Cristina Riches

For the wall above the mantel, I had the idea to make a large balloon heart structure that would also double as a photo-booth backdrop. To create the main frame or heart structure for this balloon backdrop, I used a large piece of white foam board that I already had at home from a previous party. For my Valentine's Day balloon heart backdrop, I decided to use red balloons and I painted the heart structure pink for contrast. The same technique I used to make this balloon heart backdrop can also be used to create other large balloon frames or shapes to suit any theme or event!

For my breakfast bar, I kept things simple, hearty and hostess-friendly with a breakfast spread consisting of delicious overnight oats and a tea bar! My oatmeal recipe can be made a day ahead, so it's a great time saver, and your guests can personalize their own oatmeal bowls on the day of with various toppings and sprinkles like seeds and nuts, nut butters, chopped fresh or dried fruits, honey, and chocolate sauce to name but a few. Quaker Old Fashioned oats is my go-to for the perfect overnight oats recipe, and provides such a filling and delicious breakfast base for all those glorious oatmeal toppings! For both the oatmeal and tea bar toppings, I simply decanted them into a cute ceramic serving dishes, and voila - A simple, yet inviting winter breakfast fit for any occasion!

Hence this delicious Camembert cheese fondue, baked in its own box and served on a board of rainbow-colored veg! But for this "healthier" version of my Camembert Cheese Fondue, I decided to serve it with lashings of crunchy, colorful and raw vegetables on a wooden board. To serve my baked Camembert, I arranged it on a round board and surrounded it with the vegetables, charcuterie and bread sticks. This type of cheese fondue board is perfect as a winter appetizer platter to share during any event you may be hosting this season!

Like I said, the idea for this coffee and donuts bar post came to me because of my love of coffee...but also because of a supper nifty coffee machine I gifted myself a few months ago! So this post is sort of a transition from that, while keeping the decor of the bar or coffee station, super cozy and inviting, fit for any winter event. For the styling of my coffee and donuts bar, I chose a black and white palette in-keeping with a winter vibe. The finishing touches were some cotton branches and a cotton wreath, which I hung behind the coffee and donuts bar for added coziness.