PARTY GIRL: When Double Crossing is Good

Cue 2001: A Space Odyssey when unwrapping this gift!

Given our eco-awareness, it’s about time that someone created a green vodka. Double Cross is a newly launched vodka that’s green, in a sense; it’s made from locally grown organic winter wheat and mountain spring water from aquifers. But what really got our attention was it’s sold in massive rectangular 750 mL bottles with a logo adapted from the Slovakian flag, and is virtually indestructible (I speak from experience–even dropping it won’t break this bottle!). With its masculine looks and a price point of about $44.99, it’s perfect for the groomsmen’s gifts…or a last-minute Father’s Day present for dad this weekend! –Jackie, Party Girl

PARTY GIRL: Opening Up The Palace Gate

You know how Serena and Blair always seem to be nibbling something tasty and sipping something cool at the hottest places in NYC? Now’s your chance to live the Gossip Girl life at the chic outdoor lounge called Palace Gate at the New York Palace hotel (Madison and 51st) where some of the show’s scenes are shot.  How’s this for a bridesmaids’ get-together: Gossip Grill Cheese Sandwiches and Truffled French Fries washed down with a signature Palace Punch. We can’t promise you’ll catch a glimpse of Nate and Chuck, but if you see the lounge featured on season three of GG, you’ll have already been there, done that. –Jackie, Party Girl

PARTY GIRL: Italian Wine Merchants: A Taste of Italy

IWM’s tasting room is a small but intimate space, perfect for a private event.

A range of wines are paired with a never-ending Italian menu at tastings.

You’re greeted at the front door by rows of wine bottles that doubles as a backdrop for events.

Coming from an Italian family that has a vineyard in Campania, I know how intimidating the wine industry can be. So I was surprised by a very laid-back event at Italian Wine Merchants in NYC. With the house sommelier on hand, we tried seven bottles, ranging from a light and bubbly Col Vetoraz Prosecco to a full-bodied Nicolis Amarone Ambrosan. Drinks were accompanied by a never-ending spread of Italian food cooked in front of us by their full kitchen staff. The space can fit up to about 30 people and even has a private tasting room for 10; think small weddings, rehearsal dinners, and bridal showers.  A plus?  You won’t need a decorating committee for this space–it looks, feels, and smells like you’re already in Italia. –Jackie, Party Girl

PARTY GIRL: Signature Cocktails All Around

Who doesn’t want to unleash her inner diva and create a signature cocktail for her wedding?  Here are three totally practical reasons:

• Drinks can be prepared in large quantities before the event, which saves money since you’ll need fewer bartenders. 
• Guests won’t have to stand in line at the bar.  This means more dancing.
• If you’re not having an open bar, a signature drink is a great way to give guests an option beyond wine and beer.

Getting thirsty? Thought so! This drink, made especially for BRIDES and our 75^th Anniversary, would be great at a wedding.  

 

Combier French “75″ (champagne cocktail)
1/4 ounces Combier Liqueur d’Orange
1/4 ounces gin
1/4 ounce fresh lime juice
1 dash orange bitters
1 sugar cube
5 ounces champagne, chilled
Pour gin, Combier, lime juice & bitters into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well to blend. Put the sugar cube into a Champagne flute. Strain gin mixture into the glass. Carefully top it off with Champagne.  –Jackie, Party Girl

PARTY GIRL: Colorful Cards

I always look forward to my market appointments at Smythson, a British company that produces leather goods to swoon over.  My visit this week was no exception—and this time, I found something I could actually afford!  Smythson has commissioned fashion designer Giles Deacon to make these super-chic note cards.  They are limited edition so be sure to scoop up a set soon—just the thing for corresponding with your FMIL.  $70 for a set of 10 cards/envelopes. –Christina, Party Girl

 

PARTY GIRL: Let’s Hear It for the Boys

Fritts Rosenow Bespoke Boutonnieres

Fritts Rosenow Bespoke Boutonnieres

 

April showers, and I have to run around all day for market appointments!  I am so sick of my rain boots…  Finally, I saw something that put a smile on my face.  Check out the whimsical customized boutonnieres at Fritts Rosenow Bespoke Boutonnieres. Weddings tend to be a bit bride-centric, now the grooms can express themselves too.   -Christina, Party Girl

PARTY GIRL: Summer in April

Today is a glorious day in NYC, but inside our photo studio it feels like one of the dog days of summer.  Normal people would just turn on the AC, but we magazine editors are a finicky bunch.  The whir of the AC interferes with our “creative flow.”  So we are sweating it out in pursuit of beautiful photos—a gorgeous collection of wedding accents, from bouquets to sweets to an aisle runner.  Gotta admit, the quiet helps us concentrate.  You can check out the story in our Party Style pages later this year; meanwhile, I’m changing into shorts.  —Christina, Party Girl

PARTY GIRL: Cocktail Napkin Chic

Yesterday, I finally watched last Monday’s episode of Gossip Girl, in which Serena van der Woodsen throws a swanky Sweet 16 for Brooklyn’s Jenny Humprey, complete with personalized cocktail napkins.  Jenny turns up her nose at the napkins, regarding them as a symbol of Park Avenue snobbery.  I completely disagree; everyone should have personalized cocktail napkins—especially at a wedding!  I live in Brooklyn just like little Jenny and I have a collection of my own.  At just $25 for 50 napkins, we can all be a little like Blair Waldorf.  Get your napkins at foryourparty.com.   –Christina, Party Girl

PARTY GIRL: Dressing Up My Desk

 

For nearly three years now, I’ve felt pangs of jealousy whenever I’ve walked by Lexi Dwyer’s desk  (Lexi, a contributing editor, got married in 2006.)  She has this fashion illustration of her wedding gown, which was drawn and signed by her dress designer.  Naturally I wished I had one of my own.  This week, I discovered Dreamlines.  All I have to do is send in some photos of my dress and voilá!—everyone else will be jealous!  —Christina, Party Girl 

PARTY GIRL: It’s 5:00 Somewhere

Drinking on the job?  Sounds unorthodox, but that’s one of the perks of my job.  I spent my Friday afternoon sampling cocktails with my colleagues.  New Amsterdam Gin brought in mixologist Alex Ott, who created five (!) gin cocktails, including strawberry basil and champagne mixed with elderflower.  I’m not usually a gin drinker, but I managed to rise to the occasion.  Each creation was unique and inspired.  What a fab way to kick off the weekend!  —Christina, Party Girl