A Botanical Baby Shower

It was a real treat to collaborate with so many talented women who make so many beautiful thing and to combine our strengths to make an extra special Baby Shower for the lovely Stephanie Schur, owner of the incredible flower shop Botany.  Tastemaker Jenni Kayne shot the party for her blog and gathered all of the details, from florals to tabletop to recipes and more, and you should def check them all out on Rip Plus Tan!  It's such a joke that I think I know so many people when really I just admire their work and charming lives via Instagram (follow me!!).  Pathetic!  This party was a great chance to put voices to the faces and see their work up close.   Stephanie has a really pretty, soft and natural sense of style, which set the tone for the day.  The florals from Botany were beyond, lush with dahlias and queen anne's lace (a personal favorite).  My menu was inspired by the end of summer and the fact that Stephanie's a vegetarian.  Plus we both shared the fantasy of an over the top dessert display. Task accomplished.  I'm always excited when I get the chance to work with the amazing team at Casa de Perrin because their array of pretty table top things really makes the table soar - they have that perfect eye.  And photographs of Simone Le Blanc's custom gift giving business are always intriguing but the thoughtful quilting activity she created for Stephanie's shower truly blew me away (details on Rip Plus Tan!!).  So luxurious.  Yet so authentic.  I love celebrations and this was the perfect occasion for a good one - an especially pretty one.

The Menu

Sips

farmers market bellini bar

peach, pluot, blackberry, strawberry & fig

pimm's cup

pimm's no. 1, cucumber, strawberry, ginger, lemon

moroccan mint iced tea

cherry lemonade

Snacks

fresh corn shortcakes with creme fraiche & chives

wild mushroom, ricotta & thyme flatbread

To Start

chilled corn soup with avocado creme

pesto, artichoke & burrata tartine

curried egg salad with roast tomato tartine

To Share

stone fruit, arugula & marcona almond salad with sherry vinaigrette

nicoise sale with haricots verts, cherry tomatoes, fingerling potatoes, capers & olives

farro salad with toasted hazelnuts, kale, pecorino & lemon

grilled vegetable platter with eggplant, zucchini, summer squash & red peppers

Sweet

raspberry pistachio eton mess

strawberry shortcakes with buttermilk biscuits & sweetened cream

lavender shortbread

cherry almond crumb bars

chocolate chip cookies with sea salt

meyer lemon olive oil cake

old fashioned chocolate cake

naked layer cake with almond buttercream, cherries & toasted almonds

A Floral Birthday Dinner

A great party has a high impact moment.  For this intimate birthday dinner, the amazing Maurice of Bloom and Plume created said moment with a colorful hanging garden.  A true artist, Maurice is so fun to work with because he always brings a creative, unique perspective to the visual story of the party.  Since the flowers and bistro lights created such a festive atmosphere, I aimed to match that energy with a playful dinner menu.  Guests started with Greg's delicious cocktails (the grilled peach old-fashioned is a new favorite) and yummy snacks such as b.l.t. filled cherry tomatoes.  After a summery salad, we served some crowd favorites: buttermilk fried chicken with creamed corn, wilted greens, tomatoes and french fries (the best!).  A great night, made special by a series of thoughtful toasts to the birthday girl, was one I was happy to be a part of.

The Menu

Sips

cucumber mint gimlet

ginger margarita

summer old-fashioned

Snacks

b.l.t. stuffed cherry tomatoes

dungeness crab with stoneground mustard on little gems

To Start

market lettuces, speck, grilled peaches, burrata, marcona almonds & basil vinaigrette

To Share

buttermilk fried chicken 

creamed corn

wilted kale with chili & garlic

heirloom tomatoes with sea salt

french fries

Sweet

dark chocolate pots de creme

confetti birthday cake

Une belle fete pour une belle fille

This party makes me happy.  Throwing a birthday brunch for my dear friend Ahna truly reminded me what entertaining at home is all about.  First, it's about an occasion.  This was a chance to bring a great group of girls together to celebrate our amazing friend.  I focused on a few thoughtful touches to celebrate the guest of honor.  Because Ahna has turned us all on to incredible astrologers and healers, this was our chance to give back.  A few ladies pitched in to hire a tarot card reader to do readings for all of the guests throughout the party--super fun (not to mention a great conversation piece!).  And what a perfect opportunity to serve a few of her favorites: crepes complete, French pastries, and chocolate (all made in advance!!).  Because I kept the menu simple, I had time to play with flowers, which was enjoyable (rather than stressful!), as I wasn't trying to get a million things done.  The control freak in me let go and accepted help from good friends who brought the almond croissants (thanks Court!), helped set the table (thanks Jen!), and even assembled the hors d'oeuvres (Julianna you're the best!!).  Because I was relaxed, I felt present and really enjoyed myself amongst friends. As did the rest of the girls.  It's not about fuss or getting it all right, it's about bringing people together.  Thanks Ahna for being a wonderful and inspiring reason to throw a fete.

The Menu

Sips

pink champagne

Snacks

brillat-savarin, grapes, persimmon, fig jam & baguette

gravlax, creme fraiche & dill on toast points

To Share

ham & cheese crepes with bechamel & chives

stirred eggs with chanterelles & herbs

grapefruit, fennel & avocado

bibb lettuce with shallots & champagne vinaigrette

almond croissants, chocolate hazelnut spread & raspberry currant jam

Sweet

flourless chocolate birthday cake with whipped cream

cafe au lait