Guest Blog: You’re Invited!

Posted on September 2, 2010 by Sous

An invitation is the first glimpse into an event or party. For extraordinary invites that truly speak to your individuality, taste and theme, check out East Six! The talented founders, Stacey and Marina, create customized invitations that are beautiful and capture your personal style!

I had the opportunity to speak with the lovely ladies and got insight into their inspiration and how to select the perfect invitation.

“Invitations really do set the tone of an event, and get guests excited about the fabulous party you’ve got planned! Choose an invitation that tells a lot about you to your invitees, as well as one that can coordinate well with the event design. Play with textures and printing processes to create something unique and memorable.”

Above is a gorgeous bridal shower invitation designed by East Six. Marina and Stacey commented that “[f]un and flavor were the inspiration for Candace’s Moroccan-chic Bridal Shower. We designed a flirty invite with a festive feel. Brightly colored envelopes greeted guests in their mailboxes- and surely stood out from the crowd. Foil-stamped in gold and letter-pressed in raspberry – the result was Ooooo La Lovely!”

I completely agree!

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Lemon Infused Simple Syrup

Posted on September 1, 2010 by High-Rise Hostess

As you know, I am huge fan of infusing things – check out my post on Vodka Infusions from earlier this summer. Last week my aunt gave me a batch of her homemade Simple Syrup infused with Lemon Balm and Lemon Verbena, both of which came straight from her magnificent herb garden. I had stopped by on a hot summer afternoon and she served a cold glass of sparking water infused with just a few drops of her simple syrup. It was truly delightful and refreshing. What an easy way to turn something simple into come so chic and delicious! {photo left, taken via camera phone}

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • Herb of your choice

Directions

In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, herbs. Place over medium heat, and cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; let cool and strain.

A great way to follow up Sous’ guest post below on SodaStream!

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Guest Blog: Putting on the Fizz

Posted on September 1, 2010 by Sous

My husband and I love soda – we finish a case of diet soda too quickly to admit! Now instead of lugging and storing cases of soda, we’re obsessed with SodaStream home soda makers. They make refreshing fizzy water in seconds or we add a one of the delicious flavors (we chose diet cola!).

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Recipe: Lemon Souffle

Posted on August 31, 2010 by High-Rise Hostess

I have been tearing through books this summer. My latest read was, Comfort Me With Apples by, Ruth Reichl (former Editor and Chief of Gourmet Magazine). There was a small mention of a lemon souffle and it is now, all I can think about. Here is a recipe that I plan on testing out this weekend (from The Food Network):

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 6 eggs, separated
  • 2 lemons, zested and juiced
  • Butter, for greasing

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl combine, sugar, butter, flour, salt and milk, mixing until smooth. Add egg yolks to this and mix until smooth. Add lemon juice and zest.

In a mixer, beat egg whites until peaks are stiff. Fold the yolk mixture into whites gently to combine mixtures.

Using butter or vegetable shortening, grease 6-inch custard cups. Pour the mixture into the cups. Set the cups in 1/2 inch of hot water in a 9 by 12-inch baking pan. Bake 25 minutes or until tops have risen and turn golden brown.

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10 Things To Look Forward to This Fall

Posted on August 26, 2010 by High-Rise Hostess

Summer is slowly, but surely coming to an end. You can already feel fall creeping into the air here in New York. As we pack up our white jeans, nautical themed décor and shake the sand out of our towels, we have a few reasons to get excited this autumn. Here are ten things to look forward to this fall…..

Brussel Sprouts and Other Roasted Vegetables. Cover up the grill, preheat your oven and begin to roast your vegetables again.

Pumpkin Everything: pumpkin spice, pumpkin bread, pumpkin carving. Take advantage of it all and you will actually be able to taste the season.

Soup! Yes, we can have soup again. Click HERE for my recipe for butternut squash soup.

Apple Picking. A fun activity for all ages, and think about what comes from apple picking… apple pies, apple cider, cider doughnuts, apple crisp {the list goes on}.

Fall Colors. Sick of all that white, red and blue décor? Time to break out the lush shades of brown, purple, wine, orange and warm up your next dinner table.

Fall Flowers. With the new season come new floral options. I am most excited about Dahlias in deep colors.

Candle Light. As it starts to get dark earlier you can vamp up your home with dramatic candle light to set the mood for your next soirée.

Tailgating. This time honored tradition of feasting before sporting events returns this fall. Who doesn’t love an excuse to be causal on the weekend with a brat and a beer!

Hot Beverages. Ice coffee out, hot coffee in. You can once again return to your morning latte ritual. Or opt for a hot chocolate, chai latte or spiked apple cider.

Heavy, Heartwarming Wines. Cork the rosé and choose something rich and full-bodied!

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Hampton Designer Showhouse 2010

Posted on August 23, 2010 by High-Rise Hostess

Last week I finally had the opportunity to head over to the Hampton Designer Showhouse in Sag Harbor, NY. I love show houses; even if the house or style of the rooms is not your exact taste, they are wonderful sources of inspiration {especially in the details}.

I loved that almost every designer who participated in this home included a nod to entertaining, even in the sitting area of the Master Bedroom {where quite frankly, I could picture myself lounging and sipping champagne}.

Here are a few shots that I snapped. If you find yourself in the area be sure to stop by and have a look for yourself. The show runs through September 5th and benefits the Southampton Hospital. Click HERE for more information.

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Guest Blog: Eco-Style

Posted on August 21, 2010 by Sous

There is nothing more stylish than being eco-conscious!

I’m really into Bambu, a green company that makes gorgeous kitchen and home products. Their products are simple and sleek and made entirely from organic renewable materials.  They also make great single use products called Veneerware™, a lovely option for your Labor Day picnic!

Now it’s easy to embrace your style and the environment!

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Alongside every great woman… is a good friend!

Posted on August 20, 2010 by Sous

Sure it’s not the original quote but we all know this one is true too! Where would we be without the advice, recipes and ideas from our friends, sisters, mothers… or the High Rise Hostess?!

HRH has been blogging for the last year, bringing you some of the best entertaining tips and trends. She recently tapped me to be her guest blogger – providing you even more great and fun ideas!

Lovingly nicknamed Sous, I am a corporate event planner based in New York City with over 8 years of experience. Beyond that, like many of HRH readers, I grew up cooking in the kitchen with my mom and have a passion for food and creative entertaining.

I look forward to sharing my ideas with you!

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One From The Vault: Summer Entertaining

Posted on August 18, 2010 by High-Rise Hostess

Enjoy these final days of summer! Hosting an end of the season party? Need inspiration? Here is a luncheon I worked on many moons ago at an Upper East Side Gallery. The clean lines of the room called for simple, elegant summer decor.

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Quick Tips: More Seating

Posted on August 5, 2010 by High-Rise Hostess

When you live in Manhattan and love to entertain you face certain challenges; the number one issue always being space. Since, I have yet to own my dream loft I have to make hard decisions when entertaining at home. How do you accommodate a larger group while still providing ample seating and a comfortable atmosphere? Here is one answer: chic floor pillows! I am now on the hunt for floor pillows {for my guest’s lounging enjoyment} to both, create a decorative flare and to provide a more comfortable environment for my friends. In my research, I have found that they add a fantastic vibe to any living room, no matter what your décor {rustic, modern, formal, traditional}.

I am looking forward to my fall/winter cocktail parties where I can have more guests gathered around my living room cocktail table, sipping spirits into the wee hours of the evening! First though, I continue my hunt for the perfect floor pillows. My first stop ABC Carpet and Home. I would love to hear your resources for floor pillows!

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