Trending | Banana Leaf and Palm Print

I'm admittedly a pattern girl. Give me a pile of fabric with complimentary (yet contrasting) patterns, I'm smitten. But as patterns, prints and trends come and go, there are a few that have continually stood the test of time, and one of those happen to be the ever lovely palm leaf (or banana leaf) print. It's one of those elements that can morph itself into any design inspiration- from natural, to glam (Hollywood Regency, anyone?), to boho- this leafy maven has us covered.  Laurel and Wolf, the iconic online interior design firm, inspired me to share my thoughts on how to introduce the print into whatever you happen to be styling.

Interiors + Living Space

I tend to lean toward the philosophy of grounding with neutrals and adding patterns, color, or unexpected elements in smaller doses (or in specified areas) for a beautifully layered effect.

Right: via  | Left via My Domaine

Via Elements of Style

Each of these spaces have mostly white, tan, gold and black accents, layered with the leafy pattern. 

Via Project Nursery

However, the print is also amazing at grounding a busier space, too, like this crazy adorable nursery. 

Weddings + Parties

Using the palm leaf as part of your wedding design and/or party decor is less about becoming tropical and more about adding a fresh + modern accent to your event. And while the leaf definitely lives in harmony with a Hawaiian vibe, it can also be super stylish with even the most romantic or playful design. 

Right via Camille Styles | Left via Laurel and Wolf

I love turning traditional things into unexpected surprises, like penning a menu on a large palm leaf (or insert any object de nature, here), and a wedding lounge would be so sophisticated and on point with a pairing of graphic patterns, complimentary colors, and the palm print. 

Left via The Sweetest Occasion | Right via We are Scout

And of course, for the more fun-loving social parties, this print is perfect on decorations or as a live centerpiece to your table. 

All in all, this print is one of those you just can't go wrong with. All of this inspiration has me rethinking our outdoor lounge at home, too- just might need to pick up some of these banana leaf pillows for a little touch of sophisticated nature to our backyard. Would love to know- what are your favorite inspirations or ways to use the print? 

Don't forget to check out Laurel + Wolf for even more inspo on all things style and decorating, via their website, blog, Instagram, and Pinterest!

Xo,

Brandi

Favorite Fall Wedding Ideas

If I had to choose one favorite wedding season, it would be fall. It might have something to do with the crisp cool temperatures, aromas (pumpkin spice anyone??), or my slight obsession with textures (and the pairing of them):

Pillows: West Elm | Stool: World Market | Pink Stone Coasters: West Elm | Hammered Metal Decanter: Bed Bath and Beyond | Pretty Macaroons: L'extravagance | Fall Wedding Centerpiece: Jacin Fitzgerald

Colors: My go-to colors that are inspiring me right now are jewel tones with a touch of neutral + light pink. I think it keeps it ethereal while still adding the right amount of bold elements. 

Textures: Fall is your ticket to using all sorts of textures and patterns without anything looking or feeling too busy. Along with the more expected (warm) textiles like fur, I love the idea of incorporating other elements like stone or crystal to mix it up and keep it interesting. 

Gold: Need I say more? Gold goes with everything. Use it. 

Comfort Food: The fastest way to your guests' hearts is through their tummies. Take advantage of the cooler weather and serve both sweet and savory comfort food. Now is the time to get a little decadent and experiment with a menu that touches all of their taste buds. {And hot toddies are never a bad idea either}

Flowers + Foliage: Whimsical, natural, and textural. This amazing centerpiece by my friend Jacin Fitzgerald says it all. 

Beaded Wrap: Bhldn | Peaked Lapel Tuxedo: The Black Tux | Gold + Pearl Cufflinks: The Black Tux | Rockstud Ivory Pumps: Valentino

A fall wedding is also the opportunity to get jazzy with your look for the day. Statement pieces and bold accessories are such a beautiful addition. 

For her: Boleros and caplets are all great additions (both for style and comfort), but how about this stunning beaded wrap? And imagine, some killer shoes and a classic, ethereal gown. 

For Him: Who can go wrong with a black tux? This classic look is both dramatic and stunning at the same time. While suits became the norm of summer weddings, I'm looking forward to seeing more of this iconic look this fall season. Pair it with some eye-catching cuff links and I'd say this couple is camera-ready. I recently came across The Black Tux, an online tuxedo rental company, and was so excited to see quality, well-fitted tux, suit, and accessory rentals available to men wherever they're located. If you haven't discovered it yet, take a peek- you'll be glad you did! 

What are your current favorite trends or ideas for fall weddings? 

Xo,

Brandi

An August Soiree

{Sometimes, in the midst of planning weddings and parties, we find a spare moment to dream up our own perfect iconic wedding. Here is a look for an August bride I'd love to see....}

The August Soirette.....

• Is elegant and cool in a form-fitting back-see gown perfect for the garden
• Loves a succulent over a peony any day
• Sips on a Watermelon Sangria
• Isn't afraid to show her soft and daring side with a mix of gold and diamonds....and a little blue for hue
• Knows that gold heels can be worn after the wedding, too

What are your current favorites for August? 

Succulent Bouquet | Iris Gown by Claire Pettibone | Crystal Venus Flytrap Necklace | Olive Leaf Bracelet | Pave Link Bracelet | Gold Nudist Heel

Reflections | Engage!13 Part 2

I'm back with more reflections from last week's whirlwind trip to Engage!13 Montelucia Resort and Spa, and the video from days 2 & 3....the best of the two videos if you ask me. Day 2 was jam packed with breakfast, speakers, a break with bacon (not kidding), and then a dine-around evening followed by a dessert after-party. One of the most exciting parts? Every single time we left the room we came back to another surprise or gift...the swag alone at this summit was unreal. The dine-around dinner events were held at three different locations- a picturesque soon-to-be venue in Scottsdale, Restoration Hardware (so jealous of the sweet little plants that group received) in honor of Eddie Zaratsian's living lifestyle brand in conjunction with RH, and finally another group of Engagees stayed at the resort for their dinner. Each table featured one of the speakers, so it was nice to be up close and personal with some of the best of the best.

Day 3 started with a mega inspirational breakfast outside on the lawn (surrounded by and underneath breathtaking canopies by Raj Tents) and Simon T Bailey. From there we entered into a half-day of breakout sessions for the most amazing Q&A periods...can you imagine being able to ask anyone anything about their businesses? Finally, lunch in the courtyard followed by the gifting lounge (more presents!) before heading out to get ready for the grand Gala that evening. And the Gala? Amazing. Designed by Todd Fiscus and executed by some very talented individuals. I'll let the video do the talking about this event, because whatever I say here will not do it justice.

Without further adieu, my reflections on the last two days of Engage!13:

1. My favorite quote from Day 2 was from Matthew Robbins: "...Be your very best at the place you're at right now." So true, isn't it? Really had to let that one sink in.

2. Sylvia Weinstock is such an interesting and worldly woman. Hope our paths cross again someday.

3. The bands at Engage! are simply amazing. Never underestimate the power of a really talented live band.

4. On that note, the mixologists from The Grand Bevy were amazing to watch. Just goes to show how food and drink can really contribute to a grand experience!

Xo,

engage!13 | Montelucia - Days 2 & 3 from I Do Films on Vimeo.

Beauty Post | Holiday Party

Here at Soiree, we are getting super antsy for our upcoming Holiday Open House Event this Friday. Check it out, we will be pulling out all the glitz and glam (and a little champagne), and we can't wait to unveil our new beauty concierge service. We hope you will join us!

invitation design by Paperie + Pen

As we prepare, I've been honing in on all my favorite beauty tricks to go with my dress and heels. What am I loving this season? Lipstick! Here's one of the many "how to's" I stumbled upon. 

 source

How does that saying go? "Life's short, buy the lipstick." I'll definitely be taking this advice and trying out some different colors just in time for our little party!

Enjoy!

Table Faves | Thanksgiving

It's about time to get planning that Thanksgiving dinner, however you choose to celebrate, I'd have to say decorating is one of the best parts! Here are a few of my favorite items for the table this year.

 

1. Rosemary Wreath Place Cards | I love this take on a simple place card by "spicing" it up a bit.

2. Golden Harvest Candle | Because everyone needs a little gold fruit on their table. Festive huh?

3. Wheat Stalks | I'm loving the look of natural wheat as a centerpiece this season.

4. Table Runner | Subtle, great color choices, and I love all the flatware silhouettes. How fun is this? 

5. Candle Holders | Simple yet bold, and I'm loving the wood and glass combination.

What will your table look like on this fine holiday? 

Cheers!

Guesterly | A True Guest Experience

A couple of months ago I awoke to an email headed "Boise-fast coffee or beer chat"? I thought to myself, someone really knows how to get my attention! Fast forward about a week and I sat over a cup of really good coffee sharing a Dulce de Leche macaroon with Rachel Hofstetter of Guesterly. 

We met at A Tavola in Boise to chat about her brainchild, a get-to-know-you magazine for wedding guests. After chatting for a bit about her former life as a food editor (at the likes of O, The Oprah Magazine no less), we got down to the nitty gritty of how Guesterly was born and how it works. 

While planning her own wedding to her husband, Lorne, they dreamt of finding a way to introducing and making their guests (from all over the country) feel as though they already knew each other. They wanted a way to create an experience for their guests so that everyone came to their wedding weekend relaxed, having fun, and making lasting memories. After a bit of walking down memory lane via Lorne's Princeton Herald they came up with the idea to create their own Herald-like booklet with heartfelt bios of each of their wedding guests. Rachel put her magazine editor skills to work to write those tidbits and fun facts about each of their guests, including interviewing Lorne's entire side of the guest list. Then Lorne put his skills to the test to design the book to showcase every single guest in attendance. A week before the wedding the books were mailed out and soon the phone calls and emails came pouring in- their guests loved every bit of it. 

Rachel and Lorne at their wedding | A few snapshots of actual Guesterly's 

Before they knew it, friends of the couple began asking for the booklet for their weddings. One thing led to another, and soon they knew it was time to set out to create Guesterly 2.0 so they could offer that lasting experience to everyone. 

"Find your tablemates", "Meet her globetrotting grandparents"...just a few of the sneak peek snippets to welcome your guests

So how does it work? Like magic really. Lorne and Rachel have thought of everything, including a specially designed software that pulls photos of your guests through Facebook. Photos are enhanced via a photo editor to make your guests shine, and are dropped into a custom layout (including colors, typography, and more) created by Guesterly's graphic designers. A few weeks before the wedding Guesterly's writers set up a fun interview with the couple to help create the bios for your guests, then send a proof check for you to look over. When all is approved, the booklet is sent to their printing partners (many of which print some of the most popular magazines on newsstands now- thanks to Rachel's insider connections!) and the finished product is mailed out to your guests a week before the wedding. In short, they've made the process so easy peasy, and your guests are guaranteed to throw a fit about it (in a good way!).

What's more is you get to customize your Guesterly however you want- think table assignments, directions, maps, to-do activities and more. No matter what, the booklet will become a cherished keepsake from your wedding- for you and your guests, and we can't stop talking about it.

Be sure to take a peek at the website for more information, photos, and even a free sample! You can also stay up to date by following on Twitter and Facebook.

Happy Planning,

Happy Memorial Weekend

Via

Loving the whole idea of this weekend...and it's Birthday weekend! My birthday falls on Memorial Day this year so we'll be sure to add large doses of relaxing, BBQ'ing, and just being girly (to the tune of mani's and pedi's) to the mix.

What are your plans for the weekend? Happy relaxing!

Xo,

Happy Weekend

Loving this weekend's weather forecast, as well as this Cinco De Mayo fete dreamed up by none other than Matthew Robbins. Such a great twist on the traditional theme and colors of the Mexican holiday. In honor of the festivities, we'll be hanging outside sipping something cold and frosty...maybe granitas (I'm actually not big on margaritas)? Some table side guacamole is in order too. What are your plans for the weekend?

Xo,

Hello May

This is the month I look forward to every year.......

1. | 2. | 3. 

There are so many good things to celebrate in May- Cinco De Mayo, Memorial Day Weekend (who doesn't love a long weekend?), and most of all, the birthday of Yours Truly (which also happens to fall on Memorial Weekend...double bonus for the end of the month festivities). Every year any person who knows me knows that I affectionately (and seriously) coin the entire month as Birthday Month. My little collection of photos above perfectly sum up what I'm looking forward to this month...how about you?

Happy Wednesday!

Xo,

Lifestyle | Easter

With Easter right around the corner, I thought I better post some of these adorably decorated eggs. They're simple, chic, and a totally cute way to decorate your place for a festive holiday brunch. You can find the links to each decorating tip here: Metallic Egg, Black and White Eggs, Brown and White Eggs


Cheers to a happy fun-filled Easter weekend!

We'll always have Paris| Valentine's Day

                                                                      Image courtesy of green wedding shoes

I came across this adorable Parisian elopement and thought it was perfectly fitting for Valentine's Day. On this holiday centered around love and romance its nice to remember that sometimes simple is sweet. Perfect setting (hello, Paris??) and an adorable couple that look like they're having a fabulously fun time. Whether you're going out to dinner with your significant other, toasting glasses of bubbly with friends, or spending quality time with family, remember to keep it simple: have a little fun, and if you love somebody....say it!:)

Pinning For Love....

....A compilation of romance, fluff, and pretties as we start this Valentines day week, all from some of our favorite Pinterest pinners. Happy Monday!

1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6.

Xo,

Weekend Notes

Happy first day of the month! It seems it's the norm lately for each month to be whizzing by, but maybe it's the time of year- first you get the holidays and then engagement season coupled with lots of year end and year ahead planning! I've spent a good part of this week submersed in photos from last season as we make necessary tweaks to our website (and blog- watch for that update), consultations with new clients, and lots and lots of numbers as the end of January always seems to claim. So today on this Friday I'm having one of my favorite breakfasts (see my little recipe below the photo) with a big cup of coffee before I head into the office. What are your plans for the weekend? Any Super Bowl parties or get togethers? We'll be taking it easy at home after a few weeks of absolute madness as we prepare the house-and ourselves- for a new little one debuting sooner rather than later! And with that, I leave you to your weekend and links that caught my eye from around the web this week. Happy Super Bowl Weekend (and Go Niners)!

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Spelt Toast with Banana, Peanut Butter, Raw Almonds & Flax 

- 1 piece of spelt bread (I like Dave's Killer Bread or Ezekiel), toasted

- 1 TB all natural peanut butter (I prefer Adam's brand)

- 1/2 TB flax seed sprinkled over the peanut butter

- 1 small banana, sliced

- Small handful of raw almonds (I keep mine in the freezer to keep them for longer, and I personally love the fresh, cold taste of them this way)

- Sprinkling of cinnamon on top

Some must-reads for the weekend

In Life:

- Are you (or your honey) gearing up for Valentine's day? Love this online magazine, To and From, with all sorts of ideas for the holiday. 

- Another update in the world of e-glossies, Rue Magazine launched their Rue Daily, a lifestyle blog that I'm already following regularly! 

In Weddings: 

- Huffington Post shined light on some lesser-known but awesome wedding websites that you should be following now. 

- Loved this post by our friend Sara Byrne on popular venues in Boise, McCall and Sun Valley. 

- Lover.ly (have you discovered this yet? You need to!), an online Pinterest-like platform for brides to collect and see ideas for their weddings, has partnered up with Real Simple. 

And some links you might have missed over the week:

- We posted another round of our 2012 Weddings Roundup, one of our most popular to date- all about the dresses! . Take a peek at the whole mini-series here. 

- Still smitten with the whole idea of these wedding magazines....such a personalized and unique idea for events, especially destination weddings. 

Xo,

With love | Valentine's Day Cards

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, I thought these cards from foxinthepine were too cute not to share! I love the little animals, whimsical designs, and the use of non-traditional colors (I can't lie, I love red and pink, but it's nice to see some variety). This holiday centered around love has long been a favorite of mine. It's good to remember that whether you're married, engaged, single or dating, there are a lot of people in your life that would love to get a little note from you. I like to send cards out to friends and family and make sure they know I'm thinking about them. So spread the love this year! (and get started soon, it's easy to end up scrambling around two days before to get cards written, sealed and sent...not that I would know anything about that!) 

A Happy Holiday To You and Yours

via

Hope your holidays are shaping up to be merry and bright, and are filled with happiness and lots of family. We'll be a little light on the posting this week as we enjoy ours. See you back as we ring in the new year!

Xo,

Brandi + Soiree

Makeup Tutorial | Holiday Glam

We love a great makeup "how-to", especially when it's in time for the holidays. So, as my family just finished up baking Christmas goodies, it was nice to clean up all the flour and chocolate and channel my inner Audrey to glam up as the holidays quickly approach. I've been searching for my favorite holiday inspired makeup "how-to's". Here are three fun looks I may be trying out this season- from day to night!

                Work Party Makeup                    Sweater Party Makeup                Holiday Cocktail Makeup



What is your favorite look for the upcoming holidays? We would love to see!

Inspiring Photo No. 59

One week to go until Christmas....are you ready?

Via

Have a fabulous week!

Xo,

Sunday Soiree | The Crostini

With the holiday season upon us it's easy to keep the festivities rolling. Between ugly sweater parties, cookie swaps and after work cocktails it can feel like everyday is an indulgence. I find myself leaning towards lighter cooking at home in an attempt to keep a little balance. I am especially loving all these crostini recipes, they are the perfect mix of healthy and light without sacrificing taste and flavor.

Recipe Links: Parmesan Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potato and Feta, Kale and White Bean

Perfect as appetizers at your next holiday gathering or just a light Sunday dinner. So please, pour yourself a glass of wine and savor some of these crunchy bites....'tis the season after all!

2013 Fashion | Emerald Icons

     Photo Sources: Audrey, Paris Fashion Week 2013, Lucille, Elizabeth, Diana, Party Dress

As you may have seen, Emerald has been announced by Pantone as the it color for 2013. Lately I've been loving jewel tones and I'm pretty excited to see more of this vibrant color. I thought this week it would be fun to take a look at some iconic women and how they wore this lovely hue.

Emerald is flattering and festive and made it's appearance right in time for the holidays. I'm adding a sweet little party dress like this one in the bottom right to my wish list, it's perfect for sipping eggnog and swaying to Jingle Bell Rock!