At Home with Kim Vallee

Archive | ENTERTAINING

ENTERTAINING, PARTY supplies | July 2, 2009

Fabric Banner Bunting Flags for my Etsy Finds

Banner flags are a great way to add a festive touch. As I browsing Etsy, I could not resist and I bought two banners. Both patterns will look great on my terrace. I cannot wait to hang them over and host a party. If you are curious, here is a view at my latest purchase. These [...]

ENTERTAINING, PARTY ideas | July 2, 2009

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Patriotic Bunting Banner Flags on etsy

This is a well-done Patriotic Bunting Banner Flags for the Fourth of July. springchick used the flag elements on a good taste manner. As you know, I am not a fan of displaying the flag at any party. This is a more subtle way to achieve the same result. By changing a pattern or two, it [...]

ENTERTAINING, PARTY ideas | July 2, 2009

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Awesome DIY Sparkler Cards, Matchbook Covers and Straw Tags for Fourth of July

The super talented Kathleen of Twig & Thistle has designed the cutest party celebration kit for the Fourth of July. Her design is modern, festive and elegant. Build your party around these elements. You could print a second batch of sparkler cards to glue on handmade paper cones. Use the cones to serve cashews, popcorn [...]

ENTERTAINING, HOLIDAY entertaining | July 1, 2009

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Happy Canada Day!

By this sunny morning here in Montreal, I wish all my fellow Canadians a great Canada Day! I was in San Francisco last week which meant I did not have the time to create new mood boards to help you prepare your party. I noticed that many have look at my previous menu suggestions. Click [...]

ENTERTAINING, OUTDOOR entertaining | June 25, 2009

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A Cool Trick to Make your Own Cucumber Water or to Serve a Summer Punch

I saw that trick yesterday at the Fairmont San Francisco. I had to share it with you. It looks great on the cucumber water and the lemon water as shown here. But it would be even better for sangria, punch and any other summery cocktails. The idea is that instead of putting the ice cubes directly [...]

ENTERTAINING, TABLESCAPE | June 24, 2009

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Tabletop and Party Favor Accessories by L’Atelier Modele

I am responding to my interior designer friend Jennifer Mitchell of Design Hole who spotlighted these French-made tabletop accessories having me in mind. She was looking for an excuse to throw a party. This concept was developed by L’Atelier Modele. Every product from Lajolitable series would add a festive touch to your table on any occasions [...]

ENTERTAINING, SPECIAL occasions

June 22, 2009

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Elevating the Home Cooking Approach at Parties

I was interviewed last Friday by a Montreal-based journalist about the art of making menu when you hosting a party at home. My best advice has always been to cook dishes that you are familiar with. This way, you will not stress out. Your meal must taste great. It is not the time to experiment. [...]

ENTERTAINING, PICNIC

June 18, 2009

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Picnicware for Father’s Day and the 4th of July

Whenever possible, I reuse and recycle tableware and decorations for designing my parties. By interchanging some table accessories and the menu, your party will look and feel different. Here changing the table cloth plus a few decorative allows you to create a look for Father’s Day and another for the Fourth of July. This theme plays [...]

CAKES, ENTERTAINING

June 17, 2009

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Make your Own Designer Cupcakes with Sweetiepie Cupcake Kits

As a follow up to yesterday’s garden and jungle creatures pancake molds at Williams-Sonoma, I found these no-fuss designer cupcake kits. You will get the upscale look with the satisfaction that you did it yourself. Sadly, they are from an Australian brand called Sweetiepie Cakes. They currently produce 16 themes from baby showers, kids birthdays, bridal [...]

ENTERTAINING, EVERYDAY entertaining

June 11, 2009

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My Eco-label Salmon BBQ party | part 1

When my friend Eden Spodek of istudio asked me if I would like to host a party at home for tasting True North’s eco-certified farm salmon, I immediately said yes. We cooked more often fresh salmon fillets on the BBQ than we prepared burgers. Plus, it was a great way to launch my outdoor entertaining [...]

ENTERTAINING, OUTDOOR entertaining

June 9, 2009

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Cutest Office Supplies at Paper Source + 2 craft projects for outdoor parties

Add creativity to your desk with the exotic file folder set. It is part of the India collection, a PS design. The line includes flat cards, note cards, journals, wrapping paper, rubber stamps and colored glass tea light / votive holder. A good starting point to design a party. The Papaya Lotus Lotus journal harmonizes well [...]

ENTERTAINING, OUTDOOR entertaining

June 7, 2009

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Real Simple Backyard Party Ideas

Although most Americans treat the Memorial Day’s weekend as the start of summer, it technically happens on June 21st. Use the longest day of the year as an excuse for hosting a party in your backyard or at the beach. I would start the party around 5 pm and plan for a late night finish. I [...]

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