The Oscars are done for another year, and all that’s left are the memories and pictures of a night of fun, fashion and too much champagne. I held my own Academy Awards party this year and it was a huge success. I made sure to include details that helped keep the party interactive and lively. The champagne bar was a hit and helped wash down all of the homemade deliciousness. We had our own awards, complete with trophies and prizes, for best dressed, hair and accessories. There were speeches to rival Mr. Lewis, and with all that was going on there wasn’t time for a third hour lull. Needless to say, this will be an annual event, so start planning those outfits for next year ladies.
Club Monaco Sweater, Club Monaco Skirt, All Saints Leather Jacket (similar here or here), Wolford Nylons, Manolo Blahnik Boots, Alexander Wang Handbag, Gucci Watch
There’s nothing more fun than wearing pleats. Especially when you didn’t have to go through the agonizing process of sewing them yourself. I needed a little fun and flounce the other day and this outfit was the perfect combo of impending spring weather and end of season winter chill. I’m basically counting down the minutes until the Academy Awards, which I’ll be spending hosting my own Oscars party. How will the rest of you be celebrating this Sunday evening?
Often when I’m hosting events I try to come up with a signature cocktail that goes with the theme or the feel of the evening. I find it not only helps solidify the purpose of the evening, but it actually makes my hosting gig so much easier. Instead of stressing about playing bartender I can relax knowing that everything is set up for the signature drink of the night. For an upcoming event I’ve decided to play around with a champagne bar, which will allow my guests to pour their own drinks and taste test multiple beverages.
Place champagne on ice, this way the cocktails will stay crisp and cool throughout the evening. I keep spare bottles in the fridge to replenish when needed.
Next, time to pick your champagne cocktails of choice. There were so many to choose from and after much consideration I settled on three. Raspberry Champagne Cocktail, Kir Royale, and Ginger Champagne Cocktail.
Garnishes are a fabulous touch to any drink, and I always try to add them to the beverages I serve to my guests. Keep extra garnishes prepared in the refrigerator to top up throughout the evening.
Making recipe cards to instruct guests on how to mix their own drinks adds an interactive element to any party. It also allows your guests to adjust their beverage to their own palette.
Finally, feel free to add small details and decorations to enhance the theme or the feel of the night. I will be doing this champagne bar for Oscar night so I found coordinating napkins and some fun flair.
Lastly, relax and enjoy. And try to have one of each cocktail. Times two.
Rag & Bone Blouse, Faith Connection Jacket, Rag & Bone Jeans, Burberry Boots, Celine Handbag, Escada Scarf (similar here), Tiffany Earrings
On a day where there is much to get done my standard outfit gets called up to play. The combo of my riding boots and structured peplum jacket gives the illusion that I’ve invested in getting ready. When in fact it was more like a messy game of Russian roulette. I love the way a classic pair of tall boots can amp up your outfit and even add an equestrian feel to your overall look. Riding boots are definitely a smart investment piece to add to your wardrobe, one that will see you through years to come.
I have heard about cowboy cookies from the likes of friends and family, but have never actually given them a go myself…until this past weekend. The Baked Explorations cookbook has been a go-to for me. But it definitely earned its keep in the cupboard with this recipe for Cowboy Cookies. When I tell you that I ate a dozen of them before I was able to Zero Dark Thirty them out of the house, I’m not exaggerating. Of course it was a baker’s dozen. I figured with all that oatmeal they had to be pretty healthy. I have yet to find a paying job as a cookie taste tester, but if I was I would rate these a perfect ten.
