Go To Caterer: Entertaining Company

Entertaining Company is my GO-TO caterer when I'm in Chicago.  I discovered them a few years back and I jump for joy everytime I get to use them.

I have a confession...when I'm looking for event space in Chicago, I only want to go to places that I can use them.  Yes, they are that good!

I know with ever fiber in my body, if I have Wendy and her team at the Entertaining Company with me, the food for my event will be flawless, mouth-watering and so über creative, guests will be talking about it for.like.EVER!

I came across this video that they posted and watching it just made me love her and her company even more.

I love the way she journals and listen to the way they talk about their food concepts.  It's all in the details people!

A Picnic Bag

I saw this picnic bag on A Cup of Jo's blog yesterday and of course, had to immediately put an event spin on it.

Such a fun idea for an incentive group (AKA event speak for a celebratory getaway a company offers to their sales folks that make their quota).  My vision: Whisking the couples off to a park or the beach and have their picnic bag filled with decadent delights.  Sounds like so much fun.

Want one of these bags yourself, head over to Apolis.

Images via Apolis website

Happy Friday!

We just finished up an amazing week at the Coupa Inspire User Conference.  I can't wait to share all the incredible pictures.  We created an unforgettable experience for the attendees.  If you follow me on instagram - I was posting tons of photos so you could get a glimpse of what was happening.  

But for now - it's time to relax, reflect and spend a little quality time with the family.  I saw this Jose Villa photo yesterday and it's just dreamy.  When I picture what relaxation looks like - this pretty much sums it up.

image via

I need this plant

Let me start by saying I do not have a green thumb.  Not at all!  I try...I hope.  Indoor plants just don't survive in my home.  It might have something to do with the fact that I forget to water them.  We do have some greenery in our house, but let me be completely honest now - they are 2 lighted fake ficus trees that I bought at a home staging sales 6 years ago.  Totally sad - don't you think?

I first saw this plant in Bri of DesignLoveFest's home tour and fell in LOVE.  What kind of plant is it?  Why its a Fiddle Leaf Fig tree.  It's official name is Ficus Lyrata.  Don't I sound so official?  I'm digging the big leaf and the structure of it.  

So I'm wondering to myself, could I keep this lovely plant alive.  What does it require?  How much care?

Here are a few stats:

Light: Moderate to bright light | OK - it can go in the bedroom, but not the dining room because that room tends to be darker.

Watering: Moderate to low | I could set an alarm on my calendar to remind myself to water it.

Poisonous: Yea - keep away from little kiddos and pets.  My kiddo is 12 so he won't mess with it and I'll keep Zippy away from it.

Prune: Once a year - no problem

Dust it: The leaves can get dusty so give it a once over with a duster once a week - no problem.

I think I can do this.  I want a tall one like Bri's and the one's in this image below.  I'm loving those orange planters.

I loved this plant so much I rented them for an event that kicked off in San Francisco this week.  They just look fabulous in the space.  Next week, I go on the search to see where I can buy one of these babies.

{image 1 | 2 | 3}

Ocean House | Watch Hill, Rhode Island

Happy Friday!  Here is a little hotel eye candy as you head into the weekend.  I just stumbled on this darling little property – Ocean House and was hooked as soon as I saw the beach and ocean view.  (Oh and it's rated No. 13 from Travel + Leisure as Worlds Best Beach Resort to boot.)

This iconic New England seaside resort would be a fabulous property for an intimate incentive or an executive retreat with 49 guest rooms and 39 suites.

From a meeting perspective, this luxury property offers 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.  From grand ballrooms to private terraces with ocean views, the sky’s the limit.  I mean take a look at the picture above.  Can you just imagine an amazing summer party on that lawn?  

This property can do it all and create an experience of a lifetime.  Picture lobster feeds on the beach to fishing trips; transformational leadership development to strategic board meetings; family reunions to spectacular weddings. 

Who’s ready to pack their bags?

{All images via Ocean House website}