HAPPY NEW YEAR

Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!


See you in 2010!

HOLIDAY FETE AT PRIVATE ESTATE

Last week I had the extraordinary pleasure of planning a holiday dinner party at a private Santa Barbara estate. It was right up my alley; very organic and simple. Lots of personal touches with a DIY flair that made it feel very homey and intimate. So fun!

Planning and Coordination by Donna Romani Events. Photos by Donna Romani. Menus and Invitations by Bella Copia Calligraphy.

JINGLE BELL ROCK

Yesterday I shared an inspiration board all about a homespun Christmas affair. Today's is not.

This board is all about over-the-top glitz and edgy glamour. The only thing soft about this party is the lighting. But the mood is festive and it would be an unforgettable open house for the week between Christmas and New Year's.

HOMEY FOR THE HOLIDAYS

I can hardly believe that Christmas is just days away! There's no time of year that I like more. The presents are nice, but it's the cooking and the baking, the traditions and the merriment, the cheesy music and the cocktails (oh, the cocktails!) ... and the family and friends. This year, my father-in-law is visiting from Italy and we'll have a house full of friends over for dinner that are away from their families. Truly blessed. I cannot wait!

Today's inspiration board is my kind of Christmas. Full of DIY touches that remind me of days making reindeer ornaments out of clothes pins with my mom. It's cozy and inviting. And if you try real hard, you can smell cookies baking in the oven and cider in the kettle.

Tomorrow I'll share another inspiration board that would be fabulous for a glitzed up holiday open house. What's your holiday style?

Happy Fourth of July

July 3rd, 2009

I love the Fourth of July. I am like a kid on this holiday … I love barbecues and friends, and I love sparklers. My Dad ’s birthday is July 4th (Happy Birthday, Dad!), and as a little kid, I never understood why he got fireworks on his birthday and I didn’t get any on mine. Go figure! So on my birthday my parents would give me sparklers. These days I understand it’s more about the country’s birthday, but I still have a soft spot for sparklers.

The Fourth also makes me think of all things fresh and fruity and colorful. Like watermelon - yum! Here are a few great ideas for entertaining this Fourth … or, as it’s now passed, this summer. Enjoy!