The best room in the Dream House

On Saturday, I appeared at the Conde Nast Dream House along with master cake designer Sylvia Weinstock, author of "Buff Brides" Sue Fleming (http://www.amazon.com/Buff-Brides-Count-Down-Workout/dp/B000JU8HKG/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/104-5901814-5787104?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1193663599&sr=8-2) and a number of other top wedding experts to mix and mingle in the elegantly-appointed Conde Nast Dream House on West 73rd in NYC. Despite the rainy day, we had a fantastic turnout of brides and grooms, all interested in hearing about the new trends in favors from Kate Aspen. My room had the outdoor terrace, so there was a wonderful breeze -- party in Sharon's room! Among the most wonderful moments: talking with the gorgeous, willowy models about how they created their updo's, hanging out with Sylvia Weinstock and flipping through Preston Bailey's design book as Sylvia pointed out her cake masterpieces in the photo features (Sylvia has a new book coming out soon, so keep an eye out for that one!), trying chef Marc Alvarez's shrimp, couscous and pomegranate bites, and of course the Godiva room. It is possible to make a lunch out of truffles and strawberries. Cocoa is good for you, right? ;)

After the event, it was all about dressing up for a Halloween party at a local pub, and long story short...we were the only ones to show up in costume! So we turned around and headed home to watch A Haunting on TV. Perhaps we'll pull out the Halloween costumes for a party in town on Wednesday. With our couples shower coming up this weekend, there's lots to do. The menu? Oldschool Italian with sausage peppers and onions, tortellini marinara, Chicken Savoy, green salad, Sicilian pizza, antipasto, mini meatballs, and of course pigs in a blanket (gotta have that!) with an array of desserts. This is the first time my college friends and bridesmaids will all be together since we were *at* college in 1991. I couldn't be more excited to share this important celebration with our families, with friends, and with my Joe. Who, rather than enjoy a relaxing evening last night, donned his painting clothes and did the ceiling to perfection. This is a relationship of true caring and generosity of time. I can't wait for my friends to meet him....