As most of you already know, I had the great honor to be included in this year's Better Homes and Gardens September
Stylemaker issue. Since this is an issue that's only done once a year, I was so thrilled and truly humbled to be in this mix of really talented people. As you know I have worked as a contributor for
BHG for the last 8 years, producing stories and styling features for home, food, entertaining and lifestyle spreads and appearing on
The Today Show for them as well.
To celebrate the Stylemaker issue, Better Homes and Gardens held an amazing event in New York last week for a select group of influential bloggers across America. It was an invitation only experience that included workshops and presentations by the amazing team from Better Homes and Gardens.
An entire day of sharing and listening followed by an amazing party in the evening. It was really beautifully orchestrated with signature cocktails from BHG sponsor
Seagrams and gorgeous flower arrangements made by
Executive Editor Oma Blaise Ford, custom coasters, they simply thought of everything! They even included a style panel that I was asked to join. On the panel were Stylemakers
Eddie Ross (East Coast Producer and Editor for Better Homes and Gardens) and Kacey Hughes (owner of
Pears and Bears) plus our amazing moderator
Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan (the founder of
Apartment Therapy). According to Forbes, Apartment Therapy is "one of the most influential interior design sites on the Web." He did an amazing job lobbing very interesting questions at all of us panelists. The Q&A (grilling) :) from Maxwell, was followed by some really great questions from the audience.
I had many questions from the audience, but one that stands out was from a very pretty young lady in the front. I had so many questions about how to be a relaxed hostess, but this one was the best. Q: "I read somewhere that if you greet your guests at the door in a bathrobe with a towel wrapped on your head, this sends a message that is relaxed."
My A: "What?? That's insane!!! (which of course made the audience laugh) Nothing will make guest more uncomfortable than opening your door in a bathrobe, and towel around your head. If it were me I would look at the time and think I was way too early." (her question really made me giggle!)Most of the bloggers were interested in how my cookbook (
Picture Perfect Parties from Rizzoli NY) will help organize them for a party. I assured them it would, I have some hard and fast rules about organizing yourself so you can relax and enjoy your own party. More on that to come! Mostly I loved meeting everyone, especially the audience made up of highly talented super cute and super bright bloggers, and social media team from BHG who I
tweet with constantly. The evening was just wonderful, thanks for including me Better Homes and Gardens you know I love you all.
2 quick notes *Meeting Eddie was really fun, he's someone I thought I would really love in person...and yes he is loveable. I was right, and so talented and genuine...big love to Eddie he made my night.
Second note: Maxwell Gillingham -Ryan has been named a contributing Editor for Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, it's so cool having him in the family. He will be an amazing addition.
all photos taken by Avi Gerver Photography (minus the one from my phone of me and Eddie :))
