Say It With Flowers - Live Demonstration and Hands On Design

Check out Say It With Flowers, a great event to support The ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter. The event will be hosted by Kelli Pedroia and Ashley Pappelbon. I will be performing a live hands on Master class that all attendees will be designing a modern take on a fall centerpiece along with me. Tickets are still available so check out the web-site and get your ticket today.
http://web.alsa.org/site/Calendar/221447691?view=Detail&id=122501

Art and Flowers

South End Studios are here, so it must be fall! This is the weekend that all of the artists in the South End open up their studios to show and sell their work, a
great excuse to get out and enjoy the gorgeous fall weather.

This year Ilex Designs is on the Gallery Tour featuring artist David Palmquist. We will be open all weekend for your convenience, and hope to see you.

To kick off the weekend, join us for an informal Friday Sips and Stems from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, and make sure to walk around the neighborhood and take in the amazing artwork and artists the South End has to offer.

We look forward to seeing you here.

Art and Flowers

South End Studios are here, so it must be fall! This is the weekend that all of the artists in the South End open up their studios to show and sell their work, a
great excuse to get out and enjoy the gorgeous fall weather.

This year Ilex Designs is on the Gallery Tour featuring artist David Palmquist. We will be open all weekend for your convenience, and hope to see you.

To kick off the weekend, join us for an informal Friday Sips and Stems from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, and make sure to walk around the neighborhood and take in the amazing artwork and artists the South End has to offer.

We look forward to seeing you here.

Fall is here!

There is that certain chill in the air and the nights are cooler. Summer is fast coming to a close and it is time to switch back to red wine. I do love fall, just feel a bit shorted on summer this year. My goal is to enjoy the last of the nice days to their fullest. Sweater or blazer and all.

For fall this year I am thinking tailored lines, suiting fabrics into events and a pop of color - red and purple are hot this fall for fashion, and why not bring it to your home or next event? I like to keep it clean, simple, and warm! Candles, wine and good friends.

Here's to Fall!

Simple Ideas for Entertaining

I am one who likes layers and textures, yet with a modern aesthetic that can be perceived as an oxymoron. Not necessarily though, all you need to do is edit your layers. When entertaining think about separating the layers out and using them individually on a very tailored ground. Color, texture, pattern, and elements can be your layers as in this table I recently designed for a clients dinner party. The design is simple, yet the end result is lush, yet with a sense of humor. Of course candles are always my favorite layer!

Remember it is about having fun.

The Ultimate Hostess Gift

Looking for that perfect hostess gift? Perfect thank you? Need to make a statement without being too showy? Here is a sneak peak at one of our signature looks for fall. The Floral Gift Box, coming in September from Ilex Designs. A simple and chic gift for you or others, it works as a centerpiece, perfect for a desk, and won't break the bank.

Order yours at Ilex designs.
www.ilexflowers.com
617-422-0300

Watch for our web redesign, new product lines, and shopping cart availability coming in the fall.

Entertaining on a budget - Tip #3

Think outside the box. A cocktail party is simpler to put together than a dinner, never-mind less expensive. Go for a few simple appetizers - I love to shop at the farmers market where the produce is far less expensive and the the quality is great. A simple Caprese salad on a skewer makes an appetizer that everyone will talk about.

Keep your cocktails to a minimum, and everyone will love tasting a fabulous new wine you found for under $15. a bottle! My favorite wine shop is Brix Wine Shop in the South End of Boston, they have all the greats, but can point you in the direction of some amazing affordable bottles.

When throwing a cocktail party the points that I think are the most important are:

Guest list: People that will mix and mingle

Music: A fun playlist that will keep everyone awake and enjoying the tunes while not taking center stage. I love the Hotel Costes series, as well as the Verve Remixed series.

Cocktail: Make a fabulous seasonal cocktail that everyone will like, then jsut back it up with a coupel simple mixers (think vodka, gin, cran, and tonic) along with wine and perhaps a sparkling you are good to go.

Decor: Simple is best - people will be mingling and chatting, so make one or two larger statements with your decor budget, maybe a large flower arrangement then lots of candles. People will notice one larger rather than ten smaller things.

These ingredients make for a fun and high energy party without breaking the bank!

Cheers!