MARK & GRAHAM MONOGRAMMED MELAMINE

Holy monogrammed goodness... These new melamine serving pieces just stole my summer-loving heart. Pick up the anchor platter ($44) for a nautical hostess gift or a set of six monogrammed plates ($34 each) for your next dinner party. Or go off the registry and give a set as a wedding gift with the couple's new monogram... The options are endless and the range of colors and monogramming options can't be beat. 

Shop the post:

Holy monogrammed goodness... These new melamine serving pieces just stole my summer-loving heart. Pick up the anchor platter ($44) for a nautical hostess gift or a set of six monogrammed plates ($34 each) for your next dinner party. Or go off the registry and give a set as a wedding gift with the couple's new monogram... The options are endless and the range of colors and monogramming options can't be beat. 

Shop the post:

J.CREW FOR PAPERLESS POST

I've been bit by the entertaining bug lately (blogger brunch, derby party, housewarming...) and definitely didn't need another excuse to throw a party but here it is anyway: J.Crew for Paperless Post. That's right, your favorite retailer designed digital invitations that you can email straight to family and friends. Gather the girls? Don't mind if I do.

I've been bit by the entertaining bug lately (blogger brunch, derby party, housewarming...) and definitely didn't need another excuse to throw a party but here it is anyway: J.Crew for Paperless Post. That's right, your favorite retailer designed digital invitations that you can email straight to family and friends. Gather the girls? Don't mind if I do.

HOUSEWARMING BRUNCH WITH KITCHENSURFING

After the blogger brunch I put together during fashion week in February, I was suddenly determined to do more entertaining. This isn't an easy task in most New York apartments (especially if you're not particularly domestic, cough cough) but I really wanted to make it happen. That's why I was so excited to hear from Kitchensurfing, a service that pairs you with a local chef who will prepare a seasonal meal for your guests using their ingredients and your kitchen. All you have to do is decide what kind of event you'd like to host, tidy your apartment, and let Kitchensurfing do the rest!

I worked with Alex, a.k.a. the Breakfast Bachelor, who whipped up a delicious menu featuring spring produce like rhubarb, ramps, asparagus, and baby greens. I was a little skeptical that he'd be able to whip up brunch for twelve guests in such a small space but he was a total trooper and the food was out of this world. We started with rhubarb mimosas (YUM and I finally learned how to open a bottle of champagne!), herbed buttermilk biscuits, strawberry fennel salad, a spring quiche, and apricot-glazed bacon for everyone else (I've been a vegetarian since college but I'm told it was delicious!). He made blackberry almond doughnuts from scratch for a sweet treat and I picked up macarons from François Payard (my favorites in New York... don't tell Ladurée!). 

Loved having an excuse to use my cobalt tumblers!

Oh hello, Rory. Today's lesson: if you give a dog a bite of quiche, he'll want a macaron to go with it. ;)

I didn't have enough table space or seating for everyone so we just made a big circle of chairs and everyone ate on their laps. Sure, it wasn't a formal dinner party but everyone was a great sport and it was so fun to invite a bigger group of friends over to my new apartment! It was seriously encouraging to see what Alex was able to pull off with limited counter space, serving pieces, etc. Now I have no excuse not to do it again! Maybe I'll even try my hand at the cooking ;)

Kitchensurfing paid for this brunch in exchange for spreading the word on Design Darling but I can't wait to work with them again on future get-togethers, especially if I were splitting the cost with friends. If you're hosting an event (birthday party, wedding shower, work gathering...) and don't want to worry about food prep, I can't recommend Kitchensurfing (and Alex in particular!) more highly. And as a special treat for Design Darling readers, they're offering $50 off your first booking through this link! 

After the blogger brunch I put together during fashion week in February, I was suddenly determined to do more entertaining. This isn't an easy task in most New York apartments (especially if you're not particularly domestic, cough cough) but I really wanted to make it happen. That's why I was so excited to hear from Kitchensurfing, a service that pairs you with a local chef who will prepare a seasonal meal for your guests using their ingredients and your kitchen. All you have to do is decide what kind of event you'd like to host, tidy your apartment, and let Kitchensurfing do the rest!

I worked with Alex, a.k.a. the Breakfast Bachelor, who whipped up a delicious menu featuring spring produce like rhubarb, ramps, asparagus, and baby greens. I was a little skeptical that he'd be able to whip up brunch for twelve guests in such a small space but he was a total trooper and the food was out of this world. We started with rhubarb mimosas (YUM and I finally learned how to open a bottle of champagne!), herbed buttermilk biscuits, strawberry fennel salad, a spring quiche, and apricot-glazed bacon for everyone else (I've been a vegetarian since college but I'm told it was delicious!). He made blackberry almond doughnuts from scratch for a sweet treat and I picked up macarons from François Payard (my favorites in New York... don't tell Ladurée!). 

Loved having an excuse to use my cobalt tumblers!

Oh hello, Rory. Today's lesson: if you give a dog a bite of quiche, he'll want a macaron to go with it. ;)

I didn't have enough table space or seating for everyone so we just made a big circle of chairs and everyone ate on their laps. Sure, it wasn't a formal dinner party but everyone was a great sport and it was so fun to invite a bigger group of friends over to my new apartment! It was seriously encouraging to see what Alex was able to pull off with limited counter space, serving pieces, etc. Now I have no excuse not to do it again! Maybe I'll even try my hand at the cooking ;)

Kitchensurfing paid for this brunch in exchange for spreading the word on Design Darling but I can't wait to work with them again on future get-togethers, especially if I were splitting the cost with friends. If you're hosting an event (birthday party, wedding shower, work gathering...) and don't want to worry about food prep, I can't recommend Kitchensurfing (and Alex in particular!) more highly. And as a special treat for Design Darling readers, they're offering $50 off your first booking through this link! 

KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY

As I shared last week, we hosted a Kentucky Derby-themed birthday party at my boyfriend's apartment this weekend and had so much fun! We got these chairs for a steal from Joss & Main (hands down my favorite flash sale site) and hung three strands of globe lights. Not bad for a guys' apartment, right? Jury's out on how they liked the pink tulips.

I'm not much for bourbon but I did whip up a batch of mint juleps for our friends. Design Darling inventory to the rescue! Amy and I stuck to sangria.

I wore this navy gingham dress which I'm sure will be repurposed for a few friends' weddings this summer. Remember my cousin Emily? :)

Amy brought the most darling flower arrangement in a vintage creamer. She is so creative, that one!

Will's mom is insanely talented and made these horsie cookies for the festivities. Almost too cute to eat. I wish I'd remembered to take pictures once the "backyard" filled up with friends (or when we all had to squeeze inside due to the rain!) but it was one of those days where I remembered just how much I love New York and all the people who make it so special. I don't think anyone caught more than a few minutes of the actual derby coverage but hey, priorities. ;) Entertaining in New York apartments isn't the easiest but I definitely want to make an effort after having so much fun with the blogger brunch this winter. What's the last party you hosted? Anything fun coming up?!

As I shared last week, we hosted a Kentucky Derby-themed birthday party at my boyfriend's apartment this weekend and had so much fun! We got these chairs for a steal from Joss & Main (hands down my favorite flash sale site) and hung three strands of globe lights. Not bad for a guys' apartment, right? Jury's out on how they liked the pink tulips.

I'm not much for bourbon but I did whip up a batch of mint juleps for our friends. Design Darling inventory to the rescue! Amy and I stuck to sangria.

I wore this navy gingham dress which I'm sure will be repurposed for a few friends' weddings this summer. Remember my cousin Emily? :)

Amy brought the most darling flower arrangement in a vintage creamer. She is so creative, that one!

Will's mom is insanely talented and made these horsie cookies for the festivities. Almost too cute to eat. I wish I'd remembered to take pictures once the "backyard" filled up with friends (or when we all had to squeeze inside due to the rain!) but it was one of those days where I remembered just how much I love New York and all the people who make it so special. I don't think anyone caught more than a few minutes of the actual derby coverage but hey, priorities. ;) Entertaining in New York apartments isn't the easiest but I definitely want to make an effort after having so much fun with the blogger brunch this winter. What's the last party you hosted? Anything fun coming up?!

KENTUCKY DERBY BIRTHDAY PARTY INSPIRATION

This weekend we're throwing a Kentucky Derby party to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday. A week ago he didn't have any outdoor furniture so we're whipping it all together on a short time frame and making the best of it! There's nothing that birthday cake, fresh flowers, good friends, mint juleps, and string lights can't fix, right?!

P.S. Kentucky Derby outfit inspiration here.

*photos 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

This weekend we're throwing a Kentucky Derby party to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday. A week ago he didn't have any outdoor furniture so we're whipping it all together on a short time frame and making the best of it! There's nothing that birthday cake, fresh flowers, good friends, mint juleps, and string lights can't fix, right?!

P.S. Kentucky Derby outfit inspiration here.

*photos 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

KATIE KIME'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

As if I needed another reason to love the internet.

I got an email from Katie Kime a few months ago introducing her furniture and paper goods. I clicked over to her site and realized her furniture designs looked super familiar. In fact, I had seen them on someone else's blog years prior and tried to track them down many times since to no avail. Seeing them land in my inbox was the best surprise!

Well, it turns out that Katie is kind of the cutest person ever. She's insanely talented (I want literally everything on her site), super sweet, and I can't wait to meet her when I head to Austin next month (so excited!). When she offered to send photos of her blowout 30th birthday bash, I didn't miss a beat. Ummm, Katie's birthday + the launch of her furniture rental company + every glimpse I've ever seen of Hotel St. Cecelia = no-brainer for Design Darling. And when the photos arrived earlier this week, I was not disappointed. Every last detail was sheer perfection!

Pom pom birthday save-the-dates. Yes please.

The chicest bar duo I've ever seen. These can be rented for your next soirée!

The darling Katie!

A close-up of the pillow situation. So good.

An invitation no one could resist.

The finished set-up. As you know, I'm majorly coveting these birdcage chairs.

Party ready! Note to self: buy red shoes for summer.

Be sure to check out Katie's designs here and contact her if you need any chic furniture rentals in the Austin area. Huge thanks to Katie for sharing her birthday with all of us and for inspiring me to want to do something fun for my 25th this summer! And thank you to the glorious internet for introducing me to another fabulous, talented, kind, smart new friend. My favorite part of blogging for sure! xx

As if I needed another reason to love the internet.

I got an email from Katie Kime a few months ago introducing her furniture and paper goods. I clicked over to her site and realized her furniture designs looked super familiar. In fact, I had seen them on someone else's blog years prior and tried to track them down many times since to no avail. Seeing them land in my inbox was the best surprise!

Well, it turns out that Katie is kind of the cutest person ever. She's insanely talented (I want literally everything on her site), super sweet, and I can't wait to meet her when I head to Austin next month (so excited!). When she offered to send photos of her blowout 30th birthday bash, I didn't miss a beat. Ummm, Katie's birthday + the launch of her furniture rental company + every glimpse I've ever seen of Hotel St. Cecelia = no-brainer for Design Darling. And when the photos arrived earlier this week, I was not disappointed. Every last detail was sheer perfection!

Pom pom birthday save-the-dates. Yes please.

The chicest bar duo I've ever seen. These can be rented for your next soirée!

The darling Katie!

A close-up of the pillow situation. So good.

An invitation no one could resist.

The finished set-up. As you know, I'm majorly coveting these birdcage chairs.

Party ready! Note to self: buy red shoes for summer.

Be sure to check out Katie's designs here and contact her if you need any chic furniture rentals in the Austin area. Huge thanks to Katie for sharing her birthday with all of us and for inspiring me to want to do something fun for my 25th this summer! And thank you to the glorious internet for introducing me to another fabulous, talented, kind, smart new friend. My favorite part of blogging for sure! xx

DESIGN DARLING BLOGGER BRUNCH

Yesterday I hosted twenty of my very favorite bloggers for a fashion week escape on the rooftop of the Gramercy Park Hotel. This was really the first event I've ever planned and hosted and I'm so excited that it went off without a hitch! The blogger brunch was a wonderful excuse to don a pretty dress, gather friends from all over the country, and toast to the upcoming second anniversary of my boutique. Peach bellinis, pink peonies, and the most awesome, inspiring, and stylish bunch of young women... Really, what more could a girl want? Gratitude doesn't begin to cover it. Note to self: must do this again soon.

Outfit details:

Opening Ceremony dress (I used Rent The Runway!)  //  Loren Hope earrings  //  Alice & Olivia heels

Table details:

Tortoiseshell glasses  //  Striped straws

Bloggers you need to know about!

Amy Stone  //  A Piece of Toast  //  Bows & Sequins

College Prepster  //  Corals & Cognacs  //  Dallas Wardrobe

Gal Meets Glam  //  House of Harper  //  Look Linger Love

M.A.S. Fashion  //  Matchbook Magazine  //  Stripes & Sequins

Style & Pepper  //  vmac+cheese  //  Wit & Whimsy

*All photos by Amy Stone

Yesterday I hosted twenty of my very favorite bloggers for a fashion week escape on the rooftop of the Gramercy Park Hotel. This was really the first event I've ever planned and hosted and I'm so excited that it went off without a hitch! The blogger brunch was a wonderful excuse to don a pretty dress, gather friends from all over the country, and toast to the upcoming second anniversary of my boutique. Peach bellinis, pink peonies, and the most awesome, inspiring, and stylish bunch of young women... Really, what more could a girl want? Gratitude doesn't begin to cover it. Note to self: must do this again soon.

Outfit details:

Opening Ceremony dress (I used Rent The Runway!)  //  Loren Hope earrings  //  Alice & Olivia heels

Table details:

Tortoiseshell glasses  //  Striped straws

Bloggers you need to know about!

Amy Stone  //  A Piece of Toast  //  Bows & Sequins

College Prepster  //  Corals & Cognacs  //  Dallas Wardrobe

Gal Meets Glam  //  House of Harper  //  Look Linger Love

M.A.S. Fashion  //  Matchbook Magazine  //  Stripes & Sequins

Style & Pepper  //  vmac+cheese  //  Wit & Whimsy

*All photos by Amy Stone