Party Planning :: Snapshots from a 30th birthday party

So I wanted to make my sister's birthday celebration a little extra special this year. She turned 30! How time flies. She loves pink, a little glitter and glam and wanted just us family to be around. So it was a simple affair with d-i-y tassels, cake and a signature cocktail, Sangria Flora.

Party inspiration

//image via

Party execution

//all above images by yours truly

Cake: Strawberry Shortcake by Dempsey House. It came with vanilla bean sauce.
Party design: Yours truly
Tassels: Yours truly
Cocktail Sangria Flora: Inspired by pinterest

Party Planning :: Rooftop (almost!) tapas party

Last weekend, we had some friends over and we decided on tapas themed dinner. I went with the idea as it would supposedly be easy to prepare and enjoyed by all. The dishes I chose to prepare did not turn out the way I wanted it but edible and yummy!. I think no one could tell I was freakin' out in the kitchen. I'm glad they enjoyed the food and of course, I had to reflect and think of how I can do things better the next time 'round.

This photo above basically summed up the colors for the party.

The menu included Parma ham + melon + rocket salad, strawberry crostini, cheese platter, patatas bravas, chorizo + chickpeas with charred peppers, meatballs in mushroom sauce and of course sangria. Thanks to a pal, Keith, we got some champagne as well.

I collect nice champage/wine bottles and I love how the label color of Veuve Clicquot goes with the overall theme. At the background, I have proudly displayed a clay jar (in blue/white) bought in Spain.

A row of photographs taken during our honeymoon in Switzerland.

Recently I splurged on aged balsamic vinegar (16 years) and I love adding it to everything I eat.

Our entryway - the first thing that guests see when they enter our home.

The appetizer spread. *point to note* Cheese does not keep well in the humidity. I overlooked this point and laid full blocks of cheese out in the balcony. It became ugly, soft and goo-ey after a while, especially the Gorgonzola. If you have to have a cheese platter, don't put an entire block outdoors. Top it up as and when required.

For chorizos, I did not use the sliced ones I normally use (from Pamplona, as written in the label), for the party (big mistake!) I bought another type of chorizos (little whole sausages from Bilbao). If you are cooking whole chorizos, remember to remove the first layer of skin before cooking. *point to note* After its cooked, use a very sharp knife and slice the sausage very thinly. That might go down well with people who aren't used to the salty, spicy, Spanish sausage.

A toast to the New Year and friends.

There will always be space for good dessert.

Diner en Blanc

... so this controversial "white" picnic, that began in Paris some years back made its debut in Singapore last week. I say controversial because there was a PR boo-boo and Singaporeans who are fiercely protective of their food (I'd like to think so.) were not too happy. NO one belittles our food. This reminds me of the curry saga. But the event went on as scheduled without a glitch despite quiet protests from local bloggers.

All these aside, as I went through some photos, I can't help but notice how beautiful the Singapore scene looked, accessorized in white.

All pictures from here

Perfect theme for girly parties

{shelter}

What have you planned this weekend?