I am so thrilled to share this pretty little brunch with you today. Reason being, this gathering from Jess and Mandy of Plate & Paper is a perfect example my favorite way to entertain! With just six people, loads of delicious food, and serving pieces and decor pulled from what they already own, this kind of party is easy to pull off but still really special. They mixed navy, white and gold, layering pattern and texture in a really simple yet lovely way. They sipped on coffee and mimosas, and served up tasty fare like homemade biscuits with vegetarian gravy, asparagus egg strata and yogurt parfait. This was the perfect way to brighten up an otherwise dreary winter day. I think we all should host brunch for our friends! And soon.

[Styling + photos by Plate & Paper.]

After a literal whirlwind of a trip to New York yesterday, I could seriously go for one of these stout floats! A playful twist on the classic root beer float that makes the most of the St. Patrick’s Day spirit, you really can’t go wrong. (Um, especially if you have an awesome St. Patrick’s Day beer stein to go along with the fun!) Once again created by our cocktail dream team of Andrea Harper of Gray Harper Event Maker, Jade of Jade + Matthew Take Pictures and Samantha Huba, treat yourself or surprise your guests this weekend with a decadent stout beer float and little minty marshmallows!

• Your favorite stout beer (we recommend Brooklyn’s Chocolate Stout, Young’s Chocolate Stout, or Left Hand’s Milk Stout)
• Ice cream (coffee or vanilla are best!)
• Whipped cream

Just as simple to make as the more traditional root beer float, simply pour beer into a stein or frosted mug, scoop ice cream, top with whipped cream. Enjoy!

• Nonstick cooking spray (you may need the whole can –  spray your hands, knife, cutting board, everything.)
• 3 (1/4-ounce) packages unflavored gelatin
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
• Green food coloring for St. Patrick’s Day
• Confectioners’ sugar, sifted (for coating)

1. Lightly spray a 9-by-9-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Line pan with plastic wrap, leaving a 2-inch overhang on all sides; set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water; let stand for 10 minutes.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup water. Place saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil; boil rapidly for 1 minute. Remove from heat, and, with the mixer on high, slowly pour the boiling syrup down the side of the mixer bowl into gelatin mixture. Add salt and continue mixing for 12 minutes.
4. Add peppermint extract and green food coloring if you choose, mix until well combined.
5. Spray a rubber spatula or your hands with cooking spray. Spread gelatin mixture evenly into pan using prepared spatula or your hands. Spray a sheet of plastic wrap with cooking spray and place, spray side down, on top of marshmallows. Let stand for 2 hours.
6. Carefully remove marshmallows from pan. Remove all plastic wrap and discard. Cut marshmallows into 2-inch squares using a sprayed a sharp knife. Place confectioners’ sugar in a large bowl. Working in batches, add marshmallows to bowl and toss to coat. Marshmallows can be stored in an airtight container up to 3 days.

[Cocktail recipe + styling by Gray Harper Event Maker | Panna cotta recipe by Samantha Huba | Photos by Jade + Matthew Take Pictures.]

I’m in Manhattan this morning and it’s gloomy and raining. How’s that to open a post all about spring parties? But seriously, even despite the drizzle and the gray, there’s something about the air the last few days that has just felt like spring. And you know what that means. Yup, I’m thinking about spring parties. Pretty much around the clock. Specifically, a pastel and gold infused spring dinner party. Which kind of explains my pick’s for this spring’s entertaining essentials. Paired with classic unbleached linen on the table and your everyday white dinnerware, this look would be a knockout! Anyone care to join me for dinner?

[Shop: Drink dispenser | gold servingware | green glasses | pink wine glasses | gold carafe | wine bottle stopper | gold flatware | domed serving platter.]

Happiest Monday morning, friends! I hope you all had an awesome weekend. Mine was great, but decidedly too short and today I feel a bit scattered running around in preparation for a short trip to New York this week. My flight leaves this evening and tomorrow will be a literal whirlwind of meetings and appointments all over Manhattan. So right now, let’s chat about color, shall we? I am loving this color palette of poppy and rich, moody teal. It has such a tranquil feel, but the kick of poppy red makes it feel energetic at the same time. Add in a touch of gold and a bit of concrete gray and I decidedly love this color palette.

[Photos, from top: Sew Fresh Fabrics | Lonny | M Stevens.]