It's All Here in Black and White!

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...

Ribbons of Inspiration

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/