Sunday, September 25, 2011

Party Style: Moroccan-Mediterranean



Below is my recent post for the Lucky Lifestyle Contributor Contest. I created a colorful Moroccan-Mediterranean themed dinner party. See more pics below!
Parties are my thing. No, really-- I studied it in college and recently launched my own event planning company. I love planning events and showcasing creativity through decor and the dining menu. It's often the little details that get noticed the most, so I try to incorporate something unique for guests to remember. Whether it's a unique place card, signature drink or invite -- be sure to add your custom stamp to any party you host.

The Decor: Invites and Tablescape
I'm in love with bright, vivid hues so for my latest soiree I decided to go for a Moroccan-Mediterranean themed dinner party using a range of lush fuchsias and turquoise. The invites are unique, calligraphed tag tickets with homemade tassels, mailed in a fuchsia envelope. White dishes work for every occasion and can be easily dressed up or down. For the table settings I added pop to the dishes with turquoise napkins and used silverware with a similar beading pattern. A flower arrangement with purple and blue hydrangeas and magenta carnations add concentrated color along with Moroccan-style candle holders. Key Tip: Use colors and items that make you feel exuberant.

The Menu: Hors d'eouvres, Entree and Sides
We started off the night with spanakopita, my favorite Mediterranean appetizer. Next, we had a field greens and herb salad. For the main course, I served up shrimp skewers over couscous dotted with cranberries and toasted nuts and garlicky green beans with sliced almonds. A perfect combination for a Mediterranean-inspired event. Key Tip: Not everything has to be made from scratch. Some items taste just as good or better when they come prepackaged from your local store.

The Hostess: Attire
I like to work a little bit of the theme into my party attire. For my Moroccan-Mediterranean Party I donned a black and white skirt, boasting an arabesque inspired print, with colorful jewelry. Key Tip: Wear an outfit that shows off your style sense and is also comfortable, so that you can focus on your guests and not wardrobe malfunctions!

Clothing: Skirt, Urban Outfitters. Shirt, Banana Republic. Heels, Charles Jourdan. Jewelry, Saks and Belk.
Recipe Links: CouscousShrimp SkewersSpanakopita

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Food Obsession: Coconut Cupcakes





One of my family's most loved treats is my coconut cake. I get requests for birthdays and holidays. And, at times when we value portion control, the cupcake version is perfect. I made these for my hubby this weekend. I love Ina Garten's recipe.

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