Most recently I’ve been experimenting with predetermined set-ups for my entertaining. It cuts down on the last minute rush to get everything ready as you can prep well in advance. I feel like it also helps set the mood, much like the Champagne Bar did for my Oscar Party. I’m hosting a meet and greet for the niece that I plan on ‘borrowing’ newest family addition, and while I’ve always admired candy buffets I’ve seen online and in magazines, I thought it was about time to give it a go myself. I’m taking you step by step on how to create your very own candy buffet.
Choose a theme. I was inspired by fun and fabulous polka dot wine glasses that I purchased, and decided to center my theme around the colors of those glasses. 
Gather Your Glassware. I hit up Home Sense, which has an incredible selection of glass vases for a very minimal price. Flea markets are also an option when looking for interesting but inexpensive glassware. Dig around your own home though, the more interesting the piece, the more character your buffet will have.
Decide on your candy. Have a general idea of what you’re going for. Is it a monochromatic look, or does it have a specific theme? I had a general idea of the kind of candy and the colors that I was looking for, and then I went from candy shop to candy shop hunting down the tastiest treats. No one said this job was easy.
Arrange and decorate. I liked the idea of mixing colors and textures in different shapes and heights of vases. This is the fun part, and also where you should check the freshness/taste/softness of the candy. You wouldn’t want to serve your guests anything you wouldn’t eat yourself, right?
Add extras. Once everything is set up you can go that extra mile. Label the jars, either in keeping with the theme, or to identify what the item actually is. You can also add ribbons, bows, anything really, to finish off the overall look. Don’t stress about this last part, remember how you just nailed setting up a candy buffet? That’s right, enjoy the event and revel in the compliments.
Alice + Olivia Dress, Dolce and Gabbana Belt, Valentino Pumps (different color here and here), Chanel Handbag, Hermes Watch, David Yurman Bracelet, Stella & Dot Bracelet, Vintage Ring (similar here)
One of the things I love best when transitioning from my fall/winter wardrobe to my spring/summer is the color change. Going from deep, rich hues to something light and fresh is always welcome after a long winter. It seems as though they forecast for pastels every other year, but on trend or not, I’m more than eager to don all the pretty pastels in my closet. This year it’s all about mint, and paired with a pop of pink, it will get you through Sunday brunch with the fam, date night with your loved one, and every wedding you attend.
Often coffee cake is the cake that’s referred to as the ‘sit on the counter, cut a piece when your friends pop by’. I love this theory, and when I lived in Vancouver, within walking distance of close friends, I did get pop-by visits. I feel like there truly is nothing better than sitting down to coffee with someone near and dear to you. In honor of a tough week ahead, one that will be filled with an abundance of love from family and friends, I thought I would share a recipe for Chocolate Sour Cream Cake with Chocolate Chips. You just may want to invite a friend (or few) over for a steaming cup of coffee, a slice of this delicious cake, and wonderful conversation that we too often take for granted.
JCrew Shirt, The Man Repeller x PJK Shorts, Gryphon Jacket, Christian Louboutin Pumps (similar style here), Yves Saint Laurent Handbag, Hermes Watch, Stella & Dot Bracelet, David Yurman Bracelet, Tiffany Necklaces
This summer is all about shorts, and I’ve decided I like mine best with a print. I’ve already worn this particular pair numerous times, in fact, I donned this entire ensemble earlier this year at the fashion blogger’s conference in LA. When an outfit speaks to you, you have to take advantage. I personally don’t see anything wrong with sporting the same threads multiple times, especially when spaced out or in different locations for different events. It just makes good sense when something is working to ride it out. So just a warning to everyone out there, this may not be the last time you see this little number walking around the streets of Calgary.
Alice + Olivia Blouse (similar here), Alice + Olivia Skirt, Alice + Olivia Jacket, Celine Pumps (similar here), Celine Handbag, Hermes Watch, Pandora Bracelet, Kate Spade Bracelet (similar here), Stella & Dot Bracelet, Tiffany Earrings
There are times when I go through a color slump and reach only for black, white and neutral items in my closet. When this happens I give my head a shake, and get back to the basics of color theory. I needed a dose of color the other day and decided to go back to kindergarten and explore the primary colors of red, yellow and blue. It’s amazing how a dose of color can lighten up my mood, especially when summer in Calgary is so short. This season all of the designers have incorporated fabulous colors, so they’re not hard to stumble upon. Here’s to a weekend filled with color and cheer my friends.
