Today is the start of February and despite some unseasonably warm weather here in the DC area, we are in the thick of winter when toes get cold and its easy to get chilled to the bone. Combat the chills with these luxurious, cashmere hot water bottles. The one from Orvis comes with matching sleeping socks and Jonathan Adler’s version showcases a peace sign.
Orvis hot water bottle
Jonathan Adler's cashmere hot water bottle
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, here is a sweet DIY project to create a paper heart wreath. A heart-shaped punch from a craft supply store is critical for this one!
paper heart wreath via Better Homes & Gardens
One of my favorite days of the year is just around the corner: the Super Bowl! This year is even more exciting as my New England Patriots are playing! As you prepare for Super Bowl Sunday, here are some fun Super Bowl party decoration ideas, including a variety of printables from Hostess With the Mostess.
Go Pats!
football garland via Better Homes and Gardens
football brownies via Better Homes and Gardens
Super Bowl printables via Hostess with the Mostess
Football field runner and coasters via Martha Stewart
I’ve always loved the look of decorative accents made with moss and these accents here are perfect inspiration for wedding decor. The organic, natural look of moss works for classic occasions and rustic ones, as well.
Moss monogram via Weddingbee
Moss ring bearer's pillow via Sasha Souza Events
Moss "paint" is used to decorate a brick wall with words - via Oh Montreal
from Food & Wine magazine Feb 2012
I was just talking with some friends the other day who shared that the new dessert buzz is all about layer cakes. Upon opening my February 2012 issue of Food & Wine, I’d have to agree. The magazine has an informative spread on DIY layer cakes, offering recipes for cakes, fillings, and frostings. Use your creativity and create a layer cake that is totally unique by mixing and matching the flavors.
I highly recommend picking up the issue but here are a just few of the recipes you can access online.
Filling: Dark Chocolate Mousse Filling, White Chocolate Mousse Filling
Frosting: Rich Chocolate Buttercream, Hazelnut Buttercream
Cake: Brown Butter Layer Cake, Double Chocolate Layer Cake
One of my favorite places in New York is Momofuku Milk Bar. Part of David Chang’s Momofuku empire, Milk Bar offers creative takes on sweet treats with creations like Cereal Milk Ice Cream and Crack Pie — two of my favorites.
Now you don’t have to go to New York to sample Milk Bar’s creations. Williams-Sonoma is now offering Momofuku Milk Bar Cookie Mix in three different flavors — blueberry & cream, corn, and “composte.”
I am craving cookies and milk right about now…
Momofuku Milk Cookie Mix from Williams-Sonoma
At our recent New Year’s Day brunch, we set out a bellini bar for our guests to enjoy. Bellinis are a perfect brunch beverage and setting up a make-your-own bellini station allows guests to create the drink to their taste.
I followed Giada De Laurentiis’ recipe for the fruit purées and offered peach, strawberry, and blueberry. A note to those who may wish to try this — blueberry was not very popular! I’d suggest blood orange or lemon as an alternative.
Set out a little sign indicating what the bar is and how to create the drink, and put labels in front of each purée so guests know what they are pouring. Many thanks to Jennifer Olmstead of Deleted Space Creative for the design of the sign and labels.
Cheers!
I hosted a little New Year’s Day brunch at my house to welcome in 2012. I had a lot of fun putting it together — especially the dessert bar. The bar included chocolate-cinnamon mocha cake, pistachio cake, pumpkin spice cake, pizzelles, coconut macaroons, rosemary lemon bars, cafe au lait pudding, and banana pudding with.
I attended a friend’s wedding years ago and remember it so fondly. One of the things I loved and still remember about the wedding were the bride’s thoughtful gestures for guests, including a photo booth (before they were even popular) and a special treat for children — an activity book.
If children are invited to your wedding reception, consider how you can keep them entertained. For the right age group, activity books like this adorable one from Lovely Indeed are so thoughtful. A free, printable version of this is available on here.
Thanks to Ellinée, you can make New Year’s Eve party hats just in time for the big night. These look simple to make — and so festive!
free party hat printables from Ellinée
The Rex & Regina Blog shares both trendy and traditional ways to extend gracious hospitality through weddings, other social occasions, and at-home entertaining. Learn more about Rex & Regina.