delicate creature notes

2010-03-01T22:01:00.006-06:00

I've been away for a bit, busy meeting with many lovely couples planning their big day. It is inspiring to hear how each couple hopes to craft their event to reflect their unique personality and story.

This past weekend I gathered some visual inspiration on a trip to the wholesale flower market with Lynn, the owner of Pollen, an eco-friendly floral design studio in Chicago. I am so impressed with Lynn's vast knowledge of flowers and her commitment to using locally-sourced blooms whenever possible. Her creations are definitely swoon-worthy.

Lynn packaged my delicate purchase of Lamb's Ear and Grape (Muscari) Hyacinth, which I arranged in an equally delicate "tipsy" vase.

Spring is on her way!

2010-02-07T15:50:00.005-06:00

Photos from my display at Indie Wed. I was inspired by the punchy picnic-like print of the silk dupioni fabric and envisioned a springtime setting where feminine meets woodsy, creating a whimsically chic tablescape.

The birch log slices grounded the nature theme, as did the beautifully blooming forsythia branches tightly arranged in a milk glass cylinder vase. Paper-like petals of the delicate ranunculus were contrasted by the spiky texture of the grass-like stand-in of trick carnations. Soft flickering votives illuminated gorgeous calligraphy on woodgrain placecards. The elegance of solid silver flatware was nicely contrasted by the modern lucite chairs. And what Delicate Creature creation would be complete without candy of some kind? My choice for Indie Wed was oversized gum-drops stacked high on a crystal candy plate.

I created this metallic glitter bouquet as a modern and unique alternative to fresh flowers.

And here are a couple of shots of my information table, complete with DC buttons and an address file* used to store names I collected of beaming brides.

* This can be used as a clever way to organize table designation cards for wedding guests!

The Deets:

* Plaid Silk Dupioni Fabric - found at Chicago's Textile Discount Outlet.
Similar available at Warehouse Fabrics.
* "Ice" Chiavari Chairs from Classic Party Rentals.
* Metallic Wood Grain Paper from Martha Stewart (no longer available, but you can create a similar look by using a woodgrain rubber stamp and metallic ink or embossing powder).
* Birch log slices from Snow Owl Wood Studio.
* Calligraphy by the awesomely talented Write by Mike.
* All Natural Gourmet Gumdrops from Whole Foods.
* Iridescent champagne glasses & silver flatware - vintage.
* Flowers: Forsythia branches, ranunculus and trick carnations.

Photos courtesy of Dorota Dybala. More here.

2010-02-03T18:19:00.011-06:00

I've been receiving some really positive feedback about my presence at Indie Wed. A warm thank you to all the inquiries and shout-outs:

* Oliveloaf Design thinks I'm clever.
* The incredibly talented Jeremy Lawson thinks I'm sweet
(and captured the wonderful photo above of my info table).
* Owl and Bunny appreciates my "serious attention to detail".
* Little Lady titled me her "hands-down fave"!

Blush!

I'm also very excited that the inquisitive and intelligent, Stephanie, of the Crane Chandelier Project, selected a snippet of our "interview" for her post about the significance of the "indie" behind Indie Wed. Check out what I had to say here.

Now it's my turn to give a few shout-outs of my own:

* The Small Object: My next project is to create a tablescape inspired by your amazing rainbow-heart cake-topper.
* Glazed Chicago Donuts: Did you see me sneak multiple samples at hour-intervals? I thank you for the tasty treats and wouldn't mind being paid by the hour in your donuts.
* Windy Weather Bindery: How can we ensure every man who is preparing for a proposal knows about your finely crafted ring boxes?
* Mary Kate McKenna Photography: Your eye is the prize!
* Fine & Raw Chocolate: Where can I purchase your chocolate in Chicago? In bulk!
* Foodie Registry: What a fantastic idea to focus a registry on fine dining.
* Jump Shots: It is indeed a happy thing!
* Audey: You are a scissor and sew goddess! One of your dress designs is at the top of my wish-list.
* Paper Parasol Press: Good to see you, friend. Your Save-the-Date cards rock!
* Pollen: Any bride would be lucky to carry your bouquets.
* Julianne Smith Wedding Garters: No one could "toss" a garter as pretty as yours!

And those are just the folks I had a chance to personally talk with!

Brides, if you are looking for something unique, these ladies and gents should be on your list.

More photos coming soon...

2010-02-02T07:27:00.005-06:00

The Indie Wed event this past weekend was awesome! There were so many adorable brides and phenomenal vendors who I felt so honored to share the day with. Kelly Maron, the organizer, did an amazing job of orchestrating and promoting the event, as well as jurying a diverse set of wedding industry creatives.

I'll share more details soon. In the meantime, check out the great press and a couple sneak-peaks of my tablescape (photos #7-8) on the Time Out Chicago blog!

2010-01-28T06:48:00.006-06:00

A little sneak-peak of my nature-inspired tablescape that will be showcased at this weekend's alternative Chicago bridal market, Indie Wed. My design is feminine, sweet and will make you want to prepare for picnic season. I had to create something that would give Midwestern folk a reprieve from sullen winter skies!

Curious? Stop by to say hello!

Saturday, January 30th
11:00am - 5:00pm
the Ravenswood Event Center

2010-01-16T04:29:00.000-06:00

Jim + Lisa

I received some photos of a wedding I coordinated last November. I loved working with this couple. Their warmth, generosity and enthusiasm were inspiring. There were beautiful flowers and lighting, a gorgeous cupcake tower, a groom's cake in the shape of a turn-table and delicious catering, but what stood out to me most was the infusion of heart and soul from the couple themselves.

One of my favorite parts of the day's celebration was the sweetheart waltz where married couples were asked to hit the dance floor. Couples were dismissed by length of marriage, starting with those married less than 24 hours and moving on to milestone markers of 1, 5, 10 years and beyond. Finally, the only two remaining on the dance floor were Lisa's grandparents who have been married for 50+ years. As they held each other close in the spotlight of the empty dance floor, I was touched by the significance of their journey together. Marriage isn't always easy, but there's a certain luck and charm in having a partner and companion to celebrate the years with.

Congratulations, Jim and Lisa!

Photos by Lenny Gilmore. More here.

2010-01-02T09:00:00.000-06:00

One of the high points of planning weddings is hearing from brides after their engagements when enthusiasm and hopes are high. I equate it to the feeling of a New Year - reveling in the possibility of it all.

Wishing you and yours all the optimism and joy of the New Year. May your 2010 be filled with many happy occasions and celebrations!

2009-12-08T08:00:00.002-06:00

The holiday season always revs my candy engines. I think an interesting container makes sweets all the sweeter. I'm smitten on this glass "Vitamins" apothecary jar that my friend Andrea and I discovered, which I've filled with the cutest miniature Toblerone bars.

Here are some of my other favorite treats - ideal for hostess gifts, stocking stuffers or party sweets.

Chocolate by Location
* Paris: Dalloyau - the "Coffrets de chocolats assortis" is divine (if you live in Paris and want to strike up a chocolate trade, please e-mail me!)
* San Francisco: Recchiuti - Peanut Butter Pucks & Key Lime Pear Crisps
* NYC & Chicago: Vosges Haut Chocolat - Mo's Bacon Bar, baby!
* Santa Fe: The Chocolate Smith - Green Chili Pistachio Bark & Tangerine Cream Bark

Chocolate by Form
* Chocolate licorice twists
* Spanish chocolate dipped figs (imported by Zingerman's of Ann Arbor, Michigan) - great as a sweet cocktail party "appetizer"
* Peanut Butter Chocolate Sauce by Izzybelle - made in my homeland of Colorado
* Rainbow snow-caps - nothing sweeter than a tiny rainbow!

Gourmet Confections
* Les Anis de Flavigny Violet candy (in a lovely re-usable tin)
* Bequet Gourmet Caramels
* Beer Brittle from Annette's Chocolates in Napa Valley
* Paulette Macarons

Homemade by You!
* Candied Orange Peels
* Ohio Buckeyes
* Candy buttons
* Chocolate Nut & Fruit Disks

Sweets for a sweet. Enjoy!

2009-12-02T19:39:00.005-06:00

Some of my favorite entertaining, styling and event design resources:

* Lotta Prints
Cooler-than-cool Lotta Jansdotter demonstrates printing techniques for ribbon, wrapping paper, labels and fabric - all helpful for personalizing invitations, gifts and cloth napkins.

* Flowers: Style Recipes
Simple and modern design ideas that let the flowers do the talking.

* The Find
Full of entertaining and decorating advice from a fabulous group of lifestyle mavens including prop stylist Joe Maer, set designer Peter Frank and the need-no-introduction John Derian. The Dining and Entertaining Chapter is especially impressive with unique and innovative party and tablescape ideas from Cottage Living's (RIP) former Style Editor, Heather Chadduck and famed event designer, Michelle Rago. If you enjoy transforming spaces and parties with vintage and thrift goods, this book is for you!

* Southern Living Easy Entertaining 2009
Southern-girl or not, this annual special magazine issue is great for non-fussy and laid-back party recipes.

* Entertaining Simple
I truly admire the versatile styling advice of Matthew Mead, who makes the case for all-white and clear-glass tableware and serving pieces that can work for a variety of purposes.

* Good Things for Easy Entertaining by Martha
Classic advice from the entertaining diva, including recipes and instructions for a burlap tablecloth, coffee with cognac and cardamom, a felt table runner and peppermint hot-fudge sundaes.

Happy reading!

2009-11-22T06:49:00.000-06:00

My friend, Linda Jo, is co-owner and inn-keeper of the ultra-charming Rabbit Run Inn with her husband, Rodney. Linda Jo and I met during my wedding planning process when I was scoping out accomodations for our guests and she was preparing for the grand opening of the Rabbit Run Inn. Since then, I've learned so much from her gracious and stylish ways.

To kick off my "Hostess with the Mostess" series, here's an entertaining QA with Linda Jo along with photos from their home:

As an inn-keeper, you truly have to be on top of your hostessing abilities. What do you think are the most important elements of your work?

The most important element to being an innkeeper is relating to your guests and to people who are making inquiries about staying at the inn. Really hearing what people have to say, understanding their questions and replying to them from where they are coming from is crucial. Anticipating their needs and meeting them with a solution. As an innkeeper, we make sure our guests and future guests know that their needs, comfort and enjoyment come first. We want them all to have wonderful memories of visiting Rabbit Run Inn.

Do you have any advice for hosting large dinner parties - Thanksgiving comes to mind!

As we are preparing for Thanksgiving (and my husband's birthday party) with an even larger amount of house guests than usual, I try to get organized early and make lots of lists. Planning meals, being aware of our guests' special dietary needs and doing as much pre-shopping as I can, is very important. Cakes, pies and the turkey have been ordered (tofurkeys purchased for the vegetarians). As the day of our guests' arrival gets closer, perishables and anything needed for centerpieces are purchased. Staying organized and checking off lists is my way of having everything go smoothly.

What are some gifts you like to give to a host or hostess when you are the guest?

I try, if I know the host or hostess, to bring something personal. We attended a dinner party recently where I knew the hostess loved to cook. I purchased several herb plants at the local nursery and planted them in a basket. If they are more casual friends, I always ask if I can bring something and do. If not, I usually try to bring flowers or a plant, always making sure nothing has to be transferred to a vase or watered.

Favorite flower or materials for unique centerpieces?

Setting the table and creating centerpieces is my favorite preparation for entertaining. I have several sets of dishes and glassware, a dining table for eight and a table for four in the keeping room. I usually plan ahead and purchase flowers, candles, fruit, vegetables, craft materials and anything I will need. However, I also have standby centerpiece material here at all times. One of my favorites is my collection of vintage china chickens. They are colorful and strut their way in different directions on my larger table. I use plants, branches, wildflowers from our property, our seasonal and holiday decorations and anything else that strikes my fancy. I try to always make our holiday tables look different each year.

Any advice for table-seating?

I always have placecards when we have six or more guests so as to seat people in a way to keep the conversation flowing. If we have a guest who is quiet or shy, I will seat them at the center of the table. More talkative guests are placed at the other side of them and anyone I feel needs more special attention will often go at one side of my husband or me. My goal is always to put our guests and their enjoyment first and ensure lively dinner conversation.

Thanks, Linda Jo for your insight and advice!

Readers, consider a visit to the Rabbit Run Inn in Southwest Michigan's Harbor Country and you just might get a peek of Linda Jo and Rodney's super sweet hostessing-helper, Lulu.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-14T10:03:00.004-06:00

I'm coordinating a wedding today for a truly special couple. I love how much effort they've both put into the sentimental details of their day - finding unique ways to acknowledge family and friends while really partnering to bring everything together.

I'm quite smitten on this button they sent out along with their invites. Several people sported them at the Rehearsal last night (as did I). It was such a simple and cute way to show our support and enthusiasm.

Cheers on your big day, Jim and Lisa!

2009-11-14T07:00:00.001-06:00

My friend, Dana, is a wonderfully talented graphic designer, letterpress artist and owner of Shimmer Studio. She is also the proud owner of a 57-year-old Heidelberg Windmill press which she lovingly refers to as Apple Jack.

I was thrilled when Dana asked me to design a party to celebrate her purchase of Apple Jack and her shared studio space with Cindy of Paper Parasol Press. Dana and Cindy have a similar business aesthetic of vibrant colors and playful designs. To compliment their whimsical ways, I created a Candyland Carnival themed refreshment table.

I used cake plates and candy liners in pastel colors.

I filled old-school popcorn containers with a mix of Caramel and Cheddar cheese popcorn from Mother Butter's Popcorn. It was a real treat meeting with Mother Butter's owner, Tim and sampling one-of-a-kind popcorn flavor combinations (think Cheddar Bacon & Banana's Foster!).

A letterpress print by Cindy along with snowcaps.

Melt-in-your-mouth "cotton-candy bites".

Cute stickers transform small water bottles. Dana and Cindy can use the extras for client meetings.

It wouldn't be a party without an adult beverage and prosecco was the offering. A spice drop makes a charming cocktail garnish.

Spice drops on a letterpress notecard by Dana.

A parting gift for guests - salt-water taffy in glassine bags.

Dana contributed Dum-Dums to the sweet mix. Who says you can't wear a lollipop as an accessory?

The Deets:
* Spice drops.
* Cupcake/candy liners.
* Cotton Candy - use a melon-baller to create small bites.

Photos by Dorota Dybala. More here.

2009-11-08T10:00:00.000-06:00

Saturday I attended the DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) Dining by Design Table Hop event where top interior designers created dining room installations with lavish tablescapes. I wasn't able to capture in full my favorite design (by Illinois-based Randy Heller) since it was defined by rich tones and low mood lighting. Randy commissioned a beautiful chandelier (photo above) constructed of gold paper clips as the focal point of her room design. It was beautiful!

Here are some of my other favorites.

With the holiday season quickly approaching, consider creating inspiring and inviting tablescapes. Special linens, cloth napkins and flowers make a big difference!

2009-10-31T10:00:00.001-05:00

A few weekends ago, my hubby and I celebrated our one-year anniversary in Harbor Country, Michigan. I surprised him with a breakfast celebration in our lovely room at the Rabbit Run Inn.

Married for one year - Mooray!

Our Anniversary date - mugs from Anthropologie.

Vintage plates and cloth napkins.

Typewriter flags on branches poked into donuts.

Sprigs of evergreen as a simple and soothing centerpiece - a creation of inn-keeper and friend, Linda Jo Clough. My gift to my husband was a black and white Italian Wool throw with our joint initials.

The Rabbit Run Inn in all its charming glory.

More photos.

The Deets:
* Donuts from the Harbert Swedish Bakery
* Harney & Sons Earl Grey tea
* La Perruche cane sugar cubes
* Vintage plates from Etsy seller, Artful Vintage
* Cloth napkins from Etsy seller, Littlebird's Wire
* Monogram created with metallic iron-on letters

2009-10-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

Ideas for an autumn-inspired wedding.

For a pumpkin-themed wedding, leave this in your guests' hotel rooms to set the tone for your big day. I used a woodgrain stamp to create the pattern and a pearl-tipped push-pin.

Miniature pumpkins are charming as placecards. Use a typewriter to create a name flag.

A smooth squash is the perfect surface for a glittered table number. Use a fine-tip glue pen to write the number and then sprinkle with fine-grained glitter.

Rusty orange mums pop against a white pumpkin for a unique harvest centerpiece.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-18T16:20:00.010-05:00

One year ago my husband and I married in Harbor Country, Michigan. Our wedding was eco-minded and inspired by the harvest season with pumpkins, feathers & wood details. Here are some of the sweet details.

A feather wreath on the Church doors introduced the nature theme.

Guinea feathers for the table designation cards and pheasant feathers as centerpieces.

In order to give our groomsmen something they could use again and avoid tuxedo rentals, we asked the men to wear their own black dress pants. We supplied the shirt and a unique tie for each. The look was casual, but elegant.

Instead of producing a menu for each place-setting, we purchased this black board and placed it near the front door to the ballroom. It now serves as a chalk-board in our kitchen for tracking grocery and to-do lists.

The guest station asked guests to "give your best love advice".

Instead of exchanging cake, we exchanged truffles from our favorite chocolatier, Vosges Haut Chocolat, displayed on moss rocks. The vintage bride & groom figurine is from my parent's cake topper.

Our dessert table was comprised of home-made items from family members, including pizzelles and pumpkins seeds.

In keeping with our eco-friendly goals, I selected an upscale second-hand store for my dress purchase. My something borrowed - a hanky that belonged to my great-great Aunt.

And one of the best photos of the night - the groom being lifted by his buddies. As any bride will tell you, I didn't want the celebration to end!

Photos by the lovely Bethany of Maypole Studios. More here.

2009-10-11T17:01:00.013-05:00

October is such a lovely and romantic month. A month that prepares us for the colder months to follow - luring us in with warmer clothes, wool blankets and crisp walks through dazzling foliage. The harvest season is abundant with family, friends, feast and spirits. I'm happy to launch this new blog in such a celebratory season. Welcome to the place where I hope to share ideas and inspirations for gatherings, celebrations and festive ocassions. Cheers!