It’s hot.   Really really hot.  So hot that no one can speak an intelligible sentence about anything that doesn’t include the words “heat, oppressive, humidity or TURN UP THE DAMN A/C!!”

Aside from the beach (or the “shore,” depending on where you reside), there really are some wonderful things that only happen when the temperature rises above the tolerable. So, rather than dwell on the heat, let’s focus on the great things about summer and how to translate them into a wonderful summer party with friends. The key to a great summer fiesta:  SIMPLICITY.  I’m from the south (kinda), and there we learned at an early age that slow and easy is the path to great hospitality in the summer sun.

What to serve

WATERMELON!   I literally crave it — virtually without calories and certainly without fat, it is nature’s reward for not succumbing to road rage when you’re stuck in traffic on the way to the beach (a/k/a the “shore”).

There simply is no such thing as a great summer party without watermelon — in any form at all.   But here’s a great way to enjoy watermelon after hours (or, as my father used to say — “it’s noon somewhere!”)

Navan Watermelon Daquiri

Ingredients per serving

(make ahead of time in a pitcher and let it get really cold before serving)

• 1/2 oz  Navan (in case Navan is new to you, it’s a fabulous vanilla liqueur — better than any other — trust me on this)
• 1 oz 10Cane Rum
• 3 nice big chunks of fresh watermelon
• 1/2 oz Part simple syrup
• 1/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

Muddle the watermelon.  Add Navan, 10Cane Rum, simple syrup and lemon juice.  Shake over ice and strain into a chilled martini glass (from pitcher).

What to place

Then, to continue to keep things as simple as possible, Mother Nature gives us the most charming flowers for the table that require no effort at all to be perfect!  When I see daisies in mason jars on a simply set table, it conjours up my favorite summer memories on picnic benches with the fam.   I have to admit, as simple as they are, there is just nothing as sweet and pretty as the white daisies that grow abundantly all summer long.   I just love them.

What to wear

And finally, while we’re spending a hot summer day, we must know that there’s just nothing more comfortable than a simple cotton sundress (this one is by Betsey Johnson) adorned with nothing but this wonderful straw hat we found at J.Crew.

Of course, I can’t help but add some flair to the ensemble by placing one of our great Emersonmade flowers (from the Eclatante Boutique) on the sun hat.   But that’s just me.

As many of you know, we have an amazing studio on Liberties Walk in the uber-chic section of Philadelphia known as Northern Liberties.  People just love it here — and so do we!!

Often, people stopped by to ask if we rent any of our space out for parties.  As the photos below show you, the answer is a resounding yes!   We’ve gotten enough requests now that I thought it was time to send a message to the world that if anyone would like to rent our studio out, we would be more than happy to make that happen.

If you need more space for a larger party, we can combine our space with the teaching studio at Beautiful Blooms Boutique as a kind of bundle where you could have both spaces and the Walk in between for an amazing party on the Walk.   Take a look at all the photos below to see how cool each possibility is.   The space rental fee includes the use of our incredible screens, too, where you can play a video of your own or watch a cool season finale or the World Series! Depending upon what configuration of space you choose to rent, your party could go anywhere from intimate (25 people) to 125 people.   The rental fee begins at $500 for a five hour event.

Give us a buzz if you’d like to talk about renting our little oasis.   We’ve had some incredible parties here!

Sometimes Dads don’t get the attention or credit they deserve — even though they are so worthy of their own holiday. New Dad, Dads who have it down pat, Grandfathers and “like a Dad to me” Dads deserve the best or a least a little something special to make them feel that way.

At Eclatante Boutique, we’ve got the best idea for all Dads.   It is something they would never think of —  something only a loving mother, wife, sister, or daughter could ever conjure up —  something that will make all those Dads shine all day (and well into the future!) — something that let them know that they are so special, handsome, celebrated and most of all, loved.

Its just a little something..but it makes a big impact…..let us introduce you to EmersonMade Tiny Poppers. Little splashes of color and style that can be pinned to a tie, a suit jacket or right on to a shirt. The Dads may not get it but I know they will love all the attention they will get by wearing one. So pick one up for you Pops and make his day.

Beautifully packaged (as only Eclatante would do!) and extraordinarily well-priced at $35 for a set of six.

You know where we are!   We have a few sets left.   Or, of course, you can call and we’ll get them out to you in time for his day!

Click here for directions

I’ve made you all wait FAR too long (sorry about that — it’s been a truly hectic couple of weeks!!) to enjoy Part 2 of the fabulous Red Dress Fashion Show that the American Heart Association put on on Eclatante’s and Beautiful Blooms’ our little piece of the planet as part of AHA’s 2010 Go Red for Women Campaign.

In Part 1, we introduced you to the event and the cast of amazing characters we had milling around here that day. Along with the gorgeous weather, more than 200 people were treated to a fantastic array of absolutely beautiful dresses designed and created by the extraordinarily talented women of the Philadelphia University’s fashion design program.   We were really blown away by their designs and their stories.

Thanks again to Heather Fowler for taking these great photos!

When we left off in Part 1, you saw the beautiful models lining up for the Fashion Show.   Bill Henley (of NBC10’s “the 10! Show”) was a great Master of Ceremonies.

From the very first dress, we were in love!

After the final walk, the judges deliberated on their choice for the runner up and the winner.

Heather took a great photo of all the models and the designers in the green room (a/k/a Heather's Studio) waiting for the judges' decisions

It was great anticipation, that the winners were announced

Third place went to this gorgeous dress:

Second place was awarded to this incredibly fun dress that I fell totally in love with:

And the winner is (drumroll, please)….

We had an absolutely wonderful time that night.   From the looks of it, so did everyone else.   I hope you enjoyed our first fashion show on our Walk (the first of many, I hope).

The Ladies of Eclatante and the Beautiful Blooms’ girls had WAY too much fun on this one.   I’m not sure we could really call it work!!!

L to R: Jeannie, Maggie, Sara, Kendall, Claire and Chrissy

L to R: Donna, Alicia, Lisa and Maggie

And be sure to check out The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Campaign.  NOTHING is more important than a woman’s heart.

Eclatante and Beautiful Blooms were honored and excited to be asked by the American Heart Association to host their annual Go Red for Women Preview Party.

Heather Fowler agreed, not only to let her studio be turned into a dressing room, but to shoot this wonderful event.

The event showcased some of the most talented young women I have ever met.   Young fashion designers from Philadelphia University’s fashion design program competing at a drop-dead amazing fashion show on our Walk.   All the dresses were, of course, red.   But even more incredible, each designer was inspired by the story of a person close to them who had experienced heart disease in a very real way.   The stories were beautiful — just like the dresses that were exhibited that evening.

In attendance were about 200 women (well, mostly women) who have a heart for this incredible campaign.    As they arrived, they were treated to delicious treats from Max & Me Catering and served wonderful beverages.  And All Around Entertainment created the perfect musical atmosphere for the evening.

Of course, we added our own special touches everywhere!

Donna and I were thriled to introduce the participants

The emcees were Biil Henley and Lori Wilson, hosts of the daily NBC10 10! show.  The judges were Jenice Armstrong of the Philadelphia Daily News, Kristin Munro of Philadelphia Style Magazine and Tiffany Hill, B101 Radio.

While all that was going on, the models were getting ready on the next block in Heather Fowler’s studio.  Their hair and makeup was expertly accomplished by Phoenix Salon & Spa and Salon 201.

until it was time to line up for the fashion show

In Part 2, you’ll see the parade of these beautiful dresses and the winners of the 2010 Go Red For Women Red Dress Fashion Show.

Assuming your mother is extraordinary, we thought you would appreciate it if we brought a few amazing gifts that would suit your mom perfectly.

From Emersonmade, we are selling some of the most amazing gifts that will likely thrill your mom no end.  The hand-dyed and hand-stitched blooms and accessories are simply beautiful — like nothing she’s ever seen.  And everything comes so beautifully packaged.   You won’t want to wrap it!

Who wouldn't love these wonderful shoe flowers? They are amazing. We fell in love with them at first sight and have already placed our first reorder so we'll be sure to keep up with the demand for Mother's Day! And they're only $36 for the pair.

Next up, this wonderful little fabric clutch adorned with one absolutely beautiful dahlia.   LOVE!    For only $58 (and they won’t die in week!)

We absolute ADORE these tiny floral “poppers.”   We’ve thought of several ways your mom could use them.   As a super-cute lapel pin or even as a napkin adornment.   (They also make unbelievable tie pins — perfect for Father’s Day — hint, hint).

These wonderful fabric handmade flowers are $9 each or a beautifully boxed set of six for $56

Finally, we just fell totally in love with these linens.   The table runners are amazing, as are the napkins.

We have “E A T” linens and napkins in the Boutique now, but we can order whatever you want!

The table runner is $58 and the napkins are $42 for a set of six.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!!

Our love of spring continues with our favorite candles of all time.   People adore these candles – and we couldn’t agree more.  They smell absolutely, but subtly, delicious.   We have to reorder and restock these candles more often than almost anything else in the Boutique, just to keep up.   But we don’t mind.   We’re happy to share our discovery.

Voluspa was founded in 1999 by Troy and Traci Arntsen, both of whom have a great passion for the art of fragrance.

Heather Fowler took this great photos the of the Voluspa candles in the Boutique so we could share them with you.   Thank you so much, Heather!!

Soleil – 3 wick tin $18
Dahlia Orange Bloom – 3 wick tin $18
Panjore Lychee – 3 wick tin $18

Hawaiian maile vine – 4oz tin $8
Sake lemon flower – 4oz tin $8

Santiago Huckleberry – 4.5oz $8  and ceramic pedestal $16
French Cade & Lavender – 4.5oz $8  and ceramic pedestal $16

The rest of the photos were taken by our own Maggie Ruder — who just seems to have a wealth of hidden talents!

Laguna 2-Wick Tin $15

Lemon Lily Boxed Mini Ceramic Candle $12

Truffle White Cocoa Mini Tin $6.50

Pagoda Boxed 3-Wick Opulence Bowl $36

Theses candles are perfect housewarming or hostess gifts — even if they’re warming your own home.   Come visit us and pick up a few.   Don’t worry about us running out — we can get more!

Click here for directions

It doesn’t have to be complicated, or expensive, to insert some pretty, unique details into your spring parties.  Here are some wonderful ideas that will absolutely delight your guests.

Once again, Heather Fowler shot the wonderful photos of the items in our Boutique. See for yourself what a great job she does with details.

A set of six placecards is only $9.

We love these adorable hand-crafted paper placecards that flutter right onto your stemware at each placesetting. They make for great conversation-starters. Handwrite your guests’ names (or have them calligraphed) and slip the notch over rim of water goblets or wine glasses for a lovely dinner party accessory.

The bunny, as a symbol of fertility, has been associated with Spring for thousands of years.  So we’ve adopted this little bunny to express how excited we are that Spring is FINALLY HERE!!

Likewise, the art of decorating eggs.  For many thousands of years, eggs have symbolized life, rebirth and renewal.  While decorating eggs is often thought of as an Easter tradition, truth be told, it is also a beautiful way to celebrate the smell of Spring in the air and all that means.

So, to honor Spring (and Easter), we’re selling these beautifully decorated eggs. Each light, wooden egg is individually decoupaged with love using Japanese yuzen chiyogami papers and a water-based sealant and acrylic.   The eggs are is 2½” long and 1¾” in diameter.  They are really, really pretty and they’re only $8 each. Incredible!

The blue origami eggs are beautiful and elegant.

We love these Cherry Blossom eggs!

These teal paisley decoupage eggs are absolutely delightful.

MAKE YOUR OWN SILK TIE EGGS!!

For those of you who want to decorate your own eggs, here is something so incredibly innovative that we just had to share it with everyone we know. Dye your eggs using old silk ties! What a fun project this is, not to mention inexpensive and very creative.   These kits are only $20 – the result is a dozen gorgeous eggs that you made yourself and had a great time doing it!

You will find the following in each kit:
12 pieces of 100% patterned silk (from discarded ties – talk about reuse!)
12 pieces of cotton fabric thrifted from pillowcases
12 twist ties
Instructions

You will need to supply:
1 dozen large eggs
White vinegar
Unreactive pot/water/stove

Of course your results will vary, but that’s the creative part, right?

So, hop on down to the Eclatante Boutique to gather up your eggs or pick up any of the other beautiful Spring things we have for you.  You know where we live!

Click here for directions

Eclatante Boutique and some of the other very cool shops here on Liberties Walk have joined up to give you a Valentine’s Day shopping experience like none other. Every day from February 8th through Valentine’s Day (which is Sunday, February 14th), each of our friends is offering you something a little different.

This postcard and poster will give you the details about what we’re all doing!

For our part, Eclatante Boutique will be offering free, beautiful Valentine’s Day cards and wrapping paper with every $15 purchase made every day during the Romancing The Walk event.  Plus, we’ll be offering fun chocolate stuff and yummy bubbly all along the way.

And a really great part of this is that every participating shop will offering you the opportunity to enter a great raffle to benefit the American Heart Association’s GO RED FOR WOMEN CAMPAIGN.  (it is HEART month y, know!)

Your raffle ticket only costs $5 (which you can get that back when you shop at Eclatante Boutique or at any of our friend’s shops).   You will not only be contributing to the American Heart Association – a great organization that has done so much to educate women about taking care of themselves and protecting their hearts – you will have a chance to win a grand prize which includes some pretty incredible gifts from our friends’ shops AND a romantic night’s stay at the very very chic new boutique hotel,  the Hotel Palomar in Philadelphia. All for $5 which you can get back!   How amazing is that?

If you haven’t made it down to Liberties Walk yet, this is the perfect reason to come down.   Talk about falling in love!!!!

We were so excited to be asked to showcase ourselves to the brides of the Please Touch Museum.    It is such a wonderful, unique and fun place in Philadelphia to have a really spectacular celebration.   It’s unusual to have a place in the City (other than a hotel) where so many people can be seated with room enough for a good size dance floor.   Plus, the place is just gorgeous and is a joy to work in.

photo from the Please Touch Museum website

What more can I say?  Oh yeah, it has a carousel!!

Sofia Negron took some wonderful photos of the table we created for the occasion. We did something a little different this time and people really loved it. Thank you so much Sofia!

We often get asked by our clients to create tablescapes instead of centerpieces — which is one of our very favorite things to do. We think these lovely red flowers (provided by Beautiful Blooms) are the perfect floral accent when you don’t want the flowers to dominate the decor.   And the napkins rings are perfect – they have a little hole to insert a single flower stem.   You can get a set for yourself at the Eclatante Boutique.

Lately, we’ve seen a bit more family-style service on the dinner tables. Here, we’re serving dessert family-style, on pretty plexiglass platforms filled with petals. Just a little different. And it gives the table some dimension and interest.

These individual little butterfly seating cards are among our favorite things in the Eclatante Boutique.  The birds are adorable, too.   People really really love them!   And guests are totally enchanted when there is one at their placesetting.

By the way, it’s taken me a long time to like stemless wine glasses.  I know I’m behind the curve on that, but I’m finally here.   I actually like them now!  Especially since we got a gorgeous set for Christmas.

Thanks to Kelley, Scott & Kimberly at Max & Me Catering!  It is pure pleasure working with everyone at Max & Me who really put this whole thing together!  Not only is their service and food absolutely amazing, their people are GREAT to work with!

We’ll do a more complete blog on the Please Touch Museum soon.  There is so much to that incredible place!

Let’s go for the easy answer first:  It’s almost NEVER a problem to bring a gift to someone, silly.

To alleviate some of the guesswork for when you should bring a gift, and what kind of gift you should bring, here are a few ‘lil guidelines:

If you are attending a cocktail party at someone’s home or a holiday open house, then a gift, while certainly appreciated, is not mandatory.  It is even less necessary if the cocktail party is being held someplace other than the hosts’ home.

If you are attending a dinner party, then a small gift is probably a good idea.

If you’re just casually getting together at someone’s home for a quick bite, then probably nothing more than a side dish or dessert would be necessary — but please, please, please coordinate any food you bring with the hostess.

Will you be sleeping at your hosts’ home?  Then, by all means, you should bring a gift in appreciation of your hosts’ hospitality.

So, now for the next level of complication – what to bring?

People LOVE to bring wine.   Because I entertain as often as possible, I have a great deal of wine in my basement from my very gracious guests (stored at the perfect temperature, of course!).   I think wine is a perfectly lovely hostess gift for a dinner party or anything other than an overnight stay.

To make things even nicer, consider giving the wine in a wine carrier that your host can use for the next dinner out at a BYOB (we were given wine in a wine carrier almost four years ago and we use it to this day.  And I still remember who gave it to us.) — and maybe a beautiful wine stopper to go with it all.

Gold Hatch Wine Carrier ($10)

• But if you’d like to bring something just a little off-the-beaten-trail, allow me to suggest a few little ideas that will make people feel really appreciated:

Perhaps you could make blueberry muffins and give it to them in a lovely basket tied with a bow — and include a great hot chocolate mix for your hosts to enjoy the next morning.

I LOVE these little Salt and Pepper Shakers – We’ve watched them fly out the door this season.

Are you staying for a day or two?  I think the most wonderful gift you can give someone is the gift of relaxation.   If you’re in Philly, allow me to make a suggestion. Right here on Liberties Walk, we have Spa East — a true urban oasis with the most amazing masseuses and body treatments I have ever encountered.

And here’s the final advice –

If you’re going to bring flowers (and that’s a lovely thing to do), then please bring the vase for them. You can pick up the most amazing flowers at the Beautiful Blooms Boutique just across from us on the Walk (but you already knew that, right?) along with a beautiful vase.

Or, of course, you can choose a different amazing vase or container at the Eclatante Boutique.

Okay, that’s my advice regarding host and hostess gifts.    Have a great time!

The holidays can bring out the best in us.   It’s the perfect time to step just a little outside of the box and give people unique gifts that they may not be expecting.

One of the great advantages to having a little boutique is that we only have the items that we really love.   Chances are, you wouldn’t be able to find them anywhere else.

Take, for instance, this gorgeous back and white 5 x 7 frame ($35.95).   And one of our new favorite things in the Boutique is the Lotus hands tealight holders ($20).   They are really beautiful.

For stocking stuffers, we have totally fallen for these handmade flower brooches.   Everyone who sees them loves them.   People walk in the Boutique and buy them immediately — at $20, they are pretty irresistible.

And how cool is this?  It’s a fruit pyramid (ornaments look pretty amazing in it, too!).   It’s a great, chrome-platted spacesaver and  looks very chic on a counter or a table.   $24

These rose tealight holders are absolutely lovely. We have theme in light creme and bronze.   People are buying them up at $16.   Small wonder – they’re stunning.

As a truly elegant gift, we recommend this stunning Peacock Tray from Fringe ($55).  For your people that truly appreciate beautiful things, this tray will absolutely thrill them.  Likewise, the mercury glass gold apothecary jars are just gorgeous.  We have them in two sizes, 13″ ($33) and 16″ ($43).

Here’s another fun stocking stuffer – these little scottie salt and pepper shakers are adorable, and incredibly priced at $10 for the pair.

Finally — our latest obsession — Totally organic, 100% bamboo robes.   Not a synthetic thread to be found. So incredibly plush, you won’t want to take it off!   They feature a detailed shawl collar, cuffed long sleeves, two front patch pockets and they’re extremely durable.  You’ll also find them in luxury hotels and resorts. We couldn’t resist putting a few in the Boutique for the holidays!   A truly wonderful price at $70.

We have them in white and in chocolate brown.  

Of course, these are just a few of our favorite things.   We have so many more unique, fun and beautiful things at the Boutique.   You should come visit us and see it all!   We located at 1031 North 3rd Street on Liberties Walk, right next to the Piazza.  Parking is a piece of cake.  Of course, if you already know you want something, just give us a buzz at 215.925.9911 or email us at celebrate@eclatantedesign.com, and we’ll send it out to you.

Oh, and don’t forget to come down for the Holiday Shopping Crawl here in Northern Liberties on December 19th from 11 am to 8 pm. Just about all the shops are doing something really special for you, including offering some interesting incentives that you definitely make you very very jolly!   Our Boutique is going all out — as usual.   We’d love to see you!

We love it when Style Me Pretty comes calling.   We’ve really had a great time over the past many months sharing our goings-on with them.   They’re always up for sharing new and fun things with their readers, who, apparently, just drink every drop of Style Me Pretty.  And who can blame them.  They don’t call it the Ultimate Wedding Blog for nothing!

It truly is an honor to be counted among the chosen few of Style Me Pretty!