Countdown to the 138th Kentucky Derby…
The most exciting three minute race in sports.
Join us for the big race – and help A Perfect Event support University of
Chicago, Kovler Diabetes Center at the Run for the Roses at Rockit Burger
Bar today, in Wrigleyville, from 3-6 pm.
Less than an hour to go…so get your hats and juleps ready.
I ask you, could you not simply kick back, and while away the hours perched right here, in this perfect backyard oasis paradise?
Toes warmed on chilly spring nights in front of the blazing firepit, a la my favorite Beaver Creek ski chalet?
That’s what guests are about to do, for the entire evening, St. Germain cocktail in hand.
All while nibbling and noshing on decadent hors d’oeuvres from George Jewell Catering are passed about on silver platters.
Now that’s what I call an enchanted evening.
Dena’s herb and veg garden just outside her kitchen window and door is filled with everything you can possibly imagine…
and it’s only May 4.
We are up in la lovely Lake Forest for a…
You would GUESS photo shoot judging by this sneak peek.
But never judge a book by it’s cover.
(Ok – guilty. Totally buy almost every single book purely for it’s cover.
And while we’re at it, wine too.)
But this, tonight, only LOOKS photo shoot swoon worthy.
It is in fact one of my favorite client homes , and tonight we throw an inspired, enchanted garden party.
Get ready!
We are up to our ears in gorgeous this week.
Big, bright, beautiful May flowers, to be specific.
How ’bout you?
Here’s a sneak peek of one of our four designs inside one of the Gourmet
Kitchens of the North Shore Tour homes in Winnetka…
Glorious, gotta have ‘em, peachy pink Parrot Tulips, designed in a silver
julep cup, ontop a vintage silver tray.
We had so much fun watching the homeowner’s reaction, as she ooh-ed and
ah-ed moving from room to room around her house, when we completed the four
vignettes…
It was like Christmas morn.
We simply cannot get enough – we can’t WAIT to see what tomorrow brings, as
hundreds descend upon our themed summer entertaining vignettes in parlor,
dining room, kitchen…and more!
Stay tuned.
I have a new obsession.
This Donut Bar made me swoon tonight.
And let me share a secret…
I don’t even like donuts.
Never have.
I blame Taylor, caterer extraordinaire at The Waldorf Astoria Chicago.
She threw a Tasting Party tonight, in the gorgeous French inspired Hemingway Room, and let me just say – she blew the roof off.
From champagne…
to Blackberry Mojitos…
to the Mini Lobster Rolls…
to the Tuna Sashimi…
to the Scallop Risotto Bar…
to the Ceviche Bar…
to this.
Pistache Mini Donuts.
Creme Brulee Mini Donuts.
Boston Creme Pie Mini Donuts.
Divine.
And guess what?
Guess what one of my favorite party details is in our new book, A Perfect Event?
Our mini donut and milk shots bar, from the most gorgeous Pebble Beach party on the Pacific at sunset that you have EVER seen.
Don’t forget to grab your copy, on amazon or barnesandnoble.com.
It’s coming up roses!
We are putting the finishing touches on our WGN Derby Days segment tomorrow
morning, live at 8:45.
Vintage loving cups, filled with massed bright, beautiful romantic Roses
are the perfect Derby Day decor.
Tune in tomorrow morning, and watch menu ideas, cocktails, and so much more
come to life!
We are off…
And running.
Derby Party Day on WGN is tomorrow at 8 am – join us for a tune in, won’t you?
We have all you need to throw the perfect Derby Party – including these major "silks" pennant tags, so guests can choose their horse as they arrive.
Look for free printables tomorrow morning on our blog – so you can throw your own big, beautiful bash this weekend.
Stay tuned – oh so much more to come.
Friends – May is upon us – and what does that mean?
Derby Day!
I grew up loving horses.
Couldn’t get ENOUGH of horses.
My grandpa, the country large animal vet, had a shadow when I visited him
in Ohio.
And he had Shetland ponies on his farm, where I fell in love with ponies -
ontop of the horse crush.
For years I said I would buy a horse before I would buy a car.
When I graduated college, for the very first time I road tripped with
roommates to Louisville, and did the Derby.
It was AMAZING.
Well, fast forward dozens of years, and city living later, and you can just
say The Kentucky Derby, in all it’s glory, now rises to the top of party
themes.
So, this week is a BIG week, bien sur.
And look what JUST arrived!
Roses in every possible hue to arrange in silver loving cups, trophies,
julep cups…and we’re just getting started.
Tune into WGN Wednesday, May 2nd at 8 am for our Derby Party planning tips
and tricks, and to learn all about our big, beautiful Kentucky Derby
Celebration Event with our favorite neighbor, Rockit Burger Bar in
Wrigleyville.
From one party, to the next.
Just another typical Saturday at the studio.
Tonight we jump from the floral fantasy of a 50th Fete head first into our marvelous May parties.
First up on our production calendar this weekend:
A Perfect Pair: A Craft Beer + Farm Goose Island event in just a few weeks, May 17th.
We all know and love their Lincoln Park brews, but have you tried their newly crafted farm to table catering menus?
A-mazing.
We will fill long, sixteen foot farmhouse dining tables with metallic and glitter dip dyed canning jars in every possible size and shade – filled with flickering candles, paired (get it?) with our favorite romantic, ruffled fresh florals.
We are thrilled to be paired with our friends at Be U Weddings – who designed the most spectacular metallic copper letterpress invitation – be sure to take a peek on facebook.
And make your reservations now, bien sur.
Counting down…even from the hallowed, late night hardware aisles of Home Depot.
