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.

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.

Philly Mag’s Bridal Bulletin just ran a feature on our wonderful program called “Kindness Blooms,” where our clients (and others) can donate the flowers they love from their incredible celebrations to people who could really use a little unexpected joy and beauty in their lives.   The Kindness Blooms page will tell you how you can help!

You may remember a couple years go when we first blogged about word starting to get around about Eclatante’s Kindness Blooms’ project in MainLine Today and Philly.com.

Since then so many floral arrangements have been provided to the Ronald McDonald House, Children’s Hospital, the Laurel House and several area retirement and nursing homes.   Its been pure pleasure being able to facilitate the joy that people get from truly beautiful flowers.   And, honestly, there are just no words to express how much better it is to donate the flowers than to see them trashed!

We are always looking for volunteers to help in our efforts.   Please take a look at our Kindness Blooms page and let  us know if  you can help!

We just love it when are couples are featured in The Knot.   It lets them know that their vision was truly wonderful!

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.

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)

We’re very happy to share this post on the ultimate wedding blog –  Style Me Pretty – of one of our very favorite weddings in 2009.   We invite you to explore this very very pretty wedding (Part 1 and Part 2) and our favorite Maid of Honor toasts of all time,  Beautiful Blooms did an outrageous job with the florals. Gorgeous.   Marie Labbancz was thir photographer.

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!

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!!!

This Sunday, our little piece of the planet is going to be host to one of the most exciting events in Philadelphia.  The region’s largest GLBT street festival is taking place  at Philadelphia’s chic new open-air plaza in Northern Liberties and down the wonderful Walk where we live!

Sure, there are parties.  And there are dances.  But there is culture and education as well.

The International Equality Forum is bringing it’s own amazing art of celebration to us and we are proud to be able to play a part.   Come down and enjoy the party!

Free round-trip shuttle available every 15 minutes from Knock, corner of 12th & Locust Streets.

Admission: $10 Adults, $5 Students

For more information visit, http://equalityforum.com/2010/event.cfm?id=107

The word is out all around the country that Sunday OUT! at the Piazza and Out for a Walk is the day and the event not to miss.  So I urge you to go to their website and pick the events that appeal most to you and by all means participate.

SundayOUT! at The Piazza

OUT for a Walk

Sunday, May 2, 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
The Piazza & Liberties Walk
North 2nd Street & Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA

There are some things that we are really proud of — our involvement with this event is absolutely among them!   This is going to be an incredible event full of the most amazing eye-candy you can imagine presented our area’s most talented and creative designers and collectors.   On top of which you will be treated to the delights of Steven Starr.   All to benefit one my most cherished charities — the Noreen Foundation for Melanoma Research.  Their work is very near and dear to my heart.

This is a two-day event, you can participate in one or both — take a look at the invitations below.   You really should go.  I promise you’ll be glad you did!

One of our favorite things is to discover and work at new venues. We’ve known about the Skybox at the 24/24 Studios for a while, but this is our first opportunity to work there.

As you can see from these great photos by Kevin York, the place is amazing!   It’s 6,200 square feet of open space with 30′ ceilings, skylights and gorgeous hardwood floors.  It sits within an incredible community of artists’ lofts and has an ambience of pure creativity.

Photo from the Skybox website

When Culinary Concepts asked us to design a photoshoot at the new Skybox, we jumped at the chance.  Together with Beautiful Blooms (whose stunning florals were perfect), we were able to create an amazing soiree that was perfectly suited for this amazing, cool loft-space very conveniently located in the City.

We chose beautiful aqua shimmer linens that inspired Beautiful Blooms to create coordinated florals of bamboo, dendrobium orchids and mokara orchids.  Other tables had three vibrant vases with tight bundles of roses, hydrangea and  spider mums. LOVE.

As you can see, the lighting was key to producing the dramatic effect we were looking to achieve.  Using LEDs projected across the room (rather than uplighting from the floor) we were able to achieve a stunning color the color saturation on the walls.

The cocktail area was created to reflect the ambiance of the whole room — the divine furniture from Busy Bee was perfect — I totally love their extraordinary furniture!

The bride’s room upstairs is a wonderful sanctuary for someone to collect themslves as their guests begin to arrive.  I <heart> this room. It’s so peaceful.

(See the gorgeous gown hanging on the wardrobe at the far end of the room.)

A ceremony in the round invokes a wonderful intimacy that works beautifully in this space.   We designed the ceremony area around a great wrought iron structure that Beautiful Blooms brought and adorned with lots and lots of ribbons and candles.

We’re very happy to introduce you to this fabulous new venue in Philadelphia.  I can’t wait to show you some of our events there!

Ahhhhh!   PLEASE forgive me!!! I’m so late posting this entry about the scrumptious cakes from Doughmain Baked Goods in Rosemont. You get to vote for the one that will be presented at Faye & Matt’s wedding at the Independent Seaport Museum on May 23rd!  You only have a day to cast your vote for one of these three yummy  cakes!  They are each so different from one another you will likely find your clear favorite.

CAKE OPTION #1 is the “whimsical” choice with five white offset square cakes with alternating textures on each layer, bedecked with fabric bows and ribbon. It’s a very fun cake that pleased Faye & Matt no end!

CAKE OPTION #2 is a modern design with four round cakes bordered with black ribbon and decorated with black butter cream stencil work.  Faye and Matt loved this one from the moment they saw it.   The intricacies of the lace and other flourishes are gorgeous in person.    The not-too-formal vibe is a perfect fit with Faye & Matt’s wedding!

CAKE OPTION #3 is a traditional and romantic cake of three offset square cakes adorned with bright, fresh raspberries. Faye optimistically refers to this option as the healthy cake!    Faye & Matt  loved how the bold color of the berries popped against the white of the cake and the simplicity of the design.

All three cakes will have the same wonderful combo of flavors:  the bottom, layer will be chocolate cake with chocolate mousse and raspberry puree; the middle layer will be a traditional yellow cake with a raspberry filling, and the top layer will be a banana cake with cream cheese filling.

So, hurry up and VOTE for one of these three.   Voting ends tomorrow.  And it’s really close!   So your vote really could make a difference!