Coco Chanel-inspired Events

When I think of Coco Chanel’s designs, it always comes to mind Chanel  N5, white pearls, little black dress and a classic cloche hat .

Chanel once said that “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”

Fashion is all around us – fashion influences trends in architecture, interior design..even event design.

Looking at The Chanel’s  Spring 2011 Collection, which was inspired from  an early sixties French film called “Last Year at Marienbad”, I was thinking about the influence of Chanel’s monochromatic designs in the event world and I came across these absolutely stunning Chanel-inspired events. From the giant perfume bottle to the classic back dress and pearls, these events capture the classic and elegant flair of Coco Chanel. This is a fabulous theme for a bridal shower or a birthday party.

Photo Credits: Top to bottom: Style Me Pretty, Style Unveiled, Scheme Events, Swanky Chic Fete

Creative Sweet Displays

As a passionate chocophile and an interior design junkie, I wanted to start this post by showcasing the unique interior of this amazing chocolate shoppe in Paris - Patrice Chapon's Chocolaterie. There is no doubt that the textured metal walls and the huge copper kettle lights create so much drama and pizazz and add to the overall visual impact. This place definitely goes on my bucket list.  I have to admit that regular tables and cake stands are no longer the coolest way of serving or displaying desserts. Thinking outside the box when it comes to presentation is really important and so much fun. I came across a couple of untraditional and creative presentation ideas that I wanted to share. I love the idea of replacing the traditional dining tables with antique chests and buffets and distressed bookcases. Wagons and retro trucks could also be a great and creative food display especially for those who plan rustic theme weddings. Taking it outdoors and using various objects like books, suitcases and old cutlery boxes create layers and add interest. I also love the idea of using picture frames as part of the display design. 

The Chapon Chocolate store (Source)

Antique Bookcase (Source)

Blue buffet (Source)

Distressed bookcase (Source)

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Wagon Display (Source)

Retro truck display (Source)

Outdoor dessert table with hanging lanterns (Source)

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Creative dessert display with antique picture frames (Source)

Parisian Couture Themed Party

This past weekend, my little Mademoiselle turned 8. My daughter is in French Immersion school and loves pink, poodles, and jewelry, so we decided that a Paris-inspired party with lots of bling will be the perfect fit. We chose a traditional Parisian colour palette of black and white and light pink and we incorporated lace and polka dots to give it more texture and glamorous feel. Paper Glitter on etsy designed the custom invitations. They were lovely pink passports with an invitation and a boarding pass inside. The party had lots of DIY elements from the front door wreath,  made out of  ribbon and cupcake liners, to the super cute shoe on the cake and the fancy favour bags. My favourite caketress Amanda from Bluebird Cakes designed these stunning sugar cookies which matched perfectly my party stationery. The details on the cookies were so exquisite and beautiful that the kids wanted to take them home and not eat them at the party.
As a memento from this tres-chic Parisian soiree, each girl took home a hand crafted purse filled with jewelry and the boys received " Build your own Eiffel Tower" kit. We  served a variety of cheeses, croissants, fruit, raspberry lemonade, red velvet cake with cream cheese filling, oreo pops, chocolate cupcakes and sugar cookies. I absolutely love this theme; it was the perfect fit for Julia's vivid personality and style.

Bizous,

Vania

Vendors List/Resources
Event Planner and Stylist: Vania Asenova
Sugar Cookies and Cupcakes: Bluebird Cakes
Custom Invitations and event collateral: Paper Glitter Etsy Shop
Dress: Gap Kids
Headband: Jewelry and Baby Bling by Dara on Etsy

"Oh Boy" Baby Shower

I am one of those people who love everything about babies. I mean, isn't everything baby just so adorable? I love their innocent eyes, curious expressions, the smiles and the chubby cheeks. I have to say that planning baby showers is probably one of my favourite event planning activities. My neighbour and a close friend had her third baby in March. After having two girlrs, she was so happy to welcome to the world her miracle baby boy. She asked me to do the dessert table for her baby shower. When I asked her about  the event theme, her answer was "Simplicity". I wasn't surprised - she is a little bit shy, quiet and modest, so I knew that "simplicity" and "natural elegance" would be the best way to describe her dream dessert table. 

The colours we chose were beige, chocolate brown and light blue.  It was very important for me to incorporate her beautiful baby boy to the design, so I took a couple of black and white photos of little Kevin the week before the event. We wanted the table to look less feminine, so we decided to use manzanita branches instead of flowers. I wanted to place a few blue birds on the branches, but unfortunately,  I forgot them at home (by the way I was really mad about it). We served: Swiss Chocolate Cake with chocolate ganache, salted caramel macarons, florentines, pretzel turtles, oreo pops and mini blackberry trifles. The cake was super easy to make and incredibly delicious, so for all chocolate lovers out there, here is the award-winning recipe. Bon Appétit!

Green with Envy

This dessert table was inspired by the significance of March 17 and the glamour of the Full House Lottery's grand prize one dream home. Full House Lottery is the fundraising venture of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation and the University Hospital Foundation in Edmonton. Every year, the lottery kicks off with a celebration at the grand prize homes. This year, the lottery launch happened to be on St. Patrick's Day, so green was definitely the colour of the event. We wanted to use a shade of green that is soft and elegant and in some way complements the sophisticated interior of the home. My favourite caketress Amanda from Bluebird Cakes designed this gorgeous cake, the mini cupcakes and the oreo truffles. The salted caramel and the pistachio macarons were purchased from the Duchess Bake Shop. 
The Full House Lottery dream homes are absolutely spectacular these year, so if you are interested in  checking out the latest home trends, visit the three dream homes, located in Windermere.