Another amazing set by Amy Atlas, beautifully photographed by Karen Mordechai for a recent Sunday Suppers.

Join the dinner party here.!

Loving the idea of using white frames as part of your table decor.

Go view this fabulous event here.

via {JL Designs}

The cutest girl’s birthday party ever!  I am totally stealing {I mean “borrowing”} some of theses ideas for P’s summer birthday….

Can’t wait to see next years party!!

So loving the photography of Jose Villa – go see more of his amazing pics here!

via {Jose Villa}

Someone in our house is turning 8 today!  Happy Birthday K, may this be a year of adventures…so keep dreaming and exploring!

image via {CamilleSoulAyrol}

Mr. Write On and I have never officially celebrated Valentine’s Day, so I thought I would treat myself to a delicious bouquet by Belle Fleur NY.  The gorgeous gift bouquets are grouped by color and have playful names like, Pure, Citrus, Pastel, Sunset and Jewel.  Which one is your favorite?

{Belle Fleur NY}

These super fun paper products from the Swedish company kalas form, would add the perfect graphic punch to your next party.

{kalas form-  andra bullar}

Our blog, Write On and More, turns one today. The blog was originally started as a tool to promote our business, but it soon blossomed into something else entirely unexpected and wonderfully fun!

We could gush on and on about how amazing this experience has been, but we would rather you read the following  poem {forgive me, I am not a huge Seuss fan, but his words truly capture the essence of year one}.  A big thank you to all of our readers and friends…

Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You’re on your own.  And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.
You’ll look up and down streets. Look ‘em over with care.
About some you will say, “I don’t choose to go there.”
With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet,
you’re too smart to go down any not-so-good street.
And you may not find any
you’ll want to go down.
In that case, of course,
you’ll head straight out of town.
It’s opener there
in the wide open air.
Out there things can happen
and frequently do
to people as brainy
and footsy as you.
And when things start to happen,
don’t worry.  Don’t stew.
Just go right along.
You’ll  start happening too.
OH!
THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!
You’ll be on your way up!
You’ll be seeing great sights!
You’ll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights.
You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed.
You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead.
Wherever you fly, you’ll be the best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.
Except when you don’t
Because, sometimes, you won’t.
I’m sorry to say so
but, sadly, it’s true
and hang-ups
can happen to you.
You can get all hung up
in a prickle-ly perch.
And your gang will fly on.
You’ll be left in a Lurch.
You’ll come down from the Lurch
with an unpleasant bump.
And the chances are, then,
that you’ll be in a Slump.
And when you’re in a Slump,
you’re not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself
is not easily done.
You will come to a place where the streets are not marked.
Some windows are lighted.  But mostly they’re darked.
A place you could sprain both you elbow and chin!
Do you dare to stay out?  Do you dare to go in?
How much can you lose? How much can you win?
And IF you go in, should you turn left or right…
or right-and-three-quarters? Or, maybe, not quite?
Or go around back and sneak in from behind?
Simple it’s not, I’m afraid you will find,
for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.
You can get so confused
that you’ll start in to race
down long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace
and grind on for miles across weirdish wild space,
headed, I fear, toward a most useless place.
The Waiting Place…
…for people just waiting.
Waiting for a  train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or a No
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting.
Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a sting of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting.
NO!
That’s not for you!
Somehow you’ll escape
all that waiting and staying.
You’ll find the bright places
where Boom Bands are playing.
With banner flip-flapping,
once more you’ll ride high!
Ready for anything under the sky.
Ready because you’re that kind of a guy!
Oh, the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done!
There are points to be scored. There are games to be won.
And the magical things you can do with that ball
will make you the winning-est winner of all.
Fame!  You’ll be famous as famous can be,
with the whole wide world watching you win on TV.
Except when they don’t.
Because, sometimes, they won’t.
I’m afraid that some times
you’ll play lonely games too.
Games you can’t win
’cause you’ll play against you.
All  Alone!
Whether you like it or not,
Alone will be something
you’ll be quite a lot.
And when you’re alone, there’s a very good chance
you’ll meet things that scare you right out of your pants.
There are some, down the road between hither and yon,
that can scare you so much you won’t want to go on.
But on you will go
though the weather be foul
On you will go
though your enemies prowl
On you will go
though the Hakken-Kraks howl
Onward up many
a frightening creek,
though your arms may get sore
and your sneakers may leak.
On and on you will hike
and I know you’ll hike far
and face up to your problems
whatever they are.
You’ll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You’ll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life’s
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)
KID, YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!
So…
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O’Shea,
you’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So…get on your way!
Dr. Seuss

Fabulous Peacock Cake via {Pink Cake Box}

Wouldn’t you just love to receive an invitation to either of these dinner parties?

The table setting and chandeliers are gorgeous and I am so loving the fur throws on the chairs.

The comfy pillows and festive lighting give this outdoor fête a casual chic vibe.

Which one would you rather attend?

{sköna hem}

Posted in Entertaining & Occasions Tagged: chandeliers, dinner parties, entertaining, garden parties, outdoor lights, skona hem, tablescapes ]]> http://writeonandmore.wordpress.com/2009/01/15/night-lights/feed/ 0 writeonandmore skonahaem skymningsljus-skona-hem http://writeonandmore.wordpress.com/2009/01/05/new-start/ http://writeonandmore.wordpress.com/2009/01/05/new-start/#comments Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:13:30 +0000 writeonandmore http://writeonandmore.wordpress.com/?p=2805 ]]>

The house is so quiet this morning – too quiet for me.  The girls have returned to school after an extended holiday break.  They surely made the most of their time home.  Pajamas stayed on past noon and every classic Christmas movie was watched – repeatedly.

They also sniffed a lot of markers.  The colorful dots under their noses were a dead giveaway.  Before you question my parenting skills – they were non-toxic smelly markers by Mr. Sketch and one of their most prized gifts this season.  Santa got off easy this year!

Time to get back to work – a new year, a new week and new posts….

Photo {Nathalie Krag – Taverne Agency}

Enjoy your New Year’s Eve celebrations…..

{hand made font}

…the stockings were hung by the chimney with care…

Please enjoy a lovely Christmas Eve with friends and family!

Eileen & Heather

I have procrastinated long enough.  It is time to start the preparations for tomorrow’s dinner.  Unfortunately, I need to dismantle my “office” as we actually need to use my desk for its intended purpose – a dining room table.

It is a beautiful table -passed on to us from my husband’s mother.  I am sure that the gently worn cherry wood has preserved some fabulous stories of past dinners and family celebrations.  Tell us one Eileen…

Napkin {BHG}

Two days from now,  my siblings {minus one brother – the lion} and their families will gather at my home to celebrate Thanksgiving.

I actually look forward to the chaos, stress and general mayhem that will ensue, it would not be one of “our” family holidays without those ingredients.

The above illustration was created by Marguerite Sauvage for Longchamp, and I recently realized that it is a perfect representation of my siblings {almost, the tiger cub needs to be a girl}.

In case you are wondering – I’m the antelope  enjoy hh

“Frutti di Mare” magnificent hand engraved glassware from Artel Glass.

Available here.

Posted in Entertaining & Occasions Tagged: artel, barware, czech glass, hand engraved, table top ]]> http://writeonandmore.wordpress.com/2008/11/06/beyond-the-sea-artel-glass/feed/ 1 writeonandmore artel-la-mer http://writeonandmore.wordpress.com/2008/10/31/happy-halloween/ http://writeonandmore.wordpress.com/2008/10/31/happy-halloween/#comments Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:12:53 +0000 writeonandmore http://writeonandmore.wordpress.com/?p=2113 ]]>

Pumpkins by Carolyne Roehm

For the past three fall seasons we have made a bountiful collection of the Martha Stewart inspired Glittered Pumpkins. The girls always have a great time painting mini-pumpkins with glue and then going crazy with the glitter!  They love to deliver them to teachers and friends and have even mailed some to Gigi….

Image via {Martha Stewart}

With a little help from an adult, this can be a great project for children because it is “almost” mistake proof.  Go on now – grab some glitter and pumpkins and have fun!  enjoy hh

Image via {Apartment Therapy}

The above is a scanned image from I believe “House Beautiful” circa 2002.  Hopefully it will inspire your holiday tablescape design.  How fabulous is the artichoke arrangement?  enjoy hh

The collaboration between the New York Botanical Garden and Lunt Silversmiths has resulted in the most delightful table top and gift collection.

The three nature inspired lines – Flora, Fauna and Graphic Garden -  feature some of our favorite design elements like lattice work, chinoiserie and exotic birds and flowers.  The NYBG’s Rare Book Collection brought these beautiful pieces to life. enjoy hh

Images {Lunt Silversmiths}

Help, I can hardly move after indulging in the delectable (and calorie free) images from Pastry Chef Aran, of Cannelle et Vanille.

Go on, have a taste here. enjoy hh

Posted in Entertaining & Occasions Tagged: cannelle et vanille, cooking, food, pastry, Recipes ]]> http://writeonandmore.wordpress.com/2008/10/03/food-coma-cannelle-et-vanille/feed/ 0 writeonandmore cannelle-vanille-snickers-bar roasted-pineapple-passion-fruite-cannelle-vanille cannelle-vanille-smells-of-christmas cannelle-vanille-chocolate-coffee-macarons http://writeonandmore.wordpress.com/2008/09/02/textile-art-les-indiennes/ http://writeonandmore.wordpress.com/2008/09/02/textile-art-les-indiennes/#comments Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:06:30 +0000 writeonandmore http://writeonandmore.wordpress.com/?p=1362 ]]>

Generously oversized napkins featuring an elephant print pattern will add a touch of Indian charm to your tabletop.

Available in a set of 4 from Les Indiennes by Mary Mulcahy. enjoy hh

Coffee and tea lovers can rejoice in the stunning, nature inspired Blue Leaves Collection.

Hand painted porcelain cups and saucers feature fresh floral patterns.

The unique silverware collection of tea and coffee spoons are designed and created by skilled jewellers.

The organic form of the cups and distinctive saucers crafted from aluminum and slate will create an inspired and elegant table scape. enjoy hh

Surprise the kids with this fun activity and help support the Pediatric Art Program at Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s Cancer Center.

Ralph Lauren has fashioned a novel approach to charitable giving with the Paint Your Own Polo Kit. A fresh white Polo arrives in a custom Can that is stocked with non-toxic paints, sponge brushes and a rubber stamp.

The kits would make a fantastic Birthday Party activity for boys or girls! We plan on picking up a few for an end of summer “Paint Party.” enjoy hh

]]> http://writeonandmore.wordpress.com/2008/07/31/ponypaintpurpose-ralph-lauren-paint-your-polo-kit/feed/ 0 writeonandmore http://writeonandmore.wordpress.com/2008/07/17/inspired-dining-eloquent-ink-platters/ http://writeonandmore.wordpress.com/2008/07/17/inspired-dining-eloquent-ink-platters/#comments Thu, 17 Jul 2008 21:33:25 +0000 writeonandmore http://writeonandmore.wordpress.com/?p=787 ]]>

The nature inspired designs of Massachusetts based, Eloquent Ink, now grace a stunning line of porcelain plates and platters. Working with local artisans, each piece is hand-crafted and accented with either 22 karat gold or platinum. Functional art for your table! Enjoy HH

Laser cut tablemats designed by Maurizio Meroni

The center piece can be easily removed for use as a coaster.

Constructed of a polyurethane fabric with special iridescent colors. The Stelle Collection is available from Industreal Designs. Enjoy HH

Wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy a frozen Strawberry Daiquiri or Piña Colada this weekend without having to lug out the blender and create a sticky mess?

A few years ago, we discovered these “bags” of all-natural powdered drink mixes. We were skeptical – (thoughts of boxed wine danced in our head), but we were hosting a rather large Luau and wanted to offer frozen drinks and thought that the “bagged drinks” would work perfectly at our self serve bar area.

We only had to add the rum and water in the morning and by late afternoon our guests were enjoying some wonderful frozen concoctions! The best part – NO CLEAN UP! We have personally tasted the above mixes, but there are quite a few more on the Lt. Blender site. A definite must for your summer barbecue or picnic! Enjoy HH

Our little “P” is six today!

Make a Wish!

Folded Chrysanthemum Note Card available here.

Pansy Birthday Candles available at 4-Candles

]]> http://writeonandmore.wordpress.com/2008/07/01/668/feed/ 0 writeonandmore http://writeonandmore.wordpress.com/2008/06/05/under-cover-stylish-outdoor-umbrellas/ http://writeonandmore.wordpress.com/2008/06/05/under-cover-stylish-outdoor-umbrellas/#comments Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:00:22 +0000 writeonandmore http://writeonandmore.wordpress.com/?p=529 ]]>

Market, cantilevered, scalloped, pagoda – umbrellas for every style and outdoor location {click on photos for links}:

Pier 1 Pagoda Style & Z Gallerie Veranda

Droog Shady Lace & Siam – Janus et Cie

Hand Painted by Home Infatuation & Bordered Stripe by Ballard Designs

Round Veranda by Z Gallerie & Lighted Umbrella by Horchow

Classic with Apron JANUS et Cie & Classic Square JANUS et Cie

Sail Shade by Home Infatuation & Oriental Furniture Summer Roses

Under One Umbrella Junior & Garden Art Ombrelloni

Garden Art Arcobaleno & Pottery Barn Traditional Scalloped

Serve your salad in style. This fabulous over-sized ceramic salad bowl from Torre & Tagus will add a “modern-zen” vibe to your tabletop decor. The set comes complete with wooden servers and the very cool presentation base.

Today’s Stylish Steal – find it here!

Affordable and “functional art” for your table. Renowned South African artist, Carrol Boyes has crafted this contemporary bowl from cast aluminum. Titled, “Canoe Bowl – At Ease.”

A fantastic way to display and array of appetizers at your next get-together. The solid design also makes it a perfect choice for outdoor dining. Each bowl is meticulously hand-crafted. The Canoe Bowl would be a fine and welcome addition to your serveware collection. Enjoy