Catering to Today’s Food Trends

The attendee of a modern upscale event expects more than a standard plate of meat, potatoes and vegetables. This year’s catering trends address the demand for a more exciting, sustainable and updated take on the culinary soundtrack to an elegant event. With an ever-growing selection of vegan fare, an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and the visual appeal of station-based catering, partygoers have more choices than ever when it comes to fine dining.

Whether it be for health or other reasons, many have recently chosen to restrict their diets to avoid animal products. Caterers have not missed a beat in having options for the growing vegan population, and have also created custom menus for diners with other dietary restrictions. While an all-vegan menu may be perceived as a hurdle for a host concerned about the satisfaction of non-vegan guests, hearty vegetable-centered entrees like roasted eggplant have become popular solutions that please all guests.

Guests have an array of vibrant vegan options to choose from.

Veganism is not the only movement to emerge from growing concerns about healthy and sustainable food; providing locally sourced foods is critical to the environmentally friendly host. In 2019, caterers showcase their local sources of produce, meat and dairy products to appeal to guests striving to limit their consumption of food that requires ecologically costly transportation to arrive on their plate.

While it has long been known that we eat with our eyes, trendy showstopping presentations are relatively new to the catering scene. Engaging and interactive stations with visually appealing options are beginning to bridge the gap between food and entertainment at events.

Left: Flame-seared steak is prepared live in front of guests. Right: Molecular cocktails add an innovative twist to catered beverages.

The Chicago-based company Catering By Michaels presents custom stations where foods like ramen or flame-grilled steak are prepared in front of the consumer. These awe-inspiring showcases of elegant cooking elevate the experience for guests at high-end gatherings. Catering By Michaels has found that stations are the perfect way to wow a crowd looking for a diverse array of options, each with its own charming twist.

Catering By Michaels’ unique Ramen Station.

Photos courtesy of Catering By Michaels.

April 22, 2019 Leave a comment

Boxes Worthy of Your Bling

with:Michelle Lampariello

The word jewelry brings to mind beautiful, valuable accessories that elevate the wearer to a status reserved for those fortunate enough to afford these precious embellishments. As jewelry owners begin to amass a collection of fine adornments, there becomes a need for a place to keep their valuables organized and protected from potential damage.

There are several luxurious options for a refined gem collector. These opulent jewelry boxes, which retail for more than $3,000, prove that high-end jewelry is deserving of a home that matches its elegance.

Jewelry Box In Royal Ebony Macassar

$4,623.15

Only a limited quantity of these boxes have been manufactured with rare wood that features a never-before-seen grain pattern. This product is designed to serve as two jewelry boxes in one, as its lower tier is easily removable for travel purposes. Two keys adorned with tassels unlock a top tray with an internal mirror, making this jewelry box an elegant gift that doubles as a means of both storing and displaying the owner’s jewelry collection.

Russian Karelian Birch Jewelry Box

$3,434.34

Handmade from a Russian royal wood that was previously used exclusively to make furniture for Russian tzars, this jewelry box’s modern aesthetic is enhanced by the rich nature of Karelian Birch. It also features a two-in-one design with a removable tier, and is lined with cream suede complimented by nickel-plated hinges.

Japanese Tamo Ash Exclusive Creations Jewelry Box

$4,623.15

Japanese Tamo Ash wood is one of the most rare and luxurious woods in the world — known for its unique and eye-catching grain pattern, the wood used to be used to decorate only the finest Samurai swords on the island of Hokkaido. Now, it is used in luxury items including the dashboard of Bentley cars, and this stylish, versatile jewelry box.

Photos courtesy of iWOODDESIGN.

April 20, 2019 Leave a comment

Luxury Garages: The Ultimate Leisure Space

with:Michelle Lampariello

Well-designed luxury garages are a far cry from the cluttered, dusty rooms where most standard vehicles are kept. For high-end homeowners, their garage upholds the elegant aesthetic found in the main home; but instead of sheltering people, the garage protects their luxury vehicles.

Widely considered to be the perfect extension to a dream home among car enthusiasts, luxury garages are strategically designed to show off the homeowner’s collection of vehicles and related items. Some manufacturers have developed materials specifically to be used for cabinetry in luxury garages, removing the need for kitchen-like cabinets to ruin the sleek, yet rugged vibe of the space. This cabinetry can be complimented by a stainless steel sink and counter space to increase functionality.

Slatwall panels are another popular storage strategy — they double as a finished wall covering and place to store tools and accessories. Similarly, a polyaspartic floor coating not only contributes to the polished look, but also serves as a durable protective layer to prevent damage due to abrasions, spills or moisture.

When designing a luxury garage, consider shades of blue, gray, red and black. Metallic accents, such as a diamond plate backsplash, add depth to this look. Choosing a color scheme that mirrors that of the luxury vehicles will help you achieve a put-together, distinguished design.

Some luxury garage owners choose to install a car lift. This can help homeowners store more vehicles in an area with limited space, or keep seasonal vehicles out of the way during the winter. Other popular amenities include upgraded garage doors that can be controlled remotely via smartphone, as well as year-round climate control. Especially in climate-controlled garages, many hobbyists choose to include a workshop, as well as a TV or sound system to turn their luxury garage into the ultimate leisure space.

Photos courtesy of BIR Luxury Garages.

March 16, 2019 Leave a comment

Barely There?

with:Michelle Lampariello

Nude shades can add warmth and subtle sophistication.

Whether it be an accent piece or the color of the whole room, nude tones add subtle warmth to any living space in need of an update. Calming, earthy shades of beige, pale pink and light caramel can set a refreshing tone with barely-there hints of these trendy colors.

Nude shades work particularly well in living rooms and bedrooms, but nude-colored kitchen walls can also set a friendly and inviting vibe in contrast to past trends of gray, black and white. Since most neutral tones pair well together, shades of light pink, brown and even some very light blues can be mixed together to create your ideal wall color.

Photo by MADE.com

Photo by MADE.com.

Photo by Sweetpea & Willow.

Photo by MADE.com.

Photo by Chaplin Furniture.

Nude-colored furniture — particularly seating, rugs, and accent pieces — add a touch of understated glamour to a bland room in need of color. These muted shades of beige and pink add a soft pop of vibrance on their own, but can also serve as the backdrop for a more boldly colored accent pillow, curtains or piece of wall art. Try pairing a sand-colored sofa with wine-colored cushions to add depth to your living room.

There is no need to stick to one shade when adding nude colors to a room — try adding a pale pink couch to a room with beige walls, or light caramel ottoman to a linen-colored living room. The variety of hues will make the room more intriguing.

Without creating a convoluted or gaudy aesthetic, nude shades add warmth to spaces that lack personality. Maintaining a clean and chic vibe, they are the ideal interior design choice for a homeowner in search of subtle sophistication.

March 13, 2019 Leave a comment

Q&A: Vegan Design

with:Kristen Ordonez

“The place we live in can and should do three things: reflect who we are, bring out the best in us, and contribute to a better world.”

This mantra is the basic, driving principle behind the work of interior designer Deborah DiMare, founder of DiMare Design in Miami as well as VeganDesign.org, two businesses that strive to create a healthier world and save animals. We spoke with Deborah DiMare who discussed everything from her passion for vegan interior design, her daily inspiration, and her new book titled “Vegan Interiors.”

What image comes to mind when you think of vegan design?

I imagine ultra luxury such as a beautifully made crisp white bed or a fabulous living room with beautiful sumptuous fabrics. The feeling of any vegan space should always emit good health, comfort, happiness and an overall “feel good” environment, a space you never want to leave. Vegan design focuses on optimal health and well being.

How did you come to be a designer, what led you to this career?

How I became a vegan designer was initially from the love of animals that my family and I share. Animals are a very important part of our lives. We also do our best to maintain a healthy, optimal lifestyle. We are very active and love nature. When I discovered the term “dog leather,” it was a pivotal moment for me personally and professionally. … It changed me, It had a deep effect on me. How could I continue to be such a hypocrite? … I did a 360 in my business and refused to continue designing spaces with products originating from animals.

Vegan design is not just about saving animals. It’s about putting an end to the inhumane treatment of desperate people forced to work in dangerous, deplorable conditions. It’s about saving the planet. It’s about healthy design and well-being. Animal based textiles and materials such as leather, wool, silk, fur, down and treated woods etc. are laden with poisons and toxins that penetrate our skin. Thankfully, today, consumers are demanding compassionate, healthier alternatives in a majority of industries.

What do you think are some key things to remember when outfitting a home with vegan design stylings?

Use as many natural materials as possible — cork, linens, bamboos and blends. Keep it clean and as low on toxicity as you can.

Where would you draw inspiration from when outfitting a home in this style?

Everywhere, everyone and everything. I travel a lot with my family and I soak up the architecture and materials I see in other countries. I get inspired by the color of the ocean on a gray day or the way a woman’s red lipstick looks against her skin, or even the blue spot on my dog’s eye. Everyday life inspires me. But, most importantly, getting in tune with my clients is my true inspiration. … Starting new projects is like detective work. I have to uncover a client’s true needs and taste. It’s so much fun.

Tell us about your book and what readers can expect from reading it?

“Vegan Interiors — Home Edition” is a first of a series of books that focuses on the beauty of humane design. The book is filled with stunning images portraying compassionate design as luxurious and healthier for everyone from newborns to seniors and simple to embrace. It provides facts about how many animals, workers, trees, etc. are saved in each vegan room or piece of furniture. There are pages dedicated to the future of textiles. “Growing materials” are fabrics made out of fruits and trees that will be readily available to consumers soon enough. “Vegan Interiors — Home Edition” is a beautiful way to show others through demonstration and education that no living thing, including humans, animals and the planet need sacrificing for beautiful interiors.

All images courtesy VeganDesign.org

March 13, 2019 Leave a comment

Luxury Design Trends for 2019

with:Kristen Ordonez

A journey of an entire year must begin with a single step, and there’s a whole new exclusive crop of design trends to consider for 2019. For design company Boca do Lobo, a key note to keeping up with the upcoming 2019 interior styles is to believe that a room should never allow the eye to settle into one place, and to stay true to one’s unique taste. Something that is charming is never out of style.

For those with wanderlust and an earthy spirit, Boca do Lobo claims that 2019 is the year to express it. A pop of color has more personality than any neutral ever could, and there’s no limit to the number of routes that can be taken with vibrant tones and disarming styles. A sense of vitality and renewal, these are the several key aspects of the 2019’s upcoming trends.

MIXING METALS

Rich metallic over sleek lines bring somewhat of a daring attitude to design. From chic silver, opulent golds and warm bronzes, the anodized surfaces are having its moment now, adding a dramatic flair to surroundings. Chrome arrives with 2019’s standout colors that embody the warmer spectrum of the color wheel.

GOLD ACCENT

Glistening gold never goes out of style, and this year it is used on the most on-trend furnishings and accessories, giving a sense of opulence and refinement. Clever use of gold finishes draws attention to the beauty of material and its highly reflective qualities that sparkle in the light. Exquisite gold interiors are designed to show off such rich details.

ROUNDED SHAPES

Popular in the ’60s, curved soft furnishings have now taken on interiors with a playful character. From seating to lighting, combining organic forms gives a contemporary atmosphere to the most elegant rooms. Faithful to nature’s movements and the futurist appeal, rounded shapes are one of the most intriguing and covetable 2019 interior design trends.

ANTIQUE & VINTAGE FURNITURE

Antiques have always held a value of their own but now they have found a new design role. From fascinating ancient times, distinct design pieces have re-emerged in a creative way to add a timeless touch. Designers have started to combine vintage furniture pieces with modern products and the result is unique interiors.

BLACK INTERIORS

To meet design lovers’ sudden demand for sophisticated ambiances, entire collections with black finishes are appearing in the market. With the emerging refined techniques, a certain lack of pretension lies within the functional design and emphasizes solid feeling along with cutting-edge style. Expect to see to seem monochromatic interiors dominating in 2019.

All photos courtesy Boca do Lobo.

March 9, 2019 Leave a comment

HushHush: ‘Amazon for Millionaires’

with:Unique Homes Staff

A London-based online marketplace dubbed “Amazon for millionaires” has launched, offering the world’s super-rich the chance to buy the finest luxury items across all categories, all on a single website.

The site offers fine art, jewelry, watches, property and even yachts, all delivered to your door (or mooring) direct from the seller.

With a catalog of more than 200,000 luxury goods from all around the world, brought together in hand curated collections and categories, HushHush.com launches as the largest collection of luxury goods and services, all available in one trusted and secure place.

“We wanted to create the leading destination for millionaires and billionaires to buy the finest things in life, all conveniently on one website,” says founder and CEO Aaron Harpin.

A list of the most expensive items appearing on the site includes a £2 million jewel-encrusted Rubik’s Cube, a range of luxury superyachts, a selection of the most sought after hypercars, some of the world’s finest watches, fine art and more.

The most expensive item currently on sale on the marketplace is a £41.3 million Admiral Explorer yacht, but with a regularly updating catalogue of items, this is likely to change.

Offering the most exclusive luxury marketplaces and VIP concierge services to affluent buyers, HushHush.com helps customers from around the world access all the luxury products and services they want, all on one site.

HushHush.com aims to collate the best of the best available around the world and partners with sellers to reach their audience. With a VIP personal shopping concierge service, the discerning team promises to find anything for its buyers, at any hour of the day.

With a focus on customer service and delivering the best possible buyer experience, the site is targeting the world’s wealthiest consumers. HushHush claims the internet’s largest collection of luxury products and experiences, delivered with first class service and support, all in one place.

Photos courtesy of HushHush.

February 27, 2019 Leave a comment

You Can Eat The Rainbow

with:Michelle Lampariello

Appetizing images creatively pair color and food.

When social media marketer Lucia Litman moved to California, she was blown away by the colorful variety of fresh produce that was now available to her. Pleasantly surprised by her new normal, Litman, who also goes by her nickname Lucy, began to document her encounters with fruits and vegetables on her Instagram page.

“There were fruits I hadn’t heard of and vegetables that came in colors I didn’t know was even possible,” she says.

In search of a way to get a larger audience excited about healthy food, she started a series of “#PantonePosts” — a blend of design, nutrition and lighthearted appreciation for everyday luxuries.

Lucy aims to match fruits, vegetables and other foods to Pantone swatches as closely as possible. Captivating her followers with strikingly similar pairings, she not only features superfoods, but some treats as well. Everything from leafy greens to chocolate-covered fortune cookies has made an appearance, as well as some inedible, but naturally beautiful phenomena like sunsets and flowers.

“I don’t try and push any sort of diet on people, which I think is important,” she says. “There are so many people out there who say that ‘x diet’ is the best, when in reality, it really depends on your body. So I just hope that my photos can bring people together and make them appreciate food and be able to enjoy it online without being preached at about a certain diet or lifestyle.”

Despite her carefully curated page that suggests she’s a professional artist, Lucy describes her popularity as “a big surprise.”

“It started off as just a hobby, but I get so excited anytime someone shares my work and it makes me so happy to know that people enjoy it,” she says.

Photos courtesy of Lucia Litman via Instagram.

February 16, 2019 Leave a comment

Choose a Luxury Chalet for your Next Vacation

with:Marlene Ridgway

Chalets originated in Switzerland and other alpine regions and are best known for their wooden features, prominent eaves, and convenient proximity to ski slopes. These cozy yet high-end chalets have something for everyone.

The careful decor paired with ultimate comfort is ideal for a secluded vacation among the mountains and nature. The spacious rooms and added details are also perfect for entertaining family or friends.

Photo courtesy of Ultimate Luxury Chalets.

Photo courtesy of Ultimate Luxury Chalets.

Choose a chalet for a romantic getaway, a cozy family gathering, or an exciting stay away from home with friends.

Top photo: Ultimate Luxury Chalets

Bottom photo: Firefly Collection

Chalets usually offer stunning views of the mountains and easy access to world-class skiing, but it is becoming more and more common for chalets to include a pool or spa area as well. Whether it’s a hot tub, jacuzzi, infinity pool or other water feature, they are as luxurious as a resort. Outdoor pools and spas are nestled among the finest views, offering a truly serene experience.

Why Choose a Chalet

Chalets are great for entertaining family and friends. The spacious homes allow each guest to have their own privacy while keeping everyone together. The large rooms are perfect for relaxing after a great meal or a long day on the slopes.

Surrounded by mountains, nature, and most likely plenty of snow, chalets are a world away from the hustle and bustle. Whether you’re escaping the city or trying to reconnect with nature, the gorgeous views and surrounding wilderness is sure to impress.

Photos courtesy of The Firefly Collection.

Find Unforgettable Chalets Around the World

Options for chalets are plentiful, but these are the top locations that offer luxury and more.

Verbier, Switzerland

Les Gets, France

Courchevel Tourisme, France

Megeve, France

Oberlech, Austria

Aspen, Colorado

Davos, Switzerland

Photo courtesy of Ultimate Luxury Chalets.

Start planning your next dream vacation in a luxury chalet!

https://www.ultimateluxurychalets.com/

https://www.firefly-collection.com/luxury-ski-chalets

January 28, 2019 Leave a comment

How to Party Away the Winter Chill in Style

with:Michelle Lampariello

Winter nights are often welcomed as an opportunity to stay inside under blankets until warmer, brighter days return. For those who do decide to host a gathering in the winter months, parties are almost exclusively held indoors to shield guests from the cold. While a traditional indoor winter gathering can be both elegant and entertaining, there is no reason to fear hosting an outdoor gathering during winter.

With the right decor, menu and activities, an outdoor party in the winter is the perfect way to connect with your guests. For those living in regions prone to snow, standard outdoor furniture may not be suitable, but sturdy picnic tables, hay bales, and pine-themed decorations with pops of color from holly berries stand up well to winter weather. Having adequate lighting is crucial, since the sun sets relatively early during winter. Maintain a cozy ambiance with string lights, or have a bonfire double as a source of both heat and light.

Whether you choose to have everyone sit by a fire pit or instead encourage people to spend time in a hot tub, make your guests comfortable in the cold by offering an outdoor heat source. Even in places like Florida, where temperatures do not drop as low as they do in the north, outdoor heating is crucial to creating a cozy atmosphere. A cast iron chiminea gives off significant heat while contributing to a wintry aesthetic, while structures like gazebos help block wind and can be decorated with pillows and blankets.

Warm food and drinks should be on the menu for any outdoor winter gathering. Swap out salad in favor of soup as a first course, and serve a hot, filling entree such as lasagna or pot roast. If you have a grill, try using it to prepare both the main and side dishes — not only will it allow you to create a hearty meal for your guests, but it will give off heat to help keep them warm. Serve warm drinks like hot chocolate, coffee and tea. If you plan on serving alcohol, consider drinks that pair well with warm spices.

While swimming or lounging in the sun may be out of the question, some warm weather activities, like lawn games, can still be enjoyed in the winter. Set up cornhole, horseshoes or a ladder toss station to entertain your guests. If you plan to host your party at a snowy destination and would prefer to more closely adhere to a winter theme, encourage guests of all ages to participate in a snowman-making competition or snowball fight.

Photos Courtesy of Hootsuite.

January 23, 2019 Leave a comment

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