Neha Leela

Nothing serves as stronger impetus for me to pick up the blogging slack than wedding talk.  So though I can’t promise flowery language this late in the evening, I had to share pictures of the stunning shower I just attended for my friend and Robinson-to-be, Hanna. The hostesses, her sister (Leigh from NellaPasta)  and step-mother (Lisa from Nest Millerton) combined foodie and design forces to throw a grand and somewhat gluttonous afternoon party, fit for gourmands.

Of all the events leading up to the big day, I favor the showers – a time for the women in your life to gather and wish you well.  I have an admiration for age-old traditions and superstitions that survive centuries: bridesmaids acting as scribes and the gift ribbons collected feverishly and creatively strung together for a motley makeshift bouquet for the day of the rehearsal.  There’s something feminine, lavish and energizing about the whole thing.  Even more so when its a group of wonderful, talented women,  noshing on a spring spread in Lisa’s coral grass cloth (read: amazing) dining room, at a table, set with the sweetest, elephant tealights,  swathed in glamorous crystal stemware and anchored with an ample array of peach roses, mandarin tulips, hydrangeas and hyacinth.

Made all the better, when you’re celebrating the absolutely happiest bride.   Han – Congratulations darling, hope you had a wonderful day.

Without an ounce of a sommelier’s wisdom, I’m having a mini-wine tasting tonight.  Which in reality, is a glorified name for an evening with girlfriends and an excuse for bottle of wine each.

In hindsight, I wish I’d ordered these tags from Papermash, that are so sweetly tongue in cheek and perfect for someone like myself, who orders riesling with steak and finds this completely unoffensive.

Whether you attend midnight mass, open one present on christmas eve, top your tree with a family heirloom or travel to tropical paradise year after year, I’ve come to realize that  for those of us lucky enough, holiday is our way of rooting ourselves in the familiar.

Christmas comes at an opportune time; after a year of change and on the brink of another, we can ground ourselves for a night and a day in some sort of consistency.

My family does not do midnight mass, and the extravagant tree has been replaced as I grew older with  candles and clusters of vintage ornaments.  But every year we have the same oatmeal pancakes with Williams Sonoma vanilla bean maple syrup.  Its not about heavy indulgence, because frittatas or stratas wouldn’t suffice.  Its about the eagerness of awaiting something special that signifies something larger.

Wishing you a day marked by tradition, whether large or small.

Vacation spirit is bubbling over:  doesn’t this photo scream playtime?

(image from The World in Vogue: People, Places and Parties)

In going through old pictures, I have a few that are set aside that are probably not the most flattering but are quite memorably, me at my happiest; two, not surprisingly am where I am playing dress up. One, was with my best friend at four years old, wrapped in boas, aprons and tiaras. The next one is a set of polaroids from years later, during my first internship.

The other girl, who is pouting and winking at the camera next to me, decked in aviators, baubles and fedoras, was Marianna, my fellow intern, instant friend and huge inspiration at Harper’s Bazaar. We spent a summer, finding genius ways to stuff a Viktor & Rolf gown into a trunk, hunting down lost choos and braving notorious stylists while gabbing about travel, family, love and fashion.

As you all know, I moved back to boston and away from the fashion world, but Mari, an amazing photographer, stylist and artist, both then and now, stayed exactly where she belonged: right in the creative capital of New York.

Today, I was SO excited when she let me know of her most recent adventure, I Am Dorkas – a line of linens for the home that is a product of her own creative energy and collaboration with the people she loves. My favorites are below; napkins in fabric etched with fables, and a striking and sweet apron, that just screams motherly comfort and coziness.

For those of you, down to the wire on gifting, take a peek. I can promise you’ll find handmade goodies made with love.

Mari, congratulations lady!

Testament to very thoughtful friends, I’ve stored and saved countless cards that are immediate reminders of inside jokes or fond memories.

I love this foldable gem from Sycamore Street Press, that is reminiscent of a beloved childish pastime. Pigtails in hair, we would craft these with lined notebook paper and feverishly scribble numbers for our friends to choose to unlock fortunes that we penned.

Instead of the traditional card, I’m considering this letterpress printed version of an oldie but goodie for my oldest of friends.

(via A Cup of Jo)