Harvest is Upon Us

This year, I'm hosting Thanksgiving so, as with any event, I approach this special Thursday with my usual aplomb. And, it all starts with Wheat.

Spread the word about your wholesome feast to your guests with these harvest invitations from TinyPrints.com (less than $35 for 25 invites!)

Bundles of wheat make for an elegant table accent. It adds texture and warmth--without overdoing it on the theme. And, because its so sturdy, it makes for a wonderful decoration through the holiday season. It's a fabulous concept for a barnside wedding as well.

Following on our wheat texture, I may have to reconsider my fine china in lieu of a moderate splurge on a seasonal set of dishes from Target .

Amber votives can be plentiful at $2.5o a piece.

And, I adore these swanky glass cloches from Sur La Table. They are the perfect way to display pre-dinner eats & cheeses. They'd also double for a fabulous way to display candles on the table.

And finally, dessert--simply, would not be complete without Baked NYC's Caramel Apple cake. I'll be making my way down to Red Hook for this modern spin on apples & classic autumn spices, then layered & topped with a sweet caramel buttercream. It's delicious--and it matches!

Fresh Find: Delicious (Worry-Free) Desserts

Today's is Wyatt's 3rd birthday--so, naturally, I took on the task of baking cupcakes for his preschool party.

There are a ton of kid-friendly bakeries in the City, like Babycakes, that I love. But, I decided that I'd whip out my baking talents....and whip up some Cherrybrook Kitchen vanilla cups for 20 tots. Let me just say that these NUT-FREE, EGG-FREE, DAIRY-FREE desserts were some of the most decadent little homemade treats I've tasted. I was super-impressed with the ease of the recipes and the truly divine taste--especially for an allergy-free, organic mix in a box.

BONUS: Because there's no eggs, my guy and I got to lick the bowl!

Clutch Heaven

I fell for this velvet damask midnight blue vintage clutch on Estiloweddings.com today. The perfect handbag for a winter wedding guest ensemble or bridesmaid gift at only $32.

Delish.com: Stylish Spook from "Country Living"

photo credit: Michael Luppino

Logged onto Delish.com today--and found their super-chic Halloween party slideshow courtesy of Country Living. I totally dig the broom napkin treatment. Make sure you check it out!

Little Black ... Cupcake Stand

All too often, I've seen expensive gourmet cupcakes displayed on less-than-elegant plastic towers. That totally negates the chicness of the detail, don't you think? That's why I was so excited when I stumbled upon this 9" noir scalloped-edged cake pedestal on Fancy Flours. It's so Brocade Home! Microwave and dishwasher safe, $39.

(I) Love Birds

Love birds are the motif of the moment. From funky Partridge-Family designs like this one from inkOBSESSIONS on Etsy (my favorite site for super chic handmade stuff) to modern graphics featuring swirly peacock feathers, I am flocking to anything with a feather these days. This invite set is also affordable, starting at $3.25 a set -- that's $325 for 100 (a little more if you want to add more cards for directions, accomodations & reception 411).

Your grandmother's trash could be your event's treasure!

OK, so I am mildly obsessed with what I call "Modern Vintage". Designers are turning back the clock for inspiration. LOVE these amazing plastic utensils from PlumParty.com!

In these crazy penny-pinching days, remember that old becomes new again. Get inspired by vintage fabrics and stock up on cheap vintage at yard sales where 50-cents is the standard. Comic books are perfect for a boy's birthday bash; shabby-chic table linens and mix-and-match silver are ideal for a bridal shower; and the obligatory lava lamp could be the centerpiece of your 70's fondue display. Don't forget to check out Ebay!

Winter Wedding Inspiration

This year's Pottery Barn (http://www.potterybarn.com/) holiday catalog arrived -- and it's chock full of icy details. From amaryllis garlands to vases filled with vibrant chartreuse reindeer moss (yes, it is named after its tiny "antler-like" branches!) to an assortment of textured candles like these cool birch cylinders covered in metallic bark. Check out potterybarn.com for more inspiration!

Fresh Concepts: Couture Comfort Food

It's no secret that menu options have taken a creative twist recently. In fact, I was blown away by the Bruschetta Bar at The Knot's recent market party -- a set-up of tiny gourmet toasts with a self-serve selection of delicious spreads from traditional bruschetta to artichoke-pesto.

From mini sliders and hand-cut fries to truffle-infused mac 'n cheese, childhood favorites have become a staple at cocktail receptions.

Recently, I've seen some new innovations. Here is some food for thought!

* Tomato Soup Shots with grilled cheese garnish
* Katz's-style Kosher Franks served with Dr. Brown's Black Cherry, Cream & Celery Sodas
* Fondue Stations at cocktail hour & during dessert
* Mini Junior's Cheesecakes (a new spin on the cupcake tower)


(photo: Dave Robbins)

Hudson Hotel Rooftop Wedding

Who says white is old-fashioned?! We chose the Hudson Hotel Rooftop for a garden setting in the center of the City.

A small intimate affair got a shock of fresh with 12 varieties of stark white blooms by Matthew Robbins for Artfool (www.artfool.com).

White-blossomed branches arched over the ceremony on the terrace,


Frosty white fondant iced the chocolate cake with white chocolate filling by Cheryl Kleinman (Brooklyn, NY; 718-237-2271).

Photography by Sarah Sloboda (www.sarahsloboda.com).

Recession-Proof Flower! The Carnation

Tightly-packed carnations are an event planner's recession-proof floral solution. This grocery store bloom with ruffled edges goes Bergdorf chic when showcased in monochromatic bunches, creating looks from a sweet centerpiece or modern placecard display for a fraction of the price!

Informal Formals in the Meatpacking District

Traditional and modernity collided when Monique Lhuiller meets cobblestones & taxi cabs
in Annmarie & Brian's pre-ceremony shoot in New York City's Meatpacking District. These wonderful shots were captured by Dave Robbins (http://www.daverobbinsphotography.com/).

Wedding in Purple (Altman Building, NYC May 2008)

Just a preview of the Altman Building wedding from May 2008. More images to come!
We transformed the exclusive Altman Building (http://www.altmanbldg.com/) space from a blank canvas to a dramatic crescendo of color from ceremony in champagne light to cocktail hour in stark white to reception in a deep purple haze with lucite and ice accents throughout.
Truly a platinum event made possible by the talented team of Belle Fleur (http://www.bellefleurny.com/), Bentley Meeker Lighting (http://www.bentleymeeker.com/), Draping by Gio Events, Thomas Preti Caterers (http://www.thomaspreti.com/), Okamoto Studios (www.okamotostudionyc.com), Classic Party Rentals, The Dean Scala Band, Elan Artists (http://www.elanartists.com/), and photography by Dave Robbins (http://www.daverobbinsphotography.com/) -- who captured these beautiful images above.

A Party: The Ultimate Production

Welcome to our blog!

At Chandelier, we approach each event and every event like a stage production. For our clients, we work to create their debut--and of course, a rockin' afterparty -- with a unique blend of creativity, event planning intelligence and a decade of professional stage production experience.

Together, we'll:

write the script

create the budget

conceptualize the set and decor

cast the perfect team of producers, stylists, musicians and lighting

write the score & choreograph the dance

and ultimately, give each guest the orchestra-seat experience.

Stay tuned for some of our work--and some of Chandelier's favorite things!