INSIDE HAMPTON MAGAZINE'S KICK-OFF SUMMER SOIREE: 7 TIPS & TRICKS FOR HOSTING THE PERFECT PARTY

Who doesn't love a good view? We were privy to a gorgeous one on Wednesday night, when we were invited to kick off the summer season with the influencers and taste-makers behind Hamptons Magazine at the opening of Salon De Ning, the rooftop bar at The Peninsula. 

Not only did I have a fantastic time, but I also learned a lot about hosting the perfect party. Now Samantha Yanks, Editor In Chief of Hamptons Magazine, is no newcomer when it comes to curating the perfect party. And that's why we couldn't help but jot down a to-DO list, for the next time we throw a soiree of our own. 

We wanted to share this list with our readers too, so that whether you're planning the perfect brunch, cocktail hour, the simplest backyard barbecue, or a grand Memorial Day bash you have exactly what you need to make your day memorable!


1. Do match your decor...(sort of): As host you can totally match your decor and theme. Take a tip from Samantha Yanks' style at this event. There was flora everywhere, and while her dress wasn't an exact match (which is good, since we're not three year's old and this isn't an Elsa and Anna themed Frozen party) no matter where she was placed at the party for a picture she was perfectly accented by her decor.

(Samantha Yanks Right)

2. Do have a theme: have a theme, but don't overkill. These flowers were the perfect accent and were placed along the bar, outdoor tables, and even matched this huge flower wall people took pictures in front of. 

3. Do serve your own signature cocktail: Contrary to some peoples' beliefs, not everything tastes good when mixed into a cocktail, but creating one of your own creations is actually not as hard as it seems. I think coming up with a clever name is the most difficult part. It is also a good idea to have the recipe printed out not only so guests know what they are drinking, but also just in case they love it so much they want to recreate it on their own!

The Great Chase

Recipe For "The Great Chase"

1 1/2 parts Chase vodka

1/2 part Elderflower Liquor

A squeeze of lemon

3 parts club soda

garnished with a lemon wedge

4. Do create fun places for people to take photographs: it's all about the IG now-a-days. A great party is measured by its hashtag, and instagram photos. 

5. Do offer plenty of seating options and places for people to mingle comfortably. 

6. Do menu plan carefully- While good food is a must, most people don't eat too much at cocktail hour, but still assume there will be something offered to eat. Nibbles, as I like to call them, are a great call. A few well-curated, easy to eat, and not too messy options that appeal to a wide variety of pallets, when passed around is a super easy option for the host. Can't afford hiring a serving service? Well,think about options you can leave out for people to pass by and pick up whenever they feel free to. 

7. Do set a start and end time-Stragglers will straggle, and it's not like some of us don't have work in the morning, or plans for the next day. It is organized and allows for you to enjoy more and stress less. 

And, finally this should go without saying, please enjoy your own party and all the hard-work it took to put it together. 

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies 

CONTINUE READING

REBUILD GLOBALLY PRESENTS IMPACT GARDEN @ MSG

Last Tuesday night, Madison Square Garden transformed into Impact Garden, a fashion sustainability and wellness event spearheaded by supermodel Heide Lindgren. The event featured the first ever yoga session on MSG’s court where supermodel and yogi Angela Lindvall lead over 100 participants, including supermodels Alina Baikova, Justine Parchment, Isabel Bianchi, Julia Nydal, Teresa Moore and more through various poses and breathing exercises. 

After yoga, Impact Garden opened its marketplace which featured 15 artisanal brands from around the world including Haiti, Kenya, Afghanistan and more and gave guests like Kelly Bensimon, Jennifer Ohlsson and Danielle Redmond the opportunity shop purchase some incredibly unique artisanal goods like Deux Main Designs sandals made from recycled tires in Haiti, fair trade alpaca sweaters, jewelry sourced from recycled bombs dropped in Laos during the Vietnam war and more. 

DJ Elle Dee kept the crowd energized while guests also had a chance to shoot on the Knicks courts with legends John Starks and Larry Johnson. 

Stay Lovely,

D.R.

Editor and Curator of 

Dusk & Rubies 

CONTINUE READING

INSIDE: THE NYBG ORCHID DINNER 2016

As one of the most anticipated evenings of the New York winter social calendar, the rain outside didn't hinder us, or anyone else with the floral ticket, from flocking from all parts of Manhattan to the oasis created inside by The New York Botanical Garden’s annual Orchid Dinner. 

When we say oasis we mean if the Garden of Eden and Mt. Olympus had a baby, then this is what their venue would like like. 

And, when we tell you it was dismal outside on Tuesday night, we mean...our umbrella broke somewhere between 42nd and 47th and we had to throw it out before making our grand entrance at the Plaza, where our shoe fell off, and we couldn't even feel it, because our toes were so cold. 

It was a miracle that hair remained straight and full-bodied. 

Anyway, we were so excited because the Orchid Dinner promises breath-taking and ornate tablescapes, dinner, dancing, and an atmosphere filled with excitement. Believe it or not the fact that we were shoulder to shoulder with Martha Stewart on the elevator ride down to the ballroom was not the reason why we arrived early, but rather most guests did to mingle, sip wine and designer cocktails, while also getting a close up view of all the orchid magic.  

Each tablescape, designed specifically for the event to showcase the beautiful varieties of orchids, was like its own private island. Coming across each table was like being transported to another world. Guests were absolutely giddy when they finally got to see which table they were sitting at. 

We even caught Martha taking a selfie with one of the arrangements, because she is clearly all about that plant life. 

Underwriters for the event included, Hearst Corporation, VERANDA, and BNY Mellon which fund-raised for the Garden’s esteemed orchid research collection. 

After dinner and dessert is when the real party began, guests of all ages danced the night away under the gilded and vaulted ceilings of the Grand Ballroom at the Plaza Hotel. We were surrounded and shrouded by the now candlelit tables and draped colorful florals. 

The entire impression? Ethereal, a secret garden in the middle of February. 

In addition, The New York Botanical Garden presents The Orchid Show: Orchidelirium from February 27 through April 17, 2016, the nation’s largest exhibition of its kind. Visitors to this year’s Orchid Show, inspired by the 19th-century craze sparked by a single orchid bloom, will be transported on an epic journey that engages all of the senses and underscores the allure and intrigue of these exquisite beauties. Filling the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory—a New York landmark—will be thousands of orchids in a stunning array of colors, sizes, shapes, and textures, highlighting the far-flung adventures of daring explorers who risked life and limb to secure these captivating and exotic flowers from danger-laden jungles around the world for determined collectors.   

For further information and to purchase tickets, please call 718.817.8774 or 

e-mail cbalkonis@nybg.org

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator 

Dusk & Rubies Blog 

CONTINUE READING

HIGH TEA AT THE RUSSIAN TEA ROOM

We won't lie, besides for our affinity for tea, the Kate Spade clip with our beloved girl Anna Kendrick totally inspired us to make a winter trip. 

First of all, what you need to know about The RTR is that during the winter season it hums magically with the chatter of those lucky enough to have a front row seat to the best people watching in Manhattan. The red and green glow, the eclectic collection of art, and of course the delicious food and warm tea make for a perfect afternoon. 

What To Order: 

Sandwiches & Blinis

Curried chicken salad with raisins and pecans

Shrimp salad with rémoulade

Smoked Scottish salmon with chive cream cheese and cucumber

Artichoke with red pepper, sun-dried tomato and goat cheese

Smoked ham and turkey with truffle croque monsieur

Sandwiches & Blinis 

NY smoked sturgeon with dill and sour cream

Roquefort bleu cheese and pear with walnuts

A tasting of two American caviars on blinis

DESSERT

Assorted seasonal scones, cupcakes and petits fours

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad 
Marinated grilled chicken a top traditional Cobb salad.

Rooibos Chai
South African red bush with Indian spices

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies Blog 

CONTINUE READING

OUR INTERVIEW WITH: EVA BAI AND AVA BAI OF VALE JEWELRY

It's gift giving season! And to help make our decisions easier on what to get for who, we spoke with Eva Bai and Ava Bai, twin sisters, entrepreneurs, and the design masterminds behind the successful Vale Jewelry. 

We are completely obsessed , scratch that, addicted to their pieces! Because we keep going back for more to add to our growing collection, we decided to bring them in for a little interview where we asked them about their favorite pieces and for some quick and easy styling tips. 

Not only have Eva Bai and Ava Bai's jewelry designs been featured on fashion websites like Refinery 29, Vanity Fair and Lucky Magazine, but also Vale Jewelry has been spotted on celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Lena Dunham and models like Miranda Kerr. (They are basically a walking, talking girl power tale of epic proportions, and we love that.)

Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE?

E&A Bai: Well we, it was very difficult finding affordable fine jewelry, so we wanted to create a line that was very accessibly priced, but also what we call "stuck in skin" jewelry so pieces you can put on and never take off. 

Q: THEY ARE VERY BEAUTIFUL. AND YOU'RE COMPLETELY RIGHT ABOUT THE FEEL OF YOUR JEWELRY. I BASICALLY WEAR MY EARRINGS EVERYDAY. WE WERE TALKING BEFORE, AND YOU SAID YOU LIKE TO PAIR THE IDEA OF MODERNITY WITH ROMANCE, IS THAT HOW YOU WOULD DESCRIBE YOUR PIECES?

E&A Bai: I would say they are very minimal, I guess, and modern. Most importantly they are easy to wear. 

(Earrings we wear almost everyday: middle row third pair from the left.)

Q: HOW WOULD YOU PAIR THESE PIECES IN THE WINTER VERSUS THE SUMMER?

E&A Bai: Well you can create a desired effect depending on how many pieces you wear, depending on if you want to have a strong look. Maybe in the summer you'll want to wear only one or two pieces. But, during the winter I would layer on longer necklaces over the heavier sweaters and knits. 

Q: AND, THEN IF YOU WANTED TO WEAR JUST ONE PIECE, A GREAT GIFT ITEM THAT CAN GO WITH JUST ABOUT ANYTHING FROM YOUR TEE AND JEANS TO A NIGHT OUT, WHICH ONE PIECE WOULD YOU SUGGEST? 

E&A Bai: My favorite piece is this one, and it is one of our signature pieces, a large square, plain necklace. 

(Signature necklace referred to is top right)

Q: Thank you so much! 

E&A Bai: No problem! Thank you so much!

To shop the pieces you see above visit: HERE

Follow Vale Jewelry on Insta @valejewelry to stay up to date on all things Vale and to find out when they will be doing a pop up capsule collection at Chelsea Market!

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies Blog 

CONTINUE READING

5 UNCONVENTIONAL DATE IDEAS TO REVIVE DATE NIGHT!

Date night. 

Whether you're single, or have been with the same guy forever sometimes date night grows a bit stale. We get it. When you've been with the same guy forever, there becomes less and less firsts. And, even if your single and ready to mingle there is only so many times you can meet up for drinks, or dinner plans. 

When your date night feels more like Groundhog's Day despite the new guy sitting across from you, or every date blurs into the next, then we know we truly have a problem. Well, here at Dusk & Rubies we like to provide solutions. 

So, here is our list of 5 unconventional, outlandish and honestly speaking, bizarre, date ideas that promise to at least shake things up and help you and your special someone create some memorable moments.

Sometimes you have to just do it for the story.

1. Petanque in the Park

So you're not the best petanque player (similar to bocce), that's okay! Bryant Park offers a multitude of free games other than petanque. So head on over to Bryant Park for a date I like to call "Best Out Of 3". I don't know what it is about the idea of facing off a quasi-stranger over a game of Connect Four, but just thinking about it gets my heart pulsing. Challenge your date to a best of three match-up. Bonding over competitive sports, and playing games is one of the easiest and enjoyable date plans you could make. Plus you could always raise the stakes and let the winner choose their prize. 

Come winter time, Bryant Park's Winter Village is set up, which offers ice skating, heated shopping, dining on the rink, or sitting by the firepit at Southwest Porch

Byrant Park currently offers: Kubbs, putting, backgammon, chess, and the game cart. See more: HERE

For more information on Bryant Park's Winter Village click: HERE

2. Blowtorch Some Marshmallows

There's nothing that says 'I trust you' more than allowing someone to not only hold a blowtorch close to you, but to more importantly choose the correct flavored marshmallow for your s'mores treat. 

To see what else the Todd English Food Hall has to offer visit: HERE

3. Stop & Smell The Roses

Sometimes we learn more about people through unconventional methods. This next date idea is more just a stop on the way to something else that can turn into twenty minutes of real talk (well real scent) if you'll let it. For this next date idea you're going to have to have a nothing to lose mentality. Ready? Step inside Frederic Malle in either of his two locations and get lost in a world created by some of the most talented Noses. Now, you may think this could get too irritating too fast, but this is not the case with Frederic Malle. At Frederic Malle they have what is called a perfume smelling booth where the fragrance is sprayed into. Someone on hand will first let it sit for a few seconds, then let you smell the scent untainted within the smelling booth. What is really intriguing about scent is that all scents can evoke a memory. Take your someone to the smelling booth and be transported to different memories that you can share. Also, finding out what he or she likes scent-wise can be a smart move.

For more information visit: HERE

4. But First, Coffee.

Sometimes investing all that time and energy it takes to get ready for a dinner date is not appealing, and all we want to do is something casual and easy. Sometimes we want to make sure the date we put our nighttime plans on hold for is actually worth it, and sometimes we don't want to even take the chance on missing a good night with our homies (we can't help the fact that we just re-watched Clueless for the umpteenth time). So, what can we do to not seem like a total flake? We plan a day-date. One of our favorite day date ideas is going coffee tasting around 2 PM, when we start to hit that afternoon wall. Stop by Stumptown Coffee Roasters who amazingly enough host a coffee tasting everyday at 2 PM. See coffee fairies are real. Then, after choosing your perfect Cup of Joe, hang out at the espresso bar, chat and relax. 

5.  See How The Other Half...Lived

If you're a bit of a history nerd, love New York, or just have an affinity for anything vintage, then a great date for you would be to visit Gracie Mansion. A house (err mansion) built in 1977, by a wealthy merchant named Archibald Gracie. I know what a lot of you are thinking, and no, there is no relation to the fictional character Nate Archibald from Gossip Girl, even though we secretly wish there were. This historical landmark just reopened and public tours will resume after November 10th. To request an available date and time for your tour click: HERE. 

The limit is two tickets per person, which is perfect if you want to make this just a one on one or a double date. 

Stay Lovely,

D.R.

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies Blog 

CONTINUE READING