Tara's Tips

Savvy Guest Blogger: The Bar Essentials

2011-12-02T06:51:00.011-06:00

Boy, do I have a razzle-dazzle treat for you! Kara Newman, Spirits Editor for Wine Enthusiast and author of Spice and Ice - 60 Tongue-Tingling Cocktails, has prepared a guest post just for us. I love following her adventures on Twitter and couldn't pass up the opportunity to invite her to share her must-have essentials for stocking a holiday bar. I know you'll appreciate her insights as much as me.

The Bar Essentials

Guest post – Kara Newman

For someone who’s not a bartender, I sure spend a lot of time with bar tools. I’m constantly tinkering with cocktail recipes, trying out ones I’ve read about, developing new ideas, or just plain old fixing myself a drink.

Just in time for the holiday entertaining season, here are the tools I can’t live without – everything but the booze you’ll need for making great cocktails at home!

Jigger. If you’re not accustomed to drink recipes, the most baffling part often is that the recipes use ounces, not cups and teaspoons. This nifty little tool measures ounces with ease; the small side holds one ounce, the large side holds two ounces.

Cocktail shaker. Most bar pros use a 2-piece Boston Shaker – which includes a glass mixing cup, plus a spring-loaded hawthorne strainer to strain drinks into the glass.

But I’m not a professional bartender: I’m an amateur and I’m a klutz, which means that I’m prone to broken mixing glasses and spilled drinks. So I prefer this three-piece cobbler shaker, which is indestructible and has the strainer built in. I have a few in various sizes. (I’m told that in Japan, the cobbler shaker is preferred by many bar pros. So if anyone asks, yeah, sure, that’s why I use it.)

Paring knife. Used for everything, from slicing lemons and limes to cutting fancy garnishes to opening stubborn liquor bottles. I love that this one comes with a cover, so I can travel with it.

A few other assorted tools. Arguably, you don’t really need these. But each has a function that improves the drink-making experience. From left to right:

--Lemon zester. Its main function is for garnishes; it creates long elegant lemon peels perfect for curling or twisting, and it does the job better (and more safely) than a standard paring knife.

--Bar spoon. The long handle dives right into cocktail shakers or tall glasses, making stirring or swizzling easy. (Swizzling is when the spoon handle is held between your palms, and you roll the spoon back and forth between them, as opposed to the circular motion of stirring).

--Muddler. Sure, I could use the back of a spoon to mash mint leaves. But this blunt instrument gets the job done much more easily and more efficiently. I own other, larger muddlers that look like sawed-off baseball bats, but I prefer this slim version, which gets right in the corners of a cocktail shaker to pulverize stray bits of sugar, herbs or fruit.

Bitters! I love bitters beyond reason, and they finish a drink with aromatics beyond compare. This is only part of my collection. From left to right, these are:

--The Bitter Truth Cocktail Bitters Traveler’s Kit. A collection of miniature bottles. I especially like the Celery Bitters and the spicy Creole Bitters.

--Marilyn’s Simple Son Bitters, from Bitters, Old Men. Limited-edition brisket bitters, created just in time for Passover. No, they don’t taste like meat, but they give a nice little twist of umami. I love a couple of drops dashed into Bourbon.

--Regan’s Orange Bitters No.6.

--Fee Brothers Peach Bitters.

--Sriracha bitters, from Brooklyn Hemispherical Bitters. Wicked spicy, and delicious!

--Bar Keep Baked Apple Bitters. They’re organic, and they smell like fresh apple pie.

--Angostura Aromatic Bitters. If you own only one bottle of bitters, this is the one.

Tide stain remover stick. A new addition to my bar kit, after learning the hard way that Angostura bitters will stain a freshly laundered white t-shirt. After that lesson, let’s just say I needed a drink.

Kara Newman writes about spirits and cocktails for Wine Enthusiast magazine and other publications. She’s currently working on her second cocktail book. Follow her on Twitter: @karanewman or visit her at http://karanewman.wordpress.com

Savvy Segment: Savvy Thanksgiving Entertaining

2011-11-21T07:15:00.005-06:00

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to gather with loved ones, enjoy each other's company and partake of delicious foods. Hosting this time-honored meal in savvy style doesn't have to be stressful. Incorporate these tips and you are on your way to a Thanksgiving with flair.

Planning is key. Know what you’re preparing. I recommend having a list of items you’re making as well as what guests are bringing. Note: This is the one of the few times of year that I feel it’s okay to ask your guests to bring food and/or wine to your dinner.
Expand your decorating horizons. Your décor doesn’t have to be all about turkeys and Pilgrims. I love using pinecones, fall leaves, candles and feathers in my holiday décor.

Warm your guests with sweet treats and cider. For dessert I love to serve warm pear crumble. For a festive drink, give guests hot apple cider spiked with inexpensive champagne. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Make serving a snap. Label your serving trays so when the food comes out of the oven or off the stove you know exactly what dish you’ll use for that specific item. Also, this is helpful to guests who offer to help in the kitchen. Tell them ahead of time that you’ve labeled the serving trays so it’s easy for them to find.

Below is the Pear Crumble that I serve. I’ve adapted this recipe from one I found in House Beautiful in October 2004 by food stylist Susie Theodorou. I add a bit of blue cheese crumbles (1/8 cup), as well as uncooked instant oatmeal (1/4 cup) and brown sugar (2 tablespoons) to the crumble part of the recipe.

Warm Pear Crumble
Serves 8
For poached pears:
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 cups medium-dry white wine
8 Bosc pears, unpeeled but cored
For crumble:
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup sugar
4 tablespoons coarsely ground pecans
10 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced, plus extra for greasing
1/2 cup pecan halves

Prepare pears: Place sugar and water in a large pot. Heat over low heat until sugar dissolves. Add wine and bring to a boil. Add pears. Place a crumpled piece of parchment paper over poaching liquid. Cover pot, lower heat, and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove pot from heat and set aside to cool.
Prepare crumble: Sift flour and baking powder into a bowl. Stir in sugar and ground pecans. Cut in butter to form rough crumbs. Do not over mix. Stir in pecan halves.
Heavily butter a 2-quart baking dish. Stand pears in dish. Sprinkle crumble mixture around pears. Bake in a preheated 375-degrees F over until crumble is brown, about 25 minutes. Serve warm.

Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving recipe? I'd love to hear what our savvy readers serve for the holiday.

Savvy Buffet Centerpieces

2011-11-17T23:35:00.013-06:00

Serving food buffet-style is a simple option and the preferred choice around my house during the holidays. To add a "wow" factor, I like to create a lovely centerpiece for the buffet table using seasonal colors and plants as my inspiration. Here are my tips to help you design something fun for your family gathering this Thanksgiving.

Add visual interest to your buffet with one statement piece or several small arrangements that create a show stopper.

I like to focus on using seasonal décor that can be found easily this time of year. I’m a big believer of mixing dried goods (leaves, wheat stalks, branches) with fresh floral that can be purchased at the grocery store (spider mums, roses, daisies, bittersweet) with living plants (ivies, cabbage) and mini pumpkins. I go for what’s easy and accessible.

Adding pheasant feathers or interesting dried floral can up the "designer" factor. These items can be purchased a craft stores such as Hobby Lobby and Michael's. I also look for unique containers such as old copper buckets and antique churns. The more unique the vessel the more interesting the piece…that leads to conversations about the design.

What do you think about bringing the outdoors to your centerpieces for fall? Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Tell us, what do you incorporate into your decor?

Savvy Segment: Decorate your Front Door for Fall

2011-11-04T10:55:00.011-05:00

Transforming your front door this Thanksgiving is an easy way to spruce up your home for all your holiday guests. I have a few ideas to help you get started!

The door is the first stop, so make it count. Your front door is the first impression guests have of you and how you entertain. Make it warm and welcoming. A nicely decorated front door adds anticipation and excitement for your guests.

Print inspiration. When it comes to decorating my front door, magazines like Country Living, Garden & Gun and Southern Living inspire me.

Think practical. I try to think about season décor that will "wear well" in exposed elements. This time of year hay, corn stalks and pumpkins are all good items to display. Also consider cut branches with turning leaves and seasonal flowers.

Play around with design. The old adage of odd numbers usually drives part of my design. Even numbers feel too matchy-matchy but mostly, I keep adding and taking away items until I strike the right balance. The best advice I can give is there is no such thing as "perfect." Get outside and start creating. It doesn't have to look like the images in the magazine...make it your own!

Elevate your décor. Think about adding visual interest by elevating items. I use pots that I've turned upside down as well as bricks to elevate pumpkins and florals.

Don’t forget to water! Be sure to re-pot your floral items and add a bit of plant food to extend their life. Also, either water them regularly or add them to your drip watering system so they don't dry out.

Ready to shop? Farmer's markets, local nurseries, Lowes, Wal-Mart, Hobby Lobby and Garden Ridge all carry great seasonal décor perfect for decorating around your front door.

So how do you decorate your front door? I'd love to see what you've done!

Savvy Halloween Treats

2011-10-31T15:44:00.007-05:00

Photo by Tara Wilson

Happy Halloween! In just a few short hours we'll have little goblins knocking on our door looking for treats. This holiday, more than any other, makes me feel like a kid again. And as a kid, I knew the best streets and certainly the best houses for candy. There was one lady in my town known for passing out bags of great candy and on occasion caramel apples. I remember being dazzled by this. I made sure I went to see her every year.

This Halloween I decided to be that lady on our street by giving away S'mores kits. Are you looking for a last minute favor or treat? You can do this too! Here's what you need:

Photo by Tara Wilson

A box of graham crackers

A bag of marshmallows

A bag of Hershey's milk chocolate bars

Mini cellophane bags

Halloween themed craft paper or stickers

Stapler

Each bag gets one graham cracker (break them into two parts so they fit nicely), a chocolate bar and a marshmallow. Staple the treat bag at the top and decorate with the craft paper. I used the Martha Stewart Crafts adhesive boarders normally used for scrapebooking.

Photo by Tara Wilson

These treats are super easy to prepare, inexpensive and sure to be the hit of the neighborhood. Let me know if you try it and the reaction you get!

Savvy Segment: Spookify Your Halloween Party

2011-10-26T17:38:00.003-05:00

Halloween is the perfect time to throw a spook-tacular themed party. After trying these tips, your friends will be dying to attend the monster bash!

Send a scary invite. Send an invitation that gets your guests excited about your party, such as a boxed invitation that includes a black rabbit’s foot, a locket of hair, a skeleton key and a glass eye (use a large marble). Create a rhyme or poem that gives the details of the party and lets them know what’s boiling in the cauldron.

Create a frightful welcome. Incorporate a skeleton, spider webs and other eerie objects nestled alongside fall mums and pumpkins. Your guests will think your house is haunted when you trick out your lights by installing flicker lamp kits. These are easy to find at retailers such as Target and Wal-Mart. Crank up some spooky music to set the tone for your party.

Haunt your household décor. Take old fruit jars and fill them with colored water, then purchase plastic insects and plastic body parts to place inside the jars. Line your shelves to make a spooky statement. Or, to frighten guests headed to the powder room, fill your bathtub with water and add red food coloring. Float a plastic skeleton or plastic eyeballs in the water. Both can be purchased at a party supply store.

Serve ghoulishly delicious bites. Freeze cocktail shrimp in a round glass bowl to create the look of a human brain and serve them with Bloody Mary cocktail sauce! Other food that will make your guests squirm include: chicken fingers, tomatoes stuffed with mozzarella cheese and topped with black olives for eyes, and even racks of ribs!

Boo-tify your buffet table. Use black and white serving pieces with accents of orange. Place black candles in candelabras, use old newspapers to create a table runner or placemats and hang white and black ornaments from orange ribbons on a chandelier.

Serve spooky drinks. Greet your guests at the door with a special Halloween potion. Create a batch of hair-raising shots and pour into a science beaker. Serve individual shots out of test tubes. You can also create a glowing green punch and freeze plastic spiders in the ice. As it melts the insects will float to the top. Invite guests to drop an extra insect in their individual cups. Beverage labels will make any drink frightful, and I love the ones from the Martha Stewart Holiday Collection.

Try these frightful cocktails at your Halloween party using Crystal Head Vodka.

Brain Freeze

1 ½ oz. Crystal Head Vodka

1 ½ to 2 oz. pure lime juice

1 oz. simple syrup

Combine all the ingredients with ice in a blender. Blend until ice is well crushed. Serve in a sugar-rimmed rocks glass garnished with a slice of lime.

Cranium

1 ½ oz. Crystal Head Vodka

Cranberry juice

Grenadine

Pour Crystal Head Vodka and cranberry juice over ice in a tall glass. Add a splash of Grenadine (unstirred) on the top. Garnish with a blood orange slice.

Savvy Press!

2011-10-25T20:28:00.004-05:00

Tara was recently named one of the Top 50 People You Should Know When Throwing A Party by New York's The Daily Meal. Thousands of event planners throughout the country were considered and only 50 received the award!

The writers at The Daily Meal created their list of the most recommended event designers in the country based on feedback from publications, event-planning websites and event clients. The publication deemed the chosen winners as, "the people who plan and produce events that exist only in our dreams."

Only five experts made the cut from the Southwest region; two from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. I'm honored that our hard work and creativity is recognized as one of the top 50 event planners in the country!

Here's an excerpt from my entry on the Top 50 People You Should Know When Throwing A Party list:

She's been called the Dallas/Fort Worth area's own Martha Stewart. Her events are classic with a smart, sophisticated edge and almost always an unexpected takeaway, or as Wilson says a personalized "wow" factor, for guests, like goodie bags of black-eyed peas to bring good fortune.

Event She's Proudest Of: I find that I’m most proud of the weddings that we do. Each one is uniquely different as we strive to capture the essence of the bride and groom, working with them to develop a theme that expresses their personalities, but is also full of charm and homespun glamour.

Favorite Party Tip: Always throw in something unexpected, that one thing that will wow your guests. For example, at a recent wedding, we brought in a "butt sketcher" (a character artist who draws booties instead of the face) and it was a huge hit!

Savvy Girl Spotting: Country Living Magazine's Country Fair!

2011-10-17T19:10:00.015-05:00

I don't know about y'all, but I'm a regular at the Country Living Fairs. This year I'll be attendingCountry Living Magazine's Country Fair - Atlanta in Stone Mountain, Georgia, on October 22. I'll be talking about Savvy Fall Entertaining from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the event.

You can find more information about the fair and purchase tickets online. I hope to see you there!

Savvy Wedded Wednesday: Sonya & Davey!

2011-10-12T16:48:00.000-05:00

Images from Once Wed and taken by Max Wanger

We love the stunning florals in this wedding- from individually bottled as escort cards to the Quick Oats containers holding the centerpieces on the tables. It brings back the nostalgia of old town square dances and the easy hospitality of ice cold refreshments.

Photography by Max Wanger
Event Planning/Design by Duet Weddings
Flowers by Modern Day Design

Savvy Wedded Wednesday: Sarah and Simon!

2011-10-05T11:58:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Polka Dot Bride and the featured photographer, Love, Katie & Sarah, we were able to delight ourselves with this eccentric Australian wedding.

The beautiful bride wore a black and white dress she designed and had made by NICKOM (Nicole Komalarajun). It was embellished with French cotton lace and silks. Her retro-styled hair and gorgeous defining makeup completed the look. Sarah used Flowers by Entwine, and said that she loved their work; the vintage aesthetic was a perfect pop out against her cream and black frock.

The couple married at The Darling Gardens in Clifton Hill. The bride walked down the aisle to Louis Armstrong's version of "La Vie En Rose." The bride and groom love jewelry (both met when they were studying gold and silver smithing classes). The bride made her own hairpiece/comb using black feathers and silk. Much of their jewelry was sourced from Ebay. And the pair each wore John Fluevog shoes, a hit of the night. And the pair also designed all their stationary!

The reception was held at the Grace Darling Hotel, where guests indulged in Bellini cocktails and bruscetta. In the heart of Melbourne, this pub hotel was low lit with candles everywhere. A band called Monouche a Trois played 1940's gypsy jazz in the background while guests enjoyed a three course meal.

Savvy Wedded Wednesday: Christy and Michael!

2011-09-28T09:56:00.000-05:00

We found this vibrant wedding on Brooklyn Bride, shot by What Shanni Saw. Full of color and life, the wedding took place in Sonoma at the Cornerstone Gardens, where local artists display their art installations. Guests ate dinner under a white tent and danced afterward in a nearby barn. Wine bottles were used to decorate and the couple even created their own special bottle during the ceremony. Food stations with heirloom tomatoes, meat and potatoes, and veggies started off the night, with mini grilled cheese and tomato soup serving as late night bites. The bride planned her wedding over a year in advance to take advantage of the full moon over a weekend, and guests marveled at it from the grassy lawn.

Photographer: What Shanni Saw
Venue: Cornerstone Gardens
Caterer: Alex’s Catering
Florist: Julie Stevens Design
Day-Of Coordinator: Kelly Cloney

Savvy Party Pantry Checklist

2011-04-14T11:22:00.006-05:00

Designed by Orange Spot Pink Nose When hosting a party for the first time, have these items on hand and you'll never go wrong.

Mixed nuts

Decorative cookies

Gourmet pastas and pasta sauces

Frozen hors d'oeuvres

Assorted crackers

Variety of cheeses including Manchego, Blue and Chevre

Wine both red and white

Champagne or Prosecco

Bourbon

Vodka

Drink Mixers including Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite as well as cranberry and orange juices, soda and tonic waters and vermouth.

Garnishes including colored sugars, lemons/limes, pickled onions, salt and stuff olives

Cocktail napkins

Eye-catching napkin rings

Colorful salad plates

Decorative platters

When you stock your party pantry with these items, you'll be ready to entertain whenever the moment strikes!

Savvy Featured Bloggers: Stacy Reeves!

2011-02-22T15:01:00.000-06:00

Images from Stacy Reeves

Known as The Wedding Photographer, Stacy Reeves shoots everything from classy boudoirs to fearless bridals. We love working with her personally and we know you'll love discovering the beauty of her blog. Oh yes, she's a bride-to-be as well!

What did you want to be when you "grew up?"
I've always wanted to be a writer, from the time that I was very young. I went to school for writing, and I have two degrees in it. I'm not sure that I've completely given up on that dream - in the very little free time I have, I still do a lot of freelance writing. I love that blogging gives me a chance to flex my writing muscle, and I would relish an opportunity to write-full time. I keep telling myself that some day I'll finally write the next great American novel. We'll see!

What's your favorite personal mantra, quote, or inspiration?
I've always been a big advocate of the idea that "Whether you think you can or you can't, you're right." I truly believe that if you make up your mind to succeed, and you're willing to put in the hard work and sacrifices, and you're open to learning and changing and adapting, then you will find success. Conversely, if you're unsure of yourself, or if you doubt that success is possible, then you'll become a self-fulfilling prophecy, and you'll doom yourself to failure. Passion and positivity aren't everything, but they'll get you pretty far in life.

Aside from your own, what's your favorite blog?
I have around 200 blogs on my Google reader, so it's difficult to pick a favorite! Probably the one I get most excited about new posts from is a friend of mine named Andrea Hanki in Vancouver - Pink Sugar Photography . She's a fabulous photographer who taught me pretty much everything I know about posing, but she's also one of the craftiest people I have ever known. She recently posted some images from Halloween, Christmas, and her daughter's birthday and bedroom that will absolutely blow you away. Pretty much every time I look at Andrea's blog, I leave inspired in one way or another.

Another blog I really love is The Simple Dollar. I've been on a bit of a personal finance kick lately. My fiance and I spent the last year aggressively saving for our wedding, and after seeing how much we had in excess income when we really tried, it blew my mind at how excessively we had been spending before. Now I spent a lot of time learning from people like Dave Ramsey and Trent at The Simple Dollar on how to live a debt-free lifestyle and use my income more wisely! One thing I love about Trent is that he's a regular guy with a wife and kids, instead of a millionaire financial guru, so his advice is very practical and down to earth. He gives a lot of great advice on how to save money in small ways around the house, and how to use those small things to snowball into much larger savings over time.

Do you wear your heels or slippers while you blog?
Neither - I'm always barefoot! Don't get me wrong, I love a great pair of heels, but I have a terrible habit of always kicking my shoes off when I'm sitting down. I guess my feet just love to be free!

What's your biggest pet peeve?
People who ask for help but don't really want it. I've done a lot of business consulting for new photographers, and I never cease to be amazed how many people will pay me hundreds or even thousands in mentoring fees, only to argue with me when I tell them how to fix the problems they're having. I'm a sucker for bad reality TV, and I especially love "makeover" shows where someone applies to be helped by an expert, such as Biggest Loser, Millionaire Matchmakers, or Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares. Without fail, there are always a handful of people who apply to be on these shows, then fight their new mentors tooth and nail. I think a lot of people expect there to be some magic bullet or simple solution that will wipe away all their problems without hard work or sacrifice, and when someone tells them that's not how the world works, they reject the truth. Helping people who are open and willing to change is such a fulfilling and mutually beneficial process, but dealing with people who aren't ready to be helped can be very frustrating.

What’s on your nightstand at the moment?
My Kindle, my iPhone, an empty dark chocolate wrapper, an ever-present glass of Fresca, and my Chi. Last night I got a midnight urge to flat iron my hair, and a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!

What’s your sign? What 3 characteristics of your sign do you possess?
I'm a Capricorn, the sure and steady (and stubborn) goat. Like the goat, I think for a long time and consider all the options before making decisions, but once I make them, I jump into them headfirst and don't look back. I'm also more serious and logic-oriented than most, which is a definite Capricorn trait. I don't generally think of myself as stubborn, but I'm sure my fiance would disagree with that, so let's just say that when I believe in something, I can be very passionate about it!

Tell me about your favorite cocktail? (feel free to share the recipe or bar location)
I used to be a solid Cherry Vodka Sour girl, but recently the bartender at my favorite bar (Patriarch's in Frisco) introduced me to a Pama and soda, which I love! It's one part Pama (pomegranate liquor) and two parts soda water, served on the rocks. It's light, delicious, and relatively low-cal. Unfortunately most bars don't have Pama, but when I find one that does, I never get anything else.

What’s the one food you can’t get enough of?
Cheese! I love, love, love cheese. Muenster on turkey and avocado sandwiches, crumbled feta on burgers, a gorgonzola crust on steaks, garlic and herb gournay as a party dip, pecorina romano sprinkled on fresh spaghetti, parmesan mixed in a creamy risotto, cold ricotta on desserts... See what I mean? I'm really just a fan of dairy in general. I usually have 2-3 cups of skim milk a day! I have nightmares that I will become lactose intolerant some day.

What’s in your handbag currently?
My wallet, a stack of vintage handkerchiefs with my contact info screenprinted on them (I use these as business cards), Chanel sunglasses I bought as a birthday present for myself in Venice, a magical pen that I got years ago at Kelly Liken's restaurant in Vail (best food I have ever eaten) that writes beautifully never seems to run out of ink, a Canon G10, and my emergency backup hard drive that contains every wedding I have ever photographed. Oh, and a whole lot of receipts waiting to be organized and filed away!

Stacy is one of our favorite photographers. We collaborate with her often for fun weddings and fabulous photo shoots. And her blog is a must see and read. You'll go away every time with inspiration! Thanks Stacy for constantly providing us with eye candy!

Wedded Wednesday: Spanish-Styled Inspiration!

2011-02-16T12:14:00.000-06:00

Images taken by This Modern Romance and found on Green Shoe Weddings

Wow! Just gorgeous...we stumbled upon this fabulous trend-board-turned-professional-photo-shoot on Green Shoe Weddings and wanted to share with our readers. Check out all the Spanish details- muted pastels, flowing gowns, dusty yet welcoming....The setup included Mexican hot chocolate, paper cutouts, succulents, and brightly-colored sodas.

Great job to Green Shoe Weddings and their team of vendors below! We're truly inspired.

Photography: This Modern Romance
Florals + Planning: Heavenly Blooms
Styling: Green Wedding Shoes
Wedding Dresses: Joan Shum
Hairpieces – Big flower seen with the horse photos is from Ban.do, The two halo pieces are from Untamed Petals and the smaller flower is from Petit Plume.
Hair + Make-up: Nyrie and Megan Wayt for Symmetry Beauty
Venue: Star Ranch
Rentals: Found Vintage Rentals
Desserts for dessert display: Summit Event Catering
Linens and napkins: Glow Concepts
Paper goods: Posh Paperie
Papel picado: Reign Trading
Cake: Erica O’Brien

Savvy Featured Bloggers: Jo My Goodness!

2011-02-15T14:01:00.001-06:00

Images from Jo My Goodness

This weeks' feature blogger is Jomylene Flores, a Southern California inspirational designer and the owner of the full service event management boutique, Jomylene Flores Events. I met Jomylene last March while on a business trip to L.A. I immediately saw what so many others, including the team at Martha Stewart Weddings, see in her and her chic blog. I absolutely love her Thirsty Thursday posts where she features a new cocktail recipe each week. A lover of all things swanky, she's a girl after my own heart! You can check out her fabulous blog here!

What did you want to be when you "grew up?"
I desperately wanted to be a reporter/newscaster/author... so having a blog is kind of fitting!

What's your favorite personal mantra, quote, or inspiration?
I'm a firm believer in karma and what goes around, comes around. Therefore I try be on my best behavior and treat others the way I want to be treated. I have several quotes that I remind myself everyday, but my favorites are: "It is better to be hated for what you are, than loved for what you are not." And "It is better to fail in originality, than to succeed in imitation" (Herman Melville).

Tell me about your favorite blogging moment?
I don't really have a favorite blogging moment, but the things I love best about blogging are:
1) when people contact me, or leave a comment, about how a certain post relates to their lives. It reminds me that someone actually reads it.
2) when I meet people (brides or industry folk) who tell me they read my blog. It's really flattering. Savvy Note: Always show your favorite bloggers a little love...leave them a note! It means so much to us!

Aside from your own, what's your favorite blog?
There are sooooo many blogs out there that I read all the time. I'd have to say that Hostess with the Mostess' Blog has to be my ultimate favorite, but I enjoy Wedding Chicks, Inspired by This, Style Unveiled, Style Me Pretty, Snippet & Ink, Grey Likes Weddings, and Inspired Bride.

Do you wear your heels or slippers while you blog?
Depends on the day... sometimes heels, sometimes slippers, sometimes socks (but only when it's cold).

What's your biggest pet peeve?
For some reason, I don't like being referred to as a "Party Planner," even though my events can be considered as "parties."

What’s on your nightstand at the moment?
Brides magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings, a notebook, and Vision in White by Nora Roberts (just started to read the series).

What’s your sign? What 3 characteristics of your sign do you possess?
I am a Capricorn, through and through. I'm very ambitious and do whatever it takes to get the job done. I'm very competitive and work hard and expect the same hard work and dedication from those around me.

Tell me about your favorite cocktail?
I will always order Sex on the Beach or Rum & Diet Coke. Always.

What’s the one food you can’t get enough of?
I looooove food, but the one thing I can eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day would be Mocha Almond Fudge ice cream. Sad, but true. I also love cheesecake, California Rolls, pasta, and calamari.

What’s in your handbag currently?
Mascara, lip gloss, wallet, iPod shuffle, black nail polish, RayBan aviator sunglasses (my faves), a notebook & pen and wedding magazine.

Savvy Wedded Wednesday: Noah & Rachael!

2011-02-09T13:37:00.001-06:00

Images taken by Tec Petaja and shown on Style Me Pretty

We love this brightly-toned ranch wedding in Southern California, just featured on Style Me Pretty and photographed by Tec Petaja.

The bride collected over 200 pieces {each} of china in mismatched dinnerware, dessert pieces, floral vases, and flatware. Some of her prized projects included a colorful ribbon bunting that hung down the center aisle. Guests were guided to the ceremony and reception sites by hanging lace, hay bails, and home-made planters. The invites were printed on vintage hankies and RSVP cards were handwritten on vintage postcards. Homemade jams in tiny quilted jars were favors. Guests threw lavender as the bride and groom departed in their 1930's getaway car.

Wedding Photography: Tec Petaja

Wedding Venue: Leo Carrillo Ranch

Florals: Modern Bouquet

Videography: CanaVP

Dress: Monique Lhuillier

Grooms Attire: American Apparel

Bridesmaids Dresses: Rosebowl Swap Meet/HOME Mercantile

Make-up: Janelle Simonson

Savvy Featured Bloggers: Brooklyn Bride!

2011-02-08T08:51:00.001-06:00

Images of Vane's own wedding featured on Brooklyn Bride

At TWE we love bloggers who aren't afraid to break away from the pack and take a road less traveled. When Vane Broussard, editor of the eye catching blog, Brooklyn Bride was getting married she couldn't find a wedding blog with the modern details she craved. So what did she do? She created her own and has been inspiring brides ever since.

This past summer I had the opportunity to have breakfast with Vane. I came away with a deeper understanding of one of my favorite bloggers. Her love of all things modern is rooted in her passion for interior design, she's warm and generous with her time and Vane is very business savvy! The entire TWE staff loves her blog and we know you do too, so for our series 52 Bloggers We Love we reached out to dig a little deeper into what makes this hip blogger, well hip!

What did you want to be when you "grew up?" It ranged from being a vet to being a fashion designer. See the question below about my sign...I couldn't make up my mind!

What's your favorite personal mantra, quote, or inspiration? I had never had one before, but after the latest Alt Summit I just came back from, I heard this and plan on taking it to heart this year. "Don't talk about it, just do it. If it fails, move on." Savvy Note: Vane joined forces with another ace blogger, Anne Chertoff, to create The B-List, a group of power wedding bloggers.

Tell me about your favorite blogging moment? My favorite moment HAS to be when I got my first, non-family, non-friend comment on the blog. It made me realize that people I didn't know were actually reading my blog!

What’s your sign? What 3 characteristics of your sign do you possess? Libra. For sure, I can't make a decision for the life of me, everything has to be balanced and fair, and I hate conflict.

What’s the one food you can’t get enough of? I have a mild obsession with Raisinets.

What's in your handbag currently? Biz cards, wallet, iPhone, lip gloss, little notepad and pen, warm mittens and a hat.

What's your biggest pet peeve? Being late to an event or meeting. Its just awful!

Just this week Vane launched the redesign of her blog; it's been meet with rave reviews...including our own! Keep up the inspiring work, Vane!

Want to recommend a blog for a feature on Tara's Tips? Send us an email at: katelin{at}tarawilson.com

Savvy Saturday Night Cocktail!

2011-02-05T19:12:00.006-06:00

Image by Chambord

Looking for something fabulous to drink on a wintry Saturday night? Try one of my favorites, Chambord & Champagne. It's super easy and tastes so yummy!

Place a splash of Chambord in the bottom of your champagne flute.

Fill the flute your favorite champagne. (I love Piper Heidsieck for the treat!)

Garnished with a black raspberry.

Not really a champagne girl? Shaken, not stirred more your style? Try a Chambord French Martini!

1 1/2 oz Finlandia Vodka

1/2 oz Chambord

2 oz Pineapple Juice

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with black raspberries.

Savvy Sliders!

2011-02-03T13:55:00.000-06:00

Photo by Tara Wilson Events

Due to the popularity of the sliders on our Super Bowl segment, Kristin Ariola from Eurocater has modified their recipe to be user-friendly and fabulous. She, of course, makes everything from scratch in-house, but you can make them the easy way using this simple recipe:

Easy Pulled Pork Sliders with ‘Slaw

1 ½ Pounds BBQ Pork from Red, Hot, & Blue

12 Brioche Rolls or Slider Buns

½ Quart Cole Slaw (see below)

1/2 head green cabbage, thinly sliced
1/2 head red cabbage, thinly sliced
1 carrot, thinly sliced
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 fluid ounces plain yogurt
2 fluid ounces mayonnaise
1 tablespoon pickle juice
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 tablespoon chives, chopped
Kosher salt, to taste
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Directions

Generously salt the cabbage and drain in colander for 3 hours. Rinse thoroughly and dry. In a separate bowl, combine all of the ingredients except the cabbage and carrot. Whisk to combine evenly. Toss the cabbage and carrot with the dressing.

Assemble the sandwiches by adding the brisket to the brioche rolls and topping with cole slaw. Enjoy!

Savvy Wedded Wednesday: Norrinda & Fareed Real Wedding!

2011-02-02T12:42:00.001-06:00

It's Wedded Wednesday and with all this cold weather we just had to post one of our favorite warm weather weddings! We saw this super laid-back-yet-still-mesmerizing wedding shared on Project Weddings and had to pass along the fuchsia and marigold magnificence! This desert wedding was held in Palm Springs, California. Lovely photos were taken by Max Wanger.

Features include:

Hot pink rose corsages & marigold contemporary boutonnieres - fun and beautiful!
Backdrop near the desert sun outside the contemporary Baker Hotel - lovely!
Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison keepsakes for guests - perfect!
Family-styled dining at a long and luxurious table - oh so chic!

I'm loving every detail of this wedding! Do you have a special wedding you would like us to share? Leave us a comment or send us an email to: Katelin {at} Tara Wilson {dot} com.

Be Savvy! Tara

Savvy Featured Bloggers: The TomKat Studio!

2011-02-01T10:00:00.010-06:00

Images from The Tomkat Studio

We are so excited to bring you our new series, 52 Bloggers We Love! Why 52 bloggers? Well, for starters we couldn't narrow it down (there are so many that we read!) and since there are 52 weeks in a year and we want to share a new blogger with you each week.

For our first feature we are OVER-THE-TOP-EXCITED to share our profile of Kim Stoegbauer, fabulous Designer and Editor at The TomKat Studio. This mom-owned-business is an incredible printable party shop full of sweet details and pretty ideas to make your parties anything but dull. But the goodies don't stop there! Just as beautiful is Kim's eye catching blog, which she just relaunched yesterday!

Last week I had the chance to sit down with Kim over lunch to talk about her business, her dreams and what she loves to drink. Here's what she had to say...

What did you want to be when you "grew up?" I was always drawing and coloring when I was little. My mom bought me a book called "Lettering" and I learned how to draw fonts {this was pre-computer days}. Thus, my obsession with fonts began. I always made cards for my family and even drew up plans for a "dream house" with four levels and an indoor pool. It had 30 bedrooms and I labeled each one with a friend/family name. I figured it would be nice to have all of my friends and family under one roof. My aunt used to tell me that one day I would own a stationery store, with all of my drawing and card making as a child. I took a few detours in marketing, advertising and real estate, but am now thrilled to be using my creativity at The TomKat Studio/ My aunt predicted correctly, as my online shop has been very successful!

What's your favorite personal mantra, quote, or inspiration? Dream Big {I love this print by The Love Shop.}

What's your biggest pet peeve? Copycats. Be original!

What's your sign? What three characteristics of your sign do you possess? Cancer {creative, domestic, loyal and emotional.}

Tell me about your favorite cocktail? Margarita on the Rocks with Salt & Green Olives. My favorite version is served up at a local Mexican restaurant, which is walking distance to our home - good thing! {Note from Tara: Kim also loves mixing 1/2 Dr Pepper and 1/2 Diet Coke for a lunch time mocktail! I'm wondering if this fuels her creativity? If so, I'll be drinking this by the gallons!}

Tell me about your favorite blogging moment? A very memorable day was when my Lollipop Invitations were featured in 2009 on Sweet Designs by Amy Atlas. Amy is such an inspiration to me. She spotted my invitations on Twitter and featured them! I remember literally leaping around my house that morning I found out! It was thrilling!

What’s in your handbag currently? Right now in my fabulous bag by Jo Totes is my Canon DSLR with fancy Shey B Couture Camera Strap, my fave Kate Spade sunglasses, boring black wallet, iPhone with fun Kate Spade case, my emergency kit with powder, lipstick, tums, advil, nail file and Coach perfume. {Always be prepared!}

We just LOVE Kim here at TWE! Thanks Kim for taking time out of your very busy day to share with us (and our readers!) a bit more about yourself. We can't wait to see what 2011 has in store for you!!!

Tell us what you think! Submit your questions for our 52 bloggers or recommend a blog for a feature on Tara's Tips? Reply below or send us an email at: katelin{at}tarawilson.com

Be Savvy, Tara!

Savvy Super Bowl Segment!

2011-01-31T12:55:00.016-06:00

Photo by Tara Wilson Events

Super Bowl 2011 is just around the corner with all the action taking place on my turf, Dallas/Fort Worth! And this year the parties are hotter than ever before. If you can't make it out to a star-studded event, throw your own. Here are my ideas for a celebrity inspired Super Bowl watching party, complete with a "green" carpet.

Photo by Tara Wilson

~~Give your guests the celebrity treatment and have them walk the "green" carpet on Super Bowl Sunday. Purchase indoor/outdoor carpet from the hardware store (12' x 4' will run you about $22) and add yard lines with a bit of white tape. Flank the end of the walk with homemade pennants.

Photo by Tara Wilson

~~Everybody is somebody at this party! Make sure they know it with an ALL ACCESS pass. Pick up inexpensive lanyards from an office supply store or order the official XLV badge in time for the big game.

Photo by Tara Wilson

~~What's hot at A-list parties? Bars and stations with grab and go food! Turn your buffet table into hip concession stand full of candy, pretzels, wings, french fries, nachos and any other crowd pleasing goodies you can dream up.

Photo by Tara Wilson

~~While the teams duke it out on the field, create some competition off the field. Set up a beer bar stocked with all your local beers. Ask guests to rank the beer according to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and then tally the votes. Have a prize for the competitors that guess the right answer.

~~You may not have the paparazzi at your Super Bowl party but you can create a photo op worth posing for. Pick up a roll of green craft paper from the party supply store along with a set of stencils and a fat black marker. Create a repeat patterned backdrop, also known as a Step & Repeat in the celebrity world, where guests can pause and take photos. Ideas for patterns include XLV, Super Bowl or even footballs.

Photo by Tara Wilson

~~Everyone loves taking home a little swag. Send your revelers home with hangover kit, sure to help them make it to work on Monday morning. Include a miniature can of tomato juice and bottle of vodka, a packet of Alka-Seltzer and Advil and couple of Band-aids.

If you host a party, we would love to see what you create. Send us pictures so we can share them with our readers!

Savvy Segments: Super Bowl Watching Parties!

2011-01-20T12:11:00.007-06:00

Image from Nerd Approved

Super Bowl Watching Parties are all about the food... as well as the game of course! So whether you'll be in Cowboys Stadium or in front of your home TV, keep them both exciting with these fan-tastic ideas that are sure to keep the spirit high on Sunday the 6th...

Looking to make your buffet table fun on Super Bowl Sunday? Try a few of these ideas to give your table extra points.

Use a black and white tablecloth (to resemble a referee) for the base of your buffet table.

Suit up your old flowers vases for the occasion, making them look like footballs. This is easy to accomplish by wrapping them in brown construction paper and adding a touch of white for the laces of the football. Fill the vase with flowers or top with miniature pompons.

Purchase inexpensive football related “props” to add to your décor. Use pennants, mini footballs or whistles as accents in flower arrangements

Add excitement to the buffet with a theme. Group all your appetizers together and call them the “First Down” and tag the desserts as the “Extra Point.” Other fun titles include: Touch Down, Field Goal, End Zone, Press Box and Sideline.

Set your buffet table up to resemble a concession stand and serve the food out of concession style paper products. Think mini bags of potato chips, hot dogs in paper boats, and bags of popcorn.

Set up a self serve bar so guests can easily help themselves but don’t forget to put out a signature drink with a clever name, like the "Gridiron" or "Quarterback Sack."

Everyone should get in on the game so create a Super Bowl trivia quiz for guests. Be sure to have a prize for the winner. You can create your own trophy by spray painting a football silver. What fan wouldn’t love that?!

Super Bowl Trivia:

1. What year was the first Super Bowl held?
a) 1953
b) 1967
c) 1976
d) 1981

2. Which two teams played in the first Super Bowl? (Select 2)
a) Dallas Cowboys
b) Green Bay Packers
c) Buffalo Bills
d) Kansas City Chiefs

3. Where was the first Super Bowl played?
a) New Orleans, LA
b) Kansas City, KA
c) Los Angeles, CA
d) Chicago, IL

4. According to Nielsen, which Super Bowl holds the record for the highest TV ratings?
a) 1996 - Super Bowl XXX between Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers
b) 1982 - Super Bowl XVI between San Francisco 49ers and Cincinnati Bengals
c) 1978 - Super Bowl XII between Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos
d) 1983 - Super Bowl XVII between Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins

5. Which celebrity was widely considered to be the breakout star in the 2010 Super Bowl commercials?
a) Danica Patrick for Go Daddy
b) Betty White for Snickers
c) Chevy Chase for Home Away
d) Gene Smith for Dr. Pepper

Answers:
1. B
2. B & D
3. C
4. B
5. B

Savvy Wedded Wednesday: Angela & Eric in NYC!

2011-01-19T11:05:00.007-06:00

Thank you, Martha Stewart Weddings, for sharing this fabulous NYC couple with us...

The bride, who is an architect originally from Tennessee, and the groom, who works in finance and hails from Indiana, got engaged on a chilly evening in Central Park. They got married in the iconic Saint Patrick's Cathedral. Afterwards, they led guests down Fifth Avenue to their reception at the Harvard Club.

Simple and elegant invites signaled a charming night ahead. The bride said her wedding vows in her grandmother's wedding dress, with both of their initials and wedding dates sewn on the inside; afterward, she changed into a second dress for the reception. Flowers included large amaryllis blooms, and centerpieces adorned with cotton gave a southern touch. The bride and groom led the 'parade' down fifth avenue to the reception, giving all their guests awesome large white balloons.

Each table at the reception represented a different Gotham landmark or building that meant something special to the couple. Escort cards were laser cut to silhouette the buildings. Gorgeous!

Here's the list of their fabulous vendors:

Location and Catering: St. Patrick's Cathedral (ceremony); Harvard Club of New York City (reception)
Flowers: Matthew Robbins Design
Stationery: Crane & Co.
Calligraphy: Katherine Crosby Calligraphy (invitations); Caroline Z. Hurley (escort cards)
Cake: Harvard Club of New York City
Music: Soulsystem Orchestras (reception); StingRay (Elvis impersonation)
Wedding Photography: Shawn Connell of Christian Oth Studio
Gown: Her grandmother's dress (ceremony); Amsale (reception)
Bride's Accessories: Kate Spade (reception shoes); Ladeeda (clutch)
Bridesmaid Dresses: Vera Wang
Menswear: Ermenegildo Zegna (tuxedo); Paul Stuart (tie and cummerbund)
Makeup: Jill Harth
Balloons: New York City Balloons

Savvy Wedded Wednesday: Kara & Will's Real Wedding

2011-01-12T10:00:00.001-06:00

What's more fun that looking at bright, warm wedding photos when we're in the midst of this hum-drum weather? We have to thank Snippet & Ink for sharing this lovely day with us...and David Newkirk for stunning photography!

Kara & Will's Iowa wedding took place at the Harvest Farm Campground, and what's awesome about this wedding- aside from its fabulous warm colors- is that it was planned in only 3 months!

The bride and groom were able to borrow 80 bales of hay from a neighbor and friend, Will got his Levi's suit from a thrift store for only $1.00, and both attendants spent less than $3.00 on their pre-used gowns. Incredible, no?

In Kara's Words:

"I’ve been a lifelong thrift store aficionado, have a love of all things vintage and am committed to re-using and recycling as much as possible, so we started combing thrift stores and rummage sales for all kinds of dishware, flatware, vases, linens, picture frames, Christmas lights and things that could be used to decorate. We lucked out one afternoon driving by an antiques store that had gone out of business and left unwanted items by the side of the road. For favors, we gave out dish towels which my grandmother and my mother embroidered with our names and the date of our wedding. We also used them as napkins for the dinner."

Photography: David Newkirk

Venue: Harvest Farm Campground in Cresco, Iowa

Bride’s dress: Allure Bridals

Bouquet: Everyday Bouquets (Rochester, Minnesota)

Day-of coordinator: Cara Castelli-Sathrum from A Moment Like This

Savvy New Year!

2011-01-06T11:51:00.008-06:00

Photo from Country Living by Tara Donne

It's the time of year where everyone is thinking about getting organized, specially me! I was recently thinking about ideas for organizing my party pantry and I thought you might enjoy the tips. Hopefully they'll help take away some of the stress and frustration you might feel when party planning in 2011.

Having a hard time storing cocktail napkins? Bag them up in a Ziploc and store them in a letter sorter. This makes them easy to see and grab out of your pantry...plus it keeps them neat and tidy.

Do you have stuff everywhere? Are you like me and have lots of decorative plastic and Styrofoam cups hanging around your cabinets? Why not store them in flat Rubbermaid containers that will easily slide under the couch or bed or set on a shelf?

Loose stuff much? It seems when I need a corkscrew or bottle opener I spend more time looking for the item than using it. This year I placed all my small party supplies in a pencil box that I picked up from the office supply store. Now I know exactly where to find my little entertaining items.

Out of sight, out of mind? Not in my house! I place food items such as mixed nuts, crackers and other munchies in clear glass jars so I will see them and use them. Try placing a label on the front (I love the ones I found from Martha Stewart in the scapebooking section of the craft store) to remind you of the flavors.

Got a small space and budget? I have a very small bar area that requires using small liquor bottles but I hate to waste money. My solution? I bought small liquor bottles in the beginning and then when they were empty I kept them. The next time I bought more liquor I purchased bigger bottles. I keep the larger ones under the counter and just refill the small bottles when they get low.

Do you love checklists? I was forever using up all my entertaining supplies and not replacing them. Now I keep a party pantry checklist taped to my cabinet door so as I use an item I check it off the list. This makes shopping for supplies so easy because I've already got a list of items that need to be picked up! Items I keep on hand include: mixed nuts, decorative cookies, gourmet pastas and pasta sauces, assorted crackers, a variety of cheeses including a hard, soft and semi-hard and cocktail napkins. To keep my bar party ready I keep a bottle of red and white wine along with a champagne or Prosecco in stock. I also make sure I've got bourbon, gin and vodka on hand along with mixers such as tonic, soda and juice. You can add a bottle of vermouth to the mix (an essential for martinis) but be sure to keep it refrigerated. And it's always nice to have limes, lemons and olives on hand to garnish the drinks. For more tips on setting up your bar, check out this article in the December/January issue of Country Living Magazine.

Hopefully these tips will help you as you organize for the new year. Here's to lots of fabulous parties in 2011!

Savvy Wedded Wednesday: The New MoMA Registry!

2010-12-15T11:25:00.003-06:00

Images from the Modern Museum of Art

With the tagline that "thoughtfully designed products improve our everyday lives," the Modern Museum of Art in New York City has been creating an awareness and appreciation for all things artistic since its celebrated design collection in 1934. The MoMA's design store offers a selection of stare-worthy products ranging that span nearly a century, a true testament to the enduring allure of fine design. Apart from being a must-see during my trips to the city, it has also recently become a must-do for brides everywhere!

If you're a bride who thinks out of the box, loves and appreciates patterns, shapes, and color, and wants to do something fabulous to your currently-blah registry, have we got an idea for you! Visit the MoMA Design Store and feast your eyes upon the contemporary prints, color-blocked kitchenware, and one-of-a-kind books and decor pieces. They have everything your stylish heart could dream up, from funky rugs and creative time pieces to festive furniture and desk organizers. With an air of classiness and creativity, this registry will give guests a chance to peruse and purchase items that truly embody your flair for design.

Savvy Fashion Finds: Kate Middleton's Royal Style!

2010-12-14T16:04:00.001-06:00

Images from WWD

The whole world caught the fever of Prince William's recent engagement to longtime girlfriend, Kate Middleton. But what we really love is her everyday style. The princess-to-be exudes a Grace Kelly era sophistication that she creates from affordable pieces in her own closet.

Even her engagement photo session- shot by world famous Mario Testino- wasn't a big production. She did her own hair and makeup, and wore a blouse from the London high street chain, Whistles (originally retailed in 2008 for about $151). As for the gorgeous formal portrait, British label Reiss designed the 'Nannette' white dress that she purchased for about $353 in 2009.

If the next princess can reuse and recycle what she's got, that should give the rest of us hope for our closets! Now, if only we all could find our own Prince William!

Savvy Show and Tell: Southern My Way!

2010-12-13T15:28:00.009-06:00

Images from Gena Knox

The Georgia-based cookbook author Gena Knox just released her latest book, Southern My Way: Simple Recipes, Fresh Flavors, in November. Her first book, Gourmet Made Simple, was published in 2008 and gave fresh and farm-loving cooks a chance to test out their skills in her easy-to-make format. Her newest edition features creative versions of well-known classic Southern dishes, often adding in an international twist here and there. Think collards that include capers, raisins, and pine nuts in place of fatback, and Greek gazpacho with feta and Kalamata olives....YUM!

The cookbook features more than 250 pages of seasonal recipes with full-color photographs to portray Gena's "lifelong love affair with Southern food and culture." A must read for anyone who loves a serving (or two) of Southern food!

Savvy Segments: Rehabbing your Holiday Decor!

2010-12-09T22:06:00.006-06:00

Images from The Found Blog, Bukisa, Not on the High Street, BHG, & Strictly Simple Style

We all have decorations around in the attic or garage that we just don’t love anymore. Wouldn’t it be fun (and inexpensive) to rehab those items and turn them into décor pieces that match your current decorating style? I have some clever ideas for turning those old outdated holiday décor pieces into savvy style statements!

To get started, separate your old decorations into the following categories:

Love…leave them as they are.
Love…but don’t plan to use this year. (Box them back up and store them immediately)
Hate…need to update with paint and/or ribbon – THESE WILL BE REHABBED!
Hate…need to give them away. (Box them up immediately so they can be given away)

• Turn your old glass vases into a stunning arrangement of candles. To do so, you’ll need a few items from the local craft store including:

Soy Wax Kits and Pre-waxed candle wicks
Glass Etching Kit
Stencils
Candlemaking Thermometer

INSTRUCTIONS: Inspect your vases to make sure they’re in good condition then wash and dry them. Follow the directions on the glass etching kit to etch your initials or another decorative element on the glass. Using the directions in soy wax kits, melt and then pour the candle wax into your vase. Arrange the candles on a buffet or table for a show-stopping centerpiece!

• With a few simple steps you can turn your old “ho-hum” garland into something beautiful. Below are two tips for sprucing up dated décor:

Flock your garland, turning it from green to winter white! You can purchase cans of Snow Spray for about $4. Place your garland as you normally would then flock it using the artificial snow. Add silver and ice blue ornaments to complete the Winter Wonderland look.
Fresh garland can get very messy. Rehab your artificial garland by tucking in fresh greenery such as magnolia leaves, holly berries and cedar. With less fresh greens you’ve got less clean up but you still get the look and smell of the holidays!

• Turn your ordinary house plants and seasonal scrubs into savvy style statements. Cover the existing pot with decorative fabric and ribbon to give it an instant update. Or create a “collection,” a designer's secret for grouping similar items to make a big impact, like plants and fruits. I love this idea for covering large spaces in a small budget, it’s one of my favorite designer tricks!

• Be sure to not forget your everyday household items. Give them a lift with a few ribbons and ornaments. During the holidays, I love to wrap ribbons around my guest towels and hand soaps in my guest and powder baths. Place wrapped (but empty) boxes at the foot of the bed or in chairs that aren’t used frequently. All of these tips are beautiful ways to decorate your home for the holidays without breaking the bank!

Savvy Vintage Post: Holiday Party Tips!

2010-11-26T11:35:00.001-06:00

Image from Robbie Caponetto

Phew, Thanksgiving is just behind us. Now it's time to move on to planning our next set of holiday events. To make sure your busy schedule doesn't keep you from celebrating, here are some savvy tips to help you throw an awesome holiday dinner party:

Savvy Tip #1: Make a list and check it twice! Decide in advance what you want to serve your guests so that when you go to the grocery store you don't over spend.

Savvy Tip #2: Shop till you drop! At least 3 weeks before your dinner begin shopping for your supplies. Many items will be on sale in the days/weeks leading up to your party so stock up on the necessary items in advance when they're less expensive.

Savvy Tip #3: You don't have to do it all! Not everything you serve has to be from scratch. Look for items that will save you time in the kitchen but not compromise the look, feel and taste of your dinner. Examples include marinated meats and store bought desserts.

Savvy Tip #4: Plan ahead! Make or pre-assemble as much of your meal in advance as possible. Many sauces, dressings, and dry ingredients can be mixed hours or even days ahead of time. Staying ahead of the curve will help you to enjoy your party.

Savvy Tip #5: Be prepared! Disaster can strike when you least expect it. Should you burn the main course or leave a key ingredient out of your world famous dessert, make certain you have a back up plan. Mixed nuts and gourmet cheeses, simple pasta dishes and decorative cookies all can be a life saver. Keep the pantry stocked with a few of these items and you'll never be caught off guard.

Savvy Tip #6: Relax! When the doorbell rings and you welcome your first guest, forget about all the craziness leading up to that moment. If you're at ease your guests will be too and that's a big step toward a wonderful dinner party!

Savvy Wedded Wednesday: Real Thanksgiving Wedding!

2010-11-24T11:08:00.001-06:00

Images from Intimate Weddings (Photo Credit: Gwyneth Colleen)

Sean & Sarah's wedding took place in North Wallace, Nova Scotia, Canada. The couple wanted to have an intimate Thanksgiving wedding in the country, and they sure got it!

Sixty-eight guests attended the private affair, off the beaten path in a farmhouse belonging to the brides aunt and uncle. The groom's father played the bagpipes at the ceremony. Afterward, guests indulged in a traditional Thanksgiving meal, tore up the dance floor in rubber boots (it was pouring), and enjoyed a dance play list designed by the couple themselves. A cousin of the couple designed and made their wedding cake, while family helped put together decorations made from colorful leaves found along the property.

Savvy Fashion Finds: Gossip Girl Finds from Thanksgivings Past

2010-11-23T10:52:00.001-06:00

Images from Zimbio

If you're a Gossip Girl junkie, you know things have really heated up this season! And with the cast members impeccable taste, we thought we'd take a look back at some of the fabulous Thanksgiving fashions they've sported in the past. We know you've got your menu all planned out by now, but don't forget to wardrobe yourself fashionably. After all, the 'dressing' should be more than just the sauce on the table!

Here are a few things we love for Thanksgiving fashions:

Tights, tights, and more tights! Think patterned, thick, and in warm hues
Velour, corduroy, and satins. Mix the fun elements of fall into your wardrobe for a holiday-yet-chic appeal.
Scarves. Don't forget this classic accessory that keeps you warm and adds a little pizazz to your outfit.
Sky-high boots. A must for the season, get yourself a great pair of boots to elevate your height and show off those legs!

Savvy Show & Tell: Fall Pumpkin Celebration!

2010-11-22T10:22:00.001-06:00

Images from Hostess with the Mostess (Photo Credit: Kristen J. Portraiture)

If you're like me, you probably still have some beautiful pumpkins garnishing your doorway. When we saw these ideas from Katie Grace Designs (for the City Cradles Fall Celebration Challenge) on having a Fall Pumpkin Celebration, we couldn't help but smile thinking about how we could revive our Halloween decor to look fabulous for our Thanksgiving guests. 'Feast' your eyes upon these ideas, and hear firsthand what Katie did to make such a beautiful display out of the season's best rustic decor elements:

Pinecone Chandeliers
Hay Bale Dessert Stands
Cinnamon Popcorn Balls
Falling Tea Leaf Bar
Pinecone Cupcake Toppers
Mini Pumpkin Pies
Pumpkin Trifles in Mason Jars
Burlap Banner
Fabric Backdrops

For more details and recipes, visit Katie's blog.

Savvy Vintage Post: Last-minute Thanksgiving Ideas!

2010-11-19T10:06:00.006-06:00

Thanksgiving is about family, comfort, togetherness, and an opportunity to reflect on what we're most thankful for! This year, allow yourself to enjoy the day with stress free with these inexpensive entertaining ideas:

Create a tablescape that is beautiful and reflects your personality. It's easy to do when you incorporate items from your home (think picture frames, wire baskets and heirloom china) and elements from nature (think acorns, fall leaves and pine cones).

Image from Yellow-Board

To dress up your table without a big expense, create your table runner out of fabric purchased from a craft store. Both burlap and flannel work well for a rustic look. Measure the length of your table and purchase the needed yardage. Fray the edges or tuck them under for a more polished look.

The same technique can be applied with napkins. Plaid flannel can be purchased in many color combinations to compliment your table theme.

Image from Crafts for All Seasons

Forgo buying expensive napkin rings and create your own. Look for wonderful pieces in the floral department of the craft store that can be turned into a beautiful holder. Try using the plastic decor items that would normally go in a wreath such as gourds, birds, or branches. Since they're usually mounted to florist wire they'll twist easily around a napkin for a perfect look!

Image from Fotobank

Even for casual dinners, make everyone feel as if they're the guest of honor by making place cards. Using construction paper, a felt tip pen and miniature pine cones each guest will feel extra special when they sit down to eat.

Savvy Segments: Thanksgiving Projects for Kids!

2010-11-18T14:47:00.006-06:00

Images from Family Fun, Craft Knife, & Crafts for All Seasons

This Thanksgiving, find ways to get the kids involved in the planning that will not only keep them entertained but also teach them valuable life lessons. What more could you be thankful for?

The Original Pilgrims & Indians: Make sure your children know the history behind our Thanksgiving holiday. Whether you purchase a book for them to read or you share our country’s rich past orally, plan activities to reinforce the ideas.

Have the kids make Indian headbands and Pilgrim hats using construction paper, scissors and a glue stick.
Let them churn their own butter. It’s a great way to teach kids about the origins of food! You’ll need heavy cream, a mason jar with lid, a marble, a couple of medium size bowls and a little elbow grease! To view the specific steps for this project check out this instructional video for How to Make Butter.

Little Helping Hands: Let the little one’s lend a hand in the kitchen with the food prep and setting the table.

Set aside small bowls and dishes that your child can use for creating the kids meal. For example, use miniature ramekins for side dishes. Let your child prepare them and pour in the ingredients for your famous mac & cheese or green bean casserole.
Ask your child to set the kids table. Teach them the proper way to set a place setting. You’ll need a plate, dinner fork, knife and spoon, dessert fork and spoon, water glass and/or tea glass. Don’t forget the napkin!

Get Crafty: Designate a crafting area where the kids can create fun items while the adults are visiting.

Ideas include: a gratitude book (children list the top 5 things they’re thankful for), table confetti (using craft punches and construction paper to create their own table confetti) and place mats (have precut sheets of butcher paper along with stickers, makers and glue sticks so they can design their own place mats).

Keep them active: Set up an outdoor scavenger hunt in your neighborhood.

Give the kids a list of 10 items they must find in the area. Provide them with a paper sack so they can easily haul their finds back to the house.

Savvy Fashion Finds: Fancy Shorts!

2010-11-16T14:47:00.006-06:00

Images from Womens Wear Daily (Kyle Ericksen)

Tired of wearing a 'little black dress' to every fun soiree you're invited to?

Toss your traditional garb to the side and change into a glamorous pair of fancy shorts. Silks, sequins, lace, and prints, all of the winter shorts we're seeing are fashion-forward. Wear them with tights for a pulled-together look that shows off your legs while still keeping you warm. Finish the look off with a structured blazer, silky blouse, and sky-high heels and you're ready for a night of sheer class.

It's like Hollywood Glamour mixed with a touch of sass, the perfect look for any holiday party.

Savvy Wedded Wednesday: Rustic Glam Wedding Inspiration!

2010-11-10T13:13:00.001-06:00

Images from Style Me Pretty (Eternal Reflections Photography)

How do you turn a quant little fishing pond in the prairies of Alberta, Canada into the perfect setting for a rustic glam wedding? Just ask Jennifer Bergman Weddings and PinkPolka Wedding Design , who were dying to collaboratively capture the warmth of the prairie landscape in Autumn. Here's how they did it:

A Rustic Prairie tablescape harmonized natural and artificial elements with vintage and modern flair.
Eternal Reflections Photography found a quaint fishing pond just outside of Edmonton- a perfect fit.
In order to let the beautiful Alberta countryside shine through, glass was selected for the tabletop.
Self-cut the stumps of wood from a family tree farm to hold the glass top; rented acrylic ghost chairs created the modern touch.
The focus was on layers and textures with a neutral palette for the flowers. The floral designer then filled the double-paned glass table with rustic floral elements, lace, vintage pearls, and a cameos. Everything was trimmed in lace for a romantic edge.
Guest favors were scrumptious individual servings of bread pudding.
The team sprayed lace patterns on cylindar glass vases with white floral paint.

Event Design and Styling: Jennifer Bergman Weddings and PinkPolka Wedding Design / Photography: Radelle from Eternal Reflections Photography / Floral Design: La Piazza Dasee / Stationary Design:PinkPolka Wedding Design / Chairs & Dinnerware: Special Event Rentals / Models: Jill Billingsley and Levi McIsaac / Hair and Makeup: Perugia Salon & Spa / Bride’s Gown: YBF2 / Bride’s Ring: Georgie Designs / Clutch: Bella Fiore / “Love” Hanger: The Painted House and More / Groom’s Suit: Vintage Ralph Lauren / Custom Made Tie: Tie Obsessed / “Edmonton” Cufflinks: Arete

Savvy Fashion Finds: J.Crew Spring Preview!

2010-11-09T12:35:00.001-06:00

Images from Women's Wear Daily

As a lover of all things J.Crew, I was elated to be able to take a sneak peek into the spring collection. The luxe yet casual pieces are their signature look, and they've taken that look to whole new heights for their next collection. Trends they are talking about: sequins (duh!), maxi skirts, electric colors, shorts and sweater combination, and VP of Women's Design, Marissa Webb's favorite Day-Glo orange lipcolor. The team was inspired by abstract painter, Hans Hoffman, making their modern dressed-up pieces with a casual twist all the more enticing.

What this means for my events is another great excuse to add the glam and rev up the fancy factor. sequin details and pops of color provide the perfect springboard for punchy and modern weddings ahead. Calling all adventurous and J.Crew-loving brides!

Savvy Show & Tell: Nicole Miller's Day of the Dead!

2010-11-08T11:33:00.006-06:00

Images from Elle (Len Lagrua & Greg Morris)

Fashion Designer and megabrand Nicole Miller says her secret to eternal youth is throwing lots of parties! In this months Elle, she was featured throwing a Day of the Dead party, a Mexican tradition the first and second day of November whereby revelers parade from house to house drinking tequila and meeting at the graveyards at midnight to celebrate the departed.

Known most for her perfection of the body-conscious cocktail dress from the 80's and printed silk ties, the other side of Nicole is a mastermind of parties. She hosts up to twenty parties a year and absolutely loves posting recipes on facebook and Twitter (i.e. "Nicole's Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie!" and "Nicole's Baked Clams with Chorizo!" Somehow she finds time for all of this in between designing multiple collections, eye-wear, fragrances, a bath and bed line, and penning a book on entertaining.

Nicole set the dinner table for 35, using brightly-colored papel picado banners to line the walls and mats woven in Oaxaca and painted skull tiles to set each place. The bar is piled high with pork tamales, chocolaty chicken mole, homemade tortilla chips, and a giant margarita glass lined with sliced limes, filled with spicy chipotle shrimp skewers.

Here are Nicole's pointers in Elle for hosting the perfect party:

Put the place cards on the table after all guests have arrived. "That way, if someone doesn't show or someone brings an uninvited friend, there are no embarrassing moments."
Have a table that can be expanded or made smaller to avoid any holes or crowding.
Always have a theme cocktail, "but don't drink too many yourself," says Miller.

Savvy Wedded Wednesday: Jennifer and Mark!

2010-11-03T16:07:00.004-05:00

Images taken by Lisa Lefkowitz and found on Snippet & Ink

We saw this Durango, Colorado wedding on Snippet & Ink's blog and wanted to share with our fabulous brides. The wedding took place at the brides' family home in Colorado. To make sure guests were as cozy as can be, the couple offered blankets, flip flops, and lavender-scented bug repellant. The escort cards were displayed in gorgeous ornate frames trimmed with their signature pale blue. Signature cocktails were mint juleps and centerpieces were filled with apples and branches from the property. Gorgeous flowers included peach garden roses, passion vine, andromeda flowers, acorns, and pears. The brides mother even baked small chocolate layer cakes, which the florist adorned with acorns and flowers.

Here are her fabulous vendors:

Photography: Lisa Lefkowitz

Planning: Rebecca Reategui Weddings & Special Events

Flowers: Ariella Chezar

Stationery: Janel Claire Design

Calligraphy: Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls

Tent / linens: Zephyr Tents / La Tavola Linens

Savvy Segments: Fall Decorating with Pumpkins!

2010-10-28T10:11:00.008-05:00

Image from Country Living

With Halloween upon us and Thanksgiving right around the corner, now is the best time to decorate your home with pumpkins and gourds. I’ve got some great decorating ideas that are fast and easy and will make your home look perfect for the festive season:

Dress up your front door with a pumpkin topiary!

Purchase Cinderella pumpkins, the ones that are flat and will stack well, in graduated sizes and place them in plant stand or urn.

You can add the numbers of your address or your initials with acrylic paint, to really enhance the look.

Savvy Tip: If your largest pumpkin is smaller than the opening of your plant stand, try placing Styrofoam or a glass bowl upside down in the opening of the planter to elevate the pumpkin. You can cover the elevating material with moss to hide it if it shows.

Image from Common Ground

Add some fun light to your fall table! Let the pumpkin take center stage this holiday season with beautiful pumpkin candle holders and vases.

To create a pumpkin candle holder, start with Jack Be Little Pumpkins.

You’ll also need small tea light candles, a fine tip marker and a serrated knife.

Place the tea light over the top of the pumpkin and using the marker draw the outline of the tea light. This will serve as your guide for cutting.

Carefully cut along the line with serrated knife about a 1” deep. The tea light should fit snuggly inside the candle.

Image from The Examiner

Add some texture to your floral arrangements! Pumpkin vases are easy to create and make stunning centerpieces. I prefer to work with Small Pie Pumpkins because of their size and uniform shape.

You’ll need a serrated knife and a scoop (a metal measuring cup works well or an ice cream scoop will do too!).

Using the knife carve into the top of the pumpkin, about 4” in diameter. Use the scoop to clean out the “guts” of the pumpkin.

Savvy Tip: Don’t forget the seeds can be roasted for a nice fall treat! Place a small glass in the bottom of the pumpkin and arrange your flowers.

Image from Country Living

Stenciling pumpkins is the adult version of pumpkin carving! I love the look of a stenciled pumpkin, so fresh and modern. The best pumpkins for this craft project are white Valenciano pumpkins. They come in a variety of sizes but small to medium are the easiest for stenciling.

You’ll need acrylic paint, fine tip marker, small paint brushes and stencils.

Savvy Tip: To find a sentcil, Google the specific image and add the word silhouette. For example, if you want to stencil a lab puppy, Google: lab silhouette. This should bring up silhouettes that are easy to trace onto the pumpkin.

Once you have printed the image, cut it out and then use the marker to trace the image onto the pumpkin. These lines will serve as your guide for painting.

The small brushes and acrylic paint should be used to fill in the image.

Happy Decorating!!!

Savvy Fashion Finds: MS dresses Bette Midler for Halloween!

2010-10-26T17:56:00.003-05:00

Images from The New York Times (Casey Kelbaugh)

We figured there couldn't be anything more fashionable this week than talking about Halloween fashions. And when we saw that the NY Times ran an article about the awesome Martha Stewart dressing Bette Midler for her annual Hulaween ball on October 29, a benefit that raises millions for the New York Restoration Project, we couldn't help but share!

Bette Midler has been a charade of disguised characters at her party in the past, including a tarantula, a nurse, a bloody chef, and a 'chubby' rose. But Martha seems to have bigger and better plans for Bette this year- a weeping willow tree complete with long billowing branches lined with twinkling lights and crystals.

The two taped an episode that features a clip about the actual costume, to be aired tonight on the Hallmark Channel. Martha worked her magic digging through marabou and ostrich trims, bolts of velvet and silk fabrics (compliments of Kevin O'Brien), flower and bug brooches, and the works. The base of the ensemble will be fabric, with feathered branches attached to a stretch corset rising over Bette's head.

Think you've got a great costume for Halloween? Send us your pictures and you might be featured in next weeks' Halloween fashion recap!

Savvy Show and Tell: Emily Elbert!

2010-10-25T17:34:00.005-05:00

Images from Emily Elbert

On sunny days like this, we love to crank up the music in the TWE offices and dance around the room. We absolutely adore Emily Elbert, an up-and-coming artist based out of Boston.

Born and raised in Texas, Emily fell in love with guitar when she was only 15. She set her sights on Berklee College of Music and began winning awards. Most recently, she was named one of Glamour Magazine's "Top 10 College Women of 2010." Now a Berklee junior, she's played over 350 shows internationally, including Scotland, Puerto Rico, Saint-Barthelemy, and Peru.

She's known most on YouTube for her version of the great Michael Jackson's "Thriller."

She just released her second album, Proof, in September of this year- showcasing her strong and deep melodies, straight-to-the-heart vocals, and intricate guitar work. If you're looking for some great workday music to get you through- be sure to check into her work on Myspace or on her website!

Savvy Segments: Spook-tacular Halloween Party Ideas!

2010-10-21T11:40:00.012-05:00

Images from Joanne, Martha Stewart, & Crystal Head Vodka

Here at Tara Wilson Events we love Halloween so we've pulled together some spook-tacular ideas to help you throw a haunting party for your ghostly friends!

Halloween isn’t just for kids. Get the adults in on the ghoulish fun with a crafty invitation. The blood splattered and wax sealed invitations from the Martha Stewart Holiday line are sure to set a “come if you dare” tone for your party!

Create a “spook-tacular” welcome for your guests right at the front door by incorporating a skeleton and other eerie objects nestled alongside fall mums and pumpkins.

It’s an “enter at your own risk” kind of party when you’ve tricked out your lights by installing flicker lamp kits that will make your guests think your house is haunted. These are easy to find at retailers such as Target and Wal-Mart.

You can make even non alcoholic drinks frightful by adding beverage labels. I love the ones from the Martha Stewart Holiday collection.

Craft some food that looks gross but also tastes great! Freeze cocktail shrimp in a round glass bowl to create the look of a human brain. Serve it with Bloody Mary cocktail sauce! Other food that will make your guest go “ekk” includes: chicken fingers, tomatoes stuffed with mozzarella and topped with black olives (for eyes) and even racks of ribs!

Spike your drinks to make a frightful cocktail including a Brain Freeze or a Cranium made with Crystal Head Vodka.

Brain Freeze
1 1/2 oz. Crystal Head Vodka
1 1/2 to 2 oz. Pure lime juice
1oz. Simple syrup

Combine all the ingredients with ice in a blender. Blend until ice is well crushed. Serve in a sugar rimed rocks glass garnished with a slice of lime.

Cranium
1 1/2 oz. Crystal Head Vodka
Cranberry juice
Grenadine

Pour Crystal Head vodka and Cranberry juice over ice in a tall glass. Add splash of Grenadine (unstirred) on the top. Garnish with blood orange slice.

Savvy Wedded Wednesday: An NYC Elopement!

2010-10-20T11:09:00.001-05:00

Images from Brooklyn Bride

We love the idea of a romantic escape to the fabulous New York City for an elopement. And, since we don't find too many of them captured as lovely as Danielle and Gregor's via Brooklyn Bride, we had to share!

NYC's recently renovated court house and private wedding chamber were the backdrop for this excitedly anxious couple. Meeting their photographer just a day before the wedding, and a good friend of the grooms who supplied pearls for the 'something borrowed, they had to risk it all to perform this operation smoothly. Wedding bands made out of NYC quarters, updating their facebook status' on camera, and having complete trust in a local florist and photographer are something that the couple will never forget. Just perfect!

Savvy Fashion Finds: Faux Fur!

2010-10-19T10:30:00.005-05:00

Images from Nordstrom

With a nip finally in the air, it's time to raid your closet and 'fluff' up your outerwear selections. We love the new faux-fur looks that are taking over this winter- from leopard prints and faux-chinchilla to faux-wolf and rabbits, these gorgeous jackets take the guilt out of buying their genuine counterparts. So whether it's a coat, a vest, or even just a wrap, you've got to warm yourself up this season in pure fashion.

Some of our favorite chic-yet-affordable add-ins from above can be found at Nordstrom. And don't forget- for all of you Rachel Zoe fans- to check out her awesome collection at QVC!

Savvy Show & Tell: Going Away Party Ideas!

2010-10-18T15:26:00.010-05:00

As someone who appreciates finding inspiration anywhere, I was really impressed to find that a business source was putting out fabulous party ideas just for fun. Change of Address is a website dedicated to helping people seamlessly change their mail delivery preferences to a new location. What's better is that they've shared a few going away party ideas to celebrate your new change of address. Below are a few of our favorites, if you want more ideas, click here:

Image from Charlottes Fancy

The Amazing Race theme. If you are a fan of the TV show you know that the contestants get clues and then race to various destinations (in order to get their next clue). I would recommend using clues that are special to the person or family that is leaving. A possible destination might be the scene of their first kiss, the place where they got married, their favorite restaurant, etc. In order for this to work and not be too chaotic the guest list has to be relatively small and people that will know the answer to the clues.

Image from Imprintables

Cruise Ship/Nautical. As your friend prepares to sail off into the sunset you can send them off nautical style with a cruise ship theme (there really are few places that are more fun and wild than a cruise ship). So this basically means lots of retro furnishings, nautical attire, and some really watered down mixed drinks made of every kind of fruit imaginable. Bon voyage!

Image from Hot Ref

Vegas Party. Okay, so one place that is full of chance and may actually represent the gamble being taken in real life is to throw a Vegas party with card games, slots, and the works. There are normally several places to rent a Vegas party that will include gaming tables and people to run them for you.

Image from Talida Bakes

The New State/Region Party. One really popular idea is to theme your party based on the city or State that the person will be moving to. So if your friend is moving to Seattle, WA you should find as many authentic things as possible about Seattle and put up posters, statues, etc. that represent Seattle. This is a great way to combine some of the old with some of the new in a proper send-off.

Image from Babble

Flashback Party. You can have a flashback party where people wear what they used to wear when they first met the guest of honor and then bring tons of photos that reflect their times with them. Ideally this is a second print or digital copy of the pictures that the guest of honor can take with them

Savvy Segments: Fall 2010 Wedding Trends!

2010-10-14T09:40:00.002-05:00

Images from Stacy Reeves, Branching Out, & Waxpaper Design House

Fall weddings are just starting, but it's never too late to add in that extra special detail. Every bride wants to be on point with the trends on her wedding day, so here are a few great trends that we’ve identified at Tara Wilson Events to bring glamour and personality to your special day:

Dress Bliss: It’s all about you and the dress you select for your grand entrance. The hot trend for fall comes straight from the bridal runways with glowing shades beyond just white. It’s all about color like blush and champagne. We can’t stop talking about the show stopping gowns from The Bride’s Room.

For the Birds: This savvy trend was made popular by our fictional bride Carrie Bradshaw, who made sure that feathered accessories are here to stay. These beautiful head pieces are replacing the traditional veil and are becoming on both brides with long hair and short.

Set the Tone: The invitation may set the tone but the bling and embellishments make it unforgettable. Brides for fall 2010 are adding broaches, ribbons and boxes to the traditional engraved stationery to punch up the guest appeal. We love the beautiful fall collection from Waxpaper Design House!

Naturally Gorgeous: Nontraditional color palettes are showing up in floral designs across the country. Burnt orange, shades of grey and olive greens, muted earth tones like creams, blush pink, pale terra cotta, rust and shades of green are the hottest trends in bouquets. Brides are also pushing the design envelope with more natural elements. We love how Branching Out incorporates raw cotton bulbs and airplants – a plant that lives on air alone!

Cheerful Toasts: Gone are the days of only serving wine and champagne at the reception. Brides are opting to treat their guests to tasting bars. Our favorite is the scotch tasting bar with Dalmore Scotch, of course. Pair it with cigars and you’ve got a happy crowd of men!

Sweet Endings: The newest food trend is the sweet ending of mini donuts. Made in miniatures and served with warm coffee, these sugary treats are a huge hit with all late night parties. Savvy brides know to turn to Nancy Dee’s Lil’ Bits Mini-Donuts for any reception in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Making Memories: The biggest trend for fall is in creating lasting memories with photography. While some brides are still doing the Trash The Dress shoots, brides in the know are moving to the Day After photo sessions. While the shoot doesn’t normally happen the day after, usually it takes place following the honeymoon; the bride and groom don their formal attire and travel to exotic locations to capture amazing images. Our hearts skip a beat when we see the gorgeous photos that Stacy Reeves captures…especially this Day After session that took place in Paris! How romantic!

Savvy Wedded Wednesday: Hotel Roger Williams!

2010-10-13T14:30:00.003-05:00

Images from Hotel Roger Williams

Calling all NYC and destination brides! Hotel Roger Williams, affectionately known as "The Roger," is located in NYC’s fashionable Murray Hill neighborhood and has poised itself to be the destination for brides and grooms and their guests during one of the most memorable times in their lives.With its views of the Empire State Building and proximity to the best of what Manhattan has to offer, The Roger provides the perfect home away from home for the happy couple, their friends, and family on the big day. The hotel has created an exclusive wedding package which provides each couple with unprecedented, customized service, including a Wedding Concierge!

Located on 131 Madison Avenue, "The Roger" provides a number of special amenities and upgrades when a bride books a room block. Check their savvy site for all the fun details!

Savvy Fashion Finds: Love your Louboutins!

2010-10-12T14:09:00.010-05:00

Images from Womens' Wear Daily

When we got a sneak peek at Christian Louboutin's spring 2011 collection, we couldn't help but gawk. Known for his ability to make every woman's legs look their best, the spring season collection looks like it will be no exception.

Why are we tempting you now, when you're just pulling out your fall boots? Because we know that you'll want to work a little harder this fall for that bonus to get out and buy yourself a pair of these va-va voom chasseurs!

In creating events, it's the details that make it pop; in savvy styling, it's the shoes that make the outfit!

Savvy Show & Tell: Give Thanks in Style!

2010-10-11T13:43:00.005-05:00

Images from Fresh Press

Fresh off the Press at Fresh Press, we can't help but share these adorable Thanksgiving invitations, greeting cards, and wrap labels. These well-wishing pieces remind us to stop and give thanks, especially for festive pieces of mail like these.

It's time to get your family together by spreading the joy this season. Whether your taste is traditional or modern, you'll find your grateful match at Fresh Press. What's more, the matching address labels give a little extra life to your letter. And with catchy phrases like, "birds of a feather dine together," you're sure to put a smile on everyone's face.

Visit Fresh Press now through November 14th, and you can save 15% off your order simply by using the code: GOBBLE.

Savvy Vintage Post: Rogue Creamery Cheese

2010-10-08T11:50:00.001-05:00

Photo by Justin Bernhaut

We can all feel the start of fall coming on, and this photo makes me want to throw open my windows and embrace the great outdoors! For your next fall party, try serving some cheese from The Rogue Creamery in Central Point, Oregon. They make some of the best cheeses...especially their blue cheese. You can put a big slice on your favorite sandwich, have it along side some some crisp pears or add a bit of blue cheese to your next homemade apple pie.

If you've got questions about cheese and wine pairings, send them my way. I am a self-labeled foodie!

Savvy Wedded Wednesday: Concarta Wedding Toppers!

2010-10-06T14:50:00.001-05:00

Images from Concarta via Blush Events

For a Savvy Wedded Wednesday...Wow!...we are in awe of the creativity and detail that go into each and every customizable paper wedding cake topper, courtesy of Concarta. Specific bouquets, character details, and pets are all part of the custom decor that really make your cake take center stage.

The cake toppers can be used to celebrate a wedding event of any kind or even an anniversary. With price points between $100-$150, it's a savvy accent- or gift- for any bride.

Each cake topper is handmade entirely with paper. The base is a wooden ring covered in paper. It’s a charming conversation piece and will inspire many oohs and aahs during (and after) your wedding. Place it on top of your wedding cake...or use it as a table decoration to call attention to a guest book, gift table or seating chart.

Savvy Fashion Finds: Working the Flea!

2010-10-05T16:30:00.001-05:00

Images from The Star Telegram

You'll swoon when you see Fort Worth's newest eclectic shop, Working the Flea. Chalked full of architectural antiques, repainted furniture, lamps, bedding, and a whole lot of decor, the shop has a spirit all on it's own.

The owner, Gail Smithey, previously worked for three years as a vendor at Chiffoniers nearby, and her taste has been described as "impeccable and quirky- with staying power." Shoppers love to know the history of the items, and Smithey is notorious for sharing where she got everything and the story behind it. The name for the store originated from Smithey's own love for working the flea markets to accent her own home.

Some special items to highlight in-store include pillows and frames by Texas-based Consuela, birdhouses with rotary beater steeples, kitchen utensils embellished with spurs and longhorns, angels made from vintage door key plates, and Sweet Pea linens.

Need something fun to fluff up your nest? Working the Flea is the perfect place to find it.

Savvy Show & Tell: "Jetsetter Mini" at the Pillow Bar!

2010-10-04T13:52:00.004-05:00

Image from The Pillow Bar

Who doesn't love the idea of a customizable pillow? One that has the exact fluff and shape to help you doze off into dreamland within minutes...

That's why we're excited to announce that The Pillow Bar has introduced the perfect travel companion to cradle your head and support your neck with the perfect amount of cushy goose down comfort. Comprised of a luxurious 300 thread count cotton sateen protector, a lavender sachet, 650 Hungarian goose down, and an embroidered washable protector, this Jetsetter Mini is well worth it's $75 price tag.

The pillow measures 12 x 12 in a neck-hugging shape that fits easily into a purse or briefcase and is perfect for a holiday or corporate gift. The Pillow Bar offers eight different sizes of pillows, ranging in cost from $70-$360, including aromatic sachets and monograms. There are two locations in the area that offer the free-standing bars- one in Dallas at The Linen Boutique and one in Fort Worth at Inside Out Designs and The Pleasure of Home.

Savvy Friday: Cafe Modern Now Open!

2010-10-01T10:00:00.001-05:00

Images from The Modern

Don't forget that the Cafe Modern opens it's doors today, October 1st, to showcase the new Cafe Modern Bar. The cafe will now be open for dinner every Friday night.

This weeks First Friday event includes a live performance by Three if by Sea, new artist-inspired cocktail selections, and dinner in the Cafe Modern. If you're interested, a docet-led, twenty-minute tour of the galleries is available at 6:30 p.m.

For dinner reservations and information, call 817.840.2157.

Savvy Segments: Prepping for the Perfect Picnic!

2010-09-29T14:17:00.014-05:00

Images from A Beautiful Mess and John Autry for Cooking Light

Now that the temperatures have begun to drop and the leaves are starting to turn, it's time to take to the outdoors and enjoy the season. While most of us are already sneaking out for the occasional lunch break on the patio, it's time to kick it up a notch and get more in touch with Mother Nature. I can't think of a better way to do that than a fall picnic!

Here are a few ideas to help you prepare for the perfect fall picnic:

Keep it Covered: A traditional plaid blanket is essential. If you haven't found the right one to invest in yet, get creative. Printed tablecloths or quilted bedspreads can serve as a great substitute. Not only is a blanket a great way to mark your territory, it also helps to keep the underground critters away from your food and the dampness of the earth from ruining your fabulous picnicking outfit.

Bug Off: So small that we almost always forget about them, bugs can end up causing a big stink at your picnic if you aren't prepared for them. Be sure to bring plenty of bug spray so that you and your fellow diners aren't the main course for airborne insects. If the location you select allows, consider bringing bug repellant candles so that your food stays fresh.

Set the Mood: No one expects you to have your full dining room table decor spread out on the grass, but a little special touch here and there can make your picnic stand out. Bring some thermoses full of fresh flowers to set up casually around the food. If it's windy, they may even serve as weights to hold down the blanket corners.

The Essentials: Of course you need to have a fun picnic basket, something you can pick up at any local craft store. Include stem-less wine glasses that will sit flat on the ground, cloth napkins to add a touch of elegance and also to be eco-friendly, and finally metal plates- paper ones aren't sturdy, or romantic for that matter.

Picnic Fare: Always stock up on items that don't have to be refrigerated, such as a Caprese Salad, Prosciutto, Pear and Blue Cheese Sandwiches, Black Bean Hummus, and Gourmet Caramel Apples (see recipe below). As for beverages, think red wines such as a Pinot Noir from Oregon or Spiced Apple Cider served cold.

Tara’s Gourmet Caramel Apples

8 Fuji apples

1 package of caramel squares

1/2 package of melting chocolate

1/2 package of white melting chocolate

4 Heath bars (crushed)

8 wooden candy sticks

Wash and dry the apples. Insert the wooden candy sticks in the core of the apple via the stem side. Set aside. Unwrap all the caramel squares and place in a microwavable bowl. Melt the caramel according to the instructions on the package. Dip each apple individually in the melted caramel making sure to coat them evenly. Set the coated apples on wax paper or a cooling rack. Melt the white and dark chocolate according to the instructions on the package. Using a spoon, drizzle each chocolate over the apples. Sprinkle with the crushed Health bars. Enjoy!

Savvy Wedded Wednesday: Scratch-off Save-the-Dates!

2010-09-29T10:12:00.001-05:00

Images from Archer Printshop

Remember how much fun it was to scratch-off tickets with a penny to see if you were the lucky winner? Leslie Hamer from Unless Someone Like You has brought the exhilaration back in a whole new way with her customized scratch-off save-the-dates.

You can choose from any of her trendy designs and customize a color palette that is the perfect match for your wedding style. Let everyone take part in the bridal bliss by giving your wedding save-the-dates a mysterious edge!

Savvy Fashion Finds: The Fashionable Kitchen!

2010-09-28T09:52:00.006-05:00

Images from Home Depot

With her own kitchen serving as the utilitarian inspiration, Martha Stewart has just debuted her own special order line of kitchens- including everything from cabinetry, hardware, and counter tops.

Her designs can be found exclusively at Home Depot. As of now, the cabinetry line comes in 11 door styles and a plethora of wood finishes. Creative details include pegged dish organizers, roll out shelves, and cookbook pop-outs. There are 32 styles of hardware, including finishes in Bedford Nickel, Polished Nickel, Bedford Brass, Bedford Satin Brass, Soft Iron, and bronze with copper highlights. Her corian counter tops come in eight colors and are the perfect compliment to the cabinets.

Her dream is that anyone can create a custom, affordable kitchen in a very fashionable way. Is there any dream Martha hasn't achieved? I say, keep on dreaming Martha...I love what you're creating!!!