TOTW : Special Events At Home

For the past three months, Lauren Daversa Events has been writing a series on hosting special events at home. TOTW has covered: the logistical issues associated with parking; the importance of understanding household capacity; the not so pretty topic of restrooms and cleaning; rental needs; and finally, last but certainly not least, issues associated with electricity.

As we've established in this series, turning the fantasy of a special event or an outdoor wedding at home into a reality requires many-a-things, each of which are significant. But the event would be lost with out one element in particular: electricity. Everyone involved in the wedding, or event, needs it. If the caterer is not working exclusively in your kitchen, then they've brought their own equipment and it all needs power. The band or DJ need to be heard, power. The beautiful lighting in the tent and around the property, power. AC or heating units, power! And of course your house will be lit up and cooled or heated...power! Everything needs power. The questions is...can your house supply enough of it?

First, determine how many outlets are available on your property. Then make sure they are located where the vendors will be setting up. Next, have an open discussion with your event planner about whether or not your house has a sufficient amount of power to go around to the vendors. If you don't have a planner, discuss this with your vendors.

Typically, most homes can not accommodate the amount of power necessary to light up a tent, provide power to the band / DJ, provide power to the caterer and their portable kitchen AND the house itself where the event is being hosted. If you don't have enough juice, and believe me, you don't want to risk blowing a fuse or even worse, a power outage...you will have to bring in a generator! NOTE, if you bring in a generator, make sure to keep it far enough away from the party so guests don't hear it buzzing all evening.

You might also have to purchase, or rent, extension cords. NOTE, if you have extension cords running all over your property, cover them up! For one, they are an eye sore. But also because they are dangerous. So, if you're saying to yourself, "Oh, I don't need to cover up the cords, they don't look that bad," think about it this way: guests or vendors can trip on them. Think, Extension Cords + Trip = Liability!!!

In the end, hosting any event at your home is a fantastic idea. All of the situations covered in the series might not apply to your event, however. Each area discussed is critical to cover in order to make sure your event is flawless. Remember, hosting any special event is all about being prepared. Hosting a special event at home means you have to go above and beyond to ensure your event is a success. Check back next week for another TOTW.

Photo courtesy of North GA Party Rental

TOTW : Special Events At Home

For over two months, Lauren Daversa Events has been examining the different elements that go into throwing an event at a private house. This five part TOTW series has covered the logistical issues associated with parking; the importance of understanding household capacity; the not so pretty topic of restrooms and cleaning; and now the series has reached the fourth and most critical segment: rental needs.

Undoubtedly, rentals can be almost as expensive, in some cases more expensive than the food and beverage for an event. Depending on the type of event being planned, rental needs can include, but certainly are not limited to:

1. Tables
2. Chairs
3. Tents
4. Draping
5. Lighting
6. Flooring
7. Dance Floor
8. Heaters/Air Conditioners
9. Tableware
10. Linens/Chair Covers
11. Bathrooms
12. Decorations
13. Staging

Pretty overwhelming, right? When you determine exactly what you need to make the event work, all of a sudden the perfect at-home wedding looks like a money pit. Securing rentals is one area where an inexperienced renter can be taken advantage of by the time the deposit is put down. This is also an area where having an experienced wedding planner really helps.

First, an event planner is educated in the cost of rental items, the labor involved to set them up and break them down, they know which companies are professional with good, well maintained products and which companies are just bad news! An event planner will also get a better price than the average customer. They work with these companies on a regular basis, they are not a one time shopper. Therefore, the rental company offers them discounted prices.

Don't beat yourself up if you're not working with an event planner. Have the rental company to the site of the event for a site inspection and ask LOTS OF QUESTIONS. Don't be intimidated. Ask them why they are proposing the specific tent size and have them mark the space off on your lawn. Get their input on unexpected weather because - note to self - unexpected weather changes everything. Will the tent withstand wind and rain? How about the land? Is the land level where you want to put the tent? Or, might you need flooring? And those gold chivari chairs you broke the bank for, they certainly cannot get wet. If it rains, will the lawn become a mud pool? How about an unexpected heat wave, or cold front. Do they have heaters, air conditioners or fans? Ask them what they suggest for a Plan B. Then do your homework and research what they are proposing.

When you receive their quote, go through it, line by line. Ask what their less expensive options are. You might not need the highest price china. Make sure you are getting what you need and want and that they are not burning a hole through your pocket. And always make sure you have everything agreed upon in writing. When you know what you need...check with your other vendors. The caterer will definitely be able to supply a lot of your rental needs.

Yes, you'll need to rent everything: tables, chairs, china, dinnerware, napkins, linens, settings, barware, portable restrooms, a tent, lighting, draping, flooring. It's enough to make your head spin. However, take it step by step. Determine what you need, who has it and how much. Go with reputable companies, read the contract and you're all set! Remember, hosting any special event is all about being prepared. Hosting a special event at home means you have to go above and beyond to ensure your event is a success.

This is a five part posting. Check back next week for the final post on Electrical Capacity.

Photo courtesy of Top Hat Party Design

TOTW: Special Events At Home

This article marks the half way point of the five part TOTW series on hosting special events at home. The first entry in the series explored many of the logistical issues associated with parking. The second entry focused on household capacity. Today the focus turns to the not so pretty but boo hoo because it's imperative to think about topic of restrooms and cleaning.

Two of the most common areas overlooked when hosting any special event at home are restrooms and cleaning, starting with restrooms. Can your home support 150 people going to the bathroom between one and three time over the course of a four or five hour period? I'm going to go out on a limb and say no, unless you have mighty toilets and a super septic tank. And even if you do have mighty toilets and and a super septic tank that can withstand constant flushing, the average house has only has two or three bathrooms, which is just not enough. The magical number of toilets should be at least 1 toilet for every 35 guests.

If this is not sufficient support that provisions need to be made for additional restrooms, how about this: are all your bathrooms located on the first floor, right next to one another? Probably not. They are more than likely spread out throughout your house. Meaning, guests will have to walk into your private bedrooms to access the restrooms. Hmmmm, no thank you!

Okay, still not convinced? What happens if one of the toilets malfunctions? Besides creating a mess -literally and figuratively- you'll be out the money that should have been spent on the additional restrooms anyways since you'll have to hire a plumber to fix the problem. So cut to the chase and make the right provisions by renting additional restrooms.

And there is NO need to be embarrassed by having port-o-potties trucked into your gorgeous wedding because they have gone glam. Seriously, check out Kholer's luxury restrooms. This is a luxury restroom that provides an upscale environment for events such as concert tours, sports tournaments, corporate events, birthday parties, and weddings. The multi-user restrooms features individual male and female suites, and porcelain KOHLER® sinks and toilets, chrome faucets, and luxurious trim and finish materials available in cherry wood and marble. Tasteful artwork, music, air-conditioning, and full-length mirrors are also present in all restrooms, to make participants feel comfortable in their bathroom-away-from-home. Okay, maybe this isn't in everyone's budget. But the port-o-potty has evolved from the blue constructions workers stalls of the past. There are upscale options available.

The second portion of this entry focus on cleaning. Hiring a clean up crew is another must for an at home special event. Of course, your caterer will help to clean up the event, however. The caterer will probably not be cleaning your luxury restrooms throughout the evening, or picking up anything the guests may have dropped, tidying up the house, wiping down the floor or table tops, emptying ashtrays, keeping trash cans empty. After all the guests have left, the crew can also do a sweep of the street picking up any mess left behind. This is something you will not want to do after the party, or even the next day. But left unattended could result in a costly fine from your neighborhood association or the town where you live. Don't worry, the clean up crew doesn't need to be an army. Certainly one or two helpers will suffice.

Remember, hosting any special event is all about being prepared. Hosting a special event at home means you have to go above and beyond to ensure your event is a success.

This is a five part posting. Check back next week for tips on Rental Needs.

Photo Courtesy of Atlantis Home

TOTW : Special Events At Home

TOTW is pleased to write this five part series on hosting special events at home. The first entry in the series explored many of the logistical issues associated with parking. This second entry focuses on household capacity.

The question is simple: How many people can the house hold? There needs to be enough space for your guests, their cars, the tables and chairs, the DJ or band and the caterer, along with their crew. If the event is a wedding, there must be space for the ceremony and the reception. Of course, there is no place like home but be honest with yourself and accept that there is such as thing as being too close for comfort. If your home is not prepared to host a 100 person wedding or special event, you either have to trim the guest list or find an alternate location.

You don't need to have an estate to host a special event but you do need to be well equipped to deal with the amount of guests you invite to your home. Inclement weather can end the event, which is why it is essential to have a solid plan B. Tenting the backyard is one option. Keep in mind, renting a tent, dance floor, sidewalls, draping and lighting can add up. Of course, utilizing both indoor and outdoor space is another option, however. Should all the guests be forced to stay inside, will everyone fit? Again, if your home is not prepared to host a 100 person wedding or special event, you either have trim the guest list or find an alternate location.

Hosting any special event is all about being prepared. Hosting a special event at home means you have to go above and beyond to ensure your event is a success.

This is a five part posting. Check back next week for tips on Bathrooms and Cleaning.

Photo courtesy of Splash

TOTW : Special Events At Home

Thinking of hosting a special celebration at your home? Why not? It's a great way to cut down on the cost. Or is it? A lot of my clients assume hosting a wedding at their parents house, or throwing a surprise 50th anniversary party at home is less expensive than an independent venue. However, an at home celebration can sometimes be a lot more expensive! Here are a few things that you should consider before sending out the invites:

1. Parking
2. House Capacity
3. Bathrooms and Cleaning
4. Rental Needs
5. Electrical Capacity

Is there ample parking at your house? Probably not. Unless you have a super long driveway, your guests will have to park on your beautiful lawn and along the street you live on, which will probably upset your neighbors and a neighborhood association (if you have one). This may seem like a silly point until the night of your party when you have 50 to 100 people parking their cars.

In an effort to save your rep in the 'hood, invite your neighbors to attend the celebration. At least this way they won't be as ticked about the parking jam. They probably won't be upset about the late night noise either. But, if inviting your neighbors is not an option for your event, try dropping off some homemade cookies or a bottle of wine before the big night. Use the face-to-face time to make them aware of your event. Also, let them know just much you appreciate how understanding they will be! Remember, an army of cars will line the street the night of your event, and neighbors tend to be much easier going when they know the who, what, where, why and when in advance versus sitting in their living room and watching the event unfold live and guessing and stewing.

It is also wise to be proactive with your local police department. Give them a jingle and double check your town's noise ordinances and zoning laws. It would be a shame to have your big event cut short because of a 10 o'clock PM, or even worse, a 9 o'clock PM noise ordinance.

Depending on your budget, hiring valet is a great option. They will bring much needed organization and refuse the return of keys to guest who have had too much to drink. Note to the owner of the house, you will be held liable for irresponsible drinkers.

This is a five part posting. Check back next week for tips on Household Capacity.

Photo courtesy of Jason Walz on Real Simple

Inspirational Chandeliers

I am not sure what is going on but I am on a lighting kick today. In the past, I've written about how amazing Twitter is. Recently, I've chatted with Chandeliera who owns a website that showcases a stunning range of chandeliers to exquisitely illuminate and luxuriously decorate your home. Or in my case, events! Chandeliera has handpicked a gorgeous selection of chandeliers available online from quality retail outlets. They also have an inspiration gallery if you need some ideas. It's a great source of different chandeliers and interior creations. So check them out!

Affordable Spotlights

Lighting can make or break any event. May times, it is left out of events because the cost can be very expensive. But it doesn't have to be. There are a lot of DIY projects that can bring all the drama without taking all of your bucks. For instance, Jamali Garden, one of my favorite companies, has a set of 3, Acolyte E-SpotLytes for $55. That is a fantastic deal considering the hundreds of dollars some companies charge. These lights are encased in a silver finished body and have 20 super bright white LED lights that are pivoted for precise focal points. And the best part, it uses 3 AA alkaline, replaceable batteries and the battery life is about 8 to 10 hours. FAB-U-LOUS! Oh the possibilities!

Seasons 52

Where is the perfect place to celebrate your next special event? Seasons 52 of course! Seasons 52 is the perfect place to host your bridal events or any special dinner. Whether it's your engagement party, bridal shower or rehearsal dinner, an intimate 40th birthday party, anniversary or a romantic dinner for two, Seasons 52 will make it unforgettable.

They have private and semi-private space available, award-winning cuisine, impeccable service and valet parking. For more details visit their website and enter "The Knot" in the special requests box. Or, phone Field Sales Manager Beth McNulty at (561) 302-3369 today!

Seasons 52 is located in Boca Raton, Palm Beach Gardens and Ft. Lauderdale. If you are a Knot members you will receive a complimentary champagne toast for your event if you call before June 30, 2009.*

* Food and beverage minimums apply.

DIY Marshmallow Fondant Cake Part 3

Photo credit Liz Denmark Photography
This is the third and final chapter in my DIY marshmallow fondant cake tutorial. When I reported last, all I had left to do was bake the real cake, frost it, cover it in fondant, apply the polka dots and add some real flowers. I like my use of "all I had left" as if it was just a little task like putting on some lip gloss, grabbing my purse and running out the door! Ha ha ha. This part took a little bit longer than anticipated; partly because I only bought one 6" pan when I should have bought two; partly because artistically applying polka dots is difficult for a perfectionist; and partly because I was exhausted. With that being said, I think the cake turned out fabulous.

Here are the rest of my instructions...

1. I used a boxed cake mix and store bought frosting, and I am glad of this! Or else, I would have been totally behind the eight ball whipping up buttercream frosting and mixing cake mix. I'll work on perfecting those areas later but the lemon cake and lemon frosting was a hit, EASY to work with and took no time to put together. As I baked my cakes in the oven, I made my own raspberry filling to use in the cake. Figured it went well with lemon cake, and is refreshing for a spring bar-b-q menu.
   
   
2. I took the same steps to cover the actual cake layers with fondant as I did to cover the dummy layer. This is another area where I ran into a little glitch. I used a 9 x 1 1/2 inch round cake pan for the middle tier, and a 6 x 2 inch round for the top tier. The extra half inch makes a difference. A HUGE difference. Be that as it may, I trimmed the top of the cakes to make them flat, spread my raspberry filling in between layers, frosted and covered the middle and top layer in the marshmallow fondant, trimmed the excess fondant off, smoothed the fondant out, stacked the layers on top of each other, wrapped them in ribbon and completed the cake!



3. At this point it was about one in the morning and I just forgot to take pictures. But I dyed my extra fondant using Wilton icing colors. I tried to match the colors from the invitation, which is tricky to say the least. I made an orange, fuchsia, yellow and lavender dough for the polka dots. Using Wilton round cut outs, I cut different size shapes from the different colored fondants and glued them onto the cake by lightly brushing one side with water. The bigger circles covered the corners where I tragically butchered the fondant, and the smaller circles covered any other blemishes. Next time I decide to use polka dots, I'll sketch out a pattern rather than deciding on the spot where to place them on the cake. My poor brain just doesn't function well under that type of pressure! A plan helps to make it perfect!
   
   
4. The last part of my tutorial is adding fresh flowers to the cake, which was done day of. My husband picked up a bouquet of flowers from the grocery store, and the colors he picked complimented the cake perfectly. Big kiss to my awesome husband!!! I cut the flowers and stuck 'em in my cake. They helped to really cover up anything that looked weird in the fondant. Then I poked the birthday candle in the center of the top tier and voila!

Photo credit Liz Denmark Photography
More on the amazing photography of Liz Denmark to come!!!
Like I said before, for my first time making a cake like this, I think it turned out fabulous! Were there imperfections...you bet. But the more you do something the better you become at it. So, I look forward to making more cakes and watching them improve!!! DIY marshmallow fondant cake was a huge success!

DIY Chandelier

This DIY project will add rustic charm to an event on a realistic budget. Natural Home Magazine, I have NO CLUE how I ended up on this site, posted the adorable project which utilizes used baby food jars, twisted wire, repurposed barrel hoops and some rusty chain. If your venue allows candles, this chandelier will be a special detail that wont not go unnoticed.

Materials

Tie wire (about 40 yards)

15 to 18 baby-food jars

15 to 18 votive or tealight candles

2 barrel hoops

6 eyehook bolts (black or rusty, if possible)

12 nuts to match the bolts

About 9 feet of lightweight chain (dark or rusty, if possible)

Large S-hook

Tools

Wire cutters

Needle-nose pliers

Jigsaw with metal-cutting blade for barrel hoops (if needed)

Clamp

Drill

Wrench

Instructions

1. Measure and cut two 24-inch lengths of tie wire. Make a loop in the center of each wire. Place one loop over the neck of a baby food jar and tighten slightly. Then put the other loop over the neck in the opposite direction. Cinch down.

2. Pulling the loops tightly, twist the end wires around each other to secure the wire on the jar neck. Using needle-nose pliers, tighten loops.

3. Bend the lower wire on each side up so it shoots straight up from the jar. This wire should measure about 8 inches; cut if necessary. Bend the other two wires out horizontally from the jar. Cut these to be about 5 inches long.

4. Grab the tip of the vertical wire and curl it outward to form a spiral. The finished spiral should be about 1 inch across and have about three twists.

5. Spiral the shorter, horizontal wires to about the same size as the ones above, but curl them inward this time.

6. Repeat the spirals on the two remaining wires to make a symmetrical holder. You could stop here and use this wire-topped jar as the votive holder

shown above. To make the chandelier, repeat with all baby-food jars.

To create chandelier:

7. Cut a 20-inch piece of wire and make a loose loop in its center. Loop it over the two top spirals as shown.

8. With the pliers, make three tight twists at the loop’s neck. Create an oval about 3 inches long. Twist to close the oval, then make 12 to 14 twists in the two wires to create a 3-inch twisted section.

9. Use the pliers to bend the twisted portion down as shown. Leave a few inches of wire beyond the twists. Bend the remaining wire ends into 90-degree angles. Cut each end so that about 1 inch of wire extends beyond the bend. Make a small hook on the end of each wire. The hooks should face forward. They clasp onto the wire loop to lock the candle-holder to the hoop of the chandelier. Repeat steps 7 to 10 with all votives.

10. Clamp the overlapping ends of the metal hoop to your work surface and drill a hole through both layers.

11. Thread a nut onto the neck of the eyehook bolt, then push the bolt through the hole. With a wrench, fasten the second nut on the end of the bolt to sandwich together the two layers of hoop.

12. Measure the circumference of your hoop. Drill holes in the hoop at 1⁄3 intervals and affix an eyehook bolt at each position. The chains attach to these bolts. Repeat with second hoop.

13. Insert a link through the bolt’s eye to attach the chain to the bottom hoop.

14. To attach the top hoop, thread the bolt’s head through the chain’s link.

15. All three chains meet at the top in an S-hook from which the chandelier hangs.

16. To complete chandelier, first hang your hoop structure where you like it. Then attach votives evenly—we hung six on the top hoop and 12 on the bottom. To attach votives, wrap the bent, twisted section of wire over barrel hoop and clasp wire ends to underside of hoop.

Set up

The chandelier’s simple structural base is made with two hoops; the top hoop has a smaller diameter than the bottom one. Three pieces of 36-inch chain connect them. The three lengths of chain join at the top in an S-hook from which the chandelier hangs.

We made this chandelier using two steel hoops from a decrepit oak half-barrel planter that had weathered many Colorado winters. You will likely need to cut one or both hoops down to size using a jigsaw fitted with a metal blade. The diameter of one hoop should measure 17 inches and the other 24 inches; add an extra 4 inches so the metal ends overlap at the joint.

DIY Marshmallow Fondant Cake Part 2

Here is the second part of my DIY marshmallow fondant cake that covers making a dummy layer and covering it with fondant. This is my first experience working with fondant, dummy layers, multi layered cakes, and baking cakes in general. For the most part, this has been a very easy process. There were a few snafus here and there but nothing that would have forced me to abort my project!

1. Cut and place styrofoam blocks in the shape and size needed for the dummy layers.
2. Wrap the layer tightly in saran wrap.
3. Frost over the saran wrap.

A few suggestions I read: once the layer has been frosted, place the layer in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This allows the frosting to harden and will make applying the fondant easier and with less bubbles; after the frosting has hardened, smooth the surface with a paper towel, which will also help when applying the fondant.

4. When you are ready to apply the fondant to the cake, place it on the platter which it will be served from.
5. Now, to the dough! Sprinkle corn starch on the counter top, put the dough on the corn starch, take your rolling pin and start to roll out the dough. This is a bit of a work out at first, but it gets easier and easier as the dough becomes more pliable.
6. Roll the dough out to the size needed for your cake. I need 28 inches because the cake is 12 inches and there are four 4 inch sides. This is my first issue. Do not forget to keep sprinkling corn starch on the counter or the fondant will stick and tear. Also, throughout the rolling process, lift the fondant as you are rolling it out and slide your hand below the fondant to make sure it has not become stuck anywhere. Be mindful of your finger nails when doing this because they can snag the fondant.
7. To transfer the fondant I placed it over a large cutting board, carried it to the cake, and then gently placed it on the cake. This is another issue. I have a rectangular cake and smoothing out the corners was very difficult. I am sure there is a proper method to this, which I will have to research and learn. For now, I am going to cover my beat up corners with ribbon, flowers and polka dots.

8. I forgot to take a picture of the fondant rolled out on the counter top, and since there is only one of me, it was impossible for me to take a picture of the transfer but this is a picture of the dummy layer covered in the marshmallow fondant and wrapped with a ribbon. I smoothed out the fondant with a Wilton smoother, trimmed the excess fondant with a pizza cutter, and I think it looks pretty good. All that's left to do is bake the real cake, frost, cover in fondant, apply the polka dots, add some flowers and this DIY will be completed.

DIY Marshmallow Fondant Part 1

Okay, here we go! DIY marshmallow fondant, part 1.

Lauren Daversa's White Chocolate Marshmallow Fondant

1. 1 bag of mini marshmallows, about 16 oz
2. 1 1/2 oz of good quality white chocolate
3. 1 tsp of clear vanilla extract
4. 1 tsp of clear butter extract
5. 2 tbsp of H2O
6. 1 lb icing sugar
7. Crisco

Instructions

1. Grease a microwavable glass bowl with Crisco.
2. Add to the bowl the marshmallows, vanilla extract, butter extract and H2O.
3. Microwave for 60 seconds.
4. Stir mixture.
5. While stirring marshmallow mixture, melt the white chocolate in the microwave.
6. Add the melted white chocolate mixture to your marshmallow mixture.
7. If the marshmallows have not melted entirely, return to microwave and heat for about 30 seconds; continue until completely melted.
8. Start adding the icing sugar, a little at a time, and stir. This is a fantastic workout for your arms as the mixture gets oooey-gooey-sticky.
9. Continue adding sugar and stirring until the consistency of the mixture starts to become dough like.
10. Generously sprinkle icing sugar on a clean counter, remove the dough from the bowl and place it on top of the icing sugar. Start to knead, and knead and knead. The mixture may stick to your hands, you can grease your hands with Crisco to help combat this. Notice, kneading is also another great workout for your arms!
11. Continue kneading until the mixture is a dough, adding icing sugar to the counter and/or mixture when necessary.
12. Voila! You have made marshmallow fondant. Congratulations!!!!

This is as far as I've gotten. Literally, the fondant is wrapped and living on the third or maybe fourth shelf in my refrigerator. I've read as long as fondant is wrapped in saran wrap, and stored in an air tight zip lock, it will keep well. A few sites suggested rubbing the dough with Crisco. I didn't. I'm going to make the cake today and finish the project tonight! I'll soon see if not slathering the fondant in Crisco was a fatal mistake. Don, don, daaaaaaa...

DIY Fondant Cake

As I posted a few days ago, I am making a fondant birthday cake for my daughter's 1st birthday. And, as promised, I am going to post my DIY tutorial on cake baking. For now, here are my pictures of the cakes from which I am drawing my inspiration.

Top left cake is courtesy of Cake Central
Top right cake is courtesy of Cake Central

Bottom left cake is cake # 753 courtesy of Pink Cake Box

Bottom right cake is courtesy of Collette Foley

DIY: Programs That Double As A CD

Style Me Pretty posted an incredibly chic idea for a wedding ceremony program that doubles as a favor. The idea was created by Bliss Weddings Market and the instructions are detailed below. Hate ending a sentence with a preposition but you learn the rules to break them!

Materials
Paperboard CD case (from www.BlissWeddingsMarket.com)
Two 1/8″ wide circle eyelets in the color white (from www.BlissWeddingsMarket.com)
Eyelet Setter (from www.BlissWeddingsMarket.com)
Rubber stamp (from www.SimonStamp.com) of your desired image (from
www.BlissWeddingsMarket.com)
One 28″ long ribbon not wider than 3/8″ or 5/8″ (from Michael’s)
Clear embossing ink (from Michael’s)
Embossing Powder in the color of you choice (from Michael’s)
Embossing Heat Gun (from Michael’s)
Pair of scissors or an X-acto ® knife (from Michael’s)
Scrap paper (from Michael’s)
Paper cutter (from Michaels)
Ruler (from Michaels)
Pencil (from Michaels)
Pinking Shears (from Michaels)
Mailing labels (for your CD playlist) (from local Office Supply store)
8-1/2” x 11” decorative paper for the ceremony program (from Michaels)
8-1/2” x 11” vellum paper for the program cover (from Michaels)
8-1/2” x 11” decorative paper for your handmade thank-you note (from Michaels)

Instructions
1. Place the CD case on top of the scrap paper.
2. Using the clear embossing ink, rubber stamp the image onto the front of the CD case.
3. Generously sprinkle the colored embossing powder over the stamped image.
4. Slide the loose powder onto the scrap paper below.
5. Hover the embossing heat gun over the image as the powder melts producing a metallic, raised image.
6. Put CD case aside to let it cool.


7. Print your CD playlist onto mailing labels.
8. Cut them out using pinking shears to create an interesting edge.
9. Affix the playlist to the inner left side of the CD case.
10. Using your favorite word processing software, design your ceremony program and print it onto your decorative paper.
11. Place the vellum paper behind the ceremony program. Using the paper cutter, slice the papers together to measure approximately 5” wide x 10” long.
12. Place the papers in the interior center of the CD case.
13. Using your pencil, make a mark on the ceremony program 3/4” down from the top of the CD case’s spine and 3/4” up from the bottom of the spine.


14. Using the the tip of scissors (or an X-acto ® knife), carefully poke a small hole where you made your marks. (A hole puncher will not do – the size of its hole is wider than the spine of this CD case.)
15. Insert the eyelets into the top and bottom holes. Make sure the back of the eyelet is facing you.
16. Place the eyelet setter over the top eyelet. Using a blunt object, hammer the setter to flatten the backside of the eyelet. Repeat with the bottom eyelet.
The back of the eyelets should look like a “flower” and will permanently adhere the papers to the interior of the case.
17. To complete the case’s binding, thread your decorative ribbon through the eyelets and make a bow-tie on the side of the case.
18. Insert your personalized audio CD in the interior left pocket of the CD case.
19. Compose a thank-you note to your guests and insert into the inner right pocket of the CD case.

Menu For Easter

What did I spy on Martha Stewart today? Pineapple-mustard-glazed ham menu perfect for Easter. The iconic Easter ham gets an enticing update with a new-fashioned glaze of country mustard and fresh pineapple. It's then paired with an ephemeral spring salad, citrus-and-hazelnut-garnished leeks, a rich potato gratin, and simple roasted asparagus. To finish the meal: an egg-shaped cake, delicately flavored with almond and coconut, covered in a heavenly layer of seven-minute frosting and spring flowers.

Photo & article courtesy of Martha Stewart

TOTW: How To Pin Boutonnières

Thankfully, learning how to pin a boutonnière is not difficult but something everyone should know. Maybe not everyone, but many :-) I was reading Soiree Special Events and came across two perfect tutorials. The first one I found comes with pictures, which can only help! The second one can be found at Sweet Brier Flower Shoppe. I think it's written a little clearer but their both equally as good, which is why I am reposting. Got any tips of your own? Share 'em!

1. Make sure you have a boutonnière and at least one pin, preferably two.

2. Pins go in your mouth, holding them with your lips. Try not to stab yourself.

3. Place the flower on the man's left lapel so the area where the stem and bloom meet covers the buttonhole in the jacket. Angle it slightly outward so it gently follows the shape of the lapel's edge.

4. Make a flower hot dog. Pick up the lapel's edge and roll it towards the man's right side. Standing opposite the gentleman, you'll fold it from the right to the left, covering the flower.



5. Holding the fabric tight against the flower, stick the pin in straight towards the gentleman, aiming towards the top part of the stem. Make sure you get a good chunk of stem but not too much so that the pin shows on the front side of the lapel. "Look ma - no pins!"



6. Repeat #5 with your second pin, this time closer to the bottom of the stem. Try not to stab your victim wearer. Tell dad to smile for the photograph:



7. Ask the wearer if it feels secure. Tug on the stem a little to see if it budges. If it moves just a little, try pinning it again until it's stuck on the lapel for good.

As a reminder, the following folks should receive a boutonnière: Groom, Best Men, Groomsmen, Fathers, Grandfathers, Ushers, Readers, and other important gentlemen who have a significant a role in your wedding.

When pinning corsages, the same rules apply but there is usually no lapel to hide pins. I try and include a little bit of bra strap, especially when the woman's dress is a sheer or light material. Instead of aiming the pins horizontally, I typically stick the pins more vertically and leave the pointy part inside of the stem so it doesn't stab it's wearer. I can usually secure a corsage with 2 pins but you might want to have 3 on hand just in case.

In The News: New U.S. Cigar Tax

A CF Dominicana Cigars roller at a Maybach Mercedes event
at Mar-A-Lago in Palm Beach
New U.S. cigar tax has companies split on whether to raise prices for rollers at events. Cigar rollers and manufacturers across the country received a tax increase on Wednesday with the reenactment of the State Children's Health Insurance Program that President Obama signed into law in February. Though the tax increase was significant, from a 4.8 cent tax per cigar to nearly 10 times that amount, companies that supply cigar rollers for events—a popular entertainment option across Florida—are split on whether to raise their prices.

Santiago Cabana Cigars manager Liama Cavana said the tax has forced the company to raise its rate from $500 to $540 per hour. Echoing that sentiment, Miami Stogies will also increase its pricing by roughly $12 to 14 per bundle of 25 cigars.

The legislation is an extension of a prior program that Congress proposed twice during George W. Bush's administration, though he refused to sign. Finally approved and signed by President Obama in February, the bill will provide health coverage to uninsured children, paid for by an increased tax on tobacco products made and imported into the United States.

Will the price increase curb rollers' presence at Florida events? Ysset Boan, president of planning company Glam Events in Miami, said she'll continue to book cigar rollers even if their prices increase as a result of the tax. "If it went along with the theme or what the client wanted, I would definitely do it again," said Boan. "I really don't think the tax will affect them that much, especially if you have an event with a lot of cigar aficionados."

Photo Courtesy of CF Dominicana Cigars
Article Courtesy of Biz Bash by D. Channing Muller

Table For Ten Requires 72" And No Less

I'm working on seating arrangements for an upcoming event where there is limited space available for everything. As it always does, the guest list has increased and we are now faced with the issue of how many people can be seated at each table. The secret to creating a great event is ironing out the seating arrangement. The numbers don't lie so don't ruin the occasion by trying to squeeze in too many people at each table. Here is a great table and chair set up guide from Home Furnish.

Types of dining and their appropriate setup

The nature of the occasion at hand should drive the type of chair arrangement or setup you decide upon. For sit-down events with served dining, at least 12 to 14 square feet of space per chair are the suggested guidelines for your setup. This type of seating allows for a table, chair and full-service aisle.

For restaurant or cafeteria-type seating, 12 square feet of space is suggested as part of your guidelines, while buffets, banquets or seminars need at least 10 square feet to comfortably seat your guests. A little more space-efficient, cocktail and theatre-style seating setup requires around 8 square feet of space per person-or chair, including the isle.

Setup guidelines to keep in mind

A lateral seating setup requires at least 24 to 30 inch of space in between each chair, while diagonal seating is the most space-efficient type of setup. However, if you are planning to have armchairs or a chair style that is oversized at the table, figure on taking up more space per chair than estimated in these guidelines.

Guidelines state that your minimum aisle dimensions should be at least 36 inches in perimeter areas while 42 inches is preferred between rows for your setup. When each chair is placed back-to-back with another chair, standard guidelines suggest you make sure there is enough space along the service aisle even when each chair is pushed back for this style of setup.

Chair setup made easy

The following guidelines will help you determine how many people will comfortably fit around each size table. For seminar use, the setup should reflect placing every chair on only one side of the table, so make sure you calculate the number of people accordingly. Try these guidelines on for size for your next round or rectangular-arrangement.

Round table setup

• A 36-inch table seats four people
• A 42-inch table seats five people
• A 48-inch table seats five people
• A 54-inch table seats six people
• A 60-inch table seats eight people
• A 72-inch table seats ten people

Rectangle table setup

• A 24-inch x 60-inch table seats two people
• A 24-inch x 72-inch table seats three to four people
• A 24-inch x 96-inch table seats four to five people
• A 30-inch x 72-inch table seats six people
• A 30-inch x 96-inch table seats eight people

Photo Courtesy of Perfect Wedding Day

Romantic Menus for Wedding Receptions

Food can set a mood. Fried chicken says one thing, caviar, another. But what does a salad with flower petals, a tower of strawberries or a heart-accented ice cream sandwich say? Pure, unabashed romance.

LOVE (AND SALADS) BLOSSOM

If roses capture a girl's heart, then why use them only as decor? Rose petals look just as lovely sprinkled in salads and are quite tasty paired with arugula and goat cheese. Chef/partner Gayle Pirie of San Francisco's Foreign Cinema developed this salad with lovers in mind, she says, and notes the goat cheese is “a tangy counter-point to the mild spice of arugula and nutty, ephemeral rose petals.”

I ♡ FOOD

For an adorable dessert, New York-based Elegant Affairs adorns ice cream sandwiches of almond-raspberry ice cream and fudgy cookies with tiny sugared hearts, then serves them as after-cake sweets at weddings.

Other romantic options? Aphrodisiacs, which Correale insists, “are not just oysters.” She cites almonds, avocados, truffles, honey, pineapple, licorice, ginger and figs as excellent options for an aphrodisiac-themed wedding menu. And for added touches of elegance, place decanters of wine on the table, or have servers offer choices of water table-side instead of setting pre-iced glasses of water.

As for what's up and coming, Correale says to look for salad dressings of vegetable purees to take the place of acidic dressings. And toss out the rolls and butter and serve whole-wheat flatbreads or crostini with spreads and patés, she notes.

MY LOVE IS LIKE A TOWER

Few things say romance like towers of strawberries. Alexandra Payard, founder of Tastings in New York, offers these as well as towers of meringues as dreamy centerpieces. The meringue tower, which serves as decor only, is presented alongside edible vacherin-style meringues filled with different curds, from caramel to lemon.

Yet another way to celebrate a matrimonial pairing is to offer food in pairs, Payard notes. The Tastings team has served tasting plates of bite-size savories for two, a main course duo, as well as two desserts, one representing the bride's taste and the other the groom's. And if you need a little help setting a romantic scene, Payard says, you can always play Cole Porter songs.

RESOURCES

Elegant Affairs - (516) 676-8500

Foreign Cinema - (415) 648-7600

Tastings - (212) 744-4422

For the complete article by Christine Landry click here
Photo courtesy of Frankie Frankeny

2009 Design Trends

If you are interested in incorporating the latest trends from the hospitality industry into your next meeting or special event, head to Miami for the annual Hospitality Design Boutique Expo & Conference. Everyone from architects and hoteliers to interior and furniture designer attend the annual event, presented by Hospitality Design magazine, which showcases the industries newest design trends. What is hot for 2009? According to BizBash, the three emerging trends that stood out at this year's expo are the return of texture, geometric chandelier designs, and a new color combination. 

Texture was visible throughout the convention center both in textiles-including upholstery, linens, flooring, and wall coverings-and furniture design. The emphasis on bold solid colors of past seasons has taken a backseat to fabrics with depth. The new products from designers such as Bliss Studio, David Francis Furniture, Ronald Redding Designs, and the Andrew Morgan Collection are patterned. Fabrics are showcasing multiple colors and incorporating two textures of a single color in one design, while chair backs and tabletops are now receiving more intricate looks.

And when it comes to color, chocolate brown-accented by turquoise, lime green, and orange-has been in the spotlight for many months in home decor and event design. However, exhibitors at the HD Boutique showcased the new color combination for 2009: yellow and black. Though it may evoke the image of bumblebees, furniture designers are welcoming the new palette and incorporating it into their products as accent colors and through bold, statement-making pieces.

Photos Courtesy of Wish Special Events / Simply Stated / The Perfect Palette