Color Inspiration: Spring Yellow

Springtime is here and we are inspired by the lovely colors of spring.  Today we focus our attention on the color that epitomizes the season... spring yellow.  More than just the color of daffodils and baby chicks, this color blends nicely with other colors and always creates a cheerful but calming look.

This living room is so cheerful with its sunny yellow walls, creamy furniture and pops of bright green.

This bathroom is elegant in yellow and white.

I love this little belted coat for spring.

It is perfect with the taupe tights and shoes and over sized red bag.

This simple pump is so cute in spring yellow.

Imagine this paired with a grey flowy dress or with dark jeans.

This table setting is so happy and sweet!

Lemon Chiffon cake is the perfect dessert for this season.

Spring yellow tea-towels tied together with ribbon is a

perfect hostess gift.

We hope this cheery color inspires you today!

-The Panther

The Return of the Placecard

It may seem silly, but people love to see their name.  When attending a dinner party and finding your name on the table, there is a little bit of secret satisfaction.  That is MY name.  That is MY place at the table.  This spot was set just for ME.  It makes guests feel special and adds a personal level to the occasion. 

Here are some of our favorite placecards and placecard holder ideas you can incorporate the next time you entertain.

This first one is such a cute idea for a spring or summer luncheon.  Set the table in bright spring colors with black & white dishes.  (If you don't own black & white dishes, go get some.  They are so perfect to mix and match with anything!)  Add one of these bud vase placecard holders in a poppy contrasting color.  Don't forget to drop in some colorful spring buds.

Isn't this cheerful!



These little bud vase placecard holders are just simple cardstock folded into a triangle and hold a little plastic tube.  They are made by Portland's own Blume Box.  What a great idea!

For a more formal occasion, here is another bud vase placecard holder.  These delicate little glass vases have attached glass petals that hold the name card.  They are so pretty.  These would also be sweet filled with some colored sand and a tealight, or filled with candies.

For a French Country affair, add little fleur de lis placecard holders.  For a more casual, country look tie ribbon around the napkins and tuck in some fresh-cut blossoms instead of using traditional napkin rings.  So pretty and fresh.

The fleur de lis placecard holders come in black or white.

Imagine having a Parisian themed lunch with black & white checked placemats emulating a Paris cafe, and complete with Eiffel Tower placecard holders.

Aren't these darling!

Finally, think beyond just place settings.  Placecard holders can be used to label foods or drinks, hold photos, or nicely house notes of direction such as "please do not touch." 

We love these wine cork placecard holders to label cheeses at a wine tasting party.

Notice the pretty wine-themed placecards in the background.

Think about using placecard holders for your next entertaining endeavor.

-The Panther

Daydreaming of Barcelona

Oh Barcelona...
The art, the architecture, the markets, the nightlife, the food, the culture...
This city has everything!
We are daydreaming of Beautiful Barcelona.

Isn't it spectacular!  Happy daydreaming everyone!

-The Panther

Seeing Spots

The panther is beautiful in her sleek black coat, but here is a little secret... she sometimes has spot envy.  You cannot deny the beauty of the cheetah or the leopard and their beautiful markings.  Animal prints are classic and elegant when used sparingly.  Here are some of our favorite looks featuring chic cheetah and lovely leopard prints.

Antique French chair with leopard print.

Wouldn't this be a lovely little accent in a bedroom or sitting room

The leopard rimmed dishes are so fun and would be so elegant

when mixed and matched with solid dishes.

An animal-print throw over the arm of a sofa or chair

adds warmth to any room.

LOVE this animal print pump with chain detail!

How chic is this cheetah gold ring!

Accent your wardrobe with this Kate Spade bag.

A leopard-print coat should be a staple in every woman's wardrobe.  Classic.

Of course, we cannot forget the classic black of the panther which sets all of the spots off!

-The Panther



Dine Out Tonight to Support Japanese Earthquake Relief

The panther loves nothing more than a good meal out, and when she can support a good cause at the same time, all the better!  So today we would like to share with you a wonderful fundraising event organized by MercyCorps.  Tonight, Tuesday, March 29, 2011, if you dine out at any of the participating restaurants, a portion of proceeds will go to MercyCorps for Japanese Earthquake Relief.

Read the details and the full list of participating restaurants here:
http://www.mercycorps.org/fundraising/portlandrestaurantrelief

So many amazing restaurants are participating, it is hard to choose. 
I'll share with you just a few of my favorites:


Bunk Bar:  1028 SE Water Ave.
http://bunkbar.com/

Bunk Bar is the late night version of Bunk Sandwiches.  This no-frills, noisy bar is always bustling.  The drinks are great.  I do believe they make the best Paloma in town.  In case you have never had a Paloma, I highly recommend you try one here.  They perfectly blend the tequila and grapefruit soda and just lightly salt the rim...fabulous.  Really, this place is all about the sandwiches though.  I am partial to the pork-belly Cubano.  You must try the Debris Fries...crisp french fries topped with a gravy of whatever meats they happen to have on hand that particular night.  Sinful and yummy!

Gruner:  527 SW 12th Ave.

http://www.grunerpdx.com/

Gruner may be tiny, but the flavor is huge.  This is elegant German cuisine with a creative twist.  The restaurant is dark, cozy, intimate and sexy.  May I suggest stopping in for an appetizer of crisp polenta croquettes stuffed with blue cheese and a glass of wine.  Yummy.



Produce Row:  204 SE Oak St.
http://www.producerowcafe.com/welcome/

I've been spending a lot of time at Produce Row lately.  This place is always fun and full of good energy.  The recently remodeled dining room is cozy, while the huge covered and heated patio with bowling alley tables is open and airy.  The cocktails here are perfect, especially the hot cocktails.  They have several beer and whiskey pairings available too.  The sandwiches here are amazing.  The bacon-wrapped meatloaf is to die for.  My personal favorite is the bow-tie pasta with pulled pork.   It has enough garlic to keep vampires away for weeks but it is soooo yummy.

The Sapphire Hotel:  5008 SE Hawthorne Blvd.

http://thesapphirehotel.com/

I love the Sapphire Hotel.  This place is so romantic.  It is dimly lit and cozy.  A former hotel/brothel, the Sapphire Hotel is full of history and stories.  The appetizers are excellent and my favorite cocktail in all of Portland comes from this place.  The cocktail I am in love with is called the Going Up?  It is a serrano pepper infused vodka muddled with cilantro, lime and sweet & sour with a salted rim.  It is sweet, spicy and savory, and the most fabulous mix of flavors.

We appreciate all of the participating restaurants for this event.  Go out tonight, try something new or go back to one of your faves... just be sure to support this great cause.

-The Panther



Daydreaming of Hawaii

In the midst of this cool, rainy Portland spring, our minds turn to a land of sunshine, warmth and blue waters.  We are longing for warm sand between our toes, tropical cocktails, exotic flowers, turquoise sea, and endless blue sky.  We are daydreaming of Hawaii.

Here's to hoping the sun returns soon.

Happy Daydreaming!

-The Panther