Morning everyone! I hope you had a fabulous weekend. This week we’ve got some more new york posts and some inspiration for you, I hope you enjoy!

Today’s beautiful find from the National Stationery Show in New York was Cake Vintage. I had seen their paper place mat range before, but was stopped in my tracks by the stunning paper table runner and vintage spoon chandelier. Vintage theme occasion anyone?

A family run business based in Nashville, Cake is all about Vintage, and what’s not to love? From their charming door knob collection (where it all started) through to their pretty paper, linen, tableware and lighting ranges, everything about Cake is beautiful and designed with love.

La Esquina would have to be one of my New York favourite restaurants. Australia could really take a look at New York restaurants, about the experience they create, the mood that is set. From the moment we entered La Esquina, we were on an adventure.

To get to the restaurant, you enter through the Taquira – a grungy retro take away style store. We sidled up to a man on a chair and mentioned we had a reservation (you’ll need to book 3 weeks in advance to the day) and were sent down some narrow, dark stairs. From there we were directed through the kitchen (yes!) before we found our way into the brasserie.

The lighting and decor was dark, exotic and intriguing – a perfect contrast to the brightly lit upstairs Taquira – and fitting for the mood they were trying to set – exclusive, hidden. The service at La Esquina was amazing, and the food incredible – I really loved all the crab and lobster they serve in New York – crab taquidos – delicious!

Give some thought to the lighting when planning your next event – what sort of mood do you want to project?

Another find from the National Stationery Show in New York. For me, Figs and Ginger really stood out at the show, their work was different, quirky and eye catching, not to mention displayed beautifully.

All of Figs and Ginger’s items are made in the mountains of North Carolina with sustainable harvested wood. I especially love the cake toppers and wedding bunting, and how perfect are the coat hangers? I see many wedding shots of beautiful bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses hanging on a not so nice coat hanger – these are the perfect solution!

I’ve got so much to share about the New York trip! We saw plenty of inspiring things to do with all things paper, fashion, art and party, but we also ate plenty of delicious food! The food was amazing, the venue’s beautiful and the service impeccable.

One of our favourite lunch spots was Balthazar. A bustling, beautiful restaurant in the heart of Soho, New York. This restaurant is always busy, whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner, so book ahead, or be prepared to wait at the bar – champagne anyone?

I ordered the Warm Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onion Tart, and the Baby Beet Salad – both of which I’m still dreaming about, so I’m a little delighted that I just discovered you can purchase the Baltahazar Cookbook! It even has the beetroot salad!

They also cater for private functions – what a perfect spot for an event based around fine food, friends and old world charm.

If you are heading to New York, put this one on your list. x

Well here I am back from New York! We had an amazing time, New York is a truly fabulous place and I can’t wait to go back.  I’ve got a lot of things to share about the trip, but first up a few things that caught my eye at the National Stationery Show.

One of the features of the show was Paper Runway. In partnership with Kate’s Paperie, the fashion exhibit was created to show the relationship between paper and fashion by showcasing paper dresses from cutting-edge fashion designers, among them Lela Rose, Susan Woo, Yeohlee, Jen Kao, Donald Deal.

The display also held a competition for visual merchandising and design students at New York City’s LIM College. Students’ were asked to incorporate products from NSS exhibitors to compete for a cash prize and will be featured in the windows of Kate’s Paperie during Fashion Week.

They did an incredible job – the detailing and craftsmanship was amazing. I especially love the colour palettes used and the the mixing of patterns that work together. Gorgeous!

above: paper runway competition winner “Feather Fantasy” created by students Alexis Michaelides and Margaret Carroll