Don’t let your dessert course suffer because you’ve run out of time to prepare it.  The Lazy Hostess fully endorses serving pre-made sweets as long as they are high quality and beautifully presented.  Bubbies, a Hawaiian company that has been making gourmet ice cream for a quarter of a century, has an incredible assortment of mochi, creamy ice cream that has been wrapped in a sweetened rice confection.

The bite-sized morsels come in 20 different flavors including Asian inspired Lychee and Green Tea as well as more traditional choices like Chocolate Mint and Pistachio.  Serve three different flavored mochi balls per dessert plate with a sprig of mint and you have a delicious, pretty dessert in a snap!  It’s a perfect way to serve ice cream on warm summer nights without the mess of a melting scoop.

Buy locally at a specialty grocer or order direct from Bubbies web site. Three boxes (24 pieces) of your choice of flavors can be shipped to you Monday-Thursday for $62 plus shipping.

Goes well with the Lazy Hostess recipe: Wasabi Salmon

PHOTO CREDIT:  Bubbies Ice Cream

City living might mean that garden space is rare but we all have a window sill that could be put to good use.  Sagaform, the Swedish design company that makes innovative kitchen and table accessories, offers a beautiful and space-saving solution that will let you have fresh cilantro, basil, rosemary or mint all at an arms reach any time you need it.  Forget about buying expensive herbs at the market for one recipe then throwing away the rest.

Made of white stoneware, their Herb Pot Trio ($50) has room for three different potted herbs and has a convenient spout for watering.  The clever pot can also be used for small flowers.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Sagaform

Products that are eco-chic make us smile because its shows that good design can be combined with a consideration for the planet.  Aqua Ovo, the brainchild of Quebec entrepreneurs Noemie and Marcel Desrochers, have developed a gorgeous eco-thermal glass vessel called the Therm-O Terra ($28), which would be the perfect thing to bring with you on outdoor outings or just to the office.

Made from double-paned borosilicate glass and other food grade, lead free and BPA free materials, the Therm-O Terra keeps beverages either cold or hot while the surface remains comfortable to touch.  The bottle comes with a removable stainless steel tea strainer and silicon splash guard.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Aqua Ovo

The Lazy Hostess is always on the hunt for flavorful, delicious recipes that can be easily prepared for a group at a dinner party.  The genius of this Asian inspired salmon recipe, which can be doubled for a party of 8 guests, is that the entire entree can be prepared on one baking sheet in the oven.

To make the prep even faster, forget about mincing by hand and use a microplane zester right over the bowl to add the ginger and garlic to the sauce and directly on the vegetables.  We like to give each guest a small soy sauce tray or miniature ramekin filled with the wasabi mayo.

WASABI SALMON WITH BOK CHOY, GREEN CABBAGE & SHIITAKES

Adapted from Bon Appetit

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon wasabi paste (Japanese horseradish paste)
1 2-inch piece ginger, peeled, finely grated
2 large garlic cloves, finely grated
4 6-ounce skinless salmon fillets (preferably wild)
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound baby bok choy, halved
2 cups (packed) finely shredded green cabbage (about 5 ounces)
4 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, sliced if large

MIXING NOTES

Preheat oven to 450°. Heat a large rimmed baking sheet for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, mix mayonnaise and wasabi in a small bowl. Stir in half of ginger and half of garlic; set aside. Brush fish with olive oil on both sides and season all over with salt and pepper. Place bok choy, cabbage, and mushrooms in a large bowl. Drizzle with oil and add remaining ginger and garlic. Toss well to coat evenly; season with salt and pepper.

Scatter vegetables across one side of baking sheet. Arrange salmon on other side. Roast, stirring vegetables occasionally, until salmon is cooked through, about 12 minutes. Divide vegetables among plates; top with salmon. Serve wasabi mayonnaise alongside.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Bon Appetit

A pale pink sea urchin shell filled with a miniature green airplant is a precious combination.  These planters are perfect for a summer party with a nautical theme. We imagine a cluster of them mixed in with candles decorating a table runner.  They would also make for charming little party favors at a beach themed wedding.

The sea urchin airplant duos are $8.95 each from the toHOLD Etsy shop, which specializes in miniature terrariums and airplant succulent design.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of toHOLD

Summer entertaining at Heath Ceramics is all about bold saturated colors.  This season the brand introduces three limited edition hues, California Poppy, Grapefruit and Birch, which are incorporated into their designs and paired with slips of exposed natural clay.

The playful collection takes some inspiration from a current trend in fashion – two-toned clothing and accessories that show a pop of color offset by a neutral. Not only do these summer colors contrast but there is also a mix of smooth matte glazes and textured surfaces making these products fresh and a little unexpected.

Some of our coveted selections are the Tray and Tumbler Set (above, $195); Bowl and Board ($190); Dessert Bowl Set ($85); Appetizer Set ($120); and, the coral printed Table Runner.

Heath Ceramics Summer 2012 Collection is available online and at selected retailers until October 1st, 2012.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Jeffrey Cross for Heath Ceramics

An everyday kitchen tool has been reimagined with a sleek, masculine all black finish.  Pure Black Knives, a special series for Stelton by Denmark-based design duo HolmbäckNordentoft, are elegant yet bold – perfect for any serious gourmand who likes to have a little flair in the kitchen.

Made from one piece of stainless chromium steel and coated in matte black for a seamless look, each knife allows for precision cutting.  There are three knives available – the Bread Knife ($100), the Large Chef’s Knife ($100) and the Small Chef’s Knife ($80) as well as a streamlined magnetic strip ($100) in contrasting white that can be wall mounted.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Stelton

]]> http://www.notesonaparty.com/index.php/2012/03/12/coveted-pure-black-stelton-knives/feed/ 0 http://www.notesonaparty.com/index.php/2012/03/07/lazy-hostess-mini-donuts-and-coffee/ http://www.notesonaparty.com/index.php/2012/03/07/lazy-hostess-mini-donuts-and-coffee/#comments Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:10:04 +0000 Celia Chen http://www.notesonaparty.com/?p=3137 read more]]>

Everyone loves a miniature at a party.  We think these mini donut and coffee combos are adorable.  They can be lined up on a counter for a brunch party or be passed out in the wee hours of the morning at a late night dance party or wedding.

Make sure you a shot of use steaming hot coffee in each cup and serve with one donut hole speared with a bamboo stick.  You can use store bought donut holes or bake your own. Here’s a simple recipe from The Frugal Girl:

BAKED CINNAMON DONUT HOLES

makes approximately 36

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons oil or melted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup milk
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3-4 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

MIXING NOTES

Preheat oven to 350.  Mix oil and sugar; beat in egg.  Add vanilla and milk, and stir until combined. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt together.  Add to wet ingredients and stir gently, just until combined. (a few lumps should remain).

Fill mini muffin tins 2/3 full with batter.  Bake for 10-12 minutes. Combine sugar and cinnamon.  Dip each muffin/doughnut into the melted butter and then roll in the cinnamon sugar.

PHOTO CREDIT:  The Frugal Girl

It’s a box.  It’s a tray.  It’s for serving and for storing.  No matter what you call this Alessi creation, we think it’s a bright idea!  Designed by Koskinen Harri, the bamboo wooden box has a lid that doubles as a serving tray for breakfast in bed or afternoon tea.  An interior divider can be moved to accommodate large plates or any combination of cutlery, glasses and napkins.  The Fat Tray by Alessi retails for $153.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Alessi

Oscar night is one of the most glamorous events of the year so its the perfect time to break out the bubbly. But that doesn’t mean you need to keep the Dom Perignon flowing all night long. For your viewing party at home, think about serving your guests a champagne cocktail instead.

Here’s a recipe from Zested that adds elderflower liqueur for splash of a delicate sweetness. It’s a sophisticated drink that can be made with champagne or, to allow your beverage budget to go a little further, with prosecco or cava.

ELDERFLOWER CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS
Champagne (or Prosecco or Cava)
St Germain Elderflower Liqueur
Cucumbers
Mint

MIXING NOTES
Fill a tumbler with ice. Fill three-quarters of the glass with dry champagne or prosecco. Add thinly sliced cucumber and fresh mint. Top off with St-Germain.

INSIDER NOTES
St Germain liqueur is made from freshly handpicked elderflower blossoms and has an unique flavor that has subtle hints of fruit such as passionfruit, pear, grapefruit and lemon but is none of them exactly.  For another version of this champagne cocktail, use a twist of lemon instead of cucumber and mint and serve in a coupe glass.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Zested

]]> http://www.notesonaparty.com/index.php/2012/02/25/notes-on-a-cocktail-elderflower-champagne-cocktail/feed/ 0 http://www.notesonaparty.com/index.php/2012/02/22/nyfw-so-many-partie/ http://www.notesonaparty.com/index.php/2012/02/22/nyfw-so-many-partie/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:33:06 +0000 Celia Chen http://www.notesonaparty.com/?p=3079 read more]]>

Fashion Week in New York is always a jammed packed week filled with runway shows, fashion presentations and, of course, lots of parties!  And this season was no exception with a mix of elegant black tie events, cool downtown dance parties and creative event installations.

It started off with the most star-studded event of the season, amfAR’s benefit gala which was hosted by Sarah Jessica Parker and honored designer Roberto Cavalli.  Notable guests including Cindy Crawford, Jennifer Hudson, Leighton Meester, Kenneth Cole and Heidi Klum made their way down to Cipriani Wall Street to hear Theophilus London and Janelle Monae perform.

Pink may have been the color of the season thanks to Barbie and her Dream Closet, a 9,000 sq ft event environment with 24 ft jewel encrusted doors and an interactive closet that any fashionista would have loved.  Rose McGowan, Brooke Shields and Kelly Rutherford with their daughters in tow played dress-up with real models styled in Barbie’s wardrobe over the last few decades.

Downtown parties included Refinery29′s Kick-Off Party at The Double Seven, Diane von Furstenberg’s after-show dinner at Indochine and late night dancing with Proenza Schouler at Le Baron.

Here’s a look back at some of the most fun and fabulous fetes of last week…(above photo: DJ Michaelangelo L’Acqua at amfAR)

Cindy Crawford, Roberto Cavalli & Julianne Moore at amfAR

Janelle Monae Performing at amfAR

 Kristin Cavallari at Barbie’s Dream Closet

 Brooke Shields and Barbie models

Solange Knowles | Lisa Mayok & Jeff Halmos at The Double Seven for Refinery29

DJ Chelsea Leyland | Yvan Mispelaere & Diane von Furstenberg at Indochine

Shala Monroque & Michelle Harper at Le Baron

Musicians on the dance floor at Le Baron

PHOTO CREDIT:  Evan Sung (amfAR), BFANYC

One of the saving graces of Fashion Week was Goodness, the restaurant pop-up created by model and environmentalist, Elettra Wiedemann to feed and nourish hungry editors, models and PR executives between runway shows at Lincoln Center.  Not only did it serve a new menu each day filled with fresh market produce prepared by a celebrated chef such as Mario Batali, it offered some tasty signature cocktails crafted by Kanon Vodka.

One of our favorites was a Tarragon Mango concoction….here’s the recipe from Kanon below:

TARRAGON MANGO

INGREDIENTS
2 ounces Kanon Vodka
2 big chunks of fresh mango
6 tarragon leaves

MIXING NOTES
Muddle mango and tarragon in a glass.  Add vodka and shake. Strain into a rocks glass with ice.

INSIDER NOTES
Originally created by Paul Johnson from 2E Lounge at The Pierre Hotel, this signature cocktail would make a great alternative to a Screwdriver for your next lunch or brunch.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Kanon Vodka

For Valentine’s Day, we are loving this box of sweet lips and chocolate hearts by Co Co. Sala, a chocolate lounge and boutique in Washington, DC.  The box of 12 handcrafted, artisanal chocolates ($45) comes with a selection of pomegranate chocolate lips, rose white chocolate lips and praline crunch hearts.

Available online at the Co Co. Sala web site.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Cocodot

A flash of red on the sole of a sexy stiletto has been known to make both women and men swoon in delight….although for different reasons.  Last week Christian Louboutin, the illustrious designer responsible for this shoe frenzy, celebrated his 20th anniversary with a party at Bergdorf Goodman that was inspired by – you guessed it – the color red.

Coming out to fete the designer were loyal clients, celebrities and industry friends such as Selita Ebanks, Michelle Harper, Jamee Gregory, Lauren Remington Platt and Amy Fine Collins of Vanity Fair.

We love this photo of Louboutin and BG’s Linda Fargo feeding each other lollipops. It speaks to the playful, cheeky and fun side of one of the world’s most famous accessories designers.   Red balloons, paper fans and ribbons decorated the 2nd floor of the department store while a Marilyn Monroe impersonator mingled with guests.  DJ Daisy Odell was behind the decks keeping a upbeat vibe throughout the store.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Style.com and dxprutting

Oh baby!  The next time you need to celebrate a favorite mommy-to-be, think about incorporating some cute baby games in the shower that your guests will actually enjoy playing.  Designed by Twig and Thistle, this game set includes a Crossword, Bingo and Trivia Quiz all with a baby related theme.

A high quality PDF of the game set, available in one of four colors – pink, blue, grey or green, will be emailed to you within 24 hours to download.  All you need is Acrobat 8 or higher, a color printer and some 80 lb cover stock.  Each game comes with instructions. But, matching pencils are sold separately.

Purchase the baby shower game set ($10) from the Twig and Thistle shop on Etsy.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Twig and Thistle

Whimsical, imaginative and a little bit cheeky are ways to describe the designs of the talented David Stark.  His latest project isn’t a corporate event or lavish wedding but a one-month “surprise ambush” of Nina Freudenberger’s Nolita store, Haus Interior.

Inspired by a wood worker’s atelier, Wood Shop is one part concept store and one part gallery.  It’s filled with David Stark designed goods including vases, pillows, place mats, vintage jewelry and art pieces.  Some of our favorites include two unique Valentine’s Day gifts – Wood You Be Mine, a box of inedible wooden chocolates and the Sweetheart Carving Kit with vintage knife.

One particular item, the Wood Shop Tool Belt, was designed by Stark for his female staff, who often lacked enough pockets to carry all of their necessary items – headset, iPhone, tape, tools – while setting up an event.

The idea for Wood Shop was born after Stark and Freudenberger met at a RISD alumni dinner and expressed their mutual appreciation for each other’s work.  The pop-up at Haus Interior (250 Elizabeth Street, New York) will be open from today until February 27th, 2012. The limited edition items, which range in price from $5 to $500, are also available for purchase online.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of David Stark and Haus Interior

Dreaming of a home theater?  We’ve discovered an ingenious gadget that lets you turn your iPhone 4 into a movie projector and any white wall or smooth surface into a screen.

The Pocket Projector ($229.99) has a super-bright 15-lumen LED projector lamp that delivers clearer, more brilliant images than other pico projectors. It has a 640×360 native display resolution which projects up to 50″ images and an integrated 0.5W speaker to deliver your audio.

And another smart feature…..the Pocket Projector doubles as a back-up battery for your iPhone 4 when not being used.

So plan a movie night or use the projector to add some event decor.  It could project a work presentation but how boring would that be?

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Brookstone

It’s a rainy Friday afternoon in New York so we thought that a little treat would sweeten your mood.  The Fat Radish, a favorite restaurant in New York, has shared their recipe for Chocolate Pot de Crème with the Lazy Hostess, who loves this easy-to-make yet decadent dessert.

Since these will be made in advance, all you need to do for your last course is to put them on a pretty plate and add a small spoon.  We like to garnish our pots before serving with a piece of candied ginger.  And, if you choose to bake your pot de crème desserts in mason jars (shown in the photo) make sure to take off the lids before popping them into the oven.  Once they are cooled, the lids can go back on for a cool presentation or to seal them for future use.

CHOCOLATE POT DE CRÈME

Recipe courtesy of The Fat Radish

INGREDIENTS

2/3 cup milk
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 tbsp Grand Marnier
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp grated orange zest
4 oz chocolate, chopped
4 large egg yolks
3 tbsp sugar

RECIPE NOTES

Combine milk, whipping cream, Grand Marnier, vanilla, and orange zest in a saucepan, bring to a lazy boil. Turn down the heat and melt in chocolate, stirring frequently, then remove from heat.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until pale. Gently whisk into chocolate. Strain the mixture and divide into ramekins. Place ramekins in a roasting pan with about 1/2” water. Bake for 40 minutes at 350, cool until set.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of The Fat Radish

Send little love notes to the cherished people in your life.   Designed and printed by Elizabeth Evans, these letterpress cards by Wildhorse Press feature cheerful, colorful illustrations with charming messages like Be Mine, You Make Me Smile and Something Beautiful is About to Happen.  Individual cards are $4.50 each.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Wildhorse Press

Movie night will never be the same again.  America’s favorite snack food has been reinvented by Quinn Popcorn in several mouth-watering, gourmet flavors including Parmesan & Rosemary, Vermont Maple & Sea Salt and Lemon & Sea Salt.

Not only is their popcorn delicious but it’s healthier than traditional brands who often use hydrogenated oils, preservatives and questionable chemicals in their flavoring or on their packaging.

The box, which is made from recycled and compostable paper, comes with two servings of organic popcorn inside.  First you pop the corn in the microwave and then you pour on the contents of two smaller pouches containing the all natural flavoring.

Purchase a sampler pack of all three flavors for $14.97 from Abe’s Market.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Quinn Popcorn

Ladurée macarons have nothing less than a global cult following among the sophisticated social set.  The Parisian bakery first opened in 1862 and developed the iconic French cookie, which is made from two macaron shells filled with ganache.

Originally posted on Sweet Designs by Amy Atlas, this dessert table by Azar of Principal Planner in Montreal, was inspired by the signature celadon green and pale pink packaging of Ladurée.  To conjure up the feeling of a Parisian tea shop, Azar created an installation of gilded frames, glass jewelry boxes, distressed bound journals, vintage cake stands and gold rimmed tea cups.

The assortment of desserts – all in celadon, pale pink and cream – included a four tiered cake by The Caketress, cupcakes and macarons from Dolci Piu, cake balls from Three C Baking & Co and Turkish Delights, marshmallows and nougat cookies from Oh So Chic Sweets.

This pretty desserts table speaks to the little girl in all of us who grew up playing afternoon tea.  It would be perfect for a bridal or baby shower celebration.

See original post on Sweet Designs here.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Monique Simone Photography

It’s the dead of winter and everyone seems to have the post-holiday blues.  What better time to organize a little dance party to gather the crew and raise your spirits?  The perfect person to turn to for a playlist of bump-and-grind tunes is music producer and DJ Michaelangelo L’Acqua, who has curated the soundscapes for the world’s top fashion shows and played live sets to packed dancefloors all over the globe from Ibiza to Shanghai.

“When your butt gets cold from sitting on it too long this playlist will warm yo’ buns back up!” – Michaelangelo L’Acqua.

Frost Bite

1. All Night – Oliver
2. Love For Sale – Mickey feat. Monarchy
3. I Can’t Behave Myself -Deadmau5 ft. Neon Hitch
4. Off My Mind (Rogue Vogue Remix) – Moon Boots
5. Home (Whole-Z Remix) – Edward Sharp
6. How Deep Is Your Love (A-Trak Remix )- The Rapture
7. What’s Your Name? (Treasure Fingers Remix) – Favretto
8. Happy Violence – Dada Life
9. Roman (Oliver Remix) – Housse De Racket
10. I Think I Like It – Fake Blood

Listen to a selection of the playlist or purchase songs here.

Michaelangelo L’Acqua is an internationally acclaimed DJ and music lifestyle curator, whose successful career began in 1999, when he was hired by Tom Ford to be Music Director of Gucci and YSL.  In his current role as Global Music Director for The W Hotel Group, L’Acqua conceptualizes and produces live concert series with artists and DJ’s including Alicia Keys and Bebel Gilberto. L’Acqua continues to DJ at high profile events around the globe such as New York Fashion Week and the Cannes Film Festival.

Make dessert a little bit sweeter with these adorable hand painted wooden spoons by Shop Sweet Lulu.  The demitasse-sized spoons measure 4.5 inches long and come in three patterns – Bright Stripes, Bright Chevrons and Confetti Dot.  Each package retails for $8.00 and comes with 20 one-time-use spoons that would be perfect for a kids birthday, outdoor party or dessert table.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Shop Sweet Lulu

Think your peels are destined only for the composter? An innovative creation by Dutch designer, Rianne Koens, Peel Pride includes a series of kitchen tools that capture the aroma infused in the top layers of fruit and vegetables.  The top peeler cuts off the very thin fragrant layer of the peel.  Then the strips go into the stackable containers for drying which makes the flavors more intense.

Next the peels are placed into individual dispensers that are used with the grinder. The peels are ground into small pieces that can be shaken onto food or drinks.  It’s a great way to add a dash of taste and fragrance as well as a sprinkle of color onto all of your foodie creations!

PHOTO CREDIT:  Charlotte Boeyden