by lesliemaydesigns | Nov 1, 2013 | Bespoke Homes for Families
If you have been to Target in the past few days you know that the “holiday season” is well underway. To me that means lots of culinary endeavors and some Q.T with my Cuisinart. I really actually love to cook so entertaining and feeding might be my favorite... 
by lesliemaydesigns | Oct 31, 2013 | Bespoke Homes for Families
Girls got their turn last post, this one is for the boys. My two little guys have very big personalities and very unique styles….one sports jersey’s and soccer shorts, the other prefers what he calls “Poppa” shirts and blazers…to add more... 
by lesliemaydesigns | Oct 28, 2013 | Bespoke Homes for Families
Every girl, big or little, deserves a spot in their home that is super dreamy and just for them. A girly room does not have to be all about pink hearts and rainbows, it just needs to shout out your little darling’s personal personality. As in every other room in... 
by lesliemaydesigns | Oct 23, 2013 | Bespoke Homes for Families
A really great piece should be beautiful, well-tailored, chic…and the best ones actually do a little work too. You have heard me on my soap box about upholstery that is meant for really living in….the hard stuff should add beauty and function to your nest... 
by lesliemaydesigns | Oct 22, 2013 | Bespoke Homes for Families
There is one wall in your home that your family, and even your guests, stare at endlessly…the one that holds the TV. With a captive audience that wall should be a “wow” statement…the best example of your chic abode. However, Sony and Samsung... 
by lesliemaydesigns | Oct 14, 2013 | Bespoke Homes for Families
I think the time has come to shake the sectional sofa’s bad rap. When you hear the words “sectional sofa” does the image of a grovey 70’s pad come to mind? Well, room for eight in your family room does not have to be a lazy boy pleather in...
I think I would be hard pressed to find a reason not to celebrate. My husband teases that I like to turn almost anything into a special occasion…the first day of summer, the last day of summer, election day, a perfect score on a spelling test. In my opinion, that is what makes life fun! Why not celebrate the little stuff along with the big. I also love to cook so, to me, entertaining the special people in my life brings together all of my passions, a cozy home that is planned for fun and boisterous living and yummy food to share.
By far my favorite way to entertain is to assemble 12 of our closest friends around our much loved antique dining table…it is from the late 1700s and I think it has seen a lot of laughs, raunchy jokes and spilled wine even before we took it over. My inspiration for these nights typically starts with something to die for yummy that I have seen on Food Network or in Bon Appetite and I build a menu around it. I wish I could say I abide by the old cooks adage to never serve something you haven’t cooked before to dinner guests but, with my crazy life, that just isn’t in the cards. So my friends are my guinea pigs. With a good playlist humming, Spoitfy Beach Music or Four Seasons are my preferred jam, we start with apps and cocktails, which with good friends can linger past dinner time. With guests well served before we take our seats, I cross my fingers that all has turned out as I planned, but have pizza hut on speed dial just in case!
The mark of a good party is guests lingering around the table for another glass of wine and forgetting about the babysitter bill racking up at home. This is why I have, and I make sure all of my clients have comfy dining chairs!
Although intimate dinner parties are my favorites I love a tailgate party, a costume party, a cocktail party, Christmas teas, Oscar affairs and I am even one of those crazy moms who loves to plan birthday parties.
Here are some of my favorites fetes and the details that make them special. I hope they will inspire you to invite your friends and family over for Groundhog Day and celebrate! Continue Reading...