Pepper Design Blog

Delicious Recipe: Savoy Cabbage Pasta

September 28, 2009

Our group of friends love to eat — we love to sit around a big table with plenty of wine and delicious food, and well, enjoy. More and more often we find reasons to get together for appetizers on this night, a dinner party on that night… a BBQ for the weekend. It’s wonderful! After all, it’s these little gatherings that make us laugh, appreciate, and more often than not, pull us through the more difficult and drab moments of the week.

I would classify my husband and I as being more on the random, led-by-our-tastebuds team of cooks (as opposed to the follow-the-recipe sort) and we have learned over the years how to kick out a mean pasta for such impromptu visits. I used to put all pastas in the same little file in my mind: the pasta + red sauce + ground beef (ehhh) file, that I refused to touch. But a few years ago I became ‘enlightened’ to the fabulous world of well-done Italian. AND it’s quick, cheap (at least cheaper than the lamb we made the other night) and if done right, Molto Bene!

So when I came across Sweet Paul, I found this Savoy Cabbage Pasta recipe to be very similar to something we would whip up for a quick meal with friends. If braised leeks, roasted beets and wilted bok choy don’t ring a pasta bell for you — cabbage is an excellent place to start! Oh, and don’t forget the wine. Read more »

Tags: Dinner, Italian, Parties & Entertaining, Recipes
Posted in Parties & Entertaining, Recipes | 1 Comment »

Friday Guest Blog Interview: The Lollipop Girls!

September 25, 2009

These girls are fabulously innovative with that {effortlessly glam} appeal that keeps you coming back for more great ideas. Their company, Lollipop Events & Designs, offers delightfully original decor solutions and their blog is fantastic!

I love the way that subtle nuances of everyday inspiration — such as the typography of a vintage poster or the bold patterns of fashion week — leave a tangible impact on their beautifully styled events (more on that in the interview). While you can just imagine the work and talent that lies behind the prep and creation of each of their celebrations, each and every one comes off as blissfully uncomplicated and fantastically chic. Their inspiration is accessible to the everyday designer, and that’s why they make an excellent addition to the Friday blog series!

Lollipop 3

“We transform fanciful ideas into original, fresh and innovative design concepts. We fold in custom illustrations, handmade décor, high-fashion fabrics and imaginative floral designs.” Oh need I say more? {swoon} Follow the link to read the interview and for excellent eye-candy. Read more »

Tags: Baby Shower, Birthday, Bridal Shower, By Color, Decorating, Desserts, DIY, Guest Blog, Guest Interview, Parties & Entertaining, Wedding
Posted in Guest Blog, Interview, Parties & Entertaining | 10 Comments »

Autumn is Here… Bring on the Party

September 24, 2009

I can’t believe it’s already FALL! How did that happen so quickly?! I’m excited for cozy sweaters, hot cocoa and my leather riding boots (LOVE fall fashion)… but I can think of one more reason to get giddy! Fall parties! A great way to announce the new season is by centering your next get-together around an Autumn theme. I’m resurrecting Hostess with the Mostess’s Fall Party post from last November’s Real Parties series to bring you these beautiful DIY tablescapes and decorations. And because when Jenn originally shared over at HWTM, I loved it TOO much!

Courtney Toney of Joyful Weddings & Events shared these amazing pictures and crafty ideas with HWTM: “My husband and I decided to start the tradition of throwing a party on the first day of each new season. We love the change that the start of a new season brings: the freshness, the excitement, the inspiration!”