Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Cheers to the Season of Champagne


Certain things come to mind when thinking about the holidays….twinkle lights, sparkles and snowflakes, decadent décor and of course, bubbles!  Holiday celebrations call for Champagne, and being the “host/hostess with the mostest” requires attention to details like providing new twists on Champagne classics.  Incorporating a little bubbly into your affair will allow your guests to celebrate in style and toast the season with smiles on their faces! 

Here is our guide to incorporating champagne into your holiday festivities in ways that are certain to make the best impression on your guests!

Brilliant Bubbly Décor?
No one can deny how beautiful a glass of champagne looks on its own….but this unexpected twist will have your guests buzzing from bubbly!  These Champagne jello shots not only please the pallet of the hardest to please, but will sparkle bright on your menu, creating a sophisticated & visually appealing tabletop element.

Champagne Jello Shots

Delicious, Delicate & Decadent
Give your cupcakes a punch by adding a little bubbly, and give your party a boost with these yummy treats! Satisfy everyone these delicious cupcakes topped with champagne-buttercream frosting on your menu. These tasty treats will leave everyone wanting to spread good cheer!

Champagne Cupcakes


Offer a cocktail or a glass of Champagne?  How about both in one!
Restaurants in the know and chic bars around the globe are constantly creating fabulous combo-cocktails, melding flavors, fruits, infused alcohols and even Champagne into jaw-dropping concoctions.  The beauty of the holidays is that YOU can get as creative as you want with your cocktail menu! Embrace the unexpected and wow your friends & family with your own signature drink.

Click here to find out more!

Pomegranate-Champagne Punch    

Stand out & shine!
Champagne is often sipped in standard long stemmed flutes, but if you do a little homework you can find some flutes with pretty incredible styles and designs to serve your guests in this season. Offering family and friends their holiday bubbly in a specialty flute will set the wheels in motion for conversation and fun for the night!



Thursday, December 13, 2012

Digital vs. Paper Invitations


Should I send a digital invitation to my event?

In today’s digital, eco-friendly age event planners and party throwers are sending digital invites to attend everything from baby showers to family picnics to weddings. While Emily Post, the etiquette authority, does not approve of digital  invitations for the likes of weddings, black tie galas and momentous family occasions, many are thumbing their nose and are going with the digital option for budgetary reasons, eco-friendliness and efficiency.  

Our advice? Know your audience! If you know your family would cherish your wedding invitation as a keepsake- go paper! If your crowd is known to be eco-friendly and a bit more cutting edge - go digital!

A few questions to ask yourself when deciding paper vs. digital invitations:

  • What are the expectations of my guests, family or friends? Families who love keepsakes and tradition may prefer paper. For small get together of contemporaries in their 20’s or 30’s, digital may seem the natural choice.

  • Are my guests active on email? If it is a party for teens or young adults, go digital! If it is your parents’ 50th wedding anniversary, it may be best to go paper!

  • Is this an event that I am charging guests for a ticket? If it’s a free event- go digital! If you are charging $1,000 a plate- go paper!

  • Do my guests know that I am eco-conscious? If your crowd is often discussing global warming and the latest Prius- go digital!
  • Will I regret not having a printed keepsake of this invitation in the future? Weddings, birth announcements and other milestones like Bar Mitzvahs are often still celebrated with traditional paper invites. If you are sentimental and enjoy tradition- go paper!

  • Will a digital invitation exclude a portion of my guest list from even receiving the invitation? Small children and those that grew up pre-Facebook and Twitter may not ever see your email if it is not sent via snail mail! If your guests are not exactly “tech savvy”- go paper!

Once you assess your guests’ expectations, you will be well equipped to make your decision!

If you decide to “go digital” here are some fantastic options:

Paperless Post Digital Invite
If you decide to “go paper” we love:

Wedding Paper Diva Paper Invite

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Eat Globally This Holiday Season




With so many holidays being celebrated throughout the world this time of year, traditional and exotic cuisines are gracing tables everywhere. Here are a few of our favorites from around the globe- with the perfect table settings to match!


The Traditional English Christmas Goose!

Gracing tables in Great Britain and beyond, the Christmas goose was brought to holiday meals by Queen Elizabeth I and was made the official tradition during her reign. The goose is often served with Brussels sprouts and roasted potatoes and followed by a traditional flaming pudding. Enjoy this fantastic roast goose recipe from celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey 



To set the stage for your traditional English Christmas table, we suggest our Christmas Chenille Stripe linen.


The Popular Potato Latke for Hanukkah!

Those of the Jewish faith celebrate this eight-day holiday with many dishes cooked in olive oil, and latkes (potato pancakes) in particular, are celebratory symbols of this gift of sustenance. Latkes are probably the most popular side dish of Hanukkah meals and are served beside beef brisket, noodle kugel, green salads, and blintzes. We love this menu for Hanukkah dinner by Bon Appétit Magazine - especially their twist on the traditional latke combining potatoes and apples and topped with smoked salmon. Yum! 



To set the stage for your Hanukkah feasts, we suggest our Blue Rabanne.

African Peanut Stew Will Heat Up Your Kwanzaa!

First celebrated in the United States in 1966, Kwanzaa was created for those of African descent around the world to reconnect with their common heritage. The name is derived from traditional harvest celebrations in Africa called matunda ya kwanza, literally "first fruits," which were seven days of gathering, reverence, commemoration, recommitment, and celebration.  This recipe for African Peanut Stew is sure to warm up your celebrations with traditional African flavors. 



To set the stage for an unforgettable Kwanzaa celebration, we recommend our Orange Cascade linen.

Japan’s Toshikoshi Soba to Ring in the New Year!

Eating a plate of buckwheat noodles or “Year-End Soba”,  before midnight on New Year’s Eve to bring longevity and prosperity for the next 12 months is an age-old tradition in Japan. There is no one recipe for Toshikoshi Soba- they vary from household to household and family to family. Here’s a great recipe (with some history attached) to ring in the New Year a la Japan



To set the stage to ring in the New Year with traditional Toshikoshi Soba, we suggest our Champagne Iridescent Crush linen or Valentine Gold Circle Taffeta linen.

Toast the Holidays with a Puerto Rican Coquito!

Coquito is a popular holiday beverage in Puerto Rico. It has similarities to American eggnog, but the use of crème de coco or coconut milk gives it a unique island flavor. The delicious cocktail is served at functions throughout Christmas and New Years. To mix up the perfect Coquito, try this delicious and easy recipe from the Food Network.


To set the stage for a festive Puerto Rican- style holiday gathering, we recommend our Papaya Kaleidoscope linen Sunset Mayan.




Friday, December 7, 2012

In 2013 It Will Be Easy Being Green




Pantone has announced the color of the year for 2013 - Emerald Green! Mother Nature’s great harmonizer in it's many shades of beauty will pop up everywhere next year from fashion runways to home decor.


"Lively. Radiant. Lush… A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony."


“Green is the most abundant hue in nature – the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world.” (Source, New Jersery.com)



Emerald for Fashion
The prevalence of green has been steadily rising for several seasons, especially in the fashion and couture markets, and even on the red carpet. Appropriate for every occasion, Emerald’s classic elegance makes for striking and irresistible women’s formal and everyday wear as well as accessories. Emerald also makes a strong statement in men’s sportswear, knitwear and ties. Fashion designers featured in the PANTONE Fashion Color Report Spring 2013, including Tracy Reese, Nanette Lepore, Barbara Tfank, NAHM and Marimekko, are incorporating Emerald into their spring collections. Balanced yet sophisticated, Emerald enlivens all colors in the spectrum and will continue to make a statement beyond spring and summer into fall and winter.

Emerald for Beauty
Equally harmonious on the cosmetic color wheel, Emerald dramatizes all eye colors as it beautifully enhances green eyes, is compatible to blue eyes, emphasizes the green undertone in hazel eyes and intensifies brown eyes to make them appear deeper. Emerald is also a perfect complement to peaches, pinks, roses, ruby reds and aubergines – offering a variety of lipstick and blush options. For those who want to sparkle and stand out, Emerald is the perfect punctuation point in nail color because of its complementary nature. (Source: Official Press Release for the Color of 2013 via Pantone)

Mosaic is thrilled to see the many ways that emerald green will take the main stage in 2013 from linens, event decor, home furnishings, to beauty and fashion.






Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Get Crafty with the Kids this Holiday


During this busy time of year overflowing with shopping expeditions, endless gift wrapping and holiday parties, let’s not forget the importance of involving our children in the festivities. Below is a list of holiday craft ideas to keep your little ones engaged this holiday season so they can share in the fun.


Paper Bag Reindeer

The paper bag reindeer, a simple craft that will keep the kiddos entertained this holiday season is fun to make and can double as a puppet. Make a puppet for each reindeer that pulls Santa’s sleigh, and encourage the kids to perform a puppet show for the family after dinner with their own narrated story. Click HERE for easy instructions.



Holiday Gift Tags

Instead of purchasing tags for every present, spend a few hours with the kids and create handmade tags that will not only be unique, but will allow your children to contribute their artistry on every gift you give! Click HERE to learn how.












Paper Plate Angels

At Mosaic our days are filled designing décor for events and parties. We feel there is no better way to engage your little ones than to work together to fill your home with decorations and ambiance. Work with the kids to create DIY place setting decorations like these Paper Plate Angels by Martha Stewart- perfect for the kid’s table this holiday. Click HERE to learn how simple white paper plates can be
transformed to a fun craft for kids.












Glowing Snowman


All you need are a few half-gallon jugs of milk, white lights, and a few art supplies, and your kids can create their own glowing snowman that can be on display inside or outside of your home! This recycled craft project is easy to construct, and fun for all ages. Click HERE to get your list of supplies and instructions.






New Year’s Resolution Magnet 

Send off 2012 by making New Year’s resolutions as a family! Discuss with your kids the importance of setting goals and then make a list of resolutions together for 2013. This magnet is easy to make and has a pouch so each family member can contribute their resolution on an assortment of paper strips which can be used as reminders throughout the year. Click HERE to learn what you’ll need and how to make the magnets.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Tis the Season to Give Thanks

In the midst of the season’s hustle and bustle of parties, shopping, and gifts we often lose sight of what the holidays are all about. Bill Chisnell Productions encouraged the community to participate in an event called Giving Thanks that took place on November 18, 2012 which helped feed the needy of the Pittsburgh Homeless Shelter during a lunch and dinner seating. Many prominent event vendors and local restaurants donated their services and cuisine to this event, and Mosaic was thrilled to participate for this worthy cause!

The event included two seating of over one hundred diners with the help of a hundred volunteers! Donations from twelve local restaurants and caters made the dinner possible serving turkey, stuffing, rolls, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans casserole, mixed vegetables, apple cobbler, pumpkin cupcakes, macaroons, ice cream, coffee, apple cider, and more.

Sleeping bags filled with water, first aid kits, hats, scarves, gloves, snacks, toiletries, blankets were donated from ten local organizations and individuals, and the kids received goodie bags made by one of our donors' daughters included toys, games and other treats. All of the event planning and time were donated by event planners, and the dishes, linens, tables, chairs, food service and preparation, photography, music were all donated by vendors as well.

Giving Thanks would have not been possible without the time and resources of the following companies & organizations:

DONATIONS by: Astor & Black, Autumn Zankey of Mary Kay, Charles Spiegel, Create Studio, Hair by Damian, Erin’s Hallmark, Getting to the Point, LLC, Groff Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Hepatica, Laurel Breuner of Supercuts, Marina Lehn, Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force, Plantscape, Trau & Loevner, UPMC Health Plan.

FOOD by: Big Burrito Catering, Dave & Andy’s Homemade Ice Cream, Duqusene Club, Girasole, La Crème, Rania’s Catering, Square Care, Two Louie’s Deli, Vic & Debbie Fortunato, Vanilla Pastry Studio, Spoon, Cruze

PLANNING by: Extraordinary Events, Natalie Berger Party Planner, Susie Franklin Planning

RENTALS by: AOPR, Mosaic Linens, Party Savvy, Studio E Band, Delta Foundation, Nate Sherer Videography, Lendable Linens, Nate Sherer Videography, Goldstein Photography



Here at Mosaic we believe in the power of working together to give back to the community. During this holiday we’d like to give thanks to all of our supporters and partners, and look forward to continuing to grow together in the New Year. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Mosaic!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Thanksgiving Centerpieces





A centerpiece has always been known to anchor your Thanksgiving table, providing visual excitement and energy to the setting. It helps bring everything together and makes the table more inviting for guests. Centerpieces shouldn’t be expensive or hard to make, in fact you probably have everything needed to make a special centerpiece at your fingertips right now. Use fall’s natural resources and a little accent here and there to create some magic in your decor. Be sure to use a table linen that compliments and brings attention to the look you are trying to achieve so the table reads as a cohesive and personal backdrop for your celebration. And dont forget to start early. Setting the table early allows you to focus on the meal so that by the time Thanksgiving arrives, you are ready to share the special day with family and friends. This year, allow Mosaic to help you bring your Thanksgiving table to life!

FESTIVE 



























Make use of the natural gifts autumn has to offer by creating vases out of gourds and placing fresh seasonal flowers in them for a colorful and festive look. Pair them with a linen that creates a background that pops, like this burnt orange pintuck from Mosaic.

Burnt Orange Mini Pintuck Rental Linen



















ELEGANT

































For a simple and elegant centerpiece use your finest candlesticks and dishware to showcase white and orange pumpkins and even add some branches of bittersweet berries. Finish the look with a luxurious print in classic colors such as this Ivory Venice linen from Mosaic.



















CLASSIC



































If you’re dinner party is themed around the original Thanksgiving dinner, go for a centerpiece that entertains the origins of the holiday, with wheat and ears of maize.  Choose a table linen that will complement the autumnal colors of your traditional centerpiece, like Mosaic’s Sunset Mayan linen . Find more directions on how to create this centerpiece HERE.


Sunset Mayan Rental Linen





















ROMANTIC




For a more intimate setting, make a lower centerpiece that creates a warm glow and emphasizes romantic ambiance, encouraging eye contact and conversation. This centerpiece uses pillar candles, fall leave and a wooden plank to set a romantic mood for an intimate holiday gathering. Use a dark rich colored linen to accentuate the warm and intimate atmosphere you’ve created, like Mosaic’s Brown Maple Leaves.

























KID-FRIENDLY




Get the kids involved in the table setting festivities by having them write down what they are most thankful for this year on paper ornaments and clipping them to tree branches. After dinner, while relaxing around the fire, read the wishes from the ornaments to spark conversation and thought. Save them and add more each year, to make a family tradition. Pair this with neutral yet friendly colored linen like Mosaic’s Sage Moire Bengaline linen. Find out more on how to make this centerpiece HERE.


Sage Moire Bengaline Rental Linen

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Thanksgiving Cocktails

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Raise a toast to everyone and everything that you are thankful for this year, with a
delicious cocktail in hand. Choose something festive that compliments the flavors
of the season: cranberry, cider, pear, or rosemary make great choices this time of
year. These recipes will surely please the palates of your guests and can be great
conversation starters among those who might not know each other. Cheers!

Cranberry Old Fashion



Warm up with this classic cocktail that blends bourbon and the berry of the season.
This is a strong one so don’t be afraid to add a little extra water when you muddle.
Get the recipe HERE.

Mulled White Wine Sangria




This is an irresistible mixture of star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and honey with
pieces of seasonal fruit like pears, apples and kumquats. Make a large batch of
this autumn inspired sangria and watch your guests collect around the punch bowl
as they come back for more! Get the recipe HERE.

Apple Pie Cider



Greet your guests with a warm drink to soothe the bitter cold. This drink uses apple
pie spices and brandy for a unique spin on a classic beverage. Garnish with a
cinnamon stick for festive stirring. Get the recipe HERE.

Sparkling Apple Ginger Mocktail



Don’t forget to include your Designated Drivers and non-drinkers with a tasty mocktail
like this sparkling cider spiked with ginger and cinnamon. This tasty beverage is
perfect for a party of teens or family celebration with young kids. Get the recipe HERE.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Holiday Theme Parties




The holiday season is almost in full gear and a little planning will make things run more smoothly for your holiday get togethers. First, you must consider what kind of holiday party you would like to host.  Will you be throwing a formal, elegant party for family or colleagues, a fun cocktail soiree with your friends or a kid friendly party with activities and bite size treats? Once you’ve figured out what kind of party you want to have, planning the details will make your event unique and memorable for all of your guests.  We’ve come up with three complete crowd-pleasing party ideas to help you start planning your holiday get together.

The Elegant Party 
Impress the boss and your colleagues with an elegant get-together that is both traditional and chic!

Elegant Holiday Party

Décor: For a classy, elegant holiday party choose linens, napkins, and table décor in rich, decadent colors and textures. Dress up the table with floor length satiny linens. Use candles to add ethereal warmth to the table, creating a magical ambiance around the table.  Be sure to have a fabulous centerpiece; choose simple clear glass vases and fill them with flowers that fit your color theme. Consider using chair covers for a complete and luxurious look.  We like these choices from Mosaic. 

Gold Satin Linen

Mosaic Chair Cover 
     
Snacks: Ham, Gruyere and Honey Mustard Palmiers (Recipe)  and Toasted Brioche Roasted with Crème Fraiche Caviar (Recipe

Drink: Champagne

Music: A Charlie Brown Christmas Soundtrack (Listen

Gifts: Have your guests come with a small gift, wrapped anonymously. Later while enjoying drinks and dessert, play a trivia or guessing game.  Let whoever answers correctly (try to choose at least one suitable question per guest) gets to pick out of the present pile.


The Theme Party 
Invite the friends over for a night of fun holiday games, karaoke and tasty seasonal cocktails.  Holiday theme parties are a hit amongst close groups of people.  Have an Ugly Christmas Sweater party – for one night only you and your guests can wear your ugliest most obnoxious holiday sweaters for laughs! 

Fun Christmas Theme
Décor: Play with old-fashioned and somewhat cliché colors and prints for a fun, light-hearted feel that oozes holiday cheer. Use festive reds and greens in your décor and work with classic holiday motifs such as reindeer, elves and mistletoe.



Create a festive look with a bold color like red or a quintessential holiday plaid. Try these linens from Mosaic! 

Cherry Red Linen

Holiday Sparkle Plaid Linen
                       
     






Snacks:  Pigs in a blanket - or any finger food.  (recipe)  

Drink: Spiked Egg Nog (recipe

Music: Christmas All-Time Greatest Records (buy it here)  

Gifts: Secret Santa – A week or two before your party, try to gather your friends to pick a   name out of a hat for the person they will buy a gift for, set a money limit, and give each person a red or green bag (that way everyone’s gift looks the same) with a folded card to write the person’s name on.  Have your guests bring their gifts with the folded card to the party, the host distributes the gifts and the receiver must try to guess who the gift is from. 


The Kid’s Party
Show the kids some true holiday spirit with a party that celebrates the season.  Have a snowman building party with an array of “toppings” for eyes, noses, mouths and arms, decorate and bake holiday cookies, make ornaments, string popcorn garlands and watch Christmas movies. 

Kids Cookie Decorating Party
Décor: Fill the table with simple, fun and artsy items for the kids to use to make cookies, holiday cards, decorate ornaments or whatever arts & craft you will have them do.  Keep the feeling upbeat with bright colors and fun patterns like polka dots.  


White with Red Moon Dots linen


Snacks: Homemade Bagel Bites (Recipe

Drink: Hot Chocolate

Music: Children’s Christmas Favorites (try this

Gift: Be sure to send all your little guests home with their finished works of art, a goodie bag full of candy and a small prize.