Want in Every Color // 06

Every year about this time, I fall victim to the Anthro dinnerware trap. Their patterns are just so. darn. beautiful. Perfectly playful, summery and total showstoppers.

Lohja // From the Deep // Swirled Symmetry // Evenings in Quito (major favorite!)

Then there's this loverly little assortment of app/dessert plates.

 Evita dessert plates

Aaaaand then there's always the linens.

 Sun Dots napkin // Sun Stripes napkin // Ikat napkin // Smoke Dahlia napkin (gorgeous color assortment!)

Just you stop it, Anthro.

Am I the only one that can't go into that store for risk of blowing an entire paycheck...or ten?

Wear/Where // Valentine's Day Edition

Thought this series was dust, didn't you? Nope, we're bringing it back in full force . . . and with lots of love this week!

from Gaby // Whether your plan is having a romantic dinner with your guy or a fun evening with your besties, Valentine's day is a special occasion, and as such, you got to dress for it! Naturally, this day calls for the obvious red, so why don't you make a statement with these radiant trousers, and this creamy red lipstick that promises to stay on for hours? I like how these graceful bow sandals (aren't they stunning?!) soften up this geometric sequin-embellished tank, don't you? And of course, we can't leave some jewelry behind, and what better occasion to wear those gold stacked love rings and this golden bouquet ring? (you got the love, you got the flowers kind of thing?) And because to me, nothing speaks more sexy than the one and only Tom Ford, you really can't go wrong with his sensuous black orchid fragrance ;) To finish the look, this Glitter clutch is the perfect show stopper! 

  placemat // stemware // flatware // plate // candleholder // sequined heart // gold rimmed glasses

 

Okay, so you've got the card, you're wearing your finest, lipstick's on. Now let's get that table set! Start with a graphic punch (these placemats will definitely get the job done) and layer and bold hit of black and white. To keep things monochrome but still dramatic, serve your champers or vino in gorgeous black opaque stemware (holla!) and get that special occasion gold flatware out. Classic water glasses with gold rims round out the look without scrimping on style. Every romantic meal (heck, every meal) is best with candlelight, so plan to have a few of these on the table for a hit of color. Dress up that card delivery with a heart clip that truly sparkles (and, bonus, you can repurpose that bad boy later).

What do you think? Do you guys usually make plans for Valentine's Day? Do tell!

Etsy Crush // Vintage Luxe

I am constantly scouring this treasure trove for fabulous barware and beautiful trinkets.

items available via Vintage Luxe

Monday Blues // 18

Doesn't a lazy brunch right here sound amazing on this Monday morning?

via

I think so, too.

Monday Blues // 14

An emphatic nod to the hero of masculine glamour, Mr. David Jimenez.

David Jimenez, featured in High Gloss Magazine

Random Friday Fancies

Sorry, dudes. This week got away from me. Between dinners with old friends and shop visits with new ones, I overindulged on food, fun and drinkies. It was awesome!

Also awesome was this major Mikasa score while antiquing last weekend. Just think about the tabletop potential with me, please.

Must. Find. Gold. Flatware.

If you're following me on Instagram (@tobe_reed), you saw these other fun (and VERY reasonably priced) finds, too.

I came across these hide stunnas while visiting with my friend Jaclyn at her gorgeous shop. Decisions, decisions . . .

Aaaaaaaaaaand -- best treat of the week -- my uber talented cousin, Elizabeth, surprised us with this belated wedding gift!!!!! How ridiculous is she???

Etsy shop pending, it sounds like. Custom portraits as well as treats like these!

I told her we need a leopard print version. Will be sure to keep you all posted.

Random question from the Insta newb . . . How do you save for #latergrams? I'm apparently not cool enough to figure it out. Help!

Lastly (I hate that word), prepare yourselves for Casa de Tobe overload next week. I'm snapping some current state pictures and potential plans for the space. I'm tired of holding out on you guys.

Happy weekend! ox

So Trendy // Navajo

Either southwest inspired looks are popping up everywhere, or I'm just drawn to them all of a sudden.

pillow // earrings // cuff // sweater // tote (WANT!!!!) // salad servers // boots

Monday Blues // 08

Being that we're hosting both families this year, I'm loving the idea of a unique spin on our Thanksgiving table setting. How gorge would these blues be with a few bursts of complementary orange and yellow? Mums for centerpieces perhaps?

Michael Graydon Photography

World Series of Barbecue

It's Friday!!! I have to tell you guys, today marks the end of a very long and angst-ridden 7 weeks. O-V-E-R. Hallelujah! Since I've earned a little R&R, hubs and I are thinking about heading down to the biggest barbecue competition in the world.

That's right. You've surely heard that Kansas City's barbecue is arguably the best in the United States ('tis true). Well, every year the city hosts the barbecue contest of all contests, and it's open to the public for great food, drink, fun and games. How cool is that??

In honor, I came across this great Eat 17 Bacon Jam designed by Together Design. Being that bacon jam is best served on warm bread, here's a little fall service setup:

Eat 17 Bacon Jam // Spreaders // Server // Old Fashioned // Napkins

Happy relaxing weekend! ox

girls dinner // summer tapas party

about time for a second installment, don't you think?

just like last time, we're keeping things casual with a smorgasboard of deeeelicious tapas and red sangria (one of my personal faves) on the porch, all of which were deceivingly simple.

 first order of business? getting that patio table set. we went with a graphic fabric swatch (one of the girls has this on hand for an upcoming sewing project), but a tablecloth, blanket or quilt will do just as well. if you're forced to go solid, use napkins, dinnerware and accessories to add pattern and texture. there really aren't any rules! one or two standout items (umm...hello! that gorgeous turquoise vase bursting with peonies) can really make the table come to life.

then it was time to get our grub on. in the true spirit of spanish tapas, we divvied up food responsibilities, each with two apps to share. i opted for roasted red pepper hummus with pitas and delectable little herbed goat cheese, strawberry basil sandwiches. there was also beet salad, pimentos, spicy lime shrimp, artichoke crisps, and edamole (that's edamame guacamole).

we stuffed ourselves silly, to say the least.

stringing up some lights added serious ambiance, and allowed us to keep the party going a liiiiiiiittle later than anyone intended....but such it is when ladies find time to get together, right??

laura conjured up some festive belly bands for our glasses o' fruity delight (diy details here).

the girls over at ampersand are detailing how you can get the look yourself.

and for your drinking pleasure, a recipe card for that delicious red sangria from yours truly.

 available for download here.

mandatory group shot:

all photos courtesy of the very talented eric linebarger

awwww.

also, if you're like me and are sometimes challenged by the task of creating the perfect dinner mix, this one sure delights the earlobes.

hope this inspires you to call your girlfriends for a little dinner fun of your own! ox

 { find our previous dinners here }

girls dinner // pizza party

i'm really excited to introduce a new series on BIA today. we're talking dinner!

now, i realize that i have not once implied here on BIA that i can do anything in the kitchen (besides maybe make salsa). that's because i'm not especially skilled in that department. but that's always been the beauty of our girls dinners! they're low-key, festive but not excessively prepped, and just straight fun. of course, it doesn't hurt that they're held by a multitude of talented designers including the ladies from ampersand design studio, the ever-crafty laura at a girl who makes, and yours truly.

for the first of this new series, we're having a pizza party! here's a glimpse of how it all went down:

lettered placesettings.
you can get clever with this or keep it simple. opting for a unique or decorative paper stock goes a long way!

results:

delicious apps (essential!)

assortment of equally delicious salad and pies:

time to play!

and, even though we were totally full of great food and good wine, there's always room for gelato!

photography by eric linebarger

here's how to get the same look yourself:

kraft roll // striped tablecloth // tall platter // short platter // crayons // white napkins // metal clip // white dinner plate

check out ampersand design studio for a detailed polka dot napkin DIY and a custom coordinating invite!

you can also find a great DIY leftover bag over at a girl who makes.