Since the launch of the Luxury Portfolio blog contest, we have received some wonderful comments, including excellent insights, valulable tips and interesting feedback. Today marks the start of Round Four, so comment today!

The Prize:
In addition to being a world-renowned chef and restaurateur, David Burke also is the creator of Gourmet Pops — delightful desserts that are a play on the nostalgic lollipop, but so much more!

Satisfying both the savory and the sweet — from goat cheese pops (a mix of creamy mascarpone and sundried tomatoes coated in toasted almonds and pistachios) to cheesecake pops (cheesecake dipped in chocolate and covered with such toppings as toffee and peanut butter pieces)  — these hors d’oeuvres make a wonderful gift and serve as the perfect amuse for entertaining.

Our Round 4 winner will receive a sampling of these heavenly delicacies!

The Details:
We are rewarding those who write the most insightful and interesting comments to existing blog posts. It is that easy...

1. Read through some of the blog posts.

2. Select a post that you are interested in or have knowledge/experience in.

3. Type in your information, your thoughts, and comment...that's it!

Green entertaining is becoming the norm among elite hosts. Utilizing sustainable standards can delight guests, while also contributing to the good of the planet.

It all starts with the invites. Checkerboard, a family owned company whose clients have included Bill Gates and Bob Hope, creates invitations of unrivaled artistry and design that are also sensitive to our environment. From summer parties to winter celebrations, the company offers an array of colors and styles that help set the perfect tone for your get-together.

This product and write-up were featured in a recent issue of Luxury Portfolio’s LuxeTrends® newsletter that focused on eco-friendly entertaining. LuxeTrends® is a monthly eNewsletter that covers luxury real estate trends, home design, luxury gifts and more. The current issue, posted today, identifies a new “it” color utilized in luxury design. View and subscribe to the newsletter here.

Featured in The Wall Street Journal, Departures and Oprah Magazine, Sucré (French for sugared) creates delectable chocolates, macaroons, confections and gelato in a luxurious boutique setting. The unique and elegant bakery is located in the heart of New Orleans, although they receive orders from around the world, and do an excellent job in creating artitsanal sweets that are almost to beautiful too consume.

Sucré is sponsoring Round Two of the Luxury Portfolio Blog Contest, and the winner will be awarded with a sampling of Sucré's famous French macaroons!

Round Two ends August 15, so start commenting today!

Details:
1.  The participant who posts the most interesting comment directly on an existing blog post will be awarded a luxury gift. 

2.  The winner will be acknowledged in Luxury Portfolio’s e-newsletter LuxeChatter and announced on the Luxury Portfolio blog.

3.  The contest will be ongoing, with a new giveaway every few months.

We look forward to your participation!


If you have any questions, please contact communications@luxuryportfolio.com.

We would like to congratulate Phyllis Harb of Dickson-Podley Realtors, who is the first winner in the Luxury Portfolio blog giveaway. Thank you Phyllis for your insightful comments on Luxury Portfolio blog posts!

We are rewarding those who write the most insightful and interesting comments to existing blog posts.   It is that easy...

1. Read through some of the blog posts.

2. Select a post that you are interested in or have knowledge/experience with.

3. Type in your information, your thoughts, and comment...that's it!

The contest is ongoing, with a new giveaway monthly.

The next round of the contest starts today and runs through August 15!  

De'Longhi, whose Italian luxury designs are helping to make it the fastest growing espresso brand in America, recently introduced the innovative Artista Series. Showcasing the art of Nicole Miller, Damien Correll and eight other designers, the Artista Series is a limited edition of Perfecta espresso machines with the designers' work laser etched on the front panels.

In addition to providing a unique look and a perfect espresso, the machines are also providing for charity. This summer, the rare appliances are being auctioned off with proceeds going to Oxfam America, a relief organization committed to battling poverty worldwide. Read more on the machines and the auction.

I am always on the lookout for new and unique ways to celebrate Mother’s Day. I feel like every year I treat my mom to the same gifts –
a nice bottle of perfume and an appetizing brunch. She never seems to be disappointed,
but I feel the need to keep things fresh.

I was so pleased to see the exclusive gift ideas being offered by the Trump International Hotel in Chicago – who would have ever guessed!  Their gift selections for mom include:

“Mom’s Great Escape” – A deluxe king city view room, complimentary breakfast and a $50 credit to use towards The Spa.

Veuve Clicquot Champagne Luncheon – An interesting spin on the traditional brunch. A luncheon hosted by top chefs and sommeliers. Moms enjoy an elegant four-course lunch perfectly paired with Champagne for each course. A book illustrating Madame Clicquot’s life and healing grapeseed lotion are also given as gifts.

Looks like my mom will be getting something extra special this year.

Click here for more information.

It's almost time for me to re-stain the deck, position the furniture and set up the grill for several months of outdoor entertaining. When this yearly process is complete, I enjoy the look of my wood deck, but not necessarily the upkeep involved caused by living in a harsh climate.  One alternative to a maintenance heavy wood deck is Trex, which is becoming a more and more popular option in luxury home decking.

In addition to being low-maintenance, Trex decking is environmentally friendly; created from a composite of recycled wood and plastic products.  With a wide selection of colors and the ability to be curved, Trex also allows for several design options to match any taste.

Check out their photo galleries to see some possibilities.

I recently purchased a new HDTV and am trying to find a way to house it - along with other audio/video equipment - that is practical, but at the same time aesthetically pleasing.  I'm not a big fan of the gloss black metal TV stands and would like to mount the TV, but not on a bare wall.

In browsing through several entertainment center options online, I came across some sharp solutions by JSP Industries.  Their collection of home theater housing systems are functional and also add a great deal of style to home decor.  The "Vivaldi" (pictured) or any of the classically-named systems would definitely be a welcome addition to my family room.

Italian artist and interior decorator Piero Fornasetti created more than 11,000 items, making his collection of furniture and other pieces one of the most extensive of the 20th century.  Such prolific production was drawn from great inspiration, including when Fornasetti saw the face of opera singer Lina Cavalieri in a magazine. Cavalieri's face must have moved him, as her visage appears on more than 500 Fornasetti pieces, including a plate series that numbers more than 350 variations.

Beginning in 1968 Fornasetti began releasing a limited edition 'Calendar Plate' each year; and in 1988 his son continued the tradition.  Pictured here is the newly released 2009 Calendar Plate.  This and all of Fornasetti's plates add unique style to any table setting or china cabinet.  

The Nomad Cook by Pyrolave looks like something you might see pushed through the halls of the Starship Enterprise in a Star Trek rerun.  Though futuristic in design and performance, one does not have to travel to the final frontier to obtain a Nomad Cook of their own.  The innovative mobile cooking unit has an instantaneous induction source below the lava stone surface (I think that means it gets hot quickly through fancier means than your average stove).  The unit is easy to use and clean, and is perfect for outdoor entertaining or indoor gatherings during the upcoming winter months.  With its sleek design and color options, Nomad Cook is a great addition to any decor, while also being highly functional.  As stated on their website, it gives you "the freedom to cook whenever and wherever you want."  And also to do it in style.