decorations

Shades of green are the perfect foundation for a St. Patrick's Day tablescape. Set the table with green chargers and white plates. Top with green napkins and shamrocks. Serve the Irish cheddar on a wooden cheese board ($15-$30) and place a clear ramekin ($2) with the smoked salmon mousse close by. Cook the traditional corned beef and cabbage in a slow cooker ($130) and offer the pot de cremes in festive champagne coupes. Fill a bucket with beer bottles and let guests pour it into their own Guinness glasses ($16). Don't forget a beautiful bouquet of white and green flowers. Like the above items? Click to shop!

Head to the local party supply store to pick up all your Mardi Gras party needs! Purple, green, and gold streamers, masks, and beads are a must! Instead of using traditional servingware, opt for paper plates and paper napkins, which are easy to clean up and won't break. Set up the food on a large table in the kitchen. Place the sandwich on a sandwich platter, like this rectangular one ($50), and the shrimp remoulade in a little silver bowl (this one ($7) is perfect). Use a pitcher to pour the soup into tall shot glasses — these tall skinny ones ($2.50) are ideal. Don't forget hurricane glasses for the cocktail! Click on the images above to shop the look.

It's almost Oscar time! If you're throwing a showstopping soiree this Sunday, you'll need to set the stage with some glam table toppers. For serving decadent apps like crab cakes and chive tartines, I recommend the Nagoya 3-Part Server ($15) and Kate Spade's Ticker Tape Tidbit Plates ($50). Pour your guests citrus sparklers in these Mr. and Mrs. Cocktail glasses ($18) set on black braided coasters ($36). And in honor of the star-studded event, sparkle up the tables with gold origami star confetti ($4). To shop the rest of the look, click on the images above!

When packing a picnic, you need three different storage vessels: a basket for carrying paper goods and linens (I love this wicker one from Wisteria), a wine cooler for safely transporting wine bottles, and a food cooler to pack perishables. If bringing glass, like mugs to serve the soup in, wrap them in pretty cloth napkins; aren't these ones from Anthropologie nifty? Don't forget paper plates for the sandwiches, hot cups for the hot toddy, and wax paper envelopes for the cookies.

For a truly romantic dinner for two this Valentine's Day, create a regal, Moroccan-inspired setting with luxe gold and red details. Set the mood with this Red Sea Reef No. 20° Candle ($50) and Jodphur Red Lantern Candleholders ($15), then pour some vino into these gold-rimmed glasses ($28). Use Le Creuset's heart-shaped casserole ($160) for the herbed potato gratin and DWR's Hungry Bowls ($175) for the arugula salad with blood oranges and fennel. To shop the rest of the look, click on the above images!

It's t-minus two days until the big game, and there's still plenty of time to invite some friends over, cook up a feast, and rearrange your living room. Here's what you'll need in terms of decor! Several chips and dip platters — Crate & Barrel has a bunch of affordable offerings like this clear circular one for $4. Serve the sloppy Joes right out of a pot such as this durable one in Green Bay green from Le Crueset. Brownies are temptingly delicious when offered on a simple rectangular platter. Pour a batch of beer margaritas into a pitcher and serve with festive glasses; I love this set from World Market. Throw in paper napkins, serving trays for transporting the food to and from the kitchen, and a football for tossing around and call it a day!

Are you hosting a Super Bowl viewing? What's on the menu? How will you decorate?

Just because the holidays are over doesn't mean you can't have a festively decorated kitchen. Be inspired by the season and give your cooking space a snowy makeover. By simply adding a few new pieces, you can brighten your entire look! I love Le Creuset and didn't even know that the famed French enamelware brand had a Winter white collection ($300). If you're not in the market for new pots and pans, consider decorative accents like a Fleur De Lys teapot ($28), ice bucket ($128), or hurricane lamps ($99). Don't forget the power of a fresh bouquet of flowers! A vase filled with white blooms looks stunning and Wintery.

If you decorate your house for Christmas, then it should be pretty easy to throw in a few touches for a pre-pub-crawl party. Cover the table in a festive plaid tablecloth ($40), then place the food on a white serving platter, decorative tray — I love this reindeer one ($5) — or red bowl. Light candles and plug in the lights on your tree. Fill a bucket with ice and drinks and serve the cocktail in a punch bowl. Candy canes are a great party favor and a sprig of mistletoe is sure to add some excitement!

Keep things chic, simple, and elegant for a Hanukkah cocktail party. Make the menorah the focal point and let everything else fade into the background. Serve the latkes on a large silver platter and the crostini on a wooden board. Display the orange cake on a white cake stand and stack small square plates, like these one from Crate & Barrel ($20) near the food. Light lots of candles, arrange a bouquet of pretty flowers, and pick up disposable Hanukkah napkins from the local party supply store. Set a carafe with blood orange juice on the bar and place glasses (I love this 8-piece Sierra Set $11) in neat rows next to it. Don't forget to fill bowls with chocolate gelt!

How are you celebrating Hanukkah?