HAVING A BALL: A SWANK HOUSEWARMING WITH KEVIN SHARKEY

So, the post that should have gone up on Monday, had I not hiding in bed with the flu (thank you for all your well-wishes!) would have let you know that it's just under two months until my 30th birthday. (Yikes!)  And I've decided that the only good thing about this, of course, is the the chance to put together a fabulous little soiree!

Well, as timing would have it I found my first bit of inspiration in the housewarming party Kevin Sharkey (SVP and Executive Editorial Director of Decorating for Martha Stewart Living and Executive Creative Director, Merchandising for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia!) threw as a part of his big apartment reveal. What I love about Kevin's style is that it's eternally tasteful but surprisingly playful at the same time...
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Kevin set a swanky mood with metallic balloons covering the ceiling and a bathtub filled with Veuve and lined with nibbles. And, if you're going to party in the bathroom, you might as well make the shower a lovely little scene of indulgence with piles of Hermes boxes, right? (I might prefer mine filled with birthday gifts, since my one lonely box may not do the job.)
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The tiers of Oreo cookies literally takes the cake as one of my favorite details of the party. Topped with sparklers it's such a fun (and pretty!) way to indulge in a childhood favorite (complete with milk, of course!).

But the best part has to be the entertainment for the evening...
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The most glamorous game of ping pong I think I've ever seen in my life! Keeping score on mirrors with Chanel lipstick? Yes please! (Did you notice that gorgeous reflected view?) Monogrammed orange paddles? Naturally. A dirty martini, sparkly little cocktail dress (that's Alexis Stewart, by the way!) and a killer serve completes the night.

So, what is it exactly that I'm inspired by for my own party? The ability to combine this fun and casual atmosphere with cocktail attire and glamour, of course! Sounds a little bit like my interior design style, no? Well, plans are in the works and I'm not going to give anything away just yet, but here's a little more of a peek at some ideas...
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Silver straws, gold lined cupcakes, dancing the night away, maybe some balloons a la Sharkey and a decadent deco feel. Stay tuned my dears... the countdown is on!

*photography courtesy of martha stewart, straws via brook farm, cupcake photo via flickr, invitation design by hello tenfold

33 comments:

  1. I loved everything about this party when I saw it in the magazine! Such a great mix of the fun and fabulous. And the oreo tower is my favorite too!

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  2. Are you kidding me with all the Hermes boxes? Wow. Great party to use for your inspiration. We pull our ping pong table out for parties and people always play - no fancy paddles here (yet). Can't wait to see yours!

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  3. Kevin Sharkey is such a class act--love his style and his great manners. Thought this party was perfection when I saw it in the magazine, thanks for posting--it made me smile all over again!

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  4. What an awesome looking party...I totally love the oreo tier and the shower full of Hermes boxes...swoon!
    Hope you are feeling better! xoxo Beth

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  5. Amazing what exceptionally creative minds can come up with. Perfect.
    Teresa

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  6. ahh, my almost birthday twin..i woke up today thinking its exactly two months to mine and was going ot do a post about it. no one does it better than you fab woman. love love love it!! ps: hope you are feeling better, x

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  7. Very beautiful, I love the little cupcakes.

    Happy 1st of September. x

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  8. What a cute idea!!! I love it! Thanks for sharing.

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  9. Love it! Can't wait to see what you come up with.

    (If you need some invites, I'd be happy to do them for you!)

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  10. agh! i love this post! i love the ping pong paddles...love the sparkly dress..love the hermes boxes in the shower!!!

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  11. This party looks absolutely magical!

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  12. C, Kevin just rocks! This is the funnest party I've seen in a long, long time. Love love love the Oreo's. Love all the whimsy. And, if I were in your city, I would give this identical party for your birthday. Here in Texas we celebrate for about 2 weeks for everyone's birthday, maybe you should try that too. xx's

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  13. Cracker Jax G1.9.10

    omg i want that Oreo cake for my birthday!

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  14. gorgeous. SO gorgeous. Want to throw a party now! Like, right this second, with sequins and sparkles and all things shiny!

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  15. Kevins attention to detail is amazing, and at the same time he makes it look so easy. A combination that really works!

    http://kathleenjackson.blogspot.com

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  16. oooh... DECADENCE! Chanel lipstick to keep score won my day over :)

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  17. Wow. So very chic!

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  18. adult chic kids party....so fun. add in a few 'minutetowinit' games for lots of fun like i did for my hubby's 30th.

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  19. What a fabulous party! That giant oreo tower is DEFINITELY HAPPENING at my next get together:)

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  20. What a fabulous looking party! I love the oreo cookie tower...great idea!

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  21. Someone certainly knows how to party!

    I am sure your party will be just as chic if not better than Kevin's.

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  22. Super chic, but everyone is ready to party! Love it and that oreo cake!!

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  23. Grace Park1.9.10

    A decadent party for sure, but anyone with $$$ can buy caviar, Veuve Cliquot and Hermes. Doesn't seem very creative to me. I'd rather be at your party.

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  24. awww, manvi that's right! we're so close in birthdays, i think you should come up here to celebrate! ;)

    splenderosa, i think i manage to drag my birthday out at LEAST two weeks. i must be a texan at heart!

    and mrs limestone, you are the sweetest, girl. i might have to take you up on that offer! xoxo

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  25. Anonymous1.9.10

    I love everything about this! No one can throw a party like Kevin - except maybe Cass! I can't wait to see what you do. Feel better, sweetie. xoxo

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  26. First off...let me tell you 30 is FABULOUS. So yes, I think you should go all out and throw a fantastic fete. Secondly, that oreo cake is so genius I am pinching myself. Great post!

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  27. I just had my 21st birthday party and am so so sad I didn't read this post beforehand (not that I could afford the Chanel lipsticks or Hermes boxes). I love the champagne in the bathtub -- it's so playful and cheeky.

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  28. Just had my 30th. It seems we have similar tastes :)

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  29. I think I've died and gone to the swankiest heaven....ever! It's too much. And so good.

    Where can I find one of those silver straws??!

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  30. Everything is amazing! I love the color palette and the balloons.

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  31. What a fabulous party this looks like!! I love the oreo cake - amazing! Have fun planning your own party x

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