Warm Glow of Elegance

Centerpieces can be used to add a pop of color, to reflect personal style, or to create a mood. When we think of centerpieces, many of us think of flowers. Although flowers always seem to be the popular choice for centerpieces and decor, budget will play a part in whether you have roses or carnations, hydrangea or daisies. Sometimes our favorite flowers aren't in season and we find ourselves spending double per stem just to have them shipped in from another county.

When working with clients on a budget I always suggest candlelight. Not only is it a cost saving idea, but it adds a warm glow, and creates a romantic setting for you and your guests. If you have a venue with high ceilings try using taller pillar candles and remember that you don't have to use white or ivory candles. Spice it up and find candles that match your color scheme. You can also add satin ribbon sashes around your candles, rhinestones and even photos of you and your fiancé.

Remember, centerpieces don't stop at flowers. Create something that reflects you and your personal style. The more you can do yourself, the more green you will save in the end!

*Photo Candle Wrap Instructions (Courtesy of HGTV.com)

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/cr_home_accessories/article/0,1789,HGTV_3255_3148223,00.html

*Beaded Candle Wrap Instructions (Courtesy of HGTV.com)

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_furnishings_other/article/0,,HGTV_3433_1388405,00.html

*Unscented Pillar Candles (Tons of colors to choose from)

http://www.keystonecandle.com/Unscented_Pillars.htm

*Super Sweet 16*

I had the ultimate task of planning my sisters Super Fabulous Sweet 16 party. Everything was wonderful. My family and especially my husband Steve really helped a lot. We were able to set everything up at the venue the night before, which was great. Her colors were Black, Pink and Leopard Print.... Very tacky, I know, but my sister loved it! Her cake was done by a local bakery that we love to use. They did Steve's grooms cake, and My brother's girlfriends 21'st B-day cake! One day I'll get a cake from them (wink wink).

I refused to let my sister see everything before it was complete, so she didn't show up until 20 minutes before her guests. I was so nervous she wasn't going to like it (she's hard to please), but she did, and I couldn't have been happier. The guests loved the decor, the candy buffet, and of course, the music! Our DJ, a family friend, was great and played all the crappy music teenagers love and tossed in a couple good songs for us old folks...lol.

I just can't believe that I forgot to take photos for my portfolio... I could kick myself for it! I was so concerned with getting everything in order, that I forgot! So please enjoy some photos taken by the guests (teenagers)!

Oh Baby!

Recently I planned my first baby shower, and it was an adventure. The event took place in a private dining area at a high end country club. My client (the mother of the mommy-to-be) was a blast to work with. She trusted my creativity and vision which made my job a lot easier. Having no kids myself, and my friends being childless, I've only been to one baby shower, so I took it upon myself to create a baby shower that I would want to attend.

As we all know, showers tend to be on the boring side. We watch the guest of honor open gifts that she knows she's getting because she asked for them on her registry and everyone ohhh's and ahhh's. Well I decided to keep everyone entertained by playing games that had everyone interacting with one another. We had Baby Bingo which awarded the winner with a bottle of wine rather than some little picture frame or candle they'll never use. We also played a fill in the blank nursery rhyme game which had everyone conversing to find the answers. To give away the floral centerpiece I made little napkin diapers for each place setting, but only person from each table had the "poopy diaper", and that person got to keep the centerpiece. To top everything off the guests were treated to an ultimate candy buffet, with 12 different types of candy. It was a sweet ending to a perfect day!

It was also the first shower I've been to that everyone stayed until the very end. Myself and the staff at the country club had started to clean up while people were still hanging around. All in all, it was a wonderful day and the first of many baby showers!

One Hot Bridal Shower!

A few weeks ago I spent the day orchestrating a beautiful bridal shower for my clients daughter. The happy mother of the bride, was involved with the entire planning process from start to finish. The shower was held in an enclosed veranda at a Country Club in Philadelphia. Unfortunately the country club did not have the a/c on (only the windows open and ceiling fans on) so needless to say, it was slightly uncomfortable, but that didn't seem to damper the guests spirits.

The mother of the bride opted for a "no surprise" bridal shower (which is becoming very popular), and although the bride did know about the shower, she was not aware of all the details/decor of her shower which made for a wonderful photo opportunity when the bride-to-be entered the room. Upon entering the room the guest were greeted with an elaborate candy buffet, and at the center of the buffet was a crystal tree which adorned the color palette of the brides wedding. The guests also received personalized "thank you" candy bars.

The country club staff was a pleasure to work with, which always makes my job easier, and the food was delicious. All in all it was a wonderful day, and most importantly the bride and Mother of the bride left with a smile.

Welcome!

Today is the start of a new adventure for me. I've decided to join the masses and become a blogger. The purpose of this blog is to share my knowledge of the event planning world, whether it's style trends, etiquette, or cost saving tips, I will cover it all. I also want to open the lines of communication with other professionals, soon-to-be brides or anyone else interested in what I have to say.

If you have a question about an upcoming event, need some advice or recommendations, please feel free to email me and I will respond to your request with a blog entry, unless you would prefer to have your question addressed privately.

I look forward to sharing my thoughts, ideas and suggestions with all of you. I hope you enjoy reading the "Event Planner's Diary".