oh, how posh! daily blog

Posh Party: St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

oh, how posh! — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:56:52 +0000

Well, wouldn’t you know it, it’s time to put on your pretty party green outfit, mix up some Irish cocktails and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick’s Day is next Wednesday March 17th, but most of the celebrations will begin this weekend with the parades. So to help you with your planning for the holiday, we’ve put together some ideas that will make your party a success.

For a beautiful table setting, I would suggest keeping it simple and chic. Here’s an idea for a beautiful and festive tablecloth and napkin (above). Make a striking tablecloth out of chartreuse raw silk or cotton and for an added touch of color, wrap white napkins with a square of green netting or sheer organza before inserting into a napkin ring. Another great idea for your table top is a simple gray linen napkin and a shamrock leaf (below).

For some Shamrock Luck (below) – Display little pots o’ luck for St. Pat’s Day by planting shamrocks in jars, cups, or bowls. For more St. Patrick’s Day inspiration,

For an Irish Inspired Cocktail Menu here’s some fab options:

For those who want a vodka cocktail can go green with a Dublin Delight (top pic bottom right). This St. Patrick’s Day cocktail has fresh seasonal ingredients and Grey Goose Vodka’s popular Le Citron lemon-flavored vodka, YUM!

Irish whiskey cocktail (middle pic top right) – Is an Irish whiskey drink appealing to any cocktail crowd.

For an Irish Inspired Dinner you can’t go wrong with Homemade Corned Beef with Vegetables. The traditional Irish meal of corned beef and cabbage is supplemented with turnips, carrots, and boiled potatoes.

Irish Inspired Desserts, here are some yummy options!

Lime Squares with Pistachio-Graham Cracker Crust - easy to make and oh, so delish!

Chocolate-Irish Cream Cheesecake – Irish liqueur gives creamy chocolate cheesecake a St. Patrick’s Day spin.

Saint Patrick’s Day Cupcakes – Place a sprig or two of clover atop each cupcake decorated with buttercream icing.

Clover Cookies – Sprinkle a little luck on your Sugar Cookies.

Irish Coffee - Irish coffee is the perfect finale to a St. Patrick’s Day feast.

So what’s your plans for St. Patrick’s Day?

Enjoy!

celebrate life in style…

Posh Inspiration: Spring Fling Luncheon

oh, how posh! — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:46:23 +0000

Wow, I can feel it, I think spring is right around the corner and I am so HAPPY! The flowers are beginning to bloom and the sun is shining bright, and I am beginning to have a strong case of spring fever. It’s time to plan a Spring Fling Luncheon with your best girlfriends. Here’s the plan for a posh and elegant spring luncheon.

To create scene for your Spring Fling Luncheon:

Choose an elegant table setting that is fresh and simple, start with a crisp white cloth and green runner, then add a row of single green Parrot Tulips in glass bud vases.

Another great idea for a beautiful spring table is to create a dramatic and colorful spring centerpiece. Simply place yellow tulips in a simple vase, and anchor the blooms with lime slices. If you have a long table, arrange a few of these down the center.

When the ladies arrive greet them with a glass of Sparkling Punch or Peach Sweet Tea.

For an elegant lunch menu serve up (via Southern Living):

Shrimp Shooters

Spicy Roasted Bell Pepper Pimiento Cheese

Pancetta Crisps With Goat Cheese and Pear

Apple-Pear Salad With Lemon-Poppy Seed Dressing

And for dessert:

Heavenly Angel Food Cake

Double Citrus Tart

There you go, you’re all set to host an elegant and post Spring Fling Luncheon.

Enjoy!

celebrate life in style…

Save The Date: Danielle & Brad

oh, how posh! — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:13:11 +0000

This Save the Date is very near and dear to my heart, because it is the Save the Date for my wedding. Yes, my wedding… I’m getting married.

Brad (my fiancé) and I got engaged in May 2008 and have decided that we will unite as husband and wife on November 6, 2010. Our wedding will be reminiscent of “Old Hollywood Glam”

We are very excited to move into the next chapter of our lives and I promise to keep you updated with all of our wedding plans.

Enjoy your day!

celebrate life in style…

Host A Posh Oscar Party

oh, how posh! — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:25:01 +0000

And the winner is… It’s that time of year when all eyes will be on the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, when the best of the best will win big and celebrate in style. If you’re not able to make it to LA in time to catch all the action up close, no worries. We’ve put together a “Posh Red Carpet Oscar Hollywood” inspired party with all trimmings. It’s going to a great party!

How to set the scene: Decorate with everything Hollywood. Set out magazines and newspaper that have features on the them about the nominated movies. Need an idea for an Oscar worthy centerpiece, try the Oscar Trophy it will look great. It also has a movie Reel Base! You can also set up candles that have been rolled in gold glitter and flakes around the party room.

Make if fun, get everyone involved and do your own vote. We found this great ballot (above) over at abc.com, just download and print out copies for your guest to use to cast their votes.

For more great Oscar Party ideas

The Menu: Create a menu that has food that is easy to eat, since your guest will be eating while the Oscar’s are going on. Set up the table close the television, this will assure that no one will have to miss any of the awards while getting something to eat and drink.

Starting on the top left:

Little Crab Cakes with Wasabi Mayonnaise – Simply seasoned mayonnaise accompanies these tender, golden-sautéed crab cakes, which can be thrown together quite easily.

Fritz’s Sonoran Sunset – Prickly pear and grapefruit juice work well to complement a good tequila!

Sausage Mushroom Caps – A delish bite sized appetizer.

The Pandora Elixir – Imagine if there were a bar on Pandora, this would be its signature drink.

Brownie Ice Cream Mini-wiches – A yummy dessert option. Store-bought ice cream works fine here, or you can make your own.

Cheese Crisps with Creme Fraiche and Caviar – These tiny lacy cups filled with creme fraiche and caviar are simply melted cheese. Not just any cheese, though. The success of these distinctive nibbles comes in using real Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

Salsa and Cheese Dip – A swirl of fresh herbs and green onion add a vivid flavor to this chunky dip of sour cream, a bit of salsa, and chunks of queso fresco — a white, crumbly Mexican cheese. To scoop up the dip, you’ll need a sturdy chip.

Liquid Gold – A cocktail that is pure red carpet style.

Vanilla Tart with Nutmeg Crust and Spiced Pears – Pour creamy vanilla custard over a tender cookie crust and top with brandy-soaked pears. “Tahitian vanilla adds cherry flavor notes to this tart, making it a natural to pair with nutmeg.

Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail – Add a unique twist to the traditional midnight toast by blending bubbly with pomegranate (or cranberry) juice

Enjoy the Oscars!

celebrate life in style…

A September Issue Cocktail Party

oh, how posh! — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:10:04 +0000

On last Tuesday the September Issue was released on DVD. I saw the movie at the theater and loved it and Anna Wintour is super fabulous. I now have the DVD. So if you love the movie, love Vogue magazine and love high fashion, this inspiring party is just of you!

To get started, send out a swanky evite to your best girlfriends to get them excited about the Vogue inspired soiree. Everyone must dress up so be sure to include on the evite for your girls to throw on their party dress and come have some fun.

Here’s how to set the mood for the party!

Set up the food and bar around the fashion decorations. Place Vogue and other high fashion magazines around the party area. Frame some of the magazine covers and place them around the room and hang them on walls. Go over the top with everything high fashion, shiny and glam. Don’t forget party favors. A small manicure kit with a contemporary shade of polish is idea!

The food and drinks should reflect high fashion and everything New York. I have a fantastic menu that I am sure will not disappointment any of the fashionista’s.

At the very top are Pom-poms a pretty in pink cocktail that has berry sorbet, mixed with pomegranate juice and vodka.

With the Spiced cherries in Vodka you and your guest can feel smug in the knowledge that you’ve imbibed a few vitamins along with the alcohol with this sophisticated party drink.

Glazed lamb cutlets with Moroccan carrot and tahini purée - a Moroccan-inspired lamb cutlets that make wonderful, impressive-looking canapés.

Wild mushroom and mozzarella risotto cakes are delish. If there was any more flavor in these beautiful mushroom and risotto cakes, they’d have to come with a Government warning!

The Manhattan cocktail is a perfect balance of sweet, bitter, and aromatic, it’s a timeless classic. It’s everything that is New York.

Baked mussels with chilli, anchovy and caper breadcrumbs – Mussels have never been nicer than in this joyous party recipe where they’re mixed with chilli, anchovy and capers.

Rose petal chocolate cake is a real treat. This deluxe chocolate cake is brimming with sweet sherry and decorated with the petals of a pink rose.

Enjoy the party!

celebrate life in style…

Posh Loves Fabulous Hostess Gifts

oh, how posh! — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:28:35 +0000

When you’re invited to a friends house for an afternoon or evening for entertaining, it is proper etiquette and polite to arrive bearing a gift for your gracious hostess with the mostess. To make sure that you show up with a gift that the hostess will absolutely love, we put together some very cute and stylish DIY gifts that are guaranteed to get you invited back!

For a refreshing and cool hostess gift create a Summer Cooler. Fill a glass pitcher with lemons, then attach a wooden spoon and a stylish dish towel to the handle — the makings for lemonade. Include a simple recipe that doubles as a gift tag.

2. If your hostess is an avid gardener the Garden Supplies gift will be to her delight! Give here some flowers that will last longer than a few days. Fill a galvanized bucket from a hardware store with a few gardening basics: seeds, pruners, pretty gloves, and a trowel. We used a cardboard coaster as a gift tag.

3. The Tote-ally Great Pack offers up some fresh baguettes and fancy olive oil in a personalized canvas tote and your host will have both a delicious snack for later and a cute bag to reuse. Pick up an eco-friendly canvas bag, a letter stencil, and fabric paint at a crafts store.

4. Entertaining with a wine lover? Consider wrapping their favorite bottles of wine. That’s a Wrap is a brilliant twist on giving the traditional bottle of wine: Wrap it in a pretty summer scarf (we used two easy techniques here) and give two presents at once. Don’t you love it!

5. Soap Star, buy a package of inexpensive fragrant bar soap and wrap it in pretty printed paper. Polish off the look by binding the soap together with decorative copper wire topped off with a bead, then place the stack in a lovely vintage soap dish.

Have creating these stylish DIY hostess gifts, which one is your favorite?

Enjoy!

celebrate life in style…

source

Happy Hour: Sweet Chocolate Decadence

oh, how posh! — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:41:19 +0000

Bring back elegance, class and flavor to your happy hour with some delightful decadent Three Olives® Vodka Chocolate Martinis. So here’s an idea, change up your cocktail menu for this weekend’s entertaining and add some of these cocktails. You won’t be disappointed by any of these scrumptious martinis, you will probably leave these on your happy hour cocktail menu permanently. Go ahead and make these your signature cocktails!

For the recipes

Skinny Mint

Ingredients

3 oz. Three-O Chocolate Vodka

1⁄2 oz. White Crème de Cacao

Splash Green Crème de Menthe

Preparation

Shake vodka and Crème de Cacao with ice and pour into a chilled martini glass. Add a splash of Crème de Menthe on top, and garnish with a chocolate kiss.

Almond Joy

Ingredients

2 oz. Three-O Chocolate Vodka

1 oz. hazelnut liqueur

1 oz. coconut rum

Preparation

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass rimmed with chocolate sugar.

Chocolate Diamond

Ingredients

1 1⁄2 oz. Three-O Chocolate Vodka

1 oz. Three-O Vanilla Vodka

1⁄2 oz. White Crème de Cacao

Preparation

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a chocolate kiss.

Black & White Cookie

Ingredients

1 oz. Three-O Chocolate Vodka

1 oz. Three-O Vanilla Vodka

1 oz. Bailey’s® Irish Cream

Preparation

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass rimmed with chocolate sugar.

Enjoy your happy hour!

celebrate life in style…

Irresistible: Chocolate, Peanuts & Caramel

oh, how posh! — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:49:14 +0000

I found these delish bites over at David Lebovitz’s website. He has some of the most scrumptious recipes, that you just have to try. To get you started I thought I would share the yummy recipe for theses Chocolate-Covered Salted Peanut Caramel Cups. I love, love love these! How can you possibly resist chocolate, peanuts and caramel? I am not that strong-willed when it comes to chocolate, which is why I don’t think I can make these that often. I hope you enjoy these as much as I did.

Here’s the recipe

Serving: About 25 cups

This recipe is adaptable to any relatively thick caramel filling. Dulce de leche would work, and some folks fill these with peanut butter. (See links, below.) Don’t melt down chocolate chips, which are formulated to hold their shape when heated, and you’ll find the chocolate too sludgy to work with.

Depending on the size of the cups, and how generous you are, you may get a few more, or a few less, than indicated.

Ingredients

12 ounces (340g) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped

1/2 cup (125g) salted peanut caramel

Fleur de sel, or another flaky sea salt

Preparation

1. In a clean, dry bowl set over simmering water (or in a microwave), melt the chocolate until smooth.

2. Put a dab of the chocolate about the size of a shelled hazelnut in the bottom of a small paper baking cup.

3. Use a small spoon, or a brush, to move the chocolate around and coat the bottom and sides with an even layer of chocolate. Chill the cups to firm up the chocolate.

4. Once firm, in each cup, put a bit of the salted peanut filling, enough so that it will reach about 2/3rds of the way to the top of the cup. (Don’t have to stress to much about exact amounts; it’s candy and it supposed to be fun to make.)

5. Depending on how soft the filling is, rap the sheet of cups on a folded kitchen towel to level the tops. If the filling is too thick, use a spoon to smooth out the filling.

6. Add enough chocolate to cover the filling, and once again, rap the sheet on the countertop to level to tops and enclose the filling.

7. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, such as fleur de sel.

8. Chill until firm.

Store the cups in the refrigerator until about thirty minutes before ready to serve. They’ll keep for about two weeks in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen.

Note: Left at room temperature for a few hours or more, the chocolate can “bloom.” To avoid that, you may wish to temper the chocolate, which isn’t necessary if you store them in the refrigerator and take them out shortly before serving.

Variation: Use milk chocolate instead of the bittersweet or semisweet chocolate.

Enjoy!

celebrate life in style…

oh, so posh! Calligraphy By Jennifer

oh, how posh! — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:38:54 +0000

Hi I am Jennifer from Calligraphy by Jennifer and I am beyond thrilled and honored to be a guest blogger on the fabulous oh how posh! site, thank you again! I hope to bring all of you many helpful tips and inspirational findings on calligraphy, invitations and all stationery related topics. So on that note I must begin to tell you my journey as to how I became a calligrapher.

It wasn’t until my own wedding that I discovered the wonderful field of calligraphy. I didn’t even know five years ago you could do calligraphy for a living! Boy was I surprised. After having my very own invitations hand addressed in calligraphy I become infatuated with the idea of learning the beautiful art. I dabbled around with a few calligraphy pens and thought there would be absolutely no way I could ever learn this. I thought it would be so much easier than it was. There were so many tedious things I had no clue about while trying to master the art of hand-lettering. I was definitely in for a long journey of trial and error but I was so determined to learn. I guess this explains how crazy I can get when I become truly passionate with something I love! After several long months I decided it was time to embark the next step. I launched my calligraphy business in 2005 and several months later I took one step further by going Nationwide. It truly has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me.

Calligraphy is definitely a full time job for me however I don’t view it as a job because I love it so much! I love creating spectacular things for my clients and the custom aspect that ties in with my job. Having the opportunity to add such a special touch to a brides wedding is a true blessing for me. A brides invitations and calligraphy are a very important as they help set the tone for the wedding and show guests how truly important and special they are. The options are endless when it comes to calligraphy for weddings! I will always go beyond my efforts using my imaginative and creative mind to help couples create their vision for their dream wedding.

Now some fun stuff! Are you excited for spring to arrive? I know I am because this snow and cold weather are really dragging me down. I am staying positive thinking about the nice sunny spring weather and all the fabulous weddings that are on the horizon! Spring is such a fun time to get married especially when it comes time to creating your wedding invitations. I recently custom created a fabulous save-the-date (above) and invitation (below) with the help from Cardgirl Designs for an upcoming spring wedding.

The bride chose a combination of fonts some of which I custom created to meet her specific ideas for the overall look she was trying to achieve. Cardgirl Designs then took my lettering and changed the colors to a gorgeous sky blue and pale green which were letterpress printed for the actual completed invitation ensemble. It was amazing! The elegance of the calligraphy with the spring colors made for a perfect invitation.

If you are looking for more of a design I love the Isabelle Lynne Collection. Many of the designs in this series are perfect for a spring wedding.

One of my favorites is the Majestic design I offer. The turquoise flourishes and chocolate brown ink couldn’t be more perfect for spring.

Another fabulous way to make your invitations feel appropriate for a spring wedding is to have them custom hand painted with flowers and birds. My dear friend Michelle Mospens, owner of My Personal Artist came to mind immediately. She is one of the most amazing and talented artists I know specializing in hand painted invitations and so much more! Her tulip and hydrangea hand painted wedding invitations are just spectacular. I also love the hand painted birds she does. The rich vibrant colors and spring images are just perfect, who couldn’t love them!

There are so many routes you can go when creating an invitation for a spring wedding. With all the color choices, calligraphy styles, embellishments you can add, even with hand painting you are sure to find something that will fit your overall theme, individual style and personality. Remember to always talk to your designer to discuss your options. All of our invitations can be custom tailored to meet your specifications with various ink colors and calligraphy styles. Completely custom designs can be created as well for a couple that may have something unique in mind. Remember to get an early start when ordering your invitations as production time normally takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Until next time happy planning and stay inspired!

xoxo,

Jennifer

celebrate life in style…

DIY Inspiration: Crafty & Stylish Gift Wrap

oh, how posh! — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:08:45 +0000

Happy Friday! Well, we have some DIY inspiration for you today in the form of stylish and crafty gift wrap. These DIY projects are very easy to make and lots of fun as well. So next time you need to wrap a gift, don’t head out to the store and buy paper instead just look around at what you already have. Pull out the colored pencils, ribbons, bows, craft boxes and scissors, grab the kids and create some beautiful handmade gift wrap.

Above is some pretty crafty decorated gift wrap paper. Easy to make - simply decorate plain white gift wrap. Pull out watercolor paints, crayons, and markers for you or the kids to use. Let paint and markers dry before wrapping. Tie gifts with pretty ribbon and customized tags.

(Starting at the top on the left check out the crafty DIY gift wrap)

To make the ribbon-pull gift box lids start with easy-pull gift box lids, add a grommet with a ribbon loop. Remove the box lid, center the grommet on the lid, and trace around it with a pencil. Carefully cut around the mark with a crafts knife. Pop the grommet into place. Tie two ends of a short piece of ribbon together. Slide the ribbon through the grommet from the underside of the lid. Pull taut.

Want to make one-of-a-kind gift tags using ribbon? The frilly ribbon embellishments will be perfect! Cut and loop lengths of ribbon; adhere to packages with fabric glue. Attach monogrammed tags fashioned with crafts punches.

Personalize wrapped gifts with a decorated chipboard monogram letter. To create monogram gifts paint or glitter the letter to coordinate with wrapping paper and bow.

I love this one, an easy-to-sew reusable gift bag. Use fabric of any pattern to create a personalized gift bag. It’s even eco-friendly because the gift recipient can reuse it again and again.

Source

Enjoy and happy crafting!