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: Couscous, Shrimp Skewers, Spanakopita

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.

Lanvin goes viral

Lanvin’s new viral video. Loved their latest ad campaign and this video is sort of a behind the scenes of how the print ads came together. Genius.

Very cool to see my favorite stills from the ads in motion.

Flowers: Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are undoubtedly one of my favorite flowers. Simply beautiful, I love the mound shape of these blooms.They are perfect accent for any event or just decorating your home. I actually planted my first hydrangea this spring. Luckily, it has survived the overbearing heat of Georgia, I can't wait to see what it produces next year!

Country Living, September 2011 Roundup

This month's Country Living focuses on makeovers. There were some very inspirational projects from kitchen makeovers to the overhaul of an entire home. I'm particularly drawn to the beautiful bathroom makeover with penny tiles and the dramatic entryway makeover with the amazing deer patterned wallpaper. Have you read the latest issue of Country Living? What are your favorite makeover ideas from the magazine?

Vogue September Issue is Here!

Vogue, September 2011 Issue

I've been combing through this issue over the last couple of days, and I still have a third of the magazine left to read. Fantastic fall fashion and fabulous features! I'll be showcasing some of my favorite finds in future posts.

Bazaar's Primary Lessons: Blue and Green Fall Syle 101

via Harper's Bazaar, August 2011 Issue

When I opened the August 2011 issue of Harper's Bazaar, I was instantly drawn to this page. There is something about these vivid hues of blue and green that feel so lush and rich. And...I just die for that Mulberry bag! Hints of gold, whether it be hardware or jewelry, are definitely the perfect complement to this look.

Inspiration Board: Blue and Green

At this moment, I'm loving the traditional color combination of navy blue and green. There is a certain crisp freshness about it that screams classic and welcoming. This colors play beautifully together in both fashion and events. How do you plan to work these colors this fall?

1.  Billy Reid
2.  High Heels and Diapers
3.  Nina
4. {AO3} Designs 
5. J Crew
6. Minted
7. Jenny Yoo via Martha Stewart Weddings 
8. JustClickPrint via Etsy
9. Preppy Pinwheel Party by Sharnell D
10. Jewelry by Dorothy via Etsy