Princesses, Ponies, and Monique Lhuillier

As an event planner it is often our job to take extraordinary visions and make them into brides realities. Whether that be finding a castle somewhere in the Texas hill country to fulfill that princess fantasy or the white stallion for a bride to ride off into the sunset with her Prince Charming. Every thing that may be impossible has to suddenly become possible. Some brides dream of this day for as long as they can remember while others well just want it to be their dream wedding. These memories in the making start early- -earlier than I could ever imagine. Today as my 14 month old and I sat on the couch watching Mickey Mouse Club, and flipping through random bridal magazines I had stopped to read an article. As I read I hear my daughter, Emma, saying “pitty, pitty” which for her 14 month old vocabulary often means “Pretty”. I look up wondering what she is seeing on the Mickey Mouse Club that is so pretty. Her attention is not on the television but rather on the magazine. On the opposite page was a beautiful Monique Lhuillier bridal gown from her 2010 Spring Platinum Collection-Soleil. This beautiful gown was an ivory embroidered Chantilly lace with a drop waist bodice with silk organza ruffle A-line skirt. Yes, it was pretty actually it was magnificent most suitable for any princess, and apparently I have one high costing princess on my hands, the gown retails for $16,900. Her daddy better start saving up!

Suppliers….

One of the best parts about event planning is coming up with a design for clients then implementing the idea. Which means one of many things, SHOPPING! One of my favorite places to turn for one of a kind décor and favors is etsy.com.

For table numbers, place cards, menus, and signage http://www.dearemma.etsy.com/ has beautiful damask and floral patterned designs. For every girl’s princess party, http://www.alittlesunshine.etsy.com/ has beautiful couture tutus. You can customize the colors and lengths for your little girl’s preference.

For the superman in your life, throwing a superhero becomes easier by ordering capes, masks, and cuffs from http://www.discoverydenim.etsy.com/. Essentials can be purchased from party stores in town or for a quick delivery on paper ware, I turn to Oriental Trading. This store is a one-stop shop, they have décor, balloons, streamers, paper ware, and anything else your imagination can come up with.

Think Beyond Cake…

The thing about weddings is that even though every one is different, most rely on trends to set the precedence. Sometimes it’s the jewelry, clothing, or color palette but with wedding season fully in swing many brides are turning to magazines to make their wedding unique and memorable without being overly quirky.

One way to make your wedding stand out is to have a dessert bar. With the bride and grooms favorite pies, éclairs, donuts, tortes or truffles. You wouldn’t have to skip the traditional wedding cake it is just an added bonus to people with a sweet tooth. You and your guest will be in sugar heaven. If you are having an afternoon wedding, skip the meal and hor ‘deurves and go straight for the desserts. You know you always wanted to eat dessert first as a kid—Now you can!

Birthday Party Bash Without the Bust

When I was little a birthday party included a balloon, cake, ice cream and punch. Whether it’s your child’s or a child you know, birthday parties are getting more grandeur each year. Now don’t get me wrong I have spent my career making children’s birthdays bigger and better. I love planning parties! I think they make for spectacular childhood memories. With the economy flailing for help people are looking for ways to cut back, and unfortunately for many kids this means smaller parties. There are many ways to cut the cost but still look like you splurged on your birthday boy or girl. Here are a few budget friendly birthday party tips.

#1 Pick a Theme
By picking a theme you can save time and energy by looking at major suppliers websites for ideas and inspiration. This is definitely priceless, but it will also help you set a budget whether it be $100 or $500 you can get ideas that fit within your budget by looking around and implementing that theme to your party.

#2 Do Décor Right
Every child loves balloons! Helium is expensive though. If you go to a high end superstore then you will easily pay $1-$2 PER balloon. Spending $40 on balloons is ridiculous! You can rent a helium tank or even buy a small one for under $20.
If you have picked a theme don’t spend all your money buying the “themed” tableware. Buy one set of the theme (usually purchased in sets of 8) and the rest of the tableware (plates, forks, napkins, cups, etc) in a coordinating color. The themed plates are about $4 and the solid plates are about $2.

#3 Get in the Kitchen
Not only should you make your own food you should buy generic products. Who is going to know that the chips are the store brand or Doritos if they are in a bowl? Buying a cake from a bakery is upward of $50 buying a cake mix and icing from the store is about $5. Letting your child help you make their birthday cake and decorate it is priceless and they will feel like they have contributed to their own party.

#4 Make it a Double
If your child has a friend whose birthday is the same date or close by it then it may be possible for you and the other child to share a birthday party. Many birthday centers (jump gyms, skating rinks, bowling alleys, pizza place, etc) cost around $200 for up to 20 guests, a pizza, drink, activities, and prizes. 20 guests for 2 children that probably have the same friends is great and you have an instant party for $100 without the stress of everything else.

#5 Inny Minny Minny Moe...
Don’t go overboard with your child’s birthday invite list. Limit the guest to what you feel is a reasonable number. Whether that number be the child’s age (8 guests for an 8 year old) or a specific number you and your partner have decided upon.

#6 Home is Where the Heart Is..
It costs nothing to host your own birthday party. If your house is too small check your local H.O.A. many of them have community buildings that can be reserved for nothing or a small cost.

#7 Spend Your Money Wisely.
Goody bags have become a party must, but that does not mean you MUST spend a ton of money on them. Check out your local dollar store or dollar section in Target. Many times they have products that are kids related and are only $1 put them in a cellophane bag ($2 for 50) with some pretty ribbon ($1 at Michael's) and you have an adorable goody bag!

Touchdown for the Hostess!

 As Sunday approaches bets are being placed, polls are going up, and men across the nation are pulling out their foam fingers. So what are the women across the nation doing? They are preparing for the most casual party of the year- The Super Bowl Party. Nothing is easier than the Super Bowl Party, but that doesn't mean you can't throw a great bash. Here are a few ideas to make your food and table scape more memorable than this years Super Bowl Winner.

Decor Ideas:

A House Divided

Cover your table with a green grassy tablecloth (you can find these at most party stores). With white tape recreate the football field-making sure to mark the yard lines.  For the tableware use both teams colors putting one teams colors on one side of the table and the other teams on the other side.  Accessorize with pennants, streamers, balloons, pompoms, and of course don't forget the pigskins.

Helpful Hint:  By using cake stands you will add height to your table  and making the food easier to access.

Easy Craft: Use small 2" foam balls and place them in yellow fabric squares. Tie off the ball with a rubber band to make a TV friendly penalty flag. Place around the viewing areas so when the crowd gets rowdy over a bad play they can call their own penalties without your TV getting the brute of it.

TV Land: It's always a good idea to accommodate your guests. As guys being your main target audience it would be a good idea to set up a second TV in the kitchen so when they go in to refuel they won't miss that crucial play. 

Eat your Heart Out:

Buffalo Wing Dip

 

Ingredients:

1- 8oz pkg cream cheese

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce

2 TBSP butter, melted

1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing

1/4-1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a dish spread the cream cheese at the bottom. In a large bowl mix together the chicken, sauce,and butter. Pour over the cream cheese. Top with just enough dressing and cheese to cover the top. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling. Serve with tortilla chips.