HOW TO TAKE GREAT PARTY PICS: Guest Post by Aileen Bannon

One of the fun things about writing a blog is how one lovely discovery leads to another.  Back in May, when I profiled Poppy & Bean creator Colleen D'Agostino, I asked her about the headshot she provided for the post. "Headshot" isn't really the right word--the photo captured Colleen's essence and beauty more like a painted portrait.  The talent behind the camera turned out to be Aileen Bannon, a good friend of Colleen's, and a former architect turned freelance photographer who now also works as a staff photographer for Urban Outfitters.  Aileen has many arresting images of interiors, restaurants, musicians and more on her website, aileenbannon.com.  But I particularly like how the image above conveys the quiet magic of a relaxed outdoor dinner with friends.  Capturing such moments is not always easy.  So I asked Aileen to share with Style Maniac readers her tips for taking really great party pictures. My favorite: "Shoot from the hip." Here's Aileen's advice on how to do that and more:

1.  PREPARE:  A lot of work goes into having a dinner party--from the food to the decor and beyond.  Why not photograph the things that set the scene?  If you're cooking yourself, take photos of a sizzling pan, prepped ingredients, the finished plate with garnishes.  You can even snap a photo of the glass of wine you sip while playing chef for the evening.  Take photos as candles are lit, decorations hung, flowers arranged.  This is a great warm up with the camera before your guests arrive.

2.  JUST ASK:  The guests are here--now is the perfect time to get a few posed shots.  Everyone is mingling, saying hello, hugging, smiling and happy to have arrived.  Ask singles, pairs, and groups to get together for a shot.  With everyone's busy schedule these days, it's rare that we get these opportunities to see each other.  Photos can preserve these times and create something to look back at for fond memories.  

3.  BE SURPRISED:  Sometimes, a camera always out and about makes the shy people  uncomfortable.  The camera can also call attention to only those who love the spotlight.  I've found taking candids helps with balancing these extremes.  This is where you can be a little sneaky and take some risks.  Turn the flash off, and set your camera to low light settings.  Try both close-ups and wide views.  Also, try "shooting from the hip".  This means don't look through your view finder.  When you see something interesting, don't think about it too much.  Just point and shoot!  You'll get plenty of surprises and interesting perspectives using this method.  This is where I often find the real photo gems. 

4.  HAVE FUN:  These tips serve as a suggestion.  I can't emphasize enough to try things out.  Experiment!  There are no real rules here.  Remember, it's about having fun.  Even if it means putting down the camera from time to time so you can fully soak in the wonderful evening.  Don't forget to attend your own party.

--Aileen Bannon

Photo courtesy Aileen Bannon Foto. For more about Aileen and her work (including a recent gig shooting U2 in concert) visit Aileen Bannon Foto Facebook Page, Tumblr and aileenbannon.com.

THE HOSTESS WARDROBE DILEMMA

When it comes to parties, for me the planning's a breeze.  What to wear when I'm the hostesss, though, that's the dilemma. My outfits of choice for attending a party--dolman sleeve tunic + high-heeled boots in the winter; mini or maxi dress + flats in the summer--don't work well at home when you're cooking, fetching drinks, walking up and down stairs, and still wanting to look chic, calm, cool and collected.  This season I thought the pajama-trend-as-evening-wear held promise--think glamorous satiny palazzos or bold retro print wide leg pants with a simple black top.  Yet, I could not find an example online or in stores worthy of showing here.

So, dear readers, tell me:  what do you wear when hosting your own soiree, and where oh where can we find it? (And if you have great photos of your favorite outfit or a store source, please also post on the Style Maniac Facebook Page.)

Vogue photo via Found In Mom's Basement

PLAN ON SERENDIPITY

"The best parties arise from a mix of 
intense planning and pure serendipity."

-- Style Maniac

Serendipity II courtesy Kerri Shipp

iVITES

When it comes to parties, you can never go wrong with a printed, mailed invitation.  When it comes to impromptu and informal gatherings, though, how can you make your happening stand out from the flood of emails and Facebook notices?  I'm loving what I've dubbed iVites:  cute graphic apps that you create on your iPhone and then send via email or text.  Some you can even post directly to your Facebook profile.  Two fab apps I've come across: POST by Gadabout (shown above) which offers dozens of bright, sweetly modern designs for only 99 cents and Cartolina, with a more limited selection of lush vintage images for $1.99.  In addition to using for invitations you can also send cheery notes and birthday wishes.

LIGHTS. CAMERA. PARTIES.

Come for cocktails, stay for dancing.  We're having a party this month on Style Maniac and you're all invited.  What are we celebrating?  The elements of entertaining itself, as both a hostess and a guest.  LIGHTING:  How to create a killer ambiance, with tips from one of the world's premiere lighting designers.  CAMERA:  How to look great in photos.  PARTIES:  What to wear, what gifts to bring, and how to enjoy your own soiree.  Hang on to your hats, girls, it's going to be quite a ride.

Photo above and in this month's masthead via iPhone Backgrounds app.

SEXY CONFETTI

Who knew pinatas and streamers could be so sexy? 

See more at Confetti System.

p.s. Speaking of party decorations ... 
hope you'll stop by this Saturday for a special blog celebration.

GUESS WHO's COMING TO DINNER

Fashion, meet Decor.  These designers have you covered from your tabletop to your toes.  See if you can guess who's coming to dance and dine.  {Answers will be posted in the Comments on Friday.}  Have a lovely Thanksgiving holiday!

RE-USE: Armoire to Bar

My decorating partnership, The Redecorators LLC, began business with the premise that we would use what you have to give you a new look--often in one day. Immediately (as in, with our first client) that segued into full interior decorating services.  We've since ripped out kitchens, walls and floors; designed custom furniture and drapery; and turned completely empty spaces into beautiful and comfortable rooms to live in.  Still, Gina and I always look at how we can use existing furniture, art and accessories in new ways.  For example: turn a bedroom armoire into a living room bar, as we did for a charity event at the Grange Showroom in Philadelphia's Marketplace Design Center. (For more details, plus Before & Afters of that project visit Dust & Chandeliers.)  It's true: we're always looking for a place to corral cocktails! For more unconventional bar ideas, check out Everyday Style Tip: Set Up Bar from the style files.

Photo by Doreen Creede.  Yes that's me reflected in the mirror--and wearing the vintage silver and blue Victor Costa dress mentioned in last month's post, 5 Fabulous Sources for Vintage Fashion.  Funny how I didn't notice that until I enlarged the pic for this post!

BACKYARDING with MRS. LILIEN

Oh the joys of blog- and twitter-land:  they deliver you to such delicious discoveries. Thank you, Mrs. Spade, for introducing me to Mrs. Lilien, a  fashionista decorista Dr. Seussian delight.  Not only are her images pure perfection, but her witty words are simply divine.  Click here for her Styling House of treasures. Mrs. Lilien, you're invited over any time.

Images courtesy Mrs. Lilien Styling House

FIESTA

Some Cinco de Mayo celebration inspiration.  Salud!  {To hear some of the tracks on my Creede Cantina playlist visit twt.fm/stylemaniac.  For my favorite Mexican cookbook click here. And to raise awareness of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill share this.}


Images 1, 3, 4 from InStyle Magazine.  Image 2 by Doreen Creede..  Image 5 by Doreen Creede/The Redecorators LLC.  Image 6  from Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic. 

PLUS DE VIN

Last Sunday's "Cheap Wine & Chevrion" post generated so many great suggestions on this blog and on the Local Wine Events Facebook Page that I thought I'd compile them into an easily printable list.  So here's plus de vin--more wine.  Have fun searching out--and enjoying--these inexpensive finds (most under $10) recommended by Style Maniac readers all over the world.

HOUSE REDS
Alamos Malbec
Astica Cuyo Merlot
Concha y Toro Frontera Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot
Fetzer Cabernet
Marietta Old Vine Red/Lot 51
Ménage à Trois Red
Mendoza Station Malbec
Misterio Malbec
Tapeña Garnacha

HOUSE WHITES
Bogle Chardonnay
J.Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay
Ménage à Trois White
Sweet Freedom

also Barefoot and Martin's Vineyard wineries

"Paris Wine Shop," above, has the look of a painting, but it's actually a photo.  Thank you, David Thomas (dthomas9678 on Flickr) for letting me share it here.  And, of course, take care and drink responsibly.

CHEAP WINE & CHEVRION

During a family trip to Paris my husband and brother-in-law stopped in a store to pick up a few nibbles.  They emerged laden with armfuls of wine--none of which cost more than five bucks.  We sampled them, along with creamy goat cheese and hot baguettes, in a stone-vaulted alcove of our Left Bank hotel before heading off to dinner each evening.  Since then we've been on an ongoing quest to find good wines at a great price.  Our current House Red, Concha y Toro's Frontera Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot certainly fits the bill at $6.89 a magnum.  J.Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay, our House White, costs a bit more (about $9.50 a bottle) but the luscious buttery taste beats out wines at triple the price.  As an accompaniment nothing's better than sublime  Chevrion goat cheese and Sarcone's bread from our wonderful South Philly Market.  Mmmmm.

What's your house wine?  Share your secret for a great wine at a good price in the Comments section below or on the Facebook Page.  And check back all week for more tips on tasty and affordable wines, food finds, and stories that transport us back to Paris.
The Checkered Tablecloth by Pierre Bonnard.  Image via metmuseum.org.

PARTY RECIPE: Kooky Kids Table

As promised at the beginning of this month of Makeover Madness, here's the recipe The Redecorators used to transform a sedate corner of our favorite local bookstore into a colorful and kooky kids table all the adults wished they had been invited to sit at. (Yes, my decorating company does events and parties, too.  For more info click here or The Redecorators link above.)

1. Cover a bland brown wood table with a bright neon-yellow cloth (this one's a polarfleece blanket).
2. Roll up colorful washcloths to use as napkins.
3. Set each place with real china. Choose something modern, fun, and not too expensive, like these cartoon Blurb plates (Mmmm, Yum!, Help. Sigh...)
4. Add flashing glasses for pizzaz and crazy curly straws for silliness.
5. Create a centerpiece with vintage Mr. & Mrs. Potato Heads.
6. Bring in Ikea's sturdy, thick plastic Mammut chairs of lime and blue.
7. Give out Dr. Seuss books as party favors.
8. Have fun!

MARCH MAKEOVER MADNESS

Who doesn't love a good makeover?  Whether it's a total room transformation, dramatic movie magic, the smallest change of accessories or just a fresh way of looking at life, we'll be exploring all kinds of makeovers this month on Style Maniac.  Stop back often and discover lots of goodies ... including how a boring brown table became the crazy and colorful kids' celebration shown above.

p.s. Don't miss a word (or image) of Style Maniac.  Subscribe for free via email, RSS or Google Friend Connect (also known as Blogger Follow) and have new posts delivered straight to your door computer.  Simply click on one of the buttons in the right column.


Photo by Doreen Creede

SUGAR SUGAR

Sometimes  the loveliest little surprises (and laughs) really do come in small packages.  When we have overnight guests I leave these witty sugar packets next to the coffee pot and they never fail to delight.

Sweetness boxed set of about 50 sugar packets, $9.  Available through The Redecorators (215-429-2000) or by special request at www.cursivenewyork.com.  
photo by Doreen Creede

GUEST POST: Valentine Family Dinner by Denise Schwemmer

guest set by kaitlin & kelly | we love ...

If you've been reading this blog for awhile, you'll know I'm no fan of prix fixe holiday restaurant meals. My sister feels the same way. Despite having the typical crazy schedule of any modern family, Denise makes family meals a priority and she, her husband Ray, and their two daughters, Kelly & Kaitlin, eat a home-cooked meal together pretty much every night. For holidays and birthdays she adds some easy yet lovely touches to make the evening extra special. Her kids love it.  (They created the image above to illustrate the best things about this sweet family tradition.)

Valentine Family Dinner at Home

We started staying home for special events due to the cost of going out to eat and getting a babysitter. It is now something the whole family looks forward to. I feel it's very important to establish traditions and family bonding time.

First, you have to make sure this is truly a family event and not just Mom in the kitchen doing all the work. Include your children in the menu planning. Encourage the kids to help cook by giving them simple tasks, for example make dessert or peel the potatoes. Dad helps cook, too.

Then create a nice mood before dinner. Put some music on the stereo. Have everyone dress up a bit--no PJ's or sweats. No TV, talking on home phone or cell phone, no texting.

Gather everyone together for appetizers (cut up fruit is a great option). Serve special kid drinks such as sparkling cider or virgin daiquiris. Open presents (nothing too expensive, just some little goodies).

Have the kids help set a nice table in the dining room. Use the good china, silver and crystal. For toddlers have a child-friendly china set and special plastic glass. Use cloth napkins. Light candles and keep music playing.

Do not serve the kids chicken nuggets and French fries; everyone eats the same.

Parents drink a great bottle of wine.

Everyone helps clean up.

Enjoy!
--Denise

MENU

• Mustard Coated Grilled Lamb Chops
• Sautéed Fingerling Potatoes
• Roasted Zucchini

This menu is so easy and my family loves it. The lamb chops have a simple mustard marinade that you can put on right before or hours earlier. For the fingerling potatoes, first microwave them, then sauté in olive oil. Slice the zucchini in rounds, wrap in aluminum foil and cook with the chops. (lamb chop recipe after the jump)

Mustard Coated Grilled Lamb Chops
Serves 4
8 thick loin lamp chops
Marinade (see below)
Coat lamb chops with mustard marinade. Let sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to all day in the fridge.  Grill over medium-high fire (375 degrees) until the internal temperature reaches125 for rare, 130 medium rare (about 15 to 20 minutes).

Mustard Marinade
Whisk together in a small bowl:

2 large cloves of crushed garlic
½ tsp salt
2 TBL Dijon mustard
1 TBL soy sauce
1 tsp dried rosemary
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried oregano
2 TBL fresh squeezed lemon
¼ cup olive oil

From The Way to Cook by Julia Child, page 213. I love this cookbook. Has many color pictures and is easier to follow than Mastering the Art of French Cooking. --Denise

A GRINCH OF A TIME

Grinch grog, Whoville punch, tilted glassware, twisted trees, acid green and cherry red, disco lights and low overhead ... The Redecorators' recipe for a quick and quirky holiday cocktail party. 

FAVORITE: Parties with a twist

Photos by Doreen Creede.  Grinch Cocktail Party created for The Redecorators Holiday Event at Citibank Chestnut Hill last December.

GARDEN STYLE

Carolyne Roehm was once a fashion designer and her impeccable taste and masterful color sense shine through in all her books. This "notebook," one of a seasonal quartet, celebrates stylish outdoor living from potager to party, with a lay-flat spiral binding and space for your own notes, grids to plan your garden and sleeves to store photos, receipts and clippings--all accompanied with lush, vivid, impossibly-perfect photos to inspire you (or just make you drool).

READ: Carolyne Roehm's Summer Notebook. To peruse Roehm's entire book selection visit carolyneroehm.com

BACK IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

One of the great things about living in Philly is the array of fantastic food practically in our own backyard. We're just a few blocks from the Italian Market and shop there weekly. When visiting out-of-town friends and family I often bring an antipasto spread from the market--sweet and tangy sundried tomatoes, spicy poppers, luscious marinated artichokes, salty Kalamata olives, creamy Chevrion goat cheese and warm-from-the-oven Sarcone's bread. Just as often I pick up a few items for Kevin and I to enjoy. Here's one recipe for an easy, no-cook meal (and a shopping excursion that's so much better than a grocery store):

STEP ONE: Go to Claudio's (924 South Ninth Street), preferably on a weekday to avoid the crowds. Wander past the hanging provolone and racks of olive oil ...


... sample goodies from the olive bar ...


... while you wait for Sal to slice paper-thin prosciutto ...


... or Ben to scoop up mounds of pillowy soft fresh mozzarella (made on premises).


Before leaving, stock up on a hunk of parmigiano-reggiano for tomorrow night's dinner.


STEP TWO: Pick up a bag of baby arugula from the farmstand near Anthony's Coffee House (at a fraction of the cost of Whole Foods up the street).

STEP THREE: Stop by Sarcone's (758 South Ninth Street) for a seeded loaf.


Go early (they sell out every single day).



STEP FOUR: Once home, arrange the washed arugula in a bowl. Top with curls of prosciutto and slabs of mozzarella.


STEP FIVE: Crack open a bottle of J. Lohr chardonnay, grab the bread, head out to the backyard with someone you love and toast to a soft summer evening in the city.

Photos by Doreen Creede. Salad inspired by Rose Gray and Ruth Rogers' Italian Two Easy cookbook.

THE SUMMER WIND

Although most of us consider Memorial Day the start of summer, officially it's today. Celebrate with an elegant twist on outdoor entertaining, like the Summer Solstice party I put together for a Redecorators' Philadelphia Magazine Home feature. Use rocks glasses as vases and funky vintage jewelry to wrap up napkins and silverware. And if you can, drape curtain sheers for softness and drama.