Thursday, February 28, 2013

Style By Susie


Susie Perelman, owner of Mosaic Linens, shares her style and design tips in the monthly series, Style By Susie! Have an event design or style question for Susie? Email info@partymosaic.com.

Pantone announced Emerald Green as the 2013 Color of the Year! New York Fashion Week had shades of green exploding all over the runways, while green bridal trends are center stage for Spring. Susie shares some of her expert tips for using green in your event decor, wardrobe and more!



Do you like the emerald green and other green palates happening this year?



Green is a fantastic choice for a "color of the year". Emerald evokes feelings of majestic and mystical places. It is regal and precious and festive. Other tones of greens are also making their mark - from minty sorbet  to earthen hues of sage, pistachio and clover, green can be seen everywhere in tablescapes, fashion, and home decor. Green is not just for "go green" themes and staying eco-friendly. This year, we are stepping out and using green to make bold statements!


What is your favorite shade of green to incorporate into an event?

I have been a big fan of acidy colors like chartreuse for a long long time and will continue to incorporate this shade of green into 2013 events.  Softer hues such as willow continue to be wonderful choices for a baby shower, a shabby chic set up or even a wedding when coupled with maize and cream. In 2013, we have an opportunity to add a splash of emerald and kelly to decor, and unquestionably, our events will explode with vibrancy.  With recent trends in geometrics such as chevron,  matching patterns with bold solids like Emerald will create whimsy, energy and scream FUN at any event!

How would you utilize the Emerald Green trend in bridal fashion?



Bridal trends always take note from Pantone's Color of Year. Of course bridesmaids dresses in shades of Emerald will be available in fit and flare silhouettes by spring. A pair of green metallic shoes, nail polish colors such as Misty Jade and Sour Green , a clutch embellished in emerald colored fabrics and certainly jewelry made of jade, emerald, beach glass and other green semi precious stones will be on-trend this spring and summer. Bouquets of green have always been around - but this year more than ever you can expect more than green florals; accents of green stones and vibrant ribbons will make their mark on bridal bouquets.


Have you incorporated any shades of green into your personal wardrobe since Pantone released the 2013 Color of the Year? 

Susie's Choo's
Well... having gone to a school with a green uniform from K-12, I have to admit green was banished from my wardrobe for years. However,  green has slowly seeped back into my closet - I love a chartreuse accent both for a fashion night out and for workout wear! Bringing Emerald into the mix? Well,  I have to admit I have my  eye on a emerald python clutch and a pair of Jimmy Choo's that would be a smashing addition to my wardrobe.

What is your favorite new fabric/ linen of the moment in these shades? 

We have two new patterns, Lime Chevron and Mystique, that are bold, daring and on-trend. We have a great new Sheer Sequin Azalea line which is also stunning in lime. Another crowd please, Leaf Jungle is available in celery and is pretty fabulous.

Any tips for accenting an event in emerald green? 
 
Green will be most effective when it is paired with a powerful color partner. Green can work when coupled with other brights like orange or yellow if you are looking to create a casual festive environment.  However, Emerald can also become the belle of the ball at night when it is grounded with navy or brown or even a black white damask. Emerald can create intense drama at night when lit properly and combined with palettes that let it shine. Surprisingly colors like Emerald and Chartreuse can look fabulous with copper or platinum. Greens can work with metallics in unexpected ways.

What is your favorite green food?
 


As a girl who loves veggies, my fridge is filled with green. From lettuce and cucumbers to edamame and Brussels sprouts, going green is easy in my kitchen. But, sometimes a girl needs to splurge! For a special treat after a long day, you may just find me curled up on the sofa with a big bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream

Please send your event design or style questions to Susie at info@partymosaic.com!

Friday, February 22, 2013

Mosaic Featured in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine


Mosaic, along with several of our valued partners and venues, is proud to be featured in the newest edition of Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine, a leader in the industry! 

You can see all 3 of Mosaic's designs on page one of the issue. Check out the online gallery HERE.



The ultra-modern setting of this private residence screamed clean lines with ghost chairs, long stemmed glass ware, orchids and a tailored tablebox linen along with an ombre undercloth to create a whimsical effect. Event Design: Mosaic Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, Floral Design: Bill Chisnell Productions, Pittsburgh, PA, Linens: Mosaic Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, Chairs, Glass, China, and Silver Rentals: All Occasions Party Rental Pittsburgh, PA; Photography: John Sanderson Photography, Pittsburgh, PA


The lobby of the Renaissance Hotels in Pittsburgh was the perfect surrounding for this opulent tabletop encrusted in gold. Extravagant gold and deep chocolate browns were pulled from the lobby to accent the tabletop, hydrangeas accented the floral centerpiece and lamps suspended overhead adding drama and height to the table. Venue: The Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel, Pittsburgh, PA, Event Design: Mosaic Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, Floral Design, Bill Chisnell Productions, Pittsburgh, PA, Chairs, China, Glass, and Silver Rentals: All Occasions Party Rental, Pittsburgh, PA; Photography: John Sanderson Photography, Pittsburgh, PA


Emerged the "black box" studio with unexpected color and romance for an extreme tabletop, the rug was constructed completely with rose petals while the studio backdrop created the perfect contrast to a rich palette of fuchsia, fire red and tangerine. Venue: The Studio on Fifth, Pittsburgh, PA, Chair,Linens, and Lamps: Mosaic Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, Floral Design: Bill Chisnell Productions, Pittsburgh, PA; Photography: WQED Pittsburgh, PA

Monday, February 18, 2013

The Many Moods of Mosaic Contest!


Introducing the Many Moods of Mosaic boards. We designed these boards to help inspire our clients and spark their own creativity when planning an event!

Over the next few weeks, we will be posting our mood boards on our Facebook page. Please leave a creative caption in the form of a comment as a title for the board!

FOR EXAMPLE:

Black & White Beauty (See this mood board photo below.) How would you describe this image?



WINNERS:

The winning caption will receive a $20 VISA gift card!

The winner of each Many Moods of Mosaic caption contest will then be entered into a larger contest.
The Mood Boards and each corresponding winning caption will be featured in a Facebook album.

Fans of Mosaic will be asked to vote for their favorite board and corresponding comment by clicking "like" on the entry they like best! WINNERS- Please be sure to share your winning caption on your own FB page to encourage your friends to vote for your board!

The board with the most votes ("likes") will receive a $200 Visa gift card, courtesy of Mosaic!

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Forces of Nature benefiting Event Pros Take Action



FORCES OF NATURE is coming to Bakery Square this Spring! This fundraiser event will benefit Event Pros Take Action and the Pittsburgh Chapter of the International Special Event Society.

On Friday, April 5th four teams of event professionals will combine their creative minds and compassionate souls to unveil the themes of Water, Fire, Earth and Ice in 20' vignettes designed to entice the senses with sights, sounds, smells and tastes as they transform a 3rd floor raw space at Bakery Square in East Liberty.

Guests will be invited to meander through each exciting space and experience firsthand the talent that adorns our city at celebrations and events throughout the year. Additionally, the ISES Pittsburgh ‘Exhibition of Elements’ table-top gallery created by industry professionals will showcase interpretations of the elements in tabletop decor.

FOR TICKETS: Visit ShowClix.com and search "Forces of Nature" or visit this link: http://www.showclix.com/event/ForcesofNature. Tickets are $50.00 in advance; limited tickets may be available at the door so get your tickets now!

Presenting sponsors All Occasions Party Rental and Mosaic, Inc. will take the lead in providing the rentals, design support and logistical assistance for the celebrated designers as they bring their concepts to life. Designers include: Bob Sendall of All In Good Taste Productions, Sheila Weiner of The Event Group, Tim Komen of TK Events, and Shelly Tolo of Tolo Events.

Event Pros Take Action (EPTA) is a not for profit organization comprised of event pros throughout the country who have merged their talents and resources to help communities who have suffered from environmental catastrophe. Founded in 2011 by Pittsburgh's own Susie Perelman, owner of Mosaic, Inc., EPTA will be returning to New Orleans for the third year in a row this summer to assist Hurricane Katrina victims who are still without a home after seven long years. The organization is already in talks to take the team to New York/New Jersey to help victims of Hurricane Sandy in 2014. Click HERE for more info.

ISES Pittsburgh is a chapter of the International Special Events Society, a not for profit organization for event professionals. The Pittsburgh chapter was founded in 2011 and continues to make an impact in our community. Click HERE for more info. 


Follow Event Pros Take Action on Twitter @EPTA_Outreach and tweet us with hashtag #ForcesOfNature to join the conversation! Become a fan of EPTA on Facebook HERE, and see who is attending the event by visiting the Facebook Event Page

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.




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