West Hollywood, California’s Palihouse, with it’s urban-eclectic decor, was the perfect setting for Los Angeles Confidential Magazine‘s “Men of Taste” party.  The “so cool, it’s ultra slick without trying too hard” event was hosted by actor, and LA Confidential’s October cover boy, Gerard Butler.  We, at Candee by Sandee were thrilled to be asked to style a candy station fit for such “Men of Taste”.  Positioned close to the arrival area, red carpet and media, I was tipped off the  ”300″, “The Ugly Truth” and “The Bounty Hunter” star had arrived when the frenzy of flashes and shutters exploded turning every head in the intimate lounge.  Ok, just for the record, ladies (and gents), decked out in a charcoal Dolce and Gabbana suit sans tie, Mr. October looked as delicious as… well, our candy… huge sigh.

Partnered with the search engine website, bing, I had a fabulously fun location to set up our candy station on a beautiful dark, reclaimed wood shelf.  The shelf was affixed to a cinder block wall beneath a massive and stylish vintage poster of  ’A Picture of Good Heath’.  bing added it’s very clever touch above our candy station by strategically placing their signature search bar and the words “sweet tooth” to the poster.  Well, search no more, because you found it right there, from bing logo colored candy to Jones soda candy tins (in bing colors!) to chocolate cigars.

My vision from the beginning of this project was to style this candy oasis with, not only a masculine “men of taste” vibe, but to make sure it was cohesive with Palihouse’s urban eclectic decor that already existed in their comfortable but chic lobby lounge.  We brought in a large rustic industrial gear, a vintage looking jointed mannequin hand (which I positioned to grasp a chocolate cigar!) and a vintage globe, all from one of my all time favorite stores, Z Gallerie, adding a Porche martini glass (courtesy of my husband’s extensive martini glass collection), beautiful wooden Macanudo cigar boxes and a few other touches and…. VOILA!… Men of Taste Candy Bar.

Mmmmm, just look at that cover!  Los Angeles Confidential Magazine’s new look… and it’s a GOOD ONE!!!

‘Til next time, be good, be kind… be sweet.

Sandee