Martha Stewart Blogging Party

A couple of weeks ago, I got an email inviting me to a "Bloggers' Night Out" party hosted by Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO) in New York City.  The invite mentioned "roof top deck", "wine, beer & light refreshments" and "mix and mingle with the creative team at Martha Stewart"...  ok, YES!  I want to go.  So, I immediately sent in my RSVP, thinking that my invite was sure to be a fluke and I wasn't going to give this up.

The party was last night, and to tell you the truth, I had a total blast.  I met fellow bloggers, Camila and Stefanie, in the MSLO lobby.  And, it was there that Camila introduced me to Deb, another fabulous blogger.  We heard that due to the 90 degree temps, the party had been moved inside where we would enjoy air conditioning (a total relief, by the way).  We rode the elevator up to the 9th floor and got to take a few glimpses at the MSLO offices (which were lovely, and very white) before entering the party.  I also met Crissie in the hallway (who also contributes to Coco+Kelley), and hit it off with her immediately. 

In true Martha Stewart fashion, the party was a five star event...

The Champagne Bar...

Martha Stewart Weddings, in my opinion, is hands down the BEST wedding magazine on the market.  Darcy Miller, the Editorial Director, is a genius.  (And, Amanda Bevington knows that I feel this way because when we met, I just kept showing her pictures from MS Weddings and saying "This. I want everything to look like this.")  It's no surprise that the wedding-themed tables at the party were completely stunning.  The butterfly wedding cake was so beautiful, and I think that the shadow box on display featured a picture of Darcy Miller's parents on their wedding day.  It was just lovely.

Here is a snapshot of me with Darcy Miller, who couldn't have been a nicer person.  She looked fabulous by the way, and her platform sandals were sparkling!

The treats from One Girl Cookies were addictive!  And, perfectly displayed on Martha Stewart cake servers (from Macy's)...

All of the food from Martha Stewart Everyday Food, and Whole Living was divine.  The mini sliders were delicious... (And not pictured, but quickly devoured, were the margarita soaked watermelon slices.  Now that's how I like to eat my fruit).

Grilled s'mores...

There were prizes and raffles, fabulous tables, and games...  Deb even got in on the ping pong!

Martha and Kevin Sharkey, Senior Vice President (and home design guru)...

Party picture of me with Kevin Sharkey.  He was such a gentleman, and so enthusiastic-- he even played a bit of ping pong! 

Before this party, I always assumed that Martha's faux bois tools were WAY too advaced for me.  But this gentleman showed me that I was wrong (maybe I was wrong, he had been practicing for a few hours)...

Now, let me just prefice this next shot by saying that I am a huge fan of Whatever, Martha! (hosted by Martha's daughter, Alexis Stewart, and her friend, Jennifer Koppelman Hutt).  I think that the show is very smart, hysterically funny, and both gals have great wit.  So naturally, I really hoped that they would be at the Martha party, and they were!  Now, I may or may not have creeped Alexis out by acting like a total lunatic and asking her to take a picture with me, and then proceeding to tell her that I was a huge fan (while completely invading her personal space, "is this too close?").  Then, the kicker?  I put my hand on her back while some kind person snapped the picture (note her uncomfortable face expression).  As if that weren't enough, I continued to hover around her long after the shot had been taken.  Needless to say, I think she may have left the party early. 

me, Alexis & Jennifer of Whatever, Martha! and Camila

All in all, the party was wonderful.  I met some terrific people-- including Liz (of Say Yes to Hoboken) who was delightful, and Joanna (of A Cup Of Jo), my other blogging buddy who I FINALLY got to meet face to face.  So, that was fun. 

Here's one more shot of us as the party wrapped... these three gals are a hoot and a half.  We had so much fun.

from left to right:

Deb, Camila, Crissie, and me

Happy Weekend, everyone!

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Martha Stewart in East Hampton

Kevin Sharkey, Senior Vice President at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, recently spent a weekend at Martha's East Hampton estate.  It's no surprise that the home (and gardens!) are completely stunning, but what I didn't expect to see was Martha's extensive collection of vintage McCoy pottery!  Kevin snapped about twenty pictures of his East Hampton weekend, and posted them on his blog HERE. 

These are some of my favorite shots...

Martha's welcoming front entry...  I love the turquoise.

All of Martha's outdoor wicker is different, but becomes more unified when painted the same shade of turquoise.

oh my gosh, hydrangeas.

A small sample of Martha's extensive McCoy pottery collection.  This color combination is so unexpected, yet totally inspiring.

More McCoy pottery runs along the (giant!) kitchen windows.

Even more McCoy, this time in all whites (my personal fave).  Kevin says that this was taken in Martha's cottage kitchen.  Of course, everyone needs a cottage kitchen!  Filled with fabulous McCoy pottery.

Fresh tomatoes from Martha's garden, no less.  Love that vintage enamel tray.

Tiger lilies are displayed in vintage Ball Jars, running down the center of the (long) dinner table.  What a modern centerpiece idea, right?  Kevin points out that the goblets are vintage blue hobnail, from Martha's collection.  They're beautiful.  And, finally, how amazing is this color scheme?!!

To see even more from Kevin, read his blog HERE.

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Halloween Decor with Martha

The Martha website is full of pretty Fall decorating ideas, you guys.  It is literally called "Halloween Central."  Like this bittersweet wreath.  Make it yourself with Martha's instruction HERE.

But, I think that these cut out bats might be my favorite...  How cool is this?  And, all you need is some black felt (or construction paper) and a pair of scissors...

This project is pretty creepy too.  Take a regular white taper candle and drip hot wax from a red candle over the top...  Creepy bleeding candles!

Another fun idea with cheesecloth... 

And, a less scary image?  Sweet little Martha as a little girl!

For more "Martha Through The Years," check out the post at Apartment Therapy.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.

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Ironstone

The term "ironstone" was coined by Charles Mason and the English Staffordshire ceramics industry in 1813. A mixture of porcelain and earthenware, the new material resembled Chinese porcelain but was much more durable. A big breakthrough, right? Ironstone could sustain daily use without chipping and breaking, as many pure porcelain pieces would. As a result, the product quickly became a popular staple in kitchenware, and still is a favorite today.

Ironstone produces a beautiful patina over time. Have you noticed? This might be due to the actual iron blend within the material (as it oxidizes, it can change the appearance of the finish), and the extended use of the durable material will produce signs of wear. I believe that it is this patina that draws collectors to it. It's used and beautiful. Functional. Don't you love it? I know that Martha is a big fan.



I don't have much ironstone in the shop right now... but, I have this gorgeous English gravy boat listed (as long as I don't get weak and keep it for myself).



Do you know the adorable Eddie Ross? Former Martha stylist? He loves ironstone too.


And, remember the Hamptons dining room from Somethings Gotta Give? Yup, ironstone.


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Make Your Own: Tea Time Tablescape

I love the idea of bringing your dining table outdoors to serve mid-afternoon drinks with friends... If you have the outdoor space this summer, why not try this? Bring your dining table and chairs outside, set your table with beautiful linens and actually use your grandmother's china! Even if you are serving cheese and crackers instead of caviar, make it special! Your guests will love it.





Make your own tablescape by mixing fancy traditional pieces (like silver serving sets) with eclectic accents (like a vintage table runner and mismatched tea cups). Here are some of my favorites...

Start by draping your table with a beautiful tablecloth. I like this one from Linen Me on Etsy... It makes a terrific backdrop.


Then, layer your white linen tablecloth with an interesting runner down the center of your table. Try an eclectic piece like this. It's actually a vintage scarf. How chic is that?


And, how about this art deco vintage tea set?


Martha Stewart's white porcelain cake stands (available at Macy's) will bring some height to your table. I love the low, square shapes... they're even better when stacked with treats.


I'm a big fan of Pottery Barn's Linen Hemstitch Napkins. Use a bright color, like tangerine!


Try these fantastic silver napkin rings from Michael Aram... I love their shape, and that finial is sort of unexpected...


Bring refreshments to the table with this beautiful woven tray...


Serve bellinis from these sweet vintage glasses!



There are quite a few items available in the shop that would make beautiful accents to your tabletop... Here are a few of my favorites!


Vintage hobnail cake platter


Glass bowl with silver serving set


Mini ice bucket


Glass serving dish with silver plated filigree holder


Set of 4 vintage dessert plates