DIY Skirts

Here is an unwritten rule about being a woman and working in special events...you cannot be scene in the same outfit twice. Sounds superficial, and I am sure there are people who disagree with this but ultimately, it's the truth. Why else do women wake up earlier than they need to in the morning? They do this to allow enough time to browse their wardrobe and put together a new outfit combination. Or if you're like me, you stay up later in the evening to find a new combination. It is also the same reason why women buy a new dress before a dinner party, or a date, or an important meeting. However, in reality, most women can't afford to ensure that they are never scene wearing the same outfit twice. What to do, what to do?

Well lately, I have been thinking about sewing. Not only sewing clothing but hand bags, tablecloths, draping, napkins, invitations. Everything! And recently I came across a tutorial on how to sew your own skirt from Grosgrain. This tutorial is fantastic and - dare I type - easy?!?!? Now, not only do I want to go out and buy a sewing machine but I want to become a fashion designer. Okay, I am not going to give up my day job but sewing could be both practical for my career while also developing into a fun addition to my hobbies. One of my new goals is to sew my own linens for Lauren Daversa Events.

Look at the skirts featured on Grosgrain which were sewn in under half an hour. The blog is filled with tutorials, inspiration and possibly the solution for women everywhere on how to never be scene wearing the same outfit twice!

Inspirational Chandeliers

I am not sure what is going on but I am on a lighting kick today. In the past, I've written about how amazing Twitter is. Recently, I've chatted with Chandeliera who owns a website that showcases a stunning range of chandeliers to exquisitely illuminate and luxuriously decorate your home. Or in my case, events! Chandeliera has handpicked a gorgeous selection of chandeliers available online from quality retail outlets. They also have an inspiration gallery if you need some ideas. It's a great source of different chandeliers and interior creations. So check them out!

Affordable Spotlights

Lighting can make or break any event. May times, it is left out of events because the cost can be very expensive. But it doesn't have to be. There are a lot of DIY projects that can bring all the drama without taking all of your bucks. For instance, Jamali Garden, one of my favorite companies, has a set of 3, Acolyte E-SpotLytes for $55. That is a fantastic deal considering the hundreds of dollars some companies charge. These lights are encased in a silver finished body and have 20 super bright white LED lights that are pivoted for precise focal points. And the best part, it uses 3 AA alkaline, replaceable batteries and the battery life is about 8 to 10 hours. FAB-U-LOUS! Oh the possibilities!

Candle Wall

Town and Country Event Rentals is an amazing rental company based out of LA. They recently posted a few of their new items, one of which is this fantastic candle wall. The walls come in sections 10 feet tall by 5 feet wide. Available with or without the sheer draping shown in the picture, the walls are perfect to divide a tent into sections while adding an incredible amount of drama. Check out their website, it is filled with gorgeous pictures of very fabulous events.

By the way, if your venue doesn't allow candles, no worries because you can use flameless candles!

DIY Outdoor Chandelier

I love this idea, and can't wait to present it to one my clients in particular who will be head over heels. Apartment Therapy by way of Sunset Magazine posted the idea. It is a simple candle chandelier, perfect for an outdoor wedding or event where the money for an electric version is not there. All you need is a wire basket, a few jam jars, and some pretty crystals. Pick out a wire basket with a handle and a flat base. You can find some in any home and garden shops such as Crate & Barrel, online auctions or thrift stores. It's great to find one designed to hold glassware or small pots ― the built-in partitions will hold the jars in place. Then hang crystals from the base and top. For a real Cinderella look, loop two strands of glass beads across the bottom. Attach your chandelier to a patio roof or tree with a length of matching chain (or use a metal plant hanger). Pop tea lights or votives into the jars, light the candles, and enjoy the glow.

Wedding Gowns Under $250

I am going to start a new topic titled, Wedding Gowns Under $250, and it will feature gorgeous finds for your wedding attire priced under...$250. The first dress I've found comes by way of Unique Vintage, a shop in Burbank, Cali that specialized in stylish, vintage inspired women's clothing at affordable prices. On their site, I found the Chic & Glamorous One Shoulder White Gown, which retails for $98!!! This is an ultra chic and glamorous white gown, completely wedding day worthy. One sheer, one shoulder strap over a strapless satin dress. Side zipper. Long sheer train and gathered empire waist. See, beautiful can be affordable!

DIY : Vodka Ice Block

Martha never fails.  Today, I came across her instructions to create frozen vodka blocks.  A bottle of icy vodka makes a dramatic bar decoration when it's encased in a frozen layer of colorful flowers and fruit.  This is a very easy package that will bring a lot of punch to an afternoon cocktail party.

Directions

• Place a full bottle into a fully opened cardboard half-gallon milk carton. 
  
• Insert flowers or thinly sliced fruit around the bottle, filling one third of the carton, (Martha used nasturtiums, lemons, and limes).
  
• Pour water into the container, just covering the fruit and flowers. 
  
• Place the carton upright in the freezer. 
  
• When the liquid is completely frozen, add another layer of fruit and very cold water, and freeze. 
  
• Repeat, filling and freezing a third of the carton at a time, which prevents all the fruit and flowers from floating to the top until the water reaches the bottle's neck. 
  
• Remove from the freezer when it's time to serve the vodka.
  
• Cut away the milk carton with a utility knife, wrap a dinner napkin around the bottle's base, and serve the vodka with slices of lemon zest tied in knots.

Father's Day

Father's Day is celebrated to honor our fathers for everything they do for us through out their life. And when you start to think about it, there is a lot of things there...a lot! The holiday always falls on the 3rd Sunday of the month of June, and that day is rapidly approaching. Today I started to think about what to do this Sunday, and of course it is a perfect time to bake a beautiful cake!


In preparation, I've been checking out Martha, the original domestic diva, searching for inspiration. Her basic recipe for a yellow butter cake is always good to have on hand, along with her chocolate frosting and a lemon curd filling but I want more. Moist devil's food cake is always delicious but again, I want more.


Then I found the Turtle Cake, which consists of five tiers of dense double-chocolate brownies are glazed with caramel and trimmed with candied pecans and vanilla ice cream is served alongside.

A five tier cake is certainly not necessary for our family, but some version of this cake will be perfect! Stay tuned...

What are you doing for Father's Day?

Top image courtesy of Baby Jesse Caleb

Palm Beach Restaurant Month

Calling all foodies in Palm Beach County. Palm Beach is launching a spectacular month of dining opportunities in some of the area's extraordinary restaurants, for you to experience first-hand Palm Beach's classic position as a culinary destination. Dig into summer and savor an array of culinary styles with three-course, prix fix menus from 14 restaurants.

Yummy!

Pricing for lunch is $20.09 per person and dinner is $35.00 per person and this includes a three-course meal (appetizer, main course and dessert). Side note, beverages, tax, and gratuity are additional. Reservations are to be made at each individual restaurant and are highly recommended.

Want to know who is on the list...

Bice Ristorante
313 1/2 Worth Avenue
Palm Beach, FL 33480
561.835.1600

Café Boulud at The Brazilian Court
301 Australian Avenue
Palm Beach, FL 33480
561.655.6060

Café L’Europe
331 South County Road
Palm Beach, FL 33480
561.655.4020

Charley’s Crab
456 South Ocean Boulevard
Palm Beach, FL 33480
561.659.1500

The Leopard Lounge & Restaurant at The Chesterfield Hotel
363 Cocoanut Row
Palm Beach, FL 33480
561.659.5800

COCO Palm Beach at The Bradley Park Hotel
290 Sunset Avenue
Palm Beach, FL 33480
561.832.3734

The Flagler Steakhouse at The Breakers
One South County Road
Palm Beach, FL 33480
561.659.8488

The Italian Restaurant at The Breakers
One South County Road
Palm Beach, FL 33480
561.659.8488 (Reservations not accepted)

The Seafood Bar at The Breakers
One South County Road
Palm Beach, FL 33480
561.659.8488 (Reservations not accepted)

The Ocean Bistro at The Four Seasons
2800 South Ocean Boulevard
Palm Beach, FL 33480
561.582.2800

Renato’s
87 Via Mizner, Worth Avenue
Palm Beach, FL 33480
561.655.9752

Temple Orange at The Ritz-Carlton
100 South Ocean Boulevard
Palm Beach, FL 33480
561.533.6000

Ta-Boo
221 Worth Avenue
Palm Beach, FL 33480
561.835.3500

Trevini
150 Worth Avenue
Palm Beach, FL 33480
561.833.3883

Palm Beach Restaurant Month
June 1 - June 30, 2009

The Raddest Invitation

I love this invitation. No other words are needed. It was designed by Matt Dorfman and found by way of Design*Sponge. Rock on Matt!

Looking for a custom creation for your wedding or special event, please contact design@laurendaversa.com.

Non Floral Boutonnieres

Not every groom is down with a white calla lily boutonniere. Sometimes, you want to go in a different direction with your bouts. If this is your groom, fritts rosenow is your calling. fritts rosenow bespoke boutonnieres was created with the intention of allowing men to display their personality. Each boutonniere is created with the individual in mind. Contact rosenow floral design at 415.424.7437 or email rosenowfloral@gmail.com. They will happily accept custom orders in addition to specific designs on the site. Many of their designs are vintage, so if, for any reason, it is unavailable, they will match it to the best of their ability. If you are thinking of making your own boutonnieres, fritts rosenow is a great place for inspiration.

Lemon Mint Granita

Granitas are a perfect dessert for the summertime, especially if you live in a hot and humid area like Florida. Smitten Kitchen, a website everyone should know about, recently posted a fantastic entry on lemon mint granitas. This is a simple dessert to make and most of the ingredients already exist in your kitchen! In addition, this can be made ahead of time which is perfect for a dinner party.

Ingredients

4 lemons

4 cups water

Sugar, to taste (about 3 tablespoons for a tart lemonade)

Handful of fresh mint leaves

Directions

Clean and wash the lemons.

Cut off the top quarter of the lemons and slice a thin bevel off the bottom, so they can stand up straight. 

Using a grapefruit knife, carefully remove all of the lemon flesh and juice (working over a bowl ensures you won’t lose any), being careful not to cut through the bottom. 

Stand the lemons on a plate or cookie sheet and freeze until solid.

Using a food processor (a blender will work as well), toss a handful of washed and dried fresh mint leaves into the work bowl. (Smitten Kitchen used about 25 to 30 leaves from 6 to 9 sprigs). 

Add the scooped out lemon flesh and juice, and pulse until mostly pureed. 

Let mixture stand for 15 minutes, so the mint releases its flavor, then press the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to end up with approximately one cup of lemon-mint juice.

Stir in the water, then sugar, one tablespoon at a time until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is to your desire level of sweetness. 

Pour the mixture into a large roasting pan or baking dish, large enough that the liquid isn’t more than one-inch deep. A 9×13-inch pan is suggested.

Freeze for one hour, then remove the mixture and scrape with two forks to break up the ice. (Freezing time may vary). 

Return to the freezer and freeze until solid, about 2 to 3 hours, scraping it again with forks every hour or so.

When the granita is frozen, rake until glittery. 

Scoop into frozen lemon shells.

I love granitas and they are always a hit with guests.  But they are not simply reserved for dessert; try a cucumber mint granita served as a palate cleanser; a ginger granita to give you an energy boost; or take the lemon mint granita up a notch by adding Limoncello or making a hibiscus mint granita with rum!  There are endless possibilities to this recipe so have fun incorporating it into your event.

For The Menu: Homemade Ravioli

I heart The Food Network, almost as much as I heart Martha Stewart. Yesterday I happened to find myself with a few extra minutes on my hands. So I flipped on the tele and checked in with TFN. Fortunately, I caught an episode of Everyday Italian on recipes inspired by Giada's Italian island visits. Well, I am so very happy that I decided to spend the few, precious moments of my day watching TV because I learned a super simple and very delicious recipe for homemade ravioli. 

Giada calls the recipe ravioli caprese but it is not made with a tomato sauce. In actuality it's a roasted chicken ravioli in an olive oil sauce with lemon zest and fresh basil. Seriously, it's fantastic and way too easy to make. It truly is the perfect dish for a summer dinner party. This is definitely a recipe to put in your book!

Photo courtesy of Casa di Trevi

TOTW: Catering Tip

You don't have to be a bride to read The Knot. It truly is a wealth of knowledge for anyone planning an event! They have fantastic articles, pictures and projects that can be applied to a dinner party, wedding, birthday party...it's very applicable! I was reading an article tonight on the top 10 catering trends when I found this week's T.O.T.W.: Play With Color. The Knot's contributing writer, Christa Vagnozzi, wrote:

"It's one thing to think in terms of color when it comes to linens and flowers, but for food? That's what's so exciting about modern-day wedding catering: If you want it, chances are a caterer can do it. Many chefs are coming up with unique ways to infuse color into their food to match the couple's signature hues, and we're not talking green mashed potatoes! If you're having a black-and-white wedding, consider serving Oreo cookies and mini ice cream sandwiches for dessert, or (even better) root beer floats. Like red and green? We know one caterer who put together hors d'oeuvres that included shot glasses filled with layers of edamame (green) and lobster trifle (red), and also tuna tartare (red) served in wasabi (green) sesame-seeded wontons for a cocktail hour."

If you are planning an event, speak with your caterer and let them know you are looking to incorporate your theme and/or color(s) into your menu. Give the caterer the details and pictures of your event and see what they come back with. You will be amazed!

Article courtesy of The Knot

Photo of Chickpea Radish Hors d’Oeuvres courtesy of Vegan Yum Yum

Cake Inspiration

It's been a while since I have put up a picture of a beautiful cake. Well, the wait is over because I happened upon this delightful little cake by April Reed Cake Design out of New York today on The Knot. I absolutely love the sugar carnations placed perfectly all over this yummy dessert. Now ... how to make sugar carnations?