Entertaining on a budget - Tip #2

You don't always have to do flowers to have interesting and colorful decor for a party. Think beyond and use plants or just foliage. The bonus of using plants is that you will most likely spend less for them than flowers and they will last a lot longer.

Currently I am loving the tillandsia's (Air Plants), they are a relative of the bromeliad (an epiphitic plant) and they do not require soil, just a periodic dousing with water and some spritzing in between. They come in a variety of colors and textures and make a great conversation piece. If you use them consider giving one as a gift to your guests at the end of the party.

Another great optioin are always orchids. There are so many varieties and colors now. My current favorites are the smaller (mini) varieties in shades of apricot / pink. They make a great simple centerpiece with lots of candles.

Plants aare also very "green" as they are good for the environment, and are compostable (for those whose thumbs are not so green) so you can feel good about your purchases.

*the photo shows three varietis of Tillandsia in a glass trifle bowl at Lekker Home. www.lekkerhome.com

Summer Entertaining on a Budget Tip #1

For anyone who doesn't know me very well - one of my favorite tools in designing a table is candlelight. There is nothing more inviting, or sparkly than fire. Don't tell the Boston Fire Department though!

Candles are economical and festive with or without flowers, and they come in so many colors and styles that you can't miss. Save your pennies by thinking out of the box and use votive candles and tea lights in barware, dishes, and vases you already have. That cool sake cup or dipping bowl you never use could be the perfect thing for a few candles to scatter about. A secret tip though, if you are using votive candles in a special dish, add a few drops of water in the base so the candle does not stick to the finish. It makes clean-up a breeze.

Another favorite method of fire for entertaining are tiki torches, these somewhat primitive torches are great for clustering around patios (if you don't have dirt, think of putting them in large vessels filled with rocks to hold them). I also love them lining a long driveway or path into a party. They can be found very inexpensively so you can use them profusely. Of course if you want to up the ante, look for really cool ones like the ones they carry at Lekker Home. http://www.lekkerhome.com/Detail.asp?ProductID=3001

Have fun with it - just don't leave flames unattended!

Friday Sips and Stems @ Ilex Designs Boston MA

A fun Friday tradition that we have started at Ilex Designs is coming to a close for the summer. If you have not been you should stop by. If you miss it though - look for the invite in the fall when we start again.

Now that summer is arriving and we are all off to the beach, courts, and courses for some activities in the sun, join us for our final spring Sips and Stems. Let's kick off the summer with some tasty wine and a great flower bunch.

Of course we will start up the tradition in September
when we all settle back into the city for the fall, until
then watch for a few special events during the summer
and we hope to see you this Friday!

Join us at 73 Berkeley Street in Boston on Friday, June 19th, 5:30-7:00 PM. Sip BRIX Wine Shop's weekly pick $15. and under, while taking in the weekly flower specials $15. and under

A great way to kick off your weekend
and summer!

Thinking of Summer

It has been a long cold and grey spring, after an even longer and colder winter. A little sunshine and summer weather is all we need now - maybe...

In thinking of the summer weather that may someday arrive, I am thinking of summer parties and BBQ. Nothing says summer to me like sipping a French Rose on the steps of my house and chatting with neighbors. Then again a picnic by the river or on the Common is a great summer outing.

This year for me it is all about friends and family, throwing a festive party does not have to be extravagant and expensive. Look for my upcoming tips and tricks for budget friendly summer entertaining!

The sky didn't fall with the like our stock portfolios, so let's get back to enjoying life.

Green and gorgeous!

I am always looking to keep design green as well as affordable. What better way to do so than to use countertop remnants? There are always scraps left over from construction, and it is a great way to reduce the mount of waste and re-use the leftovers.

I have recently discovered a local Massachusetts company that specializes in granite, silestone, and soapstone remnants. Check them out at http://buythebundle.web.officelive.com/default.aspx

Indeed you can have that fabulous high end counter in your new kitchen!

Paintings by David Palmquist

I am loving the paintings that we currently have hung in the shop. They are abstracted Satellite views of planned communities and sections of windows of apartment blocks that look like they could be in Berlin or some Eastern European country. You can check out his work at Ilex Designs or on his site at http://spraylux.com/

Check them out.

If you haven't joined already, do so. This is a wonderful cause for supporting the preservation of modern architecture.
http://philipjohnsonglasshouse.org/joinglasshouse/
This is the sort of house that could potentially convince me to move out of the city (maybe).

Contemporary Entertaining

In this economy small businesses need to form alliances and stick together while finding creative ways to market each others services. I will be doing just that this week with some very good friends and fellow business owners. Ilex Designs will be teaming up with Lekker Home, Brix Wine Shop, and No. 9 at Home to throw a contemporary entertaining event. Whether you are getting married, planning a party, or hosting friends for dinner it will be a great event to gather some insider tricks and ideas for hosting a fabulous event.

Of course it wouldn't be a proper event if there weren't small bites from No. 9 and a little something bubbly from Brix!

Hope to see everyone there!

Wednesday June 10th 5 to 8 PM
Lekker Home
1317 Washington Street
Boston, MA