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!!!

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

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

A while back, The Knot (national) asked Eclatante to design a southern, Gatsby-style table scape using deep blues and greens.   Beautiful Blooms did their usual amazing job with the flowers! After a really great photoshoot in the studio of Antonis Achilleos, a great NYC photographer, The Knot published the fabulous results in their national magazine.

Here’s the article:

We just loved creating this amazing tablescape.   It all came together beautifully!

Look for some of Eclatante weddings in upcoming issues of The Knot.

Everyone here at Eclatante has a thing for entertaining.  That passion is what brought each and every one of us here!

And Thanksgiving is the mother of all entertaining days. Those of you who are fortunate enough to be hosting friends and family in your home for this great American feast, allow us to to provide you with just a few lovely ideas to add some unexpected charm to your table (without eating up to much room (or money))!

First up, our beautiful Eclatante table runners.   These are new additions to our shop and we just love them.   They come in a multitude of colors and patterns, but we thought these worked well for this particular Thanksgiving Day table. They’re $35 each.

I’m in love with these bronze rose tea light holders. We have them in white, too, but the bronze candle holders worked perfectly here.  And they’re only $16.00 — they are really beautiful!!

These oak leaf napkin rings created by Michael Michaud are absolutely perfect. We also have other gorgeous napkins rings that would work beautifully.   These napkin rings are $50 for a set of four.  Our other napkin rings are at different prices.

Salt cellars are making a comeback.  Our glass salt cellar with a  seashell spoon (they’re prettier than the silver plated spoons pictured below) are among my favorite things in the Eclatante Boutique.  I just LOVE them.   They are so easy, inexpensive and people just love them – a great conversation starter at your dinner table.    It’s a great little gift to give your guests — if you’re so inclined.  The price for both the salt cellar and the seashell spoon is only $6.50.

The  dripless single pique candles are so beautiful and unusual — they are flying out the door at  $11.50 each (or a pair for $20.00).   Again, they make your table really unique and are extremely well-priced.

You can call the Eclatante Boutique any time to find out how you can order over the phone. Our phone number is 215.925.9911.  Or, of course, we’d love it if you came by our shop and took a look at all the really amazing entertaining items we have.   We’re at 1031 North 3rd Street in Northern Liberties.  We’re open from 11:00 until 6:00 from Sunday – Thursday and on Saturday; on Fridays we’re open until 8:00 pm.

We need to make room for our incredible holiday stuff in our little boutique.  So, we’re giving everyone a great discount on our amazing items that are now gracing our shelves.   This is a great opportunity that you shouldn’t miss to get some beautiful items for your home and dinner parties at an extraordinarily low price!

Philly Mag asked Donna (from Beautiful Blooms) and me to open our Liberties Walk studios and boutiques to host the launch of the latest issue of Philadelphia Weddings. So this past Tuesday, we did just that and it was great.   Laura Eaton (Laura Eaton Photography) took these great photos.

The colors for the event were plum and platinum, so with flowers from Beautiful Blooms, we created a dining table in our studio to suit the mood

Donna and I love to host parties at our studios on Liberties Walk where people can mingle inside and out.   It is just such a fun place to have a party!

Leon from All Around Entertainment was absolutely HOT that night.   He and his percussionist were fantastic.  Everyone really enjoyed what they put together for us.

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Here's Donna with a few of our Northern Liberties friends (two of whom are brides-to-be!)

Del Friscos (the awesome Center city restaurant) provided all the delicious appetizers!

So, now for some really fun photos!   We set up a great new take on the always-adored photo booth.  Donna’s teaching space has a great green wall — so with brightly painted frames and super attitudes, the guests gave Laura so much to work with!

Here's Randi at Philly mag

And saving the best for last, these final photos weren’t taken by Laura.  Laura and her wonderful husband and business partner, Paul Eaton, are the subject of these absolutely adorable photos.

Heather at Brides.com wrote a really nice piece about our little boutique and our new home here on Liberties Walk.

Thank you Heather!!