All Things For All Parties

Bachelorette Party Etiquette

 

I got this question from a friend of mine who is getting married in the late fall and I thought it was a good question to share with you today since it seems like one that comes up a lot.

She (the Bride) told me that only two of her bridesmaids can go to her girls' weekend in Vegas and she wanted to know if she should I say something to the three who are not going?

I truly believe it takes a lot to get the nerve up to let your BFF know that you cannot attend one of her cherished wedding events especially one as fun as a weekend getaway but I truly believe that this is one of those times when silence is golden. We are not all on the same page when it comes to life and a lot of time the reason  bridesmaids (or other friends) are probably skipping the Vegas getaway is usually because of financial issues, work obligations or time constraints. Truth is, these kinds of weekends are really difficult to pull off even for the most loyal friends. Talking to them about their decision not to go would only make all of you feel uncomfortable. Instead, schedule some local fun with the girls who can't leave town.

 

Summer Tablecloth Weights

 
I found this both practical and adorable idea in Country Living.  What a great way to anchor your tablecloth!  Fill Pails with Posies or other gorgeous floral bouquets and skip the store-bought weights.  You can easily make your own by filling tiny buckets with the flowers of your choice and a half inch of water. Just suspend the bouquets from your tablecloth using a clip and fishing line or skinny ribbon. Tie and knot one end around the handle of the bucket and the other around the clip. Not only are these useful but they are the perfect summer table decor.  Thanks for the great idea Country Living. 

Throw a Tropical Zen Dinner Party

 

 
photo by HWTM & Chambord

I love summer entertaining!  It’s the perfect time to take advantage of the warm summer nights and host an outdoor soiree.  Backyard parties are simple and a great way to create a fun, carefree environment that’s perfect for summer parties.

Don’t be afraid to mix themes like we did for this Tropical Zen Party – We mixed our Asian Affair with our Luau Party to create this tropical get together that incorporates a zen vibe with a contemporary feel that’s a little different than your typical luau – it gives guests a new and different ambience to enjoy.

Use your theme as inspiration for selecting and creating party décor.  Tropical elements such as exotic florals, palm leaves, coconuts, sand and tiki torches mix well with Asian-inspired details like bamboo, zen gardens and paper lanterns.

Use vibrant shades of green and orange with fuchsia accents for your color palette.

Invitations definitely set the tone of a party. Use your theme as a starting place then add elements and designs that work with your theme.  I like to add fun embellishments such as bamboo or faux orchids than mail them in small boxes. Flat inviations with contemporary orchid silhouettes or palm trees are also perfect for this theme.

For lighting, give the party a festive feel with white twinkle lights, tiki torches and candles to put guests in the party mood.

Opt for outdoor eco-friendly bamboo dishes to help keep breaks at bay and avoid party fouls.

Create chic centerpieces with a zen tropical feel.  For this party, I suggest using bright orange and fuchsia hand fans to dress up your place settings.  Roll napkins and tie with natural raffia than embellish with a tropical flower or a few stems of bamboo to give your table that zen feeling.

Don’t forget the votives – line the table with river rocks and votive holders filled with sand and colored tea lights (I think I am starting to feel relaxed just thinking about this tablescape).

I would keep the food simple and serve festive finger foods and casual dishes such as chicken teriyaki skewers, fish tacos, fruit platters and various restaurant sushi rolls.

If you really want to make it simple and stress-free than order take-out and just focus on your ambience and food presentation.

 

T.G.I.F. CHAMBORD SPRITZER PITCHER

 

Photo by Esquire 

It's time to celebrate summer with family and friends. As you move your festivities to the outdoors, Chambord is the perfect complement to enjoy the season. The rich, intense flavor adds a delicious touch of luxury to your favorite cocktails.

Enjoy sipping these refreshing Chambord cocktails as you enjoy your summer fun.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups dry white wine
1 cup Chambord Liqueur
1 1/2 cup chilled seltzer or club soda
1/4 cup lemon juice

Feel free to add any additional fruit you want...it definitely won't hurt this recipe.

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in an ice-filled large pitcher. Garnish with lemon or lime wedge.

Throw the Perfect Summer Garden Party

 

Throw this Summer's most memorable soiree with yummy treats, fun games and decor that really rocks!

For a more casual party, give your friends a call and if you prefer something a little more formal than sent out invitations that will set the mood for your outdoor get together.

Start with your decor - the easiest way to add a little va-voom to your backyard is with a burst of bright color.  Use bright yellow blumeboxes on tables and fill them with fresh summer florals - they are fun and inexpensive.  You can also add brightly colored cushions to your patio furniture to make a big statement.  I personally love brightly colored napkins, plates and glasses.  Don't be afraid to mix colors.

Set your bar up with a DIY Drink Dispenser - this way guests can feel free to help themselves when they need a refresher and it keeps the casual vibe going.  Also, this will buy you some extra time to enjoy the party and most important - your guests!  Sangria or other fruit concoctions are the perfect cocktail to add to this sophisticated server.

Don't forget about the lighting - this is a big one for outdoor evening entertaining.  There is something about the right type of lighting that makes an evening party feel truly special.  I love to hang tons of colorful paper lanterns but you can also fill all of your hurricane lamps and votives with candles then scatter them on tables.  Tiki torches are another great lighting option. My Mom loves to bring out her white christmas lights to decorate outside - she strings them on the bushes, trees and patio - they actually look really pretty.

Questions to Ask the Wedding Photographer

 

photography by Stephanie Williams
 
I can't tell you how many brides I've talked to that have just hated their wedding pictures including me and I think it's because I didn't ask the right questions so I found this great list of questions on Here Comes the Guide and I thought I would share it with you so you don't make the same mistakes that many other brides before you have made.

Let's be honest the amount of time and effort that you have put into planning your wedding you are definitely going to want every special moment captured for your photo album which is why you need to do your homework now.

Here are the questions you should ask those photographers who’ve made your short list, to ensure that the one you ultimately choose is a good fit for you and your wedding.

Questions to ask the photographer:

Summer Entertaining Ideas

 photo by Pottery Barn

Summer is here and it is a wonderful time to plan an outdoor party with your friends and family...so many reasons (exciuses to throw a party). Get ready to fire up the grill and plan your summer party.

Send a festive summer themed invitation. I am a huge fan of paper invitations but it seems like more and more people are using online invitation sites for casual gatherings. So if you want to save money on invites and postage, this is a definite option. No better place to throw your summer party then at home (the beach or park are also great options) and the best part is that there is no site fee. Put together a budget that will cover food, drink and fun party favors. Don't be shy when your guests ask what you need...let them bring something and then cross that off your list and your budget!

Host a backyard BBQ or just make up a fun reason to have a party like an ice cream social, luau or summer fiesta. I live in LA so volleyball is always a great excuse to get friends together for a little friendly competition but my mother who lives in Napa loves bocce ball or croquet (croquet always reminds me of "Alice In Wonderland" - oh and there's another great idea for a themed party). If you are feeling extra ambitious than plan a golf outing with dinner and awards back at your house. Invite all the golfers and their families or dates to join in the fun. All these parties are easy to plan and fun to both give and attend.

For food, you can grill, cater or do pot luck depending on your budget. For decorations hang string lights or place clusters of candles in various spots to set the ambience. Favors are always fun and a great way to say thanks to your guests for coming and nowadays there are so many terrific "light up" items on the market that you can buy in bulk for very cheap or you can always make something homemade for guests to take home with them. And for all you parents with kids that have summer birthdays...plan to do it at home this year and turn your backyard into a water park or plan a carnival for under $100.00.

So get your plans in place now and put together a great party this summer. Enjoy the opportunity to entertain casually in your own backyard and be able to do it on a budget that you can afford.

 

T.G.I.F. THE LAWN DART

 
I can hardly believe it's already 4th of July weekend!  My, my how time flies.  So in the spirit of America and the weekend festivities I thought it only appropriate to choose a cocktail today that would best represent our fore fathers. They say bourbon is one of the only true American spirits, as noted by the US Congress in 1964, saying that Bourbon Whisky is a distinct product of the United States and could only be made in the USA.  Wild Turkey dates back to 1869, Jim Beam was founded in 1795 and the man who is named for starting it all, Evan Williams was named the first distiller of Bourbon in 1783.  So today I present to you...."The Lawn Dart."

Happy 4th of July!  Have a safe weekend.

Ingredients:

2 oz. Wild Turkey 101
4 oz. limeade
3 mint leaves, muddled
1 sprig of mint leaves, for garnish

Directions:

Muddle mint with ice in a tumbler, pour in Wild Turkey 101 and limeade and shake. Strain into a highball filled with ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint leaves.