Event Favorites

As I was chatting with Mémé LaFLEUR (an amazing online clothing line for brave working women- which will be launching this Fall) late in the day yesterday, my creative wheels started spinning. How many events have you attend in your life & left saying "that was amazing!", or "if they only had done this..."? What are some of your event favorites? Do you like "create your own" stations? Or maybe you prefer passed drinks and h'ordeuvres? Whatever your heart desires, we want to hear! 

photos via sunday suppers

Entertaining Favorites

Even though the holidays are over, it's still the season for cozy nights with friends at home. Here are some of favorite entertaining details that really make a party.

. Walking into a house that smells like something amazing is in the oven

. Welcoming your guests with a beverage already prepared when they walk in

. Having enough seating for everyone to sit and be comfortable

. Playing a really fun and sometimes ridiculous play list that you know will start hysterical conversation

. Having delicious finger foods in the area's your guests will be spending the most time in already out and ready to eat when they arrive.  

Blood Orange French 75 Cocktail

Whether you are heading out for a date night, or you are having friends over to your place, be sure to try this Champagne-Gin cocktail, the Blood Orange French 75. If your making it at home, find the recipe here!

Holiday Party Appetizers

I saw this recipe for Mini Crab Cakes on Bon Appetit, and needed to share. Crispy and delicious bites served with a blender hollandaise sauce. Tasty and delicious, wouldn't you agree? 

Our Romantic Holiday Field Guide

I cannot wait to share these tips and ideas with you! 25 days, and 25 ways to enjoy your holiday season with your loved one. 

{photo found here}

Thanksgiving Entertaining

So your engaged and spending your first full holiday with his family. What's your first thought (other than sheer panic)? 

"What do I bring!?"

Win over his family (and his Mom!) with this Artichoke Dip with Fontina Cheese.  It's a perfect Thanksgiving appetizer. 

Recipe via Martha Stewart

Say Cheese! Paper Props

Photo Booths are the new thing to have at your wedding, and I have to tell you- I love them! They are so much fun- especially when you have fun props like this. Those lips are my favorite!

But who said their just for weddings? Looking for a way to make Christmas a bit more memorable? Set up a back drop, hook your camera up to a tripod and snap away!

A California Christmas

I came across these fabulous photos yesterday while reading  my morning Google Reader. Don't these photos just make you green with envy that everyone can't be invited to a gorgeous party like that? Sigh. Hopefully one day! =)

The Host and Producer of the Event was Leila Khalil of Be Inspired PR, and contributors were among the best- JL Designs, Canvas and Canopy, Wiley Valentine, and many more. Tremendous job by all, this night looked perfectly detailed and wonderful (and those drinks don't look to bad either!)

{photos by Hostess with the Mostess}

Holiday Entertaining: Spiced Cranberry Sangria

So I stumbled upon SheKnows Food & Recipes today and I have to tell you- I was so delighted! It has an online magazine that you could flip through that is dedicated to Holiday Party Planning and I just love it! The recipes look so. stinkin'. good, the decor is adorable, and the presentation is right up my alley. You need to check it out!

Holiday Entertaining: Budget Friendly Decor

How adorable is this!? Cute for show, and your guests can take them as they please! It's a cute little favor and simply perfect holiday decor wrapped up all into 1!

{photo via Celebrations}

Holiday Entertaining: Edible Gifts

I (clearly) love to host parties. Being able to have those who I love the most over for yummy food, delicious cocktails and just a grand old time gives me the best feeling. Making those who I care about happy is what keeps me going every day.

What comes to mind (other than food to serve, drinks to make, desserts to bake, music to play... you get the picture) is what I can give them to take home. It is no secret that newly married Jenny Steffens Hobick is someone that I constantly look at for inspiration. She puts together some really creative, yet simple ideas for classy and fun entertaining. I love the idea's she has here for Chocolate Pecan Biscotti and a Soup Supper to give to guests!

It's Party Season!

Ah. Holiday Parties. There isn't a thing that I dislike about them. One of the things I enjoy the most is actually receiving the invite! I tell all who will listen, that one of the most important pieces to throwing a good party, is the invite. That is the first glimpse into the event! Get everyone excited with a fabulous invite. Which invite below looks like it would have the best party? I know mine! =)

{via Parcel Post}

{via Wedding Paper Divas}

{via minted}

Thanksgiving Dinner Table

Even though I am super excited for the holidays, I really hate that thanksgiving always gets overlooked. The fall is my favorite time of year, and I have made a conscious effort to not get too crazed about Christmas until after Thanksgiving. I think I've done well so far!

Being an event planner, I have always been a sucker for the details of design. I always loved to look at Country Living , Martha Stewart Home, and all those other fabulous magazines that give you insight to what this years table scape should or could look like. For anyone who is like me and comes from an absolutely enormous family (yes- my mother will be having over 30 people in her house this year for thanksgiving!) you don't even think about place settings, decorating the table,  and all that fun stuff. Your lucky if you can fit in one room together, led alone all at 1 table!

BUT, a girl can still adore table designs- no? =)

pictures found {here}

picture found {here}

Bite-sized pumpkin pies

Entertaining the kiddies this Thanksgiving? Be sure make them these superb bite sized pumpkin pies! Aren't they adorable!? I love them!! Found this on What life is made of... -but created by One Charming Party. Just perfect.