Infusing grandeur into otherwise drab Mondays with five things/ideas/events for the week:

I.  Typically, I don’t have a big sweet tooth, but with Halloween weekend coming up candy has been on my mind more than usual. Rather than give out store-bought confections, my mom and I are cooking homemade Fleur de Sel Caramels. The recipe is from Barefoot Contessa’s How Easy is That, which means that it isn’t as difficult as you think. Just make sure that you have a candy thermometer on hand to avoid over-boiling the caramel like I did the first time I made these pretty little treats.

II.  Um, why didn’t anyone tell me that Lauren Conrad has an adorable online store called The Little Market?! Even better, all of the goods are made by women artisans around the world who are working their way out of poverty. Everything on the site is amazing, but I’m particularly smitten with the Sweet Pea Soy Blend Candle, and the vintage inspired trunks (I love the idea to use them as nightstands). This is the perfect place to go for holiday gift shopping.

III.   Just because you can put something on your table, doesn’t mean that you should. With so many over the top table settings sprouting up all over Instagram and Pinterest, I’m inspired by the simplicity of this gorgeous decor. Follow suit by combining these wooden antlers with these copper Moscow Mule mugs and the succulents or air plants of your choice. If antlers and mugs are too rustic for your aesthetic, take a tip from Coco Chanel who said, “before leaving the house, a lady should look in the mirror and remove one accessory.” Instead of your ensemble, apply Coco’s advice to your tablescape.

IV.  As someone who throws dinner parties fairly frequently, I’m ashamed to admit that often the dishes don’t get done until the next time I have people over. Which is exactly why these paper “porcelain” plates are genius. Whether you use them for an entire multiple course meal or an impromptu picnic in the park, the plates will make your cleanup seamless. Check out BHLDN, a shop focused on all things wedding related, for other beautiful pieces.

V.  Sipping cocktails while pursuing art is one of my favorite pastimes. If you take similar pleasure, I hope you’ll join me at the de Young on November 12th for a cocktail party celebrating two current exhibitions, Royal Hawaiian Featherwork and Jewel City. The party is Hawaiian themed, which means hula dancers, a surf band, and an open rum bar. In a nod to the Jewel City exhibition, and the centennial of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, we’ve curated some amazing startups to showcase their cutting-edge technologies. Use the code tableandteaspoon for a ten percent discount on tickets.

Have a wonderful week!  xx tt