Party Planning :: Away to the woods ...

Recently I have been pinning pictures of kids' birthday parties. I think I have had enough of tacky parties that take place most of the time here. Enough of Frozen y'all! Let it go already (sorry, can't help it) It's now time for more creative ideas/themed parties. Recently my sister, Flora threw me a tea-time woodland themed baby shower and I loved the fact that it was not a predictable typical baby boy shower. Perfect for parents who choose not to find out the gender of the child.

{all photos by yours truly}

Cupcakes/Cakes: Sugarie Sweet
Party/Card design: My very talented graphic designer sister,  Flora
Props: Stylist's own/ TBA
Teatime Delights: TBA

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

Blood orange cocktail (and mocktail)

I stumbled upon this delicious sounding cocktail recipe at pretty plain janes. Super easy to make with very straightforward ingredients for your hip and happening Chinese New Year house guests.

Recipe:

1 part blood orange juice

1 part white grape juice

1 part vodka (adjust accordingly to your liking or omit for your preggo pals)

sparkling water / club soda / lemon lime soda

Decor Series :: Chinese New Year (Part 2)

Images from here, here, here and here

Decor Series :: Chinese New Year (Part I)

The Chinese New Year is just around the corner and, if you are not crazy about the tacky decorations that are being sold all over or in Chinatown, you might like this series I am planning. Modern decor that does not scream Chinese New Year, just little subtle accents.

Images via here, here, here and here

Shopping suggestions:

Top photo // Shop for cloth in Spotlight or Arab Street. Other options include Joo Chiat/Geylang area. Spruce up the look with metallics, geometric or floral pieces. Flower options may include pussy willows or cherry blossoms

Second photo // Paper lanterns are available online or you may check out this retail space at Bukit Timah Shopping Centre 1-6 pieces are being sold for just $3.80/piece. Is that a steal or what?

Third photo // Get fallen branches anywhere. Under big trees, botanical gardens, the beach etc. Spray paints available at Art Friend, Spotlight or any paint shop. Fake birds/butterflies may be available in handicraft or party shops, Spotlight or even Far East Flora at Thomson Road. If you have time to spare, try online.

Last photo // Alternative for gold balls are red fruits, oranges or spray paint plastic fruits!

St Germain

Want a taste of that Parisian je-ne-sais-quoi? 

via

St Germain liqueur is made from elderflowers, hand-picked just once a year in the alps. The hint of lychee and sweetness in your drink is so refreshing on a warm day or a BBQ evening.

I am obsessed with the bottle and it tastes so good, so girly. It is not so readily available here in Singapore. I was looking for it in every possible shop, even DFS and it was found (finally!) it in a liquor shop in Holland Village (2nd level of Holland Road Shopping Centre, just next to Lim's Art). They have such great selection of imported liquor and I am mighty pleased with my purchase.

Here are my top 3 St Germain cocktails (perfect for the festive season!)

THE St. Germain Cocktail

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1 shot St. Germain 

1/2 shot fresh squeezed lemon juice

Champagne 

Garnish: lemon twist 

Pour first two ingredients into chilled champagne flute. Top with champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.

French Gimlet

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2 shots gin 

1 1/2 shot St-Germain 

1/2 shot fresh lime juice 

Garnish: with a lime wedge. 

Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker and shake until cold. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. 

(If you add a splash of soda water and cucumber, it becomes a cucumber St.Germain cocktail)

Sangria Flora - I am drawn to this cocktail because Flora is my sister's name. Am dying to try this one out soon.

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1 bottle White Wine

 1 cup St. Germain

 2 fresh Peaches

6 Strawberries

6 Raspberries

1 bunch fresh Grapes

Garnish: Micro marigolds - golden, orange and maroon blooms that add more color 

Stir ingredients in a pitcher or carafe. Let fruits soak in for at least 15 mins before serving.

(I think the edible flowers can be found in Marketplace in Paragon, Singapore in the salad section)

So there you go! Enjoy and let me know how do you like it.

Party ready for the weekend?

PS. I've kept these photos in my draft folder for the longest time. They are too pretty not to be posted. If anyone know where they're from, do drop me a note! Thanks much!

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.

Potato party!

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We have people over quite often. More so for drinks late night and each time, we have to crack our brains to come up with something not-so-fancy so that we wouldnt have trouble preparing and clearing up. So when I saw Joanna's post this morning on baked potato bar, I shrieked with delight. So easy, so hassle-free and sounds delish! I also love the idea of mashed potatos in big martini glasses instead of baked ones.

Let's see, some possible combos:

• Butter + black pepper
• Tuna
• Sauteed mushrooms, onion + garlic
• Sauteed spinach
• Brie + Cranberry sauce
• Chilli + Cheddar
• Salsa
• ANYTHING!

Perfect theme for girly parties

{shelter}

What have you planned this weekend?

Events and styling

People throw sad looking parties here with absolutely no creativity and it irks me to be part of it. I can't help but think Hey, I could have done this MUCH better! I'm not being cocky but I think its in my blood - my sister is a graphic designer and she is always very very thorough in her work and rocks at it. For me, even though I sort of took the wrong path in my career, I quietly (stuck in front of my laptop) try not to miss out on my interests. My brain is constantly stimulated because I come across so many ideas everyday. As they say, "The more you see, the more your eye and taste evolves." SO I am not picky, I've just got better taste.

{here}

Upcycle glass jars by placing tealights in them. Imagine the glow as a result of the reflection.

Martha has got an entire section dedicated to entertaining. I attempted to do paper pom-poms for my wedding deco but it is ALOT of work so start early. I used the same method to do a flower-ball for the flower-girl using crepe paper.

{coco+kelly}

You don't need a fancy venue, you just need to make an impact.

PS. I gave myself a little treat by purchasing Domino - every decorator's bible! via amazon. Something to look forward to!