Chickenpox Party...For Kiddies Only

Spots spots everywhere! It is the most expected disease that your child will get and almost somewhat a rite of passage perhaps. The virus is so easily passed and undetectable in the beginning that your child may have caught and spread it to someone else in a matter of minutes! With something as contagious as this you'd think parents would keep their kids home from school during the late winter and early spring (when the virus is at its height). Not so fast! Even though many children receive a vaccine now for chickenpox there is still a chance that they may contract it and this is where your duty as a parent and party aficionado can come in handy.

Gather the moms in the neighborhood and invite them over for an afternoon play date with a purpose. You want them to interact with the infected child for an afternoon so that they can catch the virus and get the process if itching and scratching underway. The reason for this is so that you are sure that your child contracts the virus early on in life and get over it quickly and maybe with a few friends in tow. Make it a simple play date occasion complete with orange juice popsicles and mittens (if needed).

In this circumstance it isn't necessary to pull out the decorations or bake a cake, but if you'd like to make the mood more festive it wouldn't be a bad idea! Nothing says let's get healthy once this is over like toy stethoscopes and doctor's kits for the kiddies while the parents get a goodie bag with a thermometer, calamine lotion and oatmeal inside!

Enjoy and try not to scratch!

Cake Topper with Style!

I had the opportunity to assist my good friend and baker Aniela with an request from a customer. Now I know you may be wondering what what I helping do besides make a mess, but I actually used my creativity to solve a few issues she was having. One of her clients was suprising a friend of theirs with a birthday cake and mentioned that the birthday girl like flameco dancing. Aniela wanted to create a gum paste doll but because she was hort on time she opted for a half doll cake topper.

The cake when finished was beautiful and the woman who it was presented to shed tears! I was happy to help and use my design skills to assist a friend. If I ever decide to stop planning and designing I may have a career as a pastry chef or cake designer! Check out Aniela's website for more of her delicious confections at http://www.sweetanielas.com/

Changing A Room Without Changing Your Style

I'm looking to change my living room around to do something different but I don't want to repaint or spend a lot of money. What can I do?

Everyone wants to refresh a room from time to time for a new feel or to make it more reminiscent of a location that they have recently visited. This is also a task that many people see as being time consuming and costly, but fear not it doesn't have to be. You can make a few cosmetic changes to a room to make it look completely different without breaking your budget.

First think specifically about things you want to change and then narrow that list down to just three items. This way you won't be overwhelmed by changing everything at once and also it will give you time to adjust to the changes that you are making as you go along. It would be terrible if you changed everything about your living room only to find parts 6 and 7 don't fit parts 2 and 3 and you have to change everything again. Here are some things that you can do:

1) Make sure you are really ready to change the room and not just thinking about it for the moment. Remember you will have to look and live with it for awhile.

2) Choose a paint color for your wall in a different color family. This is the quickest way to change a room from introverted to inviting. Often times the paint color of a room makes you feel a certain way like a light blue can make you feel serene whereas a deep red evokes energy and passion or liveliness in a space.

3) Accents are often the bests and most cost effective way of making a change. Adding decorative pillows to your couch or getting some rustic decor pieces can make all the difference.

4) Moving the furniture is also a way to mix up a room for a different feel. Though it may not seem connected that moving an arm chair from one end to the over opens a room, but it does by offering a new traffic pattern and view of the same room. Instead of having your couch line the wall move it to the center of the room and bring in a table to add some new flavor.

Whatever you wind up doing just make sure that its something that speaks true to you. You don't want to go over budget or spend beau coup bucks and end of not liking the final product. Check out  home section of your local Marshalls, Michaels or Target for some great inexpensive finds. Shop the end of the middle to end of every season hen things are deeply discounted to make room for new inventory.

Design Dictionary: Duvet

What's the difference between a duvet and a comforter?

A duvet is a fancy name for a comforter but there are differences between the two. A duvet is usually the exact same size of the bed you are looking to cover, while a comfortor has more length and width to drop over the sides.

Duvets also have covers that go with them. Instead of changing the comforter you would change the duvet slip and leave the insert the same. Duvets come in a variety of weights and fillings. Heavier ones with feathers are more suited for the fall and winter while lighter downs keep you comfy in the spring and summer.

All duvets and comforters are not equal so make sure you measure before you buy. You don't want to spend so much time looking for the right cover and feel and wind up disappointed when your prefered cover comes up short!

We're Back!!!

After a long hiatus I am finally back in the office and ready to make life beautiful one room, house and event at a time!

If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at briedesigns@gmail.com

Do's and Dont's of Dinner Partying

With many people not venturing out to restaurants, clubs and theatres nowadays it seems like the perfect time to throw a dinner party. You know most of the potential attendees will be at home so why not have a small fete for friends? When you are planning on hosting a dinner party there are many aspects the need to be taken care of such as your house, the menu, guest list and your manners. People forget that the most important part of hosting a dinner party is to be a good host. There is nothing worse than attending an affair at someones home only for them to not be a hospitable as you would like them to be. On the other hand it is the top priority of the invited to be as gracious guest and not to do anything that will not get you invited back in the future. Here are some things for hosts and invited guests to keep in mind when considering dinner partying.....

Mind Your Manners

For the Host/Hostess: It is always necessary to invite your potential guests to your home at least two weeks in advance. This gives them enough time to respond and time enough for you to get an accurate headcount. If you know that the person you are inviting has a significant other or partner be sure to include them on the invite....its never appropriate to invite your close friend and not her husband because you don't care for him; if that's the case then neither should be invited.

The Invited Guests: Make it a point to respond to your host invitation as promptly as possible. Nobody likes to be last minute and late with their responses and also it is inconsiderate to not respond at all whether you are going to attend or not. If you plan on bringing a guests that the host does not know about, ask them first before you have and extra person tag long. This will alleviate the tight squeezed table setting at the table. Usually dinner parties are based on a set number of people and it would not be considerate for you to put your host in this position.

The Same Rules Apply

For the Host/Hostess: Remember that when you open your home to friends for a dinner party it is almost like inviting them to a very private restaurant. No you are not a waiter but you do take on the role as server and making sure that everyone is taken care of and comfortable while in your home. You will,of course, have to do most of the dirty work and should not expect your guests to help you with serving or clean up. It is better to enlist a close friend, who will also be attending the party, to help with preparation before hand and possibly for clean up help but only after your guests have left.

The Invited Guests: Just as you would make dinner reservations at a restaurant for a specific time you also need to arrive to the host's house in a timely manner or the evening will begin without you. If at all possible do not arrive more than 10 minutes late to the party. This is not a forum to arrive "fashionably late" due to the small number and location and it is very rude to the hosts as well as the other attendees. Try not to make incessant requests to your host throughout the night. It is your right to make requests but not every time the hosts takes a seat and you realize that you have no salt, or need extra butter. This type of behavior not only disrupts the hosts form interacting with their guests but it can make other attendees uncomfortable is they see you are nitpicking or doing it on purpose.

Dress Appropriately

For the Host/Hostess: Let your attire compliment the theme and feel of your dinner party. There is nothing worse than a host that is overdressed for hot dog night or under dressed for authentic Thai cuisine. You are setting the tone at your place for what you expect for the evening so your attire should reflect the mood and feel that you are going for. It is an added bonus if you want to go the extra step and add a little flair....where appropriate of course. For example, if traditional Moroccan fare is going to be served then there is nothing wrong with wanting to don a brightly colored djellaba.

The Invited Guests: No matter how many times you have been to the hosts home in the past this night is a little bit different and should be shown as such in your choice of attire. Being a guests has more than the requirement of showing up you need to come respectfully as the hosts has asked you too. It is never ok to attend a dinner party in jeans or informal attire. This is unacceptable because the hosts has taken the time and energy to put together the party you should be curtious enough to come well dressed. You don't need to go over board with a formal gown and tux but flip flops in this instance are not going to be all the rage.

Throwing and attending a dinner party takes a little more effort than throwing rice in the pot and just dropping by for dinner. It requires effort from both the guests and the host to make the evening a successful one. There are several things you need to keep in mind such as a dish that is going to go over well with all of the attendees while keeping in mind any dietary restrictions that may be in play. The hosts should always do their bests to have a clean and maintained apartment or home so their guests feel comfortable and relaxed in an warm and inviting environment. Remember as far as niceties go out can extend the olive branch to those you have lost touch with or had a falling out with as well as reaffirming the bond you have with close pals and family. Don't let you kindness be taken for weakness though if someone begins to be rude or disrespectful, remember you have invited them into a very personal and private space and should you,as the host, no longer feel comfortable then you have every right to ask them to leave. For more tips and ideas email me at briedesigns@gmail.com

Happy Hosting!

Scents Ignite

Ever notice how you are minding your own business and all of a sudden you catch a whiff of something and you immediately remember helping your mom bake cookies or that girl you used to date in college or that crazy holiday you had in Dubai...well thank your sense of smell and memory for logging all of those thoughts but scent! There are over 1000 sensors in your nose that can recognize more than 10,00 scents and smells, and with equipment like that why not put the to good use and bring out the odors in your home or at your next gathering.

The sweet smell of cookies or the spicy smell of Cinnamon and chai can give you a warm homey feeling all over while the smell of clean linen and citrus can make you feel refreshed and awake. Here are a few more scents for you try out in different locations to spark old memories or create new ones.

Taste of Honey

The sweet smell and taste of honey give us a soothing quality overall due to its medicinal properties that it has and they way that it has been used for centuries. Although its rarely used as a house fragrance it could be a great untapped resource. Take a small bit of honey and add a few drops of lemon juice to it and sit it over an open candle to give your house a soothing calm feel not to mention a sweet reward. If you would like the scent to be more contained and kept on a shelf try L'Occitane's Honey Scented Candle for $18.

Musk

Not to be confused with what we smell like as we exit the gym, this ancient fragrance originates from male deer and is one of the most expensive scents today. The aroma is the epitome of male strong, silent, commanding earthy, confident and sexy. Ladies don;t let that stop you though because when mixed with compatible elements it can create a fragrance perfect for a confident, sensual woman. It is not usually at the top of the charts for women sniffers but of course it always has a place in bachelor pads and colognes.

Tuberose

For an exotic floral scent go for this night blooming flower that is often seen in Hawaiian leis but is native to Mexico. This once is a vivid scent that will have you thinking of laying in a floral garden all afternoon in your home. This is a decadent scent that is very intoxicating as it fills a room. Try this elegantly sexy scent by spraying it on your light bulbs so that the heat will ignite the aroma in the evening time. Estee Lauder has a Tuberose Gardinia fragrance that will do the trick, but put some behind your ears first!

Valentine's Day: Classy or Cutesy How To

February brings about one of the best (or worst) holidays of the year. It is a day that many women look forward to and even some men too but the majority of us all know should not be restricted to one day of the year but to be expressed all year long. Nevertheless, we are once again inundated with red balloons, candy hearts, teddy bears, sweet sentiments and slow dance songs; the question is where to begin or what is something new you can do this year to wow your special someone. Well never fear because there are plenty of things to do and with this recession going on we will try to keep the cost to a minimum.

Battle Your Betrothed

Take a page from the hit show 'Iron Chef America' and challenge your sweetie to a cook off using a secret ingredient. This will allow you two to get cozy in the kitchen and also turn up the heat by racing the clock to taste each others new kitchen creation. Top off this evening with a big blanket for two and a movie. Just because its a Saturday night doesn't mean you need to go out to see a show!

Recapture Retro Love

If you are in between sweethearts get a group of your guy and girl friends together and have a small party. Bring out the cocktails, chips and a bottle to spin. Get a bunch of your childhood favorite games together and let the good times roll. Everything from spin the bottle to twister to taboo! there should be enough cutesy tension to go around all night long.

Head Back To School

Class is in session! Instead of wining and dining at the Waldorf this year do something out of the ordinary like a cooking or candy making class or even a wine tasting. Check out local culinary schools and venues in your area that offer these classes. The best part is everything you learn and make in the class and you can take home with you! Now who says knowledge isn't power!

Any thing that you decide to do on this special day just make sure its something that will be wonderful for you and your loved one! I know I always appreciate a cute homemade card, its just so cute seeing your honey with construction paper, glitter and crayons down on the floor making something extra special for you. That's what the holiday is all about anyway, taking the time and effort out to show your loved ones how you feel about the. No need to get caught up on how much to spend or what grand gesture you have to out do be true to yourself and you sweetie with love you too!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Winter Weddings: Hot As Ice

It may be cold outside but that doesn't mean you should shun the winter season as a wedding choice. With the snow falling and the crispness in the air you can set the place on fire with a cozy, romantic, cool and regal affair. Winter time weddings allow you to bring the hot and cold together in perfect harmony. By incorporating the temperature into your event you can step outside of the box and do some things your guests have never seen before.

Take full advantage of the temperature drop to chose a wedding dress with maximum accessories. A beautiful full length coat of fur, either real or faux, with warm your body on the outside as your nuptials are warming you up on the inside. Other good choices for the bride are long gloves, caplets, long sleeves and even furry snow boots. Bringing in pieces that bride would not typically use in any other season with make you stand out and be a sight to remember.


To take you event to the next level opt for an outdoor setting for your wedding. Yes, it may seem like a crazy idea but having your guests cozy up close together while you and your bride exchange vows under snow covered birch trees is a fantasy-like setting. Remember to inform your guests on the invitation as well as your wedding website that the ceremony will be taking place outside so they know to dress warm. If you know many of your female guests are fans of fur then suggest that they don their hats and muffs for the occasion.

After you the sparks have flown at the ceremony allow your guests to warm up by inviting them inside a heated tent for the reception. Here they will be able to shed their layers and get down on the dance floor. If you are opting to have a cocktail hour before your reception try a hot beverage bar. Offer your guests flavored sake, brandies and hot cocoa to help them unthaw before they move on to dinner.

Choosing food can be exciting and let opposites attract in this category by serving dishes that are hot and spicy. Ignite your taste buds by having exotic foods from around the globe that use such ingredients as chili's, peppers and even wasabi. Cap off the night by serving your guests S'mores and chocolate fondue. By having these desserts it not only lets them choose what they want for dessert but it also lets them leave enough room for cake!

Know that a winter wedding doesn't always have to be centered around Christmas, New Year's or Valentine's day. You can have these holidays inspire you for your decor and location but they don't have to control it completely. Try to use different color palettes for your winter nuptials such as red and turquoise, plum and silver, hunter green and platinum or white, silver and amber. Which ever ideas you choose always make the event your own!

Throw Your Own Obama Ball

Gearing up for the biggest Inaugural celebration ever there are an overwhelming number of "balls" kicking off in Washington, DC. By now many supporters have already started planning their own Obama ball for friends to gather around and share in this historic and joyous occasion. If you are a little late to jump on the planning bandwagon here are a few tips that will help you put together a ball fit for a president!

Note: This is a wonderful occasion to involve the entire family for a party like this so tell your friends to bring their little kiddies along to the party so they can enjoy the moment as well.

Sophisticated Chic
Barack and Michelle seem to ooze class and sophistication every time they step out into the limelight. For Barack he always dresses in classic cut suits with simple ties. Not one to be ostentatious he keeps his look simple which makes him exude simplicity and elegance. Michelle on the other hand is a lady that like to experiment with color! She, like her husband likes to stick to simple staples in her wardrobe. She knows cuts and styles that look great on her and she has shown the world that it doesn't have to be over $100 to be chic. This is why you should opt to have your guests arrive in classic, simple and chic attire. Whether they are dressing up for the ball or wanting to keep it low maintenance elegance, either way they can't go wrong.



Dance to the Music
Barack has been asked many questions over the last 22 months about foreign policy, the economy, and healthcare but he may have been caught off guard when he was asked "What's on your iPod?" A question that not only do we want to know is he cool enough to answer but also to see what he really like to get down to on Air Force One. Barack has admitted to jammin' to the like of Jay-Z, Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Ludacris, John Coltrane, Stevie Wonder and Elton John. So take a list from the president-elects playlist and mix up the tunes for the night. I suggest throwing in a few tunes from Miley Cyrus and Jonas Brothers for the kiddies to enjoy too!




Invite Not Just the Red,White and Blue
For an occasion such as this its not enough to only use the colors of America to spice up your party. You must incorporated golds, silvers, platinum's and pewters into your decor palette. Using these shimmery tones will make you want to boost all the colors for this night. Incorporate frosted reds and blues with pearlized whites and ivory. Don't forget that accents go along way and for this don't be afraid to break out the crystals and special dishes. This is the perfect time to bring out the good china to dine like the Obamas and other dignitaries on this night. Opt for an all black affair and trim the menus, invitations and centerpieces with golds, reds and blues to make them stand out regally.

Another suggestion is to mix the Democrats and Republicans and break out the plums and purples for your party. This way no one is left deciding between red martinis and blue cocktails. This would be the perfect time to also be bold and use both silver and gold to up the chic factor at your event. Not matter what you do enjoy, celebrate and make this a memorable event in your life!