Atmosphere Designed Fresh Daily

Let's talk parties--a fun new podcast!

2010-12-06T12:53:00.000-08:00

I recently spent almost an hour talking with two of my favorite restaurateurs--Francis Schott and Marc Pascale of Stage Left and Catherine Lombardi restaurants. They host the most fabulous podcast on food, cocktails, and the good life. It's called Restaurant Guys Radio. Check out our conversation about celebrating with family and friends!

Click here to listen to the podcast.

Halloween Fun!!

2010-10-27T16:24:00.001-07:00

For Martha Stewart's Morning Living Radio, I came up with some fun recipes for your Halloween party. One you can do with the kids, and the other is one the adults will love!

Chocolate Covered Appo-lanterns
Ingredients:

6 apples (Gala, McIntosh, or your faves)
1 bag Hershey's dark chocolate chips
1 cup Wilton orange candy melts

You'll also need:
A cookie sheet lined with wax paper
Candy sticks to make apple "stems"
Candy decorating bags (or a ziplock bag) for piping

Wash and dry the apples thoroughly and remove stems. Insert candy sticks through top center. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips according to package instructions. Stir the chocolate and let it cool slightly. Dip the apples in the chocolate to cover. Arrange the chocolate-covered apples on the wax-paper-lined tray and refrigerate until the chocolate hardens. Once the apples have set, melt the orange candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl according to package instructions. Note: you can also use white chocolate with orange food coloring.

Let the orange candy melts cool slightly and spoon them into the candy decorating bag, a pastry bag, or a ziplock bag for piping. Pipe your favorite designs onto the chocolate-covered apples, then return them to the refrigerator to harden. Arrange on a platter and serve, or wrap in cellophane bags for a wonderful homemade "treat."

RED WINE FANG-RIA!

This deep red sangria is perfect for a party, and features Grand Marnier and Ruby Port for a fresh twist on a classic...

Serves 6-8
Ingredients:

2 blood oranges or 4 clementines, sliced

(can substitute oranges or tangerines)
1 apple, cored and cut up

2/3 cup Grand Marnier

1 cup Ruby Port
1 Tablespoon sugar

1 750 ml bottle simple red wine

(we used a Spanish Garnacha for $8)

1 cup Orange Juice

1 cup Club Soda

In a large pitcher, combine clementines, apple, Grand Marnier, Port, and sugar. Stir and let fruit macerate for at least 15 minutes. Add red wine and orange juice and stir. Chill for at least an hour and add club soda just before serving. Garnish glasses with orange straws and black spider rings for a spooky accent! Cheers!

Advice for the Newly Engaged!

2010-09-03T12:39:00.000-07:00

Are you recently engaged? Congrats! Wondering "what's next?" Start by watching my new podcast for the David's Bridal Style Council for great tips on how to plan an affordable wedding without the stress. I share ideas for getting started and trends on everything from decor to accessories!

Great Gift for The Host--Vintage Wine Stoppers!

2010-08-25T11:45:00.001-07:00

I was at the International Gift Show here in New York last week and came across these fabulous wine stoppers made from vintage doorknobs and finials.

I am ordering a bunch of them as gifts for my wine-loving friends. They make a perfect hostess gift for a dinner party, a quick birthday gift with a good bottle of wine, and a wonderful accent for your table at home. Love them!

They have a special vintage painting process to enhance the look of this metal knob.
http://www.knobstoppers.com

I just love any clever reuse of something--so much better than making something new!

Pack up the Fun for a Perfect Picnic

2010-08-22T00:56:00.001-07:00

These recipes are from my book, SIMPLE STUNNING PARTIES AT HOME.

Radicchio and Carrot Slaw:

This wonderful slaw is a great twist on classic coleslaw. If you like your slaw crunchier, make it just before the party.

2 heads radicchio, cut in half, then sliced thinly
2/3 cup mayo
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon dried fennel seed
3/4 cup roughly grated or julienned carrots
1/3 cup white wine vinegar
salt and pepper

In a large mixing bowl, toss all the ingredients together. Serve chilled.

Manchego Jalapeno Cornbread

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
6 ounces manchego cheese, grated
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons pickled sliced jalapenos
1 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 400. Grease an 8 inch baking pan. Combine the cornmeal, flour, tow-thirds of the manchego, the sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Mince 1 tablespoon of the jalapenos and combine with the milk, oil, and eggs in a small bowl. Mix well. Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and stir just until blended. Pour into the prepared pan.

Lay the remaining jalapeno slices on top of the batter and sprinkle with the remaining manchego. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.

I'm so excited to be a part of the David's Bridal Style Council!

2010-07-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

If you haven't visited the David's Bridal site lately, check out the link below to the Style Council, where I, along with some other fabulous colleagues, share tips, trends and tricks for how to make the most of your wedding style.

Check out my latest blog on how to recycle your own unique wedding details and bring the big day home to your every day style!

Click here to read the article:

http://blogs.davidsbridal.com/?p=2078

And let me know what you think!

cheers,

karen

Summer Entertaining Tips

2010-06-25T12:52:00.000-07:00

There are so many stylish and affordable ways to spruce up your space and throw a great summer party. Check out my article on SheKnows.com for great entertaining tips- for party foods, keep items on hand that are not quickly perishable: mixed nuts, dried fruits, flavored breadsticks, drunken olives, popcorn. This way, when the urge to entertain strikes, you already have some little nibbles handy, and you can make a quick stop at the market to pick up a great hunk of cheese and whatever fresh items you need for your menu!

Click here to view my full article at SheKnows.com

Eco-stunning Entertaining!

2010-05-15T22:46:00.000-07:00

Today I'm appearing on Connecticut's WTNH Channel 8 with the ever-charming Matt Scott, and we're talking about eco-friendly parties.

Here are five really easy tips for adding a bit of eco-style to your next gathering.

1. Shop your 100 miles. In other words, go local. Of course that means using seasonal local foods, but "local" also applies to wines and spirits. Today I've designed a fabulous summer cocktail, the Strawberry-Watermelontini, featuring a local vodka, Vermont Gold, distilled from Maple sap. You don't have to look to Russia for great vodka--check your own backyard and you might find some wonderful resources. The recipe is below at the end of this post.

2. Reinvent things. Nothing is more ecofriendly than not buying something new. The cocktail napkin in the photo above is made from an old men's shirt that had a hole in it. I cut it into squares and finished the edges and voila! A summery accent to any party! I also keep old flower vases and turn them into stylish, windproof lanterns. I use strawberries and mushrooms as place card holders and bracelets as napkin rings.

3. Think double-duty. When something can be used for more than one purpose, it's more ecofriendly. Create a living centerpiece with starter herb plants, and give them away at the end of the party so your guests can enjoy them all summer. They'll have a wonderful treat, and their herbs will have less of a carbon footprint because they'll come straight from the garden instead of being trucked in and packed in plastic.

4. Use sustainable materials. I love the plates from Verterra.com -- they're made from fallen leaves, and they're fully compostable (which means they disintegrate completely) in 60 days, unlike plastic which will be around for a very long time in the land fill!

STRAWBERRY-WATERMELONTINI

1 pint fresh Watermelon Juice
1 quart fresh Strawberry Juice
1/2 cup simple syrup (making simple syrup is EASY--see below)
1/2 cup vodka (Vermont Gold or use your own local vodka)
Splash gingerale
Watermelon chunks, splashed with vodka and frozen, for garnish

Simple syrup:
Mix 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan and heat over high heat until the sugar dissolves into the water. Presto! You made simple syrup!

Make the cocktail:
Mix the juices and simple syrup together in a pitcher. Add the vodka and chill until the party.
Spear the frozen watermelon on toothpicks. Add the gingerale just before serving and present in cocktail glasses.

THROW A GREAT SPRING GARDEN PARTY

2010-05-14T06:37:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

I'm taking you behind the scenes as I talk about hosting a great spring garden party. Check out some of my favorite tips, as well as delicious recipes using Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry and Ocean Spray.

1. Take the party outside. Set up chairs and tables on the lawn or terrace, or if the weather's still chilly, bring a few springy blooms into the house and bring the garden to you.

2. Set the mood with soft, laid back music. Norah Jones, Donovan Frankenreiter, Michael Franks- Keep it easy and breezy.

3. Serve simple stunning dishes featuring seasonal items and a few secret ingredients that give you maximum effect for minimum effort and budget. See the photos below for two of my favorites, both made with Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry.

4. Raise the glass and enjoy the season with family and friends.

Baked Brie in Puff Pastry

Thaw: 40 minutesPrep: 10 minutes
Bake: 25 minutes
Makes: 6 pieces
1/2 of a 17.3-ounce package Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets (1 sheet), thawed

1 (8 oz) Brie cheese round

1 egg

Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Unfold pastry on lightly floured surface. Fold cheese in center. Fold pastry up over cheese to cover. Trim excess pastry and press to seal. Reserve scraps for decoration.

Beat egg with 1 tbsp. of water. Brush seam of pastry with egg mixture. Place seam-side down onto baking sheet. Decorate with scraps, if desired. Brush with egg mixture.

Bake 25 minutes or until pastry is golden brown. Let stand for 20 minutes.

Prosciutto Asparagus Spirals

Thaw: 40 minutes
Prep: 40 minutes
Bake: 15 minutes
Makes: 30 pieces

1 package (17.3 ounces) Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets, thawed
6 tablespoons Garlic and Herb spreadable cheese, softened
8 slices Prosciutto or thinly sliced deli ham
30 medium Asparagus spears, trimmed

Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Unfold the pastry sheets onto a lightly floured surface. Spread 3 tablespoons cheese on each pastry sheet. Top each with 4 slices Prosciutto.

Tightly wrap 1 pastry strip around each Asparagus spear, Prosciutto side-in. Place the pastries seam-side down onto 2 baking sheets.
Bake for 15 minutes or until pastries are golden brown.

Harvest Stir-Fry

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil1 red bell pepper, cut in bite-size strips
1 cup pea pods, trimmed, cut in half
1 cup mandarin orange segments (fresh or canned, drained)
1 cup Ocean Spray 100% Juice or Light Fruit & Veggie Tropical Citrus
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup orange marmalade
2 tablespoons soy sauce
4 teaspoons corn starch
Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise; thinly slice crosswise. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat oil in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook and stir 3 minutes or until browned. Push to side of skillet. Add bell pepper and pea pods; cook 1 minute or until starting to soften. Stir in orange segments.

In medium bowl, mix juice, vinegar, marmalade, soy sauce and cornstarch. Stir into skillet. Cook until mixture boils; cook until thick and chicken is no longer pink. If desired, serve over hot cooked rice.

4 (1 cup) servings

GARDEN BERRY TRIFLE

INGREDIENTS:

1 3/4 cups Ocean Spray® 100% Juice or Light Fruit & Veggie Cranberry Strawberry Banana or Tropical Citrus
1 3-ounce package cook and serve vanilla pudding mix (not instant)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 small (7-ounce) angel food cake, cut in small cubes (approximately 6 cups)
3 cups sliced fresh strawberries and/or red raspberries

DIRECTIONS:

In 1 1/2-quart saucepan, mix juice and pudding mix. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and place piece of waxed paper directly on surface of pudding. Cool completely.

Whip cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.

In large glass bowl, layer half the cake cubes.* Top with half the berries. Spread half the pudding mixture over the berries; carefully spread half the whipped cream over pudding. Repeat layers. Garnish with additional berries if desired. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate 3 hours.

Makes 8 servings

*To make individual servings, layer dessert in individual parfait glasses in order listed above.

Cheers to Your Graduate!

2010-05-12T10:18:00.001-07:00

When throwing the perfect Graduation party, remember to decorate in school colors- what better way to incorporate school colors than to start with a fun signature cocktail!

The Cap N Gown:

1 750 ml bottle of Prosecco (or non-alcholic Sparkling Apple Cider), chilled
1 12 oz can of Aranciata (or substitute your favorite orange soda), chilled
1 12 oz can of Ginger Ale, chilled

Decorator's Sugar in School Colors:

1 Orange, cut into wedges, for rimming glasses
1/2 pint of Golden Raspberries, frozen
1 pint of fresh Pineapple chunks, frozenToothpicks in School Colors
First, prepare your glasses. Use small martini glasses or coupe champagne glasses. Pour decorator's sugar onto flat plates (one color per plate).

Cut a slit in an Orange wedge and run it around the rim of each glass, to coat the edge with juice (so the sugar will stick). The dip each glass halfway around the rim with each color of sugar.

Next, spear one Golden Raspberry and one Pineapple chunk on a colorful toothpick. Keep them frozen until you need them.
In a large pitcher, mix all the liquids, just before the party (to preserve bubbles!). Put one frozen fruit skewer in each glass, then pour in the bubbly mixture to 3/4 of the way to the top.

Cheers to your graduate!

For more fun party ideas:
ORDER FUN GRAD FACTS COCKTAIL NAPKINS FROM www.foryourparty.com
Again, choose school colors and personalize the napkins with an image of the school mascot, the GPA of your honoree, or stats about how many hours of study it took to get to this point.

CREATE A POLAROID YEARBOOK STATION
so everyone gets a chance to snap a picture with the graduate.
All you need is:
A Polaroid PoGo instant print camera Scrapbook pages or a pretty album or journal
Markers, stickers, etc. to personalize
A glue stick to mount the photos

Set up the station in a corner or against a wall and
encourage guests to take candid shots with the happy graduate.
Then, print them out and let guests paste them in the book, along with their well wishes.

Girlfriends Garden Get-together!

2010-05-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

Lilacs and sweets and drinks, oh my!

Check out my article in FIRST Magazine for tips on how to host the perfect
Best Friends Brunch using lilacs-
their fragrance and lush petals are spring personified.

A little spruce of lilac around a candle holder or napkin,
or as a centerpiece can spice up any table top.

Remember, it's the simple details that really make your table shine!

Easter Brunch on a Time & Budget Crunch!

2010-03-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

Want to throw a delicious Easter Brunch, but worry about time and money? Check out this segment with food and decorating tips on how to put together a wonderful Easter brunch on time and budget constraints.

Here's some of my favorite ideas to host the perfect stylish, and budget-friendly brunch:
1) Keep Things Simple: Use great ingredients that are easy to prepare.
2) Splurge on 1 or 2 quality ingredients to make the meal more special.
3) Shop your home for accessories- Find some old place-mats and napkins that you can bring back to life, or see things with a fresh, new eye, such as using a teapot as a vase, or potatoes as place-cards.
4) Use white dishes or glass bowls on the table when possible so the food will visually pop.

Happy Easter decorating- Enjoy!

Here are some great brunch recipes:

LILLET PEACH BRUNCH PUNCH
1 750 ml bottle sparkling wine (Prosecco or Cava are great and affordable)
1 ∏ cups Lillet
2 cups peach juice
1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
∏ pint blackberries and/or raspberries (optional)

Place fruit in pitcher. Add other ingredients and stir gently. Serve chilled in pretty glasses. Note: because this is a sparkling punch, you’ll want to add the sparkling wine right before serving, so if you like, prepare all the other ingredients earlier, then add the sparkling wine just before the party.

FRENCH TOAST SANDWICHES WITH RICOTTA AND ORANGE BLOSSOM HONEY
Serves 6

12 slices good bread (challah, brioche or other fluffy bread, sliced extra thick)
12 ounces fresh ricotta cheese
10 ounce jar Orange Blossom Honey
6 large eggs
1 tsp nutmeg
Butter or margarine for skillet and serving
Powdered sugar for garnish

Preheat oven to 250degrees.
Spread ricotta on all 12 slices of bread. Drizzle honey over the ricotta, then put bread slices together, ricotta/honey sides facing each other, to make 6 sandwiches.
Heat your skillet and add 2 tbs butter. Beat eggs and nutmeg lightly in a large mixing bowl. Dip sandwiches in egg/nutmeg mixture to coat.
Cook sandwiches in skillet until cheese melts and bread is golden brown. Keep sandwiches warm in the oven until you’re ready to serve, then finish with drizzles of honey and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

SKILLET POTATOES WITH BACON AND ONION
2 lbs baby potatoes (your favorite variety), halved
1 large yellow onion, diced
∏ lb bacon, cubed
2 tbs balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Boil the potatoes until fork tender but not over cooked. In the meantime, heat skillet and cook bacon until it starts to brown. Add onions to the pan and cook til onions are soft and translucent. Add potatoes and stir, letting the flavors come together. Add the balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Serve warm.

It's All Here in Black and White!

2010-03-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite party color trends this year is a fresh resurgence of black and white.

These vintage ribbons in black and white stripes, plaids

and toile are divine! from http://www.hymanhendler.com/

Use them to wrap bouquets, vases, or as elegant napkin

accents...

Check out these Pattern Victoria chairs with varying black botanical prints over sleek lucite. The effect: bohemian chic with a modern twist!from

http://www.taylorcreativeprops.com/

Below, CB2.com offers fabulous (and affordable) black and white cotton

print napkins that are perfect for home entertaining.

If you start with black and white as a foundation for your color story,

you can keep it sleek with mirrored accents and white candles/flowers

or you can hit it with a pop of color, such as red roses or hot pink peonies!

Taylor Creative also offers these elegant upholstered black armchairs (above), which are perfect for a lounge seating area or as a dramatic touch at a head table.

And they've recently added modern cube pedestal tables for cocktails or displays...

Mardi Gras!

2010-02-16T04:53:00.001-08:00

It's Fat Tuesday and time to infuse your cocktail hour with some classic New Orleans flavor.

Recently, the Sazerac was named the official cocktail of NOLA, and for good reason--it's like jazz in a glass!

It's a whisky-based libation, warm and sultry, perfect when served chilled, "up" in a cocktail glass with a twist of lemon.

Here are two recipes--the first is for the classic Sazerac. The second is my twist--a Sparkling Sazerac, which pairs champagne with a whisper of whisky for a festive effect!

Below the recipes, I've included suggestions for some great music to add to your Mardi Gras playlist.

Classic Sazerac
makes 4 cocktails

2 teaspoons simple syrup or superfine sugar
4 drops Peychaud's Bitters (order this online--it's from New Orleans)
4 drops Pernod or Absinthe
8 ounces bourbon or rye whisky
4 lemon twists for garnish

In a cocktail mixing glass, combine the syrup, bitters, and Pernod. Add a few ice cubes then pour in the whisky (or bourbon) and stir. Strain into a small cocktail or old fashioned glass. Rub the rim of the glass with the lemon twist and then garnish the drink with the twist.

Sparkling Sazerac
Makes 8 cocktails

This is a lighter, bubbly version of the Sazerac, great for an aperitif or brunch.

1 Recipe of Classic Sazerac (see above), but leave off the lemon
2 Tablespoons orange juice
8 orange twists for garnish
Gold decorator's sugar for garnish
1 750 ml bottle Champagne or sparkling wine

Make the above recipe for the Classic Sazerac, but leave off the lemon (we'll use orange instead).
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Rim the edge of 8 champagne flutes or coupes with the orange juice and dip each glass rim in the gold decorator sugar to create a "gold" edge.

Pour 1/8th of the Classic Sazerac mixture into each glass, then top off with Champagne and serve immediately.

MUSIC FOR YOUR MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION
Check out your favorite online music site to download MP3s of great Jazz and Zydeco music. Here are some of my picks for your party!

Buckwheat Zydeco, "Waitin' for My Ya Ya"
Clifton Chenier, "I'm Here!"
"Music of New Orleans Vol. 1" (available on iTunes)--this is a great compilation album of lots of great tunes to get your party started!

Valentine's Party Recipes

2010-02-10T13:55:00.001-08:00

If you are looking for food and drinks your guests will fall in love with,
try my quick quesadilla recipe from Simple Stunning Parties at Home
and my Cupid-friendly Cocktail: V-jito

Quick Quesadillas

Serves 8

½ cup canned refried beans
8 medium flour tortillas
¼ pound Monterrey Jack cheese, grated
¼ pound Cheddar cheese, grated
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh salsa, for serving
Sour cream, for serving

Spread refried beans on each of the tortillas. On 4
Tortillas, sprinkle enough of each cheese to cover
the tortilla, leaving a little space at the edge. Cover
with the remaining 4 tortillas, bean-side pressed
against the cheese. In a medium skillet on medium-
high heat, warm the olive oil, then cook the tortillas
one at a time until they’re golden brown on both
sides and the cheese is melted. Slice into quarters
and serve with fresh salsa on top and sour cream
on the side.

Cupid-friendly Cocktail: V-jito Punch

This is a delicious twist on a classic Mojito, made red by the addition of Lingonberry Juice!

3 parts Smirnoff Vodka Mojito Mix
1 part Lingonberry Juice
1 part sparkling wine
Juice of 2 limes
Lime rings for garnish
Pink decorator’s sugar for garnish

Mix the Mojito Mix, Lingonberry Juice and lime juice together in a punch bowl.
Rim rocks glasses with lime juice and decorator sugar.
Just before the party, add the sparkling wine, then ladle over ice and enjoy!

MY NEW BOOK!

2010-02-05T06:56:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it--

SIMPLE STUNNING BRIDE

will be in stores later this month!

This project was a total labor of love, designed to inspire brides to focus on inspiration and enjoyment. It's filled with gorgeous pictures from some of my favorite photographers and features expert beauty and fitness tips from celebrity artists and trainers, along with my advice on communication, staying organized, and managing the stress that can come with planning such an important celebration.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR COPY!

Smart & Sexy Picks for Valentine's Day 2010

2010-02-04T16:02:00.000-08:00

My friend, the lovely and stylish Christine Toner of

www.stoningtonpaperie.com,

turned me on to this fabulous V-Day gift idea that she helped design.

"It's All About Love" is a beautifully boxed collection of five fabulous

reads chosen by the book experts at JustTheRightBook.com

that celebrate love. Wrapped in the prettiest package along with a mini-box

of artisan chocolates, this captivating collection is sure to

be a gift that your Valentine will cherish long after the roses have faded.

The collection includes books that capture love in all of its dimensions:

"The Art of Kissing"
"Love Poems" (Everyman's Library Pocket Poets):

"Love Notes"

"Silk":

"My Mistress's Sparrow is Dead: Great Love Stories from Chekhov to Munro":

Plus... these goodies come with a mini-box of truffles by chocolatier Knipschildt!

Priced at $99 with free standard shipping,

"It's All About Love" is available online at http://www.JustTheRightBook.com/.

SUPER SUNDAY PARTY FOODS!

2010-02-04T15:56:00.000-08:00

I spent some time with WOR’s lovely Joan Hamburg on

her fabulous radio show today

and we talked about, what else? Super Bowl parties!

If you’re having friends over, check out some of my great,

easy recipes for game-friendly foods.

Click here for the recipes

Play Defense Against Fattening Snacks

2010-01-25T08:56:00.000-08:00

Everyone loves a great Super Bowl party,

but the snack choices can be so unhealthy!

Remember, playing defense against fattening snacks

is all about how you position your line-up.

Check out these tips on how to make healthier

choices at your Super Bowl party:

Host the PERFECT Golden Globes Party

2010-01-25T08:50:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder how to throw a fabulous Golden Globes Party?

Look no further.

Check out these tips for food, drinks, games,

and decorations that will make your home red carpet ready!

View more news videos at: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/video.

Great Tips for Winter Entertaining

2010-01-12T15:38:00.000-08:00

Check out these festive and fun winter entertaining tips!

Click here to watch the video:
New Year House Party - Better.tv - Better

Set up a home bar with drinks such as Lunetta Prosecco instead of expensive champagne, and

ALWAYS create a signature cocktail- I love using Ciroc to make a fabulous drink.

Every party also needs wonderful buffet, and supermarkets such as Whole Foods have great, budget-friendly prepared foods.

Why wait? Let's celebrate!

5 Simple Stunning Tips for the Holiday Host

2009-12-15T10:20:00.000-08:00

It's the most festive time of the year! Why not invite friends and family to celebrate the season with you? Here are a few tips to help you put together an easy, elegant holiday gathering. Cheers!

Narrow drink choices to make planning the party easy and more economical
Mark each guest's glass with a colorful mini-bow or use an assortment of glasses to avoid mix-ups
For a simple stunning twist or your party soundtrack, combine traditional music with new holiday offerings from your favorite artists
For decor, choose a fresh winter-inspired color palette for your party. Metallics and white are hot this year, so why not accent with bold reds or modern icy blues
Clear away clutter and move chairs away from your dining table so that guests can access food and drinks easily

One on One with Steve Adubato!

2009-12-11T10:34:00.001-08:00

Producer Whitney Pennington and I chatted after the interview

Yesterday I had so much fun taping
One on One with Steve Adubato. Steve is amazing! We chatted about
party planning, design, and celebrating more often.
Check back to find out when the segment will air.

Holiday dessert idea!

2009-12-11T07:26:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!
Need a great dessert idea for your Holiday Party?

Try my Pear Apple Crisp recipe from

Simple Stunning Parties at Home

Pear Apple Crisp

Serves 6

3 apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes

3 pears, peeled, cored, and cut nto 1-inch cubes

¾ cup brown sugar

¼ cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

¼ cup quick-cooking oats

¼ cup all-purpose flour

Pinch salt

Pinch cinnamon

4 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into small pieces

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Toss the fruit with ½ cup

of the brown sugar, the granulated sugar, and lemon juice.

Mix the remaining ¼ cup brown sugar and all other dry

ingredients together. Add the butter, working it with your hands

only until the ingredients begin to come together in a crumbly mixture.

Spoon the fruit mixture into 4-inch ramekins,

filling them about three-quarters full. Place the

ramekins on a baking tray to catch any overflow during cooking.

Sprinkle the topping over the fruit and bake the crisps

for approximately 25 minutes. If the topping browns too quickly,

cover the remekins with foil.

Serve warm, with vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Karen's Party Rescue with LXTV

2009-11-24T11:27:00.000-08:00

This past week, I teamed up with the marvelous and charming George Oliphant of LXTV to throw an art gallery-inspired party, with easy tips and inspirations for creating a fabulous celebration any time. Bar essentials, food presentation, gathering places, and decor ideas--the segment is full of fun info and ideas. Also, every great get-together needs some conversation pieces- check out the giant pig coffee table and life-sized horse lamp I used to accent the party. They were the life of the party and I daresay some FB photos of folks on/with the horse will show up somewhere!

View more news videos at: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/video.

Throw a SIMPLY Great Holiday Party!

2009-11-24T11:17:00.000-08:00

It's easy to throw a festive holiday party at home.

Check out my article in the Houston Chronicle for simple decorating tips to improve

your holiday parties- my favorite is clustering

inexpensive, unscented candles to create a festive ambiance!

Pratt Legends 2009

2009-11-24T11:06:00.001-08:00

What's better than a great party? How about a fabulous, eco-friendly, design forward gala honoring legends Patti Smith, Marc Jacobs, and David Rockwell? I created this gorgeous celebration on the 49th floor of 7 World Trade Center in a totally raw space. Every single thing you see in these photos was brought in for the party, so we made an effort to minimize our impact by choosing materials that are rented, reused, and recycled, while still being stunning.

Me with our events director Nicole Fazzini, on the Pratt Blue Carpet and Nicole, sporting radio and moving furniture during setup!

We created the Legends Lounge on the south side of the space--an after-dinner dessert space with a performance stage where Patti Smith sang some of her classics, wowing the crowd!

The beautiful space had views overlooking all of Manhattan and Brooklyn, and the recyclable, modern decorations all created a simple stunning atmosphere.

Local dahlias were used to make the centerpieces in collapsible "Vazus." To check out vazus, visit http://www.vazu-usa.com/

Serpentine and rectangular tables made the floor plan interesting and unique.

Words to work by!

Staying in is the New Going Out

2009-10-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

I had the incredible opportunity to celebrate Wedgwood's 250th anniversary in Washington D.C. with the amazing Jorge Perez. While there, I got to meet some fabulous, super-stylish bloggers, and dine at a 25 foot long table all set with Wedgwood's dramatic Dynasty pattern.

Remember, this year, staying in is the new going out! Create a great home bar, and start a party pantry with funky napkins, place-mats, and dish ware. Choose a theme, get fresh, in-season food, invite all of your friends, and ENJOY!

Check out some of the blogger's who attended the celebration for more at-home party tips:

SheKnows.com

MomInTheCity.com

HomeMakerHero.com

Food for Thought

2009-09-26T08:15:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody!

Check out this fun video for some great entertaining tips and some of my favorite party recipes. Why wait? Let's celebrate!

Keep it Cool at the End of Summer!

2009-08-19T04:26:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I’m taking you behind the scenes as I talk about hosting a keep it cool party for late summer!

The heat at the end of the summer can definitely put a damper on home entertaining; you may not want to slave for hours in the kitchen, and your guests may not want the typical "hot" party food, which is why I recommend throwing a "Keep it Cool" late summer party.

With awesome, chilly items such as

Edy's Slow Churned Yogurt Blends and

POM Wonderful juice,

your party is bound to be a "cool" hit!

I absolutely love this POMtiki Smash recipe-

it's delicious and a great addition to any hot summer day!

2 oz. POM Wonderful- 100% Pomegranate Juice
1 1/2 oz. Rum
1/2 oz. Orgeat or Almond Syrup
2 oz. Unsweetened Pineapple Juice

*Garnish with a pineapple wedge and mint sprig

Some of my favorite recipes for a late summer party from my latest book, Simple Stunning Parties at Home, are my Go-To Guacamole, Coconut Shrimp Ceviche, and Chocolate Abstracts (to decorate the delicious Edy's Slow Churned Yogurt Blends)

Go-To Guacamole
Serves 6

This is an instant homemade appetizer for any time. Serve it with a big bowl of good tortilla chips and Homemade Fresh Salsa or your favorite store-bought brand.

3 ripe Hass avocados
Juice of ½ lemon
Juice of 2 limes (1/4 cup)
2 tablespoons chopped green chilis (optional-use them if you like it spicy)
Salt and pepper

Peel and mash the avocados in a large mixing bowl. Squeeze the lemon juice over the avocados to keep it from browning. Stir in the lime juice and chilis, if you like (or serve the chilis on the side), and season with salt and pepper to finish.

Coconut Shrimp Ceviche
Makes 16 bite-sized “spoon” hors d’oeuvres or 4 appetizer portions

Traditional ceviche is made from raw seafood that is “cooked”

by the citric acid in lime and grapefruit juice.

I’ve suggested cooked shrimp for this recipe in case you’re pressed for time,

but you can use raw shrimp if you prefer.
I suggest canned grapefruit because any skin ruins the texture of the ceviche.

¾ pound shrimp, peeled, cooked, and chilled
½ cup lime juice
½ cup canned grapefruit sections, cut into quarters
¼ cup coconut milk
¼ cup finely diced picked jalapenos
2 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper

Chop the shrimp into small pieces. In a bowl, combine shrimp, lime juice, and grapefruit. If using raw shrimp, marinate for 40 minutes before adding the rest of the ingredients. Add the coconut milk and jalapenos and toss together. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the cilantro. Allow the mixture to marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator, then season with salt and pepper. Serve on Chinese soup spoons or regular tablespoons, garnished with the remaining cilantro leaves.

Chocolate Abstracts
Serves 6-8

The chocolate “abstracts” look very impressive and are easy things to make.

After you melt the chocolate, let it cool a little before making the abstracts. A plastic funnel will help you pour the chocolate into the squeeze bottle without making a mess.

4 ounces semisweet or dark chocolate chips
2 pints vanilla or coffee ice cream
¼ cup amaretto

Line a baking sheet that will fit in your freezer with parchment or wax paper. Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe container and microwave on medium for 20 seconds. Stir and return to microwave for another 10 seconds. Chocolate burns easily, so check and stir every 10 seconds until fully melted.

Pour the melted chocolate into a squeeze bottle. Squeeze the chocolate over the parchment paper, making abstract shapes. Leave a bit of space between each shape, for easy removal. Place the tray in the freezer for about 2 hours. Once the chocolate is set, use a spatula to remove it from the parchment. Chocolate abstracts may be stored for several days in the freezer between sheets of parchment paper.

When you are ready to serve dessert, scoop the ice cream into a bowl. Top with one of the chocolate decorations. Serve immediately, splashing amaretto over the ice cream at the table.

Throwing the Perfect Picnic!

2009-08-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

Last Wednesday, I had the awesome opportunity to spend my morning picnicking with weatherman Mike Woods in Central Park on GOOD DAY NY!

The day couldn't have been more beautiful- and more fun.

Picnics are one of my favorite ways to enjoy a sunny day,
so here are some of my easy-to-do tips, enjoy!

- Remember to always be environmentally friendly- I love recycled plates and utensils from Whole Foods, and Verterra flatware, which are made from fallen leaves! Vazu vases are also a great way to decorate, they re-usable, easily packable, and stylish.

- When picnicking in a group, get already prepared food! DINOSAUR BBQ is delicious, and one of my personal favorites! Whole Foods also has a great selection of both produce and prepared foods.

- If picnicking for two, feel free to splurge a little! Bouchon Bakery has great tote bags filled with food (Either breakfast or lunch/snacks).

Not everything has to be already prepared, however, and
I love making some easy, tasty treats to bring along.

One of my favorites is my MUDDLED BERRY LEMONADE:
Serves 6-8

Try to get the best raspberries. Their tart sweetness will work beautifully with the lemonade.

1 cup fresh raspberries, rinsed and dried

1 cup fresh strawberries, tops removed, halved

1 handful fresh mint leaves, stems removed

1/2 gallon (64 ounces) sweetened pink lemonade (or substitute regular)

In the bottom of a pitcher, muddle the raspberries, strawberries, and mint leaves with a wooden spoon. Add the lemonade and stir. Serve over ice in sugar-rimmed glasses.

CHECK OUT THE SEGMENT:

2009-07-17T08:25:00.000-07:00

Looking for tips to spice up your summer barbecue? Check out my article on the Daily News about hosting a budget friendly evening with great food, drink, and decor ideas!

Learn what's in season, and in style, for your summer get-together, and ENJOY!

Click here to see the article!

Check Out My Fabulous 4th of July Ideas on epicurious.com

2009-06-18T09:07:00.000-07:00

Independence Day is only 2 weeks away--why not host a fantastic bbq at your place, with some great food and fresh décor ideas for the 4th! I'm the guest entertaining expert on epicurious.com, so Check out the recipes here. I put together a menu of tasty, simple dishes like chicken and ribs on the grill accompanied by My Sweet & Tangy Barbecue Sauce.

These dishes are all great for a backyard get-together or a picnic in the park! Happy celebrating and happy birthday, America!

La Petite Blog features Karen's New Book!

2009-06-18T09:01:00.001-07:00

Check out this great article from La Petite Blog which features four great books on entertaining, including Simple Stunning Parties at Home!

We've been so busy producing gorgeous events over the last few weeks--I promise I'll put up some great photos very soon!

Until then, have a party, and invite me!

Real Wedding: Nadia and Amit

2009-06-01T19:29:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few moments from the wedding of two of my close friends. The bride's mother brought us back traditional saris from Bangladesh to wear to the ceremony...there were three days of festivities, beginning with the Gai Holud, which is a light-hearted gathering for family and friends.

The photo below shows guests applying turmeric to the bride and groom's faces, a tradition that dates back to ancient times when turmeric was used as an ingredient in beauty rituals. We "beautified" our already gorgeous couple, and then fed them sweets from bountiful trays and bowls that were set out before them.

The groom rode in on a white horse...

The bride, accompanied by her own drumline...

Quite a bridal entrance, no? Nadia is dressed in the traditional Bengali colors, orange and green, and she wore flower garlands around her neck and on her hands, along with the mehndi or henna tattoos on her hands and feet.

More photos to come!

Good Fun with the Guys at Good Day Dallas!

2009-05-30T12:31:00.000-07:00

I was in Dallas last week for the wedding of two of my very close friends, and while I was in town I stopped by Good Day Dallas to talk about budget-friendly entertaining ideas. In spite of having to get up at 5am after the wedding ended at 1:30am, it was a blast!

Watch the video here!

These are photos of me with all the guys from the station. They get up at 3:00 in the morning every day to bring Dallas the latest news and they do it with a smile!!! Thanks guys!!!

Design Sample--Hamptons Beach Club Wedding

2009-05-30T11:30:00.000-07:00

For every party we create, our team produces a "design sample" to give clients the opportunity to approve and/or edit each element on the tabletop. For this wedding, the bride wanted a kind of easy elegance in the tablescape. We created three different versions of this type of arrangement, so that at the party, the room will have texture and light on many levels. This is a photo of the design sample meeting, which in our case, takes place about a month before the wedding. Isn't the color story beautiful?

I love the blowsy blue and green hydrangeas paired with the more exotic orchids, and the submerged woven steel grass in the vase adds an oceanic vibe.

We based our color story around a very chic, muted khaki pintuck tablecloth in taffeta, and added an amber goblet as an accent to the club's simple, but lovely glassware.

To add more interest at eye-level, we nestled resin (ecofriendly) coral, vases filled with white blooms, and blown glass votives in varying patterns, as well as taller floating candles. There's no such thing as too many candles! The effect will be breezy and effortless, and the addition of just a few of these tall pieces within the room will work beautifully with the soaring ceilings in the club. The verdict: everyone loved it! Can't wait for the wedding!

The bottom line: if you're planning a big, important celebration such as a wedding, make sure to include a design sample meeting in your contract. This way, you'll make sure everyone is on the same page, you'll have a chance to voice concerns or just approve the overall design, and you'll avoid surprises on the big day!

On the Air with Radio Legend Joan Hamburg

2009-05-30T11:17:00.000-07:00

Joan Hamburg is AMAZING. She's one of those rare people who knows so much about so many topics, and is passionate to discuss and share what she knows. I have been a huge fan for years, so when she invited me to join her on the air at a remote live broadcast of her show on WOR, I jumped!

We talked about flowers, weddings, parties, and the recipes in my new book.

Listen to the interview here, and check out the recipe for My Tropical Rose Sangria, which is perfect for summer barbecues and al fresco dinner parties! Cheers!!

Baby Shower in Bloom--Fresh Ideas!

2009-05-30T10:56:00.001-07:00

I was asked to design a simple, at-home baby shower recently. Now as everyone knows, I love a theme, and I was inspired to think "in miniature" for all the party elements. We envisioned the mom-to-be and all her friends and family gathered in the living room around a big coffee table, so instead of a big centerpiece, I created "baby bottles in bloom"! This idea was not only fun and fresh--it was budget-friendly, too. I bought colorful baby bottles and sippy cups and filled them with flowers in bright yellow (baby's gender is still a surprise).

If you look closely, you'll also see that I added tiny bumble bees on wires to the vases, for a whimsical touch that also coordinated with our color story.

We had twenty guests at the party, so we made twenty unique arrangements of just a few flowers each, and ladies took them home at the end of the night. Aren't they festive? I gave the tops of the bottles to the chef to place on hors d'oeuvres trays as a fun accent.

And speaking of hors d'oeuvres, we served everything in miniature. Bite-sized "piglets in blankets," mini, mouthwatering, melted croque monsieurs, and tiny fruit tarts, for example.

In the entrance foyer, I arranged a display of simple flowers (just one type in each vase), and nestled gifts for baby here and there. Stuffed Pooh Bears, receiving blankets, and some wonderful books, like Shel Silverstein's "The Giving Tree" which always makes me cry.

To personalize the party, we displayed photos of the mom-to-be when SHE was an adorable baby... and of course we organized games, such as "Name the Baby Animal" and "Guess How Many Animal Crackers are In the Jar." We gave out DVDs of "Knocked Up," "Mamma Mia," and "Baby Mama" as prizes. So much fun!!!

Summer Entertaining Ideas on Woman's Day Radio

2009-05-30T10:46:00.000-07:00

Have you checked out Woman’s Day Radio yet? It's a really cool daily program that features a different topic each day. Money, food, fashion, you name it!

I recently chatted with fabulous editor Annemarie Conte on the "In the Kitchen" show about ideas for summer entertaining. We talked about setting up a party pantry, saving money, what to serve for a party, and just having more fun in general! Listen to the podcast here!

Harper's Bazaar Names Simple Stunning Parties as Their Pick for Mother's Day!

2009-05-04T20:45:00.000-07:00

This is really a dream come true. Harper’s Bazaar , the most fun fashion magazine ever, picked Simple Stunning Parties at Home as a great find for Mother's Day. If you have a mom who likes to entertain, or if you fancy yourself a home party host, I hope you'll check it out! It has recipes for great food and drinks for cocktail gatherings, casual suppers, dinner parties, and more, plus decor ideas and inspiration--even playlists you can download to suit your mood. Order your mom's copy (and one for yourself) here...

Book Launch at Bloomingdale's in NYC

2009-04-30T18:46:00.001-07:00

Wow! What a night. Bloomingdale’s threw me an amazing party to celebrate the launch of SIMPLE STUNNING PARTIES AT HOME, and fabulously stylish photographer Roey Yohai stopped by to document the festivities--Roey, thank you so much for these beautiful pictures! With me above is KB Events Director (and all around wizard) Nicole Fazzini. We are still reliving the drama, the fun, and the behind-the-scenes stories of making this book come to life. Can you imagine we got to go "shopping" in Bloomingdale's for Versace china and Faberge martini glasses to borrow for the parties we created? Dreamy!

At the party, celebrity chef Francois Payard's catering team, Tastings by Payard, prepared bite-sized versions of recipes from my book, like the shrimp ceviche you see here. Isn't the presentation lovely on the white spoons?

They also served my scallop amuse-bouches with creme fraiche and caviar...which we paired with crisp, delicious, festive (and budget-friendly) Lunetta Prosecco.

The Bloomingdale's visual team created tables inspired by the parties in the book, like my Global Potluck Supper

and my Ladies' Zen Night get-together

A big thank-you to everyone who came out to celebrate with me, and a special mention to my book photographer, William Geddes, who brought all the parties to life in vibrant color. Hope you get a chance to check out the book and let me know what you think. Cheers!

Ribbons of Inspiration

2009-04-08T21:13:00.000-07:00

I love ribbon, don't you? Whether it's tucked neatly around a beautiful linen napkin or accenting a vase or package, gorgeous ribbon adds something so special. And there is no more amazing ribbon source than the 107-year old ribbon emporium on 38th Street in Manhattan--Hyman Hendler. I tried to call information for their phone number today and couldn't get it. I almost panicked thinking they had succumbed to the economic downturn but thankfully, I was wrong and it was just the 411 service that was lacking. I went there in person and was, as always, delighted at the inspiration I found on spool after spool.

I purchased just two yards of fabric to accent vases for a centerpiece, but while I was there I saw so many pretty ribbons, in gros grain and satin and velvet. These are antique ribbons, many made in France or other far-away places, and all more special than anything you can find at any craft store.

They now have a website. http://www.hymanhendler.com/

RECIPE: Rustic Lasagna al Forno

2009-02-10T10:37:00.000-08:00

It's comfort food season, and there's no better comfort food, for a party or just dinner (and leftovers!) than my delicioso Rustic Lasagna al Forno.

This lasagna can be made up to two days ahead, or you can make the sauce ahead and then assemble the lasagna when you’re ready. It gets better overnight! The sauce is a great meat sauce for any kind of hearty pasta—rigatoni, linguine, spaghetti, bucatini, for example—and can be made in large batches and frozen. It’s important to get the best quality ricotta and parmesan cheese—try a greenmarket or local purveyor of fine cheeses, for example. Also, the canned whole peeled tomatoes, when broken up into pieces, make the sauce more rustic.

This recipe will fill a 9X12 or 13 pan (I prefer a glass or foil baking dish) and will serve 8-10 people. Serve with garlic bread and a simple salad, and don’t forget the Chianti!

FOR THE RUSTIC MEAT SAUCE:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 ½ lbs organic ground beef (or can substitute organic ground turkey for all or part)
1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 28 ounce can whole peeled tomatoes
¼ cup roasted sweet red peppers (get the kind in a jar), chopped
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes (optional if you like a little spice)
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

In a large, deep skillet or stock pot, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the ground meat, season with salt and pepper, and brown. Transfer the ground meat to a plate lined with paper towels, and discard the extra fat in the pan, leaving just enough to coat the bottom of the pan.

Add the chopped onion to the pan and sweat till translucent (two or three minutes). Add the ground meat back to the pan with the onions. Add both cans of tomatoes, using a spoon or your hand to crush the whole peeled tomatoes as you add them to the sauce. Add the red peppers, garlic, and oregano. Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer over medium low flame for about 15-20 minutes, adding just a pinch of salt, until the flavors start to come together. Add the balsamic, sugar and hot red pepper flakes (if using), and stir in the parmesan cheese. Taste again for salt and add to your preference. Set the sauce aside.

FOR THE LASAGNA:

4 cups fresh ricotta cheese
2 egg yolks
1 recipe Rustic Meat Sauce (above)
9 ounces (or one small box) of lasagna noodles (I prefer the oven-ready/no-boil variety if you’re not making fresh pasta)
1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese
1 ½ cups grated parmesan cheese

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the fresh ricotta cheese and egg yolks. Set aside.

Spoon a small amount of meat sauce onto the bottom of your baking dish, to keep the noodles from sticking. Add a layer of lasagna noodles to your pan—it’s ok if they overlap slightly. Spoon 1/3 of the meat sauce on top of the noodles. Dollop 1/3 of the ricotta mixture on top of the sauce, distributing dollops evenly across pan. Sprinkle 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella over the sauce and ricotta layers, then finish this first layer with 1/3 of the parmesan cheese.

Starting with another layer of lasagna noodles, repeat all steps twice, till you have a total of three layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese (not counting the small amount of sauce on the bottom of the pan). Cover the lasagna loosely with foil (the ricotta may rise a bit during baking), and place the pan on a cookie sheet in the center of your oven. Cook for approximately 50 minutes covered, then uncover and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden brown.

Remove from the oven, re-cover with foil, and let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. Buon appetito!

Join me on Facebook!

ARE YOU GAME FOR A PARTY?

2009-01-21T06:50:00.000-08:00

Getting motivated to kick off a superbowl (or other sports-themed) party?

Click here to check out a site that offers inexpensive sports ticket invitations, with a quick turnaround time at a great price.

You can color coordinate your tix to match your team colors...now GO TEAM!

Finding your perfect wedding venue

2009-01-13T14:39:00.000-08:00

For all those couples who just got engaged and spent the holidays drinking champagne and celebrating, now's the time when you may have started thinking about dates and places. I truly believe that finding the right setting is the most important choice you'll make about your whole celebration. Why? Because where you celebrate influences how you celebrate.

What I mean is, place creates mood. So your party mood at a black tie reception in a country club or at a historic mansion will undoubtedly be different than a clambake on the beach. You'll eat different foods, dress differently, and just feel different.

Left is a very downtown reception I designed at Pipa restaurant... the space itself is casual, sexy, and spicy, just like the party!

Above, you can see the grand scale of the Puck Building ballroom, which set the stage for glamorous designs and oversized elements...and an outdoor reception on the lawn at Wave Hill in the Bronx.

The point is, before you dive into looking at the overwhelming number of different wedding venue choices, think about the mood you want to create. Make a list of adjectives that describe how you want your wedding to feel. "Casual and carefree," "Modern and Minimalist," "Classic and elegant..." choose words that will help define your priorities, look in travel and interior design magazines for inspiration--if you can find words and images that capture the spirit of what you want, you can much more easily target finding your perfect place to celebrate. Happy hunting! I love to hear from couples about great venues, so definitely let me know if you've found your ideal setting, or challenges you came up against in seeking a venue.

Elementally speaking

2009-01-09T11:28:00.000-08:00

For me, the inspiration for creating a party comes first from the chosen setting. From there I can bring the desired mood to life with color, texture, and details. In this natural environment, with its backdrop of green hills and trees, I focused on combining lights and darks in a neutral palette, adding pops of vibrant seasonal blossoms.

Dark rustic charger plates were accented with hand lettered river stones bearing each guest's name. Those served two purposes--a wonderful personal touch and a weight to keep linen napkins from blowing away in the breeze.

More than 100 windchimes hung from an arbor of willow we created at the tent entrance--the sound was so pretty in the breeze, as guests walked down to dinner from cocktails up at the house. Each windchime had a card with a guest's name and table number attached, and the chimes were offered as favors, since the honoree was a serious music lover.

At night the tent glowed with silk lamps we hung over every table, to give the space a more intimate feeling...

When you're thinking about your own party, consider the mood you want to create, and choose a setting that has at least hints of your desired ambiance. Then accent with color, texture, and a few surprises to delight the invited. Why wait? Let's celebrate!

I love long tables!

2009-01-07T02:15:00.000-08:00

This feast table was set in a tent in the summertime. Duppioni silk tablecloth, a modular centerpiece of greens, deep burgundies and chocolates, and a giant green chrysanthemum at every place setting.

I designed this vibrant, crisp Thanksgiving scene for Food & Wine magazine...

A loft wedding in NYC where every guest sat at the head table, which was nearly 100 feet long!

So many people tell me that for a party, they think round tables are better than long rectangles for conversation. I don't agree. In fact, whereas a standard round table for 8-10 people in a banquet or party facility is generally 60" or so in diameter, a long table might be only 36" wide, bringing you 2 feet closer to the folks you like. Unless you'd rather be farther away...hmmmm.

Sneak Peak at My New Book!

2009-01-02T12:01:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

I am really excited because I've just finished my newest book, SIMPLE STUNNING PARTIES AT HOME. It's due out in May and if you've seen my Simple Stunning Weddings series, I'm continuing the vibe with this new cooking and entertaining book. It has 75 of my recipes for delicious food and drinks, plus 12 complete party plans, and great tips for stocking your home party pantry and bar.

You can preorder your copy now so you'll be the first to get it!

To help you kick off the new year right, here's a recipe for one of the 10 cocktails I think every great host should know how to make. It's called a Dark & Stormy, and although it originated in Bermuda it's perfect for spicing up a wintry night! Make sure you get ginger beer rather than ginger ale--it really makes a difference, adding a layer of spice and complexity to the drink.

Dark & Stormy
Makes 1 cocktail

2 ounces dark rum, such as Gosling's
Juice of 1/2 lime
4 ounces ginger beer

Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour the rum and lime juice into the glass, then add the ginger beer and stir to incorporate. Cheers to a great 2009!

Holiday Fun on the Today Show

2008-12-30T10:14:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had a great time partying and sipping Prosecco Punch on the Today Show with gorgeous Hota Kotb and heartthrob Robert Buckley from Lipstick Jungle!

For those of us who've decided to ring in 2009 at home, I created a "frugalicious" New Year's Eve party--drinks, dinner, dessert, and decor for 6 people for under $100. Watch the segment.

And check out my “frugalicious” New Year’s Eve recipes: Prosecco Punch, Mini Smoked Salmon Sandwiches with Horseradish Cream, Fettucine with Seared Sea Scallops and Prosecco Cream, and Coffee Ice Cream with Chocolate "Abstracts" and Liqueur.

What is "frugalicious"?
In a frugalicious world, less really can be more. We can spend less and get more for our money. How? It's all about developing an eye for quality and learning how to maximize that quality for sumptuous, smart results. One example: my Prosecco Punch, which stretches a great bottle of bubbly two and a half times AND makes a delicious signature cocktail.

You can be a frugalicious fashionista, a frugalicious home decorator, or a frugalicious hostess--keep your eye on my blog for more frugalicious ideas on food and home entertaining!

Inspiring Gifts

2008-11-24T11:27:00.000-08:00

Last week at the Women's Leadership Exchange Summit here in New York City, I met Mary Schnack, founder of Up from the Dust.

(http://www.upfromthedust.com/)

Up from the Dust showcases beautiful handcrafted items from women artisans in Kenya, Guatemala, Mexico, India, Pakistan, and other countries. There are embroidered table linens and pillows, gorgeous necklaces, even some ecofriendly pieces like handbags made from soda can pop-tops and stunning bowls made from leftover cable. Yes, cable!

Mary, who is a communications expert, was part of the relief effort in Rwanda in 1994, and now lectures all over the globe. During her travels, local women artists would bring her their wares, and she found a business in helping them to create entrepreneurial opportunities for themselves.

Check out the site for holiday gifts or one-of-a-kind accessories for bridesmaids or mothers. I'm inspired by Mary and by the talents and resourcefulness of the women of the world!

Saving Money on Your Dream Wedding

2008-11-19T13:04:00.000-08:00

Has your wedding planning been affected by the current economic crisis?

I've been getting plenty of calls and emails from couples who are looking for ways to save money while still having the beautiful celebration they want to create.

Today I spoke with WOR Radio host and fellow wedding expert Joan Hamburg to share some tips and tricks for economizing with simple stunning style.

Check out the webpage they created--you can listen to the interview and read more of my strategies for easy ideas to make your wedding planning easier on your wallet!

http://wor710.com/pages/3344881

Cheers to your simple stunning celebration!

Welcome to Karen's Blog!

2007-11-13T11:21:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

I'm so excited to be starting my blog -- can't wait to share ideas and inspiration for all your parties and home entertaining!

I'll be pointing out my favorite products, resources, and ideas, and letting you know about fun stuff that's coming up...

Hope you can join us here in New York City on December 6th at Bloomingdale's flagship store for their "Etiquette Brunch" which I'll be hosting to celebrate my new book, SIMPLE STUNNING WEDDING ETIQUETTE. I'll post all the details here as soon as I know more.