The Special Event Conference-Cake on a Stick!

All week I've been hanging out in New Orleans at The Special Event Conference with some of my fave people. I can't wait to share all the fab, creative ideas and new trends. Soooo many ideas.

One delish idea...check it out! Lollipop cakes....Cake on a stick....covered in chocolate. Doesn't get much better than this! I got one this morning from Cake O Licious (photo from their site as well)


Just a little treat, can't wait to share all the creative trends coming your way!

Tipsy Thursday - Champagne 101

I love a bit of the bubbly.....I love toasting and the clinking of the crystal, everything about it is festive! Celebrations just don't seem complete with out it.

Most people serve a Champagne or sparkling wine for toasting! FYI, they are the same thing, except that sparkling wine is not made from grapes grown in the Champagne region of France.

There are a variety of Champagnes that have very different tastes and complement different foods.

These are the most common varieties, from the sweetest to the driest:

-Demi-sec

-Dry,

-Extra-Dry

-Brut (the most popular)

Long stemmed flutes are the best for serving champagne it enhances the flow of bubbles, and the glasses should not be chilled in order to maximize your bubbly experience.

Be sure to sample your champagne prior to the big day. I'm sure you can find something to celebrate!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Photo of the Week- Confetti Getaway!

This is the ultimate in getaways! I convinced the venue to let us do it, only because we agreed it would be cleaned up (didn't know what we got ourselves in to!)


What a great way to end a holiday wedding celebration!

Happy New Year! We look forward to working with you in 2010.

Photo of the Week- Winter Wedding Cake

We continue our Photo of the Week theme of holiday wedding ideas

with these Holiday Wedding Cakes! Evergreen, berries, and holly decorate the cake.

Pinecones with white chocolate dipped edges, and chocolate sticks.

The frosting on this cake depicts a wintry scene of snow covered mountains, and trees.

Tipsy Thursday - Yummy Signature Drink

I often do a pre-ceremony cocktail hour. Especially nice during the winter months when you are waiting for those late arrivals. During the pre-ceremony cocktail time we serve a signature drink. Many of you prefer a non-alcoholic choice that still sets the mood. Give this one a try.

The Apple Cinnamon

2 oz cranberry juice
4 oz chilled apple cider

Directions

Fill a wine goblet with ice. Add 2 oz. cranberry juice and 4 oz. chilled apple cider. Stir to mix. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Photo of the Week-Winter Wedding Centerpiece Ideas

Ok...if you haven't figured it out.....I LOVE Christmas! If I was to marry my hubby again I think I would get married during the holidays so I could have a winter wedding.....ok who are we kidding, I think I'd have to have 5 weddings to cover all the wedding designs I love!

BUT....today for Photo of the Week I just couldn't keep it at one! So here's several winter centerpiece ideas for you!

For this winter inspired wedding, the bride chose a white and silver color palette. The vases were filled with snow and tall silver branches, decorated with tons of crystals and silver ornaments (that later became favors). On this table we used ice blocks with tealights in the top, surrounded by mounds of fake snow and flowers. (Note, the mounds of snow were handy to cover the tray that collected water as the ice melted).

This was a simple centerpiece I did for a trade show....great vase (I call it the IKEA vase), again filled with fake snow, calla lilies and surrounded by silver candelabras and beautiful cut crystal.

This is one of my favorite tables...I loved putting together the all white details. White orchid spray, pearl and crystal linen with faux fur edging, again cut crystal for that elegant icicle feel. Even the chair caps and napkin rings were fur!

I love the all white look! What's your favorite?

Tipsy Thursday- Frostini...another great signature drink!

Yes...we are forgoing our usual wedding etiquette tips for great holiday signature drinks.

My hubby is a Starbucks addict...so this one is for you babe!

Give the Frostini a try!

FROSTINI

Ingredients

1 part Starbucks™ Coffee Liqueur

1 part Starbucks™ Cream Liqueur

Splash of DeKuyper® Peppermint Schnapps

Directions

Shake ingredients over ice. Serve in a martini glass.