Our New Favorite Candle

There is no hiding the fact that we love candles in this office. We find the scents soothing and wonderful although the running joke is that Elizabeth lights them and Pam (the worrier) goes around behind her blowing them out so that we don't accidentally leave one lit overnight.

The new candle around here is Diptyque, an indulgence that is hard to justify until you get a whiff. The candles burn forever and have a clean, not coy fragrance.

We looked up the history of Diptyque Paris and learned that three artisans (Christiane Gautrot, Yves Coueslant and Desmond Knox-Leet), united by a passion for creativity and design, became friends and business associates and opened a shop at 34 boulevard Saint-Germain to showcase their avant-garde fabric designs and decorative items from their travels.

In 1963, they introduce the first diptyque scented candle. In 1968, the first line of diptyque fragrances is launched. Today, the three Parisian artists are world-renown purveyors of fragrance and scented candles.

Our fragrance of choice is Baies (berries) and we are looking forward to trying the other fragrances as well. Although the candles are not recommended for events where food is served (we always use unscented for that), the Diptyque candles would make the perfect gift for someone who has everything.

A Perfect Toast

In our years of wedding planning, we've seen the good and the bad, the pretty and the ugly. Surprisingly enough, a lot of that comes in the form of the toasts given to the bride and groom. Instead of doing the bride and groom and yourself a disservice, let us give some pointers to help guide you along.

1. The term "short and sweet" exists for a reason. People have the attention span of a gnat. There's no such thing as a bad 10 second toast and there's no such thing as a good 10 minute toast. No one in the history of people speaking, has ever muttered "I wish that speech had been longer."
   
2. We mean it - that toast better be so sweet our teeth hurt. This isn't Comedy Central doing a roast, it's a wedding. Tasteless humor will not be met with thunderous applause. Aunt Cindy doesn't want to hear about your crazy shenanigans so whatever happened "that crazy night" needs not be spoken of. Keep grandma and grandpas' vision of their little angels intact.
   
3. Trial run (and error)/practice makes perfect. Give this speech a try on actual human beings. Your reflection in your bathroom mirror won't tell you that you aren't as hilarious as you think you are but your friends will, that's why we love them - for their honesty.
   
4. Mean it. Every word of your speech should be sincere, heartfelt and specific. Don't just tell the bride she's "totally awesome" - that's a given. Tell her she's a role model, you admire her and she's been an inspiration. You were hand-picked by the bride and/or groom, they're counting on you to say something original and loving.
   
5. Alcoholic beverages help us lighten up, everyone knows that. But you see that champagne glass in your hand? Yes, the one you're pointing at the guests of honor. That glass doesn't have to be the first one you've held that night but it better not be your seventh.

We know it's easier said that done but you can do it. We believe in you.

Saks Jandel Sale

Maryland's Preakness Stakes

The track conditions are listed as "fast" and the count-down is on for the 136th running of the Preakness Stakes.

In honor of Maryland's most famous horse race, here is the delicious recipe for a Black Eyed Susan, the official drink of the Preakness. Cheers!

Black Eyed Susan
The Official Drink of The Preakness from The Maryland Jockey Club
Serves 2

1 ounce Vodka

1 ounce Mt. Gay Rum

½ ounce Cointreau or Triple Sec

6 ounces Orange Juice

3 Ounces Pineapple Juice

Mix ingredients together and serve over crushed ice in a tall glass.
Garnish with a wedge of pineapple, and orange slice, or a cherry.

Post-Wedding Brunch

We all love a good party. And when we get married, we don't want the party to end. We have a reception and an after-reception party and it's not far-fetched to enjoy a brunch with your family the morning after the wedding (hello, mimosas!).

Not sure to go? Don't fret, we're here to offer the top ten brunch places, according to the Baltimore Sun.

1. Abacrombie - their menu may be short but it's definitely sweet. They offer crepes, grilled ribeye with scrambled eggs and hollandaise. $8 - $24 and their brunch is served till 7pm.


2. b Bistro - three kinds of omelets, two kinds of eggs Benedict, and three kinds of pancakes. Hooray for choices! $7 - $19.


3. B&O American Brasserie - wide variety served a la carte, both breakfast and lunch dishes. It's described as being a stylish space with nice folks. $7 - $19.


4. Brightons - "The most beautiful spot for brunch in Baltimore." Breakfast dishes, salads, sandwiches and entrees. $10 - $22.


5. Carrol's Creek - Buffet style, all-you-can-eat with a view of the water in Annapolis. Adults: $21.95, children: $10.95.


6. Gertrude's - Located in the BMA, they serve a Maryland-oriented menu on Saturdays and Sundays. $8 - $27.


7. Mari Luna Latin Grille - Another fixed-price brunch buffet though, the addition of Latin entrees sets it apart. Adults: $22.95, children: $11.95.


8. Miss Shirley's - Breakfast and lunch, all day, every day but it's delicious enough to be just that. $7.95 - $21.95


9. Regi's American Bistro - Brunch served on Saturday and Sunday. They offer all the classics with California and southwestern accents. $9 - $15.


10. Woodberry Kitchen - Baltimore's favorite farm-to-table restaurant serves everything from Hangtown fry to cherry crepes. $7 - $24.

Hungry yet? Yeah, we are too!

Perfect Place

Though times have changed and things may seem a little less formal these days, there are still some things that are tried and true. Whether a wedding or a dinner party, it's a good idea to have a grasp on the proper way to present the perfect place setting for your guests.

It's a lot to commit to memory so reference the diagram below.

It's not as daunting or difficult as it looks but it's always easier when things are labeled for you.

Getting Active with Kate Spade

We were already absolutely in love with Kate Spade; but, she just shoved our love for her into a new realm. We're head over heels and there's no looking back. Our darling Kate just wowed us with her "Wedding Belles" collection and she didn't give us much time to recover before announcing her latest endeavor.

Yes, Kate Spade has teamed up with Adeline Adeline to create this seriously adorable bicycle. What better way to kick off your spring? These limited edition bikes and bags will be available starting April 7 exclusively at Adeline Adeline and Kate Spade New York stores.