Hello 2011 - Hello Honeysuckle?

Planning a bash, dinner party, or fundraising event this year? Pantone has released their official color for 2011 - Honeysuckle.

My first reaction is, where did they get this name from? When I think honeysuckle, I think more orange-yellow tones...this one is clearly in the red/pink family. For those that don't know what Pantone is, they are the company that sets the standards in colors for printing, fashion, paints, and such. They have been around for over 45 years providing designers in all areas with the leading trends on color.

Personally, I'm still tied to the previous 'color of the year' which was turquoise with pops of orange here and there. We are still seeing this in trends in this spring's interior designs, so maybe I'm not the only one who is still tied to it?

There is something that is seems very blossoming to Honeysuckle which is why I think its a great accent color. It can be incorporated into your centerpieces, or maybe as your napkins. But I wouldn't go blasting a room with this. It is a VERY vibrant and strong color. So, if you are going to use it in the masses, you will be making a strong impact. This could definitely make a statement on your invitations. Or maybe for your bridesmaid dresses. I think it would be paired well with something in the orange family if you are doing a summer event, or even with silver if you are going for a more girly-chic motif.

I'm not sold yet, but maybe it is because I'm still tied to the blue tones of 2010. ;)

Check it out: http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/pantone.aspx?pg=20824&ca=10

Sandra Lee would be proud...

tablescape: a table design for a dinner party that is coordinated in color from the napkins to the centerpiece, and sometimes tied to a theme of the party/event to make a first impression as guests arrive.

If any of you are regular Food Network watchers, and you've seen the good ole' Sandra Lee on Semi-Homemade, you'll understand the title of this blog. If not, I encourage you to at least check out one episode to know what I'm talking about.

Not only is Sandra Lee a chef, but also a designer of 'tablescapes.' These tablescape just so happen to always match the dress she is wearing, to the drapes on the window, to the 'yummy cocktails' she is preparing at the end of the show. If you don't believe me, check it out. All of those items including the drapes, change with each new tablescape she makes on every episode.I love putting together tables. It's probably one of the things I enjoy most about doing events, and I don't get to do it quite often in the Conference World. So of course when I'm at home, and mom is telling me we are hosting Christmas, my first question is--what will the tables look like?

Most families usually resort to the buffet line with things still on the stove, or maybe even placed on one of those cheap plastic Christmas platters you get at the dollar tree, or even worse just on a paper plate. Those are just not my style--and paper/plastic plates & silverware are just a pet-peeve of mine. Most people own a nice set of dishes and silverware--so what are you saving them for? To collect dust in the hutch in your dining room?

I put together some tables this year that I think anyone could do, even if you have no experience in design. They don't have to be extravagant, and don't even have to all be the same. I like switching them up from table to table because its more interesting for your guests. All of them should coordinate with the room you are hosting the party in. The key thing to remember is to use what you already have and build upon them from there. That old ivory candle you have sitting around can be reused with some fresh cut branches from your pine tree out back, and a few leftover ornaments which can all turn quickly into a great centerpiece for the holidays. Incorporating something LIVE like fresh branches or flowers is important as it brings the table to life. And please, don't just by the prepared centerpiece in the plastic pot with the foil around them. Invest in a decent vase and make it fresh and your own.

Here are a few pictures from my tables and a buffet of appetizers I set-up. They are inexpensive and simple, yet elegant. So next time you are hosting a dinner party, I hope you'll take it one step further and enhance your buffet lines and tables...maybe people will really eat that cheese platter after all. Just please don't change your drapes and outfit to match. ;)

Table Concept:

Appetizer Buffet: