Registering can be super stressful at times because you’re not just picking out cute, little accessories; you’re building your future love nest and you want to make sure that you get it right. And that’s exactly why we love the Wedding Parties at Crate & Barrel because registry experts are there to ensure you get exactly what you want. You’ll be sipping drinks and scanning ’til your heart’s content without tons of shoppers surrounding you. Sound fabulous? We think so too! Head over to Crate & Barrel now to RSVP. Happy Registering! xoxo

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From Tracy Taylor Ward Design … How to throw a New Years Eve Party

When it comes to hosting a party, planning can often become overwhelming, especially around holiday time. From ambiance to table settings, one of the most common questions we hear, particularly when it comes to throwing a festive dinner party, is, “How can I come up with a fresh design concept?”

Whether you are looking to host a classic New Year’s Eve party or “mix it up” with something that creates a particular mood (as we did), this step-by-step guide promises to not only help you plan that perfect night to ring in the New Year but to also help you resolve to never be overwhelmed by another dinner party again.

Step 1: Get inspired. Determining what excites you. Whether it’s art, an object you saw in a store window display, or a passage from a book that described a world you felt transfixed by, inspiration is all around you and can help you establish a theme for your party. For our “Glam Noir” dinner party we found our muses in the sophisticated and edgy image of the black lace-masked Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen on the cover of Vogue’s Guide To Ultimate Style.

Step 2: Choose a color scheme. Taking cues from the time of year your event will be held and then adding touches of your favorite colors is another easy way to create a color scheme that will feel personalized. For our New Years Eve party, we selected silver, gold, and red, colors that would be appropriate and obvious staples of the holiday season. Then, drawing inspiration from Tom Ford’s gorgeous new cosmetic colors and packaging, we opted to give our event a little edginess by adding black and eggplant tones to the mix.

Step 3: Build your tablescape. Here are the basics you will need for your dinner table: a tablecloth, napkins, plates (dinner and dessert plates are a must, charger plates and salad plates are optional but nice additions, based on your menu and the formality of the party), glassware (water, wine, and/or cocktail), flatware, and centerpieces. For our tablescape we took a fieldtrip to Mood to find the perfect black lace to use as a tablecloth (we were thrilled when we found one with gold shimmer!). We then opted for simple black linen napkins and sparkly gold charger plates from Gracious Home, paired with the Black Murano Glass dinner plates, Confetti Dessert Plates and Aero Flatware from Crate and Barrel. In lieu of traditional vases for our centerpieces, we used the clear glass Whirly Hanging Candle Holders from CB2. These festive pieces provided a unique alternative: we were able to place gold and silver tinsel within each candleholder and then encircle vibrant red orchids around every one.

Step 4: Select lighting. How you choose to illuminate your space will greatly affect the ambiance of your party. Although dinner will require subtle overhead lighting – since you’ll want everyone to be able to see what you are serving – there’s no question that some accent lighting will also help set the tone of the evening and establish a more intimate effect. In the case of our dinner party, we choose to make candles a focal point by lining our table with a group of hand blown glass candlesticks from CB2, in assorted shapes. (Note: Glass candlesticks are unobtrusive and enable you to chat with the person across the table, especially since they are usually at eye level.)

Step 5: Don’t forget the embellishments. Love is in the details and your guests will surely notice the thought you put into all the finishing touches. From custom designed invitations hinting at your color scheme (we also made “Resolution Reminder Cards,” the size of a credit card, that guests could keep in their wallets to help them follow through with their New Year’s resolutions!), to a special table runner (we created the look of a runner simply by overlapping Chilewich Gold Dahlia Placemats running down the length of the table), to specialty cocktails, oversize balloons and pretty homemade desserts, the smallest details will let your guests know that they are in for a special evening and, also, that you are excited to be ringing in the New Year with them!

Venue: Renaissance Hotel 57 / Event Design and Planning: Tracy Taylor Ward Design / Photography: Scott Andrew Studio / Invitations and Graphic Design: Paper With Benefits / Balloons: Geronimo Balloons / Tableware: Crate and Barrel, CB2, Mood, and Gracious Home / Hair: Stacy Pitt / Makeup: Sally Duvall

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Post tags: Balloons, Candles, CB2, Color Palette Red Gold Black, Crate and Barrel, Geronimo Balloons, Glitter, Gold, Gracious Home, Mood, New Year's Eve, New Year's Eve Wedding, New Years, New York, Paper With Benefits, Renaissance Hotel 57, Sally Duvall Makeup, Scott Andrew Studio, Smores, Stacy Pitt, Tracy Taylor Ward Design, Wedding Photography
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog

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From A Dream Wedding…Rachel & Jason envisioned their wedding color palette as tone on tone florals in a “palette of layers in deep plums, purples with grey & black undertones, staying away from any warm tones”. Eclectic and whimsical accents, randomness to the designs, fun and quirky elements, also incorporating seasonal fruit in the color scheme.

Rachel & Jason’s ceremony took place in the Dunfillan “Ruins” nestled in the rolling Sonoma Valley vineyard line hills at Kunde Estate Vineyards in Kenwood. Guests were then invited to “Boot Hill” overlooking the vineyards for cocktails, dinner reception and dancing. The night was warm and magical.

We chose a variety of mercury glass urns and containers, to offset from the cool toned linens giving a rustic yet elegant feel against the shimmer of the linens. All of the tables were named after their favorite restaurants they frequent in New York and  we hand-made the fused glass pieces that were used for these displays.

Wedding Planner: Sarah Ghazzagh of A Dream Wedding / Ceremony + Reception Location: Kunde Vineyards / Floral Design: Fleurs de France / Caterer: Park Avenue Catering / Linens: Classic Party Rentals / Hair + Make-up: It’s A Date at the Powder Room / Wedding Photography: Lindsey Wells of Travis Hoehne Photography / Wedding Cake: Perfect Endings / Stationery: The Bride / Bride’s Shoes: Via Spiga / Bridesmaid Dresses: Butter by Nadia / Favors: Crate & Barrel (wine stops) / Officiant: Elena Derkits + Michael Gelman (brother + sister of Bride + Groom)

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Post tags: A Dream Wedding, Butter by Nadia, California Weddings, Classic Party Rentals, Crate and Barrel, Fleurs de France, It's a Date at the Powder Room, Kunde Vineyards, Park Avenue Catering, Perfect Endings, Sonoma, Travis Hoehne Photography, Via Spiga
Post categories: California Weddings, Napa Valley Weddings, Traditional Elegance

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From Visions of Platinum & Garnet…This inspirational shoot was created as an extension of the classic afternoon tea experience.  With all the regal focus in recent months for the Royal Wedding, we began to dream of a beautiful engagement party in the elegant garden of a country manor.  With our thoughts to incorporating elements of the past and present, our photo shoot began to come to life.  The final result was fitting for a young Duchess with all its fine tea elements amidst a sunny yellow palette. Krista (photographer), Paras (design + décor) and I (Lisa Allain – producer) worked tirelessly to bring this project to life, with many late nights creating all our lovely custom elements.  When we collaborate, the ideas flow with excitement and ease.  We are truly passionate about the creative process and we feel that this inspirational shoot exemplifies our best talents.

The photo shoot took place at Lakewinds Country Manor in Niagara on the Lake, Ontario.  Lakewinds is an exceptionally beautiful property and our table was set in an elegant and wonderful lattice covered courtyard and English garden.  It was the perfect ambiance.The fine details of this inspirational look were sourced meticulously.  I searched widely to find the perfect fabrics to create custom, hand sewn feather quill napkins, yellow polka dot fabric chair backs and a table runner in an elegant modern swirl, under Paras’ masterful eye, guidance and direction.  Tea-themed items combined by the team included a vintage well-traveled antique tea chest, vintage and worn metal tea cans, stylishly designed tea containers, decorative teapots, and teacup-shaped baking cups.  Other details included iced tea and lemonade generously displayed in beautiful dispensers on top of inverted galvanized containers while individual lemonades were presented in vintage pop-top bottles, “Drink Me” tags attached with the intention to make guests smile.  Truly beautiful invitations with a tea motif combined with personalized menus and thank you notes added the perfect customized touch created by Krista.  Stationery tags hung softly on grosgrain ribbons from the displays of each item to introduce them. Garden bistro tables in combination with wooden chairs and a gardener’s bench located by Paras made the perfect casual seating and whimsical effect.

Paras’ breathtaking florals presented crisp white peonies and yellow craspedia happily sitting in mason jars down the length of the table.  This was a touch of perfection, and complemented a rich display of glassware and display pieces to showcase the artful and delicious treats as well as all the custom stationary and linens.Sarah, our extraordinary chef created the most delicious signature cake in cupcake tea cups, lemon cookies, filigree cake pops, lemon shortbread, French macaroons, coconut cakes and mouse served in crystal glasses.  Our sweet table was both elegant and fun.  Popcorn mini treats were placed at each setting and lemon drops awaited as take away favors. Inspiration for a dreamy, bright, fun and very stylish afternoon was the final result, and without further ado, we respectfully and proudly present our Tea Party Splendor to you.

Location: Lakewinds Country Manor / Production: Lisa Allain, Visions of Platinum & Garnet / Shoot Coordinator: Ginny Chau, Visions of Platinum & Garnet / Concept, Decor Design + Floral: Paras Mehta, DESIGN2DECOR / Photography + Stationery: Krista Fox, Verve Photo Co. / Dessert Items + Fine Cuisine: Sarah Locke, Yorkshire Pudding / Teas,  Stacked Tea Set + Lemon Drop Candies: Indigo Books / Vintage Tea Chest + Tea Cans: Mother Parkers Tea and Coffee / Charger Plates, Refreshment Dispensers, Galvanized Pails, Ice Cold Drink Buckets + Glass Pitcher: Pottery Barn / Side Plates + Tea Mugs: Crate and Barrel / Wine Glasses: Anthropologie / Cake Stands + Tea Pot: Putti Fine Furnishings / Table + Chairs: Hofland / Fabrics: Designer Fabrics / Model: Courtney Lodder / Make-up: Sarah Smith

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Post tags: Anthropologie, Canada, Courtney Lodder, Crate and Barrel, Design 2 Decor, Indigo Books, Lakewinds Country Manor, Mother Parkers Tea and Coffee, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Photo Shoot, Pottery Barn, Sarah Smith, Tea Party, Verve Photo Co., Visions of Platinum & Garnet, Yorkshire Pudding
Post categories: Photo Shoot, Vintage Chic

Plus, entering the Ultimate Wedding Contest is beyond simple. Start your wedding registry at Crate and Barrel before March 31, 2011. And if you already have a registry, it’s even easier. You can skip right to the contest entry form and share a little bit about you and your fiance.

We told you it was simple! AND believe us, it is so worth the time for the chance to win the ultimate in wedding giveaways. Plus the $100,000 wedding isn’t the only prize. You also have a chance at winning one of several Crate and Barrel gift cards (ranging from $1000 to $7500). For all the juicy details on the contest and entry forms pop on over to Crate and Barrel. Time is a ticking and you definitely don’t want to miss out on this amazing contest! Who knows, the lucky winner could be you.

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We happen to think Crate & Barrel’s Wedding Parties are the perfect way to introduce all of you newbies to the world of wedding registries. And believe us, it is a BIG, wide world of choices out there. So why not make the registery process as easy (and fun) as possible? At each Wedding Party, you and your fiance will get the whole store to yourselves for two hours! Plus the design and registry experts are on hand to answer any and all of your questions so creating your dream registry will be easy breezy. Meet other engaged couples, celebrate with yummy food and drinks and scan to your heart’s content. Head over to Crate & Barrel to RSVP today. Food and drink, expert advice and fun, fun, fun…now that’s our kind of party.

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1. French Kitchen Table / 2. Vienna White Barstool / 3. Nespresso Machine / 4. Set of Parker Bowls / 5. Porcelain Measuring Spoons / 6. Clark Flatware / 7. Pick Me Up Mugs w/ Tray / 8. Dining Table / 9. Baking Dish Towel

And believe us, we understand that registering can be a bit overwhelming. Sometimes there are just too many great things in the wide world of Crate and Barrel lovelies to pore through. It can be hard to know where to begin. Sooo, here are some great tips to keep in mind before you jump into the land of registering:

• Crate and Barrel has put together the perfect registry checklist to help you get started on building each and every room in your new abode. No must-have will be forgotten with this curated list.

• They have dedicated Registry Consultants for any and every question you might have in the realm of house goods as well as fabulous Wedding Party Events where you get the whole store to yourselves, can consult with registry experts and meet other brides and grooms all while building your dream registry

• After the big day, receive 10% off any unfulfilled items on your list – even furniture!

With so many great items from the cutest little cocktail napkins to the biggest, coziest sofas and all of the delightful housewares in between, Crate and Barrel is the absolute perfect spot to get started on stocking your dream home today!

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Have you heard? Crate & Barrel is throwing a party just for you and your fiance. Imagine having the whole store to yourselves for hours. You can get advice from design and registry experts, plan your perfect home together, meet other brides and grooms and make merry with fabulous food and drinks. Now that is our kind of party but the clock is ticking.

Believe us when we say this is not something to be missed. Head over to Crate & Barrel to RSVP today. Time is running out on these fabulous soirees with only one national event left this year and we wouldn’t want you to miss out on all of the festivities. Food, drink, fun and expert advice…you can’t go wrong. The last party is October 24 so be sure to check Crate & Barrel for a Wedding Party near you!

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