Rooftop Garden Party in the West Village

Summer finally arrived this week in New York. What better way to celebrate than having a party at my friend's grown up apartment in the West Village! They recently moved in, but have yet to host a party on their absolutely fabulous rooftop. Thankfully, the weather cooperated and we had a wonderful time!

As I mentioned in a previous post, the hosts asked we bring two of the following: "beer/ liquor/ flowers/ good attitudes." For this basic and slightly embarrassing arrangement, as I usually take much care in preparing my floral arrangements, I had to go on a last minute hunt. I mean, wouldn't you think that one of the biggest Kmarts in NYC would have vases? Apparently not. I told them I just couldn't believe that people who shop at Kmart don't buy flowers. This was just crazy. So I had to improvise.... I found tumblers that resembled small cylinder vases- Perfect! Now we could do six small little vases, instead of two large arrangements.

Obviously I was very proud of my little arrangements and how creative I was at problem solving! Check out the newly laid Astro Turf! Nice, right?

Dan and Heather were the lovely hosts. They always host the most amazing dinner parties. And Heather...... Wow what a cook! Look at the boutonniere on Dan's tank..... Remember last week, I posted about the "do-it-yourself" events at the Museum of Arts an Design? She made this there! Isn't that so fun?

Close up on Dan's pink crocheted boutonniere! Way to dress up the wife beater Dan!

I couldn't get this picture to turn out right, but these lanterns were a real hit at the party! I am so glad, too, because I got them for their housewarming gift. Dan and Heather found fallen branches on the street, dragged them home, hoisted them onto their roof and then stabilized them in two upright pipes. With the night breeze swaying the branches, the sound of moving leaves, the glowing lanterns hanging from the trees, and of course all of this with the back drop of NYC, a beautiful setting was created.

I bought them at Anthropologie. The first one, kept blowing out due to it's small size, but the latter two stayed lit the whole time. For those of you, who like to dine outside, I suggest buying these. They were great!

Moon Garden Votive, $4

Moon Garden Votive, Scallop- $12

Moon Garden Votive, Diamond- $6

Jeannie (my sister) came with me, even though she was exhausted from a crazy busy weekend. Thanks Jeannie! We certainly lived it up once we got there! Despite our exhaustion.

So on that note, I say goodnight and have a wonderful week! I hope your last month of summer is filled with many parties such as this one. And remember, even the slightest addition to a regular evening, such as florals and candles, can change the ambiance drastically, and with little effort.

Cheers!

The Designista

Pretty and Pink

After just going through my inspiration files, I found so many ideas for postings. I thought I would start with my very favorite photo. It is above. I am so drawn to both Red and Pink and this vignette evokes what I love so much about each color. The red leather clad console with nailheads- bold, chic, masculine. The light pink walls- sensual, soft, feminine. The magenta flowers- excitement, thrill, and passion. I know it may sound dramatic to talk about design this way, but perhaps that is why some of us get into this profession....because it does evoke those emotions. Can you understand why designer's love their job so much?!?!?! :)

I have had the above picture on my wall for a couple years now. I just love it. Well, I came across this image of a silk flower and immediately thought of my dream photo. How perfect would these silk flowers work on that console? Silk flowers are great if you find a stem that actually looks like a real flower. They can be expensive, but thankfully these are not too bad.

Fresh Touch Elizabeth Rose- $12 a stem, Pany Silk Flowers, NY (looks like I found a new posting with this one....definitely want to check out this place in Chelsea.)

http://www.charbonnel.co.uk/

This I wanted to include as well, to show that when designing, colors and ideas can come from anything. This was a box of truffles that my friend brought back from Heathrow Airport in London. These are strawberry champagne truffles and the best piece of chocolate I have EVER had....... I beg her to get them every time. That being said, I was so mesmerized by the color of the box, that I took it with me and have kept it for years as well, knowing that one day, I will have a paint color specifically mixed to match. The box is so beat up, even my dog attacked it and their is a lipstick smudge on it too, but I still keep it.

Add the perfect unique red console, the vibrant silk flowers, the paint color to match, and viola, I've got my own version of the picture.

Whenever you find something you love, and it doesn't matter if you don't know what to do with it- keep it, for you may find a use later on. But truthfully, if it speaks to you in a way that brings a positive emotion, why not display it as a reminder of those feelings. Finding art and inspiration in unusual places is what pretty much what occupies my mind all day!

Cheers!
The Designista