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HAPPY HALLOWEEN // MASTERPIECES

October 31, 2022 by blackband Filed Under: Blackband Blog, LIFESTYLE, NEWSWORTHY Leave a Comment

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Art came alive for this year's annual Blackband Halloween Costume Party. We tapped into famous paintings, portraits artists, sculptures and more and recreated the works of art into masterpieces of our own. Enjoy a leisurely scroll through our gallery to see if you recognize any pieces!

WENDY & GREG: STARRY NIGHT FEATURING VINCENT VAN GOGH

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WENDY: STARRY NIGHT BY VINCENT VAN GOGH

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GREG: SELF PORTRAIT BY VINCENT VAN GOGH

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MARY: THE SWING BY JEAN-HONORE FRAGONARD

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RACHEL: THE MONA LISA BY LEONARDO DA VINCI

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KATE + BABY WILLIAM: FEMME AU BERET ET A LA ROBE QUADRILLEE BY PABLO PICASSO

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MEGAN: GIRL WITH THE PEARL EARRING BY JOHANNES VERMEER

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KIM: COMPOSITION WITH RED, BLUE, & YELLOW BY PIET MONDRIAN

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RYLEE: CONVERGENCE BY JACKSON POLLOCK

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ALANNA + LEA: AMERICAN GOTHIC BY GRANT WOOD

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TANYA: PORTRAIT OF MADAME X BY JOHN SINGER SARGENT

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ALEXANDRA: OH, JEFF... I LOVE YOU TOO... BY ROY LICHTENSTEIN

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MELISSA: BIRTH OF VENUS BY SANDRO BOTTICELLI

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KORI: FLYING DEVIL ICON BY KEITH HARING

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MARISSA: THE STAR BY EDGAR DEGAS

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IVANA: THE REINTERPRETATION BY MODIGLIANI

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JORDAN: GIRL WITH BALLOON BY BANKSY

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NATALIE: MARILYN BY ANDY WARHOL

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MICHAEL: SELF PORTRAIT WITH RAPHAELESQUE NECK BY SALVADOR DALI

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We hope you enjoyed a fun and safe Halloween!! Let the countdown to next year begin!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN // NOW STREAMING

October 31, 2021 by blackband Filed Under: Blackband Blog, LIFESTYLE, NEWSWORTHY Leave a Comment

Blackband_Halloween_2021-Team-2

We channeled some of our favorite characters for this year's annual office costume party. From Hulu to Netflix and many networks in between, there was a lot of binge-worthy entertainment to celebrate.

"Flip" through our Reel on Instagram to see what to watch next!

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The Crown

Starring Wendy as Queen Elizabeth

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Hamilton

Starring Greg as King George III

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The Great British Bake Off

Starring Mary as a Contestant

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The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Starring Rachel as Mrs. Maisel

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The Office

Starring Kate as Dwight

Blackband_Design_Halloween_Dwight_The_Office

The Handmaid's Tale

Starring Rylee + Megan

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Cruella

Starring Jillian as Cruella de Vil

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The Queen's Gambit

Starring Kim as Beth Harmon

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Squid Game

Starring Rachelle

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Ted Lasso

Starring Mike as Ted Lasso

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Gossip Girl

Starring Annie as Blair Waldorf

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Emily in Paris

Starring Samantha as Emily

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Stranger Things

Starring Tanya as Eleven

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Game of Thrones

Starring Alanna as Khalessi

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Mean Girls

Starring Lea as Damian

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Tiger King

Starring Payton as Joe Exotic

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*Cue the ending credits*

We hope you enjoyed a fun and safe Halloween!! Let the countdown to next year begin!

Costumes of Blackband Halloweens Past

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HAPPY HALLOWEEN // CANCELED PLANS

October 31, 2020 by blackband Filed Under: Blackband Blog, LIFESTYLE, NEWSWORTHY Leave a Comment

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Lots of plans were canceled, changed or postponed this year... Halloween at Blackband Design was not one of them! We had another great team costume party at the office and found some extra fun to celebrate in this crazy year of 2020. Check out our characters in action on IGTV and have a very happy Halloween!!

WENDY: FLAMENCO DANCER

CANCELED PLANS: FAMILY VACATION IN SPAIN

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"SPAIN TRIP WAS CANCELED, SANGRIA WAS NOT"

GREG: DOCTOR B

CANCELED PLANS: NON-ESSENTIAL DOCTOR VISITS

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"WASH YOUR HANDS, KEEP SIX FEET APART, WEAR A MASK"

MARY: RAIDER NATION FAN

CANCELED PLANS: NFL STADIUM EXPERIENCE

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"CAN I GET A HAIL MARY?"

ASHLEY P: VACATIONER

CANCELED PLANS: TROPICAL VACATION

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"VACATION IS ALL I EVER WANTED"

RACHEL: DISNEY ANNUAL PASS HOLDER

CANCELED PLANS: DISNEYLAND

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"TOO MANY BLACKOUTS"

KATE: CORONA BRIDE

CANCELED PLANS: ORIGINAL WEDDING PLANS

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"LOVE IS NOT CANCELED"

KENDALL: QUARANTINE BEAUTY QUEEN

CANCELED PLANS: HAIR SALON APPOINTMENTS

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"FROM CUTE TO QUARANTINE"

MEGAN: OLYMPIC SWIMMER

CANCELED PLANS: SUMMER OLYMPICS 2020

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"...JUST KEEP SWIMMING..."

JILLIAN: RODEO QUEEN

CANCELED PLANS: RODEO

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"THIS AIN'T MY FIRST RODEO AND I SURE HOPE IT AIN'T MY LAST"

KIM: FLIGHT ATTENDANT

CANCELED PLANS: FLIGHTS

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"PLEASE KEEP YOUR SEATBELTS FASTENED, IT'S BEEN A BUMPY YEAR"

NICOLE: COACHELLA ENTHUSIAST

CANCELED PLANS: COACHELLA MUSIC FESTIVAL

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"NO-CHELLA"

ASHLEY T: COSTA RICA TOURISTA

CANCELED PLANS: COSTA RICA VACATION

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"PURA VIDA"

TRACY: MET GALA SOCIALITE

CANCELED PLANS: RED CARPET APPEARANCES

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"LIGHTS, CAMERA, ZOOM"

SIERRA: MLB STADIUM VENDOR

CANCELED PLANS: MLB STADIUM EXPERIENCE

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"SAFE AT HOME... BASE"

RYLEE: ZOOKEEPER

CANCELED PLANS: ZOO DAY

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"LIONS AND TIGERS AND BEERS, OH MY"

EMMY: THE BACHELORETTE

CANCELED PLANS: THE BACHELORETTE, SEASON 16

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"THE MOST DRAMATIC SEASON YET"

RACHELLE: CORE POWER YOGA INSTRUCTOR

CANCELED PLANS: YOGA STUDIO CLASSES

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"NAMA-STAY AT HOME"

ANNIE: GRADUATE

CANCELED PLANS: GRADUATION CEREMONIES

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"NOT A LOT OF POMP IN THIS CIRCUMSTANCE"

MICHAEL: CONCERT GOING COWBOY

CANCELED PLANS: STAGECOACH MUSIC FESTIVAL

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"STAGE-COUCH"

Thanks for following along! We hope you have a happy and safe Halloween and find joy to celebrate everyday!

TOP TEN TIPS // DINING ALFRESCO

July 10, 2020 by blackband Filed Under: DESIGN TIPS, LIFESTYLE Leave a Comment

PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

With good weather comes endless opportunities for outdoor gatherings and that's something we like to take advantage of! Here in Southern California, we're blessed with beautiful weather most of the year, so our home designs give special attention to making exterior living and dining spaces useful for entertaining through all the seasons.

The Italian term "al fresco" simply translates to "in the fresh air" and instantly elevates your outdoor dining description ("al fresco dining" and "dining alfresco" are both correct ways to use the phrase). The party-planning tips we've gathered below prove just how simple it is to host your next dinner party outside. Whether you're getting the gang together to celebrate a holiday or simply to enjoy the fresh air with good food and friends, we've collected the tips to boost your hosting confidence in the great outdoors!

1. THE BASICS: WHO / WHAT / WHEN / WHERE / WHY

PROJECT NEWPORT WATERFRONT // SINCLAIR ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT NEWPORT WATERFRONT // SINCLAIR ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT PORT MARGATE // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT PORT MARGATE // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT PORT MARGATE // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT PORT MARGATE // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

First, let's nail down the basics. The who, what, when, where and why will help you establish the general plan for your party and determine the logistics to keep in mind.

WHO: How many people will you be hosting? Make your guest list and send out those invites!

WHAT: What are you hosting? A backyard barbecue, summer soiree, friendsgiving festivities? What you want the gathering to be can help you narrow down the decisions you'll be making along the way.

WHEN: Pick a date and a time with the weather in mind! Daytime vs. evening and warm weather vs. cold can determine some of the practical things you'll need for a comfortable time together.

WHERE: Choose a location and note what it has and what it doesn't have, yet. Are you hosting at your home where you have many necessities on hand or at a public place where you'll need to bring everything? Will seating be at a traditional table and chairs, or is it a BYOB towel situation on the beach?

WHY: Are you celebrating a special occasion or finding any reason to get the gals together? Either way, keep the purpose in mind to create the experience you desire through all the little details.

2. WHICH COMES FIRST: MENU OR THEME?

PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT OCEAN BLVD // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT OCEAN BLVD // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Fixing a delicious (and doable) menu is an important element to your dinner party's success! The food isn't just about the taste, but it's about creating the whole experience. Your choice in food may influence a theme for the gathering (pasta dish = whimsical Italian dinner under the moonlight) or your theme may determine the natural dishes to serve (Cinco de Mayo = taco party). A "theme" can be as obvious or as subtle as you desire, but thinking through these connections can amplify your guests' experience.

Preparing food and serving it at the appropriate temperature is not an easy feat, especially while hosting a party! Plan ahead and recruit more hands to help to eliminate the stress and maximize your own enjoyment. Remember, catering is also an option!

3. MAKE IT PRETTY: CENTERPIECES + DECOR

PROJECT FLOWER STREETS // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT FLOWER STREETS // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

With all your guests gathered around the table, the centerpiece is the work of art between you all. You can go big and elaborate for a fancy soiree, or keep it simple for a smaller crowd. No matter how grand you're going, layering is always key!

As we say in our interior design tips, layering textures, shapes, sizes, and colors adds so much dimension to your space (or in this case, your table). Start with height in the center, then work your way down as you move outward. Some common objects to use in your centerpieces are bottles, vases, florals and greenery (many of which can be collected from around your house or clipped in your yard). Even family-style dishes can be included in your arrangement to complement the decor and bring your guests together.

Beyond the table's focal point, it's great to add touches of decor throughout the general area to keep the ambiance alive from every angle. Sprucing up your serving space and beverage station with hints from your centerpiece style can add cohesiveness to the entire setting. These details can create perfect photo ops for your guests to have fun and capture the memories!

4. NO LONGER A CHORE: SETTING THE TABLE

PROJECT NEWPORT WEDGE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT NEWPORT WEDGE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT FLOWER STREETS // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT FLOWER STREETS // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
SECRET GARDEN PARTY BY BLACKBAND DESIGN
SECRET GARDEN PARTY BY BLACKBAND DESIGN

Unique table settings can also add formality and fun to your event. Switching up the flatware, dishes, drinkware and napkins from your everyday use makes your guests feel extra special and can contribute to the decor.

A semi-formal place setting will take your table a step up from your daily dinners. A standard semi-formal place setting includes: a dinner plate and smaller salad plate in the center, a dinner fork and smaller salad fork on the left, a knife and spoon on the right, and a water glass and wine glass above your flatware on the right. Napkins and name cards can be displayed in a variety of ways on or around the plates -- let your creativity lead the way!

Even if you're working with what you've got, setting the table can be just enough to make your guests feel special!

NICE + SIMPLE

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A LITTLE SOMETHING SPECIAL

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SEMI-FORMAL

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5. FAKE IT IF YOU DIDN'T MAKE IT: SERVING AESTHETICS

PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Whether you've been slaving over the stove for hours or picked up goods from the store just in the nick of time, how you present your food can make a huge difference in your dinner party appearance! Ditch the packaging of any store-bought foods and display the treats in bowls or on platters. This simple hack immediately elevates your offerings to feel specially prepared for your guests.

This trick can be used for beverages, too. Fill pitchers with the drinks you're serving so guests can help themselves to what they assume is your creation, even though it might have been poured out of a bottle! When it comes to red wine, a decanter adds sophistication while allowing the wine to breathe. Lastly, water carafes are a simple upgrade for the table that offer easy refills without having to visit the refrigerator inside.

BONUS TIP: Save and up-cycle pretty glass bottles to use as water carafes. Gerard Bertrand's Cote de Roses rosé comes in a beautiful 1.5L glass bottle with a rose detail on the bottle. Enjoy the rosé, soak off the labels and you've got yourself a pretty carafe for your next party.

EXTRA BONUS TIP: You can never have enough ice! Since you'll be serving more guests than your household usually accommodates, start stashing ice from your ice machine a few days in advance or stock up on bags from the store. Keep it all in the freezer until your party is just about ready, then toss the packaging and add the ice to the tub or bucket at your beverage station to make a one-stop-shop for your guests to refill their drinks.

6. DAY TO NIGHT: SHADE + LIGHTING

PROJECT BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
SECRET GARDEN PARTY BY BLACKBAND DESIGN
SECRET GARDEN PARTY BY BLACKBAND DESIGN

The weather and natural light may not be in your control, but you can definitely plan ahead to prepare your space for enjoyable conditions. Luckily rain isn't a concern for most hosting an outdoor get together (at least not in Southern California) since the al fresco entertaining typically follows a warm weather trend, but you may still want some overhead cover to protect guests (and food) from harsh sunshine. Umbrellas can be a practical addition to your decor that create the shade you need while keeping an open air environment.

For an evening party that continues after sundown, you'll want to make sure you have adequate lighting to keep your guests around a little longer. Lanterns and candles double as decor and are a great temporary option if your yard isn't wired for spotlights. Bistro lights can be strung over your table if there are trees, fences or rooflines around to support the strands. All of these lighting options offer enough light to see while boosting the intimate ambiance of your setting.

BONUS TIP: Choose your candle scent (or lack there of) carefully. You don't want the fragrance to clash with your guests' tastebuds.

7. SET THE TONE: PICKING YOUR PARTY PLAYLIST

PROJECT LIDO HOUSE HOTEL // RDO DEVELOPMENT // MATT WHITE CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT LIDO HOUSE HOTEL // RDO DEVELOPMENT // MATT WHITE CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Is it even a party without a playlist?! Turn on the tunes to set the tone for your gathering and guests will feed off of what they hear. Mellow music fills your conversations with serene background melodies, while familiar soundtracks can rowdy up your guests to let loose a little. We compiled our favorite dinner music picks in a playlist on Spotify so the work is already done for you!

Playing the music that matches the cuisine you're having is also a great (+ easy way) to transport your guests to a destination and create the full experience. It's amazing how much a culture's style of music can make you believe you're there!

PRESS PLAY: BLACKBAND'S BACKYARD DINNER PARTY PLAYLIST

8. SHOO FLY: BUG-REPELLENT SOLUTIONS

PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT OCEAN BLVD // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT OCEAN BLVD // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Outdoor dinner parties are great for gathering good friends, but there are a few "friends" that are not invited... sorry bugs! Keep the mosquitoes away with scents that they can't stand. Herb and citronella aromas are two that fight off the bugs without wiping out the humans -- most guests will even enjoy these scented touches! Incorporate small potted herbs in your centerpiece or use sprigs to garnish your table setting and dishes for just enough fragrance to do the job. Burning citronella candles is a common hack for disguising bug repellent in decorative vessels that can be a part of your decor scheme. For a more natural solution, citronella essential oil can be used on your skin, diffused into the air or diluted in a spray.

BONUS TIP: Peppermint oil can fend off spiders! Spray it around the perimeter of your party to keep the creepy crawlies away.

9. PERSONALIZE IT: STATIONARY + SIGNAGE

SECRET GARDEN PARTY BY BLACKBAND DESIGN
SECRET GARDEN PARTY BY BLACKBAND DESIGN
SECRET GARDEN PARTY BY BLACKBAND DESIGN
SECRET GARDEN PARTY BY BLACKBAND DESIGN
SECRET GARDEN PARTY BY BLACKBAND DESIGN
SECRET GARDEN PARTY BY BLACKBAND DESIGN

Making your guests truly feel welcomed and celebrated is all in the details. Before friends even show up to your party, an invitation can set the tone for the festivities' theme and formality. While printed stationary and snail mail tug at our heart strings, they aren't always necessary for a backyard shindig. Sending out an e-vite or texting a graphic to your guest list can be just the ticket to build excitement for the coming event.

When your guests do arrive, a welcome sign can offer a warm first impression and direct them to the party. Name cards, printed menus, drink menu signs and other festive signage throughout your party can emphasize your theme and answer your guests' common questions. Signs revealing where the bathrooms are located allow guests to slip away without any embarrassment of asking and directs them to the specific bathroom you want them to use (aka not your personal space, if you have the option).

10. PARTY TIME: RELAX + ENJOY

PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

You've put in the work, now it's time for you to sit back and enjoy! Pour yourself a drink, indulge in the spread you prepared and soak in that precious time with friends. As the night goes on, take advantage of your guests offering a hand to handle any last minute prep or problem-solving so all can get back to the party without missing a beat. Hosts and hostesses with the mostest can still have help!

BONUS TIP: Having a batch of drinks ready for the first guests before they arrive can buy you some time for final prep. Guests can help themselves as soon as they're ready and you won't feel like you're holding up the bar.

EXPLORE MORE AL FRESCO DINING INSPIRATION ON OUR PINTEREST BOARD

Have other party-planning tips to add? We're all ears! Share your go-to hosting hacks in the comments below and we'll give them a try at our next party!!

CREDITS: BLACKBAND DESIGN // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY // SINCLAIR ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY // LIDO HOUSE HOTEL // RDO DEVELOPMENT // MATT WHITE CUSTOM HOMES

BLACKBAND BOOK CLUB

April 24, 2020 by blackband Filed Under: LIFESTYLE Leave a Comment

Wendy Blackband is a lover of books -- reading, collecting, styling, discussing, you name it. In the midst of a busy, working-mom schedule, she finds reading to be her refuel. An escape from the to-do lists and an opportunity to get lost in a story that holds no responsibility over her (oh, the freedom!!).

Growing up in a family of readers, it’s been natural for Wendy to carry on the tradition. From her great grandparents reading by candlelight with a box of chocolates to her mother’s esteemed home library that she visits any chance she gets, books are in her blood. In Wendy’s newly renovated Balboa Island home, several areas were designed with books in mind. We haven’t had a chance to photograph the home just yet (post-quarantine we are on it!) but we’ve collected some of our favorite inspiring home library set ups here.

In the chance that you too are a reader looking for your next adventure (from the comfort of your coziest reading chair), we've linked Wendy's all-time favorite reads, and a few of her mom's favorites too. It's a family affair over here... join the club!!

CURRENTLY READING

Nowadays, Wendy’s book club is a source of joy. For years a group of her girlfriends have been reading books and meeting to chat, host, cook and enjoy time together (virtually, as of late). They are currently reading A Room with a View by E. M. Forster — a romantic novel that takes place in Italy and England. The Blackband family postponed their Spring Break trip to England (to visit Greg's side of the family) and Ireland (to adventure) in the escalation of travel restrictions due to the virus, so this book has been Wendy's source of wanderlust from home.

PHOTO VIA BARNES & NOBLE
PHOTO VIA BARNES & NOBLE

WENDY'S TOP TWELVE FAVORITE BOOKS

BLACKBAND_DESIGN_BOOK_CLUB_THE_GREAT_GATSBY

READ // LISTEN

BLACKBAND_DESIGN_BOOK_CLUB_THE_POISONWOOD_BIBLE

READ // LISTEN

BLACKBAND_DESIGN_BOOK_CLUB_THE_GOLDFINCH

READ // LISTEN

BLACKBAND_DESIGN_BOOK_CLUB_SHERLOCK_HOLMES

READ

BLACKBAND_DESIGN_BOOK_CLUB_A_GENTLEMAN_IN_MOSCOW

READ // LISTEN

BLACKBAND_DESIGN_BOOK_CLUB_ATLAS_SHRUGGED

READ // LISTEN

BLACKBAND_DESIGN_BOOK_CLUB_THE_CATCHER_IN_THE_RYE

READ

BLACKBAND_DESIGN_BOOK_CLUB_JEEVES

ANY OF THE "JEEVES" STORIES

BLACKBAND_DESIGN_BOOK_CLUB_THE_SUN_ALSO_RISES

READ // LISTEN

BLACKBAND_DESIGN_BOOK_CLUB_PRIDE_AND_PREJUDICE

READ

BLACKBAND_DESIGN_BOOK_CLUB_THE_DEVIL_IN_THE_WHITE_CITY

READ // LISTEN

BLACKBAND_DESIGN_BOOK_CLUB_WHERE_THE_CRAWDADS_SING

MOTHER KNOWS BEST

A few favorite's from Wendy's mother, Judith Corona -- an avid reader and design lecturer at UCLA.

BLACKBAND_DESIGN_BOOK_CLUB_EAST_OF_EDEN

READ // LISTEN

BLACKBAND_DESIGN_BOOK_CLUB_COLOR_PURPLE

READ // LISTEN

BLACKBAND_DESIGN_BOOK_CLUB_A_TREE_GROWS_IN_BROOKLYN

READ // LISTEN

BLACKBAND_DESIGN_BOOK_CLUB_TO_KILL_A_MOCKINGBIRD

READ // LISTEN

BLACKBAND_DESIGN_BOOK_CLUB_KITE_RUNNER

READ // LISTEN

BLACKBAND_DESIGN_BOOK_CLUB_CATCH_22

READ // LISTEN

We would love to hear about the books you've enjoyed and appreciate any recommendations for our team to read! What books should we add to our shelves?? We just might feature it next!

WORKING FROM HOME // 15 PICK ME UPS FOR A BETTER DAY

April 8, 2020 by blackband Filed Under: Blackband Blog, LIFESTYLE Leave a Comment

We’re in week three of working from home (along with the rest of the world) and we are happy to report we’ve found many positives in these new “office” dynamics. There are of course some challenges that have come with this new territory, but we’ve rounded up ways we’re adjusting to them and focusing on the good! Read on for our team’s tried and true tips for a happy home and productive work environment.

COOKING, BAKING + EATING IN

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Greg and Wendy are loving the extra time together as a family preparing and enjoying meals with their busy teens, Cooper and Piper. At the beginning of quarantine, they listed all the groceries they had in the house and created a menu for the next two weeks using those ingredients. The result: minimal trips to the store, maximum creativity in the kitchen – our minimal // maximum approach in action!

Mary is giving her collection of pretty cookbooks some love and trying out new recipes for her family. The Mexican Chicken Soup has become a household staple and the Trapani Pesto is a fresh alternative to jarred pasta sauce – both from Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street cookbook.

The sizzling sounds of homemade soup on the stove are keeping Sierra humming through her workday and looking forward to a savory dinner (and hot and ready lunch leftovers). We’re more of a use-what-you’ve-got, no-recipe type, but we swear by everything Tieghan Gerard of Half Baked Harvest whips up so we recommend browsing her soup archives if you’re in need of inspiration!

FURRY FRIENDS

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Ashley T. is enjoying the company of Miss Mittens the cat in her home office set up. There’s no fear of making a mistake on CAD when the cat is watching over her every move!

Megan has happily swapped a morning commute to the office for extra fetch time with Dude the Doodle. He just doesn’t quite understand what she is doing on the computer all day when he is clearly so ready to keep playing!

Ziggy found a home just in time to keep foster mom Emmy in good quarantined company! Emmy rescued this cute pup from Los Angeles Harbor Animal Shelter and there are so many more to adopt if you’re in need of a buddy in these socially distant times. Check out OC resources here.

PEACEFUL ROUTINES

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Nicole is always stocked up with Essential Oils for every occasion that keep her feeling her best! Check out her tips and tricks for how you can make homemade cleaning products with your oils – a perfect (and natural) alternative to the sold out store options!

Katie discovered a simple, feel good recipe inspired by Starbucks’ secret menu drink, the ”medicine ball” (hot tea with steamed lemonade). Her #stayhome version is packed with immunity-boosting power of Emergen-C to #stayhealthy. All you need: 1 pack of Emergen-C (raspberry is her favorite), juice from half a lemon, a spoonful of honey and a mugful of hot water.

Romantic reads in the sunshine are keeping Kendall happy at home. She’s currently flipping the pages of love story Sweet Salt Air and just finished Robyn Carr’s Virgin River Series – the book behind the new series you’ve probably seen on Netflix.

FRESH AIR + FRESH FRUITS

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Kim brews her coffee to-go for a quiet walk though the neighborhood before she starts her day of work. Maintaining a routine and getting outside (alone and protected) are keys to keeping her productivity flowing.

Rylee’s go-to afternoon snack is a fresh clementine that she enjoys in the sunshine on her balcony. Some Vitamin D with a side of Vitamin C!

Tracy is finding home to be a productive place to work and loves hearing her family’s voices nearby. Nature walks together have been a great time for them to release some energy and connect with each other.

WINING (NOT WHINING)

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Wineries may be closed but that didn’t stop Jill + her fiancé from a little weekend “getaway.” She made an “at home wine tour” guide around their home to sample bottles from different regions in each room. We saved her brilliant idea to Pinterest!

Ashley P. looks forward to her post-work happy hours with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Does it count as drinking alone if we’re on Zoom?

There may be some baby whines from Rachel’s sweet new niece Charley Ann but we’re sure not complaining about having this cute face to awe over. Welcome to this crazy, wonderful world baby girl!

What’s keeping you sane in this quarantined life we’re all living?

Let us know if you give any of these a try!

SMALL BUSINESSES // BIG SUPPORT

March 26, 2020 by blackband Filed Under: Blackband Blog, LIFESTYLE Leave a Comment

We've rounded up a list of small businesses and favorite brands our team is supporting in these challenging times. Now more than ever, our community needs each other so we hope you'll join the movement to #payitforward with us and make this world the happy place that it is meant to be!

P.S. This post is in no way sponsored or commissioned, just companies our team genuinely cares about and thinks you might love, too!

EAT

THE ECOLOGY CENTER | SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

FARM SHARE boxes full of 9 produce staples for the family

Check in on Instagram for when sales go live

10% donated to those in need

@theecologycenter

 

CROCKER'S | BALBOA ISLAND

A Blackband family favorite for take-out desserts

@crockersfranks

 

JAN’S HEALTH BAR | CDM | COSTA MESA | HUNTINGTON BEACH | LAGUNA BEACH

Spend $40 save $10 through 3.31.20

Curbside pickup at all locations

@janshealthbar

 

CRAFT HOUSE | DANA POINT

Curbside pick up + delivery with daily menu updates on Instagram

Now offering a roll of TP with every order! Ha!

@eatatcrafthouse

 

AVILA’S EL RANCHITO | ORANGE COUNTY

Family style meals to-go + curbside pick up

Details may vary per location

@avilaselranchito

 

BAYSIDE RESTAURANT | NEWPORT BEACH

Family-owned + family favorite

Purchase gift cards now, enjoy fine dining later

@baysidenb

DRINK

THE COFFEE IMPORTERS | DANA POINT

Fresh coffee, raw juice, healthy meals + tasty treats

Curbside pick up daily

@cofferimporters

 

NOSOTROS TEQUILA | LOCAL GROCERY STORES | ONLINE ORDER DELIVERY

Small-batch high-quality tequila

Supporting bartenders who are out of work in the lockdown

@nosotrostequila

 

SEJUICED | CDM

Smoothie + juice bar

Call your order in for curbside pick up or place your order on DOORDASH

@sejuiced

 

LA REPUBLICA COFFEE | ONLINE ORDER DELIVERY

"The coffee of the future"

Also available on Amazon

@larepublicacoffee

 

BLESSED BOOCH KOMBUCHA | LOCAL RETAILERS | FARMERS MARKETS

Small-batch, farm-to-bottle kombucha

Stay in touch on Instagram for their latest shop options

@blessedbooch

 

PORTOLA COFFEE ROASTERS | ORANGE COUNTY

Take out + delivery options vary per location

20% off website orders with code ENJOYATHOME

@portolacoffee

SWEAT

NEWPORT PEACH | INSTAGRAM LIVE

The step is back!

Fun at-home workout with limited equipment

@newportpeach

 

SMILE HIGH SURF CLUB | INSTAGRAM

Agility training for surf-minded movement

@smilehighsurfclub

 

GRIT CYCLE | YOUTUBE

Check out their YouTube channel for at-home workouts

BYOBike...

@gritcycle

STYLE

SLIGHTLY CHOPPY | NEWPORT BEACH | ONLINE

Hand-stitched surf pendants for all the local spots

@slightlychoppy

 

MOLLY WOOD GARDEN | COSTA MESA

Pretty plants + one-of-a-kind finds to add some extra joy to your home

Schedule a shopping appointment to keep your social distance

@shopmollywood

 

ETOILE ON 17TH | COSTA MESA

Women's fashion, fitness wear + goodies

25% off loungewear + the cutest customized bunny baskets for Easter

Virtual + personalized shopping options available -- DM or call for details

@etoileon17th

CLEAN

SOHP SOAP | ONLINE

This new soap company launched just in time!

We haven't tried it yet but looks like fun for kids with a toy hidden inside

@sohpsoap

 

BOTANICAL FRAGRANCES | NEWPORT BEACH | ONLINE

Not exactly a cleanser, but Wendy's best stress reliever!

Rub it on your neck + shoulders before bed for total bliss

The Lavender + Juniper is Wendy's favorite

 

COCOKIND | ONLINE

Clean + conscious skin care products

10% off for supporting small business

@cocokind

Who are you showing some extra love to in these challenging times?

List them in the comments and we'll keep this love going around!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN // ICONIC WOMEN

October 31, 2019 by blackband Filed Under: Behind The Scenes, LIFESTYLE, NEWSWORTHY Leave a Comment

blackband_design_halloween_iconic_women_2019-01

It was an ICONIC Halloween at Blackband Design celebrating talented, empowering + history-making women. Here's to girl power + a happy Halloween to all!

P.S. We do have one iconic man on our team whose doppelgänger actually spurred this whole idea... Scroll through to find him!

blackband_design_halloween_2019-GWEN-STEFANI
blackband_design_halloween_2019-FRIDA-KAHLO
blackband_design_halloween_2019-CLEOPATRA
blackband_design_halloween_2019-LADY-GAGA
blackband_design_halloween_2019-MOTHER-TERESA
blackband_design_halloween_2019-ANNIE_OAKLEY
blackband_design_halloween_2019-ROSIE-THE-RIVETER
blackband_design_halloween_2019-MARILYN-MONROE
blackband_design_halloween_2019-AMELIA-EARHART
blackband_design_halloween_2019-LUCILLE-BALL
blackband_design_halloween_2019-AUDREY_HEPBURN
blackband_design_halloween_2019-BLAKE-SHELTON-GWEN-STEFANI
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That's a wrap... now accepting all suggestions for next year's theme in the comments!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN // Mamma Mia!

October 31, 2018 by blackband Filed Under: Behind The Scenes, LIFESTYLE Leave a Comment

Here we go again… another fun Halloween Costume Party at Blackband Design! This year we got our dancin’ queens on in ABBA-inspired outfits + a whole bunch of glitter! We hope everyone’s having a happy Halloween!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! – The Blackband Team

Mother’s Day | Breakfast in Bed

May 10, 2018 by blackband Filed Under: Blackband Blog, Inspiration, LIFESTYLE

Mother’s Day has snuck up quickly (yet again!) but there’s still time to show mom how much you care with a homemade meal and that coveted quality time. We’ve gathered tasty, simple and pretty breakfast ideas to brighten mom’s morning and start Mother’s Day off with a treat!

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