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.

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.

This winter, we were thrilled to have the pleasure of working with one of our favorite families of all time to help them plan their son, Harry’s, Bar Mitzvah.   We’ll tell that amazing story soon, since it occurred during one of our historic blizzards.   But I digress.

Since then, Harry’s dad, Ivan, celebrated his 50th birthday.   His gorgeous wife Ann wanted to throw him a party he would never forget.   She asked Donna of Beautiful Blooms and Eclatante to help her get the details together and, of course, we were very happy to oblige!

Here’s a little back story:  Ann & Ivan are both British (with the most wonderful accents!).  Ann had no problem coming up with the perfect theme, since Ivan was born in 1960 — London in the 60’s!   How fun is that??

Eclatante’s own Maggie Ruder took these photos.

Eclatante was able to find a classic English black cab to to take the couple and other guests from their home to Duportail House for the party.  If you’ve ever been to London, you know these little cars are everywhere!

Even Donna and I dressed up for this one!   And we had to jump in the cab for a quick photo!   By the way, Claudia Seyler did our hair and makeup for the party.   I still miss the eyelashes!!!

We loved the gobo we had created to emulate the Tube in London.

And of COURSE, we had to have the famous British red telephone booth!   People were in and out of it all night!

LOVE these photos of Ann & Ivan.   Her absolutely PERFECT dress was specially made for the night by Janice Martin of Janice Martin Couture.  And I could not get over how Ivan nailed the look of his suit.  He had his tailor create the perfect trousers.   It was like going back in time!!  (Not that I remember the 60’s.)

Donna and I couldn’t resist jumping into the phone booth ourselves. I mean, who could?

We saw some great outfits that night!   Among them was certainly this Union Jack dress!

And just look at this fantastic jacket right off the Sargeant Pepper album!    The DJ immediately struck up The Lonely Heart’s Club Band the very moment this guest walked in the door — right on cue!

We loved the trolly cake from Cake Art Studio

Ann & Ivan had a fantastic time -- which, of course, is why we do what we do!

When we last talked about the planning of Faye & Matt’s wedding, you were asked to chime in on the difficult choice between two wedding gowns that were beautifully designed and custom created for Faye by Janice Martin Couture. Here is the stunning winner:

Now is your chance to decide between two really beautiful  floral centerpieces created by the incredible team at Beautiful Blooms.   You can vote on Philly.com for either of the two beautiful pieces below.  Faye and Matt love both, so it really is up to you.

By the way, these photos were taken by Kevin York.  Faye and Matt are extremely lucky to have Kevin as their wedding photographer – it’s a certainty that their photos will be AMAZING!

Design#1  (“Organic Chic”) is created from an organic mix of hydrangea, protea, frog’s eye euphorbia, stock, hypericum berries and curly willow.  I just love how the colors compliment each other in the shades of apple green, purply blue and yellow. It will look stunning on the square tables dressed in a great purple pintuck linen with accents of yellow.

Design #2 (“Fishbowl Fashion”) has a more modern feel and was created in a large fishbowl. This arrangement is a combination of plum calla, yellow protea placed on a base of green split peas.   This centerpiece will look equally beautiful on the purple linens.

Hurry.  You only have until Tuesday night to vote for either of these gorgeous pieces.

After the centerpieces are decided, you’ll get to vote for the beautiful wedding rings from Safian & Rudolph.

Lucky Faye!   Her wedding gown will be custom-designed and created  by the famous couture dress designer and dressmaker,  Janice Martin. The gown is now down to two stunning designs.   And you get to choose which one Faye will wear on her wedding day!

When we last talked about the planning of Faye & Matt’s wedding, you were asked to vote on the invitation by Two Paper Dolls.   And the winner is:

Now, we’re on the wedding gown, and so far, the voting has been unbelievable.   The dam has opened and votes are pouring in.

At their first meeting, Faye and Janice got to know each other so that Janice could design the dress to not only to suit Faye’s beauty and style, but her personality as well.  Eclatante was there for the fittings of the muslin versions of each evolution of Janice’s designs. We were so impressed by Janice’s compassion and ability to figure out exactly where to begin and how to make Faye feel completely at ease with the process.  By the time Faye’s gown is complete, there is absolutely no doubt that it will be a one-of-kind couture wedding gown that was made to fit and suit Faye absolutely perfectly.

These two drawings depict the two designs by Janice that were created for Faye.

GOWN #1

This is a halter style fitted gown with a layered train. The fabric will be a cotton/silk blend and the gown will have a slight blue cast to it. The train starts higher in the front, lower in the back. The dress may have small covered buttons down back of gown. The train is of layers of chiffon or organza, so that each layer will “flow” or “float” evoking waves. The gown may also have a blue sash at waist to complement the bridesmaids dresses. Blue was chosen for two reasons:  First, Faye’s amazing eyes; and, second,  because the ceremony will take place at  the rotunda that juts out onto the water outside the Independent Seaport Museum.   The effect of this gown is “light and airy”. The halter style gives Faye’s figure support and her shoulders more definition.

Gown #2:

Same silhouette as Gown #1, but is a strapless fitted gown of shirred silk satin. This is a much more “formal” fabric. The train is layered with a “bubble” type effect, so that overall the gown would be more sculptural and elegant.  Both gowns are very “body conscious” so either will show off Faye’s lovely curves. Both gowns will feature blue in the construction to give depth and richness to the gown and flatter Faye’s skin tone and eyes!

So, just like you did with the invitations (thank you!), please log onto Philly.com/weddings to cast your vote for either Gown #1 or Gown #2.   Hurry, though.   Faye is very anxious to find out which gown is hers!!

Next time, you’ll be asked to choose between two amazing centerpieces from Beautiful Blooms.