Serving Christmas with Pinterest

My Christmas Dinner Menu involves a bit of a Hail Merry this year.  I love to browse the design and DIY pins on Pinterest, so I decided to take my Pinterest crush a step further - recipes for Christmas Dinner.  Admittedly, my reliance on Pinterest recipes is unfounded and there is a huge risk that dinner may be a flop, but these dishes look scrumptious; it's hard to image how it could go wrong (other than due to the obvious chef error).  Should the Pinterest meal go awry, I have plenty of wine on hand to keep my guests jolly (and, really, wine is the most important side).  Cheers to a family feast, and Merry Christmas!

Parmesan Herb Crusted Potatoes

House of Yumm

My Domaine - Pumpkin Meringue Pie. 

Vibrant Indian Wedding in the OC

Indian weddings are known for being a vibrant affair with so many gorgeous details that guests clamor for an invite.  Case in point is this wow factor wedding that preserved beautiful traditions in a sublime beach side setting at the Hyatt in Huntington Beach.  The two day celebration was filled with time honored traditions, from the bride's intricate Mehndi and authentic red wedding sari, to the groom's Baraat wedding procession and the traditional rich-red Hindu ceremony surrounded by California palm trees and the Pacific Ocean's salty breeze.  This was a culturally stunning fete, with a Western twist.

To ensure authenticity, the bride traveled to India to search for the perfect sari, jeweled bangles, bead work sandals and attire for her bridal party - who wore traditional blue and gold saris (every former and to-be bridesmaid was jealous over this bridal party's garb).  A wedding runner of rose petals artfully arranged gave a chic modern twist to the traditional fete.  The groom was decked out in cream + gold with a traditional red head dress.

Following the ceremony, the couple changed into Western wedding gear – a silky cream gown for the bride and a fashionable suit for the groom.  Traditional bright colors of blue and gold decked the reception tables.  In lieu of table numbers, tables sported names of the couple's favorite authors and the centerpieces incorporated books (a nod to the couple's favorite pastime).  Guests were greeted at the reception with an overflowing bar of cocktails and a photo booth complete with props.  Guests are still talking about the deliciousness of the Indian feast that seemed to never stop coming.  The party continued into the early morning, with a late night spread appearing sometime after midnight (but, really, who could remember the time with so much booze, food and fun?).

Best wishes corkboard

Bride's bouquet of sahara roses
 

Literary centerpieces

Photo booth fun
 

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Congrats Nikhil + Sheila

Celebrating with Steven Stolman: Confessions of a Serial Entertainer

I was lucky enough to tag along with my friend to Hudson Grace's book signing party this week for Steven Stolman's latest read: "Confessions of a Serial Entertainer".  When I was invited to the party, I thought, a party in a handsome boutique surrounded by legendary designers, beautiful hand crafted vessels and cocktails and wine,  sounds like the perfect retail therapy to me.  And, boy was I right!

San Francisco's design royalty filled Hudson Grace in support of their friend's book.  The roster included interior designer Ken Fulk, who I have a major design crush on.  I tried to contain my childlike giddiness while the ever charming Fulk told me some of his design tales (apparently, a Fulk authored book is in the works and anticipated to be released next Fall...I can't wait!...Santa, are you taking note?)

Bound in a beautiful Tiffany blue with attractive illustrations, Stolman's book is a fun tutorial for successful entertaining and the perfect present for this Holiday Season.  Stolman offers inspiring and practical advice in his book, such as an affirmation that store bought is OK but put it on a pretty plate and destroy the evidence.  The boutique setting was the perfect compliment to such an elegant book - it was no coincidence that a book about being the hostess with the mostest was presented in THE boutique for lustworthy entertaining wares.  Cocktails presented in Hudson Grace stemless glasses circulated the room on silver platters, whilst party goers were surrounded by a backdrop of greater goods meticulously curated by Hudson Grace. 

Ken Fulk in the fashionable plaid suit and Steven Stolman signing a guest's book.

Hudson Grace proprietor Monelle Totah surrounded by her greater goods and design clientele.

Generous glasses of Rosé made their rounds throughout the evening.

Here are some of my favorite seasonal entertaining wares from the evening that any Serial Entertainer would lust for.

A monotone tablescape of sculptural wares would be a visual treat for any Holiday diner.

This white ceramic pumpkin would elevate any Thanksgiving table to chic.

White turkey serving dish and sea salt caramels, a must for any Holiday entertainer.

Antique cutting boards are the perfect way to present anything!

Marble platters with orange persimmons are a simple chic Holiday table setting.

Thanks, Steven for all of the wonderful entertaining tips - and just in time for the Holiday Season!

Steven Stolman. Photo by Unabashedly Prep. 

Images by Brooklyn Boheme (unless otherwise noted).

Chateau Wedding Restrospective

As I sip my morning coffee, I'm reflecting on where I was and what I was doing six years ago today... At about this time on October 3, 2009, I was enjoying a lavish spread of flaky, buttery pastries overlooking the terrace of a French renaissance chateau, in solitude enjoying my final moments as a singleton and anticipating the day's wedding festivities at Chateau de Challain in the Loire Valley.  This morning I leave you with some snapshots of the day, a retrospective in images.  For the full post: click Chateau Wedding.

Classic Winter Wedding Affair in San Francisco

Vintage met modern at this classic San Francisco wedding in the Presidio.  From the quaint historical chapel used by military officers of a bygone era, minimally decorated with white Lilies and holiday appropriate wreaths, to the vintage venue of the Presidio Social Club outfitted with modern eye-popping lounge vignettes, this wedding was classic perfection.  The wedding's grey, white, and fire engine red palette honored the holiday season with a contemporary twist, and the classic cocktail Moscow Mule, donned with red and white paper straws, greeted guests in a nod to the iconic venue's roots as a military barrack.

The Bride, who exudes "Jackie O" elegance, wore a classic, flowy, sweetheart neckline VWidon gown, tailored by Jin Wang of San Francisco.  Her hair tied into a chic chignon was the perfect compliment.  A streamlined ceremony featuring the Bride's sister as THE bridesmaid, wearing a black chiffon Adrianna Papell ballgown, offered a preview of the evening's elegance and jubilation.  The Groom looked dapper in a black Armani suit.

Vintage postcards compliment modern grey+white invites.

Simple floral arrangements and holiday garland allow the venue's historical beauty to shine.

Not a detail was missed at the reception.  Vintage themed postcards of the Golden Gate were offered in lieu of a guest book, an art gallery of grey escort cards within red lacquered frames offered guests their table assignments, and festive cocktails were a plenty.  In a tented patio trimmed with vintage string lights, guests enjoyed the evening's stars while being protected from the San Francisco chill.  Cigars followed dinner, and late night french fries and sliders ensured guests kept the party going.

Ornate hand-painted beams paired with the contemporary lines of the Lilly arrangements.

Understated beauty in this elegant Pronovias lace shrug.

Caroline + Bryan

The Bride's style tips:

• After hours party: Not wanting the evening to end, serve late night snacks to fuel your guests. 
• Best money spent: Hire a wedding planner so that you can enjoy your day and the weeks leading up to your day.  Without the brilliant team of Rebecca Reategui Weddings & Special Events (for whom I am so grateful), I would have lost my mind trying to nail down the days' details. 
• Guest bags: Welcome long-haul guests with regional goodies - a local map, bottle of water, regional snacks and travel guide.  We included local gourmet popcorn (Thatcher's) and chocolate (Ghiradelli), guide to exploring the Presidio along with a map of San Francisco, a fortune cookie with a personalized message ("we are lucky to have you here!"), golden gate bridge magnet, and Anchor Steam beer (another SF specialty).  
• Venue selection: Choose a venue that is conducive to dancing to ensure your reception is not a dud.

All images © Andi Hatch Photography all rights reserved, used with permission.