apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

at first i thought that plate was a holiday wreath made out of fabric. a stuffed fabric one in a bold print would be quite fetching and original.

How about this: I am expecting a house full of people for a dessert party and I have nowhere near the number of chairs I need (let's say, 20 people over the seating I already have). What would you do - rent or buy?

And if you would buy, what would you get? Something stylish, obviously (not folding metal chairs). Thanks!

Dianalily- two thoughts: 1, in my book, it's not necessary to provide a seat for every guest at a party, unless it's a formal dinner around a table; 2, could you borrow chairs from friends and neighbors?

I agree with splim...unless its a formal, sit down meal, everyone will not be sitting at the same time...it makes mingling too hard. Borrowing is definitely the best way to go especially if you don't have the space to store a bunch of extra chairs that will get used one a year. Also, can you pull chairs from other parts of your home? Office and bedroom chairs for example. If you want to buy chairs though, I'd go with slim, stacking chairs. You can always get a few inexpensive throw pillows to make them more comfortable. Look at IKEA...their dining sale is coming up soon.

Thanks for the comments, splim and Enamorada - usually I wouldn't worry about the seating at a party, but this time around some of my guests will be of a certain age and won't want to stand if they don't have to. Borrowing from friends is a great idea!

I'm visiting Boston next week and attending a conference. If I have some spare time what should I check out? Most likely it will be some time Wednesday afternoon.
What kind of weather should I expect?

Thanks!

In California

My parents always throw a big thanksgiving party (30 people usually) and they have no where near that many chairs. Usually my dad will deligate people to bring chairs from their own homes. It always works well, as my older brothers still have folding chairs from bachelorhood.

My thoughts have always been that even if you're throwing a "fancy party", your friends and family should understand that you might not be equipped to have 30 people in your home, and that borrowing and inventing new ways to accomodate them is expected. Plus, with the inginuity, it makes you look creative and willing to do anything to make your guests feel welcome and comfortable.

This is not really a Boston question to begin with, but can someone tell me what was included with this current issue (December 2008) of Elle Decor? My plastic cover was ripped open and there is a small inserted catalog called "The World of Jo Malone". I have suffered postal theft before, so I am a little concerned that a free sample of something good has been taken. If not, then it was just torn open by accident, or maybe it's been read and put back in. ? They never solved the theft of 2 years ago and sort of dropped it before they could ever accuse anyone at my local post office (Brighton 02135) that Inspector General of the USPS put on the short list of possible suspects - didn't pan out and people were taking vacations, the investigation didn't start for over a month after the theft was reported (and surveillance camera tapes were overwritten where gift cards were spent). So I guess it is sort of a local question.

Anyway, any more news about Crate & Barrel's (Boylston St. loc.) fire/closing? I guess the Atlantic Fish Co. was most of the damage, but how bad was the C&B fire?

wabadee1 it's kinda chilly these days. light snow is even rumored. I would recommend a sweater and a jacket and maybe a hat.

KTG I am a huge Jo Malone fan. You should swing by Saks and ask for samples.

KTG, I also live in Brighton (02135) and have had similar problems with the postal service, to the point of not getting tax refund checks or account information from my bank. It's gotten to the point where I have most of my important mail sent to my office in Boston (02215), where I've never had a problem. Unfortunately, I don't really trust the government or the USPS to fix the problem.

AT-
My wife and I live in a newly built condo and we do not like the lighting layout at all. We are ready to hire "someone" to consult on the lighting design. A friend of mine suggests just an electrician, they install lights for a living and they should be able to suggest the right layout and lighting types. Our gut feeling is that the electricans just place the lighting according to the plans and the designer makes the call on the type of light and location. Who is that "someone" we should hire an electrican or a lighting designer?

AT and Amazake,
I'm having the same issues -- I need to find "someone" to consult on lighting design! Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Hi Guys, this is Wes-

I would suggest going to a lighting store such as Wolfers... http://www.wolfers.com/

I have personally worked with Wolfer's before on a few residential projects and they were very good.

They are a lighting store that offers lighting consulting and may also be able to coordinate the installation for you. You will probably pay some premium for the lights but it should be much less than hiring a seperate lighting designer.

Good luck and let us know how it works out.

I have been searching for a ceiling fixture for a couple months now. I fell in love with Stonegate Designs' Semi-Flush Classique Pendant, shown here... looking for 20" or larger.

http://www.stonegatedesigns.com/detail11_2.asp?ID=291&product_name=Classique

I'm looking for a retailer that might have this on sale or suggestions for something similar, but cheaper.
Thx Apartment Therapy!

That is a nice fixture. When i goto wolfers I will keep my eyes peeled.

K T G - I heard today that C&B has reopened. Phew!

ccull05-

I didn't see anything like the Stonegate Designs' Semi-Flush Classique Pendant @ Wolfers lighting. They didn't have some of the items i had in mind, although they can order them.
Wes-
The MGR there advised us on some possiblities but without a electrician to see what can be done in our house we are holding off on moving forward with a design. Thank you for the suggestion.