Giving Back...Simply Natural Supports Breast Cancer Awareness!

Simply Natural Events will donate 5% percent of any package booked by October 31st to Susan Komen for the Cure.

Image Via Wedding Wire

Table: hellobellaevents.blogspot.com | Poms: Etsy.com | Cupcakes: fullcircleadventures.blogspot.com | Bottle Favors: weddingbee.com | Bouquets: wedding.blogdig.net

Cakewalk Desserts

Hello, a pie and a stick? Finally!  These yummy pies are made by Cakewalk Dessert.  They specialize in pie pops, mini pies & more.

Pie pops are available with solid or patterned crusts! Pie flavors include Apple, Cherry, Blackberry, Blueberry, Strawberry, Chocolate Cream, Key Lime, Pecan, Pumpkin and Peach.

Just Married Wines

Image Via Swanson Vineyards

I can't wait to serve these wines at one of my weddings and events!  Swanson Vineyards Just Married wedding wine was inspired by a sweet and sentimental ritual in the Swanson family…To commemorate the wedding of each of Clarke Swanson’s girls, he made special wine in their honor, to be served at their wedding reception and dinner.  

For the wine lovers in your life,  Swanson's creative gift packs make really sweet thank you gifts or wedding presents. Check out their website for more information and the full story behind the wine itself. Salud!

We All Scream for Ice Cream

With the weather heating up what better way to keep your guests cool with I Love Lucie's organic ice cream truck!

They use all organic, all natural ingredients and select fair trade chocolates, teas, and coffees. The ice cream and sauces are handmade specifically for your special event.  Even the serving cups and spoons are eco-friendly.  They are not only recyclable but compostable as well.  Better for you and the planet!

How great are the classic 1959 ice cream truck and vintage Italian ice cream cart?!?

Diy Project: Cupcake in a Jar

For tasty favor try a cupcake in a jar with red velvet cupcakes. You can find all the instructions and many more pictures on the fabulous cakies blog.

Image via: With this Ring

Hello Kitty Is All Grown Up

I've always loved Hello Kitty, so how fantastic that Hello Kitty has it's own wines! Check out the Pink Kitty cocktail, yum!

Here are some tasting notes for the four types:

Hello Kitty Sparkling Brut Rosé - A deep reddish pink sparkling rose made from 100% Pinot Noir that has a frothy mousse as well as a pretty nose of rose petal and red currant scents.

Hello Kitty Sparkling "Sweet Pink" (Half Size) - This semi-sweet sparkler sports a pale pink hue and has very delicate bubbles.

2008 Hello Kitty Angel White - This is a fresh, very "blanc" white wine made entirely from Pinot Noir free run juice.

2006 Hello Kitty Devil Red - Garnet red with brickish highlights, this is a classically rendered Pinot Noir that presents a seductive bouquet of wild flowers and forest aromas.

Complete tasting and technical notes for each wine type at HelloKittyWine.com.

Cupcake Truck...Yum

To satisfy your sweet tooth have Enjoy Cupcakes come to your next event with their adorable restored vintage Shasta trailer...twinkling lights, a festive canopy & a wafting sweet smell will make your event unique & unforgettable.

Do you have a favorite flavor, color, scent, theme, or drink? Let them incorporate that into custom desserts especially for you & your guests!

Signature Cocktails: A Sip of Perfection

A signature cocktail is almost the norm at parties these days. It's a great way to personalize your event. Jonathan Pogash a New York based mixologist offers his top tips in creating the prefect signature cocktail for your wedding.

1. The theme of your day – Whether it’s ‘Hamptons beach party’ or ‘70’s retro-disco’, align your specialty libation with what your day will hold forth.
2. Color – If this is a large part of your theme, consider it for your cocktails: Purple, pink, yellow, green, silver – all colors can be recreated in the liquid form.
3. What liquor do I use? – Ask yourselves what your favorite spirits are, and decide from there. The possibilities are endless. A trend nowadays is back towards classic cocktails, so if you’re lovers of Gin, Rum, and Rye or Bourbon, think about using those as your base spirits.
4. Save $$$ - By offering one or two specialty cocktails, you can limit your guests’ drinking habits. Even better, offer only your specialty cocktails during cocktail hour, and beer and wine during dinner.
5. Ease of preparation – If you’re fortunate enough to have caterers who are experienced in fine dining, you may not have an issue with this. But for the most part, catering bartenders don’t have much experience with specialty cocktails, let alone custom-made specialty cocktails. Think about using simple, ready-made and easily accessible ingredients. Even submitting a recipe for a batched or pitcher version of your drink would ease the bartender’s nerves, and ensure a perfect, consistent cocktail every time.
6. Always have non-alcoholic versions of your alcoholic cocktails readily available for your guests. It usually just entails eliminating the alcoholic portion of the drink, and adding in a bit more of the mixers.

French Martini

What You Need

• 1 oz. citrus vodka
• 1 oz. pineapple juice
• 1/2 oz. Chambord
• Lime wedge, for garnish

How to Make It

• Shake vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord well with ice in a shaker.
• Strain into a chilled martini glass.
• Garnish with lime wedge.

Image Via the Knot

Cup Cake Stands

These vintage ceramic cupcake stands from Farm House are the perfect way to make your cupcakes look even sweeter!

Available at Farm House

Mexican Spiked Egg Nog... Rompope

Hot Mexican eggnog (rompope, pronounced rom-po'-pay)) is a delightful party hit! You flavor traditional Christmas eggnog with orange and cinnamon, spike it with brandy, and serve it hot. A crockpot will keep the rich concoction warm for the duration. Whip up this festive adult beverage in a flash for a memorable holiday fiesta.

Makes 6-8 servings.

Things You'll Need:

• crockpot
• 1 quart eggnog
• 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated, fresh orange peel
• 1 1/2 cups brandy (cognac)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• additional ground cinnamon
• optional: cinnamon stick garnish

1. Step 1

   At least an hour ahead of time, plug in the crockpot, and turn it to high. Pour in the quart of eggnog. Stir.

2. Step 2

   Finely grate the peel of a fresh orange. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of it to the eggnog. Stir.

3. Step 3

   Measure out 1 1/2 cups of brandy (cognac). Pour it into the eggnog. Stir. Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Stir.

4. Step 4

   Put the lid on the crockpot. Turn the heat to low. Stir occasionally. Once the Mexican eggnog is hot, turn the crockpot to "keep warm."

5. Step 5

   If you'd like, you can whip up a little froth in the drink by quickly swishing a wire whisk in the liquid before serving. Scoop it with a ladle into cups or glasses. Sprinkle with cinnamon, and add a cinnamon stick as garnish, if desired.
   

Faux-Bois Fun!

Amy Atlas create a fall-inspired dessert bar with faux-bois and acorns, just in time for Thanksgiving.

For desserts, they made almond fondant cakes placed on tree trunk cake stands. They also created pistachio cinnamon meringue and tuiles filled with spiced-apple custard.

To get the recipe for pistachio cinnamon meringue check out her blog!

Spooky Spirits

Rouse your guests "spirits" by serving up a little black magic -- in the form of cocktails made with vodka that's as dark as night!


Image and Receipt from Martha Stewart.com

Ghost in the Graveyard
Serves 1
2 ounces black vodka
2 ounces creme de cacao or coffee-flavored liqueur
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
Pinch of finely grated nutmeg, for garnish

In a glass, combine vodka and creme de cacao, and set aside. Place a scoop of ice cream in a highball glass, and slowly pour vodka mixture over ice cream. Garnish with nutmeg; serve immediately.

Screwed-Up Screwdriver
Serves 1
1/4 cup ice
1/2 cup freshly squeezed tangerine juice
1 1/2 ounces black vodka
1 black licorice twist, for serving

Place ice in a tall glass. Pour juice into glass. Pour vodka over the back of a cocktail spoon into glass so it sits on top of juice and creates a layer of black. Slice 1/4 inch off each end of licorice, and use as a straw. Serve immediately.

Berry Scary Martini
Serves 1
1 cup ice
1 ounce black vodka
2 ounces cherry juice
Fresh raspberries and blueberries, for garnish

Combine ice, vodka, and cherry juice in a cocktail shaker; shake vigorously. Pour into a martini glass. Thread raspberries and blueberries onto a cocktail skewer, and place in drink. Serve immediately.

Just for Fun...mmmmm Donuts

Image Via Green Wedding Shoes, photo by Divine Order Photography

I love the donuts idea, what an unique take on a cake, and budget friendly! Perfect for a day wedding or any other party!

They can double as your favors! Killing two birds with one stone! That's an awful connotations, but you get the point.

Movies Under the Stars

Lights…Camera….Action!

Via Image

If your looking for a fun party idea plan an outdoor movie night! Kick back and watch a movie with a few of your closest friends and family. Birthday, and graduations parties are perfect for movie night parties. Even the chic Parker in Palm Springs has created a rehearsal dinner package.

The Food… Flatbread Pizza Station, Assorted Gourmet Popcorn, Soft Jumbo Pretzels, and Movie Candies!

The Drinks… Slushies, and a Beer and Wine Bar!

Smooth as Ice

With the weather heating up, why not treat your guests to a nice surprise? Shaved ice! It's refreshing, unique, and a fun treat for your guests!

Where to get shaved iced? Hula Girl Shaved Ice

"Stick Together"

These sweet candy sticks from Navy and Lavender make great favors for any occasion-birthdays, sweet sixteens, stocking stuffer, etc...  

Don't you love the seersucker napkin?  I see an inspiration board idea coming on!

Toast of the Town: Champagnes under $50

Champagne kisses for a price everyone can afford. Even an eco bubbly!

Don't  wait for a special event to pop a bottle of champagne. When you really think about it, everyday is a celebration, so toast to these 5 delicious champagnes under $50.

Green Highlight: POP Earth is made from sustainble farmed grapes, and their labels are made of recycled paper.

PERRIER-JOUËT GRAND BRUT CHAMPAGNE NV $20.60  VEUVE CLICQUOT YELLOW LABEL NV   $34.17

       BOLLINGER SPECIAL CUVÉE  $46.99           NICOLAS FEUILLATTE BRUT $31.50 

                   

POP Earth $49.99,pommery.com

Decadent Chocolates

Jessica Foster Confections makes decadent, melt-in-your-mouth truffles that are works of art. She infuses her diverse palate of Belgian chocolates with blends of exotic teas, herbs and spices to create intriguing flavors like dark chocolate chile and milk chocolate star anise-thyme.  These confections are a treat for all occasions.