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Monday, June 17, 2013

Ronald McDonald House - Project Design 2013


 

Hi Everyone!

      I am so happy to be able to mention that while currently working at Meg Braff Designs,  I have had the honor to be involved in the Ronald McDonald House - Project Design 2013.  For those of you that are not familiar with this wonderful, worth while cause - I will elaborate.  In partnership with Kravet  and New York Cottages & Gardens, Project Design 2013 has kicked off to a fantastic start.  Our group at Meg Braff Designs and 25 other designers have all been commissioned to re-design the New Hyde Park Ronald McDonald House.  RMH is open to families of seriously ill children being cared for at Long Island Jewish Medical center,  offering each family a bedroom with bath and their own kitchen.  

      Our first meeting this spring, which I attended on behalf of our staff - was to outline the needs and requirements of the re-design.  We were able to meet the other designer, some which already had their projects chosen, such as kitchens, public bathrooms, plumbing fixtures etc... While many of us were there for the first time, and had an opportunity to tour the facility and choose the room we would like to redesign. Once I was back at the office, the real work began.  We then had to come up with a pleasant, friendly, and warm room for a family to call home during their time at the facility.  Meg has such a wonderful aesthetic that it was not too difficult for us, always keeping in mind the families we are there to serve.  We instantly began phoning and emailing all of our wonderful vendors that were more than happy to help us out by donating many of the items in the room.  Their support and willingness to be a part of this was really heart warming.  (not to mention, I have become a professional beggar!).
       
       This June 6th, our team attended the pre-construction celebration party at The Newell Gallery hosted by Anthony Baratta and Bunny Williams.  It was a blast!  An amazing evening shared with wonderful designers all coming together for this magnificent cause.  Bunny Williams was in attendance greeting and Anthony Baratta was more than happy to pose for a picture literally all night long.  My coworkers Liz Cordiero and Amal Kapen and I, made some new friends and had a chance to enjoy all of the antiques that make The Newell  so unique.



Anthony Baratta and some of the designers




Bunny Williams greeting all of the guest at Newell

 The Meg Braff Design Staff
Liz, Amal & Lisa


     

 

Our Design!!!


This is by far the most moving project I have ever had the opportunity to work on and it has been a joy - start to finish. I am listing all of our wonderful vendors that have literally jumped on board with us to help make this project so great!!!

Bungalow 5
Red Egg Furniture
Robert Abbey
Port 68
Country Carpets

Jane Wilner Designs
Ray Goodman Custom Curtains and Upholstery

Hopefully we can entice more support, we are not yet done!
Thank you to Kravet , New York Cottages & Gardens, Bunny Williams and Anthony Baratta for all that you do, in addition I would like to extend a special thanks to Meg Braff for allowing us all to take part in this with her. It has been, and continues to
be a great experience.  Please continue to check in here, we are far from over.

Monday, June 10, 2013

Welcome!!!

   

Hi Everyone,

      I had planned to start this blog months ago, but as many of you can understand - life sometimes has a plan of it's own.  But at last, here I am and I have chosen my first blog to be about what else, Outdoor Entertaining.  It's June and we are all looking forward to getting the kids out of school and enjoy the beautiful summer days ahead.  Entertaining is a big part of my summer fun.  Big Italian family, lots of food, pool, sports, the occasional sports argument - you get the picture.  I am always looking for new foods to pair with the eternal barbeque staples of burgers, hot dogs and anything that you can fit on a skewer.  But that is a different post for a different day.

     Presentation has always been "a thing" with me, I have to have the appropriate platter for the type of food I am serving.  Needless to say if I am that picky you should know that I love centerpieces on all of my tables as well.  Nothing too elaborate, but something that fits the day, usually I will use items I already own, cake stands, candles, pretty colored glasses - always keep the heights and dimensions moving up and down and it will be beautiful.  I almost always plan a buffet for outdoors, it forces people to mingle and allows you to squeeze in "just one more guest".  Here are some items that I have come across with a beach theme that I thought you might like to use at your outdoor party this summer.  Take a look!




 These adorable sea horse salt and pepper shaker are from a great website, beachcomber.com. 


As I mentioned earlier, I love table centerpieces and this one can be made affordably.  These faux corals can be purchased at beachcombers.com also.  Have fun with it, a beautiful table is something your guests truly appreciate.


This was one of my favorite finds, Twig Cutlery by Michael Aram.  Sold at Bloomingdales for $6.00 a dozen.  Such a great statement, and so unique!


These bowls are both from Pottery Barn, both the Conch and the Nautilus are priced at $47.00 a piece, but you will have them forever and they also have a platter that can serve raw clams, take a  peak!
 

Let it be known, I love anything trimmed in pom poms.  These adorable place mats which can also be used to sit under your centerpieces are from Abanja.com for $22.00.


These lanterns are not only beautiful, but they are only $89.00 for the entire set of three!  I found them at Pebble Lane Living.  Just when you think its time to go inside, just place candles in these and keep the party going!

These lovely salad servers are good for any occasion and they are priced at $16.00 from Hammertown.com.  I can honestly say I wasted no time and ordered myself a set, they should be her any day now!