Queen Takes King

Living in Hollywood means sometimes being a part of amazing events!!

Recently, I was pleased to be a part of a signing for the launch of Gigi Grazer's new book Queen Takes King. I wanted to share a few pictures and tips with you guys from the big event.

The party took place at the Luau in Beverly Hills. The Luau is a newly reopened Hawaiian restaurant on Bedford drive. The decor is very neutral, as seen in the picture below. My job was to make the party a little more jazzy and link the decor to the theme of the book and the colors of the books cover.

It was easy to pick colors, I just had to match Gigi's cover. The tones of green and blue with touches of a blinged out silver made a real impact against the taupes, creams and whites of Luau.

To start with I chose a white tablecloth. White can be a base for any combination when setting a table, and most homes and restaurants have bone white plates and bowls that match a white cloth perfectly. I find it is easier to work with white than trying to match the various hues of cream cloths.

Next I made a simple, yet striking table runner. Runners do not have to be custom sewn, nor do you have to settle for a store bought one that doesn't match your decor. Instead, an easy affordable option is a paper runner.

First, I chose a thick green stock. I cut that down and ran it the length of the table. Don't worry about seams. Once the table is set they melt away.

Because, the cover of Gigi's book has an awesome glittery chess piece i decided to mimic that on the runner. I bought some glitter wrapping paper from Paper Source and cut it about 6 inches thinner than the green base layer. This way I had a nice border of the green surrounding the silver.

When setting a table I like to look for fun and individual touches that suit the mood of the party. I hand wrote all the menus and table cards. Again, I tied in green and blue and used a more casual and modern style of calligraphy.

Because this was a ladies event I played off the "queen" of the title and used tiaras as place card holders. You never have to settle for boring, and it is those special touches that make an event zing!!

Luau made a wonderful cocktail that tied in not only to the Hawaiian flare of the restaurant but the color scheme of the party as well. There are so many fun drinks out there these days!! Pink Cosmos, Orange Bloody Mary's, Tequila Sunrises always look great on a table. And my fave is always a yummy fresh green mojito. Don't think that decor has to be inedible. When planning a party the food and drink can and should be just as pleasing to the eye as to the tummy.

Each seat also had cards that could be used to start some pretty racy conversations. they made the event not only about the book but also about the theme of the book.

Lastly, I added purely decorative touches like the white chess pieces and simple crisp white flowers to the table to complete the look.

I think it made this table evoke the vibe of Gigi's book.

She did too.

This photo of her was featured in the September issue of Harper's Bazaar.

Look at my table. I am so proud!!!

Until next time; PARTY ON!!

My creative space

So, here's what I came up with from my inspirational friends and sites to fit my own creative needs and space.
I used a drawer and left it partially open for my big spools of ribbon. I got a ribbon container from the trusty Container Store, http://www.containerstore.com. They are a great source for your container needs. My jaw drops every time I go in there. And for those ribbon by the yard, I found these different size jars at IKEA, http://www.ikea.com to suit the various color palettes.



I then have flat files that I use for my 12 x 12's and flat sheets of paper (courtesy of my Paper Source manager , Jake Drake, allowing me to have something that was going to be thrown out.) He spared me from dumpster diving in Beverly Hills. Then I was able to convert 2 large bins of gift bags and tissue into one organized vertical gift bag holder that I also found at the Container Store.
The remaining containers were found at an office supply store where I keep creative odds and ends while labeling everything, of course.


My family comes down to visit and I put them to work. My dad was nice enough to provide me with some new lighting and a drafting table for my calligraphy. I explained my organizational dilemma. All of these things you see here, I had lined up against the wall on the floor. I desired something more professional looking rather than a make shift kinda studio. After being inspired by my friend, Michelle Foote, and her studio in Pasadena where Blue Note Press lives. http://www.bluenotepress.com . I adopted a bit of her idea and made it my own. I went to work my shift at Paper Source and I come home to voila! My mom was so kind, for she was magical. The piece of furniture is from IKEA and it comes in different colors to fit your own creative space. The bottom row I have each basket, which are from Target, on the bottom designated to a client & the materials being used for their project. The top row is designated for show, reviews and samples designed by 2 Hearts B 1.

This fun shabby chic piece is a lovely gift from my dear friend & colleague, Francesca Grossman from her studio of Creative Paperie.
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/francesca-grossman/4/844/7a8
I use it as a showcase to show off favors & place card samples.


My genius idea that I wanted to disclose here was how I turned my bar stools into shelving units. These bar stools were from my old apartment, when I had a bar. Now, I have no need for them, but I didn't exactly want to discard them either. So, I used the top as a table for displaying invites. Then I found containers at Target that I can put in the different slots to fit more creative odds and ends for making cards and prototypes. In the corner, I found a discounted piece of basket drawer fixture that worked perfectly with my new set up that I picked up again at Target. So, see I found everything I needed with a few resources, inspiration and a little creativity. I know that you too can be creative. No matter how big or small. You can make your space, a place to call your very own!