At Home with Kim Vallee

CAKES and baked goods, ENTERTAINING | July 4, 2009

Fourth of July Flag Cakes

To all my American reader, I am sending you my best wishes of happiness on this Fourth of July. I hope you cheer with a piece of flag cake and some fireworks later tonight. RECIPES and PHOTO CREDITS: + Flag Cake by Ina Garten published on Barefoot Contessa’s Family Style – photo by Maura McEvoy + Use fresh [...]

ENTERTAINING, PARTY ideas | July 2, 2009

1 Comment

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

1 Comment

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, SPECIAL occasions | June 22, 2009

2 Comments

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

0 Comments

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 [...]

ENTERTAINING, HOLIDAY entertaining | July 4, 2008

0 Comments

Happy 4th of July!

To host a casual chic patriotic party, you need to think outside the box. You want to stay away from an overload of flag images. Be inspired by the color palette and the spirit of the celebrations. I gather wonderful yet simple décor ideas to celebrate Independence Day. They are the best of what I saw [...]

ENTERTAINING, HOLIDAY entertaining | June 25, 2008

2 Comments

Get Inspired by IKEA Summer Collection for Canada Day and the Fourth of July

Literal party themes are not my thing. You do not need to fill the room with maple leafs or over saturate the space with the flag patterns like it is suggested by the mass produced dinnerware and party supplies. You can still show your patriotism at your party by doing it on a more subtle way. [...]