Jeff Leatham

Every profession has a rock star!

Jeff Leatham

Assume that money is no object....who you gonna call?

For party planning, call the authority, Colin Cowie.  For starting charitable foundations, call Microsoft’s founder, Bill Gates.  For the perfect tuxedo, call designer and film maker, Tom Ford, or the world renowned, Mr. Georgio Armani.  For the spot-on bachelor pad décor, call Oprah’s favorite, Nate Nate of Nate Berkus Associates.  For visual merchandising, call Hallmark’s guru, David Jimenez.  For investment concerns, call Berkshire Hathaway’s, Warren Buffet.  For culinary assistance, call Omnimedia Living’s, Martha Stewart.  For plastic surgery needs, call me.  (Only kidding on the last one….just wanted to see if you were reading.  Ha!)  And, for floral arrangements, call THE superstar, Jeff Leatham.

http://www.casasugar.com/

I am definitely my mother's son; there must be some genetic love of flowers.   If I’m tired and stressed, my usual respite from the world is the garden store.  Despite my admiration of all things that bloom, my introduction to the majesty of Jeff Leatham’s designs wasn’t until last year. 

May 2011…. drinks at The Four Seasons George V…. Paris, France.   And… Oh-my-God… who did the flowers????

Arrangement from floral designer, Jeff Leatham, and my buddy, Josie Bowen, at the George V, Paris

Fortunately, Google to the rescue.   Jeff Leatham!

His gravity defying arrangements are simply breathtaking in person.  Because of his elaborate and unforgettable "floral groupings," he is the artistic director for the Four Seasons Hotel Chain and has worked for an impressive list of celebrities.  And, as you might imagine, amazing ain't cheap.  For instance, Chelsea Clinton, yes Bill’s daughter, hired Leatham for her wedding and the flower budget was a whopping $250,000! 

Flowers for Chelsea Clinton's wedding

http://www.bloomingflowersonline.com/_blog/Blog/post/We're_a_fan_of_Jeff_Leatham/

Leatham’s designs are interesting in their simplicity.  Huge groups of the same flower done in multiple vases -- a classic repeating element.

Leatham design for TLC's Flowers Uncut

http://yourspaceourdesign.blogspot.com/2010_04_01_archive.html

http://talesofthetastemaker.blogspot.com/2012/02/setting-table-with-jeff-leatham.html

http://lestyle-francais.blogspot.com/2011_10_01_archive.html

www.jeffleatham.com

And, because of that 'repeating element' idea, they are fairly easy to replicate.  In her blog, "SIMPLE DIRT, the observations of a landscape designer," Deborah Silver used red eucalyptus in this Jeff Leatham inspired winter garden display.

http://www.deborahsilver.com/bog/?tag=red-eucalyptus

If trying to replicate this idea at home: one “gravity defying” arrangement on the center of the table might look like you’ve been smoking crack.   However, multiple similar arrangements will look… purposeful, thoughtful, and spectacular.

My friend, Cathy, also loves his work.  Fortunately, he has authored a couple of books, and we were able to find them at Amazon.com.  

An interview with this creative Utah native can be found on the Channel Guide.  http://www.channelguidemagblog.com/index.php/2009/11/17/the-flower-filled-world-of-jeff-leatham

Sitting beside Latham designed peonies.  How did they know that peonies are my favorite?

Hmmmm... anyone up for a trip to the City of Lights?

Raising the bar

Raising the bar

Le Bar, Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

The Oak Bar, Plaza Hotel, NYC

Thankfully on the East Coast, it is 5 o'clock.  And, of course, that means cocktail time!  Beautiful hotels like the Plaza in NYC and the Four Seasons in Paris can make the simplest cocktails look and seem more elegant.  But, there is usually a premium to pay for that ambience... sticker shock might be the more appropriate term. 

Fortunately, we can borrow ideas from these establisments.  Theft IS the highest form of flattery!  Here are a few of their tricks....

Ice Bucket

This silver-plated oversized ice buckets are frequently used on banquet tables and on large bars for wine and champagne.  Smaller versions work great at home -- place them on the kitchen counter or patio table for your next cocktail soiree. 

www.potterybarn.com

Cocktail Shaker

Simple, functional, and always in style... the Boston shaker will make you look like a bar tending rockstar at your next party.

http://www.thebostonshaker.com/

Corkscrew

There are scads of corkscrews on the market... lever style, the waiter's, twisting-pull cork, and two-pronged.  The winged is my favorite because it isn't fussy, doesn't take rocket science to figure out how to use it, and there is a bottle opener at the top.

Available at most major retailers like Target, Williams Sonoma, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Sur la Table.   

Cutting Board

A small footed cutting board, like this one from John Boos, is a practical way to display and to cut lemons, limes, and other cocktail ingredients. 

www.surlatable.com

http://www.johnboos.com/

Jigger

Don't forget, you need a way to measure ingredients.  Jiggers come in all shapes and sizes.

 Cocktail glasses

For heaven's sake, get some heavy cocktail glasses.  Because, if your friends are like my friends, they will break the wimpy ones.  I have these glasses and absolutely adore them.  Glen Plaid double-old fashion crystal glasses from Ralph Lauren. 

http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1882762&ab=crosssell_1_1882761_1882762

Decanters

I think that decanters are great... though I usually never actually use any of mine except for display.  Though not usually seen at the hotel bar, they use them frequently for room service. This one caught my eye... funky and festive.  The Tilt Decanter, by Karim Rashid for Nambe.

http://www.silversuperstore.com/nambe/tilt_decanter_set.html

Crystal decanters are available in a wide variety of price points.  Check out eBay and local antique stores for some good deals. 

www.ebay.com

Wine Glasses

 Being a bit of a novice to the world of wine glasses, I first read about these in GQ Magazine a few months ago.  These Schott Zwiesel glasses are made in Germany from titanium-infused crystal which makes them virtually indestructible. 

Available at www.surlatable.com and http://www.williams-sonoma.com/

http://www.gq.com/style/blogs/the-gq-eye/2011/05/tough-glasses-for-stiff-drinks-schott-zwiesel-barware.html

Irish Coffee Mug

It is always a good idea to have coffee available for your guests.  And, if they want to add liquor to it, then these mugs are simple, sturdy, and stylish.

www.crateandbarrel.com

 Silver Julep Cups

Southern bars are just not complete without some silver julep cups.  They are perfect for those mint julep moments.  And, they work as great containers for cut flowers (like roses) when not being otherwise used. 

http://www.boardmansilversmiths.com/sports-julepcups-tumblers-beak.htm

So, enjoy happy hour.  Cheers!