Atlas of Amy Atlas Events, is a New York event planner who has gained renown as the designer of stylish dessert bars. Her creations have enamored the blog world and have caught the eye of all of the top pros including Martha Stewart who featured Amy’s creations on her TV show The Art of Cakes 2.

New York City events have recently seen the addition of a sweet new trend; weddings, showers, children’s parties and christenings adorned with decadent buffets of macaroons, rock candy, cupcakes, truffles, candy apples and other sinful delights.

Imagine every “to die for” treat your diet does not allow arranged artfully amidst ornate blooms on bright, luxurious linens. Sure everyone has seen a ”candy bar” at a wedding before, but event planner Amy Atlas has taken this old standby and turned it into a sugary art form, making it a highly sought after new trend du jour.

“Do you ever think that nice guys finish last so they’re just in time for dessert? One lingering look at an Amy Atlas dessert bar might have you slowing your roll.

The uptown gal known as “the dessert table designer” around the blogosphere develops custom ideas for everyone’s favorite dinner course.

From all-white wedding displays to nostalgic birthday candy bars to corporate party novelties, Atlas sources monochromatic goods from the best purveyors of petits fours, cookies, macarons, and more, then adds thematic backdrops, flowers, cake tiers, canisters, and candy jars.

Sugar, spice, and everything nice is color coordinated and labeled and displayed with an eye so meticulous that even your most anal guests will applaud.

If you’re not planning a blowout, you should still check out pictures of her work — if only for inspiration (and drooling).” * From Dailycandy.com

White Wedding Dessert Bar

From Instyle Weddings

Mod Dessert Table

From Blush Event Blog

We designed this modern dessert table for a company event.  A graphic cake, custom yellow and black chocolates, licorice mints, lemon cupcakes and brilliant, yellow gerber daisies created a modern, but formal touch to the table.

From Bridal Tees

Amy Atlas’ Sweet Sources

Bulk candy

Candy Warehouse

www.candywarehouse.com

Retro candy

Sugar Stand

www.sugarstand.com

Fun lollipops

Hammond’s Candies

www.hammondscandies.com

Vintage candy

Candy Attic

www.candyattic.com

Southern candy

A Southern Season

www.southernseason.com

Natural candy

Natural Candy Store

www.naturalcandystore.com

Macarons

Mad Mac

www.madmacnyc.com

Brownie lollipops

Browniepops

www.browniepops.com

Amy Atlas’ Inspiration Websites:

Bakerella

www.bakerella.com

Cannelle et Vanille

www.cannelle-vanille.blogspot.com

Dessert First

www.dessertfirst.typepad.com

Kuidaore

www.brandoesq.blogspot.com

Hostess With the Mostess

I love this blog too!

www.hostessblog.com

Rebecca Thuss

www.rebeccathuss.com

IDIY

www.i-do-it-y

Also, shout out to Amy’s blog!

Thanks for reading!

]]> http://bombshelleventplanner.wordpress.com/2009/10/04/bombshell-party-inspiration-amy-atlas/feed/ 0 Brunette Bombshell amy atlas decor82 WSGIssue11P108-109HR InStyle 2009 ModDessertTableBoard mod2 WSGIssue11P112HR 6a00d8357c6b5b69e2010534b2992e970b-500wi http://bombshelleventplanner.wordpress.com/2009/09/26/gossip-girl-party-viewing-premiere-party/ http://bombshelleventplanner.wordpress.com/2009/09/26/gossip-girl-party-viewing-premiere-party/#comments Sat, 26 Sep 2009 00:08:00 +0000 Brunette Bombshell http://bombshelleventplanner.wordpress.com/?p=142 ]]> Here are my pics from my Gossip Girl Viewing Party!

~Menu~

• Serena’s Truffled Grilled Cheese

• Blair’s Waldorf Salad

• XOXO Funfetti Cupcakes

~Drinks~

• Sofia Sparkling Wine

Sofia Mini Blanc de Blancs from Francis Ford Coppola’s Winery
For a multitude of moods and “just because” occasions, Sofia Mini is a single—serving of our effervescent Blanc de Blancs. Zesty, refreshing, cool and fun, each dazzling pink can comes with its own straw for sipping, so you can take it anywhere—anytime you feel like sparkling.

• Shirley Temples

A couple of shirley temples with a side of gossip courtesy of Us Weekly

~Decor~

• Lots of Candles: Pinks, Fuchsia, Purple, and White

• Faux Pearl Chandelier

• XOXO banner

Ariel: Co-Hostess With the Mostess

Hot Party Accessory: A Cute Headband!

My fuchsia headband / courtesy of Forever 21

Thanks for checking out my pictures! More party ideas, favorite websites, and bombshell inspiration to come….

Gossip Girl is my guiltiest of pleasures and it also provides an endless source of party bash inspiration.

Last year, I attended a Gossip Girl finale party at Mantra in Boston. There weren’t many people, but the mellow lighting and (free/delish) drinks more than made up for it.

*”Gossip Girl” devotees hoofed it to Mantra to watch the show’s season finale and sip themed Svedka vodka cocktails, including the saucy “Frenemies Forever” and “Future Ex.” Fans were encouraged to wear school uniforms, headbands, ascots, and crested blazers as they watched Chuck and Blair’s nasty antics. Cheers to guilty pleasures.” -*From Boston.com

Boston’s Mantra in Gossip Girl Finale mode

The show was projected on screens that were displayed all over the lounge.

~Potential Themes for a Viewing Party~

• Preppy Garden Party
• Cocktail Hour
• Borrow from a Valentine’s Day theme: Incorporate XOXO into the decorations

• Justin Timberlake’s restaurant “Southern Hospitality” threw a Season 3 premiere party:

“Schools in session, and we are ready for some gossip.  Join us for the Season 3 premiere of Gossip Girl.  Come decked out in Gossip Girl style: blazers, headbands, anything purple, a sweater only Vanessa would wear.  Impress us with your best Beta-Bass or Serena and win our Character Lookalike contest.  Drink & food specials all night.”

• Gossip Girl trivia and Character Lookalike contests with appetizers, drinks & gear as prizes
• Award for Best Headband
• Free shot for anyone with a Brooklyn drivers license

~Tablescape~

• Social Couture has a great preppy theme:

• Framed Gossip Girl quotes with corresponding pictures

IKEA has some cheap, classic frames that you can use and switch out the pictures depending on the theme.

~Menu~

• Fancy cocktail hour with finger food, caviar, fancy tea sandwiches
• Think rich people food!

Here are some other great Gossip Girl menu ideas

• In Season One, Serena went crazy over the Palace’s grilled cheese with truffles.

Chuck feeds a drunk Serena a grilled cheese sandwich from his hotel’s kitchen.

“Not your ordinary grilled cheese — it’s actually on the New York Palace Hotel‘s restaurant menu — this sandwich costs $50. So what makes it so divinely delicious and extra expensive? Thick-cut bakerybread, imported Italian Fontina cheese, and fresh shaved black truffles.”

Gossip Girl’s Grilled Cheese Sandwich
From Christopher Lee

8 slices of fresh baked white bread (look for a local bakery)
16 slices of fontina cheese
2 tbsp sweet butter
2 oz fresh shaved black winter truffles
salt and pepper, to taste

1. Layer 2 slices of fontina cheese between 2 slices of white bread and shave a couple of slices of truffles in the middle of each sandwich; do the same for all four sandwiches.
2. Heat a large fry pan over medium heat and add the butter.
3. When the butter melts, add the sandwiches and cook until the bread is nice and toasted.
4. Remove and slice sandwiches in half and place into four plates.

Makes 4 sandwiches.

• Serve something kitschy like Waldorf salad in honor of former Queen Bee Blair.

~Drinks~

• Martinis

They are always drinking them. Whether Blair is nursing one during one of her dethroned times or Serena is swigging hers when she’s doing her bad/party girl routine, they are an essential item in this show’s repertoire.

• Shirley Temples

Because they are cute, appropriate, and what I imagine underage upper east sider Queen Bees should be sipping on. Extra cherries please!

• Specialty Cocktail like XOXO shots, Blairtinis, Upper East Sliders

Party Favors

• Headbands
  

Silk bow headband by Susan Daniels, $56; buy online now at winknyc.com.

I’m still undecided  on who reigns supreme as the #1 Bombshell Party Planner: Lily Bass or Blair Waldorf? Both throw some very decadent parties on the show.

Lily Bass: The ultimate Park Avenue hostess.

Blair Waldorf hosts brunch – decadent spread (always) included.

Needless to say, there is a plethora of party and more importantly, party theme inspiration from the show.

Next post, I’ll show you my pictures from my own Gossip Girl Premiere Party. Stay Tuned. (I can’t resist!) xoxo

Lots of romantic, vampy mood lighting. I used all different kinds of red and white candles.

In this picture, I filled red (food dye) water into a vase with floating votive candles

I placed some of the candles on top of a mirror. Mirrors always enhance a tablescape!

~Menu~

Chocolate Covered Strawberries and lots of them

(You could also dip them in chocolate and them drizzle them with white chocolate and add some red food coloring)

Bridget proves the perfect bombshell co-hostess with her chocolate covered strawberries.

Cupcakes with Fake Blood

An easy, delicious fake blood recipe

Great for decorating cupcakes or when you’re trying to gross someone out

Ingredients:

• Chocolate powder

• Corn Starch

• Red food coloring

Directions

Mix chocolate powder, corn starch, and a little cold water together. Stir until smooth. Add a generous amount of red food coloring. Stir again. Then top off with boiling hot water to enhance the texture.

Splatter it around for a gory, delicious mess. Feel free to spill it all over you because it just tastes chocolaty!

~Drinks~

Strawberry Margaritas

Ingredients

• 2 cups crushed ice
• 1/2 cup strawberry puree (frozen can or fresh strawberries, pureed)
• 1 cup tequila
• 2 limes, juiced
• Splash Triple Sec
• Splash simple syrup (equal amounts sugar and water heated until sugar dissolves, then cooled)
• Red food dye (for that bloody vampire look)

Directions

Combine in a blender, ice, strawberry water, tequila, lime juice, Triple Sec and simple syrup. Add red food dye mid-way. Puree until smooth. Pour into rocks glasses and serve.

• Shirley Temples

No recipe required (Grenadine, soda, and maraschino cherries).

I prefer Sprite other Ginger Ale, but always, always, extra cherries. What can I say? I’m a Bombshell, I love excess.

Dripping Blood

The “blood rim” is made from the same kind of mixture as you’d use to make hard candy. It’s actually pretty easy, but you will need a candy thermometer (which you can find at most grocery stores).

Ingredients:
1 c. Sugar
1/2 c. Karo Syrup
1/2 c. Water
Red Food Coloring
Cinnamon (optional)

Directions:
Combine sugar, syrup and water. Cook without stirring to hard crack stage – which is 300 degrees F. Add food coloring. (Optional: Cinnamon may be added for flavor.)

Turn off heat. While the mixture is still hot, dunk the top of the cocktail glass into the mixture to create the red rim. If you need to do several glasses, keep the mixture hot so it lasts longer (instead of turning heat off, just reduce slightly).You can go anywhere from just along the very tip of the rim to part way down the glass – whichever you prefer. Flip the glass right side up to cool. The thick consistency of the mixture will cause “drips” as it hardens on the glass!

~Some more party ideas~    

 *Courtesy of Hostess With the Mostess

• Create napkin rings from glow in the dark plastic fangs… and have more sets of fangs available for photo ops!

• Drizzle bowls of popcorn with butter that’s been colored red.

• Set up a creative, themed black & red candy buffet…mixed in with “bloody” candy accents and clever details from the movie.

Must have accessory of the season!?

~Plastic Fangs~

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for my inspiration for a Gossip Girl Premiere Party. Monday was phenomenal with my Serena and Blair inspired dinner party. xoxoxo

I wanted to post about the potential inspiration drawn from the series. I decided to go for the obvious ghoulish, red, bloody theme for a True Blood Party.

However, I could have always done something campy and unique like a maenad inspired, Dionysian feast. Inspired by the mysterious mischief-maker Maryann who throws one raging party.  Back when we first met the beautiful Mary Ann, we knew she was up to something but we didn’t realize it was no good. She lived in a palatial home with a spectacular pool, she was always chopping up exotic fruit and she rolled a mean joint. She took in Tara and Eggs, saying that she was just trying to help get them back up on their feet, but soon she began throwing raging parties with orgiastic results.

Very evil, but sexy Greek God worshipper Maryann

Maryann whips customers in Merlotte’s bar into a writhing, dancing froth.

“Greek Mythology defines Maenads as the female followers of Dionysus.  A literal translation of the name means “raving ones” In Wikipedia the Maenads are said to be inspired by Dionysus “into a state of ecstatic frenzy, through a combination of dancing and drunken intoxication. In this state, they would lose all self control, begin shouting excitedly, engage in uncontrolled sexual behavior, and ritualistically hunt down and tear animals (and sometimes men and children) to pieces, devouring the raw flesh.”

Maryann’s Dance: Get inspired

The menu would be tons of booze and lots of exotic fruit…

But I digress, big time! I promise to come up with a theme inspired by Maryann some other time. The pressing question is how do you have a classy Vampire-inspired viewing party?

I was inspired by this blog’s take on a Twilight theme party. I’m personally not a fan of the books, but I was taken with their romantic theme and featuring candle light as one of the focal points of their tablescape. As any Bombshell knows, mood lighting is key.

Again, not a huge fan of the books, but gotta love the sexy red theme.

Candles as the focal point

I’d probably go for red, white, and a couple of black candles thrown in.

You could make “blood drip candles” by drizzling melted was from a red candle on top of a white taper candle, then displaying them in cool candelabras.

Playing on the red theme, check out this tablescape* from Social Couture:

*A tablescape is the overall look of your table, and the area around the table. It includes the table centerpiece , the place settings, napkins, decorations, chairs, and anything else used to set the mood of the table. The tablescape can set the tone for the whole party, or gathering.

Now what to serve at a True Blood party? You could always get inspired by Merlottes and flip some Lafayette-inspired burgers and serve some of Sam Merlotte’s special chili.

But what about a romantic True Blood party? Let’s stick with the theme of red, finger food, and most importantly, drinks, and lots of them.

~Menu~

• Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

• Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

• “Cherry Gore”

Courtesy of the True Blood Wiki page

-Get ample Pitted cherries ( figure 1 cup per expected guest)
-Pit them
-Run through a food processor or blender until just chapped and mangled
-Get a baking tray (like for brownies or sheet cake)
- Spread cherry mash out in tray
- Put in freezer (not long enough to freeze them HARD – Just STIFFEN)
- Put in glasses and serve w/ spoon

This is also good with a variety of alcohol, ice cream, yogurt, etc. Its icy and it looks like bloody vampire viscera.

• Chocolate fondue / Chocolate fountain

Featuring white chocolate that’s been dyed red to look like blood, of course!

Just add red food dye to the white chocolate!

• Red Velvet Cupcakes that look like they’ve been splattered with blood

Just like these fabulous creations from Retro Bakery in Las Vegas

~Drinks~

• Vampire Kiss Martini

1 part vodka (chilled), 1 part champagne, 1 part Chambord

Pour vodka, then top off with Champagne.

Finish up with the “blood”:  pour some of the Chambord

over the back of a spoon to make it float

White candles, dripped red melted candels on top

• Pina Gouhlada

A frothy drink is tempting enough, but one served in a red-rimmed glass is particularly enticing to monsters who drink blood. Corn syrup with food coloring tinges the classic pina colada with a devilish sweetness. Dip the rim of each glass into the red mixture, spinning slowly to coat. Turn glasses upright; the red liquid will drip slightly, then set. Pour drinks, and serve. Drinkers’ lips may be stained pink — much like those of a sated vampire.

• Strawberry Margaritas (throw in some extra red food dye)

• Blood Thirsty Marys

How to make a bloody rim for all of your seductive drinks:

From Hostess With The Mostess Blog

The “blood rim” is made from the same kind of mixture as you’d use to make hard candy. It’s actually pretty easy, but you will need a candy thermometer (which you can find at most grocery stores).

Ingredients:
1 c. Sugar
1/2 c. Karo Syrup
1/2 c. Water
Red Food Coloring
Cinnamon (optional)

Directions:
Combine sugar, syrup and water. Cook without stirring to hard crack stage – which is 300 degrees F. Add food coloring. (Optional: Cinnamon may be added for flavor.)

Turn off heat. While the mixture is still hot, dunk the top of the cocktail glass into the mixture to create the red rim. If you need to do several glasses, keep the mixture hot so it lasts longer (instead of turning heat off, just reduce slightly).You can go anywhere from just along the very tip of the rim to part way down the glass – whichever you prefer. Flip the glass right side up to cool. The thick consistency of the mixture will cause “drips” as it hardens on the glass!

~Non-alcoholic Drinks~

• Blood-Red Hot Chocolate
  

Those who want to sink their teeth into blood-red drinks will enjoy cups of hot chocolate, tinged scarlet with food coloring.

• Shirley Temples

~Party Invites and Favors~

The True Blood Wiki has posted some awesome pdf’d party invites and labels to create your own True Blood bottles.

Print them out and stick them on Sobe or Jones Soda bottles.

For more inspiration, please check out this fantastic True Blood-inspired Birthday Party!!!

I promise to post more inspiration and my own True Blood finale party pics tomorrow. Stay tuned….

Excuses to throw a lingerie/pajama party:

Courtesy of Shabby Chic Style blog: Romantic Tablescapes

She sprinkled some little plastic hearts from a craft store, pink caramel kisses, a strand of pearls and a few rose votives. She put it on top of mirror (genius!) along with a vase full of supermarket (no need to break the bank!) roses.

Tabletops: Make a cozy dining space around the coffee table, set up extra seating , including floor pillows, if necessary. Decorate with rose-filled glass bowls (Float roses in glass or silver pedestal bowls) , masses of rose-colored votives, and red and fuchsia hanging lanterns. Scatter roses or orchid blossoms and votive lights around bowls. Arrange low glass or silver/gold vases with orchid stems on coffee and side tables and on the dining table buffet.

Scatter rose petals all around the place!

A selection of Madame Sera’s Foxy Cushions

Plump and blousy, made up of exquisite fabrics and textiles. These Cherries form the basis of every truly chic and exotic room.
A lair of pillows

Note Madame Sera’s Rude Lampshades in the background.

Madame Sera strung long fuchsia feathers from the chandeliers and ceilings.

Lots and lots of balloons! The more the better. When you do something so obviously party-like, best to push the limits. Imagine wading through those! That reminds of the fight scene in the Sex and the Movie when Carrie and Miranda go on their singles Valentine’s Day dinner. Then the secrets drop…

There were pillow fights by naughty, show off type London girls (in peach satin boxer shorts and teeny weenie brassieres that made all busts heave and jiggle with the lack of fabric!)
Please note these are direct quotes from her website, this is not MY commentary. hehehe
Luckily, Madame Sera thought that the ‘pillow fights’ were highly likely and saucily stuffed all the pillows with fuchsia pink feathers beforehand!!!

Veuve Clicquot Rose

Fondue
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz. semisweet or milk chocolate chips (preferably melting chocolate)
1) In a small saucepan, warm cream over low heat. Add in chocolate chips, and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth.
2) Then pour into fondue pot or heaving serving dish and serve immediately.
*Also Try:
Peanut and Chocolate
Follow the recipe, above, and then stir in 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter after chocolate melts!

~What to Dip~
Crispy cookies or biscotti
Fresh fruit such as bananas, berries, or pineapples
Marshmallows
Angel Food Cake
Brownies

Silky slips with bright colored stockings. I have the fuchsia stay-ups from Agent Provocateur. They work wonders!

Agent Provocateur Classic Red Corset
Silk men’s pajamas work as well.
These sexy ‘ready for bed’ pyjamas are essential for every boudoir seduction ritual or lingerie party.

Agent Provocateur’s Crystal tipped Whip!

Activities:
Dance Off – Soul Train with a racy twist
I’ve Never…
Strip Poker – Winner Takes All!

And of course…PILLOW FIGHTS!

Take a cue from The Girls Next Door (Bridget, Kendra, and Holly) and engage in some harmless pillow fighting.

These beautiful pictures are from Taryn Cox’s blog: “The Wife.” She had a 1920′s inspired champagne cocktail birthday party. It includes everything a bombshell event planner should expect from an event: flattering light with classy candles, special touches (note the hand-written menu), and food that looks straight out of a Marie Antoinette fashion spread. Kudos to Ms. Cox who appears to be a modern-day Grace Kelly. I found out about her through this delightful Elle Magazine spread that inspired me to break out my girly dresses and unabashedly overdress. Check it out!

Taryn Cox’s Bar

Nothing But Krug Champange for Taryn’s guests...

And labels for the Mixers.

Taryn also said she made “Spa Water”… ( Water, Lemon and Cucumber Slices with Mint Leaves. )

Ms. Cox herself and her glam Couture Black Jill Stuart Dress

“Presentation is EVERYTHING! My replica Birthday Cake from Martha Stewart Weddings. Lots of Pastel Hydrangeas. And an assortment of Sweet treats for my friends: Macaroons from Paulette in Beverly hills, Cookies from Milk, Mini cupcakes from Joan’s on Third.“

She used place Ballet Pink place tags to label foods, with a gold wax seals underneath her handwriting. Love the macroons straight out of Marie Antoinette. Makes me want to take a trip to Lauduree Tea Salon in Paris.

Welcome to my new blog! The purpose of this is to promote my new life as an event planner.