Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Rockin' 2nd Birthday Party by "Two Plus Us"

                                                                                                  All Photos: http://twoplus.us/

I would have totally scalped tickets to this rockin' 2nd birthday party!  Dreamed up by the dynamic (married) design duo at Two Plus Us, this fete totally hits the top of the charts.

When the ubertalented Matthew and Lori Richmond are done tucking their two boys for the night in at their swanky Brooklyn apartment, they spend their nights burning the midnight oil on their labor of love: totally insane birthday party design. You may remember the Old Hollywood inspired fete they threw for Holden's first last year (I featured it on Chandelier).

Feast your eyes on this rad set of photos from his sophmore celebration.


Two Plus Us is currently designing custom parties. Pricing upon request.

I'd say, this one totally calls for an encore!


Friday, February 24, 2012

Chandelier is officially PINNING! Follow Pinterest.com/chandelierevent



We've known about Pinterest for quite some time, but only recently joined the craze--and like everyone else, we're completely addicted to pinning inspirations.  Apparently, so are many of you! If you're not familiar with this social network, this is an easy-to-use image search engine that allows you to share and pin (bookmark) inspiration--from gorgeous photos to gifts to home decor, recipes, travel destinations. 

Look for awe-inducing photo stories for color palette inspiration, DIY ideas, aspirational style, fashion for weddings and events, menus for cocktails and feasts--the list is absolutely endless. We're so excited to see what you pin, too!

Here's a sneak peak at some of the boards in our file this week. 





CHUPPAH IDEAS


BEACH WEDDING INSPIRATION



Let us know what you think!

Friday, February 3, 2012

Get Your Game On: Superbowl Party Ideas



Ok, it has to be said--Are you ready for some football?! Nothing's more exciting in the Northeast than a square off of Eli Manning and the New York Giants and Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Planning a get-together this weekend? Here's some fun ways we've dreamed up at Chandelier Events to add some style to your typical Superbowl bash. 


SuperBeer Bar
Nothing's better than a cold brewsky in front of the 50" inch-flatscreen. Skip the kegs and pitchers, and impress your guests with a deluxe beer buffet featuring bottles of microbrews and ice-cold pilsner glasses. Stock a wide variety of ales, from the lighter pale ales like Blue Moon to the staples like Heinekens and Amstels, deeper flavors Newcastle and Red Stripe, to picks from local breweries representing your teams: for New York Giants, go with Brooklyn Brewery and Schmaltz Brewery, and for the Patriots, opt for the obvious Sam Adams, Harpoon, and Waschusett Blueberry Brew by Washcusett Brewing Company.


Go Big on Mini Bites
I've been doing mini bites at events for years now--and this is such an easy way to sass you your Superbowl Party. Add to your classic platter of cocktail franks (a must-have) with mini sliders, pulled pork sandwiches, mini lobster rolls and crabcakes--you can even cut up grilled cheese sandwiches into bite-size morsels on a bed of grass or use them to garnish tomato soup in a shot glass.  Bite by Bite, the new book by my friend Peter Callahan of Callahan Catering's new book is packed with inspiration--like these mini chicken cups served with teensy bottles of Coke.

(Chandelier Tip: Finding tiny Coke bottles might be hard, but you can easily do this at home by filling shot glasses with sodas and even spiked drinks and cutting paper or colored plastic straws -- red and blue -- into thirds. You can do mini root beer floats, dark and stormies, and shots of coffee soda like Manhattan Specials).


Skip DoubleDipping
If you're throwing a Superbowl fete, chances are Seven Layer Dip is on the menu. Limit the mess while impressing your guests with individual Seven Layer Rocks Glass--we found a great step-by-step tutorial to seven layer dip cups on SweetSavoryLife.com. This tip is easy to replicate for other snacks like fondue (cheese or chocolate) and even simple dips and salsas. Finally, a reason to put those wedding gifts to work!


SuperSweet Snacks: Black & Tan Pretzel Bars
Go mini or BIG with this homemade game day sweet (recipe from The Cake Blog)--a layer of fudgy beer brownie topped with butterscotch ale ganache and salty pretzels, served with a pint of Guinness, of course!



Touchdown Style
You don't have to spend big bucks to get great style--just put your thinking cap on! An easy way to spruce up your table is this one from a Tailgate Party I threw for my son--Grass Flats! On average, flats of grass cost less than $15 a piece--I picked up a few, and popped in balls from our own collection. This is a great way to "Go Football" and make a nod to your favorite team. See more Tailgate Decor here.



Be Your Own Entertainment
Stage your own entertainment, with these ideas we've dreamed up:

-- "YouTube Superbowl Commercial Competition" -- During the tailgate time, split up into teams, and draw products written on notes out of a ref hat; with your iPhone, Androids or FlipCams, shoot 30 second commercial clips for your "given product". See who's the funniest, most embarrassing, just have fun!

-- "Star Spangled Banner" Sing Off: Break out the Karaoke machine for a  kick-off sing-off. This is a great way to entertain the kids as well! See who remembers the words.

Have crowd-pleasing game day ideas? Share them with us.


Saturday, January 7, 2012

Eat Your Heart Out: Go Family-Style at Your Next Event

                                                                                                                                     Photo & Recipe: Buttermilk Mac 'N Cheese, Six-Course Dinner
                                                                                              Photo & Recipe: Rosemary Lamb Chop Popsicles & Mint Gremolata, KissMySpatula.com
                                                                                                                                                                          Photo: GreenWeddingShoes.com
                                                                                               Photo & Recipe: Homemade Blueberry Tart With Lemon Zest, CreatureComfortsBlog.com

Good food brings people together.

One of my favorite ways to break the ice at a party (for myself or a client) is to give guests the experience of "breaking bread" at the table--together. I find that infusing this more casual service (even at the most formal event) often erupts into full-fledged feasting and toasting at the tables.

Whether you choose to go full-on "family style" (at your next affair, or holiday meal)--or, you opt to combine traditional service with "family style" elements, give your nearest and dearest a chance to "pass the potatoes"--trust me, it's always an instant-conversation starter.

Prior to your guests' arrival, create a warm welcome by setting tables with bread baskets, multiple salads, charcuterie and artisanal cheese boards, and creme-topped shots of soup. Follow with either family-style proteins (loving these Rosemary Lamb Chop Popsicles with Mint Gremolata served on wood carving boards) or go with traditional entree service where guests order their protein, and then, when the plates arrive, have the servers place sides-to-share (think: Steakhouse). Bubbling cauldrens of Buttermilk Mac 'n Cheese, roasted root vegetables and steamed haricots verts, roasted brussel sprouts and chive-and-garlic smashed potatoes all scream "pass me"--don't they?!

If you're afraid to stray too far from the traditional, you can add the family-style touch with desserts: cookies, tarts, cakes, pies, pots du creme--and pots of coffee, to boot.

Ready for that midnight snack?

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Save the Date: RBaby Five Star Food & Wine Gala

So, we're busy planning an *amazing* tasting event at The Plaza for the RBaby Foundation (www.rbabyfoundation.org/fivestargala) --and we cannot wait to tell you more about it!

We're busy lining up some of the country's top chefs from the most incredible restaurants (Aureole, Gramercy Tavern, David Burke Kitchen, Epicerie Boulud, and more!) with premium wines for truly star-studded epicurean experience to raise money to save babies lives by improving emergency pediatric care.  It is a wonderful event we feel honored to be involved with!  Stay tuned for more details about the RBaby Five Star Food & Wine Gala -- and if you'd like to help, let us know. Tickets go on sale in February.


Meanwhile, all of this planning is making me hungry! So my next post tonight will include a few quick tips we have for bringing out the foodie in your affair!