Setting a Pattern

To stand out in all areas of styling, the golden rule is to think outside of the box. A simple way to add some life to any area of styling, whether it’s your wardrobe, house décor, or photo shoot, is to add in boisterous pattern. The human eye is quick to judge, and is intrigued by bold or contrasting patterns. So throw out the old-fashion and boring rule that styling must have only one strong pattern. Be bold! Add opposing stripe patterns to your bedspread, let your kids dress themselves for the family photo shoot, or wear a shirt with energetic polka dot for fall. A dominant and colorful pattern will provide that unique flair you need! Photography- In a photo shoot, an interesting artistic element is often the unexpected. A sure way to avoid an average photo is to add strong pattern. When adding the pattern to a shoot, it can be robustly contrasting with two different colored and pattern designs.  On the contrary, adding a soft pattern or several similar patterns creates character in the photo.

Remember to contrast patterns as well as textures. Any varying textures are easily seen in a photo and create a new pattern in itself.

Outfits- With the new Autumn season coming up, now is the perfect time to take advantage of wearing fun patterns and textures. Try large and small plaid skirts, animal prints and sheer tights with a design.  A new and distinct trend is to mix bold colors and patterns.

I think we could all take some fashion advice from children, who more often than not have the most interesting and fun outfits, and how to really play with patterns!

Events and Entertaining- Pattern can be created in unexpected ways at your events. From arranging the wine varietals and martini selections at your event, to carefully aligning each wedding program, bouquets or delicious truffle in very distinct way.  The symphony of lines and colors creates visual harmony for your guests.

Photography: Canary grey photography, Kelly Anderson photography, a.m. photography

Scotch Night: Entertaining with a Masculine Twist

Every few months my husband and 50-75 guys get together for 'Scotch Night.' It began 6 years ago when he and two of his close buddies decided that they were tired of the 2-for-1 Busch Light Draft special, and while there were plenty of places in the Twin Cities to get a Red Bull vodka, there were surprisingly few places to sip decent scotch. When I first heard about this gathering, it seemed very mysterious to me. Did they all wear ascots, smoke cigars and sit in overstuffed leather chairs while discussing politics all night?  Now I realize that what I had initially thought might be quite pretentious and boring was actually a cool idea!

Attendees are encouraged to bring a bottle of their favorite scotch, which is placed on a table for anyone to sample – and there is a WIDE variety of scotches for them to sample (there are just shy of 100 bottles at each event).  The guys mill around, discussing scotch, sports and (so I’m told) how much they love their wives.  They graze on snacks  and make new friends before their designated driver or cab comes to pick them up.  When they leave, they either take their bottle home or leave it to be transported to the next scotch night. It’s really a great night for them and the group of 'Scotch Night' attendees continues to grow as everyone is encouraged to extend the invitation (no knowledge of or refined palate for Scotch is required).

The last gathering was at Casa de Sandok so I added my hostess touch (before I was kicked out of the house). Here are a few of the photos:

And what sort of dessert was served? Chocolate Scotch Whisky Cake!

The flowers in the Scotch bottles weren't exactly screaming masculinity but hey, I thought it was a cute addition (and they were in my house)! Cheers.