Oktoberfest

Are you wanting to have a gathering but don’t have the time to do all the planning that a Halloween bash takes? How about getting a few friends together for an Oktoberfest celebration instead? Who doesn’t love sausage, mustard and a few delicious German brews. Check out this spread of Oktoberfest recipes, you are sure to find something fantastic.

Apple Cider Cups

I adore apple cider and this cute apple cup presentation could not be more fantastic!

Charming Cheese Markers

Etsy.

I love all cheese. Stinky. Sharp. Soft. Hard. Blue. Goat. They are all more than alright with me.

However, my husband has a very distinct set of criteria of cheese that he will eat. So he needs fair warning when we have a large cheese display. Which is why these charming cheese markers from Beach House Living are perfect for us.



Wouldn't you like some too?

Link Love.

Tuesday Inspiration.

Aunt Clara’s Kitchen
A humble Dominican honey candy gets a little makeover. And it’s easy to make…only two ingredients!



Freshome
Umm…how gorgeous is that fireplace? And don’t even get me started on the chandelier!



Poppytalk
My oh my this is a gorgeous wedding cake.



The Indigo Bunting
If your nephew asks for a Thor-themed birthday party, you should make it as adorable as this.

Hip Hermes

Fashion.

Hermes scarves are about as iconic as it gets, but the price and traditionalist idea of a neck scarf has always kept me firmly outside of the store window peaking in...never buying.

But in the last year, I have been loving the idea of wearing a scarf over my hair in a style reminiscent of Jackie O in the 70's. Heck...I'm even loving the Man Repelling turband that Leandra Medine sports.

And to further peak my interest, my aunt gave me a copy of the new Hermes lookbook...



Be still, my heart. These pics feature some great new punchier and modern takes on the Hermes scarf. And some of the creative ways that they feature using the scarves (as a belt, a bag, a skirt, a top) goes a long way in encouraging the investment.

Le sigh. I might have to wander in the store and take a closer look at these beauties.

PS. How gorgeous are these enamel bracelets too?

Classic Bridal Beauty

Gowns.

When I watched the Royal Wedding this April, I was absolutely taken by how classically lovely Kate looked in her gown. And I also thought, "well...it looks like the new bridal gown trend is going to be a bit more conservative." And you know what? I'm glad.



For the last few years, most dresses that had sleeves or covered your shoulders looked a bit dowdy. So why would you ever pick a dowdy wedding dress over a lovely yet more revealing strapless mermaid gown? Duh.

Now, designers are producing lovely options with lace sleeves, classic (non-cupcake like) shapes, and simple elegance. Can you imagine how timeless your wedding photos would be in these lovely gowns? I think it is absolutely refreshing. What do you think?








All dresses by Rosa Clara.

Gin Goodness

Cocktail Recipe.

Gin and I have been enemies ever since a night in college long ago when my friend was a bit too generous with her pour in our gin & tonics. I try to like gin because it is in so many classic cocktails, but one sniff gives me a shiver shake and wave of nausea. Not so fun.

During Fashions Night Out, someone did the bait and switch on me. Intermix was serving 3 lovely punches and it wasn't until after I had already tasted a few sips of my delicious drink that I saw this...



Gorgeous bottle? Yes.

But it is GIN...my enemy!!

However it didn't taste like my enemy. In fact, it was quite delicious. So there may be hope for my yet. I can finally proudly display a gin bottle on my bar with out cringing. And if you'd like to try the drink that had me so smitten, here you go:

The Darby

Ingredients
1 1/2 oz Bols Genever
1/2 oz Simple Syrup
1/2 oz Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
Champagne
Lemon Twist
Brandied Cherry

Instructions
Combine Bols Genever, Simple Syrup, and Lemon Juice in a shaker with ice. Pour into a cocktail coupe glass. Top with champagne and garnish with a lemon twist and a brandied cherry.

Decor Inspiration

Interior Design.

I am a mid-century modern junkie. Saarinen, Florence Knoll, Eames, Bertoia...they are all mighty nice in my book. And one of my favorite stores in the whole world for fabulous vintage pieces is Post 27 in Chicago. They have a fabulously edited selection of vintage furniture mixed in with new products from local designers of both decor and fashion. Love.



So I've been very happy to add their blog, The Outpost, to my list of Sunday blog browsing. Every Sunday they feature an inspiration picture featuring vintage interior images. And they always inspire me. I recommend you add The Outpost to your Sunday browsing list as well...

Moveable Mummies

I check out family chic blog as often as possible because I always find a fun, adorable project like the moveable mummy. All you need is some flexible wire and muslin.

The uses for these fun crafts are limitless. They could be used at spooky place cards at a dinner party. If you are up for the challenge, put all the mummies into fun poses that remind you of your guests. Check out yoga mummy here.

You could also use them to hold food labels for your buffet or just placed strategically around the party with funny signs. Halloween always makes for a fun bash but moveable mummies could make it epic!

Link Love

Martha Stewart
Planning your Halloween bash…how about shrunken heads in cider?




Style Me Pretty
This table scape is GORGEOUS!




Apartment Therapy
How clever.




Nook and Pantry
Thumbprint pumpkin butter cookies…enough said.