Better Homes + Gardens Stylemaker 2018 in NYC

Better Homes & Gardens hosts the most amazing Stylemaker event every year in NYC! It is an annual, invite only event where 50+ top design, fashion and food bloggers come together to talk shop, network, mingle and enjoy the tremendous insight from their esteemed groups of panelists. This was my 5th time attending the Stylemaker event, each time feels like the first. I am always so humbled to be among the 5o+ wonderful creatives that I admire and adore so much. Being named a BHG Stylemaker for 2018 is such an incredible honor.

This year it was held at the PUBLIC hotel, in NYC. Such an amazing location, property and view!

The editor Stephen Orr led the morning with his opening remarks and a slide show on the gorgeous test gardens, kitchens and large creative spaces at their BHG Des Moines headquarters. A few years back I actually flew out to their headquarters for a March Madness Decorating Contest. This was honestly a bucket list moment, that is for sure.

You might see some familiar faces below, such a talented group of people!!

This was such a fun segment, Dress Up Your Drinks with Marie Viljoen.  We used sumac and elderberry to make yummy cocktails!

Yuzu Sumac Cocktail

• 1 lemon

• Thai Lime Leaf Sugar (see recipe below)

• 2 ounces Tito’s vodka

• 1 ½ ounces Yuzu Luxe Sour

• 1 ounce Sumac-ade (see recipe below)

• ½ ounce elderberry juice concentrate

Squeeze lemon juice into a small saucer. Dip rim of a 6-ounce tumbler into lemon juice, then dip in Thai Lime Leaf Sugar. Fill glass with ice. Add vodka, yuzu, Sumac-ade, and elderberry. Stir to combine. Makes 1 cocktail.

Sumac-ade

• 3 ½ ounces ground sumac

• 750 milliliters water

In a large pitcher stir together sumac and 3 cups water. Strain mixture through a cheesecloth-lined strainer set over a glass measuring cup. Makes about 2 2/3 cups.

Thai Lime Sugar

• 9 tablespoons sugar

• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon finely chopped Thai lime leaves

On a small plate or saucer, mix together sugar and lime leaves. Makes about 2/3 cup (enough for 9 cocktails).

Always time to meet new people, the best part!

And guessed who else showed up?! Carla Hall from the Chew! Her story is amazing! I don’t know about you but when I hear about a person’s failure’s and rises it makes me feel more connected to them. She is as authentic and nice as they come!

The sponsors were Maybelline, Royal, Titos Vodka and Garnet Hill.

All photographs are from David Keith Photography.

Have a happy day friends!