Link Love

llhdesignsblog
This lovely wine box garden is so inspirational.




Bakers Royale
Love this idea but couldn't find who it belonged to…see similar above.





Emmalinebride.com
Cute idea for a centerpiece for a spring event.




Hop and Peck
Adorable wooden egg cups.

Bunny Ear Fold

DIY.

I have to give props to my aunt for this discovery. Bunny-folded linen napkins. It's the perfect mix of kitch and elegance for an Easter Sunday Dinner. Love it.

Edible Spray Paint

Food Find.

I saw this edible spray paint surface in Blogland a couple of weeks ago and I can’t seem to stop thinking about it. At first glance my thought was, “that’s cool”; but I don’t know if I could bring myself to eat something that has been spray painted gold or silver…edible or not. As I was concepting events this week that pesky paint kept working its way into my plans. The truth is that it is genius idea for making a beautiful, unique table setting or buffet



So, I have decided that I am going to give it a test for Easter. I am going to attempt a white tablescape with gold accents. BUT I am going to spray paint hard boiled eggs and set them in egg cups. That way you don’t have to directly eat the paint. I’ll see how that goes over.
Fellow Hip Hostess’ what’s your thoughts on Edible Spray Paint?

Unique Wall Paper

Home Decor.



Yes, this is what you think it is. It is actually wallpaper that comes pre-printed and gives you artistic carte blanche on how you want the end result to look. Your child would never utter the words, “I’m bored” again.

The wallpaper is designed by a London based company called Ninteenseventythree. Each roll is approximately $70.00 for 1000cm x52 cm.
Because I look for fun finds and try to work them into an event of some type, this paper is no different. Wouldn’t it be cool to put some of the wallpaper on little canvas’ with easels for a kid’s art party? It gives you a project and a take home gift all in one.

***I had trouble navigating the website. If interested, you might need to call.

Athol Brose

Cocktail Recipe.

One of my favorite local spots in Chicago is Bangers & Lace. They have a ridiculously long craft beer list, delicious food, and some rather tasty cocktails to boot.

Last week I decided to try an oddly named cocktail called the Improved Atholl Brose. Hello. Love at first sip.

Whiskey mixed with honey and topped with a foamy cream layer. I stopped myself at one because it was just way too easy to drink this one.



If you are in Chicago, definitely stop by and get the real deal at Bangers & Lace (and I highly advise trying the Truffle Grilled Cheese as well). If you aren't in the area, here's a link to a recipe so you can make your own Athol Brose at home.

The Wedding Salon

Ticket Giveaway.



Calling all brides to be. The Wedding Salon is thrilled to announce the first New York event of the year and it’s only a few weeks away on April 27th. The event is being held at Manhattan Center Studios and check out some of the talent that will be on hand; Sylvia Weinstock, Tao, Vera Wang Wedgwood, St. Regis and many more. The event will feature a Couture Fashion Show, Beauty Makeovers, Cocktails, Cake Tastings and fabulous goodie bags.

We have 10 tickets available to our readers, please leave a comment with how to reach you and we will choose winners via random number generator. Good luck and be sure to tweet about the event using Twitter hashtag, #WeddingSalonNY.
The winners will be selected on Monday the 18th

Link Love.

Tuesday Inspiration.
OhDeeDoh
Paint chips transformed into an Easter Egg Garland. Genius.



Autumn Workshop
Talk about a cool idea. A terrarium lamp. Love it!



Pinch My Salt
Banana Pecan Oatmeal Brulee…for breakfast. YUM!!



Sweet Nothings
Gorgeous dress. Ridiculously gorgeous lining.

New Sponsor: The Whitehurst Company

Sponsor.

We'd love to welcome a new sponsor on board at Hip Hostess, The Whitehurst Company. Family run by a father and daughter team, The Whitehurst Company wholesale/sell colored glass ornaments to gift shops, painters, designers, and individuals.

Now why should you be excited about "Christmas ornaments" in April? Because glass ornaments should not be limited to December. In event and home decor, I love to take something outside of it's normal element to create pop or visual interest. Glass ornaments are a great example of something that can do just that. Here are some of my favorite images of decorating with ornaments in a very Un-Christmasy sort of way:



And because Whitehurst offers over 115 colors in 3 different finishes, you can definitely customize a very unique centerpiece or focal display at any themed event.



And if you are planning a wedding or major event in December, there is no need to wait around until November to see what options will be available at the local Target or Walmart. Prepare in advance by shopping at Whitehurst.

Which has me thinking...wouldn't customized ornaments be a lovely favor for a December wedding???

Hostess Gifts

Gift Ideas.

Does anyone else keep a file of “cool finds”? I bring this up because Spring is the time when I go through that file and re-stock my hostess gifts for the upcoming season. It’s fun for me to peruse the materials and pick and choose unique and useful items that I can grab when running out to a party, a birthday that snuck up on me or even just a thoughtful gift to bring to lunch for a friend having a difficult time.

Many people think gift giving is for the receiver. But I think it is the giver that truly benefits. I love having special little gifts on hand that I know will make people happy. So often giving gifts takes on a negative overtone because it usually involves rushing around town at the last minute when you still have a million things to do.

So, Hip Hostess’ take my advice and spend a little time and money in early Spring to save yourself stress and overspending in the future.

Check out StudioPatro…they have fabulous products and have great tips for getting the most out of a tea towel.

Storkie

Sponsor Love.

We recently checked in with one of wonderful longtime sponsors, Storkie.com, to see what's new in their wedding invitation and save the date card offerings and we found some really fun stuff.

I am LOVING these laser cut invitations that could not be more on trend right now, as I've also been drooling over laser cut leather shoes and bags for Spring 2011. And for a bold twist on this same look, it's also available in black. Gorgeous.



And for a new twist on pocket-style invitations, this beauty is a frame of white with two lace-like accents on the side that hold in your wedding invite insert. This is shown with a traditional silver insert, but i think a bold color would look fabulous against that white border accent.



And for a little whimsy, Storkie also offers some great illustration Save the Date Cards that are a wonderful way to set the tone for your big day. Because I have shoes on the brain this week, I'm loving these two below that show off some cobbler creativity for both a formal or casual event.