Show Your Guests Some Love

 

A hot trend for 2012 is to create intimate affairs out of events of any sized guest list by showing some love to your guests beyond the traditional favor ideas. Inviting your guests to share in your day on a deeper level by either including photos of them in your décor, or by sharing your feelings regarding the day, can be a great way to touch the hearts of everyone sharing in your celebration. Here are some great ways to show your gratitude to the ones you love.

 

Couple Photos – Showcase large or poster sized wedding photos of important family members like parents, grandparents, or even couples from past generations beyond who will be in attendance you’re your guest list is on the smaller size, you can showcase photos of wedding days or engagements of all couples who will be celebrating with you. Featuring these photos of their special day will only bring more love into yours.

 

 

 

 

 

Photos of You & Your Guests  – Photos can tell so much about a relationship, why not showcase photos that feature you with your guests of honor or with each of your guests, somewhere in your venue. Put the photos in a fun place like behind the bar, or by the escort card table. Showing off your best moments with your guests will remind them of the special and unique relationship that you share.

 

 

 

 

 

Share Why – Some guests will know your celebration’s story and others may not. Why not share what the day is all about through words. Include all of the words that describe either the reason for the occasion or who is being celebrated, and have it as a framed piece in the entryway. Your guests will welcome the chance to peer into how you are feeling about the big day.

Fab Five Trends for Spring 2012

 

Spring is here and in Central Florida and it is a perfect time for a special event. Whether your event is outdoor or indoor, having a spring event allows you to have a variety of options when it comes to color, flowers, and overall theme and décor. Here are some top trends for Spring 2012!

 

1. Watercolor Designs – On dresses, invitations and table designs, watercolor touches give weddings the perfect creative touch for 2012. Famed designer Carolina Herrera showed stunning watercolor prints in her spring 2012 bridal collection.

 

2. Ritzy Ranch Weddings – Take a 200-year-old barn complete with long exposed-wood tables, large chandeliers and ambient lighting. Add in lace-wrapped bouquets of wild roses, lilies of the valley, Queen Anne’s lace and gardenias. Include tastes of delicate wild game like juniper-spiced venison, cider-braised pheasant and pan-roasted quail, Top Chef: Texas-style. Put it all together and you will have an event that channels the Old West with a rustic-elegant spin just like Lauren Bush and David Lauren’s recent nuptials.

 

3.“Snow White” Wedding Dresses – Buzzed-about movies Snow White and The Huntsman and Mirror, Mirror inspire 2012 brides to wear wedding gowns that are light and airy, but with a mysterious and sexy vibe. Vera Wang’s stunning witchcraft-inspired 2012 dresses are at the top of this trend list.

 

4. Haute couture for your head - Headpieces, mini wedding hats, fascinators and headbands have joined the likes of traditional bridal veils and tiaras, which makes shopping for bridal hair accessories a whole lot more fun! Check out Sara Gabriel, Twigs & Honey, and White by Vera Wang gorgeous pieces perfect for your head.

 

5. Small Spaces – Even if your event is grandiose, you can create an intimate feel through the placement of small gathering spaces, like a lounge area, or with communal dining tables. Creating an event that is intimate is big in 2012 regardless of the size of your guest list.

E is for Ember

 

Reminiscent of the easy-going social taverns seen all over Europe and the Mediterranean, Ember isn’t just for happy hour, you can have an exquisite event there as well. With open air seating, delicious menu options, and of course cocktails like none other, Ember offers a fun yet sophisticated venue for events. Ember makes it easy to get lost in the atmosphere and offers a VIP lounge in their Upper Terrace as well as a host of other options for any event whether it be a bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, or just some fun with your closest friends.

 

Contact Ember for your next event:

Ember

42 West Central Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32801

407-849-5200

 

http://www.emberorlando.com/

 

 

Chair Chic – Dressing Up Your Chairs

 

 

When it comes to events, whether they are large or small, the details in the décor can transform any space into a dream come true. One element of décor that is often only covered up, if not left untouched completely, is the décor of the chairs. Chair covers with traditional ties are often used to cover up the often less than desirable banquet chairs. However, if you are in the mood to splurge, adding some glamour to your chair décor is a gorgeous way to set your event apart from any other. Here are some chair décor ideas that will have you falling in love at first seat.

 

Sassy Sparkle – If you are want your room to absolutely glow with glittering sparkles, why not add chair backs that include glittering sequins, rhinestones, crystals, or even feathers.

 

Flowers Galore – Do you love flowers? Can there never be enough flowers at your event? Why not add some flowers to your chairs? Any enchanted garden would be lucky to feature chair backs with draping flowers.

 

Playful Ribbons – Even the most playful and childlike of themes can benefit from the addition of chair décor. Adding ribbon ties to chair backs can add pops of color as well as whimsy to your room.

 

Ruffles Aren’t just for dresses – Adding a feminine touch of ruffles to a chair back can be both stunning and elegant touch to any event.

 

Only for the Bride and Groom – Even if it isn’t in your budge to add chair décor to every chair in the room, adding something special to the chair back of the celebrated couple or honored guests can add a touch of elegance and pizzazz that will be sure to be remembered.

 

 

 

 

Eating with the Event Planner – Paprika

Sometimes food just needs a little kick, and Paprika is the perfect spice to do just that. Here are some favorite recipes that feature Paprika that are perfect for your next event or gathering at home.

Grilled Shrimp Marinated in Paprika, Garlic and Thyme with White Wine Sauce – Courtesy of Bobby Flay

Delicious as an appetizer for any event.

Ingredients

White Wine Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 shallot, sliced

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 cup dry white wine

2 tablespoons heavy cream

2 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Shrimp:

1/4 cup canola oil

2 tablespoons Spanish paprika

6 cloves garlic, finely chopped to a paste

3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves

16 extra colossal shrimp (4 to 6 per pound size), peeled and deveined

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

For the white wine sauce:

Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallots and the garlic and cook until soft, about 1 minute. Increase the heat to high, add the wine, bring to a boil and cook until reduced by half. Add the cream and slowly start whisking in the cold butter, piece by piece and continue to whisk until the sauce is emulsified. Strain into a bowl and stir in the chives. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and set aside.

For the shrimp:

Whisk together the oil, paprika, garlic and thyme in a large bowl; add the shrimp and toss to coat the shrimp in the mixture. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Heat the grill to high.

Season the shrimp with salt and pepper and grill until slightly charred and just cooked through, about 2 1/2 minutes per side. Put some of the sauce on a large platter, drizzle with Basil Oil and top with the shrimp. Drizzle with more of the sauce; garnish with chives and serve.

Roasted Red New Potatoes with Sweet Paprika Butter and Parsley – Courtesy of Rachel Ray

A great side to feature at any Backyard BBQ or an event with rustic flare.

Ingredients

3 pounds small red new potatoes

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 stick butter

2 teaspoons sweet paprika

1/4 cup parsley leaves, chopped

Salt and pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Sort potatoes. Potatoes that are 2 inches or less in diameter can be left whole. Halve remaining potatoes. Coat very lightly with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and roast potatoes 20 to 25 minutes, until just tender. Transfer potatoes from the oven to a bowl. Sprinkle in parsley and season the potatoes with salt and pepper. Toss the potatoes with butter and paprika to coat evenly. Adjust salt and pepper, to your taste, and serve.

 

Chorizo Bites with Smoked Paprika and Piquillo Pepper Aioli – Courtesy of Food Network Kitchens for Entwine

Having an event with a Spanish theme? Try passing these hors devours and listen to your guests beg for more.

Ingredients

1/4 cup mayonnaise

2 canned piquillo peppers

1/2 teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika

Zest of 1 lime

Salt and freshly ground pepper

8 ounces Spanish chorizo, sliced 1/3-inch thick

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for serving

Directions

Place the mayonnaise, peppers, paprika, and lime zest into a blender and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Cook the chorizo in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, in batches, until lightly brown, about 1 minute on each side.

Spread the aioli onto a plate and place the chorizo over top. Garnish with cilantro and serve. Alternatively, smear the aioli onto a platter and set toothpick-speared chorizo slices over top.

Wedding Feature – Megan and Ryan

It is such a pleasure to work with couples who are visibly so much in love. Working with Megan and Ryan on their wedding at The Estate House at Cypress Grove was a wonderful experience for the Michele Butler Events Team.  Here are some of the pictures that showcase just how in love this couple truly is. Congratulations Megan and Ryan and may you live happily ever after!

 

Vendors:

Event Site & Caterer – The Estate House at Cypress Grove & Big City Catering

Cake – Party Flavors

Hair & Makeup – Makeover Station

Décor – Lee Forrest Designs

Entertainment – DJ, Electro Magic

Photographer – Hughes Fioretti

Formalwear – Absolutely Fitting

Videographer – Dan Beckmann

Photos Courtesy of: www.hughesfioretti.com

D is for Dragonfly Custom Designs

Elements from your special event can become keepsakes for your guests. Save –the-dates, invitations, programs, menu cards, and other paper items set the tone for your event as well as keep the memory of your event alive.  When it comes to gorgeously unique designs for such items, Dragonfly Custom Designs is a leader in Central Florida! With Lindsey Luxa’s creative spirit and passion for the details of extraordinary event design inspiring her work, those who use her designs are not only satisfied, but awe inspired by the product.

Her belief, that couture invitations generate a genuine excitement in guests by making an unforgettable first impression, fuels her boundless creativity to design unique one-of-a-kind pieces.  “Couture invitations represent milestone moments whether clients are hosting a wedding, social or corporate event.  It’s about expressing the client’s vision and personal style in a truly exceptional way.”

Contact Dragonfly Custom Designs for your special event:

Website – http://dragonflycustomdesign.com

Phone – 407.521.2144 (studio)

Email – lindsey@dragonflycustomdesign.com

Eating With the Event Planner – Basil

Basil can be used for so much more than on Margharita Pizza, Caprese Salad and Bruschetta. This herb can change many dishes from ordinary to extraordinary. Here are some favorite recipes that feature Basil.

 

Couscous-Stuffed Peppers with Basil Sauce – Recipe Courtesy of  Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients:

Filling:

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

2 teaspoons ground cumin

3/4 cup couscous

1 cup canned garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

1/4 cup dried currants

1 packed cup chopped baby spinach leaves

1/2 cup (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 medium red bell peppers

1 medium yellow bell pepper

1 medium orange bell pepper

Hot water, as needed

Sauce:

1 packed cup fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup (about 4 ounces) creme fraiche

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon water

1 garlic clove, coarsely chopped

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt, plus extra, as needed

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra, as needed

Directions

Put an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Filling: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth and cumin to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the couscous. Cover the pan until the couscous is tender and all of the liquid has been absorbed, about 5 to 6 minutes. Put the couscous in a large bowl and add the beans, currants, spinach, feta and 1/4 cup olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir until all the ingredients are combined.

Slice the tops off the peppers and remove all the ribs and seeds. If necessary, cut a very thin slice from the base to help the peppers stand up. Stuff the peppers with the filling and drizzle the tops with olive oil. Put the peppers in an 8 by 8-inch square baking dish. Fill the baking dish with 3/4-inch hot water and bake until the filling is golden and the peppers are cooked through, about 55 to 60 minutes. Cooks Note: If the filling begins to brown too quickly, cover the pan with foil.)

Sauce: In a blender, combine the basil, creme fraiche, olive oil, water, garlic, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste.

 Remove the peppers from the oven and arrange on serving plates. Spoon the sauce around the peppers and serve.

 

Lemon Basil Chicken Salad – Courtesy of Paula Deen

Ingredients:

4 cups diced cooked chicken

1 rib minced celery

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

1/4 cup slivered almonds

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

In a medium bowl, combine chicken, celery, basil and almonds. In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add to chicken mixture, tossing gently to coat. Cover and chill.

 

Strawberry, Lemon, and Basil Mimosa – Courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients:

3/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves

Juice from 2 large lemons (about 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice)

1/2 cup agave or honey

8 medium fresh or frozen strawberries, thawed and sliced

One 750ml bottle Prosecco, chilled

1/2 cup soda water or sparkling water, chilled

Directions:

Combine the basil, lemon juice and agave in a pitcher. Using a wooden spoon, lightly crush the basil. Stir in the strawberries, Prosecco and soda water. Pour into chilled champagne glasses and serve.

Resolve to Refresh

With the new year upon us and too many of the obvious resolutions clouding our brains, let us make a new resolution. A resolution to refresh! In 2012 take time to pamper yourself, after all, your relationship with yourself is the absolute most important one that you have. To help get you started here are some of the hottest spas around Central Florida.

 

Relâche Spa at the Gaylord Palms –

http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-palms/kissimmee-orlando-day-spa/relache-spa/

Experience the best of Florida in the new Relâche Spa at the Gaylord Palms Resort.  Only here can you indulge in spa treatments in a setting reflective of the coastal azure colored oceans, mystical springs and serene tropical tranquility.

 

 

 

The Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain –

http://www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com/spaandfitness/spa

Relax in the lap of luxury in this 24,000 square foot spa that includes 22 treatment rooms. Revel in transforming body therapies. De-stress with a soothing massage, specifically designed to enhance overall well-being, or indulge in a skin treatment or aromatherapy wrap. If you need to hurry your relaxation moments, take advantage of the spa’s tea lounge, steam room, and Jacuzzi.

 

 

 

Spa at the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes –

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Orlando/Spa/Default.htm

Take the day and retreat to the spa at the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes. With features like The Ritz-Carlton 40 treatment rooms, a private 4,000-square-foot heated outdoor lap pool, a Carita salon, a boutique, and a café, this spa is worthy of a full day experience.

 

 

 

The Woodhouse Day Spa -

http://orlando.woodhousespas.com/

Refresh in this 6,000 square foot facility dedicated to relaxation and well being. With services that include; Couples massage, Swedish massage, Deep tissue, Volcanic Stone, Vichy shower treatments, Facials, Manicures and Pedicures. As well as, Microdermabrasion, Waxing services, and Reflexology, you are sure to leave ready to take on the world!

Fab Five Trends for January

2012 is in full swing and it wouldn’t be a new year without some absolutely fabulous new trends! Here are a few favorites that are perfect for events in the New Year.
 

1. Props in photos- Photography is an integral part of any special event.  Why not add some props? This can be anything from signs like “Thank You” or “Just Married” where each person in the photo holds a portion of the phrase on some type of decorated board, or it could even be something like a vintage frame that can be held by one person in the photo framing another person. The key is to think ahead and plan your photos.

2. Lace wedding cakes – Lace on wedding dresses is a huge trend so why not extend this delicate beauty to something edible.  Your cake will be elegant and delightfully delicious.

3. Mismatched bridesmaids- Having your bridesmaids in different style or color dresses isn’t anything new.  However, mismatched details make for some great photo-ops. Try mismatching the details like the shoes. Have the ladies where the same style but in different colors for an unforgettable look.

4. Hanging décor – Having crystals or even flower arrangements coming down from the ceiling transforms any event into a talk of the town.

 
 

 5. Rainbow color palate – Why choose only a couple of colors, use the rainbow! When used in a tasteful manner, having the entire rainbow be your color palate can create a very warm and festive atmosphere.