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

I.  Constantly on the look-out for inventive ways to entertain, I was thrilled to come across this table design.  If you’ve followed my blog, you’re familiar with my obsession with black and white - so this cloth paired with gold flatware is my idea of heaven on earth.  What I particularly love about the setup is the black balloon with gold lettering attached to the centerpieces.  All that you need to add instant personalization to your event are a few helium balloons (most grocery stores carry them in the floral department for around a dollar per piece) and a gold Sharpie.  So chic.

II.  Confession: I’ve carried the same Louis Vuitton Babylon handbag since 2006.  After many attempts at resuscitation, I’ve finally resolved myself to parting with my old friend.  Carrying a gigantic (some of my friends might say monstrous) bag meant that I had room for everything from full bottles of wine (perfect for sneaking into movies) to my laptop.  Downsizing to a black quilted Marc Jacobs meant losing a lot of things - including my clutch-size wallet.  After researching the options, I fell in love with this Alexander McQueen card case.  It fits my credit card, driver’s license, health insurance, and Costco card - plus there’s a space in the middle for cash.  If you happen to be looking for something similar, here are a few of my favorites: (1) Tory Burch Card Case; (2) J. Crew Magic Wallet; (3) Louis Vuitton Pocket Organiser; (4) Chanel Crumpled Studded Cardholder; and (5) Rebecca Minkoff Dex Cardholder.

III.  Last night, a friend stopped by for dinner unexpectedly, which meant that I had to prepare something delicious in a hurry.  When I first concocted my beer-braised shredded chicken recipe, I made it weekly.  As months passed, and newer recipes entered rotation, I forgot about the chicken - and also how easy it is to make.  Luckily, I had all of the ingredients on-hand, and whipped up tacos for my guest in less than an hour.  If you’ve yet to try this dish, I highly recommend it.  The only ingredients you need are two chicken breasts, a jar of salsa, and a bottle of beer.  Seriously.  Do it!!

IV.  What’s better than watching the Blue Angels?  Watching the Blue Angels on a boat.  With live music.  And cocktails.  In the name of charity.  Skip your plans to roof-hop this weekend, and grab a ticket to the Blue Angels Boat Party on October 11th, benefiting The Guardsmen.  With the weather set to perfection, you won’t regret the chance to get out on the Bay during the most exciting event of the year.

V.  While perusing Instagram over the weekend, I came across a photo that a friend posted of her house warming party.  I was instantly obsessed with her Make Your Own Moscow Mule Bar. Recreate at your next party with: lime juice, vodka, and ginger beer; red + white paper straws; mason jars (or copper mugs if you’re extra fancy); and a standing chalkboard.

Have a wonderful week!  xx tt