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Fall Drink Recipes

September 22, 2009 Leave a Comment

To Celebrate the First day of Fall…. We thought we would share some fall drink recipes….

 

First one is from Better Homes and Gardens:

Cranberry Tree

A blend of chilled bubbly and cranberry juice, garnished with fresh berries, is festive and fun — and takes just two minutes to make.

Best for: Evening cocktail parties
Start to finish: 2 minutes

Tip: To make this drink kid-friendly, add sparkling cider instead of wine.

Recipe:                                                                                                                 cranberry tree

Ingredients                                         

  • 1/2  cup chilled champagne
  • 1/2  cup cranberry juice
  •    Fresh cranberries threaded on a skewer

Directions

1. In a champagne glass combine chilled champagne and cranberry juice. Garnish with cranberry skewer. Makes 1 serving.

 

 

 

Second recipe comes from TheBar.com

Ginger Snap:                                                                                                                                             the gingersnap

  • .75 oz. Captain Morgan Spiced Rum                                                    
  • .5 oz. ginger brandy
  • 4 oz. eggnog

Combine rum, brandy, and eggnog in a blender. Blend to desired consistency. Garnish with a ginger snap for dunking.

 

 

 

 

The 3rd and final recipe comes from Drink of the Week:

Pumpkin Pie

1 oz. Malibu Rum                                                                                                                           PumpkinPie
3/4 oz. canned pumpkin pie filling

1/2 oz. Kahlúa
2 oz. with cold milk

Mix ingredients in blender with ice and blend thoroughly; Pour into graham cracker-rimmed highball glass and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Filed Under: Tips and Trends, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

Dish the Dirt in a Cute, Fun Way!

September 17, 2009 Leave a Comment

We located another great idea when we were blog reading today that we had to share. This one is from One Wed’s.com Blog….

 

When I think of my best friends and sisters, several hilarious, (semi)embarrassing stories come to mind… stories that always bring a smile to my face, followed by a good, hearty laugh. And I know that my besties have some ammunition stored up on me, as I’ve had my fair share of not so proud moments

dirty-laundry-fun-way-to-share-stories-at-casual-outdoor-wedding-bachelor-party-bridal-shower

Mélangerie

I came across this “Dirty Laundry” guest book kit by New York based design consultancy Mélangerie Inc, and thought it was the perfect way to dish the dirt, in a decorative, fun way. Now, since weddings are special, joyous occasions, we recommend that participating guests keep it “clean” (no pun intended)… but what a cute way to remember those comical encounters, funny moments between the bride and groom, unexpected happenings that made you blush, and more!

The “Dirty Laundry” guest book set comes in 6 different color themes, and for only $35, you get…

- 40 note cards (10 t-shirts, 10 tank tops, 10 pants, 10 skirts)
- 48 mini wooden clothespins (to clip up notes with)
- 8 yards of clothesline
- 1 coordinating prompt label that encourages guest’s to write notes (shaped to fit on a 50 fluid oz. Tide detergent bottle)

All packaged up in an adorable mini laundry bag with space to fill in the event date!

How great would this kit be for a casual outdoor wedding, bridal or engagement shower, or a bachelor/bachelorette party? I know the next time I’m a bridesmaid at a friend’s wedding, I’ll be scooping up one of these “Dirty Laundry” sets!

Filed Under: Uncategorized, Unique Wedding Ideas/Traditions Tagged With: , , , , ,

Who Walks When?

September 16, 2009 Leave a Comment

The Wedding Processional

 

The Order of Who Walks When During a Wedding Processional

One of the grandest part of any wedding ceremony is when the bridal party makes its entrance. The air is full of anticipation, and the groom anxiously awaits his first glimpse of his bride in her wedding dress. But do you know what order your bridal party should walk in? And who escorts the mother of the bride?

Different types of wedding processionals
The order of wedding processionals follows a general pattern, but varies according to religious traditions. For example, here is a Catholic wedding processional:

The priest, groom, and best man enter through a side door and wait at the altar.
The groomsmen and bridesmaids walk down in pairs, starting with the two who will stand farthest from the bride and groom, and ending with the best man and maid of honor.
The ring bearer and/or flower girl
The bride and her father, or other close family member. The bride walks on the left side. If the bride’s escort is her father, he leads her to the front of the aisle, then takes his seat next to the bride’s mother.

However, for a Jewish wedding processional, the order goes something like this:

The Rabbi and/or cantor
Grandparents of the bride, who are then seated in the first row
Grandparents of the groom, who are then seated in the first row
Groomsmen, walking in pairs
Best man
The groom, who is escorted by his parents.
Bridesmaids
Maid or Matron of Honor
Ring bearer and/or flower girl
The bride, escorted by her parents

And for a Protestant wedding, this is the traditional order of a wedding processional:
The mothers of the bride and groom are seated after all guests are seated, and immediately before the start of the processional music. They are usually escorted to their seats by a brother of the bride or groom, or by another usher.
After they are seated, the officiant, groom and best man enter by a side door and wait at the altar.
Groomsmen may also enter by a side door, or can escort the bridesmaids.
Bridesmaids
Ring bearer and/or flower girl
Maid or Matron of Honor
The bride, escorted by her father or other close male family member or friend. At the front of the aisle, her escort can remain standing with her until the minister asks “Who gives this woman in marriage?” to which he responds “I do,” or “Her mother and I do.” However, some people feel this tradition is old fashioned and sexist, and choose to forgo it. In such a case, her escort walks with the bride to the front of the aisle, and then takes his seat in the front row.

For a non-denominational ceremony, a secular ceremony, or a non-traditional ceremony, you can either borrow liberally from one of these traditions, or make up your own rules.

In all cases, the bride traditionally stands on the left, and the groom on the right. This dates back to medieval times when the groom might need to defend his bride in the middle of the ceremony, and wanted to leave his right hand, his sword hand, free. While few grooms even carry a sword anymore, the tradition has lasted.

A wedding processional using two aisles
People tackle the problem of two aisles in a variety of ways. You can choose to only use one aisle, but this means that many of your guests will feel far from the action. I often advise couples to do the processional up one aisle, and the recessional down the other. Another alternative is to have bridesmaids walk up one aisle, and groomsmen up the other. The bride and groom can then each choose an aisle to enter through.

A wedding processional with a small bridal party
If you only have a few people in your bridal party, it’s a good idea to send them up one by one. For example, if you had a best man, maid of honor, flower girl, and ring bearer this should be the order
Groom takes his place at the front
Best man enters
Maid of Honor walks up aisle
Ring Bearer
Flower Girl
Bride, with escort if she has one.
With such a small wedding party, it’s probably not formal enough to warrant a formal seating of the mothers and grandmothers. However, if you still want to do this, let the best man seat the grandmothers and the groom seat the mothers as part of their entrances.

Don’t forget to smile! It’s a good idea to have either a coordinator, or a friend with a written list helping to line up the bridal party and telling each person when to go. They can stand just beyond where the guests can see them. They should also remind each person to smile when they’re walking down the aisle!

Filed Under: Weddiquette Tagged With: , , , , ,

Planning a First Anniversary Paper Party

September 15, 2009 Leave a Comment

The wedding may still be a fresh memory, but a first anniversary is a great occasion for a celebration that will provide even more special memories for that special couple. Unlike the wedding itself, the first-anniversary party will be a casual event and will call for inexpensive gifts.

How to Plan a First Anniversary Paper Party

  1. Step 1

    Make the invitations. Choose a cute wedding snapshot and make a copy for each invitation. Center the photo on the front of the card, with the words “Has one year already gone by?” Inside, write something like the following: “Please help us celebrate Joe and Joni’s first-year anniversary. Come to a paper party at (place and time).” Provide a phone number or email address for the RSVP.

  2. Step 2

    Make the invitation insert, which will read: “Please bring inexpensive paper products for your anniversary gift. Suggestions: paper towels, paper napkins, paper plates, bath tissue, facial tissue, stationery, notepads and other paper items.”

  3. Step 3

    Plan the decorations. Save or collect enough full-color Sunday comics pages to tape together and make into a tablecloth. (Tape on one side and then turn over.) Buy or make paper flowers and arrange them in cardboard food containers, such as cracker or cereal boxes. Seize the occasion to use up all of your leftover paper plates, cups and napkins, so that the table is a riot of birthday, Halloween and Valentine items.

  4. Step 4

    Plan the refreshments: Make or buy a variety of cupcakes and serve in their paper baking cups. Center one candle atop each frosted cupcake. To accompany the cupcakes, bring out a big bowl of fresh-cut fruit and ice cream in its paper container. Before guests eat their cupcakes, each makes a wish for the couple and blows out the candle.

  5. Step 5

    Ask the couple to bring their calendar or day planner from the past year. During the refreshments, you’ll ask the couple to share one highlight from each month of the first year of their marriage.

  6. Step 6

    Plan a few pencil-and-paper games. Here are two possibilities:1. Give each pair of guests a sheet of paper on which the first names of the couple are written. Each pair tries to come up with the most common words that can be made from the letters in the couple’s names.2. Give each of the guests each a sheet of paper on which to privately print the month he was born, as well as several activities typical of that month. Then, going through the calendar month by month, ask each guest to silently act out one of the activities she jotted down, and have others guess what she is pantomiming. Note: guests with the same birth month may choose to act as a team.

Filed Under: Anniversaries Tagged With: , , , ,

Can You Wear White After Labor Day?

September 14, 2009 Leave a Comment

We received a great article from 1 of our many subscriptions that we thought was great to share…

Can you Wear White after Labor Day….       

 From Kelly Machbitz – www.totalfashionmakeover.com

It was once thought taboo to wear white after Labor Day. With shorter days and cooler weather on the way, the traditional rules of fashion state you should opt for darker colors and hang up the whites for next year.

 

That may be true for part of the world, but in Florida’s sub-tropical climate, white can be worn year round. I do, however, find myself putting away the white sandals, handbags and other accessories and opting for slightly darker, neutral colors. 

 

Although white and black are defined as “neutral”, what I am referring to here are shades of browns, tans and creams–more like skin tones.

 

By selecting accessories in a color close to your own natural coloring you can wear these items with just about anything in your wardrobe, from pastels to bright reds and deeper colors, all year round. As a matter of fact, when I am consulting with a client on her wardrobe needs, my first suggestion for footwear is a pair of black pumps.

 

Second on my list is a pair of pumps in a neutral tan or beige color. These two shades work with nearly anything in your closet, and of course, basic pumps are classics that can be worn with everything from jeans to suits.

 

As an added bonus, a skin tone colored shoe can actually make your legs look longer. When purchasing a neutral colored shoe, look for classic styles that can take you from summer, to fall, and back to summer again. A medium-height stacked heel is feminine enough for your delicate summer suits and dresses and weighty enough to balance heavier garments like sweaters and jackets.

 

Try to purchase coordinating accessories at the same time. Since dye lots can vary greatly from year to year and season to season, try to pick up a matching handbag or belt during the same shopping trip.. In most cases, designers will offer several pieces helping to create a pulled-together ensemble.

 

If you don’t find a coordinating piece during the same shopping trip, be sure to bring the shoes along next time to ensure you get a good match.

 

Keep in mind the key is balance. You want to wear a shoe color that adds balance to the rest of your outfit.

For example: Tan shoes work well with a white or cream colored suit as they are slightly darker but do not overpower the rest of the outfit. However, white shoes with a tan suit do not work as well as the shoes are lighter than the rest of the outfit, call attention to the feet, and look out of place.

 

So when the weather starts to turn and you are not sure what to wear, reach for your neutrals and you will always be appropriately attired.

 

You can find more beauty and fashion tips on Kelly’s website at

www.TotalFashionMakeover.com.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Romantic Candlelight

September 10, 2009 1 Comment

I must confess, I am a hopeless romantic, and I believe that fact has a lot to do with the profession that I’ve chosen. If you classify yourself in the  hopeless romantic category and you are looking to exchange your vows in a setting that is totally romantic,  consider the  lighting. While lighting is often overlooked, it can be incredibly impactful in setting the mood for your ceremony.

I have always loved the idea of an intimate ceremony surrounded only by family, close friends, and flickering candlelight. What a beautiful, memorable way to share your promises, commitments, and eternal love with one another.

candlelight ceremony

Filed Under: Uncategorized, Unique Wedding Ideas/Traditions Tagged With: , , , ,

Letting Guests Know About a Theme Wedding

September 9, 2009 Leave a Comment

We follow quite a few blogs and newsletters for ideas, inspirations and education….

This is a reprint of a question posed to Nina Callawayof About.com that we found very interesting since we do get invloved in Themed Weddings….

See Below:

Reader Shannon writes:

My daughter and her fiance are at the invitation stage of wedding planning. How do you inform guests that it’s a 1920′s theme wedding and let them know, if they would like, to join in on the fun and dress the part? Without them thinking it’s required? I would hate to scare off potential guests by making them think it’s necessary to dress up for the theme.

Nina’s Response:

Theme weddings can be a bit intimidating to guests, especially those who are less-inclined to make a spectacle of themselves. So how do you let your more creative and daring guests know about a theme wedding without making others think it’s required? [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Electronic Invitation Service

September 8, 2009 Leave a Comment

I read about pingg several times before in the blogosphere and yesterday was the first time that I actually used it as a test - Can I tell you: I am so over that other electronic invitation service. pingg claims to be the “ultimate in event management” and, by George, I think it’s very close!

The invite designs are very clean, stylish and modern. What I also like about it is that you can upload your own designs, logos or graphics. This is awesome if you’ve already had a custom logo or monogram created for your event. With the pingg Designer Series, you can have access to original artwork to make your invites works of art! There is a choice of many exclusive (and complimentary) designs from up-and-coming talent as well as established artists. Additonally, for $10, you can search their extended gallery to find just the right image.

What I like best about pingg is the ease of use and the simplicity of the event management details. I was able to import my guest list from either email or that other electronic invitation service: easy-peasy! You can use the surroundSend(r) feature and send your pingg invite five different ways: email, SMS, print, personalized website or via social media, like Facebook. As an end-recipient, I love the simple yes/no/maybe buttons embedded directly in the email. No new screens to open and look at, if I don’t want to. After the invitations are sent, you can manage the event from one place and even send THANK YOU NOTES after the event is over.

It’s freakin’ awesome! I HEART simple organization. Need a guest list at the door of your event? pingg can print and import confirmed attendees! And your guest list is updated each time a guest RSVPs, so you’ll never leave anyone off the list.

So enough of me gushing about pingg-my new best friend in online invitation and event management. Go on over and check it out for yourself. And, although I’d hate for my bubble to be burst, I’d like to hear about ALL opinions of this service, if you’ve used it. Please feel free to share your pingg experiences.

**Added bonus: for you eco-chic couples going green for your wedding, pingg is a great tree-saving (thus O2 producing) alternative to traditional invitations

Filed Under: DIY Bride, Uncategorized, Unique Wedding Ideas/Traditions Tagged With: , , ,

Be Careful- Do Nothing New

September 2, 2009 Leave a Comment

Here are ten things you should not do the week before your wedding (collected from real life tragedies):

1. Try a new food (hello allergic reaction)
2. Wax anything you have never waxed before (bumpy red irritated skin… and itching)
3. Cook in the middle of the night (hello second degree burns – on my face!)
4. Overeat (it is a tight white dress after all)
5. Starve (it can be a loose white dress if you are not careful – and you can faint)
6. Do anything too sporty (although the cast is white too – it just doesn’t look so good with the dress)
7. Try new makeup (see number 1 and number 3)
8. Get a hair cut from a new beautician (I think this one is a no brainer)
9. Stay awake and worry (no makeup can hide truly dark circles)
10. Forget that it is just a party (down Bridezilla! – down girl!).

Filed Under: Just for Grooms!, Tips and Trends, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Insider Tip on Linens

September 1, 2009 Leave a Comment

One of our favorite ways to dress up a reception is by using extravagant linens. Choosing a patterned linen, or a plain linen made of rich, luxurious fabric stands out in a room, setting the stage for an extraordinary event. When we suggest this to our clients, most of them are quick to comment that they can get an overlay instead and just use the linen supplied by the location or caterer… Insider tip on linens>>…. The cost of a floor length “nice ” linen is just about the same cost as the organza overlay on the plain white or ivory tablecloth….Connie Duglin Linens has some great options of beautiful floor lengths linens that will Wow your guests.( photos from Connie Duglin Linens Website)

burgundy crinkle taffeta

burgundy crinkle taffeta

 

Tiffany Pintuck Linen

Tiffany Pintuck Linen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not sure what size linens to order….

This chart below will help you…

Linen chart

Linen chart

Filed Under: Tips and Trends Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

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