When I was invited by Penelope Francis & Co. to the “Eat, Design, Love!” event during WestWeek at Aran Cucine at the Pacific Design Center, I was thrilled. You mean, three of my most favorite things all in one room with design, culinary and editorial gurus all contributing? Yes, yes, LOVE!! So who was at this lovely meeting of the minds? The dapper & divinely-inspired designer, Christopher Kennedy, the delightful designer Jiun Ho and champion chef Josiah Citrin of Melisse. All of the comfortable entertaining-themed banter was moderated by the enchanting Arianne Nardo of Interiors magazine.

When I arrived, I started with a glass of infused water. Always good to start with water when you know cocktails will be involved!

I sat close to the stage and got an excellent view of dapper designer, Christopher Kennedy’s socks.

His whole ensemble was just too much and yet I couldn’t get enough! Take Cary Grant, and marry him with Jimmy Stewart, and that’s the supreme style we’re talking about here. Lovely.

There were a few key entertaining notes that all of the panelists agreed upon.

1) Have plenty of food for it is a party sin to run out

2) Comfortable entertaining doesn’t necessarily mean casual entertaining

3) Always serve a signature cocktail (I abide by this)

Even at parties as an attendee. Here, I took my Spicy Jalapeño margarita “shot’ and poured it into my champagne…

it just seemed like the right thing to do. And, thus, my Cali-meets-Texan signature cocktail-of-the-day was born!

*And here’s a BF party tip. Always wear a lip color that stays on your lips, off your glass and brightens up your face in pics…without looking like a party clown!

Here, I am wearing Tarte’s Lipsurgence Matte Lip Tint in Lively.

And it never stopped doing its lively, lovely job!

Thank you to Penelope Francis & Co., Aran Cusine, PDC, WestWeek and the amazing panel for providing us all with a memorable, and delicious, afternoon!

 

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What is your signature cocktail? What lipstick never lets you down at a party?