
In the ever revolving world of cocktails, what’s hot today is über passé tomorrow. It’s often dizzying to keep up with drink trends – we’ve seen them all: Barrel aged beers, Absinthe, locavore cocktails. But smoke-infused cocktails? What has the world come to? Just when we all got used to smoke being banned from most bars and restaurants, now we’re going to drink it?
The New York Times just published an article on smoked cocktail ingredients. So, if you’re looking for the new trend in drinks, read away. Just leave the ashtray.

I love the idea of these gingerspoons by product designer Matilda Sunden Rigner. These would be perfectly delightful with coffee or served as a hand held dessert.
Oddly enough, I’ve come across Matilda’s products twice in the past 24 hours. I also love her Rainman decanter. Stunning!

Volute is a high quality, Bordeaux AOC certified line of wines…with a twist. Unlike traditional wine bottles that require someone to pour the wine, wine bottle openers, wine bottles and a variety and quantity of wine glasses, Volute is contained in a single-serve, eco-friendly, shatter-proof aluminum bottle. A mouthful, I know. But the idea is simple: Give people the ability to enjoy a great tasting wine, without the hassle, virtually anywhere.
I love all of the potential uses for this product – outdoor weddings, company picnics, sporting events…anywhere where portability, safety and minimal prep-work is of value.
A case of 24 is $94 USD – and you can buy as a variety pack or as individual packs of either Bordeaux Red, White or Rosé. Click here to order.

Aubrey Blankenship of Event Solutions interviewed me a few months back to ask how Etsy can make an impact in the events world. “Oooh, ooh – where do I begin…”. I gushed about Etsy. It was embarrassing, really. I mean, Etsy has pretty much satiated my appetite for all things unique and handmade and brought the joy of late night shopping to the comfort of my home.
For my wedding, my birdcage veil and reception flower were made by myrakim, my ring bowls by palomasnest, and my bridesmaids clutches by janinekingdesign.
Since my big day I have been guiltily lurking on this site for…well…anything and everything. Here are just a few of my favorite ‘eventy’ things:


This shabby chic wreath by VictorianPetals is a mere $10!

Goodness me. Just look at this pretty sugar and creamer set by justmare for $45.

Good enough to eat, these decadent chocolate cake SOAPS by morganstreet are a mouth watering $5.50.

100% recycled kraft gift tags by EarnstandThistle – $4.25 for a set of 5.

Gorgeous paper fancy (worn on a lapel, a purse, a bouquet) by lalalaurie for $25.

Felt acorn ribbons – think napkin holders, present wrapping, wine bottle bows – by truLuxe. Set of 2 is $8.25.

Chalk cloth centerpiece by modernjune for just $7. Wouldn’t this be great on a buffet table to describe meal selections?

As the weather warms up, my thoughts go to hot, humid nights and their perfect match…ice cream. And yes, chocolate and vanilla will always have a place in my heart, but what really excites me are the unusual and often jaw dropping flavors finding their way into gourmet ice cream bowls. From beet to avocado to (yes, that’s right) candied bacon, the sky is the limit! Why not make an event experience out of the traditional ice cream bar by tasting nouveau flavors that will get guests talking?…

Red is a color of passion, strength and traditional beauty. But there’s something wonderfully contemporary about the palette below. Pure, saturated hits of red mixed with white is so very fresh.

It began with a challenge by The Daring Baker and ended with 30 (and counting) varieties of cheesecake pops from some of the hottest food bloggers. These little cheesecake pops are not only delicious but fun to display at a party.

