While we love to create lavish, detailed and stunning affairs, there is another side to perfect hospitality.   Sometimes, creating something extraordinary can be really simple.

Case in point:  Last winter, Sara and I spent hours on fabric row playing with all sorts of beautiful material and notions as we were styling some of our upcoming celebrations.  After all the creating was complete, we had some fabric left over.  We decided to  very easy napkins out of our extra fabric to show you how simple it is to make a table extraordinary.  All the placesettings and accessories are pieces that came straight out of our kitchen cabinets.  The flowers came from my yard.   But the looks are truly special.

Geek Chic (As Maggie likes to call it!)

This napkin was super-simple to make. Just a simple swiss dot, cotton fabric, cut into squares and sewn back-to-back.

An easy summer picnic

We just tied together some flowers cut from my yard and threw them in a wood salad bowl. The effect was lovely!

Again, creating the napkin couldn't have been easier!

Breakfast at the Piazza

We thought it would be fun to just bring some things from the kitchen and set them up at the market tables under yellow umbrellas at the Piazza.   Nothing unusual going on here — except the homemade napkins.   But it really looks really special! What a lovely way to start a Sunday morning, eh?

Here, we simply used a contrasting fabric for the reverse side.

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!

I know I’ve been promising to update the blog with our 2010 events — and I will!   But when I see things like these totally irresistible paper cupcake cups, I swoon, melt — then have to share.

I found them on my latest favorite blog — Darlyblog.

I really need a cupcake in one of these adorable paper cups.

After a wonderful event in Princeton, I decided that it was too late and I was too tired to drive all the way home, so I spent the night at a friend’s house in Princeton.   Donna (of Beautiful Blooms fame) and I took Sunday morning off and hung out in super-charming downtown Princeton.   We stumbled across a fabulous little garden, outside of an adorable bar, filled with zinnias where we could sit and drink coffee.

I forgot how much I loved zinnias.   I took some photos with my brand new iPhone 4 and I was pretty impressed with the colors!  Just looking at them makes me happy, so I thought I’d spread the cheer.

We seriously <heart> Jackie Bayne of Love Shack Photos and the really cool stuff she does when photographing couples.   Case in point:  Jackie and this really great couple, Houn and Jon, decided to get their engagement photos taken around our beloved Northern Liberties.   Then to end the incredible day they were having, landed here at the Eclatante studio for the final shots.   It was a blast — as you can see.   Feel free to take a look on Love Shack’s blog site to see all the photos – I just put the teasers up here.

One of the best things about summer is the jingle of that little white truck that we hear in sub and urban neighborhoods from the first day that the winter finally disappears through the last glorious heat wave.   It’s a sound that we can all link back to our childhoods, right?

When I came across these cards this morning by Fine Day Press on Etsy, I almost giggled.   Then I realized I had to share them!   They are truly happy cards!!!

It’s no secret that we are seriously in love with Winterthur Estate. Between the never-ending lush and beautiful gardens, the picturesque reflecting pool, the drop-dead gorgeous conservatory, and all the private paths in between, the options for you and your guests are endless. Every event there is personal and different than the last.   So, when Nicole from Winterthur asked us to design some Eclatante-style tablescapes to showcase to Winterthur’s favorite clients, we were very honored and thrilled to get to work.

As a leading event planning and design firm in the region, we understand exactly what it takes to create an event that will be flawlessly in sync  – from each detail of the aesthetics to the meticulously planned logistics that make it all flow beautifully from one step to the next in a way that allows your guests to feel that everything about the event is effortless and natural.   It’s an art and a craft, believe me!   I think that’s why we and Winterthur love working together so much — we all have the same philosophy of creating incredible weddings — that is, the secret to a perfect wedding is perfect harmony.

When we set out to design the tablescapes for Winterthur’s very special event, we knew each table should celebrate the beginning of summer in the context of Winterthur’s perfect setting. Not surprisingly, we chose to stray from the more typical concepts of reception table decor and instead, create three different looks, each one demonstrating Eclatante’s unique ability to capture their client’s personal style.  Using uplifting and vibrant colors, and with the incredibly talented Beautiful Blooms’ amazing florals,  we designed three completely different looks: Classic, Modern and Rustic.

Here are the photos taken by the amazing Jim Graham.   We hope you enjoy them!

Classic

Modern:

Rustic:

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.

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!

In late April, we introduced you all to the upcoming charity event known as Date with A Plate.  The event took place on the 4th & 5th of May and was just incredible. All of the designers and collectors who provided an insight into their interpretation of a fabulous table or entertainment scenario absolutely brought their A-game.  I do hope that a lot of you were able to make it out to see the amazing work that thrilled all of the guests. It was truly a feast for the eyes!!!

This year, the charity, known as the IMAJNZ Foundation –  which is the very innovative charity created by Judi Goodman and Sharyn Berman to support selected area charities – supported The Noreen O’Neill Foundation for Melanoma Research. It was an honor to step up for this particular charity as there is a history there for us.

We teamed up Beautiful Blooms to design and create our own interpretation of what would be a great night out with close friends. The inspiration began with a simple photo out of the January issue of InStyle Magazine.

And then the vision grew. We LOVED this beautiful combination of Sangria and White and decided that what we really needed to do was create wine and cheese party under the stars using this incredible contrast of colors. When we finally concluded what we were out to accomplish, we found the perfect name for our dining adventure:  ”Private Escape.”

Next came the ruffles –  which, until this year, I’ve never really found a place for in my heart. Now, suddenly, I LOVE THEM!  But not your grandmother’s ruffles, as you will soon see.

Beautiful Blooms has these awesome arbors created from beautiful wood beams.  We just had to use them!  Then we went in search of sangria colored ruffles, and WHITE ruffled plates.   No easy task, but a fun one nontheless!  And of course, being the detail crazies are, we lined everything out from drawings and measurements to make sure that our little plan would work.

Then, on the day of installation, the Beautiful Blooms and Eclatante teams carefully taped out the dimesions of our space, laid the the carpet, built the arbor, and carefully placed the linens and all of the other beautiful elements.

And here are the results!  These stunning photos were taken by David Mielcarek of CinematicbyDavidM.   He graciously agreed to shoot our display and we couldn’t have been more pleased.  His photos are wonderful!!!

People ADORED the ruffled chair backs and ruffled placemats. And so did we!

The chandelier is a phenomenal custom piece created out of square wine glasses.  Beautiful Blooms laced flowers all through the glassware.  The result was STUNNING!!!

Two Paper Dolls created the carefully designed Wine Tasting piece that explained the specific wine and cheese pairings to each guest.   Of course, choosing just the perfect wines was definitely one of the fun parts.

At the corners of the arbor, there were lovely large teardrop glass vases hung containing Japanese sweet peas, Japanese white long stem gloriosa lilies and white peonies.  It was a perfect softening touch.

We were so pleased to have Starr Events work with us. They created a gorgeous cheese and fruit platter and Frank’s Union Wine Mart helped us choose the perfect wine!  The wine and cheese pairings were absolutely amazing.

Thanks also go to Moore Events for lighting our display with uplights and pinspots. It truly made the difference by having this lighting installed.

The guests were thrilled to discover that this incredible “Private Escape” could be their reality — if they bid high enough!  Apparently, there was quite a little bidding war over our Private Escape.  We don’t know who won, but we can’t wait  recreate this look on Liberties Walk for one lucky winner and their friends.  Starr Events will create a lovely wine tasting menu for 8 and Frank’s Union Wine Mart will provide the wine for the event. What could be more wonderful than dining under the stars with great friends in their own “Pefect Escape.”

Our parting shots are the team photo!

From left to right: Maya (BB), Donna (BB), Kendall (EED) and Sara (EED)

I stumbled upon these when doing some research and I fell irretrievably in love.   I simply had to share!  I found them on dieline.com.

Look for these in Eclatante’s future!

People often ask us, “Where do you come up with these things??”    And the answer is that we don’t have a single source for ideas or details — we run all over sometimes, from flea markets to fine retailers and fabulous manufacturers to find just the right thing for each of our amazing events.

Today, Sara and I spent some time shopping on Fabric Row in Philly.    We have so many unusual events and photoshoots coming up and each of them has a completely different feel.   We had a very successful trip!

Among the zillions of fabric shops, you can find just about anything!

These wonderful folks at La' Grants were so helpful!

Sara falls in love with almost every bolt she sees!

Stay tuned for the results.   We bought some amazing fabrics for napkins, upholstering, incredible trim for lamp shades — you’ll see these things intermixed in several of our upcoming events!