On building your look - "creative" resourcing

When it comes to items for the home, I need to establish I am not an impulse buyer.  Nor am I a full "retail price paying" buyer.  Nor a total discount bin or yard sale scavenger (even though they can be fun on occasion.)  I think first and foremost I am a design idea resourcer.  Whether it's home magazines, coffee-table books or just things crossing my path, I take it all in.  Restaurant decors.  Window & store displays.  Other people's homes.  I make notes.  Rip out pages.  Print images from the web. Snap photos with my phone.  Search pricing.  They are all collected in my notebook.  (And now, sometimes on my blog!)

I've mentioned the notebook in previous entries.  The beauty of it is simply keeping track of what I like.  As obvious as it seems, a little "reminder" is helpful.  Of color combinations.  Of furniture groupings.  Of drawer knobs, tile patterns and fabrics.  You see, maybe it's option overload, but when I go into stores, I think I know exactly what I want.  Well? A strange thing happens.  Something about an entire "room/wall/
encyclopedic binder" of options sets me in decision paralysis. Was it this one or this one? Was it smooth or textured?  I can't remember... Now it's, WAIT!  What did I capture in the notebook?...

And being a resourcer pays off!  By having an understanding of costs/values, you now know when you have a a good deal in front of you.

For example, I loved this lamp.  I first saw it in a magazine layout.  Then located it on the web. Learned the cost.  Added to my notebook.   $1,345.00!?  Um, that'll stay on my wish list...

About a year later,  I had some time to kill so I stopped by Tuesday Morning  - a first quality, closeout store. No agenda. No specific item needed.  I guess, the dreaded term for salespeople, "just browsing."

Lo and behold, there it was (or maybe a close knock-off). AND it was selling for $99 - less than 1/10th of the suggested retail cost. I immediately bought it.  No question. No guilt. (Even called another location to complete the pair!)

Now that is MY version of impulse buying.  Smart.



So, what are some of my go-to "creative resources"?  Here's a recap of my fav's:

1. First quality closeouts
As mentioned in the example, for tabletop, bedding and accessories, I am a huge fan of the stores that feature first quality merchandise at close-out prices.  These are names like Tuesday Morning, Homegoods, Overstock.com and Steinmart. Purchases have included brands like Waterford, Ralph Lauren, Wamsutta, Frette and Wedgwood.  Don't forget the sales tables in the better department stores either (Barney's, Bloomingdales). The brands only get better.

All of these sources are pretty hit-or-miss, so you are best going in without a certain item in mind. Like the lamps above, you'll be surprised at what you might find when you least expect it. Remember, the merchandise at the close-out stores is continually updated so it's OK (and best) to frequently check back in.

2. Family heirlooms
Never, ever pass up the chance to acquire family treasures.  These are some of the premier items that can make your home "historied" and unique.  I'm not talking about the particle board bookcase you used in middle school.  These are things from when your parents were first together, or were passed down from earlier generations. Dishes, crystal, furniture, linens, portraits.  They may initially feel a little incongruous to your current style, but take them just the same.  You'd be surprised how often you revisit them at a later date only to find your perspective has changed.  Maybe you've now seen something like them reinterpreted to more modern environments? Maybe they now embody a color or shape that you've since grown to love? Who knows?  But I can assure you, they will be more meaningful to you than the disposable stuff you find in most retailers today.

3. Ebay
I can't stop raving about Ebay.  It seems no matter what you're looking for, it's being sold there.  I have purchased plates, glasses, fabric - even dining room chairs.  It should be approached much like the first quality, close-out-like establishments.  You can go into it looking for something special, yet you might leave with something totally unexpected.  It also pays to keep going back since again since the inventory is constantly changing.

You'll find some stuff being sold "auction-style" where bidding and time limits are the name of the game.  Other items are "buy it now".  Those have fixed prices that generally stay up until the item is sold.  (Note: always check for shipping costs.  The item prices may seem reasonable, but when shipping is added, the deal falls apart.)

4. Sample sales/Floor models
I always seem to keep an eye out for big SALE signs.  Arguably, many times the mark-downs are "much ado about nothing."  20% off retail?  Why bother...  There are, however, some deals to be had especially when they are for sample/floor models.  These top quality items can be pretty significantly marked down.  The wear and tear is usually what will occur in the first year at home anyway. Also be sure to shop the boutiques.  These single-proprietor stores generally have a lot more at stake in getting rid of unwanted inventory.

If you live near "to the trade" design centers, watch for ads that announce showroom sample sales available to the public.  While the price points will be higher than the average retail store, the quality and design is so much better.  I would recommend getting to know a designer before hand to get a better sense of pricing, brands and what a good deal might look like. Better yet, see if they are going and join them! You might just get a tip or two.  A designer friend of mine snagged me a sofa in Big D.  Great deal and I've now had it for years.  (Continued thanks, Neal!)

Don't forget to shop for sales on the web. Most of the bigger sites have built in navigation (tabs) to items specifically marked down.  Never hurts to check them out.  For linens, I also recently found that BBJ Linens, a major national online party rental supplier, launched a site selling hugely discounted (used) inventory. There are some great deals there, but beware.  They do not provide information about specific materials.  I had to call and get someone on the phone.  Some of the cheaper items are for synthetic materials.  (Ick.  Not a favorite of mine, as mentioned in an earlier post.)

5. Estate sales, yard sales and antique stores
Let's be clear , I am not talking about high-high end stuff here.  I leave that to the experts.  I am also not talking about the search for an undiscovered money maker.  You know, an original Picasso for just $20?  I leave that to the guys on TV - American Pickers.  My recommended target?  Relatively small and inexpensive items.  Sometimes it's a lone plate that happens to be from one of my patterns.  Maybe it's some quirky objet d'art that will be fun addition to a bookcase. Occasionally you might find a larger, pricier item like a chair or mirror.  How do you know good deals?  My advice?  Go with your gut. Value is only really determined what the buyer (you) is willing to pay.  Don't get caught up in it.  Just make a reasonable (not insulting) offer. All they can say is "no."

Later this Spring, I plan to do a blog specifically on a visit to the Brimfield Antique show - one of the largest outdoor exhibits in the country.  They have 3 events per year in the Spring, Summer & Fall. It's an amazing collection (talk about option overload.)  Not for the weary...

6. Deal-of-the-day shopping sites
These types of member only sites are exploding.  It seems there is a new one (or one I've never heard of) being promoted daily. With me, it first started as a clothing source (Rue La La).  Then it moved to discounts on local businesses (Groupon).  Now it's seems to be more focused on home decorating.

My favorites are One Kings Lane, Gilt/Home and Rue la La/Home.  They are clearly built for the consummate shopper.  Email updates are sent everyday, announcing the latest designers/stores.  Some also send "reminder" emails letting you know the sales are about to begin.

A little information overload for my taste, but I've been impressed with some of the featured items.  I have seen major high-end brands like Safavieh rugs, Kate Spade china, Barbara Barry/Henrendon furniture.  Like always, you must have done your homework to know the good deals from the great deals.  These sites are built specifically to not leave a lot of time for decision making.  There have been a couple of times where I hesitated from buying, only to find the items sold when I returned.  Not a huge loss in the scheme of things, but a little annoying.  And as with all online shopping sites, be sure you know all shipping (and sales tax) costs before you buy.  These charges can add a pretty sizable chunk to the total price paid.

In terms of keeping up with all these sites, I find it's impossible.  I most likely delete 80% of inbound messages without even opening them. Like I mentioned before, way too many deals to comprehend.  If you are looking for something in particular, the sites post future events so you can plan accordingly.  For me, I'll click-through the link when I have the down time to "just browse."  It's a fun escape, not only to buy or build the wish list, but also to learn.  To jot down notes.  Even capture images (I love "print screen").  All additional information to help confirm a good deal when you see it again!

So, as always, I hope I have introduced you to something new.  New approaches.  New resources to outfit your home.  I wouldn't say to now eliminate anything you've already been doing.  Consider this additive.  Because the more you are exposed to ideas, products and pricing, the more comfortable you become in what you like and what you can afford.

(NOTE: If you would like to become a member of one of these invitation-only sites, send me an email and I'll be your sponsor.  See my email link below.)

Till the next time...

On entertaining - de-constructing the perfect summer dinner party

OK. I can't help it.  I am not sure it's the positive feedback received or the fact that I am SOOOO ready for  summer.  Whatever the reason, I am doing another "entertaining" themed post -  now inspired by the warm weather.  I thought I would break down some of the elements to plan and execute a perfect summer dinner party.  (The main reason it's labeled "summer" is that it's al fresco.  Most everything would remain for an indoor event except building in some weather contingency options.) So here goes...

1. Plan the stage - the visual experience
Start with an idea that will act as the "umbrella" theme to your planning.  Is it a color?  Is it a menu?  Is it simply that you want to use your mother's china that already has a color palate/formality already built in?  Whatever it is.  Identify it.  Own it.  Build everything around it.  Every thought.  Every idea.  Capture them in your notebook.

Our party was going to celebrate the summer.  The inspiration was the color blue.  From the sky.  From my china.  Not much more than that.  I then went about the house, searching for anything that had a shade of blue in it (or would coordinate with blue e.g. silver, black, white...) Vases, bowls, planting pots, coasters.  Like I've suggested before, all was eventually laid out on a table. Saw what worked together.  What felt off.  What vibe was given. What quantity was available.*  Invitations, place cards and individual menus were then selected/
designed to reflect this direction.

I know some people would recommend starting party planning first with the number of guests in mind.  In fact, a couple we know only host gatherings of either 6 or 12.  Not 7.  Not 13.  They clearly know what works for them!.  Anyway, I choose to let the "theme" be my key driver.  For example, if it's a relaxed, old fashioned BBQ, then numbers really don't matter.  Actually, the more the merrier.  But if you are looking to elevate the experience a little, larger numbers become more of an issue.  Seating.  Place settings.  Menu complexity. You see what I mean. In my world, I may choose an odd number, like say 7, if maybe that's the total number of china/plates I have of one pattern or outside chairs available.

So, I now had a theme.  I also had a sense of some initial table decor and the number of planned guests.  I then started to think about the stage.  In some scenarios, this might be a table & chairs in the middle of the lawn. Simple. Quietly elegant.  On this particular occasion, I wanted to create an outdoor room.  Something with spatial definition.  But, the sky was to be the only ceiling.  I sketched out some initial thoughts. Took a bunch of measurements.  Returned to search the house, the garage, my parent's garage, to see what elements were available to fully create this environment.  Ultimately, I had to make some alterations, but the vision was still realized.

2. Outline the menu - the taste experience
Some people again might start with menu planning first.  That's totally OK.  I agree food IS the most critical element to a successful dinner party and it could even drive an overall theme (e.g. your world's famous ribs).  For me though, starting with a theme helps establish a overarching framework. It works as a filter to help narrow down and simplify your planning options.  Most obviously, it's better to create a menu once you've agreed to a couple of things: the degree of formality and the number of people.

There's a little hidden benefit of summer entertaining - more options can be made ahead of time and served chilled.  Then again, no matter what time of year it is, I always recommend menu items for dinner parties that have little to no last minute prep. Select recipes where much of it can be done a day or two before - to better enjoy your party.  But in the summer, the options expand.  Appetizers, salads, soups, even entrees.  Makes things so much easier.  It becomes mostly an exercise in plating not hovering over a hot stove.  Outdoor grilling also becomes more accessible.  Stay outside, closer to you guests, during preparation.  There's also a strong likelihood one of your guest is also a "griller" and would willingly step in should you be need to be pulled away.

For this particular evening, we chose:  Course 1: chilled melon soup, Course 2: masala grilled shrimp skewers, Course 3: grilled hoisin-marinated pork medallions over chilled 3 pea salad, Course 4: panna cotta with balsamic berries
Crisp Sauvignon Blancs and light Pinot Noirs were paired with the courses.

3. Mix up the mix

Nothing makes for a great party than a good mix of people.  For us, there is a core group of "usual suspects" who basically have a standing invitation.  It's almost that we have to confirm if they "aren't coming" versus the other way around.  But, what we really like is to always add some newbee's into the fray.  The "core" itself is very welcoming, helping folks make their way around should the hosts be pre-occupied elsewhere.  But, most importantly, adding to "the mix" really makes the evening special, for everyone.  Everyone experiences something new.  New people.  New backgrounds.  New conversations.  Maybe even new friendships.

4. Consider ice breakers

OK. This idea was first introduced to us by our close friends in Chicago.  (Shout out to L&S!)  It has now become standard operating practice for all our get-togethers.  It's a simple as this - what better way to get people talking/mingling than to give them "team assignments".  No these are not anything complicated or needing a degree in physics.  It can be something as easy as assigning teams who help plate each of the courses. (Hum...an extra set of hands?  An added benefit to you!)

At one party, there were so many birthdays celebrated around that time, during cocktail hour, we had everyone put decorations on frosted cupcakes.

Works every time!

The key is to announce/establish the icebreakers during the opening cocktail hour. Have "stations/assignments" preprinted for people to read.  Folks now have something to talk about other than the standard opening "what do you do?" or "how do you know the hosts?"  Some may break into terror - "I'm not a designer!!" but even THAT is a more fun conversation starter....

5. Signature cocktail
Many entertaining books recommend a signature cocktail.  I totally embrace this.  For me it operates on a couple of levels.  First, it identifies the evening as special.  "Wow.  You selected a specific drink for this evening?  You clearly put a lot of thought into this."  It possibly might break your guests out of their routine and have them try something new, exciting.

Next, a signature cocktail can begin to set the stage for the evening.  You have a theme.  It was captured in the invitation.  Now, they might get exposed to another aspect of it.  Right as they walk in the door!  For example: Yummy Pomegranate margaritas.  Hummm...something special from the Southwest tonight?

Finally, a signature cocktail actually helps out the hosts.  Preferably, it again should be prepped and chilled ahead of time.  All you need are glasses and pitchers.  It also cuts down on the need for a fully stocked bar since most people will opt for it.  There may be some die-hards, but finding drink solutions for a few is far easier than trying to anticipate the entire crowd.

For this particular event, we chose a ginger mojito - light, summer, refreshing with fresh mint and an Asian influence.

6. Go with the flow
This is an understatement.  Never mind what can sometimes happen during even the the best of parties, when working with weather, you need to be totally flexible.  Always build in contingency plans.  These plans are not just for rain, either.

Rain is sometimes predicted well enough in advance for you to move the event indoors.  Not the best situation, but still very doable.  If you don't have the room inside for a sitdown, arrange things buffet-style.  No one need to know you shifted to plan B.

Wind and humidity also need to be considered.  One year, it was so humid that on the day of the party, we moved the table inside, in our foyer.  (Luckily, we live in an 1920's house where foyers were designed to be overscale.)  Everyone loved the "surprise location" but I think, more importantly, the air conditioning!!

A nice breeze can make a night outside glorious.  Strong winds?  Not so much. There's nothing worse than having to scramble to keep things from flying off the table or getting knocked over.  Never mind having candles being unable to stay lit!  Once we set up dinner on a deck overlooking the ocean.  Picturesque, yes. But the winds made it impossible. We dined mostly in the dark!  (Darn candles!) Should have "bit the bullet" and moved inside...

The weather for this featured party was a little humid, but we knew that in advance.  Therefore we set up fans outside, out of view from the table, to provide some enhanced air movement throughout the night.  One guest commented later "The weather was just perfect.  There was a steady breeze the entire night!"  I just smiled...

So begin planning your summer 2011 soiree!  The warm weather is right around the corner.  And have some fun with it.  Try something new.  Express your creativity.  Plan it all ahead. Your friends will love it!

Till next time....

*Blog note: There's nothing better than Ebay, Craigslist, Homegoods or Party Rental companies to help fill in gaps of table decor or fixtures.  For events on a lawn, I swear by the rental chairs featured in the photo.  They are specifically designed with flat legs that do not "sink" into the ground.  The cobalt water glasses were from Ebay.  I had one cobalt votive candle and went looking to see if Ebay had more.  I came across the water glasses for about the same price and "had to have them."