Boutique Occasions Launch

Early in the spring, my dear friend Jenny approached me with the idea to start an event styling company. Both of us being long-time party planners for friends and family and lovers of great celebrations started to dream big. Our aim was to create a company that allowed us to share our love of vintage and heirloom styled parties with others--  handling all the details of an event, from custom invitations to set-up, decor, catering, music, photo booths, themed favors, tear-down and everything in between. And so, Boutique Occasions-- Making Your Celebration a Sensation was born.

There is truly no one I'd rather be partnering with in this venture. What talents I bring to the table with design, Jenny more than doubles in her effortlesss hosting and styling. Sometimes we laugh at just how in-sync we are on all the details of an event.

After much prayer and planning, we are officially open for business and excited to see where things go! This past weekend was our launch party-- replete with yummy chili, supportive friends, toasty marshmallows and amazing fall weather.

Check out our website here if you are interested in having us host your next event in and around the Metro-Atlanta area. We specialize in, but are not limited to, child and adult birthdays, baby showers, bridal showers, mitzvahs, christenings/dedications, graduations, mixers, weddings and more.

Jell-O, nice to meet you... Again!

When did Jell-O fall out of good graces in American society? One of my favorite desserts is still Green Jello-O Salad (made with pineapple and cottage cheese), or as my Swedish grandma calls it in her thick accent "Green Yellow Salad." What is more nostalgic, colorful, and fun than this congealed treat? My prediction? It's the new "cupcake."

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I think this quote from Victorian Bellanger (The Jello Mold Mistress of Brooklyn), writing for the Kitchn, sheds some light on it's past, present, and future:

"Once celebrated as "America’s Most Famous Dessert", Jell-O has fallen from favor since its heyday in the 1950's. This often misunderstood treat was once the medium of the creative post-war housewife to make inventive meals and desserts, but it has since been relegated to ranks of hospital food and fraternity party Jell-O shots. However it need not be this way."

That's what I'm talking about! Did you know that there are entire Jell-O Mold Contests? Check out this video. The artistry is amazing:

The Feedbag goes to the Jell-o Mold Competition from The Feedbag on Vimeo.

So, you can see that it's not only tasty, but also graphically interesting and fun. Here are a few recipes along with some vintage and modern jello paraphernalia:

Champagne Tangerine Jello Recipe

Jello Assortment Bib by Etsy seller gnorasaurus, $10

 

Vintage Lamb Gelatin Mold from Etsy seller goodlookintreasures, $10

A few weeks ago, I featured Etsy artist MrsLoaf's print to highlight the doilies, but it's quite fitting

to bring this lovely piece back for an encore.

Applesauce Raspberry Gelatin Mold Recipe

Vintage 1950's Turquoise Jello Ring from Etsy seller pinksaguaro, $18

Upcycled Recycled Jello-O Mold Light by Etsy seller bootsngus, $35

JELLO Magnets by Etsy seller pinksweetie, $8

 

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Small Heart Jello Molds from Etsy seller Txalteredart2, $2.50

Apricot Cream Jell-O Recipe

Patriotic Pretty

I have just made my 200th sale in Mostaza Seed's Etsy shop with 100% positive feedback. Woohoo! I'm thrilled about reaching this milestone!

In other news, Fourth of July is just around the corner. I'm dreaming of strawberry rhubarb pie and blueberry pie, and well... any flavor of pie I suppose:) Back to rhubarb, I want to plant some in my garden, but wondering if now is a good time to do so. Maybe it's too late for this year or maybe it doesn't do well in these parts (I live in Georgia and it has been summerlike for almost three months now). I'll have to do some research. If you have any advice, I'd greatly appreciate it.

I'd like to share some of the festive shots and items that have me craving pie, of course:)

Vintage 4th of July Napkin Holder, DIY here.

Raspberry-Rhubarb Pie, recipe here.

Perfect overnight bag for the 4th weekend from J.Crew, $36.50

Corn on the Cob Cupcakes from the book Hello Cupcake! How clever and cute!

A great DIY bottle toss game! source

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Vintage Red Imperial Mark XII Camera from Etsy seller backpedalvintage, $38

Quick Cheese Fondue recipe and 14 more

yummy appetizers from Sunset. My mouth is watering!

  

Spring Bag by Etsy seller loveanddream, $30

Constellation Prize Dress from ModCloth, $64.99

For the guestroom! Vintage Chenille Bedspread from Etsy seller 2nuttygirlz, $75

Champion Jute Linnen Sneakers by Keds, $45

Check out this sweet DIY to make festive pinwheels.

 

Cheap and utilitarian 5 Gallon Galvanized Drink Bucket, $14

Vintage Plastic BBQ Apron from Etsy seller goodandplenty, $6.50

Love the colorful mix of paper lanterns. No need to be matchy-matchy! source

 

Vintage Little Croquet Set from Etsy seller accessoryaddiction, $32