Monday, December 28, 2015

Happy Monday!

I hope Santa was good to you all and you were able to enjoy a very merry holiday with your family and friends. I know I had so much fun seeing my family and celebrating with them! This is quite the week for me as I will be heading to New York with my one and only to visit my college roommate in Albany and then visiting his family in New York City. We thought this was a great time to go because we will still be able to see the Christmas lights and window displays as well as the New Year's Eve decorations. So for this week I'll be going on a brief hiatus 1. because I'll be away but 2. because I got the most thoughtful gift ever from my wonderful boyfriend--a redesign of my blog!

That's right readers! Come the New Year, Devour the Details will have a new face, but don't worry, we'll still have the same content. I am super excited to see how this comes together! So check back in with us on Monday, January 4th for the latest post. It'll be worth the wait! Wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year! Cheers!

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Happy Holidays!

In a year full of extremes, from tragedies like the Paris attacks, to absolute successes, like legalizing same-sex marriage, may we spend this last week of the year celebrating the memories of those we've lost and toasting to the new memories to be made in 2016. And with that, I would like to thank you all for taking the time to read my blog, whether you read each day or catch up on posts every once in a while, I couldn't be more appreciative of your support. I started this blog as a way to stay creative and up-to-date on trends while unemployed. But now, it is so much more than that.

Devour the Details

This blog has turned into an absolute outlet for me to express myself and speak to so many of you who read my posts. It is something I look forward to doing everyday; my passion. Thank you all for being a part of that! Not to mention this year has been a whirlwind of growth for Devour the Details on Twitter, from getting followed by BizBash CEO David Adler, to retweets and favorites from Second Glass, I couldn't me more grateful for the social media love. I am sincerely looking forward to sharing many more posts on event happenings and trends across the globe as my passion grows and I hope you all continue to be inspired by the ideas and tips shared on my blog.

Now, I ask that you all go and spend time with your loved ones over the next week and remember these wise, wise words of one of the greatest boy band of all time (similar to my maid of honor speech):

No matter what your holiday
It's a time to celebrate
And put your worries aside
And open up your mind
See the world right by your side
It's Christmastime


Cheers readers and have the happiest of holidays!

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Wedding Wednesdays: Hottest Trends for the Coldest Weddings

We love winter weddings! Especially when there's snow. The scenery makes for a fairytale-esque backdrop and gives you the perfect excuse for a cozy wedding! For those cold weather dates, here are some hot trends that will warm-up your big day.

Cake Trend: All White Cake with Gold Accents

Winter wedding cake trends

White wedding cakes with clean lines and minimalistic designs are elevated with glamorous gold embellishments like these--a foil applique or hand-painted metallic color. A styled cake stand and gorgeous presentation is also a must for this display!

Bridesmaid Trends: Bead and Sequin Embellishments

Winter wedding bridesmaid dress trends

These subtle sparkles are our favorite especially if you're doing mismatched dresses--the embellishments will bring them together. You could also skip worrying about jewelry because the bling on the dress is enough.

Reception Trends: Cozy Space Softened with Fabric

Winter wedding reception decor trends

Utilize your reception space. The combination of floor-to-ceiling fabrics can transform a plain venue into a totally cozy, customized atmosphere. We love this look!

Floral Trends: Pastels and Dusty Miller

http://www.colincowieweddings.com/flowers-and-decor/flowers/5-favorites-for-winter-floral-arrangements

The combination of pastel pink roses with dusty miller gives the effect of a snow-kissed bouquet. Dusty Miller has a natural silver gray hue, which goes with just about any color combination you can dream up.

Catering Trends: Comfort Foods

heart-shaped grilled cheese! Fresh. Local. Good. Food Group:

Warm-up your guests' stomachs and hearts with this adorable tomato soup shooter and heart-shaped grilled cheese.

Eat up, y'all! These mouthwatering appetizers offer all the flavors of down-home cooking in a bite-sized package.:

Or give them a taste of some soul food with this perfect bite-sized chicken and waffle hors d'oeuvres.

Get inspired and devour the details of your cold-weather wedding with these hot trends!

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Spotify Your Party

Spotify makes us happy on a weekly basis at work. Their endless genres and creative lists of songs keeps us going all day long. But if you're like us and sometimes forget to add that awesome song you just heard to a playlist, their new product may be exactly what you need. Just in time for your holiday soiree, Spotify is unveiling its latest push into event- and activity-based music curation, Spotify Party; music sets for social gatherings crafted by DJs. Spotify Party will initially be available only on iOS and Android apps (not web or desktop apps), and will gradually roll out across all of Spotify’s markets soon.

Although there are apparently already 1.5 billion playlists on Spotify, Spotify Party is only the second of Spotify’s own pushes into the space, after Spotify Running made its debut as part of Spotify’s big app update in May. Just as the idea behind Running is to present you with music that matches your own jogging pace (and motivation to even go for a run in the first place), Spotify Party is based on the idea that there are different moods to different kinds of parties. There are sets for dinner parties, dancing and just winding down.


It is clear a lot of thought went into this program to make it resemble the work of a real life DJ. The playlists on Spotify Party are created to blend songs seamlessly from one to the other. Then the user is literally able to change the tempo and mood of the playlist by way of a “mood tuner” that will gradually change up the pace of songs. There is also a degree of autonomy here: users can also add or mix around the order of songs to their own liking if they feel like playing DJ. Spotify is definitely on to something here.

So as your parties ensue this week, we suggest trying out Spotify Party and sharing your thoughts with us right here! Devour the details of the perfect music experience this holiday season!

Monday, December 21, 2015

Monday Mashups: A White Christmas at the White House

Who saw this coming? Google recently teamed-up with the White House. Yes, the White House--to show you how the holidays are celebrated where the President and First Lady live. They're offering a peak of the 'White Christmas' and how the holidays are celebrated via a virtual reality tour. Between Google, the White House and a virtual reality, this is the ultimate mashup!

The virtual reality tour of the presidential abode shows the structure decked out in ornate Christmas trimmings, backed by a narration that explains the history of the White House during the holidays. Most of the virtual tour uses static imagery, but a few moments offer full motion video, including a cameo by President Barack Obama's favorite furry friend, Bo (our favorite part)! We love how this reminds us that even the leaders of this country like to share in the joy of the holidays.


The building's décor, assembled by a team of 89 volunteers, was accented by several special rooms decorated by fashion and event designers. Among the fashionistas, who were hand-picked by First Lady Michelle Obama, are the team from Opening Ceremony, Carolina Herrera, Kenzo and Duro Olowu. And among the event designers, best-of-the-best Rafanelli Events founder Bryan Rafanelli and his staff, including my former classmate Jess Morin, took on some of the grand décor like the larger-than-life toy soldiers and teddy bears.

This new tour of the White House was made possible using a 16-camera circular array from Google's Jump program and can be viewed either directly on YouTube or using Google Cardboard. Pretty impressive right? The White House has certainly devoured the details of the holidays! A special shout out to Opening Ceremony and Rafanelli Events for making it possible. We can't wait to see what else you produce in years to come!

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Christmas 2015 Stocking Stuffer Picks: Something for Everyone!

We are a week out from Christmas Eve, leaving us just enough time to get a little more shopping done (if you haven't already). Stocking stuffers may be the last thing on your mind but these little gifts sometimes make the biggest impression. We've browsed around and found some of our favorite stuffers for men and women. Make this Christmas memorable with these unique gifts to fill up any stocking!

This fun Contact Lens Case shaped like glasses!

Glasses Contact Lens Case, $7

A Minimergency Kit perfect for purses!

A Minimergency Kit, $15.99

Ten Foot iPhone Cable -- something every Apple-user would love!

Ten-foot iPhone Cable, $34.99

A Bookmark that directs you to the exact line you left off on!

Bookmark, $5

Cards Against Humanity for the person who loves a good time!

Cards Against Humanity, $25

Luchador Bottle Opener totally reminds us of our trip to Mexico City!

Luchador Bottle Opener, $8

High Quality Camera Phone Lens for the amateur photographer!


Zepp Golf 3D Swing Analyzer for the avid golfer!


New England Patriots 3 Games to Glory DVD for the sports fan!


Star Wars Darth Vader Watch in honor The Force Awakens!


Track down these gifts and devour the details of stuffing those stockings this Christmas!

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Wedding Wednesdays: How To Hashtag

As if coming up with a wedding hashtag wasn't hard enough, it's expected now-a-days to be displayed creatively for guests to view and use. It's funny how much thought actually goes into these details but that's what we're here for! While hashtags can appear early on to alert guests of their existence like on your save-the-dates for instance, they can quickly be forgotten by your wedding day. Here are some creative ways to display your hashtag so that it's known, used, and fulfills the plan to get your guests' photos in one place across social media platforms.

Transportation

Black bus with social media hashtag

Whether you're using the bus for actual transportation or for a vintage backdrop, your guests will love this old-school ride announcing your hashtag.

Drink Cards

Drink cards with flamingos

Your guests will love these drink-saver cards when they're out on the dance floor, especially for an outdoor wedding so no bugs get in any cocktails! They'll also serve as a quick reminder for when they're tagging photos and resting their feet.

Photo Booth Props

Photo booth props with wedding hashtag

Make your guests remember by including the hashtag in the photo booth photos!

Photo Backdrop

Empty frame prop with wedding hashtag

It won't be easy to miss any social media platforms or forget your wedding hashtag when it's part of all the photos.

Welcome Bags

Welcome bag with wedding hashtag

Remind guests right when they arrive that you'll be using a hashtag at your wedding. That way, you'll likely see photos from all of your events and relive every moment, from nervousness to happiness!

Menu

Wood chalkboard menu sign with hashtag

Where there's food, attention will be paid—so a menu is the perfect spot (especially near the list of desserts)!

Table Cards

Table cards with social media hashtag

Create simple table cards that remind guests to post using the hashtag and place them among centerpiece clusters. A subtle but effective way to display it!

Wall Décor

Moss backdrop with monogram and hashtag

The complete opposite of subtle, display your hashtag along with your new monogram on a focal point of the reception that work with the rest of your décor.

Suit Jackets

Hashtag stitched inside the groom's jacket

Not only will the stitching serve as a thoughtful memento for years to come, it will also be a fun party trick for the groom and groomsmen when guests ask about the hashtag. We love this one!

If you ever need help coming up with a wedding hashtag, let us know! We love taking your wedding details and turning them into one memorable hashtag. But, the display portion is all up to you. Get inspired and devour the details of the perfect prominent placement for a wedding hashtag!

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Enjoy the Ride with Jose Cuervo

What's better than tequila? Nothing. Though we favor Patron, we love how creative Jose Cuervo has gotten with their latest promotional event. They've totally thought out-of-the-box for this marketing ploy and have even paid tribute to one of the most famous rock bands of all time while doing it.

Amidst the holiday season hustle and bustle at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Jose Cuervo is looking to stand out with an unusual activation: a pop-up lounge made from repurposed aircraft parts. The experiential promotion, dubbed the Rolling Stone Tour Plane Experience, is part of a wider campaign for the liquor brand, one inspired by the Rolling Stones 1972 tour. Holiday travelers can sample the Jose Cuervo special edition tequila inspired by the band at the pop-up event until December 30.

<p> Air Hollywood built a lounge from repurposed aircraft parts at J.F.K. International Airport as an homage to the Rolling...

43 years later and still widely recognized, to commemorate that notorious time, Jose Cuervo released two limited-edition bottles of Cuervo Especial and Reserva de la Familia featuring the Stones' famous lapping tongue logo in addition to the airport pop-up. These bottles would make the perfect holiday gift for anyone with an extensive liquor cabinet and love for the Rolling Stones. The Jose Cuervo Especial and Reserva de la Familia bottles are priced at $16.99 and $149.99, respectively, and are sold in liquor stores nationwide.

<p> The limited-edition "Rolling Stones Tour Pick" bottles were on display at the bar, along with a custom cocktail menu....

Tequila Sunrise cocktails, which consist of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup, were the main attraction at the pop-up plane event. One of our favorite tequila drinks (second to margaritas of course).

<p> Tequila Sunrise cocktails, which consist of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup, were the main attraction at the pop-up...

The Rolling Stones' 1972 tour plane, featuring the band's famous tongue logo, carried a rotating entourage of celebrities, groupies, and roadies (who were nicknamed the "Stones Touring Party") and was the inspiration for the installation.

<p> The Rolling Stones' 1972 tour plane, featuring the band's famous tongue logo, carried a rotating entourage of celebrities, groupies...

So if you happen to be traveling this holiday season, make sure to stop by and enjoy the ride on the Rolling Stones' 1972 tour plane! And special shout out to Jose Cuervo for devouring the details of a truly memorable pop-up! We hate to say it but we sort of wouldn't mind having our flight delayed at JFK just to experience this event.

Monday, December 14, 2015

Monday Mashups: Top Five DIY Festivus Photo Backdrops

T-minus ten days until the Christmas celebration hits! Get creative with some last minute DIY photo backdrops made with household items or some inexpensive items you can easily pick up for the ultimate Monday Mashup. Photo ops are always fun at family or friend gatherings (especially if ugly sweaters are involved)! Capture your favorite moments with our top five DIY Festivus photo backdrops.

Giant Snowflakes

huge paper snowflakes as a backdrop. finally a use for the large format paper recycling bin scraps at work! :)

These may look complicated but they're actually vey easy to make. And all you will need is some paper and scissors. Snowflake templates are available here and a number of other websites. We thinking taping some to the wall and hanging some from the ceiling make for a great 'walking in a winter wonderland' moment!

Gold Tree Cutouts

Free Family Photo Event (for the holidays!) - backdrop for photo idea (use hudson's white tree's from church):

We love the fun effect these give photos! We also love the use of metallics, as we've already mentioned how popular they will be this holiday season. In order to DIY, we suggest using cardboard to create the tree and then gluing gold wrapping paper to the shape. With the excess cardboard, create a stand on the back of the cutout to prop the trees up. Your friends and family will love these and you can save them as décor for years to come!

Chalk It Up

made the backdrop using a queen sheet and puffy paint! (chalkboard look...draped with Christmas garlands):

This idea is fabulous and so easy to do! Just hang some black chalk paper and draw on your favorite winter scene. You can also leave this open to guests to create their picture perfect backdrop by replacing the black chalk paper for each photo. A fun and festive way to celebrate! We can't wait to try this out ourselves!

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

The wall of gifts for the Winter 2011 Anthology mag cover would actually make a great photobooth backdrop for a holiday party...or a birthday party, depending on the gift wrap selections.:

Stack them up for the perfect backdrop; these gifts make for a super creative photo op and one that your guests will surely love! Just be sure to build them flat against a wall so they don't get knocked over. You can even wrap the gifts with colors that match the theme of your party for an extra special touch!

When Santa Claus Comes to Town

A Few Last Minute Gifts - Lesley W Graham:

If you're planning to have a visitor from the North Pole, we recommend this fun setup. Looking closely you will see newspaper articles about the jolly man delivering toys to children around the world pasted to the backdrop. Also the use of the pine tree branches and the red light-up letters incorporate the Christmas signature colors for a true display of holiday spirit. And don't forget to have a comfy couch for Santa!

Get your glue-guns and loose glitter ready to conquer these top five DIY Festivus photo backdrops and devour the details of your holiday party!

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Cheers to the 4th Annual Rhode Island Brew Fest!

Since the founding of Sergeant Baulston's Brewery in 1639 to the current "Golden Age" of Rhode Island Brewing, this little state has a rich history of producing quality craft brews. So why not celebrate that? Join Sergeant Baulston's fans for the 4th Annual Rhode Island Brew Fest, a celebration of American craft breweries featuring the best brews the Ocean State has to offer. This tasty festival takes place on January 30, 2016 featuring 55+ breweries with over 175 beers to sample from. The event will have two, three-hour sampling sessions from 1:00-4:00PM and 5:30-8:30PM. Each session will feature live music, local vendors and a food court. 
http://www.ribrewfest.com/
 
With its deep history and indelible ties to its surrounding community, The Pawtucket Armory is the perfect location for the Rhode Island Brew Fest. Pawtucket has long been challenging Providence as the cultural capitol of the state, and the recent renovations to the Pawtucket Armory helps put Pawtucket closer to the top. The Pawtucket Armory Association in association with the Gamm Theatre has reinvented the historic Armory, an eye-catching castle, into a performing arts center, anchored by the Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre (SFGT) and the Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Performing and Visual Arts. A beautiful venue for this festival!

http://www.ribrewfest.com/

What's so awesome about this event? Well it proudly supports the attending brewers by purchasing all of their product for the festival. Unlike many beer festivals there are no booth fees for brewers, they are actually paid to participate and on top of that a portion of every ticket sold is donated to the Rhode Island Brewers Guild. Some breweries you can expect to be in attendance are: Newport Storm Microbrewery, Beer'd Brewing Co., Long Trail Brewing Co., Spiked Seltzer and many more! And the Rhode Island Brew Fest provides unlimited sampling of all attending breweries.

http://www.ribrewfest.com/http://www.ribrewfest.com/http://www.ribrewfest.com/

Ticket Information
  • General Admission Tickets $50.00 online
    • Ticket includes one 3-hour session, unlimited sampling and branded glasses
  • Designated Driver Tickets $15.00 online
    • Ticket includes one 3-hour session, water, soft drinks, snacks and branded glasses
  • Only 600 tickets available for each session
  • General Admission tickets increase $5.00 on Dec. 1
  • Online sales close Jan. 30 at noon
  • General Admission Tickets $65.00 at the door
  • Designated Driver Tickets $25.00 at the door
So purchase your tickets online today and devour the details of the 4th Annual Rhode Island Brew Fest! See you there!

Wedding Wednesdays: Wedding Dates to Avoid in 2016

Did you get engaged this year or last year and are planning to get hitched in 2016? Have you picked the date of your big day yet? If not, keep in mind there are some days you may want to avoid. The Knot has put together a fabulous calendar of dates that may be less than perfect for a wedding. Check them out!

Calendar ring pillow

Personally Significant Days
Check your own calendar for college reunions, family weddings, anniversaries or other events, like big conventions or festivals in your city (call your local chamber of commerce for that info), and any annual occasions that involve your family or close friends. Even check with relatives because there might be a date you missed!

Holiday Weekends
Holiday weekend weddings have pros and cons. You've got an extra day for the festivities—giving everyone an extra day to recover—plus, a Sunday wedding is often less expensive than a Saturday one. But costs of travel and hotels may be higher. And if you're looking to marry around Valentine's Day, be wary of your floral bill, especially if you've got your heart set on red roses—they'll likely be more expensive than at any other time of the year. Likewise, reception sites often charge a higher fee for a New Year's Eve wedding. Always weigh your options and figure out where you'd want to allocate your money. Also consider the impact of a holiday weekend on your guest list. Some people may want to stick to their usual holiday traditions and not attend a wedding.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (always a Monday)
Weekend of January 16-18, 2016

Presidents' Day (always a Monday)
Weekend of February 13-15, 2016

Mother's Day (always a Sunday)
Make sure your moms are okay sharing this weekend with your wedding. And ask yourself: Do you want your anniversary to fall on the same weekend as Mother's Day when (or if) you become a mom? Is it too much to celebrate both each year?
Weekend of May 7-8, 2016

Memorial Day (always a Monday)
Weekend of May 28-30, 2016

Father's Day (always a Sunday)
Like you would with your moms, check with your dads about doubling up on this day. And grooms, make sure you're okay with celebrating your anniversary the same weekend as Father's Day if you decide to have kids down the road.
Weekend of June 18-19, 2016

Independence Day
Monday, July 4, 2016

Labor Day (always a Monday)
Weekend of September 3-5, 2016

Columbus Day (always a Monday)
Weekend of October 8-10, 2016

Halloween
Avoid it if you're terrified that someone might actually show up in costume or embrace the date and go all out with a spooktacular wedding!
Monday, October 31, 2016

Thanksgiving (always a Thursday)
November 24, 2016

New Year's Eve
Saturday, December 31, 2016

Religious and Cultural Holidays
Be mindful of religious and cultural holidays (your own and those of your guests) when planning your wedding. There may even be restrictions at your house of worship as to whether you're allowed to marry at these times. Definitely check with the venue about conflicts!

Palm Sunday
March 20, 2016

Easter Sunday
March 27, 2016

Passover (begins at sunset)
Friday, April 22, 2016

Tisha B'Av (begins at sunset)
Saturday, August 13, 2016

Rosh Hashanah (begins at sunset)
Sunday, October 2, 2016, until nightfall on Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Yom Kippur (begins at sunset)
Tuesday, October 11, 2016 until nightfall on Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Hanukkah (begins at sunset)
Saturday, December 24, 2016 until nightfall on Sunday, January 1, 2017

Christmas
Sunday, December 25, 2016

Kwanzaa
Monday, December 26, 2016 until Sunday, January 1, 2017

Eid al-Fitr (dates may vary based on the lunar calendar)
Tuesday, July 5, until Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Eid al-Adha (dates may vary based on how each family observes; the holiday lasts for about four days)
Monday, September 12 , 2016

Ram Navami
Friday, April 15, 2016

Krishna Janmashtami
Thursday, August 25, 2016

Days of Remembrance
We're talking about historically significant days that may be off-limits if you come from a big military family. Or, that could make them all the more meaningful—it's up to you to decide.

Patriot Day
Sunday, September 11, 2016

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Major Sporting Events
If you're die-hard sports fans—or if you're worried your guests might have a hard time choosing between your wedding and the big game (let's hope they choose your wedding)—avoid getting married during popular sporting events. And if a lot of your guests come from the same alma mater, watch out for homecoming weekends and bowl games that might conflict. Or turn it into a celebratory event and cheer on your favorite team during the reception!

Super Bowl Sunday
February 7, 2016, in Santa Clara, CA

Final Four During March Madness
Saturday, April 2, 2016, and Monday, April 4, 2016, in Houston, TX

Unlucky Dates
If you're superstitious, you might want to watch out for these historically inauspicious dates from across several cultures. Or take your chances and embrace the misfortune!

The Ides of March
For ancient Romans, an "ides" was simply a date that marked the middle of the month—until Julius Caesar was assassinated on March 15 in 44 B.C. Since then, "Beware the Ides of March" has become the mantra of this superstitiously unlucky date.
Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Friday the 13th
The unluckiest date of the year has questionable origins. Some historians say it comes from the 13 diners who were present at the last supper, but the famous Babylon's Code of Hammurabi doesn't include a 13th law, which suggests this superstition is as old as 1700 BC. And it wasn't until a successful novel titled Friday, the Thirteenth was published in the early 1900s that Friday became part of the unlucky equation. Watch out for Freddie!
May 13, 2016

Leap Years Greeks and Romans thought that starting any new life event— from getting married to baptizing a child— in a leap year would bring bad luck (but we think you'll be okay).

Next Leap Year: 2016
Monday, February 29, 2016

Take your time when deciding on your final date. But most importantly, choose whatever date you think is really going to work for you. The Knot also provides dates or 2017 and 2018 so if you're planning that far out, you can devour the details those calendar years as well!

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Top Chef Finalist Tiffani Faison to Open Second Boston Restaurant

Top Chef Finalist, Tiffani Faison, has won over the hearts and tastebuds of many Bostonians with Fenway’s barbeque hotspot Sweet Cheeks Q. To continue her success, Tiffani's long-awaited second restaurant, Tiger Mama, is slated to open this week and we couldn't be more excited for her! This delightful Southeast Asia-inspired spot will open at 1363 Boylston Street, taking over the old Happy’s and Barrio Cantina space formerly run by Michael Schlow. Our mouths are already watering for a bite of this eclectic cuisine!

 
(From left to right: my younger sister Brooke, myself, my older brother DJ and my dad Dave, outside Sweet Cheeks Q for Father's Day 2012.)

Just to give you some additional background on this brilliant chef--Tiffani Faison is an American chef, restaurateur, culinary consultant and television personality. She began working in restaurants at the age of 14 and has worked her way from busser to Chef/Owner. Tiffani began cooking for Todd English in Boston and has traveled the country and the world working for such renowned chefs as Daniel Boulud, Alain Ducasse, and Tony Maws. In 2009, Tiffani was tapped to run Rocca Kitchen & Bar, earning a three-star review from the Boston Globe. She then opened her first venture, Sweet Cheeks Q, adding another three-star review to her resume. Tiffani was the runner-up on Season 1 of Top Chef and competed on Top Chef All-Stars and our favorite, Top Chef Duels. She is a tireless advocate for LGBT human rights issues and lives in Boston with her wife and furry kids. So much respect for this woman!


(From left to right: my dad Dave, Chef Tiffani Faison, and myself at Sweet Cheeks Q in June of 2012. It was such a pleasure meeting Chef Tiffani!)

It is clear, there is no stopping Tiffani! Tiger Mama is definitely a culinary jump from barbeque but we know she is going to nail it. The menu will consist of original interpretations of classic dishes like Pad Thai and be broken out into seven categories including snacks, cold and fresh, crispy and spicy, broths and curries, rich and earthy, noodles and rice, and banquet.. The restaurant will also have two bars, including a Tiki bar toward the back. Tiger Mama will offer 135 seats and private dining options. Tiffani is opening the restaurant alongside her wife, Kelly Walsh, and chef de cuisine Mike Stark (formerly of Toro and Coppa).

http://www.tigermamaboston.com/

Tiger Mama is officially set to open this Thursday, December 10th. We recommend getting there early because we're sure there will be a line around the block to try out this soon-to-be Fenway favorite. Congrats to Tiffani and her team on devouring the details of another successful restaurant! Best of luck in 2016.

Monday, December 7, 2015

Monday Mashups: I'm Dreaming of a Black and White Christmas

Usually for Christmas you see a lot of red and green and even metallics. This year, we suggest going with a classic black and white theme for your holiday cocktail party. The chic look will display elegance and create a 'James Bond' feel for the evening. Get creative with the simplicity of this theme by incorporating some of the festive ideas below!

Chef Shadowboxes

Wolfgang Puck Catering's Chef Shadowboxes

Thank you Wolfgang Puck Catering for this great idea. These shadowboxes are meant to provide a strong visual behind a more standard food station. The chef can prepare appetizers as guests look on for an added feature. We love them for this theme because it can be done in black and white.

Dessert Table

loved this elegant Christmas party:

Stick with the black and white sweets. From whoopie pies to truffles, your guests will love them all. We even suggest these chocolate dipped Oreos and Rice Krispie treats for fun favorites!

Gold Glitter Dipped Oreos | 24 Glittery Christmas Cookies That Will Fill You With Joy:

Tim Burton Inspired Halloween Party! Rice Crispy treats dipped in dark chocolate, the drizzled with white chocolate (or white icing).:

O Tannenbaum

How cool is this black and white ombre tree?:

Surprise your guests with this beautiful ombre Christmas Tree. We love how it fades from white to black. It fits perfectly with this theme!

Black and White Christmas Trees made with Cricut Explore -- Ameroonie Designs. #DesignSpaceStar Round 4:

Then use these smaller trees to create another focal point in other areas of the party.

Learn how to make these bold black and white Christmas trees with our step-by-step tutorial.:

These paper trees fit perfectly as part of an elegant tablescape design. Create a little forest on your table and even utilize these as place cards.

Important Idols

Make this glittered nativity and banner with free templates! #holidayparty #Christmas #holidaydecor:

Notice the manger on display? How elegantly done. Plus the banner draws the perfect amount of attention to this beautiful feature. This décor can be placed anywhere and still give off the same level of importance.

Creative Candles

Beautiful table with dark shades as well as white/lightening elements:

The differentiation in height and candle type make for a wonderful and thoughtful personal touch. This display brings warmth to the party! And the pinecones are just too cute.
 
Ornate Ornaments

Fill an apothecary jar with silver balls.  This decor is a great accent to black and adds some POP to a centerpiece.  www.celebrationsbykat.com:

Ornaments sparkle and shine and are perfect to fill vases of every shape and size! These can also turn into the favors for your guests. Let them pick their favorite to add to their own tree as a token of a great night!

Dining Details

homework: today's assignment - be inspired {creative inspiration for home and life}: Celebrations: black velvet napkin rings:

The contrast of the white napkins, black holdrs and sparkling white ornaments makes for the perfect rollup on the dining table. Easy to make, this is also a way to save some money by doing it yourself!

Black and White Dessert Table.. Am love'n the black tie on the glasses, very classy!:

Black bowties make for a sweet detail on champagne flutes or wine glasses. Your guests will certainly be cheers-ing to a fun and festive night!

Take this Monday Mashup on and show us how you got creative with your black and white Christmas display! Devour the details and keep dreaming of a black and white Christmas!