Showing posts with label entertaining. Show all posts
Showing posts with label entertaining. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Newly Wed-nesday: Getting Acquainted with Guesterly


If there is one thing brides and grooms consistently tell me they dislike about wedding planning, its the seating chart. Trying to create fun and interesting match ups can be overwhelming and often creates a little drama of its own.  Today weddings are more inclusive. Guests are not just bystanders they are participants.  Old wedding traditions have transformed into new ways for couples to bring a unique flair to their wedding. Making sure that guests have a fun and interactive experience is top priority. What if you could get ahead of the game and introduce your guests before the big day? Imagine a big mixer/meet up where you could make all those introductions in advance.  Guesterly is an innovative tool born from one couples desire to do just that.  No more his side and her side just one big celebration.

In 2012, while planning their own wedding, the founders of Guesterly, Rachel and Lorne, came up with the concept. They faced the dilemma that many brides and grooms face, how to blend family and friends from different corners of the country or even internationally. Combined with a concept sparked from  Lorne's college Freshman Herald directory and Rachel's knowledge of publishing through her work as a magazine editor at "O" Magazine, Guesterly was created.  Here is how it works:


Why do I like Guesterly?  Before you ask, let me answer the obvious question. Why create a magazine when I can use a website or social media? Guesterly will reach all of your guests regardless of the social media they do or do not use. Guests may not be as comfortable using websites or posting personal information or photos. Guesterly is delivered directly to your guests and you control who gets a copy.  Finally, every bride and groom will tell you that the big day fly's by in a flash. Guesterly is an ice breaker that will eliminate a lot of time spent making introductions and give you more time to make memories.  Happy Best Wedding Ever! Ta. 

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Newly Wed-nesday: Lighting Your Event

My golden rule for any room, design or event is always set the mood with light first. For our wedding we focused more on lighting for our reception than flowers. Its not only a cost saver, but it makes a world of difference in the feel of your event. Truly, if you spend thousands of dollars on floral arrangements but the lighting is poor, its a wasted effort. Having the right effect in a room or tent can offset any deficiencies in the space and alternatively, high light the show stoppers. Depending upon the vibe and style of your event, you have many options to choose from.

Today one of the biggest trends are lanterns. We used them for our wedding and they are a timeless look.  Also, many venues will not allow open flames so, lanterns are a nice break from the dated look of hurricanes.
They range from traditional to ethnic to modern to whimsical.

Koyalwholesale.com
Save-on-Crafts.com
Save-on-crafts.com
Lampsplus.com
Signals.com
Beyond the table top, don't forget to look up. Hanging and perimeter lighting is an easy ways to fill in space, add decorative element and  illuminate your event.

Save-on-Crafts.com
Etsy.com
Etsy.com
Etsy.com


homeinfatuation.com
If you really want to create a show stopper, I love these new led spheres, they are even more beautiful when the sun goes down and they cast a glow unlike anything I've seen. Whatever your budget or style, make sure that you light up your happy day! Ta!

Friday, February 1, 2013

Etchings From The Man Cave: The Super Bowl Party Playbook

Meatloaf Sandwich
Having the gang over on Sunday for the big game? Here are a few rules to keep from getting a personal foul on the host/hostess:

1. Its a Super Bowl Party. You will most likely have guests that fall in one of two categories. The Game Watchers and The Commercial Watchers. As hostess, it is your job to run interference between the two. Identify ahead of time the possible issues. For instance, if you know that your friend has no clue what a first down is and prefers to talk about Beyonce's outfit for the entire first quarter, be prepared to redirect. Maybe she has a skill that you can ask for help with like making the bean dip, etc.

2. Be Ready for Kick Off.  Serious Game Watchers want to be BIS (bum in seat) by the coin toss. Have the  seating set up, TV on, and first round of snacks ready to go. Tell your guests the arrival time is 30 minutes prior to the game.

3.  Football Food not Fu-Fu Food.  This is not a cocktail party. The tradition of the tailgate is good comfort food that is easy to grab and eat. Fancy has no place here. Now I'm not against adding a couple healthier options like Chicken Chili, but I wouldn't take it too far. Stick with the classics and make sure that you have plenty of it. Consider that your guests will be attending for approximately three hours, which is why hearty snacks are the MVP.

4. Don't get stuck in the locker room. When planning your menu give yourself time to relax and enjoy the party. Stay away from dishes that need to be prepared at the last minute or require a lot of constant attention. I like the idea of food that guests can eat throughout the game. Some of my favorites are the good old deli bar or different flavor wings and baked potato boats. You can't go wrong with this plan because everyone create what they like. Don't stand over the grill making burgers for everyone. Instead, make a couple of  meatloaves (make Turkey and Beef  if you want to throw in a healthy variety) ahead of time, slice them up and serve as meatloaf sandwiches with lots of different toppings. Meatloaf is awesome because it will be yummy hot or cold.

5. The Pee Wee League. Sunday afternoons, food and football are family traditions. If you have the kiddos attending keep in mind that they may not be as fixated on the game as the Varsity kids.  Have activities planned in advance to entertain them. Remember, it's not fair to expect the kids to sit quietly and color while the grown ups are jumping and screaming at the TV. Find ideas that are active but not distracting to the others. Give them bingo cards to play during the commercials. Include topics like cars, soda, fast food, etc. Set up a table for them to play origami football or make their own pom-poms and banners. If you have a  teenager at home who could care less about football, hire them to be activity director.

You can do it! This year your Super Bowl Party will be epic. "Winning isn't getting ahead of others. Its getting ahead of yourself." -Roger Staubach. Go 49ers! Oh yeah, I said it. Ta! THM