Good Morning Darlings!
Before the new year we went to the annual holiday party given by Calvin and Steve at their fabulous loft. It is always a wonderful time and we always meet the most fun people. This year’s guests included a designer for Kate Spade from New York and a former news anchor. Fun!
The Big House's Big Tree
This past year the loft played host to the cast of The Vampire Diaries, where they filmed for a few weeks.
Come on in for more Big House Fun
Good Morning Darlings!
The new year has me musing about which direction I should take the blog. Would you all like to see me post more recipes? More parties? More travel reviews? I’ve been thinking about posting more about budget conscious parties, too.
I have the toughest time deciding. So I thought I would ask you.
Would you mind helping me out? Please take a moment to take the survey and lets see where we are headed in 2011!
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world’s leading questionnaire tool.
—
xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to The Beatles – Help
Good Morning Darlings!
I trust you all had a safe and fun New Year’s Eve. Last year we stayed home but this year we attended two parties that blew the doors off. Couldn’t greet the new decade with a pizza and a coke, you know.
The first party was given by our friends Wesley and Mark at their loft, nicknamed “Remark Central”, because of Mark’s considerable dj skills. It was filled with interesting people, images and food. There is always a theme – last year being a masquerade. In anticipation of this year, I picked up several fabulous masks in New Orleans during our travels. But I didn’t consider that the theme changes every year. This year was “Red, White and Black”. And so we all dressed in the appropriate manner. Eric donned his tux with a red tie and I wore a black dress with fabulous new red shoes. And of course, my new red hair.
A look:
Ready to party!
Click here for more party pics
Good Morning Darlings!
How are you feeling? Did you over indulge last night? Never fear, Caren West is here – with a great suggestion on where to drag your weary bones for a nourishing breakfast to start 2011 with.
BREAKFAST ALL DAY AT DIESEL FILLING STATION ON NEW YEAR’S DAY
Beginning at 11 a.m. on January 1, 2011, Diners Can Enjoy an Expanded Menu of Lunch and Brunch Items Day and Night
Begin 2011 with a hearty brunch at Diesel Filling Station in the Virginia-Highlands all day and night. On New Year’s Day, January 1, 2011, starting at 11 a.m. Diesel will serve a special “breakfast all day” menu featuring a diverse selection of its signature brunch and lunch items. The expanded menu includes the new Benedict Explosion – a bacon explosion topped with cream cheese on an english muffin, drizzled with honey and topped with a poached egg and hollandaise; and, favorites like the vegetarian biscuits and gravy made with veggie sausage; the popular Death Muffin; filet and eggs; french toast; make-your-own omelets and much more. Couples can also enjoy brunch for two for $25, which includes two brunch entrees and a choice of a Bloody Mary or mimosa pitcher or a bucket of tall boy beers. For diners in need of a little hair of the dog, Diesel will offer a variety of Bloody Marys including its signature Bloody Mary that is made using a secret recipe only owner Justin Haynie knows. Diesel’s New Year’s Day brunch menu is below.
Good Morning Darlings!
Oh my little dawdlers, have you not made plans for tonight? Lets see what I can conjure up for you.
How about the epitome of class and style? Of course you know I am talking about The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead and their spectacular ringing in of 2011.
Miss Sandra sent me all the details and here they are just for you.
START THE NEW YEAR BRIGHT AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, BUCKHEAD
There’s no better way to brighten your outlook for the New Year than celebrating at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead.
The New Year’s Eve package starts at $499* and includes:
• Deluxe accommodations for one night
• New Year’s Day Brunch for two in The Café, to include Champagne and Bloody Mary Bar
• 2 p.m. late check out
• Overnight valet parking
*Package is valid December 31, 2010, subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offer. Advance reservations are required; rates do not apply to groups. Rates listed are per room, per night, single or double occupancy, and exclusive of taxes, gratuities and other charges unless noted.
The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead is located in fashionable uptown Atlanta, the city’s most prestigious residential neighborhood. For information or room reservations, please call (800) 241-3333, the hotel at (404) 237-2700, a travel professional or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/buckhead.
There is also Atlanta’s famous Peach Drop at Underground. I’m not much for crowds, but if you are, this could be a great time for you and the family!
Another glamour filled place to buss your sweetie at midnight is The Mansion on Peachtree. Go and say hello to my darling friend, Barry, the concierge who knows everybody and everything to do in Atlanta.
Nora at the Wine Shoe has this fun party going on:
Bubbles, Black Tie & Balloons
Join us for an evening of bubbles and balloons while watching the competing fashion designers rush in with their entries for Fashion Uncorked, the benefit being hosted at Artist Trifecta for Easter Seals. Dress fashionably in evening wear and release your New Year`s wish balloon at the stroke of midnight.
What do you get?!?
* Great Atmosphere
* A chance to dress up!
* Your choice of a bottle of wine from the top shelf at Wine Shoe
* Yummy light appetizers
* Champagne Toast at Midnight!
* Balloon Release when Toasting…with your 2011 wish attached
* Free Parking
$60 per person, limited to 40 fashionable people…because we want to keep it intimate and fun at the Wine Shoe!
For umpteen more ideas, Metromix has you covered.
Just for fun, here is the Wikipedia definition of Auld Lang Syne:
The song’s Scots title may be translated into English literally as “old long since”, or more idiomatically, “long long ago”,[3] “days gone by” or “old times”. Consequently “For auld lang syne”, as it appears in the first line of the chorus, is loosely translated as “for (the sake of) old times”.
And I know I’ve said it a billion times, but please be safe and don’t drink and drive.
I send you all a big hug and kiss at midnight tonight.
xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to Les Deux Love Orchestra – Auld Lang Syne
Good Morning Darlings!
Sweet Stephanie from Deutsch Inc. clued me into some great tips from her friends over at Pat Glenn Productions on giving your best New Year’s Eve party ever. Trust me, even after years of giving my own parties, I can always learn something new and these handsome fellows from NYC have a few new tricks up their sleeves! Look at this gorgeous event they created – wouldn’t you just love to be a guest at this party?
Here’s some great tips from Event Gurus Pat James & Glenn Jacinto:
1. Know Your Space. Don’t over invite. There is nothing worse than having a space where your guests are crowded and can’t get a drink. (note: oops – I always overcrowd….)
2. Don’t Sweat It. You don’t want your house to feel stuffy and overheated. Turn down your heat well in advance of your guests’ arrival to ensure the temperature will be comfortable. It will also cut down on cost for your heating bill!
3. BYOB – Build Your Own Bar: You can create a bar by simply covering a six-foot table with a crisp, white floor length table cloth. Make sure to situate your bar in an accessible location so you don’t create a “traffic jam” in the corner of your living room.
4. Get Festive with Ice Cubes! Give your guests’ drinks a festive touch by freezing cherries or cranberries in your ice cubes! Any leaf from the mint family also freezes nicely.
5. Custom Cocktails: Don’t waste money on high-end champagnes. Instead create a signature cocktail for your event. It’s not only festive but will help monitor how much alcohol you’re serving.
6. Create a Coat Check: Clear out a hall closet or consider renting a coat rack, which are easy to assemble and can be placed in a spare room or hallway. It’s much nicer than having guests throw their coats on a bed with a sea of other jackets.
7. Kitschy Cocktail Napkins. Buy cocktail napkins with fun/seasonal sayings – they will becoming conversation pieces at your party.
8. Candle Couture. Instead of a large centerpiece at your dining table, decorate with pillar and votive candles. Votives come in virtually every color, so you can buy colors to match your other décor and line them down the center of the table to create a simple, clean warm ambiance.
9. Hello Espresso! Coffee, Espresso and Cappuccino Bar with whipped cream and shaved chocolate toppings are a special sweet treat for your guests. It’s also a great way to keep your guests awake until the New Years Eve countdown!
10. Forget Flowers: Save money by incorporating a common theme throughout your party and sprinkle the room with different objects that connect to the theme to tie it all together. Some great holiday touches are using pine cones, holly, mistle toe and wreaths to create an inexpensive yet elegant decor. Small personal touches really help make your guests feel the warmth of the season.
Or, you could just hire these two and they could turn your party into a once-in-a-lifetime event!
Party on, Dudes!
xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to Shop Boyz – Party Like A Rock Star
Good Morning Darlings!
Eric and I are back and tanned from Mexico (more on that later) and ready to party. Some more partying. I guess we should take a break for at least a couple of days, but there are so many soirees to attend!
If you are hosting, here are some fun cocktail recipes from our friend Kate at Deussen Global Marketing.
At the World Bar (frequented by major league sports stars and UN diplomats), mixologist Jonathan Pogash created the Cherry Pop, which is a beautiful rosy color and redolent of nutmeg:
Mmm, Cherry Pop
Cherry Pop
3 or 4 pitted sour cherries
.5 oz. fresh lime juice
.75 oz. almond syrup (Monin brand preferred)
1.5 oz. Lucid Absinthe
Crémant d’Alsace
Method: In the bottom of a mixing glass, muddle the sour cherries in the lime juice and almond syrup. Add the Lucid, then fill with ice, and shake very well. Strain into a chilled flûte. Top with Crémant d’Alsace. Garnish with a few swipes of freshly grated nutmeg.
Another spice that says “holiday” is cinnamon; here, it is combined with warming rum and Cognac, while the sparkle keeps things festive rather than too cozy:
Cinnamon Sparkler
Cinnamon Sparkle
.5 oz. cinnamon bark syrup (instructions below: cinnamon sticks, water, and sugar required)
4 sugar cubes
1 oz. club soda
2 oz. Flor de Caña 7 year rum
1 oz. CAMUS VSOP Cognac
.25 oz. Marie Brizard Peach liqueur
1 oz. lemon juice
1.5 oz. Crémant d’Alsace
Method:
5. Strain into a punch glass and top with 2 oz. Crémant d’Alsace
Finally, for a beautiful holiday red color, not to mention the health benefits of rosehips, hibiscus, and lemon (all great sources of Vitamin C), a simple but delicious cocktail is the Xanté C; Xanté is the second most leading liqueur in the Netherlands, where they know a thing or two about staying warm and celebrating the holidays!
Xanté C
1.5 oz. Xanté pear liqueur
2 oz. Rosehip & Hibiscus Tea concentrate (suggested brand: Teekanne Tee)
.5 oz. fresh lemon juice
Splash Crémant d’Alsace
Method: In a shaker over ice, add first three ingredients. Shake vigorously, then splash with Crémant d’Alsace. Strain into a chilled martini glass, garnishing with a red rose petal.
Sweet Bubbly Standard
1.7 oz. Russian Standard Vodka
1 tsp honey
Fresh ginger for garnish
Splash Crémant d’Alsace
Method: Shake Russian Standard Vodka and honey gently over ice. Serve on the rocks. Top with sparkling Cremant D’Alsace. Garnish with a piece of ginger.
That should keep you pretty busy all night. Don’t forget the number of your favorite taxi service or the number of your favorite designated driver. Safety first!
xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to Pink – Get This Party Started
Merry Christmas Darlings!
I hope you all are enjoying the day with loved ones. I am. Eric and I are at an undisclosed location in the Caribbean with our toes in the sand while our fabulous dog sitter is hanging with Oscar and Karen. Bless You, Abby!
Last weekend we got a chance to hang with the cool kids in Castleberry at their Dirty Santa Party. I think the day after Christmas might be the perfect day for that, to find a new home for those gifts that aren’t quite you. Eric and I walked away with gifts that made us happy, with fully tummies and full hearts from spending time with precious friends. It was that kind of night.
This very happy night was hosted by Nhan at Wasabi, it’s last night before the new facelift and debut on New Year’s Eve as Bottle Rocket Atlanta. It was most exciting. The residents of Castleberry crowded the restaurant – 50+ strong. Clearly the largest Dirty Santa (or White Elephant) party I have ever attended.
How about some photos? These were taken by my new friend James Elliot.
Good Morning Darlings!
Oops! One more day til Santa comes. Are you ready? How about a few tips?
Here’s a little stocking stuffer from my sweet friend Char Thian at The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. A little giggle inducing, but wow – what a gift!
o Behind the Velvet Rope: Velvet Massage, Behind the Velvet Rope Shopping Experience at New Orleans’ oldest men’s clothier and Club Level Accommodations. $549 USD
o Crescent City Comeback: Voluntourism Activity or Donation, Spa Day and Club Level Accommodations. $1,100 USD
o Lundi Gras Ride of a Lifetime: Unforgettable ride of a lifetime for two couples in Harry Connick, Jr.’s annual Krewe of Orpheus parade the day before Mardi Gras. $59,500 USD
o Sportsman’s Paradise: Two guests will enjoy a limo ride to a helicopter and then enjoy a charter fishing excursion in the Gulf of Mexico. Chef Murphy will prepare your catch of the day (Louisiana seafood) at the Chef’s Table in the kitchen of M bistro. $21,000 USD
Okay, that might be a bit much, so how about a gift certificate to Lunacy Black Market, where Chef Paul Luna is treating everyone to $10 Pasta Sunday?
Chef Paul Luna has been hankering to offer risotto and/or pasta in an all-you-care-to-eat environment. The catch? It’s totally at his pace and his pleasure, and you lend yourselves to being our guests for the afternoon/evening. With Risotto and/or Pasta priced under $10 and select menu items at their “criminally low” levels you can leave Lunacy feeling like a stuffed goose without busting the bank!
For the foodies on your list – I would suggest a gift certificate from Cook’s Warehouse. They have everything, including classes.
And my favorite of the year – a subscription to Book Swim. I’m telling you, this will get you some serious love.
If you are just reading this and all done with your shopping, well, goodie for you. You have some time to read this hilarious article from Gawker.com
Today blogging to James Taylor – Mexico
Good Morning Darlings!
Like most women, I love to shop. But I tend to go to the same places again and again and then say I can’t find anything.
Have I got just the thing for you! The Chic Boutique Tour is the brainchild of the adorable and fashionable Rosalynn Wilson, who invited me to come along this past weekend as we toured a bevy of boutiques. In style. As in a luxury coach where we were served nibbles and libations as we moved from shop to shop with ease. It is something I could get very used to.
The way to travel...
We met up at The Pampered Nail Spa in Castleberry where we all got a chance to visit before we boarded the coach. And like all good students, I sat in front where I was rewarded with being seated next to the tour’s stylist, Kaira Akita, CEO of A Clothes Encounter (don’t you just love that name?) Kaira and I started talking and realize we had a few friends in common. A natural occurrence in Atlanta. This happens everywhere I go.
Beautiful Rosalynn outlines the day for us.
