Monday, August 27, 2012

Trendy Trucks!



Remember those late college nights, waiting in line at the local food truck for some
cheap eats after a night on the town? Well food trucks are no longer a phenomena of
the collegiate after-hours scene or for quick lunches for working folks in cities like
NYC. The food truck craze has been slowly sweeping the nation since 2008 and is
now hitting a fever pitch! Festivals built around these delicious “meals on wheels”
are popping up in cities across the country offering everything from gourmet hot
dogs, specialty bakery items and exotic delicacies.

Here are a few of our favorite concepts from the top food trucks in
Kogi
the country, as found recently in Smithsonian Magazine

Kogi, Los Angeles, CA

Kogi is the brainchild of classically trained chef Roy Choi. With a fleet of five trucks, Kogi is serves gourmet Korean-Mexican fusion food. The beef short rib taco with a special, 21-ingredient sauce is the signature dish.


Clover Food Lab, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Don’t let the vegetarian fare deter you- meat and veggie lovers a like clamor for a taste of Clover Food Lab’s famous soy B.L.T.! Started by MIT grad Ayr Muir in 2008, the fleet now has five trucks, and has moved from a collegiate following to mainstream popularity in just 4 years.

DessertTruck, New York City

A pioneer of the “sweetmobiles” in the NYC food truck scene, DessertTruck
was founded in 2007 by Jerome Chang, a former pastry chef at Le Cirque.
Make sure to try the warm chocolate bread pudding made famous on the Food
Network’s “Throwdown with Bobbie Flay."

Streetza

Streetza, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Owners Scott Baitinger and Steve Mai took to the streets vending their popular pizza vendor in the mobile food courts springing up in Milwaukee. Streetza even fans’ suggestions for the types of pizza it cooks in its 650-degree Fahrenheit oven. One of
its latest “crowd-sauced” pizzas was “The Luke Stecker Slice,” with shrimp, bacon, avocado and pineapple. Yum!




In our hometown of Pittsburgh, the food truck scene has really taken off this
year and groups like Epic Development & Bar Marco teaming up to throw pop up
beer garden and food truck events called “Tapped",  featured HERE on Yelp.com.

The Pierogi Truck


Creative concepts like gourmet grilled cheese from Oh My Grille, sweet trucks from popular local bakeries Bella Christies and Dozen, Gourmet dogs from local favorite Franktuary, The PGH Taco Truck, The Pierogi Truck and more are taking to the
streets of the ‘Burgh and are adding some speed and style to the growing foodie scene in our fair city.

Beep Beep, Bon Appetit!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Fashion’s Night Out Turns 4!

What is Fashion’s Night Out, you ask? It’s the kick off to NYC Fashion Week,
happening September 6th, 6-11pm. For the fourth year in a row, designers, models,
fashion editors, celebrities and shoppers will hit the streets and the stores for
an evening of shopping and exclusive FNO events, which include major live acts,
celebrity appearances, and lots and lots (and lots) of champagne! FNO was originally
started in 2009 by American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America,
NYC & Company and the City of New York as a way to boost the economy and
restore consumer confidence.

Today, FNO has taken the country, and the world, by storm. As of last year, FNO
was in 18 countries and had over 4,500 events in the U.S., from LA to Philly to DC!
Participating boutiques nation-wide have taken FNO to the next level, offering major
designer discounts, celebrity hosts & photo opps, live shows and more.

As Coco Chanel once said, “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only.
Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live,
what is happening.” We believe the very same- so gain some fashionable inspiration
by being part of the consumer community at Fashion’s Night Out festivities in a city
near you!

For more info click HERE.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Mason Jars: The Gem to Sustainably Sophisticated Event Décor


The Mason jar is a beautiful way to create memorable elements within your event ranging from décor to food and even functional event production all while looking modern, clean & chic. 

Who Made the Mason Jar? Although a Frenchman invented modern heat based canning in 1806, most would say John Landis Mason, who patented the Mason jar in 1958 by simplifying the screw top lid was the true inventor of the Mason jar.  This revolution led to advancements in the early 20th century allowing Mason jars & food preservation to be a common practice.  Do you think that John Landis Mason ever thought his Mason jar would be part of yet another revolution….event décor?

Mosaic believes that every event has its on personality & flair.  Mason jars are a great way to take an old classic & put a vibrant new spin on it to create any atmosphere you are going for. Brighten up your party with colorful flower bouquets in Mason jars. Select seasonal flowers or pick wildflowers for your next bash. 



Here are five ways to use Mason Jars to ensure impress your guests: 

1)     Cocktail Hour: Having a signature cocktail that everyone is talking about is one of the crucial keys to throwing the event of the year!  For your upcoming party, think about pre-mixing your signature cocktail in Mason jars & allowing your guests to help themselves. 

2)     Lighting is a Must: One of the most impactful ways to make an impression on a guest is by awing them with lighting.  From simple to chic, Mason jars are a fabulous way to get their attention. 
Mason Jar Lighting

Mini Mason Jar Dessers 
  
  3)  Food in a Jar?  The answer is YES!  If the best restaurants are doing it, why shouldn’t you?  Mason Jars original purpose was for food, so why not use them in a literal way with a new twist?  Creating a decadent dessert in a Mason jar will get your guests buzzing.  

4)     Keep the Kids Busy: Family friendly events are the best, especially when the kids have an activity!  This time of year is perfect for catching fire flies. Having an activity where the kids can create their own Mason Jars to catch fire flies in is a great way to keep them happy, and the parents will thank you too!  Or make glowing firefly jars with glow-in-the-dark paint. 

Glowing Firefly Jars


  5)  Everyone loves a party favor!  Nothing leaves a lasting memory in a guests mind more than a party favor.  The key to a great favor is to have it be creative and original.  Giving your guests something useful & beautiful will leave them wondering when your next event is! Try this unique idea for creating a gift card snow globe with using a Mason jar. 

Remember – reuse Mason jars as a great way to WOW your guests. 

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Eco-Chic: Greening Your Special Event

Recycle & Reuse Creatively 
Did you know that each attendee at a special event can generate up to three pounds of waste? While many recycle and use green products in their private homes, the lifestyle does not often translate to special events and parties.  Here are a few things that can help you stay “green” while throwing a memorable event.

At Mosaic we specialize in providing you with top of the line linens, fabrics and accessories. Linen rental is eco-friendly! Most linen and fabrics are re-used from event to event. We also re-use hangers, recycle plastic, ship in duffle bags, and use eco friendly detergents. Instead of using coverings that end up in the garbage, linen rental allows you to cut back on waste, while providing a polished setting for your special event.

Want to take your eco-friendly tables settings to another level? We love dinnerware made by VerTerra. This beautiful, award-winning dinnerware is made from fallen leaves an are 100% free of chemicals, lacquers, glues, bonding agents or anything toxic.

VerTerra Eco-Dinnerware

The way in which you invite your guests can also have an environmental impact! Digital invites, such as Paperless Post provide a way to create no waste at all, but if you must have a mailed invite, make sure you are using invitations printed on recycled paper.  Use eco friendly companies like Green FieldPaper Company, which offers stationary and invitations made from the junk mail of it’s employees!

Another way to cut back on your carbon footprint while planning your event is to use green energy. Companies like Zero Fossil offer solar powered generators (called “juiceboxes”) that can run your entire event without using any fossil fuels! The solar power generators are also a great replacement for noisy, large, gas guzzling standard generators. Zero Fossil has powered everything from fashion shows to large-scale festivals using their innovative generators.

Are you ever confused by how to recycle waste from events and parties? Zero Waste Pittsburgh will send ambassadors to your special event to assist you and your guests with recycling. Zero Waste has been known to assist planners in having zero landfill waste for their special events! This organization will also consult with you prior to your special event to help you identify compostable options to make your event as waste-free as possible.

To make an event memorable, it’s all about the details, and planning an eco-friendly event is no exception! Encourage your guests in a creative way to re-use their glassware for drinks, use décor that you have recycled or repurposed, like finds from Construction Junction, and ticket your event with paperless digital ticketing with a company like Showclix. For more tips and info on greening your event, visit the Natural Resources Defense Council’s website and remember to recycle and re-use!


Friday, August 10, 2012

Taste the Flavors of the City during Pittsburgh Restaurant Week


Longing to dine somewhere new, taste an ethnic specialty, or tempt your taste buds with the season’s freshest flavors? Then treat yourself to Pittsburgh Restaurant Week kicking off this Monday, August 13th, and relish the colorful tastes of the Burgh.

Restaurant week events across the country have been growing in popularity since their inception in New York City in 1992. Enticing new customers to taste the flavors of local chefs during their slowest seasons supports the foodie culture of the region, and brings visitors to the city from the suburbs and beyond to enjoy metro dining at a discounted price.

Pittsburgh Restaurant Week, a project of PUMP, has established a bi-annual restaurant week in January and August of each year focusing on highlighting Pittsburgh food through fine dining, local and fresh ingredients, and celebrating the best outdoor seating. Pittsburgh Restaurant Week Summer 2012 has 45 local establishments participating!

At Mosaic, we enjoy the atmosphere of fine dining as much as the food! Sipping a fine wine surrounded by the ambiance of a perfectly lit room, stylish table settings, and plush décor proves for a flawless dining experience. Try one of our favorites, Braddock’s American Brasserie located in the fabulous Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel in Downtown, Pittsburgh. During Restaurant Week, Braddock’s is offering a Three-Course Meal for the low fixed-price of $30! Be sure to make your reservations early as the best restaurants get booked quickly.

Click HERE to connect with the participating restaurant list for Pittsburgh Restaurant Week and learn which places are best to bring your own wine, savor fresh organic foods, and enjoy outdoor dining. Discover your next favorite restaurant from August 13-19th for Pittsburgh’s Summer Restaurant Week 2012. 



Live outside of the Pittsburgh region? Click HERE to find the closest restaurant week near you.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

What’s Your Labor Day Picnic Style?


Send the summer off in your signature style! With Labor Day fast approaching, it’s time to plan your final summer party. If you’re anything like us, you like to inject elements of your own personal style into everything you do, so here are some suggestions for the ultimate end-of-summer bash!

Use Mosaic Linens as the perfect backdrop to your Labor Day Celebration.


Sophisticated Soiree

Is your style simple, understated elegance with a splash of decadence? Would you rather have a glass of champagne and exotic cheese assortments at your party than cold beer and cheese curls? If you answered yes, here are some tips to help you plan a Sophisticated Soirée to send off summer.

Set the Stage with Mosaic:

To dress your tables, we suggest using modern clean prints or for your table linen, just like our Penrose Burnout in Slate. Use a pop of festive holiday color with our Burgundy Hemstitch Napkin. Another on-trend and sophisticated option is mixing materials like our Natural Burlap linen accented with a crisp denim napkin. To complete your elegant table setting, use lots of candlelight and lanterns of all sizes as your
centerpieces, like these gorgeous wood & metal lanterns from West Elm.
Wood & Metal Lanterns


Add the Accents:

We recommend delighting your guests’ taste buds with the perfect charcuterie platter followed by delectable and exotic foods on the grill like grilled baby artichokes and grilled lobster. Offer your guests specialty summer cocktails like celebrity Chef Mario Batalli’s refreshing Peach Bellini and refreshing gourmet white iced tea. Close the evening with adorable and festive cheesecakes in mason jars topped with red and blue berries.


White Iced Tea 


Your Sophisticated Soirée is sure to be a hit for those with the most discerning palates!




Patriotic Party

Do you live for a theme? Are you red white and blue, through and through? Than this Patriotic Party is perfect for you! Wow your guests with creative touches and themed food for this festive take on a traditional Labor Day Picnic.

Set the Stage with Mosaic:

To set the mood, set your table! We recommend traditional patriotic stripes in navy blue and white, accented with our red linen with white Swiss dot napkins. For a centerpiece that will capture the spirit of the day, a flag centerpiece as seen on One Charming Party is the perfect choice.

The American Beauty

Add the Accents:

Impress your guests on the grill with a twist on traditional picnic fare by serving a Red White & Blue Burger topped with roasted red peppers and bleu cheese. Be sure to bring that element of tradition with your side dishes, like Martha Stewart's famous All-American Potato Salad. End your meal with another Martha classic, the American Flag Tart. Guests will wash down this amazing meal with a fun non-alcoholic Patriotic Drink with fizzy layers of red white and blue, or a specialty cocktail The American Beauty, a ruby red festive punch made with grenadine, brandy, crème de menthe and ruby port.

Martha Stewart's America Flag Tart
The Patriotic Party is the perfect way to end an All- American summer!



Kid-Friendly Frolic

Do you have sense of adventure and whimsy? Have you always been a kid at heart? Bring your playful personality to the table for a Kid-Friendly Frolic! Kids of all ages will love these special touches, and will help them forget that school days are right around the corner.

Set the Stage with Mosaic:

The best part about throwing a kid-friendly frolic, in our opinion, are the decorations! Set your table with selections from our Western Collection, like the Red Star Western Linen. To bring even more fun to your table, use napkins from our Dots Collection in either red or blue with whimsical white dots. And what kid’s table would be complete without a sweet edible centerpiece? Use any size glassware and fill with red white and blue gum balls and top with American Flags.



Add the Accents:


Candy Skewers
Treat your guests to a menu that delights kids of all ages! Try mini-foods for your pint-sized guests like mini corn dogs and red white & blue sliders. Offer festive and fun snacks like pretty pretzel sparklers and red, white & blue candy skewers. End the meal with vanilla cupcakes topped with red, white and blue berries in the shape of a flag. Don’t forget kid-friendly drinks to keep your kiddos hydrated during all the fun! We love creative drink recipes for kids like iced fruit punch and refreshing watermelon coolers.

The Kid-Friendly Frolic will have all of your guests feeling positively playful for your Labor Day picnic!

Friday, August 3, 2012

Creativity Through Pinspiration

If you are planning a special event, wedding or themed party, chances are you have discovered Pinterest. Pinterest is a great way to share ideas and gain creativity or Pinsipration. Mosaic's Pinterest boards include things that inspire our designs, from boards showcasing flowers to fashion. We pull event design ideas from everything that surrounds us and we encourage you to do the same! Click HERE to  connect with us.  



We invite you to get some Pinspiration from some of our favorites on Pinterest! 

Paloma Contreras: "Founder and Editor of La Dolce Vita Blog | Lover of All Things Fabulous."  Paloma's boards feature everything from art to her personal style. We especially love her "Parties and Tabletops" boards.

The Pioneer Woman- Ree Drummond: Ree became famous for her blog, The Pioneer Woman, and now has her very own show on The Food Network and has been featured on HGTV. Loyal followers love her recipes and her tips for rustic beautiful living- and so do we! Check out her adorable "Desserts in Jars" board- what a great idea for your next dinner party! 

Nina Garcia: Fashion Director of Marie Claire Magazine and Project Runway Judge. Nina's fashion and trend boards are second to none. If you are searching for the hottest color palates, patterns and styles of the day- look no further! Her fashion pins can be easily translated into ideas for event design.

Style Me Pretty: "Bringing chic, stylish weddings to the masses. Real Weddings are the heart and soul and inspiration of SMP". Style Me Pretty's website has become a staple for many brides searching for ideas for the big day. Their Pinterest boards feature every possible idea, from Bridesmaid style to selecting the perfect cake. We are currently loving their "It's All in the Decor" board.

Michael Wurm: "A freelance lifestyle, craft, food, and DIY blogger at inspiredbycharm.com". Michael Wurm's boards offer fantastic ideas for DIY projects and design ideas. His "I Go Glamping" (Glamping= Glamorous Camping) board offers chic and whimsical outdoor ideas that can be easily translated into outdoor event design. We can't wait to see how he develops his new wedding inspired "I do" board!

The Perfect Palate: "A wedding blog dedicated to exploring color palette possibilities + a place to find fun + creative color ideas!"The Perfect Palate is arguably one of the most popular wedding-specific accounts on Pinterest. You will find wedding ideas in every color, patterns, shape and size here! The board that currently caught our eye is their on-trend "Mint Weddings."

Be sure to follow the Party Mosaic boards for shared ideas and the latest trends in event design. When you visit, feel free to show us what Pinspires you! At Mosaic, we can turn your Pinspirations into reality.



Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Winning Event Decor: Gold Silver & Bronze


The most exciting part of the Olympics is when the winning Olympian is crowned in victory and draped with Gold, Silver and Bronze metals! This winning trend continues into fall with metallics scoring big on the Fall Runways. 

As many of you trendsetters know, fashion transcends mere clothing and encompasses all we do here at Mosaic. Taking this fall trend and adding it to your event decor is sure to elevate your wedding, special event or party to "Gold Medal" status.

A few winning tips:

  • Choose fluid fabrics in silvers, golds and bronzes, like our Lamour and Iridescent Crush fabrics.
  • Use gold plate chargers with crystal glassware and crystal accents for a sparkling effect.
  • Don't be afraid to mix metallics- select contracting textures and fabrics for a luxurious look, like our Fortuny Crush napkins that add a touch of texture to solid tables.
  • Matte finishes can add a modern twist to metallics and work well with pops of color
  • Use plenty of candlelight to make your event glow!
Click HERE to learn more about the Fall Metallic trend from one of our favorite style-casters, Olivia Palermo.



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