All Things For All Parties

T.G.I.F. THAI BASIL SANGRIA

 
Ok I am not going to lie...this one is going to take some work but I think it's well worth it!  Ordinarily, when you think of Sangria you think of it as being red which comes from its traditional red wine base but in this stripped-down version it gets its rich golden hue—and zingy flavors—from white wine, fresh-squeezed orange juice and a kick of brandy. Wowza!!! 

How to Throw a Crab Feast or Clambake in Your Backyard

 
 
 
Photography by Brian Phillips

I grew up on the West Coast but my father (from the East) loved seafood and every summer he would host a Clambake right in our backyard.  So, this year I decided to continue his tradition and host a Crab Feast/Clambake right here at home. 

It's super fun and very easy.  Start with your bar; I like a self-serve bar so people can refill when they are ready. Leave a fresh batch of drinks on ice with plenty of outdoor glasses and cloth napkins for cleaning spills. Don't forget about the lemons, limes and tabasco for guests to add their own finishing touches.

Definitely decorate tables with simple florals; like hydrangeas and toss them into beach pales. Stagger them down the table in a sweetly imperfect pattern.

Singles Plus One or Not!

 
Photo by Elizabeth Anne Designs

Not only have I gotten this question a lot but I myself struggled with this one for my own wedding; so I am going to share it with you and I would love to know your thoughts.

My cousin's daughter is getting married and she and her fiance are paying for most of their wedding; they are definitely on a very tight budget. They really want to be able to invite all of their friends and family as well their single friends with a "guest." She asked me if it would be acceptable to invite single family and friends but not include "and guest" on their invitations? Her fiance feels like they should definitely allow wedding guests to bring a date but she feels like if they do this than they will not be able to invite other people because they will now be obligated to let their single friends bring a guest that they can't afford.

Corporate Dinner Event

 

It's hard to believe that a party as flawless as the one shown here today was almost completely ruined by a mid-Summer wind & rain storm but thanks to the amazing Emily Carlson of Haute Hostess this party went off without a hitch and none of the guests had any idea that it had almost been cancelled. I love the clean lines of the tablescape - it's so simple yet elegant - very appropriate for this occasion. 

When I asked Emily what her secret was she told me, "that after years of party planning she has discovered that event planning actually involves more problem solving skills than design!"  Well, Emily - like any great host you make it all seem so effortless. Thanks for sharing this gorgeous event with us.

Oh and if any of you or someone you know is looking for a top event planner look no further - Give Haute Hostess a call and have her help you plan your next event (corporate or social).  I promise - you will not be disappointed. I absolutely LOVE her work.