K Is For Kids

To have kids at your event or not to have kids at your event? This can be a tough question to answer. Especially if your family has children in it, or if you have lots of friends that have kids. Either way, there are a lot of reasons why you may or may not want children present for your event.

To start, ask yourself:

-Will having children present add to, or take away from the over all event?

-Will guests you want at the event not be able to attend if they can’t bring their children?

-How will the possible distraction of having children present make you feel?

-Is there a place you can designate at the event site for parents to take loud or unruly children or crying babies?

-Can you afford the added expense of the special measures that will need to be taken to help if so many children attend the event?

If it is going to be a kid friendly affair, you may want to consider creating a kids area. I was reading Zephyr Tents blog and came across a wise solution, creating a designer kids area.

-Designate a kid friendly area and create a cozy atmosphere by using big comfy pillows, low tables, and colorful paper lanterns.

-Have a special table for them covered with butcher paper and put out crayons, games and other fun activities to keep them busy.

-Hire a few nannies from a reputable agency who come prepared with arts & crafts, games, stickers, balloons and more.

-If your event is in a hotel or another place with additional available rooms, consider renting a room just for kids.

-Be sure to have the caterer design a kid-friendly menu and set-up their own special buffet.

If your event will be kid friendly, take care of the children. The parents will get to enjoy the evening talking with adults instead of entertaining their kids and your event will be even more of a success!

Photo courtesy of Trista Lerit

L | D Finds

The Internet is overflowing with resources for event planners, and I love finding new companies, products and ideas. I've bookmarked an epic list of websites I want to revisit and explore. A neat site I recently came across is russell+hazel, a company about stylish organization. russell+hazel is "is committed to making the things we use each day complement and enhance our lives. Made with the highest quality materials and construction, our products reach their full potential in your hands. Design is at the core of our philosophy, from our beautifully functional details to our trend-leading style and product assortment."

They have an entire section devoted to weddings featuring downloadable templates, creative ideas and planning tools. The wedding organizer keeps the Bride-To-Be on track from the moment she becomes engaged, to the day of her wedding. This organizing set helps plan and organize all the details that make up a wedding. It comes in one of their signature binders with: 12 section tabs and pockets; a planning notebook; an organized adhesive note set; sheet protectors; 2 business card pages; 10 8-1/2 x 11" pages; and 5 multi format pages that hold 11 x 17" or 8-1/2 x 11". Price is $75.

Signature Drink Of The Month - The Universe: A Strange Cosmic Cocktail

I came across this recipie for a cocktail called The Universe. Not only does this drink taste yummy and look fabulous but its history is just as delicious.

First introduced to the world at the legendary Studio 54, the Universe won First Prize in the the 1978 U.S. Bartenders Guild Annual Competition. And no wonder. Its beguiling mix of tropical juices and slightly nutty finish are certain to wake up your palate. Fair warning: the Universe is so delicious, make sure you have enough ingredients when your guests ask for one or two more. (But don’t worry . . . the alcohol content is relatively low!)

One sip of this cocktail will rock your universe!

The recipe:
1/2 ounces Midori melon liqueur
1/2 ounce vodka
1/2 ounce Dumante pistachio liqueur
1/2 ounce pineapple juice
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
Shake for 30 seconds in an ice-filled shaker. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

Photo courtesey of Science of Drink
Cocktail courtesey of Cocktail Buzz

Team LDE

Elisa Nogarolli 
Managing Director 
Florida and South America

Blanka Thibaud 
Managing Director 
New York and Europe

About Lauren Daversa

Photo of LD courtesy of Ambrosio Photography

Beauty for LD courtesy of Ivette Gil Design

Lauren Daversa is the Principal Planner at Lauren Daversa Events, an event planning company based in New York + Palm Beach.  A true stand out among south Florida event planners, Ms. Daversa brings to the table over 20 years of planning experience. But it's her no holds barred approach to event planning, combined with her unique blend of city chic and sultry flair that truly set’s her, the company, and their events far apart from other planners. 

Born and raised in New York City, her first fête was assisting in the Broadway premiere party for the Disney musical, Beauty and the Beast. Over the years, her repertoire for event coordination has matured. Ms. Daversa’s portfolio includes everything from large-scale art festivals, platinum wedding celebrations, intimate cocktail parties, triathlons, to black tie weddings, and social and corporate events throughout the United States, in the Caribbean and Europe.  

Ms. Daversa has been quoted in The Knot magazine as an expert on industry tips and trends; her work has been featured in magazines including The Knot, Brides, Weddings Illustrated, Jupiter Magazine and blogs including Southern Weddings, Style Me Pretty, Junebug Weddings, Weddings Unveiled, Merci New York, Grace Ormonde Wedding Style and Every Last Detail.  She has won WeddingWire’s Bride’s Choice Award from 2010 through 2014, been selected by The Knot’s for their Best Of List in the category of Wedding Planning in 2012, 2013 and 2016.  She has also received the distinguished honor as an Editor’s Pick in The Knot Magazine Best Of Vendor in the category of Wedding Planning in 2012, 2013 and 2015. 

A graduate from Columbia University, she supports her college's alumni club along with their charitable endeavors.  And most importantly, she is the proud mother to her incredible daughter!