When it comes to wedding decor trends, I keep seeing some recurring themes: DIY, paper, rustic, fun, nostalgic, circus- and fair-related, and preferably something that can be hung, strung as a garland, or floats. So now that we have oversized paper flowers, felt garlands, kite and hot air balloon motifs, and balloons big and small, meet the wedding and engagement session prop du jour: pinwheels! Check out 10 ways to incorporate these flyers in your big day decor!
Don't be scared to host a holiday party. With a little planning and creativity, one can easily throw together a fabulous shindig. A holiday open house is ideal because it doesn't involve making a complete meal, and it's less formal than a cocktail party. Begin the open house in the afternoon or late evening. Offer a couple of uncomplicated but classic apps alongside store-bought nuts, olives, and charcuterie. Chicken skewers are always a hit, and they're delicious fresh from the oven or at room temperature. Puff pastry pinwheels are one of my go-to recipes during the holidays. Fill with cheese and herbs in advance, then slice and bake as needed.
Lastly serve an assembled hors d'oeuvre, like bacon wrapped apricots, which requires nothing more than a quick bake in the oven. Interested in these recommended recipes? Keep reading.
I've been noticing a trend in the design world these days that's surprisingly unusual: triangle, pinwheel, and pennant patterns! From Matthew Williamson's multicolor Bustier Cocktail Dress to Ikea's gray Stockholm Rug ($249) to Ferm Living's Remix Pillow ($100), triangle patterns are everywhere! My favorite is the wedding invitation design (top left) by San Francisco-based graphic designer Erin Butner, which features multicolor facets and a festive pennant. Ferm Living's blue and white Remix Wallpaper ($110) would look stellar with indigo Bookhou's Triangle Pillow ($45) too, don't you agree? To shop the rest of the trend, just click on each of the product images!
When the gardener is away, the birds will play . . . and eat. So when my makeshift scarecrow turned out to be a perching point for all the little birdies in my neighborhood, I knew there had to be an alternative solution. The hardware store is full of pricey products claiming to be the perfect answer to all your bird woes, but an avid gardener gave me a tip that's proven to be priceless. She revealed that birds shy away from shiny, moving objects and that I was better off saving my cash and heading to the drugstore for some cheap pinwheels to place around my yard. I'm one for being thrifty, which is why I was thrilled when each pinwheel cost me less than a dollar. Plus, after I stuck them in the spot where I sowed seeds to patch up my lawn, the birds actually stayed away — and the grass grew green!
When TrèsSugar hosted a party on a recent Friday night, I not only supplied her with a bunch of easy appetizer ideas, I also volunteered to make something for the event. I took my own advice and threw together a quick, but tasty app with puff pastry. Since Trés is a huge fan of all things French, I decided to do ham and cheese pinwheels seasoned with dijon mustard. Pinwheels are a great portable potluck appetizer option because you can assemble them at home and when you get to the party, slice, bake, and serve. To get my simple but scrumptious recipe — seriously, these were all gone in a matter of minutes! — read more
When hosting a destination bachelorette party in a glamorous location like Vegas, set aside plenty of time to plan the party. Being organized with a schedule of events, set dinner reservations, and selected club locations will aid in making the event fabulously seamless. Let guests know what's up in advance, so they can pack appropriate clothing.
For my friend Elena's bachelorette party in Las Vegas, all of the meals will be eaten out. However, one of the nights before we go out, everyone will gather in my room for a lingerie shower. I've ordered a trio of appetizers — white bean hummus with kalamata relish, Bloody Mary cocktail meatballs, and spinach gruyere pinwheels — from the hotel, so everyone can sip Champagne and have a snack.
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If you are looking for a super tasty appetizer —and prawns aren't your cup of tea — consider making these prosciutto pinwheels. Mastering these bite-sized snacks is a cinch for even the most culinary challenged, self-proclaimed noncooks. In fact, they are so effortless that I put them together in the Sugar HQ kitchen. Simply layer thawed puff pastry with prosciutto, grated parmesan cheese, and fresh basil, and roll up. The best thing about these savory treats is that you can assemble now and bake later, making them ideal for a party. To look at the recipe, read more
