On The Bookshelf: New Design & Entertaining Books

August 1, 2017

One of the things I love to do during the Atlanta Gift & Home Furnishings Market is to shop for new design, entertaining and coffee table books. It gives me an opportunity to preview the books before they are released and available in stores or online.

I’ve always loved books (a by-product of a mom who was an English teacher) and have amassed quite a collection over the years. These days most of my book purchases are design and entertaining books so that’s what I look for at market. And boy was I excited to see so many fabulous books scheduled for release in the fall and winter.

Here’s a round-up of what I have on order. And to make ordering easy for you, I’ve included links (affiliate links) to all of the titles so you can pre-order your copies today.

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Style Ideas For Your Bar Cart

August 20, 2015

When it comes to bar carts, nobody does it better than Society Social. If you’re not familiar with Society Social, the company started in 2011 with a small collection of stylish bar carts and their products immediately grabbed the attention of magazines like House Beautiful, Southern Living, Lonny and HGTV, The business exploded after that and today, the Society Social online boutique sells a range of furniture and decor all with a chic, modern flair and style.

One of the really great things about Society Social is that all of their designs are created by their in-house design team so every piece is original to their business and you won’t find them anywhere else. And as a truly custom touch, every single piece is made or finished to order.

Not only are each and every one of the Society Social bar carts stunning, but I love the way they style their pieces for photo shoots and their blog, The Social Diary.

If you need ideas on how to style your bar cart, I’ve got Ten Bar Cart Styling Tips for you that were inspired by the folks at Society Social.

Tip#1: Add a lamp and accessories to give your cart the feel of a furniture piece.

Tip #2: Create a color story with the items you decorate your cart with.

Tip #3: Mix in a few unexpected and whimsical accessories to personalize the your cart.

Tip #4: Your bar cart can definitely be a mix of work and play in an office setting as long as the cart reads more play than work!

Tip #5: Add Flowers for color and softness.

Tip #6: Use quickly containers to hold bar tools, straws and swizzle sticks.

Tip #7: Create layers with the items on your bar cart to make it feel warm and inviting.

Tip #8: Change the look of your bar cart styling with the seasons, including barware, beverages and accessories.

Tip #9: Display entertaining and cocktail recipe books on your bar cart so they are close at hand when you’re planning your next party.

Tip #10: Select beverages in pretty bottles to add instant style to your cart.

The same techniques you use to style a side table in your home can be used to style your bar cart so have fun and create a space that ready to party in style!

**this is not a sponsored post, I’m just sharing a company and products that I love.

Entertaining Inspiration: 12 Creative Garden Party Ideas

May 28, 2015

Ever since Oprah hosted a garden party years ago, I’ve dreamt of throwing one, or even better decorating for one. The idea of an outdoor party where everyone is wearing festive spring attire and big sun hats sounds like so much fun.

When it comes to decorating for a garden party of any outdoor event for that matter, creativity is key. And since I have not plans to host my own celebration, I’ve rounded up TWELVE creative garden party ideas that just might prompt you to host a garden soiree! Make sure I’m on the invitation list.

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Entertaining Inspiration {plus links you’ll love}

March 20, 2015

Happy Friday!

I have so much to be giddy about today. It’s the first day of spring…I found the perfect gold watch…I’m planning a beach vaca and after 7+ months, I’m finally done with jury duty!!! I think it’s time for a celebration.

If you’ve got an outdoor celebration planned to welcome spring, here’s an easy idea for keeping your beverages cold–planter turned cooler!

A few links you’ll love…

Spring is here and if you’re looking for a guide to help you with your spring cleaning, here’s a great checklist.

These picture frames are rustic chic and very affordable.

I couldn’t pass up the tassel or the quote on this wallet. And I’m considering this handbag.

Ideas for accessorizing the tops of your kitchen cabinets.

I love this sofa!

This will make your heart melt.

If floral patterns aren’t your thing, here’s a Anti-Floral print guide to spring decorating.

Holiday Entertaining Tips with BluLabel Bungalow

December 1, 2014

The holiday party season is in full swing and I’m excited to be guest posting over on the BluLabel Bungalow today sharing a few tips for Holiday Entertaining!

Stop by Erika’s fabulous blog to learn how to entertain with ease and style this holiday season.

2014 Holiday Gift Guide: Entertaining Gifts

November 14, 2014

Here it is…the second installment of the ConfettiStyle Holiday Gift Guide.

This week I’m sharing some really awesome gift items perfect for the person or family that loves to entertain!

Let the shopping and the party begin!

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Party Inspiration: Kentucky Derby Style

May 2, 2014

I can’t believe that this time last year I was in Kentucky to attend the Kentucky Derby. Boy was it am amazing experience.

Despite a little rain (ok, it was a down pour) we had a great time and enjoyed seeing the people, the hats and the festivities.

Even though I didn’t spend a lot of money on my hat like many people do, it was special because I made it myself.

This year we’ll be watching the Derby from Atlanta but I still plan to wear my hat and wear a fun and colorful outfit.

For all of you that will be watching from home and want to turn Derby day into a party, I thought I’d share a few key essentials for the perfect Kentucky Derby Party.

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Inspiration {+ a entertaining tip}

April 5, 2014

For a good part of the country (sorry Minnesota) the season of outdoor entertaining is upon us. To me that means lots of easy to prepare food served up in a fun and simple way. Mason jars are super popular at the moment and are being used for all types of things. I happen to think they make pretty great dessert cups, especially for strawberry shortcake in the spring.

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Entertaining Tip: When hosting a party outdoors it’s always a chore to keep the bugs and flies away from the food. This is a double whammy idea–one to serve your dessert in a cut little jar and then to use a decorative cupcake liner and some twine to keep the jar sealed and away from bug.

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Simple Strawberry Shortcake Recipe…

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds strawberries, stemmed and quartered

5 tablespoons sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

2 tablespoons sugar

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

Whipped Cream, recipe follows

Mix strawberries with 3 tablespoons sugar and refrigerate while juices develop, at least 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Add heavy cream and mix until just combined. Place mixture in an ungreased 8-inch square pan and bake until golden, 18 to 20 minutes.

Remove shortcake from pan and place on a rack to cool slightly. Cut into 6 pieces and split each piece in half horizontally.

Spoon some of the strawberries with their juice onto each shortcake bottom. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream and then the shortcake top. Spoon more strawberries over the top and serve.

Make your Whipped Cream:

1 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled

3 tablespoons sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest

Using a mixer, beat the heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until soft peaks form, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.