Profile Perfection

Although the art of making silhouettes has been around since the 18th Century, recently we're seeing it enjoying a comeback.....with a modern twist. The simplicity and elegance of portraying ourselves in shadow form makes these paper portraits irresistible....and just a little mysterious.

Today there are many silhouette artists making their living with sharp scissors and a lot of talent. One of my favorites is Karl Johnson who can your portray your favorite person or pooch in a modern rendering with just a touch of whimsy. Even better, you can hire Karl to come to your home for a Silhouette Party to create groovy portraits of you and your guests. Black attire is not required but it could just make this the chicest of chic gatherings.

De-Mystifying The Formal Place Setting

Has your enthusiasm for tag sales produced an over-abundance of silverplate and stemware? Or, do those Lenox plates that your Aunt Gertie left you 8 years ago need to escape the china cabinet? If so, it truly is a sign to consider putting some formality in your entertaining and letting your guests enjoy your lovely acquisitions. My theory is to start by setting a formal table -- something that will dazzle and inspire your guests -- and quite possibly distract them from any potential culinary limitations to the menu.

The formal place setting is a gorgeous garden of knives, forks, spoons and stemware all so beautifully poised for the picking. Not only will your guests be immediately impressed, they will have a ball anticipating what to pick up next. There are fish knives, butter knives, steak knives, salad forks, oyster forks, dessert forks, soup spoons, fruit spoons, water glasses, white and red goblets, sherry glasses and champagne flutes! Tutorials for setting just the right table are abundant, though I particulary like Emily Post's setting above. Check out the key to this beauty on her website. Mystery solved! Happy entertaining!

Cool Find

People who are into these Made with Love in Brazil bracelets live by them. The earthy recycled rubber bracelets are the in thing these days, and people order them by the dozens. But besides the rubber bracelets, Made with Love has other products like key chains, charm and cloth bracelets! MWL started in 2007 as a non-profit dedicated to raising funds for NGOs aiding women and children through the fair-trade production of these products. In addition to Brazil, there is a Made with Love in Africa and Made with Love in Haiti that all have programs for women to make the rubber bracelets. Remind anyone of the FEED bags? So join in and hop on the fashion for a cause bandwagon!

ACE IS THE PLACE

Next time you're in the mood to whet your whistle, grab a great bite or pack in a quickie NYC weekend, try the ACE HOTEL on 29th St. We just love the vibe here with its nod to British rock with a touch of whimsy thrown in. Some of the rooms even have bunkbeds for the cost-conscious and communal to crash. The lounge is a great hang-out (we spotted those "Hello My Name Is" crisps on the bar there last week) and other than your t-shirt and slightly torn jeans, the only accessory you'll want to bring is your new iphone.....apps may come in handy for getting a reservation at the ultra-hot Breslin.

Flowers to go!

Lounge is happy and hoppin'

Graffiti stairs to ?

The gift shop sells these furry birds and beasts!

We're on to Something...
Signs are popping up around New Canaan about the Blacktop Film Series. We're so glad that the newest version of the drive-in movie has come to town. Independent films are shown on Thurs in the parking lot behind the Bank of America. This week's feature is "Pin Gods", a 1996 documentary about 3 bowlers on the Pro-Bowler Tour. The movies are free so all you need to bring is YOUR independent spirit and maybe a lawnchair. See you there!

Spotted!
We found these last night at an NYC hotel hotspot and they were delicious! Lots of other cool things to be found there. Do you know where it is?...Stay tuned...

Raising the bar

We have fallen in love with Amy Atlas, who has created a business in designing custom dessert bars! The bars are so creative and over the top, that they are almost as delicious to look at as they are to eat! Amy started her business after years of working on political campaigns and practicing law. What a career change! Now she is one of the most sought after dessert designers in NYC. For your next party, we thought it would be a fun idea to try a DIY dessert bar. Her blog features a new post on how to bake these fun lemonade cookies. Use them as your starting point and then let your creative juices flow!

Amy displaying a chic all white bar

Attention to detail makes for a little girl's fantasy dessert table

When the heat has driven everyone inside, bake these lemonade cookies for an afternoon treat!

We're on to Something...

This summer New Canaan's eateries are taking it to the streets! Forest Street recently went through a renovation to expand its sidewalk to bring outdoor dining into the mix. It's a hit in town and we are starting to see little outposts cropping up wherever there's space! Places like Club Sandwich and Joe's Pizza are also getting into the act. Keep a lookout for others in case you are in the mood for some outdoor eating.

Forest Street is quiet at 9:30 A.M....

...but is hopping at 7:30 P.M!

Joe's Pizza- how about a slice on the sidewalk?

Caramoor Amore!

These days love is in the air and Chelsea and Marc and other couples are happily committing everywhere. That got us to thinking that we wanted to be hot on the trail of some truly special spots for saying "I do's". Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in Katonah, NY is one of these gems. We took a wonderful walking tour of the place last week with Christine Bosco, Director of Special Events. Originally a private estate, the grounds and house do double duty by hosting a summer-long music festival as well as a few lucky and truly unique weddings. We rather liked the sunken garden tucked away in the back of the property for getting hitched. Afterwards the new Mr. and Mrs. can wine, dine and dazzle their guests at several locations on the grounds. Those with a flair for the dramatic will flock to the amazing and immense Venetian Theatre and the more subtle types will absolutely love the romantic Spanish Courtyard......now that's Caramoor Amore!

Sunken Garden

Venetian Theatre

Spanish Courtyard