celebrate it

Wedding Wednesdays: the kiss!

2011-03-09T13:38:00.000-05:00

Your wedding day will be full of kisses and hopefully your fabulous photographer will capture some of them perfectly so that you can treasure those moments forever. Here are some of my personal faves:

new website launch giveaway winner!

2010-10-20T11:23:00.000-04:00

Congrats to samjm who is the winner of the jessica laine celebrations prize pack! Sam, I hope you enjoy the wedding swag and I look forward to seeing you at Mix, Mingle, Marry!. Thanks to everyone who entered, and thanks for checking out the new jessicalaine.com.

New website launch giveaway!

2010-10-11T14:47:00.000-04:00

Hello all! Has everyone been over to jessicalaine.com to check out the new site? To celebrate the launch, I have a jessica laine celebrations swag bag to give away.

The bag includes:

An issue of Weddingbells magazine
An issue of Imagine Your Wedding magazine
An issue of Wedding Essentials magazine
A jessica laine celebrations sticky note pad & pen [to mark off all of the pages with ideas that you like in the magazines!]
A copy of Bartlett's 'Words for the Wedding', which is a great book to help you get started with your ceremony or keep you grounded if wedding planning gets a little stressful!
A copy of my report '7 Questions you Must Ask a Wedding Professional Before Booking Them', a wonderful jumping-off point for vendor interviews
2 tickets to Mix, Mingle, Marry! Toronto's first boutique bridal showcase event taking place January 16th 2011 at the Gladstone Hotel in Queen West.
All packed in a canvas jessica laine celebrations tote bag.

Please enter by commenting on this post and leaving me your name + email address or phone number! The contest will close Monday October 18th and is open to all Canadian residents over the age of 19.

And if you don't win, don't fret! You can purchase your tickets to Mix, Mingle, Marry! here.

Big announcement on the horizon!

2010-10-07T11:37:00.001-04:00

Tune in Monday for a huge wedding-related announcement for all you chic, hip Toronto brides! Here's a clue...

Have a great end to your week and happy Thanksgiving!

Ultimate Bridal Show Navy, Gold + Magenta

2010-10-04T10:40:00.049-04:00

Today on the Martha Stewart Weddings blog, The Brides Guide, Britney Peterson offers a look at the wedding colour palette of navy and pink. Well, what a coincidence! At the Ultimate Bridal Show yesterday in Mississauga, my tables were inspired by a similar palette of navy, deep magenta and shimmery gold. Take a look at the Martha inspiration board, then scroll down for some shots of my table set up and dessert table!

Photo Credit: The Bride's Guide

I arranged the flowers myself! Go me! The table runner I also handmade.

My booth was beside fellow wedding planner Stephanie Thompson Wedding Design.

You can see my inspiration board there in the background. The title of this was "Royal Whimsy"

My chiavaris and candelabra were graciously lent to me by Will at Chiavari Chair Rental

GORGEOUS cookie tree custom made by the very talented Angela of The Cookie Queen.

What do you think? My tables were well received at the show, and I really was pleased with how they turned out.

Ultra-glam Dessert Table

2010-09-01T11:19:00.000-04:00

Here are some shots of a girls-night dessert and candy table I styled. I used lots of pink, silver and black to achieve a glitz and glam feeling, while juxtaposing that with sweet flowers to keep it from being too haute to touch.

I took the outer wrapper off of some Mentos and piled them loosely on the table. They sort of look like glamorous pink cigars!

Pretty mineral water bottles.

Giant martini glasses held different types of candy.

I draped and weaved long ribbons into the chandelier and let them trail down at differing heights.

finding inspiration: Cake Stands

2010-08-26T16:21:00.001-04:00

I am obsessed with finding perfectly adorable vessels and props for my dessert tables, especially cake stands. They have to be the cutest and easiest way to pretty up a simple cake display and they are extremely versatile. Don't agree with me that they are the best thing to happen to cakes since... well, cakes? Try typing in 'cake stands' into Google Images and see if you don't change your mind. Better yet, type in any colour before 'cake stands' [eg. green cake stands] and you will see that the possibilities are endless.

Today I bought this beauty from Write Impressions in Waterloo [my old stomping grounds in my Uni days] after a wedding consultation. I am such a sucker for this store, they stock the most beautiful things, and their set-ups are just as beautiful as the products themselves. I can't wait to use this in my dessert tables! It will go perfectly with the Sugar and Spice table I have coming up, and I may even try to make it work for my ultra-glam totally girly table as well.

Do you use cake stands to display your wares? What other props or vessels do you use?

run and tell that, HOMEBOY

2010-08-12T12:18:00.000-04:00

Is anyone else totally feeling the remix of this dude sending out a warning to his sister's attacker on the Huntsville, AL CBS news? This is sure to be a party anthem soon, so I think it warrants being posted on Celebrate It!

Wedding Wednesdays: Crystal and Nathan

2010-08-04T11:37:00.038-04:00

Here are some shots from a wedding I coordinated a few weeks back for a wonderful couple, Crystal and Nathan.

The wedding took place at the Northridge Public Golf Course in Brantford, Ontario which was a beautiful backdrop for their simple celebration.

I love this picture of Nathan beaming at his bride during their handfasting ceremony.

Crystal used scrapbook pages as the guestbook so that she could slot them into a scrapbook after the wedding!

The Maid of Honour downs a giant Pixi Stik

Can you believe only one single male in the whole place!

The cake, dreamed up by Crystal after she saw a similar design as a cell phone background, was brought to life by the talented Jo-Anne of Divalicious Cakes in Paris.

These two were AMAZING dancers, I love that the photographer snapped a pic of them in action!

All photos by Dwayne Doucette [please email me for contact info for this Brantford, ON based photographer!]

Veggie Buffet Table

2010-04-28T09:58:00.000-04:00

This Christmas my sister had a pot-luck with a bunch of her girlfriends and she decided that her offering was going to be fresh raw veggies. She wanted to put a funky spin on the concept, since veggies are pretty boring, and she asked me for ideas. I thought it might be cool to try a veggie buffet table and set it up like a candy display like those I create for other events. The result was pretty cool!

The girls demolished the table in no time, partly due to the fact that the veggies were presented like treats! Might be a good trick for a children's party!
Have you ever tried to put a new spin on a candy table?

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T12:14:00.000-04:00

Sorry my posting has been light lately, I've been a busy bee! Just wanted to pop on and wish everyone a happy and safe Easter Sunday. Today I will be enjoying my second Easter feast in three days mmmmmm...

Photo Credit: Jarosław Pocztarski

Have a wonderful holiday y'all!

Contest Winners!

2010-02-16T00:48:00.001-05:00

Thank you to everyone who entered my first anniversary candy buffet giveaway! The winners were chosen randomly using Random.org and they are Colleen and Karen!

Ladies, please check your email inboxes for an email from me to confirm your event details.

Thirsty Thursday: Raspberry Truffle Martini

2010-02-04T15:47:00.000-05:00

Here is a perfect drink for the Valentine's Day ladies' night party I will be writing about tomorrow. Food and Drink magazine featured this luxurious silky drink in their Holiday 2008 issue. It's easy to make, very sippable and of course beautiful looking!

Photo Credit:LCBO.com

Directions:

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 1 oz Chambord, ½ oz white crème de cacao and 1 oz cream. Shake and strain into a Martini glass and sprinkle with shaved chocolate.

Or, to make a batch for your party [makes 8 servings]:

1 cup Chambord
½ cup white crème de cacao
1 cup cream
Shaved chocolate, for topping

Add all ingredients except chocolate to a pitcher and stir to mix. Chill in fridge, or add ice cubes to chill quickly. Pour into Martini glasses and sprinkle each with shaved chocolate.

Giveaway: Free Candy Buffet!

2010-02-03T19:57:00.001-05:00

If you have ever been to an event planned by my company jessica laine celebrations, you will know that candy buffets and dessert tables are always a main feature and are in high demand! A candy buffet will certainly get your guests talking and will keep your party at the top of their mind for months. So to celebrate our first anniversary this February [the month of celebrations! Groundhog day, Olympics, Valentine's Day, Family Day, Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, Black History Month, Ash Wednesday, President's Day, Chinese New Year, etc.] I will be giving away 2 custom candy buffet/dessert tables to 2 lucky winners! Please post a comment below with your name and email address and the city your party is in by Sunday February 14th to be entered.

Good Luck!

Rules

Winners must live within the Greater Toronto Area or be hosting their event within the GTA. The event must be taking place in 2010. The event will have no more than 50 guests and the candy buffet/dessert table will offer no more than 8 different items. jessica laine celebrations is under no obligation to provide any other services besides providing buffet items, linens, table decor for candy table only, candy containers, and set up and tear down. Winners will be selected at random after 11:59 pm ET on Sunday February 14 2010.

Wedding Wednesday: Wedding Photo List

2010-02-03T13:59:00.006-05:00

No doubt wedding photography is an important element to your big day. Whether you are shelling out big bucks on your photographer or having a friend snap pics as a gift to you, the shots you get will hold the memories of one of the most important days of your life and you want them to be great! Your photographer may already use a list of shots they normally take and will of course ask you which are of greatest importance to you, but here is a downloadable list of common and maybe not so common photo-ops on a wedding day. Take a look at the list and talk it over with your partner and decide which moments are very important to capture. It would also be a good idea to look over the list and identify any times in the schedule where tensions between family members or other guests may arise so you can point this out to your wedding planner and photographer beforehand to avoid any problems.

Click here to download the document

Tasty Tuesday: Super Bowl Sliders

2010-02-02T09:41:00.000-05:00

I love football! However, I love the Super Bowl not only for the game, but also for the amazing spread of food that gets paraded out on this hallowed day! My favourite football snacks include veggies like bell peppers and crunchy carrots, chili with yummy corn chips, thick-crusted pizza with gooey cheese, buffalo wings and of course some cold beer! Here is a recipe I found for a new Super Bowl snack that you can try out for your party on Sunday. It calls for blue cheese, but if you're not a fan of it, try some St Paulin instead.

Photo Credit: Bill Milne

Recipe: Blue Cheese-Stuffed Bacon Sliders
[via NY Daily News]

Serves: 12

Ingredients

16 slices (1 pound) apple-smoked bacon
2 ripe but firm pears
About 1 tablespoon sugar
3 pounds coarsely ground sirloin, chilled
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
Freshly ground black pepper
6 ounces (about ½ cup) crumbled blue cheese, at room temperature [or try St Paulin]
2 tablespoons olive oil plus about 1 teaspoon
Sea salt
24 soft, mini burger buns
2½ cups baby arugula leaves
1 small red onion (about the same diameter as the buns), very thinly sliced
1 pint basket cherry tomatoes (optional)

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, and then drain on paper towels. Cut 8 of the slices crosswise into 3 pieces each; crumble the remaining bacon and set both aside separately.
Peel the pears, halve them lengthwise, and core them. Cut them crosswise into thin slices and put into a bowl. Toss with the sugar and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the meat, thyme, crumbled bacon and 1½ teaspoons pepper. Using your hands, knead together lightly. Form the mixture into 48 evenly sized balls (about 1 ounce each). Use the pointed end of an egg to make a small depression in half the patties. Fill them with a little mound of cheese, dividing it evenly among them. Top with the remaining patties, and then pinch them together around the cheese. Make sure the stuffing is completely enclosed. Pat and mold the burgers to fit the buns. The burgers can be shaped and refrigerated, covered, for several hours or overnight.
When ready to cook, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot or build a medium-hot fire in a barbecue. Generously season the meat on both sides with salt and pepper.
Cook the burgers in the skillet, in batches, turning once or twice, about 3 minutes for medium-rare. Do not press down on the patties. Be gentle when you turn the burgers so they do not break open. With a large spoon, baste the sliders several times with the fat in the pan. To grill the burgers, oil the grate, arrange the patties on it, and cover. Cook as above.
While the burgers cook, toast the buns in a toaster oven or under the broiler, about 5 inches from the heat until lightly toasted. Or toast them on the outer perimeter of the grill rack.
When the burgers are done, remove them to a warm platter, keep warm, and let rest for several minutes. Meanwhile, heat the remaining teaspoon of the olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the pear slices, or place them on the outside of the grill rack, and cook just until warm and lightly browned. Turn and repeat, then remove to a plate. They should still be crunchy.
To build the burgers, arrange a few leaves of arugula on the bun bottoms. Top each with a pear slice or two, a piece of bacon and a burger. Add an onion slice and a bun top, and skewer securely together. Add a cherry tomato as a topknot, if you wish, on the skewer. Serve immediately.

What will you be serving at your Super Bowl Sunday party?

Etsy Monday: CozzyCottage Placemats

2010-02-01T14:04:00.000-05:00

I found this sweet cupcake placemat set by CozzyCottage on Etsy today and it immediately set my mind to work thinking of all the awesome party ideas that could go along with these little beauties.

Photo Credit: CozzyCottage

A little girl's baking party with a placemat acting as a work station for each girl as they decorate their cupcakes. CozzyCottage also makes beautiful aprons, one design that even matches these placemats and would be a good match for such a baking party! They would also be perfect as decor for a fun Valentine's Day bash! Or, try them out for a mis-matched pajama party.

Photo Credit: CozzyCottage

Of course, they would also just be great as placemats that you bring out for annual birthday celebrations!
What do you think of these adorable designs? Do you have any handmade placemats or placemats you like to use as multi-holiday decor?

Navigating the Tablescape: Super Bowl for Kids

2010-01-20T19:08:00.001-05:00

The NFL's Super Bowl XLIV [Sunday February 7 @ 6:30pm ET on CBS] is a huge day for parties in North America. It is reportedly the second-largest U.S. food consumption day, after Thanksgiving! But the fun shouldn't just be for adults, kids should get in on the football, party and food action as well!

I put together a kidcentric, healthy treat version of a Super Bowl party tablescape that you can try out for your kids and their friends on Super Bowl Sunday. Here are my tips for making it happen! [Click on the images for a larger view]

Lay down an orange table cloth [plastic of course - this IS a kids party!]. Orange is one of Super Bowl XLIV's colours. As a mock table runner, use some football-textured loose paper that you can pick up at Michael's or a specialty stationery shop. Add some football-themed toys to your tabletop, like the Finger Football goalposts I used here. Put down some coloured Hefty plates or other disposable tableware at each place.

You can get foam footballs at any craft store, or you can use brown construction paper and chalk to make the placecards. Use a black pen or Sharpie marker to write the names of each child on the football and place it on the plate.

For the snack containers, use several clear glass containers or colourful, unusually shaped servingware. Arrange the snack containers along the table and fill them with yummy snacks that kids will enjoy eating. Try boxed raisins, crunchy baby carrot sticks, Babybel cheese and Skinny Sticks garden veggie flavour, all of which I have used here. Go for a good balance of colour and texture and packaged single serve items and kids will load up their plates. Put a football sticker or construction paper cutout shape on the front of each glass container. Remove the labels from some bottles of water, flavoured water or juice and replace them with a football sticker. Suddenly drinking a bottle of water is fun and cool because it fits with the theme!

Give the kids some sort of themed takeaway, like these football whistles, and arrange it on the table as well. Other things you could try are temporary tattoos, pencils, lanyards or shoelaces. Embellish your tablescape with any other unobtrusive items that relate to your football theme. I used some colourful pom-poms.

What will you be doing for Super Bowl Sunday?

Wedding Wednesday: 2010 Trends

2010-01-20T13:02:00.003-05:00

Some people don't like to follow wedding trends, they think it "dates" their wedding photos and/or video. Some like to describe their wedding as "timeless" and "classic", all the while citing weddings from decades past as their inspiration [does that even make sense?]. Personally, I love wedding trends. Of course, many weddings that are described as "timeless" and "classic" do end up transcending their eras, but I really like that you can look at a wedding photo and know generally when it is from. Trends help us put a name to a face so to speak, and is it really that bad to look back on your wedding photos and -gasp!- know what year they were taken? Just because you incorporate some "trendy" elements into your wedding does not mean that it will be less meaningful of a ceremony or less fun of a reception! Who cares that you see sand unity ceremonies, candy buffets and DIY faux-to booths on every wedding and event blog out there? If you want those, have them!

You can still incorporate many wedding trends into your big day without making it cookie cutter. Your wedding is your own unique day! So on that note, I present to you my take on what will be the big wedding trends of 2010!

Unique Venues: Though our economy is reportedly on the upswing, there is still some uncertainty. Couples will be looking past the traditional locations to have their wedding and selecting more unusual and unexpected venues that may have smaller rental fees. Think tree farms, summer camps, dance studios, museums, etc. Also, many venues will be pulling double duty for both the ceremony and reception. Use a tool like Event Source to check out alterna-venues.

Fondant-free Wedding Cakes: Buttercream will be the frosting of choice for couples this year with more emphasis on the taste of the cake. Intricate cake designs and cutesy cupcake displays will take a backseat to simple flowers or cake toppers.

Low Centrepieces: Solo flowers in bud vases and a stack of the couple's favourite books or a funky, textured green plant in a small planter with a dish of wrapped candies or flower petals surrounding candles on a vintage pedestal are examples of the kind of cross-table-conversation friendly centrepieces you can expect to find at weddings this year. Traditional large floral arrangements will be used on the cake table or gift table instead.

Unity Wine Ceremony: consider using a wine of your choice and a wine of your partner's choosing [make sure they work together; a winery, sommelier or U-Vint can help you] and combine them during your ceremony and each take a sip. At your reception, you can serve your pre-made custom blend to your guests. It's a twist on signature drinks and similar to a sand or candle unity element in your wedding ceremony.

What do you think will emerge as prominent wedding trends this year?

Tasty Tuesday: Big Batch BBQ Rub

2010-01-12T12:00:00.003-05:00

For Christmas, I gave the boy a gift full of manly items. This book was the inspiration for the theme and in addition to that book I gave him a bunch of cool things that guys want/need. Among them: a Maglite flashlight, a gift certificate to a tattoo parlour, this cute little fire department tie tack [he's a firefighter] I got on Etsy and some homemade barbeque rub. I found the recipe on one of my favourite inspirational websites Real Simple when I saw a gift guide for homemade presents and I knew immediately that I had to make some for Kevin. I mean, what's manlier than barbequeing?

Photo Credit: Ka Yeung / Tinkerbox Studio Inc [via Real Simple]

The picture of the rub is different than what mine looked like. I mixed mine together as per the instructions, so I didn't get that layered look from the picture, but I didn't see how it would get properly mixed in the small glass jar if I didn't do it beforehand. So, forsaking the visual for quality, I decided to just mix it all together, but it still looked great. This is the jar that I used, just an inexpensive glass jar from Ikea. I actually had to make a little more to have enough to fill the jar, so when you are selecting a container for your rub and presentation matters, make sure you alter the recipe so that you have enough.

Big Batch Barbecue Rub Recipe [via Real Simple]

Makes 1 1/3 cups
Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients
1/2 cup paprika
3 tablespoons brown sugar [I used Golden Yellow Sugar]
3 tablespoons dried oregano
3 tablespoons ground coffee [I used Starbucks Sumatra<]
4 teaspoon kosher salt [I used Dean Jacob's Pacific Ocean Sea Salt]
1 tablespoons black pepper

Directions:
Combine the ingredients and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 months.
Instructions to include with your gift: Up to 2 hours before cooking, coat 2 pounds of chicken, beef, pork, or seafood with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with 2 to 4 tablespoons of the rub. Cook as desired.

We used the rub on some steaks we cooked up on Saturday night and it was delicious! When you make the rub and when you open the container, you will get a distinct coffee smell, but once you rub it into the meat, the coffee is not overly noticeable so don't worry, you won't be eating meat that tastes like a cup of coffee!

Did you give any homemade gifts this holiday season?

Etsy Monday: PaperFish Bunting

2010-01-11T10:24:00.000-05:00

I LOVE reusable decor! If I can reuse something even once, I will, and dual purpose items are used in nearly every party and event I do! I trolled Etsy for some cute flags and bunting I was so excited to see these beautiful and whimsical pennants by PaperFish.

This particular design, Frida/Carnival would be absolutely perfect for a mismatched, funky laid-back get-together such as a clothing swap or a little girl's pajama party.

How adorable is the Bubblicious pattern!? This would be such a great addition to such festive events as an ice cream party, funky first birthday or garden tea party!

The gorgeous Valentine Rose would be a sweet addition to a vintage valentine celebration, or a girly princess bash.

What do you think of PaperFish's reusable fabric flag bunting? Do you use fabric flags/bunting and other reusable or dual purpose items in your event decor?

Welcome to 2010!

2010-01-04T12:37:00.001-05:00

New year, new look! I hope you like the new layout and design of the Celebrate It! blog and the jessica laine celebrations website. I have a lot of fun things planned for the blog this year, and some parties from the end of the year that I will be featuring including an adorable sock monkey themed first birthday party, a Christmas vegetable buffet display and a Mexican theme New Year's Eve bash! Coming up in early 2010 is my 25th birthday, Super Bowl XLIV and my mom turning the big 5-0 in February.

I'm also excited to continue the features Etsy Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Wedding Wednesday, Thirsty Thursday and Frugal Friday, and my New Year's Blogolution is to write with frequency! ;-)

So, here's to a great year of parties, events, weddings and fun!

Tasty Tuesday: Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars

2009-11-24T12:07:00.001-05:00

Last week, I mentioned my love for Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars. Their moist yet crumbly texture with juicy cranberries and yummy icing can lure me to a Starbucks from miles away. So the other day as I was searching for recipes to use during the holiday season, imagine my excitement when I found this homemade spin on my Christmastime love [via SeriousEats.com via Cakespy as an adaption of a recipe by Mr. Breakfast]. Read on for the mouthwatering recipe below. I can't wait to try this one out for some DIY gift deliciousness this Christmas!

Photo Credit: Jessie Oleson

- makes 16 bars -

Ingredients for cake base:

2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup white chocolate, coarsely chopped (I used Lindt)
1/4 cup candied ginger, finely chopped

Ingredients for frosting:

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
dash of salt

Ingredients for garnish:

1/3 cup white chocolate (either chips, or coarsely chopped bar chocolate)
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Procedure:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13 pan.

2. Make the cake. Beat butter and sugar together until fluffy; add the vanilla and eggs, one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Sift together flour, ground ginger, nutmeg, and salt and then add to the butter and sugar mixture, beating until fully incorporated. This will be a very thick batter. Fold in the cranberries, chocolate and ginger. Spread the batter in the pan and bake for about 30 minutes or until light golden. Let the cake cool before adding the frosting.

3. Make the frosting. Using the paddle attachment on an electric mixer, beat the butter and cream cheese together until fluffy; add the lemon zest, vanilla, and salt; add the confectioners' sugar bit by bit until the frosting has reached your desired consistency (you may need less than the suggested amount). Spread the frosting evenly over the cake, and scatter the cranberries on top of the frosting immediately.

4. Make the drizzle. In a double boiler, melt white chocolate; once it is smooth, use a spoon and drizzle across the top of the frosted and cranberry-festooned cake.

5. Slice the bars immediately after applying the white chocolate drizzle. Slice in half lengthwise, and then slice into four equal parts horizontally. Slice each rectangle in half diagonally, and you will end up with 16 triangle-shaped bars.

Enjoy!

Etsy Monday: Vintage Christmas Lights

2009-11-23T11:00:00.001-05:00

I know, I know. Old-fashioned Christmas lights are not only a possible fire hazard, they are a serious energy waster. But darn it if they aren't beautiful works of art! How can you resist something that brings back amazing childhood memories and makes your holiday decorating gorgeous and unique? I've rounded up some of the best Etsy has to offer in the way of vintage Christmas lights.

Photo Credit: Etsy Seller REdesignkc

Photo Credit: Etsy Seller TraceyAnns

Photo Credit: Etsy Seller 1951Model

Photo Credit: Etsy Seller glamourama

All of these are so fun and would look great mixed in with some more eco-friendly options like LED lights. Do you use any vintage strings of Christmas lights in your holiday decorating?

Thirsty Thursday: Festive Flavours

2009-11-19T15:17:00.000-05:00

Don't you love when the holiday lineup is unveiled at your favourite coffee shop? When the festive cups are brought out and the counter is lined with gingerbread men and candy canes? You may not know about the secret love I harbour for Starbucks' Cranberry Bliss Bar, but I will save that for another day. This post is an ode to my love for yummy yuletide beverages. I must say, I don't really branch out though when it comes to these drinks, but here are my favourites during The Season.

While I'm a little sad that Starbucks has done away with my beloved Peppermint Hot Chocolate [it's now something you can get year-round], it's really the red cups that do it for me. Seeing the first red cup of The Season really gets me in the Christmas mood. How can you not feel festive when you see one of these babies?Photo Credit: Starbucks

I hit up Williams Coffee Pub every Sunday night when I go watch the boy play hockey. Normally, I get a steamed white hot chocolate with loads of whip, but during The Season, I pick a Candy Cane Hot Chocolate. Mmm-mmm!

Photo Credit: Williams Coffee Pub

Those adorable little gingerpeople always call my name as I place my order, but I've been able to resist them so far [I don't know how long I can hold out for though!].

An identically named drink from Second Cup is another of my go-to hot bevs during The Season. The boy surprised me with one out of the blue yesterday and it honestly made my day! The whip they use at Second Cup is my favourite, so I make sure it gets piled on. Second Cup has a huge lineup of holiday drinks during The Season, I also like the Noel Nog, but I rarely order it since I love my hot chocolate too much!

Photo Credit: Second Cup

Any of these coffee shops, especially Williams, provide an excellent location and backdrop for an intimate gift exchange with a few girlfriends, or a post-skate/toboggan meet-up over the holidays. You can choose one of their delicious festive drinks, enjoy the ambiance and best of all there's no cleaning up afterward!

What is your favourite hot beverage of The Season?

Real Party: "celebrity"

2009-11-16T12:27:00.010-05:00

Photo Credit: jessica laine celebrations [all photos]

On Saturday, my company Party Animals Party Planning did a celebrity themed party for a wonderful client just west of Toronto. 13 seven-year-old girls enjoyed an afternoon of dressing up, designing their own t-shirts, playing games and singing songs from Hannah Montana and Camp Rock. Here are some pictures from the party!

The loot bags were set up to imitate a "swag table" from a celebrity event. The girls chose their own bag and filled it with the various items on the table. They thought it was so cool to be able to pick their own loot and it made each prize more special for them instead of just getting a bag of random treats.

Etsy Monday: Phrenology Skull Light

2009-10-26T19:12:00.004-04:00

Photo Credit: shavingkitsupplies

If you ever study Communications, Psychology or Sociology you will most definitely learn about Phrenology. It is a 19th century neuro-scientific theory which hypothesises that personality traits can be attributed to the shape of the skull [to describe it quickly]. I always enjoyed contemplating Phrenology and linking it to more current theories regarding personality traits, so when I hopped onto Etsy today, I was delighted to see this adorable skull lamp with a "Phrenological-twist" made by shavingkitsupplies.

These would be amazing as Halloween party decorations, wouldn't they? Then, after the holiday is over, it would make for a conversation-starting decor piece at any time of year in your home.

What do you think of this unique piece?

Tasty Tuesday: Pumpkin Cranberry Loaf

2009-10-13T13:59:00.000-04:00

Photo Credit: FoodTv.ca

For Thanksgiving I tried out a recipe I'd never made before. I'd bought these cute little loaf pans from Michaels, but unfortunately they were more novelty than practical and the dessert I made in them didn't exactly turn out exactly as I'd hoped. Of the three I made, only one turned out, but apparently it was delicious which made me quite proud. So without further ado, here is the yummy recipe for pumpkin cranberry loaf!

Ingredients:

2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 egg
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
zest of one orange
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup orange, juice
1 1/2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325ºF.
Sift together flour, baking soda and powder, salt and spices and set aside.
In a medium bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, and stir in pumpkin purée, orange zest and vanilla. Stir in orange juice. Add dry ingredients in additions and blend just until incorporated. Fold in cranberries.
Spoon batter into loaf pan and bake in center of oven for 60 to 75 minutes until a tester inserted into the loaf comes out clean. Allow to cool before slicing.

I did mine in a small ceramic loaf pan and it took slightly longer than the indicated cooking time here.

What dessert did you make for Thanksgiving?

As seen on the Food Network show Sugar.

Wedding Wednesday: Dance Down the Aisle

2009-07-22T22:55:00.000-04:00

I was pointed to this youtube video today by the hand of the amazing Mix Mingle Glow blog. Would you ever do something like this?

I admit I teared up a little as I waited for the bride [though her dance moves made me wonder if she'd even practiced] but the heart in this display of love is just huge and this couple is lucky to have this memory!

Wedding Wednesday: Vendor Hiring Guide

2009-07-15T11:32:00.007-04:00

Photo Credit: Blue Orchid Blog

As soon as I saw this post come through my Twitter feed yesterday, I knew it would become my Wedding Wednesday post. Blue Orchid Designs is a wedding planning firm based out of Arizona, New York and DC and their blog is chock-full of useful information and inspiring images and ideas. Owner Liene Stevens also fronts a wedding industry social media consulting company called Splendid Communications with a great blog for vendors called Think Splendid. It is definitely some of my fave blog-candy around.

Yesterday she posted a compact little guide for brides on her blog to help them hire the necessary vendors to make their day a success. It is a compilation of posts from a series she authored over the course of a few months all neatly packaged together as a printable e-book. The Wedding Vendor Hiring Guide has useful information for hiring your wedding planner, florist, DJ, officiant, caterer, photographer and more. It covers some basic and not-so-basic questions to remember when interviewing your vendors and serves as an excellent jump-off point for your wedding planning if you are just starting.

Enjoy your free download!

Etsy Monday: blackbirdfashion Sock Monkeys

2009-07-13T10:51:00.006-04:00

So one of the perks of being an auntie is to be completely and utterly over-the-top on gift giving occasions, right? My [basically] sister's baby Jackson just turned 7 months old a few days ago, but I am already hunting down the perfect theme for his First birthday in December. I've been throwing around ideas like 'Jackson in 'One'derland', Vintage Circus and Alphabet Blocks. I bought a Sock Monkey a few weeks ago at, of all places, Shoppers Drug Mart, in hopes that I would find more adorable items to complement this theme and create an amazing birthday party out of it. The first thing that went through my head when I saw it on the shelf was 'Our Little Monkey Turns One!', how cute would that be on invitations? I turned to Etsy for some more inspiration...

Photo Credit: blackbirdfashion

blackbirdfashion on Etsy has given me a decidedly large push in this direction. Just take a look at her beautiful sock monkeys and 'socktopi' [yes, she makes something called a Socktopus!]. All of these little monkeys are giving me incredible inspirations- they are all so cute, especially these Siamese twins, 'Julius' and 'Edsel'!

She has some 'baby' monkeys that are smaller and are actually made from sweaters and sport a pattered 'fur' like this striped cutie below.

I will keep you updated on the theme that is ultimately chosen for Jackson's First Birthday, but this is a clear frontrunner to me. Do you like Sock Monkeys? What theme do you think should be used for Jackson's party?

Wedding Wednesday: Bridal Relaxation

2009-07-08T10:39:00.004-04:00

Photo Credit: MyCamdenWedding.com

Weddings are stressful, no bones about it. Leading up to the wedding, you can go through a range of emotions that you didn't even know existed! You may be dealing with budget issues, guest list anxieties, trouble securing suitable vendors, DIY projects up to your eyeballs - all on top of your regular life which can cause stress. Your stress can lead to unwelcome visitors like neck and back pain, anxiety, fatigue, raised blood pressure and a number of other symptoms that don't lend themselves well to your wedding-glow.

Since I am going to the spa today with my sister to get a massage, it started me thinking about brides [and grooms! and bridal parties!] getting a stress-relieving massage on their wedding day or the day before. I have been working on a number of different events lately that have me working at all hours of the day and a massage is definitely what I need to help melt away some of my tensions. I am getting headaches more frequently and I know that even just a few minutes on the table make me feel infinitely more relaxed... I am looking forward to it, needless to say! The same can work for brides on their wedding day. It doesn't have to be a full body 90 minute rub-down, even just an upper back neck and shoulders massage for 15-30 minutes can ease the stress and prepare you mentally for your big day. It can be a wonderful group activity for the key members of the wedding party so that everyone has a clearer head and is a little more zen. You deserve to be pampered on your wedding day, so why not look into bringing a masseuse or massage team in for a treat? Many spas offer bridal and group packages, so be sure to inquire about the different rates available.

Photo Credit: GreenBliss EcoSpa

Bridal Yoga might also be a cool way for you to bliss out and connect with yourself just before your wedding. Inquire at your local yoga studio to see if you can arrange a private gentle yoga class the week of or day of your wedding for you and your wedding party.

Are you planning any relaxation treatments on or just before your wedding day?

Tasty Tuesday: Corn on the Cob

2009-07-07T10:06:00.000-04:00

Photo Credit: stevendepolo

Is it weird that the boy's parents and my parents haven't met yet? We've been together for nearly two years, but Saturday will be the first time they've ever formally "met" each other. We are a little nervous, but I know it will go great. His mother is making a wonderful big meal for everyone which will include a roast and corn on the cob. Do you like corn on the cob? I was never much a fan of it as a kid, but I grew to really like the sweet crunch and hot juiciness of the delicious kernels. Smothering it in butter is my favourite way to enjoy the summer delight, but there are dozens of alternative toppings that you can try.

Canadian Living Magazine rounded up some interesting flavours to sample. Here is one I might try:

Provence Butter:
1/4 cup butter, softened; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; and 3/4 tsp herbes de Provence.

How do you like to eat corn on the cob?

Etsy Monday: wevegotpaper Letter Set

2009-07-06T01:45:00.001-04:00

Another cute party favour find for Etsy Monday, wevegotpaper 's sweet little Swirly Ivy letter set. These would look great in a gift basket for your bridesmaids! They would also be a perfect 'last-minute' hostess gift to have at the ready for impromptu visits to a friend's. Bonus points" wevegotpaper is Canadian!

Frugal Friday: Will Anyone Notice?

2009-07-03T19:50:00.002-04:00

There are hundreds, even thousands of ways to reduce the cost of your event. One great way to cut back? Ask yourself the following question whenever you find yourself coveting an upgrade or detail that you are having a hard time justifying: "Will anyone notice if we don't do/have this?". I recently had a meeting with one of my clients and we were discussing menu options from a list from our caterer. She was undecided between entrees and wanted to choose two different ones to satisfy everyone, even though she knew mostly everyone would be happy with the one [cheaper!] option. So I said to her "Your guests will enjoy this option very much, and if you don't offer them this other choice in addition, how will they know any different? They will simply enjoy the meal that they are served.". Needless to say, she nixed the idea of the second entree and stuck with only one, saving over $500 on catering costs.

Of course it is fun and fulfilling to work on small details of your event to make it your own and exactly as you envisioned it, but it is realistic to know that some guests probably won't notice or appreciate as much as you had hoped. If you have a budget to accommodate as many details large or small as you wish, then by all means, go crazy with as much as you want! But if you are looking for ways to trim your budget, give this trick a try and see how many things, when you take a step back and rationalise, really won't matter to you in the long run. Remember that events are about you and your guests having a great time and anything that will cause you stress or financial woes is not worth getting in the way of that goal!

everyone loves cupcakes: Canada Day Edition!

2009-07-02T12:41:00.001-04:00

As promised, here is a picture of the patriotic cupcakes I made for Canada Day. I wish I had more pictures, because they were so cool! They were vanilla cake with a red icing injection inside. I used this method to "fill" the cupcakes with my sweet surprise. They went over great!

Thirsty Thursday: Cuba Libre

2009-07-02T09:01:00.003-04:00

Photo Credit: Mike Fleming

Have you ever been to Cuba? If you have, there is no doubt you indulged in at least one Cuba Libre! If it weren't for rum punch, this would have easily been the favourite drink of my group of friends when we went to Cuba last February. Here in North America we just call them "rum and cokes", but the Cuban way [Spanish for "Free Cuba"] is a much more exotic and fun name for this IBA official cocktail. The origins of the popular libation are fuzzy and somewhat contradictory to say the least, but one thing is for certain: this highball is one for the ages!

Directions:

In a tall glass [highball] filled with ice, add 1 1/2 oz rum, 1/4 oz fresh lime juice and top with cola. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Do you enjoy Cuba Libres?

party phD: Canada Day

2009-07-01T08:16:00.002-04:00

Photo Credit: Rick Harris

Canada Day, formerly Dominion Day, is a Canadian federal Statutory Holiday celebrated on July 1st. Canada Day commemorates the July 1 1867 signing of the British North America Act [the Constitution Act] which joined the British North American Colonies Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and and the Province of Canada into a federation of 4 provinces and established the Dominion of Canada. It took some time for Dominion Day to catch on, mostly because many Canadians considrered themselves British subjects for a long time still after Confederation.

Canada Day is celebrated in many different ways across the country, varying from culture to culture. The range of activities includes fireworks displays, barbeques, concerts, face painting, air shows, festivals, citizenship ceremonies, parades and parties. Canadians flock to these [mostly outdoor] events draped in flags and wearing red and white clothing and accessories to show their national pride. Many events are televised on national television, especially fireworks shows and concerts featuring big name Canadian artists.

Since Canada Day is so close to the United States' Independence Day, there are actually some festivals that celebrate the friendly bond between the two countries during their time of patriotism. Detroit Michigan and Windsor Ontario hold the annual International Freedom Festival and Buffalo New York and Fort Erie Ontario celebrate with the Friendship Festival.

As a proud Canadian, I will be sharing Canada Day with my friends today at a backyard BBQ. I made some cute Canada Day cupcakes which I will post a picture of tomorrow. Happy birthday Canada and happy Canada Day to my fellow Canadians!

Tasty Tuesday: Creamy Horseradish and Dill Dip

2009-06-30T14:41:00.000-04:00

Photo Credit: Yunhee Kim via Real Simple

I have already had a few occasions this summer where I had to bust out the dip for entertaining purposes or otherwise... and I don't really even eat dip often myself! This recipe for Creamy Horseradish and Dill Dip from Real Simple landed in my inbox and I thought it would be a natural fit for Tasty Tuesdays and easy breezy summer veggie platters.

Ingredients:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup prepared horseradish
2 tablespoons whole milk
kosher salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
dippers (such as celery sticks, cucumber rounds, and potato chips)

Directions

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, horseradish, milk, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until fluffy. Stir in the dill. Serve with the dippers.

Happy Dipping!

Etsy Monday: EnchantedDandelions Sushi Roll

2009-06-29T11:35:00.000-04:00

EnchantedDandelions makes handcrafted items for babies and children, but I have another use for her adorable terry cloth sushi roll: party favours! Girls night gifts, bridal party gifts, or baby shower favours, these little babies do double duty as invaluable wash cloths as well as cute decor for your guests' bathroom, powder room or diaper bag. Wouldn't this look so sweet all packaged up at each place setting with your guests' names printed on the take-out container?

Frugal Friday: Michael's Email Club

2009-06-26T16:39:00.001-04:00

Photo Credit: Onmidway.com

If you are all about DIY-ing ["Doing it yourself"] then there's probably a pretty good chance that you have stopped by a Michael's craft store once or twice. I'm pretty sure I keep my local store in business single-handedly- there is just so much stuff there that I covet! Even a walk through the store gets my creative juices flowing.

**Cue the Frugal Friday segue.** Are you a part of their e-mail newsletter club? If you are, then you know that you get a 50% off coupon immediately for joining and the weekly ad delivered to your email inbox as well as intermittant special offers and coupons. And if you aren't? Well... you are missing out! Click here to sign up and start saving on everything you need for your next event from cupcake liners to rubber stamps.

Thirsty Thursday: Summer Beers

2009-06-25T12:59:00.003-04:00

Summer is here and for many people that means enjoying a cold beer on the patio on a hot day. There are literally thousands of beers to choose from, but a select few get the honour of becoming "summer beers". Here are some suggestions to get the patio party started this summer.

Clockwise from top right are:

Hop Back Brewery Summer Lightning
Sam Adams Summer Ale
Steam Whistle Pilsner
Bud Light Lime
Cracked Canoe [centre]

What's your favourite summer brew?

Available in Ontario at select LCBO and The Beer Store locations. Check with your local beer outlet for availability in your area.

Wedding Wednesday: Emergency Kit

2009-06-24T10:07:00.001-04:00

Photo Credit: Sutree.com

It's better to be safe than sorry, right? Whether or not you use any of the things in your wedding emergency kit is not the point, it's the peace of mind that comes from being ultra-prepared for any unforeseen mishaps that could possibly arise. If you are hiring a professional wedding planner or day-of coordinator, he or she will most likely come with a kit full of goodies at the ready should anything... unscheduled occur. Ask your pro whether they will be bringing their own kit and what it contains, and discuss anything extra you think you might need. If you do not have someone hired running your big day for you, it's good to have a number of things on-hand at your venue to ensure that your big-day runs smoothly.

Here are the things I carry in my emergency kit [which is a padded sewing kit from Wal-Mart that looks kind of like a picnic basket] as well as some additional items you may want to consider adding for your event.

Sewing kit
Safety pins
Straight pins
Hand Sanitizer
Lip Balm [plain, so if men need to use it, they don't have to feel too girly!]
Tylenol, Advil and Pamprin
Bandages [coloured for kids, sheer for adults and Band-Aid Blister Cushions]
Mens and Womens aerosol deodorant
Tissues [purse packs are great]
Visine and Benedryl [as an allergy sufferer myself, I know these items can be a life-saver!]
Pads and Tampons
Scissors and a utility knife
Lighters: a regular lighter and a long one as well as a pack of matches
Scotch Tape, string and a glue stick
Pen and pencil
Meal replacement bar or shake [who knows who will forget to eat that day!]
Bug Spray
Sunscreen
Hand and Body Lotion
Nail file/emery board
Bobby pins and hair elastics [in black and "blonde"]
Dental Floss, toothpicks and a small bottle of mouthwash
Hair brush and wide-tooth comb
Aerosol Hairspray and Hair Gel
Tide to Go
Lint roller
Rolaids or Tums
AA and AAA Batteries
Sharpie Marker

Is there anything you would add to this list? What did you have in your emergency kit?

Tasty Tuesday: Bran Muffins

2009-06-23T12:52:00.001-04:00

When I think of breakfasts at my grandparents' house as a little kid, the first thing I remember is a delicious warm bran muffin smothered in real butter. My mouth is watering just imagining it. When I stumbled upon these All Bran muffins made by FinnLover in the TeamSugar community, I knew I had to repost them here and give them a try. She puts a bit of a sweet but healthy spin on the traditional bran muffin, but I can't wait to test them out. These would be a perfect treat to serve at your breakfast party or family brunch.

Here is the recipe:

INGREDIENTS
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups all-bran cereal
* 1 1/4 cups milk
* 1 egg
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil
* 1/4 cup ground flax seeds
* 1/4 cup maple syrup
* 2 teaspoons cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

DIRECTIONS
1) Stir flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In large mixing bowl, combine All-Bran cereal and milk. Let stand 5 minutes or until softened. Add.

2) Add egg and oil. Beat well. Add flour mixture, stirring only until combined.

3) Portion batter evenly into twelve 2 1/2-inch muffin-pan cups coated with cooking spray.

4) Bake at 400 degrees for about 15-20 mins or until lightly browned.

Serve warm. Yield: 12 muffins.

Etsy Monday: HidenSeek Postcards

2009-06-22T11:21:00.001-04:00

Oh. My. Gosh. I am literally DROOLING over these gorgeous little postcards from seller HidenSeek. Wouldn't these look amazing in many parts of your event decor? I wouldn't know where to begin. I would want to use them as place cards at every setting, menu cards with the menu affixed to the back, as a "guestbook" for guests to write a little note on each one or even strung up on string or wire and hung against the walls or accross a room.

These are perfect for a children's party, garden party or whimsical wedding!

announcement: format flip!!

2009-06-18T13:13:00.002-04:00

hey y'all. So I've been toying with the idea of changing up my format to allow for more frequent and flowing blog posts and today is the day! [well, actually, Monday is the official "launch", but today is the day that I am telling you about the new format]

Here's how it will work. Each day of the week will have a particular theme/topic and the post[s] for that day will follow that theme.

Etsy Mondays - All posts will feauture amazing vintage and handmade finds from the wonderful Etsy community.
Tasty Tuesdays - All posts will be fantastic new food trends or recipes.
Wedding Wednesdays - All posts will be wedding and wedding planning related.
Thirsty Thursdays - All posts will feature new drink trends or recipes.
Frugal Fridays - All posts will feature tips on how to keep your event on budget. [This will replace the former "Recessionista Party Tips"]

My old features Navigating the Tablescape, Finding Inspiration, Sitting Down With..., Party phD, Party Pick and Celebrate This! will still exist, but hopefully the new format will help streamline the blog experience!

Cheers!

Recessionista Party Tips: Free Magazine Download

2009-06-08T11:33:00.000-04:00

Photo Credit: Wedding Style Guide

Although it's nice to have a hard copy of a magazine in your hands sometimes, a free digital issue isn't a bad thing once in a while! For a limited time (read: only 7 more days) you can download a free copy of the Wedding Style Guide, a gorgeous Australian publication overflowing with amazing inspiration. Check it out here.

Recessionista Party Tips: Host a Swap Party

2009-06-04T21:35:00.003-04:00

Photo Credit: Ellen Silverman

Real Simple recently posted a great article called "How to Host a Swap Party" with some tips about how to hold a party for you and your girlfriends to swap clothing, accessories, shoes, bags, whatever! Here are some highlights along with my added ideas.

[Invite] friends with similar taste. For a good variety of merchandise, eight people is a manageable number, though anywhere from 3 to 20 is doable.
Serve delicious snacks that you can eat with one hand, leaving the other free to root for loot. Make it a true "swap" party and have each guest bring a plate of portable snacks.
Be clear about what’s swap-worthy. Ask friends to bring clean goods in gently used condition. Even further, make sure people are bringing items of the same theme. Let your guests know if it is a strictly clothing-and-accessories swap or all-out swap-fest where everything but the kitchen sink is fair game to bring.
Guests should also come with an extra tote bag for carting home their finds. As a party favour, purchase a reusable bag for each of your guests to bring home their "new" clothes and accessories. Try this one from reusablebags.com or these from pop deluxe.
Give guests room to spread out their items by clearing off surfaces, such as dining and side tables, and using bins and trunks to serve as display space.
Set up a garment rack with hangers, or string up a clothesline, then prop up a full-length mirror. Make signs, and sort fashions by size, type, season, or even personality.

Have you ever hosted or been to a swap party?

finding inspiration: Soda Crates

2009-06-02T11:43:00.009-04:00

Photo Credit: Pottery Barn

The other day I was at Zeller's and I saw some Coca-Cola and Coors Light galvanized metal tubs, wooden crates and awesome vintage-y glassware. The kind of thing that would be so amazingly cool at a backyard barbeque! So in typical "me" fashion, I decided to check out some websites and see what the internet has to offer me. The ones above are from Pottery Barn, but they are now sold out. Although, they found them from many different sources, so plenty of similar ones are definitely out there. These crates would be great if you flipped them over and maybe laid your desserts out on them [especially awesome if your desserts are fruit cups or cupcakes or tarts or something individual].

Photo Credit: AllCola.com

Here is a cute metal tub from AllCola.com. Kill two birds with one stone: it's not only a décor piece, but fill it with ice and keep your pop bottles cold. How practical and adorable!

Photo Credit: Tavern Trove LLC

Is it just me or is this 1939 Coors Light Beer case absolutely fabulous? I think it would look perfectly sweet perched on your buffet table with some plates and cutlery on it for your guests to grab. Try putting an old beer or pop bottle with a single stem flower in it on top of or beside the crate.

Photo Credit: twotallgirls

Etsy has a bunch of amazing finds, as usual, using their "vintage" search feature. Being Canadian, I was kind of partial to the one above though. This would make a wonderful centrepiece filled with flowers! Or you could wrap up everyone's cutlery in a napkin or put it in their glass and put each one in a slot for them to take.

Photo Credit: Kathryn Speyer

You are probably familiar with my WeddingBee obsession, and I remember a few months back seeing Mrs. Cherry Pie posting about her country-chic wedding which included some fantastic vintage tubs and crates and her penchant for Mexican Coke. Above is a picture of what she did at her wedding with the tubs and crates. How cute!

If I can create some reason for a party, I will most likely be picking up some version of these crates and tubs. Have you ever used either for an event?

two-four birthday pics

2009-05-20T23:04:00.000-04:00

Hi y'all. I've been MIA for a few days, been really busy and actually I'm getting a lot of business lately so that's definitely a good thing. I thought I would share some of the details from the boy's birthday party as I had promised.

I'm not sure how it is around the rest of the world, but here in Canada we call a case of 24 beers a two-four. Since the boy turned 24, I made the theme of his party beer! I made a banner with red beer cups at either end and some rugged looking string/twine holding up card stock circles proclaiming 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEVIN'. I cut the circles out of 5 different colours of card stock and glued on the letters that I had printed off my computer. I downloaded the font from 1001 Free Fonts. I put a little silver glitter embellishment on each letter.

I also crafted a smaller sign that was simply a square of card stock with the words 'two-four' in the same font and glitter embellishment with a red beer cup angled off the top of the page.

I had red and blue beer cups placed on the tables as well with favours and snacks in them. Since it was just a small party, I had four cups, two for snacks and two for favours/noisemakers. On the cups for snacks, I used some sticker letters with a similar font to the one on my sign and banner and spelled the word 'taste'. In one cup I put some red licorice and gourmet lollipops and in the other I put some pepperettes [pepperoni sticks] and pretzel sticks. I wanted to go with flavours that would compliment beer.

On the cups with the favours, I spelled out the word 'noise' with the sticker letters and put some blowouts with metallic streamers, hand-clappers and tin noisemakers. We were in a restaurant so I didn't get anything too loud.

On top of the tables, I sprinkled dozens of beer caps down the centre. They were from all different kinds of beer and really brought the theme together. I don't have any pictures of those, but I'm sure you can visualise what a table littered with tons of shiny beer caps looks like!

The dinner was a really fun time, you can't really go wrong with beer, pizza, friends and sports on 3 different TVs, especially if it's your birthday!! The boy said he had a great night and that's all that mattered to me.

announcement: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2009-05-15T12:50:00.006-04:00

Just wishing a very happy 24th birthday to the boy.

I hope you have a great day today! I love you.

Later today or tomorrow I will post some pictures of the decorations and details from his little surprise dinner we had last night.

TV Theme Menus

2009-05-12T18:25:00.006-04:00

Photo Credit: Romulo Yanes

I am all about theme parties. I love the careful planning and attention to detail required to tie everything in together and I eagerly look for creative ways to pull various party elements into my theme such as food, décor, music, drinks, dress.
Epicurious wrote a great feature about menus and party plans inspired by your favorite shows. Included are Mad Men, Lost, Gossip Girl, The Office and more. I'm excited to try some of these out!

Thank you YumSugar for pointing me to Epicurious.

finding inspiration: Mother's Day gifts

2009-05-07T11:34:00.010-04:00

Photo Credit: Rick Audet

Mother's Day is fast approaching and there may be many of you out there who haven't found a gift for your mom (or other mother figure) yet. Luckily, the internet is a wonderful place for last minute shoppers to find some creative inspirations!

Photo Credit: LoveLeeSoaps

LoveLeeSoaps is an Etsy shop specializing in colourful and adorable soaps in creative and quirky shapes and sizes. The Blue Bird Nest soap would be a perfect gift for mom! Look how the mama bird is bent down over her egg babies... so cute!!

The philosophy Best Sellers Collection (available only at Sephora) is a box of philosophy's 5 most-loved products: Purity Made Simple One Step Facial Cleanser, Amazing Grace Perfumed Shampoo, Bath & Shower Gel, The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash, Hope in a Jar and Hope in a Tube. A great introduction to the philosophy line of products.

Photo Credit: LCBO

Tempus Two Copper Wilde Chardonnay is a full-bodied wine with layers of citrus and apple, made by an all-female team at a boutique winery in New South Wales, Australia's Hunter Valley. If your mom is a wine lover, she is sure to appreciate this!

Photo Credit: Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn's Pendleton Merino Wool Throw (currently marked down to half the original price!) is a beautiful and incredibly soft luxurious blanket for mom to curl up in.

What will you be giving your mom for Mother's Day?

sitting down with... makeupbyjill

2009-05-05T12:08:00.003-04:00

Jill Reid

Jill Reid of makeupbyjill is my younger sister. I've blogged about her before when she did makeup for the POGO Gala last month in Toronto. Since makeup is a hugely important part of many celebrations, I asked her to be a part of my sitting down with... series to get the inside scoop on life as an up-and-coming makeup artist.

How did you start your business?
I took an interest in makeup after my prom make-up didn't go so well. It wasn't badly done, just didn't match my color. Then my friend Taylor asked me to be a model for her make-up class, and after watching her do it, I thought... 'hey, I want to do this too!'. Since then, I've just been improving my skills, and getting my name out there!

How would you describe your work?
Well first, I am a perfectionist! I would never let any of my clients leave the chair in some ridiculous, garish make-up (unless of course it was what they asked for). I'm a huge fan of the natural look, so I always try to make at least the face make-up look as natural, yet flawless, as possible... the eyes you can go a little bit crazier with, because they are the attention getters! I am all over the place when I do make-up, sometimes I'll start with eyes, sometimes I'll start with the face, it's all about where I find inspiration first!

Photo Credit: 39 Photography

Who are your main customers?
It's mostly for formal events like galas and parties and proms. I do a lot of night-on-the-town make-up jobs, which are the most fun!

What information from your customers helps you best envision what they are looking for?
I like to do an assessment before the actual make-up application, of skin tone, eye color, what they're wearing for the event, what make-up they normally wear; this lets me know what colors to use and how I can make them feel comfortable (if I know they wear little make-up on a regular basis, I will use less products, and if they are no stranger to make-up, I know I can use a few more products or try different things).

What is your typical day like?
Being a student, and only 19 years old, my life doesn't revolve around the business just yet, but I hope to be there soon! Lately it's been all about school, and when I get time, I check out the counters at the drugstore and Sephora to snatch up any cool new products. To test out the products, I usually use my best friends Emma or Natalie as a canvas (they are absolutely beautiful to begin with, so it's an added bonus for me!). I hope that my customer base will grow and I can devote more and more time to my customers, because this is what I love to do!

What are your five must-have products?
Gosh primer, bareMinerals bronzer, Joe Fresh Beauty blush sticks, Revlon Beyond Natural mascara, Revlon eyelash curler (just the basic one).

What has your business helped you do that you couldn't/didn't before?
I've learned so many new things about how to advertise, who to know, what to do, not to mention I've met some great new people! Just a few weeks ago I was doing make-up for friends of mine, Lauren and Jess (plenty of pictures of them on my website, absolute stunners!), and I was working alongside a hairstylist from one of the best hair styling places in British Columbia, blo blowdry bar! That was a really fun time, and I think I may see how the fashion scene is out in British Columbia soon! It's been a great experience so far, and I'm definitely looking forward to my business growing!
What is the most difficult part of running your business?
Starting up is hard, and a little disheartening when the client base isn't that large. But, now that I think about it, it only makes me work harder on my clients, because I can take my time, and do the best job possible, knowing I don't have to rush around going from client to client.

What is the most rewarding part of running your business?
Seeing customers be truly happy with the product...I can tell if they don't like it, I've looked at their face for the past hour, so I'll know if they really do like it! That's the best part of it, for sure. Also, I'm a really social person, so I love talking and getting to know the people I'm making up as I'm going along. It's really interesting to hear about, for example, how they got into modelling, what their event is about, etc. I love everything about my job!

You can visit the makeupbyjill website here. Jill is based out of Brampton/Toronto but can travel so please inquire!

Amazing Aprons

2009-05-04T22:57:00.008-04:00

Photo Credit: Anthropolgie

Aprons have come a long way, baby! They are definitely more than 'Kiss the Cook' these days; fashion-forward hostesses are wearing chic cover-ups that are just as show-stopping as the outfit underneath! I have been reading all over the place about amazingly stylish aprons lately (namely here and here) and I actually meant to write this post last week but I just didn't have the time. Couture aprons are popping up everywhere and I am officially hooked! I need to get one asap!

The apron above is a surprisingly affordable piece ($34.51 CAD) from the delightful anthropologie. There are even matching oven mitts! Adorable! I can feel my devil horns poking out of my head as I type this.

Photo Credit: Smocks

This little beauty is from Smocks aprons. Smocks are 'inspired by contemporary designers, we created Smocks to protect a woman's wardrobe while also complementing it' and are designed to fit a woman's body. They even have different cuts and fits to ensure that your Smock is practical and flattering.*sigh*

Photo Credit: John Price Photo

Haute Hostess Aprons are an awesome product line by celebrity event planner and philathropist Elizabeth Scokin. There are three styles of apron, Glam it Up (like the one pictured above), Glam it Up Luxe and Give Me Sugar. I want every colour in every style, period. The Give Me Sugar aprons (like the one below) are especially exquisite though, and I think the bridal collection would make perfect bridal party gifts, bridal shower gifts or stagette/bachelorette party favours or gifts. There are tons of holiday themed patterns and colours available; something for every occasion including Christmas, Hallowe'en and homecoming parties! They are all 50% off right now (except the Haute Host and Bridal collections) so if I'm really good, I might get one!

Photo Credit: John Price Photo

Do you have a special apron that you wear for entertaining?

Navigating the Tablescape: Cinco de Mayo

2009-05-04T11:51:00.001-04:00

Photo Credit: Mix Mingle Glow

Last week, Mix Mingle Glow visited an outdoor flea market in San Antonio and found these adorable mini Mexican blankets that she used as napkins in her place settings. This would be absolutely perfect for your Cinco de Mayo tablescaping!

Photo Credit: YogaAccessories.com

Yoga Accessories also has these long skinny traditional Mexican yoga blankets that would be great as table runners for your fiesta! You can find them all over the internet and in yoga specialty stores.

Will you be celebrating Cinco de Mayo? How will you decorate your table?

party pick: Baskin Robbins 31 cent Scoop Night

2009-04-28T14:40:00.010-04:00

Photo Credit: Eric E Yang

Tomorrow [Wednesday April 29th 2009] is 31 cent scoop night at Baskin Robbins and Baskin Robbins Canada. Bring your friends and family in to your local Baskin Robbins location and enjoy a scoop of your favourite BR ice cream for only 31 cents plus tax. Baskin Robbins Canada is donating $10,000 to the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation in celebration of this annual event. Since the boy is a firefighter, it is a cause that I personally find important, so I encourage you to get out there and get some ice cream!You can also make an individual donation to CFFF at your Baskin Robbins location. Baskin Robbins in the US will be making a $100,000 donation to the National Volunteer Fire Council National Junior Firefighter Program.

So head over to Baskin Robbins tomorrow night between 5pm and 10pm. There may even be a firetruck at your location and firemen on hand to serve your scoops! You can RSVP to the Canadian event on Facebook here. Follow the American event page here. For more information, visit the Baskin Robbins 31 cent Scoop Night home pages here and here.

2009 Spring wedding trends: invitations

2009-04-24T09:30:00.005-04:00

Photo Credit: Cynthia

According to my newsletter from The Knot, here are some trendy but classic ideas for your wedding invitations:

Vintage Flair
When it comes to invitation design, think Parisian soap label art, Givenchy couture, and swirl or damask patterns. To extend the design's shelf life, give your cake baker a copy of your invitation and ask him or her to decorate the cake using a similar design.

Modern Monograms
Monograms are becoming more thematic via stylistic elements, like elaborate ampersands. Rather than a simple font, consider using intertwined initials for an updated look.

Couture Envelopes
Invitation envelopes are your guests' first glimpse at your wedding style, so don't skimp on them. Beautiful liners in coordinating colors and patterns make this otherwise ordinary packaging a memorable wedding detail.

Says Cynthia from Bella Figura, here are some more trends from the wedding stationery front.

Embellishments
Bold colours
Jewel Tones
Green
Nautical combinations

Hope that's enough to get you inspired for now!

free greeting cards

2009-04-23T18:54:00.004-04:00

For over 25 years, UPrinting has been a trusted leader in Online Printing , featuring its signature easy-to-use website and the famous free file review, a complimentary proofing service which requires no upfront payment. UPrinting offers convenient marketing support services such as design, lists, and direct mailing to help grow small and medium-size businesses nationwide.

UPrinting.com's high quality printing services include Greeting Card Printing, Envelope Printing, brochures, canvas prints and more, all at the most affordable prices.

Want to win 250 free greeting cards from uprinting.com?

How to Enter
1. Make a blog post on your own blog about the contest.
2. Then leave a comment at the end of this post, describing what you would use the free greeting cards for. Include the URL of your blog post along with your comment to be eligible to win.

Prize
250 greeting cards for one winner

Rules
Printing is free, winner only pays the shipping fee.

Good luck!!

sitting down with... ZEELICIOUS Confectionary Delights

2009-04-23T11:04:00.004-04:00

Photo Credit: Zainab Saleem

I found Zainab of ZEELICIOUS Confectionary Delights through an ad she had posted on kijiji. I visited her Facebook page and browsed through her photos and suddenly I was seeing stars! I had to message her right away and ask her about her business. As a planner, I like to hear perspective from other people in the industry and I was so interested in ZEELICIOUS that Zainab and I began to message back and forth, learning about each other. I asked her the other day if she would give us a little glimpse into what goes into her cake and confectionery business.

How did you start your business?
Frankly, to tell you the truth, a friend was the one who inspired me to get into this. I have no formal training as a pastry chef, [but] I do have a Bachelors Degree in Design. I ordered my sons first birthday cake from my friend who has been in the business for about five years now. I looked at the cake and I thought 'I can do this. It's a little bit of sculpture, a little bit of design with some painting, a little architecture and boom , you have a piece of art.'
As far as baking itself was concerned, I started that really young, inspired by my mom's love of fresh loaves of bread and decadent desserts. A lot of the recipes she had were actually created by my grandmother and my mom together, so you could say they are a bit of a family secret :).

How would you describe your work?
The best way to describe my work would be 'art' I would like to think of myself as an artist rather than a pastry chef or baker. That is how I see every cake project: a piece of art. I put a lot of heart and love into [each cake] so that every single cake is its very own masterpiece; not just great to look at, but equally great to taste.

Who are your main customers?
I cant really say my work caters to one particular kind of customer . Lately I have been doing a lot of children's cakes, but I have wedding orders lined up for the summer. For me, each and every customer is important, be it a large order or small.

What information from your customers helps you best envision what they are looking for?
In terms of design, if it's a child's cake I would ask what the child's favourite cartoon character is? Favourite toy? Is there a theme to the party that the customer would like me to work with?
For weddings, again the theme is important. Colour scheme is another consideration and for brides that like it very customized, I like to incorporate the design or bead work on their dresses into the cake [design].

Describe your typical day.

I’m a stay at home mom, so my typical day revolves around my four-year-old daughter and my very energetic two-year-old son. And, during the somewhat chaotic day-to-day life that any stay at home mom has, I manage to attend a few phone calls and jot down a few emails to my clients.

What is the most difficult part of running your business?
The challenging part of running a business from home is trying to juggle your day-to-day life with all the little extras of running a business. I am lucky enough to have a wonderful support system of family, especially my husband, around me who look after my little darlings when mommy is "working". And, since my cakes are almost always due on weekends, it helps me to be a regular stay at home mom with a weekend job.

What is the most rewarding part of running your business?
The most rewarding part of my business would be when the clients actually see their cakes. I remember there was one time when a mom came to pick up her 2-year-old daughter's cake and stood there in front of the cake, just staring at it. I was very unsure as to what she thought because she just stood there for what seemed to me was a long time, until I finally asked her what she thought. She gave me the biggest smile and a big hug, [and] needless to say she loved her cake. But its always rewarding when a client really appreciates the time and effort and all the hard work you have put into their order.

Zainab donates a percentage of profit from every ZEELICIOUS order to SickKids Foundation.
Visit the ZEELICIOUS Confectionary Delights Facebook page for more information.

Navigating the Tablescape: Earth Day

2009-04-22T16:19:00.000-04:00

How amazing would this be for Earth Day? Or any other day for that matter? You could do something similar with carrots and it would also look really cute.

Thank you to CasaSugar for pointing me to Re-Nest

everyone loves cupcakes!

2009-04-22T16:15:00.000-04:00

What's hiding under this lovely plain cupcake-y exterior?

Pscyhedelic rainbow goodness!! Hooray for rainbow cupcakes! I called my cakes 'Psychedelicakes'. I had been reading about rainbow cakes all over the place for the past few weeks, originally here and since I generally prefer cupcakes [nothing against cake, I will gladly mow down on cake, cupcakes are just easier to handle] I decided I was going to turn my desire to make a rainbow cake into some delicious handheld treats. The occasion was a class 'party' to mark the final class of my Event Theory and Practice course. Here's how it turned out for me.

I started by preparing the batter in my mixer. I separated it into four bowls for each of the colours I was using in the cupcakes. I left a little bit in the mixer bowl in case I needed extra of a certain colour.
I used blue, yellow, red and green food colouring to colour the batter. I used about 8-12 drops of each and stirred it in with a whisk.Here's how the batter looked as I was spooning it into the cups. Some of them I started with red on the bottom and some with blue.
I was quick to wash out my bowls, spoons and whisks so that the coloured batter didn't stick to them.
Here they are just out of the oven and on the cooling rack. Aren't they trippy even on the outside?
I iced them pretty thick so that the colour didn't show through. I hate icing so I ate one before I smeared the plain white icing on them. I think I did a pretty good job of concealing their secret!

Here's the boy holding a cupcake. Psychedelic!!

I also made little toothpick toppers for each one, but sadly I have no pictures. It was two embossed foil balloon confettis and a foil squiggly confetti glued on a toothpick.

Here is the table card I made for my treats.

Visit this site to get the full tutorial.

party phD: Earth Day

2009-04-22T14:17:00.008-04:00

Photo Credit: Earth Day Canada

Happy Earth Day! Earth Day is a 39-year-old day of celebration for the Earth. The focus of Earth Day is on conservation, preservation, education, awareness and appreciation. The importance of ecology and Earth education had become a prominent topic in the 1960's and so in 1970, United States Senator Gaylord Nelson constructed an 'environmental teach-in' to be held on April 22. Over 20 million people participated that year, and Earth Day is now observed each year on April 22 by more than 500 million people and national governments in 175 countries.

Photo Credit: Biographical Directory of United States Congress

The significance of April 22 has long been debated, but the truth seems to be that Sen. Nelson chose this date because he felt it would maximize participation on college campuses. Other theories surrounding the date of Earth Day include the birthday of Julius Sterling Morton, founder of Arbor Day, the birthday of John Muir, who founded the Sierra Club and the birthday of Vladmir Lenin [suspected by those who suggested the event was a Communist trick].

In many places, Earth Day has expanded to Earth Week and, in some cases, Earth Month. Events of every kind happen during Earth Day/Week/Month from galas to grassroots garbage clean ups. If you are looking to find an event in your area, click here for Earth Day Network listed events. Or, use this funky widget to find a Canadian event near you.

If you are around the GTA, I suggest this event. Alternatively, check out Disney's amazing new film, out today, called Earth. View the trailer below.

How will you be celebrating Earth Day?

2009 Spring wedding trends

2009-04-21T23:10:00.000-04:00

Photo Credit: Conny Liegl

Anyone can claim that something is going to be a trend. People predict trends based on numerous factors, both research based and non-research based. There are sites all over the interwebs listing trends for Spring 2009 weddings and I'm going to round up what I feel are the best of the best.

Small luxurious weddings: a no-brainer here, really. We may be in a recession, but that doesn't mean people aren't still getting married! They are just doing it with less guests to trim costs since the average [American] wedding budget is down over 33% from 2007. Less guests means more intimacy and more creative license to really get the details you are lusting after without the price tag that comes attached to your 150 count guestlist.

Photo Credit: Diva by Design

Empire Waist Goddess Gowns: how gorgeous and effortlessly elegant is this gown? an empire waist dress will flatter many different figures. you can show your collarbone and shoulders and camouflage flaws underneath the full bodice. very feminine and super-appropriate for Spring!

Photo Credit: Iampeth

Black Flowers and Accessories: well, maybe not black flowers, that is a little too Goth for a Springtime wedding, but definitely black accessories! I'm thinking black table runners, black chargers, black vases or black calligraphic accents on the menu like the one above.

Photo Credit: Portobello

Vintage Fashion and Fascinators: Etsy is all the rage, especially with hip, in-the-know brides [there is so much Etsy love out there it's crazy!]. Etsy is an Ebay-like marketplace for people all over the world to buy and sell handmade goods. There are so many amazing pieces on Etsy for fashion forward [or backward? we are talking vintage here] brides-to-be. Combs, flowers, fascinators, birdcages, pillbox hats... the list goes on. Unique, one-of-a-kind items that are instant heirloom pieces are what's in for Spring.

Do you agree? What do you think the biggest trends are for weddings this season?

Source, Source

party pick: ELLE Fashion and Beauty Event

2009-04-21T15:05:00.004-04:00

If you live in or around Toronto, the place to be on Saturday is The Carlu which will be playing host to the annual ELLE Fashion and Beauty Event.

The ELLE Show will feature clinics and seminars boasting the colors, tips and trends for the upcoming spring/summer season. Lunch and a gift bag are included with price of admission. The daytime event will run from 10:30am to 5:oopm. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased here.

The evening is a benefit/fundraiser for the Toronto Fashion Incubator, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and nurturing young business entrepreneurs. Guests have the opportunity of purchasing V.I.P. Cocktail/Dinner/Silent Auction & Show tickets [$255] or General Admission Cocktail/Silent Auction & Show tickets [$55]. The evening is dedicated to the Toronto Fashion Incubator New Labels Competition. After a rigorous six-month design competition, the runway show will unveil the four finalists from the competition: Faren, Jody Leigh, Gushueswim and Thieves, as they compete for an ELLE Canada prize package valued at over $25,000. Anne-Marie Mediwake of Global News will be the event emcee.

Will you be attending the ELLE show?

finding inspiration: best entertaining websites

2009-04-20T12:23:00.001-04:00

Photo Credit: Sergio

My list of websites and blogs to visit daily is about a mile long and consists mainly of entertaining, lifestyle, design and recipe sites. I love sites that are beautiful to look at and have quality content. I get so much inspiration from these blogs and websites everyday. When my boyfriend asks what I'm doing on the computer, my response is often 'checking my daily sites'.

Here are the all-stars in my bookmark tab:

YumSugar I started frequenting the Sugar Network a number of years ago and I've watched it blossom into one of the best online communities for women. I visit YumSugar everyday to get filled in on food and drink trends, party planning, recipes and food news from around the globe. For more inspiration on the Sugar Network, I also like to check out CasaSugar, their home décor blog, from time to time.

Hostess with the Mostess and Hostess Blog I actually prefer the Hostess Blog to the main Hostess site [the blog could easily stand alone as the main attraction] but together they are a duo of drool-worthy online pleasures for partygeeks like me!. The Hostess Blog is an invaluable resource for party planning inspiration. Jenn Sbranti, the founder of HWTM, pulls from all of her favourite blogs as well as her own experiences in the party planning world and reader submissions to churn out one of the most visually appealing and content-rich entertaining blogs around.

WeddingBee I don't remember how I stumbled upon WeddingBee, nor do I remember how I lived without it. Actually, I think I may have found it through a Google search of some random wedding term where I happened upon this wedding blog of a girl who was simultaneously blogging her wedding planning experience on WeddingBee. The bloggers on WeddingBee are brides-to-be from all over the US [and sometimes other places... like Canada!] who write about the process of planning their wedding and they are a veritable pantheon of wedding and party inspiration. Whenever I am at my computer I am checking WeddingBee for updates. They also have a 'Pro' website featuring wedding vendors and their own daily exploits which is inspirational to me in two ways: creatively and as a 'vendor' myself I can glimpse into the lives of other people who are in the industry. I also follow some of my favourite 'pros' on their personal blogs.

Roundup
I also frequent the following websites and blogs on a less-than-daily basis, but would like to send some love to them.
Etsy.com
Mix Mingle Glow
Alison Events
Cookie Mondays
Ready2Spark
Tastefully Entertaining
Totally Tabletops
100 Layer Cake

What websites inspire you to create what you do?

free Earth Day e-cards

2009-04-19T11:02:00.000-04:00

Photo Credit: Nasa, The Visible Earth

Earth Day is fast approaching! I am a big eco-freak so I love Earth Day. I just received an email from World Wildlife Fund containing this year's batch of free e-cards. I am obsessed with e-cards! While I love love love real cards, e-cards can be sent out at any time, even the day-of the event or occasion and there are so many different holidays and milestones to be celebrated, it can get expensive to send out real cards all over the world to friends and family for each one.

So, without further ado, you can access the WWF e-cards here to send to your friends and family. Come back on APril 22nd for my Earth Day party phD!

POGO Gala 2009

2009-04-16T20:57:00.008-04:00

My sister is published! [well, sort of]. The picture above was taken at the 8th Annual POGO Gala which took place April 4th at the Liberty Grand in Toronto. My sister did the makeup for these lovely girls for this event and this picture was snapped as they walked down the leopard print carpet and posted on the Toronto Arts and Events website.The Gala is a fundraiser for POGO [Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario] and the girl on the right, Lauren, was a speaker at the event.

I was excited to see my sister's beautiful work featured on the event website and I'm sure there are many pictures floating around the interwebs of her two pretty clients from this event.

Let me know if you see any!

Create a Timeline to Stay on Track

2009-04-15T13:01:00.003-04:00

If you are planning a party or event, the most important tool you can have in your arsenal is a detailed timeline. The timeline can help you foresee conflicts and serve as a schedule for everyone involved in putting the event together. My timelines always start from the day I begin to plan. The timeline will include everything I need to do to get me up to the day of the event and then I create a seperate timeline for the party date to give to everyone involved [though not guests, obviously!]

A good timeline will include everything necessary for each step along the way. For example, you may write that the guests will begin arriving at 1:00pm. At this time, you may also write on your timeline where everyone should be when guests arrive and what will be going on in terms of welcome activities, etc.

Be careful not to allow too much "buffer" time in between activities. Yes, it may take time for your guests to travel from one area to another, but once you start to factor in all this extra time, your timeline will be thrown off or you may end up with guests standing around. Though your timeline should be flexible, its purpose is to keep you on track so try to stick to it!

Have you ever used a timeline or agenda when planning an event?

finding inspiration: yellow white and black

2009-04-14T22:24:00.003-04:00

I am planning my sister's 20th birthday party in September. It's her 'champagne birthday' [when you are turning the age matching the day of your birthday, ie she is turning 20 on the 20th] so she really wants to do it up. I put together a preliminary inspiration board from her vision of white and yellow.

Credits:
Rock Candy and Rock Candy
Background Picture
Cake
Favour Boxes
Yellow Martini
White Carnations
Envelope/Calligraphy
Yellow Carnation

Navigating the Tablescape: Easter

2009-04-12T11:29:00.005-04:00

Happy Easter everyone! Just a quick post about Easter brunch I had the other day and how we set up the table. I had very little notice to go on for this Easter brunch, so don't mind the wrinkled tablecloth!! I went with a dusty yellow and dusty pink colour palette and kind of a simple country aesthetic. So I started with a neutral table cloth and put brightly coloured plates down.

Then i placed a neutral napkin on top of each place and put our shiny heavy silverware on top. I did a google search on Easter quotes, poems and sayings and found this one by Edna Dean Proctor that I thought was cute

I think of the garden after the rain;
And hope to my heart comes singing,
At morn the cherry-blooms will be white,
And the Easter bells be ringing!

I printed this out on white paper and accentuated a few words and cut it out into a thin strip. I wrapped a pink ribbon around the napkin and wrapped the paper around over top of the ribbon so only the top of the ribbon was showing. Then I secured it with a clothespin. In the middle of the table I put some yellow and pink flowers in a clear glass vase.

I put some cute little porcelain bunnies by the flower vase and they were really the only "Easter-y" things I put on the table. I served mimosas in flutes with sheer pink ribbon tied loosely around the stem.

Again, have a Happy Easter everyone!

recessionista party tips: $5 coupon from Party Packagers

2009-04-09T14:23:00.002-04:00

I am a coupon queen. I love to print out money saving deals or clip them from print ads. I received this one in my email inbox a few days ago from one of my go-to party stores, Party Packagers.
Party Packagers has toys, candy, balloons, favours, décor items and gifts galore. Sometimes I find that their stuff is a little overpriced, and sometimes I find amazing deals. I guess it depends on the location and the time of year. They do have things that I don't see anywhere else though, and I enjoy just perusing the aisles and getting inspired.

So click here for the ad and a $5 coupon when you spend $25 or more. Have fun finding fabulous party supplies!

party phD: Passover

2009-04-09T12:27:00.002-04:00

Photo Credit: Alan

Passover is a Jewish and Samaritan festival and Holy day commemorating God mercifully sparing the Hebrews when the tenth plague killed every firstborn son in Egypt [Exodus]. The Bible says that God inflicted ten plagues upon the Egyptians before Pharaoh would release his Israelite slaves. The Hebrews were instructed to mark their homes with the blood of a lamb and, upon seeing this, the Angel of Death passed over them. When Pharaoh freed the Hebrew slaves, it is said that they left in such a hurry that they could not wait for their bread to rise. In commemoration, no leavened bread is eaten for the duration of Passover, also earning it the name "The Festival of the Unleavened Bread". Matza, unleavened bread [also called Matzo], is the primary symbol of the holiday.

Passover begins on the 15th day of the month of Nisan [March/April in the Gregorian calendar], the first month of the Hebrew calendar's festival year. In 2009, Passover spans from April 9-16. In Israel, Passover is the seven-day holiday of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, with the first and last days observed as legal holidays and as holy days involving abstention from work, special prayer services and holiday meals.

The Seder
A large part of the Passover celebration involves a feast called the Seder. In Hebrew, Seder means 'arrangement' or 'order'. The Seder is held on the first and sometimes second night of Passover. The Seder is all about tradition and family ritual and is a key component of Jewish religious and cultural identity. Families gather at the table to read one of the Haggadah, the story of the Israelite exodus from Egypt. Seder customs include drinking of four cups of wine, eating matza and partaking of symbolic foods placed on the Passover Seder Plate.

The Seder Plate
The Seder Plate ["ke'ara"] is a plate with symbolic food arranged in a special way. Each item symbolizes a part of the story of Exodus.

Three matzot are placed on top of each other on a plate or napkin, and then covered.
The matzot are symbolic of the three castes of Jews: Priests, Levites, and Israelites.

The following items are placed on a cloth or plate placed above the three matzot:

The Shankbone ["z'roa", symbolizing the lamb sacrifice]
The Egg ["Beitzah", symbolizing the festival sacrifice]
The Bitter Herbs ["Maror" and "Chazeret", symbolizing the harshness Jews endured while enslaved to the Egyptians]
The Mixture ["Charoset;", symbolizing the mortar used by the Jewish slaves while building]
The Vegetable ["Karpas" which is dipped in saltwater. The saltwater represents the tears shed by the Jews during their enslavement]

Passover is full of amazing imagery, tradition and history. There are many steps to the Passover Seder, including blessings, ritual asking of questions, and the order in which food and wine is consumed.

President Obama added a second-night seder to his official schedule, to be observed April 9, 2009. This is the first time that a sitting president is known to have hosted, and observed, a seder at the White House.

Do you celebrate Passover?

celebrate this: beer tasting party -- drinks

2009-04-08T22:43:00.007-04:00

For the beer tasting party, the drinks are obviously the most important part of the entire evening! you want to make sure that your supply is fresh, broad and sufficient. If this is your first tasting or your guests are a little finicky, it's best to stock some easy drinking beers that aren't too wild. Try the first 5 or so on the list for the timid beer taster. If your guests are adventuresome, don't be afraid to purchase beers you've never tried before; be creative and dig deep for some hidden gems at your local beer or liquor store. Check out selections from the entire list here for your tasting party.

Light lager [try Coors Light, Stella Legere, Steelback Light, Amstel Light]

Lager [try Amsterdam Natural Blonde, Mill St. Organic, Kirin Ichiban, Zywiec, Sapporo]

Pilsener [try Steam Whistle, Krombacher, Holsten, Labatt Blue, Warsteiner, Jupiler]

Dark lager [try Waterloo Dark, King Brewery Dark Lager, Heritage Traditional Dark]

Canadian ale [try Kawartha Lakes Raspberry Wheat Ale, Molson Export, C'est What? Homegrown Hemp Ale]

Amber ale [try Robert Simpson Confederation Amber Ale, Fat Tire Amber Ale, Alexander Keith's Red Amber Ale]

Dark ale [try Wellington County Dark Ale, Sleeman Original Dark, Smithwick's]

Stout or Porter [try Murphy's Irish Stout, Mill St. Coffee Porter, Sleeman Fine Porter, Beamish stout]

Trappist style strong beer or a Bock [try Faxe Festbock, Westmalle Tripel, Aventinus Ice Bock]

Fruit beer[try Früli, Bell's Cherry Stout, Unibroue Éphémère]

The Set-up
How much beer should you buy? A simple rule is to pour three ounce samples for your guests. This means from each standard size bottle, you will get four samples.If you can buy beers individually, purchase this way, or buy each beer in a six-pack. An idea may be to let your guests take a bottle of their favourite home.

Serve your samples in small clear cups. The cups must be clear to fully experience the colour of each sample and note it on your beer score sheet [remember each guest should receive these score sheets in their sampling bag]. Create a backgrounder sheet for each beer you are serving and let your guests appreciate the history of each sample. If you are setting up your room in tasting stations, set the backgrounder sheet at each station.

Take the beer out of the fridge 15-20 minutes before the tasting starts. If beer is too cold, it will numb your tastebuds to the intricacies of the flavour and aroma.

Ensure that you have water and water glasses for your guests to cleanse their palate between tastings. The goal is to appreciate each individual flavour without skewing the results.

The Tasting
When you are ready to start your tasting, set out the cups and introduce the beer to your guests. Pour directly into the bottom of the cup and fill the cup halfway. Ensure there is ample foam [head] in the cup. Follow your beer score sheet and make your observations. Try using the following guidelines to help your guests make informed observations.

Look at the beer and observe its colour.
Colour will give good indication of what kind of malts have been used and some of the flavours and aromas you should expect.
Smell the beer.
The secret here is to get your nose to the back of the glass or cup. This will bring out all the aromas. If you are having trouble with aromas, swirl the beer a little to generate some foam and try again. Start to think about what kind of aromas you are picking up.
Taste the beer.
The first sip should be a slow process – allow it to rest on your tongue and envelop your mouth. Once you’ve swallowed, think about what flavours you found and how did it feel in your mouth.
Take a second taste.
The first sip did a good job of preparing your mouth but the second sip should alloy you to notice some softer, more intricate flavours.
Share your thoughts and comments with your guests and ask them for their thoughts.
This is the important part. We all have different palates and our experiences may be similar but never identical.

If you are serving food along with your beer, try the foods after you have made your initial observations. See how the flavours interact and note how the food may bring out new flavours in the beer and vice versa. Then, drink about half a cup of water and begin your next sample!

I hope you enjoy your beer tasting!

hiring an event planner

2009-04-05T21:44:00.009-04:00

Photo Credit: Karin Dalziel

Whether it's because you don't have the time, desire, resources, know-how or nerves, hiring a professional event/party planner/coordinator for your celebration can be a lifesaver. They can do the behind the scenes tasks, hire vendors, negotiate contracts, set-up your event, manage your event and guests and may even cut you some money-saving deals.
If you've decided that you want to bring in professional help to coordinate your event, there are many questions you will want to consider before hiring. How do you know what the planner can bring to the table? What exactly can they do for you and your event? PartySpot.com is really a wonderful resource for all things party. Recently I came across this list that they posted called 13 Questions to Ask Party Planners and being a party planner myself, I thought I would share it.

(1) Will the coordinator commit to your budget and not push you in the direction of things you simply can't afford?

(2) Will the coordinator devise a master plan mapping out all the little details, from announcement to zebra-striped decor? (This will clue you in to organizational prowess and a willingness to keep you in the loop on every matter imaginable.)

(3) Can the coordinator name the best and most original locations in your area (that would be suitable to your party size, style, and budget)?

Photo Credit: Evan

(4) Is the coordinator familiar with the best florists, photographers, caterers, bands, and DJs in your price range? Can he/she explain their strong points to you briefly? (Ask yourself: Does the coordinator seem both knowledgeable and passionate?)

(5) Can the coordinator score you some discounts with any vendors? (Coordinators bring volume to favored vendors; often vendors will reciprocate by slashing prices or throwing in extras.)

(6) Will the coordinator read over the vendor contracts for you? What are some common traps to look out for?

(7) Can the coordinator create a timeline that tells everyone involved in the planning process -- vendors, family members, etc. -- what to do and when to do it? How will she/he make sure that everyone sticks to the schedule?

(8) Will the coordinator handle the invitations, from wording and ordering to the addressing and mailing?

(9) Can the coordinator counsel you on etiquette matters and alert you to hot trends on the party horizon?

(10) Will the coordinator organize delivery, arrival, and setup times with photographer, florist, musicians, caterer/banquet manager, et al?

(11) For the day of the event, will the coordinator be willing to oversee the entire event by supervising vendors, troubleshooting emergencies, and soothing nerves? Can she/he share any anecdotes that required performing above and beyond the call of duty?

(12) Will the coordinator be willing to step in as your advocate, conveying your visions and desires to vendors when you don't feel up to the task?
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It is important to remember that these are simply guidelines. You may not feel the need to ask your planner/potential planner all of these questions. For instance, your event may not require your planner to handle the invitations. There are definitely other things to take into consideration when hiring a planner. What is their educational background? What events have they worked on in the past? What is their main strength/signature style? These may be questions that are important to you!

Make a list of what is important to you about the event and what you can't do on your own. This can help you decide what questions to ask the planner during the hiring process.
Have you ever hired a planner/coordinator/event designer? How did you make your decision?

party phD: Palm Sunday

2009-04-05T19:00:00.001-04:00

Photo Credit: Eric Molina

Palm Sunday is a Christian Feast Day which falls on the Sunday before Easter.
Palm Sunday ranks as one of Christianity's holiest days, second only to Christmas and Easter. It falls on the last Sunday of Lent and marks the beginning of Holy Week. It is called a 'moveable feast' as it is not celebrated on the same day each year. In 2009, Palm Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday April 5th. This day commemorates the arrival of Jesus into Jerusalem before his Passion and Crucifixion.

The significance of Jesus riding a donkey and having his way paved with palm branches is a fulfillment of a prophecy spoken by the prophet Zechariah. In biblical times, the regional custom called for kings and nobles arriving in procession to ride on the back of a donkey. The donkey was a symbol of peace; those who rode upon them proclaimed peaceful intentions. The laying of palm branches indicated that the king or dignitary was arriving in victory or triumph.

The scene of the crowd greeting Jesus by waving palms and carpeting his path with them has given this Christian feast its name. In the Gospel of John, he specifically mentions palm fronds which were a symbol of triumph and of victory, in Jewish tradition, and is treated in other parts of the Bible as such.

Palm Sunday traditions are long-standing. The ceremony begins with the blessing of the palms. The procession follows, then Mass is celebrated. Afterward, many people take the palms home and place them in houses, barns, and fields.

In some countries, palms are placed on the graves of the departed. In colder northern climates, where palm trees are not found, branches of yew, willow, and sallow trees are used. The palms blessed in the ceremony are burned at the end of the day. The ashes are then preserved for next year's Ash Wednesday celebration.

Figs are sometimes considered a traditional Palm Sunday food because Jesus had wanted to eat figs on his journey into Jerusalem. Some people refer to Palm Sunday as 'Fig Sunday' and make foods containing figs. Click here for some fig recipes.

Palm Sunday is an occasion for reflecting on the final week of Jesus' life. It is a time for Christians to prepare their hearts for the agony of His Passion and the joy of His Resurrection.

celebrate this: beer tasting party -- décor

2009-04-02T12:35:00.005-04:00

Photo Credit: Shindigz

Depending on the theme of your tasting, you could come up with some interesting ideas for decoration. For example, if you are going with a domestic tasting, you could decorate with patriotic memorabilia, or if you are going for a beers from around the world theme, try setting up a station for each country/region with a little flag and a fact sheet about that country.

If your theme is simply 'beer drinking' [what better theme, really?] then there are a number of really cute decorations available like the beer mug lights pictured above available online at shindigz.com. Set up the tasting area/room so that everyone can sit at the same table as they sample the brews. The beer lights can be strung around the ceiling, or I like to have a string of lights down the centre of the table amongst snack bowls, other decorations and tasting information. Cover the table with a table cloth [try a paper one so you can toss it in the recycling when you are finished, as it will likely be covered in crumbs, beer and sauces!]. I like black or orange because that is the colours of the invitation.

They also have beer mug candles! These would be great set down the centre of your tasting table if you end up stringing the lights around the doorway, chairs or ceiling.

Photo Credit: PartyCheap.com

Tie a few of these beer balloons to the chairs around your table or make/buy a balloon bouquet with one of these balloons and some orange and black plain balloons.

Party Favours

To help your guests with their tasting, provide a little bag full of tasting notes and tips. Just a plain paper bag will do with their name on it and a picture printed from your computer [try the same one you used for your invitation]. Inside the bag, put a sharpened pencil or a pen, some beer score sheets [depending on how many beers you are serving. if you are serving 8, put 8 printed sheets together and punch a hole in the top left corner and tie a black or orange ribbon through it to keep it together] and a list of terms you can use to describe the taste of the beers.

Try this list:

Amber: Describes medium intensity colored beers, ranging between pale and dark.
Balance: As with wine, describes how a good beer should exhibit a perfect balance of ingredients, bouquet, texture and aroma. Neither the malty sweetness nor the hoppy bitterness should dominate.
Bitterness: In beer comes from the hops. Generally the higher the hop content, the more bitter the beer.
Big beer: Refers to the richness or fullness of flavor derived from the malt. Big beers often have a high alcohol content.
Black: Describes non-transparent, deep, dark brown beers.
Body: As with wine, refers to the "mouthfeel," the impact and texture of the beer on the palate.
Bouquet: Another wine tasting term, describes the beer’s complex aromas.
Caramel: Refers to a buttery, toffee-flavored aftertaste.
Clean: Refers to pure, crisp, fresh tasting beer, free of sediment. The opposite of clean is cloying.
Clove: Refers to the flavor of wheat beers that often resembles the taste of cloves.
Crisp: Often associated with lagers and weiss beers, refers to a beer’s acidity and refreshing qualities.
Depth: Denotes both the beer's richness and its complexity of flavors.
Finish: Another wine tasting term, describes a beer’s aftertaste and your final impression of it.
Flat: Refers to characterless, dull, insipid, often insufficiently carbonated beer.
Flowery: Refers to the flowery aroma hops give beer.
Fresh: Refers to a beer free from oxidation. .
Full-bodied: Characterizes malty beers with complex flavors.
Haze: Caused by yeast or protein suspension, refers to a cloudy appearance and slightly musty taste.
The head: Is the frothy top layer that forms when beer is poured into a glass.
Hoppy: Refers to a beer with a high hop content.
Malty: Is the term for sweet, smoky, earthy flavored beers that have undertones of treacle, caramel or molasses.
Oxidized: Like wine, refers to the liquid's exposure to oxygen.
Smooth: Characterizes easy drinking beers with great mouthfeel.
Spicy: Refers to a distinctly hoppy flavor or the aroma of herbs.
Thin: Refers to a watery, one-dimensional beer that lacks body or character.

The next and final installation in this series will include some tips on what beer to serve to your guests and how to serve it to them!

party phD: April Fools' Day

2009-04-01T10:30:00.004-04:00

Photo Credit: Jonathan Assink

April Fools' Day, also known as All Fools Day is a faux-liday 'celebrated' on April 1st in many countries around the world. Read on to find out more about this day of pranks and jokes.
The origin of April Fools' Day may have had little to do with the way it is now celebrated. There is no real 'first April Fool's Day' to speak of. Some see it as a celebration related to the turn of the seasons, where those who celebrated the arrival of spring too early were dubbed 'April Fools', while others believe it stems from the adoption of a new calendar, where those who hadn't yet switched to the Gregorian calendar and attempted to celebrate New Year's on what was now April 1st were called April Fools. Whatever the origin, we have no come to mark this occasion by playing pranks on people.

April Fools' Day is observed throughout the Western world. In some countries, the jokes only last until noon such as Canada, The UK, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. In other places, such as the USA, the jokes can last all day.

Photo Credit: MarthaStewart.com

Martha Stewart's website has some cute ideas for some April Fools' Day pranks to pull on friends and family including this one where you secure a rubber band around the handle of the sink sprayer so when someone turns on the water it shoots from the sprayer instead of the faucet!

What pranks have you successfully executed for April Fools' Day?

finding inspiration: drink dispensers

2009-03-31T15:25:00.007-04:00

I am 100% in love with drink dispensers and I have been for a few months [ever since I saw it in martha stewart weddings]. i was on the pottery barn website today and came across another gorgeous one and that of course sent me on a hunt for more! read on to see what i found.

above is the original cuteness i saw in martha's magazine. how amazing would this be at a childrens party or backyard bbq or wedding! they are made by roost.

here is the one from pottery barn. it's on sale! i love how it looks with lemonade in it with pieces of lemon floating around.

this is from vivaterra. i like the country feel of it. they don't seem to have any available, but a quick search led me to some similar ones.

have you used a drink dispenser at a party before? what kind did you use?

celebrate this: beer tasting party -- eats

2009-03-31T13:06:00.006-04:00

Photo Credit: Ernesto Andrade

the beer tasting party is really about the beer. the food will be minimal, just simple snacks that compliment the taste excursion you are taking your guests on with the beer. read on for some suggestions.

cheese

many people don't think of beer and cheese as complementary when in fact they go very well together. depending on the beer you are serving at your party [something we will get to in a later post] you can choose a variety of cheeses to match.

Wheat beers, American Lagers: fresh, soft cheeses such as cream cheese, cottage cheese
Pilsners, American fruit beers: Camembert or Brie
English brown ales, amber ales, golden ales: semi-soft, Trappist cheeses such as Gouda, Havarti, port. salut, Monterey Jack
Pilsners, IPAs, strong ales: semi-hard sliceable cheese such as cheddar, Swiss, Jarlsberg
Porters, stouts, dark beers: Roquefort, Stilton, Gorgonzola, and other blues

Of course this is just an introductory list. to read more about beer and cheese pairings, click here.

heartier fare
try something a little heartier if you suspect your crowd will be hungry. a nice stew or chili, smoked sausages, meatballs or shepard's pie.

Photo Credit: Food Network

the usual suspects +
some people just aren't into having anything but wings or pretzels with their beer... which is fine! some great salty snacks that you can serve at your party include pork skins, cashews, pickled eggs, nachos, ham & cheese empanadas, hard pretzel sticks, chips, popcorn. set them in bowls around your tasting/party area and just let your guests go at them.

you could also try making a few easy flatbread pizzas to have set around. this recipe from Bobby Flay might do the trick for your guests.

something else you might want to prepare for your guests is Cucumber kimchi (oisobagi kimchi). check out this video to see how to prepare it.

no matter what you select as your food for your party [traditional snacks, cheeses or full entrées] remember that the focus of your party is on the beer! your food should naturally guide your guests from sample to sample and not overtake the flavours of the beer you are serving.

springtime flowers

2009-03-27T11:07:00.012-04:00

Photo Credit: The Nest

buying flowers in season is nothing new. it's the best way to ensure the most bang for your buck and the freshest blooms. here are a bunch [no pun intended!] of vibrant springtime beauties to use in your décor, some standard and some quite unique. read on for a few more flower ideas from the nest and some suggestions on how to incorporate them into your spring table design.

the grape hyacinth pictured above is a fun, sweet-smelling flower. this bulb would look gorgeous as a single stem or two in a tall clear vase. place the vases down the centre of your table [about 3-4 of them]. they can also be used as a fresh party favour for your guests. set each favour on their plate.

Photo Credit: The Nest

Tweedia [above] is a little star-shaped blossom often used as a delicate accent flower in bouquets and boutonnieres. it would be a beautiful accent to your spring table as a scattering of pretty blue down the centre and around your place settings. pull the blossom off the stem and sprinkle over your table as desired; generously or sparingly scattered both look wonderful.

Photo Credit: The Nest

the Anemone is a flower of many vibrant and uplifting colours, red, pink, purple, magenta. anemones would look beautiful as a bunch of 6-8 stuck into a medium height clear vase, perhaps with some smooth dark pebbles in the bottom with water. fill the gap between the heads of the flowers and the rim of the vase with some lush green hydrangea.

what are some of your favourite spring flowers? how do you incorporate them into your springtime table settings?

celebrate this: beer tasting party -- invitations

2009-03-26T13:10:00.002-04:00

sure, everyone's had beer before. but have you every really tasted it? beer tasting is a rewarding, fun and educational experience. so why not host a beer tasting party for a few of your friends? the invitations are the first step in this party planning series. read on to see how i created the invites.

first, pick a date and time and create your guest list. about 6-10 people is a good number for an intimate beer tasting.
then, choose a picture for your invitation. i found this one on flickr's creative commons here. i placed this image inside a text box in microsoft word. i changed the background of the text box to orange, you can use any colour that goes well with your chosen picture.
next, i left-aligned my text and, using the font 'Cooper', i typed out my invitation. for the headings i used 'Cooper' and for the information i used 'Calibri'. choose a font that reflects your picture and colour, these are fairly standard.
for my party, i decided my offering of beer would be a local bunch. you can create any theme such as beers from around the world or beers you have never tasted before.
don't forget the RSVP line!
stay tuned for more info on the beer tasting party!

finding inspiration

2009-03-25T15:02:00.006-04:00

Photo Credit: Sara Tams

Searching on etsy.com has become a hopeless pastime of mine. I love looking through the paper goods category, gathering inspiration for parties and themes as I go. Today I stumbled upon Sarah & Abraham, a cute little stationary and card shop. Read on to see what I found.

When I found her shop, I was instantly drawn in by these Partridge Family-esque bird drawings. After a little more snooping around I came across Sara's blog and found some awesome party ideas from satisfied customers that used Sara's personalised products and sent her pictures of the event they hosted (such as a cute bug themed party, a horton hears a who party and a pink poodle party). Adorable.

Sara's paper products are definitely inspiring, and the psychedelic bird design from her etsy shop just might inspire me to create a new party theme of my own.

Where do you find your inspirations?

To visit Sarah & Abraham click here.
To visit the Etsy shop, click here.

party pick: Earth Hour 2009

2009-03-25T13:30:00.009-04:00

Photo Credit: Earth Hour Canada

At 8:30 p.m. on Saturday March 28, the world will turn off its lights for just one hour – Earth Hour^TM – to show it is possible to take action on climate change. Switching off your lights is just one simple action that you can take to help make a difference and it sends a powerful message that we care about our planet. There may be events already happening in your area to celebrate this wonderful cause, or you may opt to host your own! Read on for event listings for our party pick of the week and some tips to create your own Earth Hour soirée.

There are Earth Hour events happening all over the world, many taking place right here in Canada. In Toronto, there is a huge free concert. The second annual family-oriented event is being held at Nathan Phillips Square from 7-10pm. Similar events are being held in major cities across Canada. To find an event near you, use the event finder tool on the WWF Earth Hour website. You can search for private events and sponsored events.

hosting your own party

-create some simple eco-friendly invitations on recycled greeting cards. cut the front of the card off and use it like a postcard, writing the party info on the back. think of a fun tagline for your party such as 'lights out- time to party!'. ask your guests to dress in black.

-to decorate, purchase some soy-based candles to place around the room you are hosting your party in. use a black table cloth for your table and if you have a globe [or multiple globes], set that on your appetizer table or use as your centrepiece at the dinner table.

-consider the prep and cook time of the food you are serving. aim for dishes that require no/low-heat cooking temperature or no/low-energy to prepare/store. try these suggestions

-what to do when Earth Hour arrives and you must turn off the lights [and use as little power as possible]? play board games [try Apples to Apples, Eat my Trivia, or Cranium]! Not into games? How about a sing-along [if you have a fire pit, even better!]! anything you can think of that involves little to no power is fair game. take pictures, give makeovers, do a craft, stargaze!

-send your guests home with a gift bag [just a simple paper bag will do]. inside it, put an eco-friendly CFL lightbulb and a list of activities to do when the power is off.

For more information on Earth Hour and to sign yourself up to participate, visit wwf.ca/earthhour.

What are your plans for Earth Hour?

party phD: St Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T22:33:00.007-04:00

Photo Credit: Paweł Bąk

why do we celebrate st. patrick's day? what does a saint have to do with green beer and shamrocks? and what does a man born in 5th century britain have to do with ireland in the first place? read on to learn more.

st patrick
st. patrick was born in [roman] britain near the end of the 4th century and is said to have died on march 17th 460. when he was sixteen years old, patrick was taken prisoner by a group of Irish raiders who transported him to ireland. he spent six years in captivity working in solitude as a shephard. patrick turned to religion to guide him and it is believed that this is the time when he began to dream of converting the irish people to christianity.
when he escaped from capitivity, patrick returned to britain. he wrote that he experienced a revelation wherein an angel told him to return to ireland as a missionary. patrick subsequently began a long religious training and was ordained as a priest. he was sent to ireland to minister to christians living in ireland and to begin to convert the irish.
familiar with the irish culture, st patrick used this knowledge to incorporate traditional irish ritual and imagery into his teachings to make it more natural for the irish (who were mostly involved with nature-based pagan ritual at the time). by the 8th century, he became widely known as the patron saint of ireland.

the religious holiday
march 17th is st. patrick's religious feast day. it was placed on the universal liturgical calendar in the catholic church in the early part of the 17th century, although it was widely celebrated in the local irish church from a much earlier date. it is a holy day of obligation for roman catholics in ireland, meaning they are obligated to attend mass on this day. the holiday almost always falls in the season of lent. often bishops may grant an indult from the Friday 'no meat' observance if st. patrick's day falls on a friday. when March 17th falls on a Sunday, church calendars move the holiday to the following monday.

the secular holiday
non-religious st. patrick's ["st. patty's"] day celebrations are generally themed around everything 'irish' and the colour green. both christians and non-christians around the world celebrate the secular version of this holiday by wearing green, eating irish food or green food and drink and attending parades and parties. in ireland, st. patrick's day has traditionally been a religious occasion without any secular observance. up until the 1970s, irish laws mandated that pubs be closed on March 17th! in 1995, the irish government began a national campaign to use the holiday as an opportunity to drive tourism and showcase ireland to the rest of the world.

wearing green
traditionally, st. patrick is associated with the colour blue, specifically 'st. patrick's blue'. the change to ireland's association with green rather than blue probably began around the late 18th century and may have gained its prominence through the phrase 'the wearing of the green' which means to wear a shamrock on your clothing. it is said that st. patrick used the shamrock to explain the holy trinity to the pre-christian irish, referencing its 3 leaves. wearing a shamrock on your clothing has long been viewed as a symbol of proud irish nationalism. americans celebrate the holiday by wearing green clothing. traditionally, those who are caught not wearing green are pinched.

do you celebrate st. patrick's day? how do you mark this festive occasion?

recessionista party tips

2009-03-16T23:04:00.008-04:00

Photo Credit: Dominic Hallau

planning a party on a tight budget? take heart, everyone feels the pinch in some way or another and what better time to host a celebration than at a time when we all could use a boost?

Read on for some money saving party planning tips.

decoration

its a good idea to have some multi-purpose decoration items in your supply closet. try not to get too specific when you buy decorations for different holidays; invest in solids and ambiguous shapes such as hearts, stars, flowers and circles instead of christmas trees, flag designs, shamrocks and birthday cakes. that way, you can reuse the decorations for different occasions and mix-and-match your pieces to create different looks. red can be used for valentines day, canada day/fourth of july, christmas, casino night, etc. blue can be used for hanukkah, fourth of july, your american idol karaoke party, super bowl party... you get the picture! buy one or two inexpensive signature theme pieces [maybe a centrepiece for your dinner table and a balloon bouquet] for the party and that really should be all you need.

want fresh flowers at your event but can't stomach the cost? try fresh petals instead. your florist probably has bags of them, ask to buy one. sprinkle them across your table and you will get the same lush feel!

food

if you're going to have about 20 minutes of free time before the party starts, consider making vegetable or fruit trays yourself instead of buying those tempting pre-cut trays from your grocery store.

why not have a potluck?! :) create a fun theme for your potluck, such as 'foods from around the world' or 'strawberry fields forever' and let your guests come up with creative and delicious interpretations of your theme!

drink

your best bet is a BYOB party, but it's always best to have drinks on hand for your guests regardless of whether or not you have specified your party to be BYOB. the cheapest route is beer and wine, or try making a punch for your guests served in an elegant bowl.

what are some of your best wallet friendly fiesta tips?

great party essentials

2009-03-13T23:49:00.007-04:00

Photo Credit: Allen Armstrong

what makes a party really great? well, it definitely depends on the type of party it is, but there are definitely a few things that make the truly awesome parties stand out from the pack, regardless of what kind of party you are hosting.

read on for what i think are party essentials...

1. great location- i'm not talking about renting out a trendy or pricey venue. by location i mean choose the spot in your party place [be it your house, backyard, wherever] that is the most user-friendly. make sure it is easy to navigate and well laid out. are the washrooms close by? do you have to go up and down stairs [a no-no if your guests will be drinking!]? if you are outside, will you be able to plug things in if necessary? did you stuff your food and beverage area in the corner? think about your party place from the guests' point-of-view.

2. great music - try not to fill your party playlist with songs that only you know or songs that detract from the mood of the party. make sure your iPod or CD shuffler has some music for everybody and then just let it play. if you are hiring a DJ or band, look for one that will play a little of everything, or a style that you know everyone at the party will enjoy. try not to obsess over the music!

3. great food - obvious! a big party is not the time to try out a complicated recipe you've never made before, especially if the dish is meant to feed everyone there or is integral to your theme. make sure you know how to prepare the food you are making; do a trial-run if necessary. make sure you have back-up eats if the food situation goes awry. fresh vegetables and dip, cheese and crackers, chips, frozen sausage rolls, jalepeno poppers, chicken wings, bacon wrapped scallops, shrimp rings, frozen meatballs, spring rolls and frozen french fries are all wonderful things to have on hand anytime you are entertaining just in case!

4. great host - relax! your guests definitely do not want to be ushered from planned activity to planned activity on a rigid timeline. let your party ebb and flow around loosely structured events such as games, dining, gift exchange, whatever the case may be for your party. have back-up plans for games in case they don't go over well. don't fret about minute details once your celebration is in swing. keep an eye on the door to watch for guests as they arrive. mingle and introduce friends that don't know one another. do make sure you are monitoring important things like alcohol consumption for both you and your guests. take note of the designated drivers. you are responsible for your guests when they leave your home. if they have had too much to drink, ensure that you have arranged alternate transportation [have cash for taxis] orsomewhere for guests to stay [either in your home or elsewhere]. oh- and leave the cleanup until after the party!

what would you add to my list? what are some essentials to a great party?

time to celebrate it!

2009-03-13T23:21:00.001-04:00

hello everyone! i'd like to welcome you all to my new blog celebrate it, a blog dedicated completely to parties, events, holidays and everything else that falls under the wonderful umbrella of celebrating. come to celebrate it for party planning tips and ideas, recipes, events around your area, information on holidays and much more!

cheers!

jess
xx