warm glow, and the layers are lovely, but woven chairs and a slightly undersized rug? Not so sure.

    But then, you take a deeper look and realize... the walls. They look textured right? Well, that's because they are. Extremely textured. This is the home of Alina Apteker, and her vision was to create a space that felt like dining in a Parisian garden or courtyard. And those walls? They're faux boxwood. Add an antique chandelier and mismatched Versace china, and yes, you've definitely got yourself a little piece of Paris.

    While most of us don't have the type of room (or the guts) to do something so extreme, it certainly has me thinking of ways to stage the home for for a dinner party or two during the chilly months ahead! I also love the idea of swapping out my white curtains for something that will add a little warmth to the tone of the room - a filter that recreates that infamous Parisian lighting... or as close as one can get.

    *via elle decor

Post Title

ROOM OF THE WEEK: CHANGING SEASONS


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http://cocokelleys.blogspot.com/2011/09/room-of-week-changing-seasons.html


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FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: INDIAN FEAST

    Happy fall, c+k readers! Camille Styles here, excited to be back after a little hiatus from our Fantasy to Fête series...

    I just got home from a whirlwind trip to Buenos Aires, and I must say: all this travel has left me a bit obsessed with inspiration gathered from exotic locales. For today's fantasy, we're crossing the Pacific for an Indian-inspired feast, perfect for an outdoor get-together embracing the turning of the seasons. It's the perfect party to incorporate my current favorite orange-and-pink color palette, adding exotic details and Bangladeshi-inspired fabrics to the mix. So how to turn this taste of India into a chic celebration?

    There's nothing like swaths of exotic fabric to transport guests to distant lands. For a big group, pop up a bright tent that transforms the backyard into an outdoor dining room. If you're hosting a more intimate gathering, try hanging yards of sheer fabric as curtains or room dividers...add pillows and poufs on the floor for the coziest souk-inspired setup.

    Hot pink trays bearing coconut shrimp with mango chutney are a delicious accompaniment to Indian beer and fizzy punch. For a casual approach to the menu, you've got to try these curried chicken sandwiches that I blogged about last year. The addictive flavors put them on constant rotation at our house.

    Mounds of oranges in metallic bowls are a chic (and cost effective) way to incorporate our citrus-y color palette into the table design. Add vibrant napkins, handwritten place cards, a sari-inspired runner and gold votives to warm up the entire table.

    For a final touch, adorn the living room with a couple of earthen bowls filled with water and floating gardenias & orchids. It creates a truly transporting focal point and fills the room with a heavenly perfume. Oh, and a couple of Bollywood films playing on silent can't hurt either!

    *images: {row 1} vogue india, champagne cocktails, invitation {row 2} vessels, orange tart {row 3} ikat, cocktail bar, place setting, tissue flowers {row 4} kumquats, taffeta linen, girl in tunic. party images: eddie ross and party confidential.

Post Title

FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: INDIAN FEAST


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http://cocokelleys.blogspot.com/2011/09/from-fantasy-to-fete-indian-feast.html


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FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: BRUNCH BUNCH

    Happy September, m'dears! Camille Styles here, with inspiration for a party that I'm dying to throw the minute the weather turns a bit cooler...

    Why not turn an unexpected time of day into social hour? A breakfast-and-the-paper party makes an early morning so much more bearable, especially when it involves your most fun group of friends. I designed the inspiration board in shades of sunshine, almost as effective as a shot of espresso for invigorating sleepy guests. Of course, coffee will be served in abundance for those who still need an extra jolt, along with some treats that will start the day on a yummy note...

    For this party, a good mix of sweets and savories is key. A roasted vegetable frittata, maple-glazed bacon and smoked salmon with bagels hit all the right notes...but to really make guests happy, these Dried Cherry Sticky Buns are my go-to breakfast party food. They're sweet, gooey, and, best of all, they're a snap to make. Hop on over to get the recipe...the hardest part is not scarfing them all down before guests arrive!

    There's nothing I love more than starting the day with a cappuccino and stack of newspapers. Treat your friends by heading to the closest newsstand and stocking up on papers, magazines, and a few trashy gossip mags thrown in for good measure. Set them out for everyone to peruse, and let the lively discussion begin!

    This is a party after all, and a bloody mary bar is a perfectly acceptable way to booze it up early. Set out a variety of garnishes to let guests mix up their signature version; celery sticks, green olives, pickled onions, and lemon slices make yummy and colorful add-ins.

    The key to this party is keeping it super casual. Don't hesitate to pick up several menu items at a local bakery, and stack up plates and flatware on the kitchen counter so guests can help themselves. Your job as hostess is to keep coffee cups full and conversation flowing...just don't be surprised if this breakfast fête goes way past lunchtime!

    *images: {row 1} table, bagel, eggs {row 2} flowers, french toast, bloody mary's, eggs {row 3} muffins, pancakes, crossword {row 4} table, coffee. party images: food fashion friends, food to flowers.

Post Title

FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: BRUNCH BUNCH


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http://cocokelleys.blogspot.com/2011/09/from-fantasy-to-fete-brunch-bunch.html


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WEDDING GREENS

    I really didn't get my wedding fix this summer. Last week's wedding was my first and last of the season, making me crave just a little more dreamy romance to top things off...
    38676513_Vo1aTweq_c
    Do I even need to explain why I love this? Even better... what if this elegant setting was what awaited you inside?
    29951960_SAtKdj24_c
    Who said country weddings need to be rustic? I'd love the surprise of this simple, yet extravagant decor inside a weathered old barn.

    And because one can never have too much green...
    via headvsheart
    I'm loving this little tree farm and how it lends itself to the option of a more modern aesthetic in a natural setting...
    25563980_hzciUaRu_c
    Like perhaps some graphic stripes on the bridesmaids? (Loving the bride's polka dot heels too!).

    It just goes to show that while the location of your event can certainly set the tone, it doesn't have to dictate the entire style. Be brave, and mix in a little of the unexpected!

    *images via unknown (help!), caplan miller, head vs heartbrooklyn bride. ps - if you're looking for a crazy array of ties in a single color, check out this site. it's gold!

Post Title

WEDDING GREENS


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http://cocokelleys.blogspot.com/2011/08/wedding-greens.html


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