Monday Mag: Holiday recipes,

Every first Monday of the month is Mag Monday around here.  That's the day I tell you about my favorite stories, post my favorite pictures, finds or "loves" from that months magazines.  Since the holiday season is upon us, this Monday Mag post will include some thanksgiving recipes, my "likes" and leftover ideas.  As a bonus I want to encourage you to drop by Ms. Event Ettiquette's Blog and see what she has to say regarding being "The Perfect Guest".  Her knowledge and passion for event etiquette will help you through your social party season.

Now on to the Mags!  Barnes and Noble is one of my favorite Quick Treats to myself.  I love stopping in to view all the latest magazines, books and journals!  This quick stop cost me nothing (If I don't buy anything), but gives me a little me time in between picking up my kids, running errands and working. 

Okay, I normally don't do People, because I'm not into gossip, but I wanted to see the details of Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake's wedding.  I think they are a FAB couple, but the article about their wedding did not contain pictures that focused on the wedding details, but after reading the article I can see their special candle lit ceremony and traditional Italian reception was one to be remembered .

Their first dance looked magical! Jessica's pink Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown was dazzling! The traditional Italian seating at the reception was inviting and all the laughs displayed what a wonderful and relaxed time the newlyweds and their guests had in Puglia, Italy for this great celebrations.  Congratulation Jessica and Justin!

Now, I don't consider myself a professional foodie, but I'm close to it!  If you're stummped about your Thanksgiving Day meal just pick up any of the November Issues of a food magazine and you will have a hard time trying to decide  on the direction of your menu!  Bon Appetit has The Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving game plan that will not only get you started, but help you plan your Thanksgiving meal from beginning to end! There are some great recipes, clear instructions and suggestions in this article, but my FAVORITE part is the table setting!  I think it is just as equally important to make the table look as good as the food your going to be eating.  Check out this picture below!

Fine Cooking is full of great receipes.  I'm especially tempted by this beautiful rack roast instructional provided in this issue.  After reading this article you will know how to buy, cook and carve different cuts of holiday roast.  Now that great information.  If you're participating in any cookie swaps this year you might want to check out this mag for decorting ideas!

Martha Stewart's Every Day Food has a few prepare ahead sides recipes I want to try for my at home Thanksgiving Day meal. What makes this issue stand out from all the other food mag November issues is that they give some fantastic ideas for left over Thanksgiving Day after sandwiches.

Architectural Digest has been one of my favorite magazines since I was a child.  My grandmother would aubscribe to this magazine every magazine drive fundraiser my school offered.  I watched her appreciate the architectral design Tino Zervudachi has in his entrance hall are Super Fabulous!

Fashion Friday: Mira Mira

WOW! I love this look! This would be a great second dress for a bride or if you're not scared of doing your own thing it could be worn as the main dress!  It's so chic, but classy.  Modern, but feminine.  Flashy, but stylish! This Mira Mira beauty is so fabulous that it could be worn again, after the wedding.  Maybe to an all white summer party or an elegant fundraiser under the stars or on a classy evening out! This dress is versitile!

Make your own fashion statement!

Jennifer

Giving Thanks

Every calendar holiday our HOA (Home Owners Association) decorates this high traffic path in our community.  I enjoy driving home and passing each of the holiday reminders, but this display is my favorite.  It usually goes up in early October and stays through Thanksgiving.  It reminds me of harvest time, of change, new beginnings and makes me think back on the year and how thankful I am to have such a wonderful family, friends and readers!

I just want to take this time to say Thank You! Some times we get so caught up in life's day-to-day duties that we don't look at the big picture! This display, although fun and welcoming reminds me to STOP, REFLECT and give THANKS.  

So happy November ALL!  Enjoy this month of gatherings, good food, laughter and fun but in the mist of it all don't forget to give THANKS!  



The Importance of a Wrap up Meeting

Wrap-Up Meeting - A scheduled gathering of key players involved in a specific event to discuss the final details.  To confirm all orders, schedules; To ask questions and get answers to unanswered questions; To organize the final details of the event.

You've completed all the pre-planning and the event is four to three weeks away.  It's time to sit down to cross your "T's" and dot your "I's" .  If you have a planner they will assist you in handling the following.  If you have been planning a DIY event then this is for you.  (Suggestion, you need to select a point person that will handle the details on the day of the event so you can enjoy your guests.  This person should attend your wrap up meeting/s). 

What happens or is addressed at a Wrap-Up meeting?

• Meet with your catering manager to discuss final details, room diagram, final guest count, vendor arrival time, load-in location and event timeline.  This will ensure a smooth running event.
• Confirm your final guest count and menu with your caterer.  This allows your caterer to order enough food, beverage and rentals for your event.
• Confirm orders with your linen, florist and rental company to confirm your final orders.  We want every table to be beautiful.  A missing centerpiece, table setting or odd linen denotes an oversite and shows poor planning.  You've put a lot of time and effort into your celebration and we want it to show.
• Turn over all items for event day to your coordinator or point person for set-up.  These items need to be on site at time of set-up.  If you do not plan on being in attendance when rentals are being delivered then you need to give these items to the person in charge of the day of event production prior to set-up.
• Make sure all vendors, including entertainment, photographers, photobooth personal, etc., contact information is correct and exchanged at this meeting.  Not only will this save time on the day of the event if they need to be contacted, but their correct information is needed to verify contract obligations, make any needed adjustments based on final guest count and send over timeline and room diagram.
• Verify load in time for vendors and parking restricts or fees that may apply.  From a vendor perspective, not knowing where to park, being misinformed of load-in time restrictions or not having the cash to pay for parking can delay the set-up of your event and cause you to incur overtime fees if this information is not shared.
•  Ask all and any questions you may have.  In this meeting you walk through your event from beginning to end.  Questions are sure to come up so make sure ALL your concerns are addressed.
• Let your coordinator know of any special presentations, speakers, acknowledgements or last minute changes and additions that you have planned or anticipate.  Your coordinator needs to know every single detail of the event.  Wardrobe changes, special songs, poems, etc. Nothing is too small.  All of these events add to your timeline and affect the flow of your event.  The less unexpected changes or additions you have the smoother your event will be.  Plus you will prevent overtime fees!

The type of event you're planning, combined with your personal details will determine what needs to be addressed at your wrap up meeting and the lenght of the meeting.  Typically these meetings run 1 1/2 to 2 hours minimum depending on the number of activities and event details involved in your celebration.  No matter what type of event your planning be sure to schedule a wrap-up meeting. 

Happy planning!

Eventfully yours,

Jennifer 

Be Inspired: Fall is HERE!

Photo Credit

I love the fall! All the orange, brown and warm color combinations!  The smell of apple cinnamon, pumpkin's everywhere, the fireplace, leaves....it's a great time for gathering and hanging out with family and friends.  It's also a fun time to decorate the house for this festive season of giving and sharing.  Look at some of the items I found at Pier 1 on one of my resent inspiration trips. 

I love how inviting the table is with the pumpkin's at each place setting.  What a treat to be able to fill them with a warm soup or a sweet treat!  The leaves are a nice contrast to the brown table and really bring the outdoors in.  Even though the leaves are artificial the variance of color make them appear as REAL leaves!

It's such a treat to browse the aisles as your mind gathers all the pictures your eyes continue to snap and put them together for a dinner party, a pop of color in the living room or mark an item just plain cute like those owls! There was so much to be seen.  You'll have to go and check it out yourself! 

My visit was short and sweet, but I'm happy to report I did not purchase new dishes this time!  Just enjoyed a lot of eye candy!

Be inspired,

Jennifer

Do I need an event planner or will my venue planner due?

Great Question!  Glad you asked.  Many host fail to realize that a coordinator that works for a venue is in place to protect the interest of the location. Their job is to first secure new business for the venue, secondly to protect all interest of the venue and thirdly to make sure you enjoy yourself so you will refer potential clients to that location.  Is this a bad thing? No.  I just want you to know that an independent event planner's job is to provide professional guidance "throughout"  the planning process.  That means in regards to budget, best vendor for you (not on my list), family advice, professional experiences, event theme, color, etc., no matter what your event needs are, we are there to assist.

Yes, the venue coordinator will check on you and see if you need anything, yes, they may provide you with a list of  "limited" vendor contacts that have worked at their venue and yes, they will smile and make you happy, but are they going to help you create your vision or an original event that reflects your personality? Are they going to listen to you and see what vendor will best fit your personality, budget and style? Are they going to help you with printing needs?  Meet with you off site? or Can you call them at 9 pm and expect an answer? You have to compare apples to apples and determine what you really want and need for your event.  You can't simply say, "My venue has a coordinator, so I don't need an independent planner". 

You'd be surprised at some of the things myself and my colleagues have done to preserve our clients day that were not included in our contractual agreement.  One colleague explained, "After witnessing the florist break a lantern while attempting to place it on the beautiful candle lit aisle during setup, I  had to send an assistant to Michael's to purchase another minutes before the ceremony!" I personally can recall a time after accompanying a bride to her final dress fitting we could not get her beautiful cinderella dress in her compact car, so I returned in my SUV to pick it up for her the following day.  We are our clients representation.  We collect all your event items, handle set-up and strike so you, your family,  friends and colleagues can enjoy the celebration.

Now you're aware of the difference right?  If you have any questions please feel free to leave me a note!

Until next time,

Jennifer

Happy Summer!

     Today is the first day of summer  Happy B-Day to my Hubby!)!  It's official.  It's time to have fun in the sun!  What plans do you have for the long days ahead of us?  Between weddings, social events and planning meetings I'm working on adding a family outing once a week to our calendar.  Whether we all get in the kitchen and cook, have a picnic, or visit a museum, I'm looking forward to enjoying the extended evenings with my family!

     Take advantage of this time!  Enjoy your loved ones and enjoy the life you've been given!  It's a gift so celebrate!

Cheerfully,
Jennifer 

I Love Events!

It's our Anniversary! I've been the owner of Jennifer's Event Management Company for eight years now and I've loved every minute of it.  Of course, the sleepless nights spent on DIY Projects or amending the seating chart the night before the wedding I would gladly reschedule, but all in all it's been great! I've met so many wonderful clients, vendors and colleagues over the years and every single acquaintance has helped me to develop into the planner I am today.  Which I must say is a good one!!

Weddings.  From the eye of the bride, the guest and the onlooker, it seems that weddings are so fun and easy to plan and anyone can do it, however, my brides always thank me in the end.  We receive wonderful gifts, thank you notes and accolades expressing "THANKS" for various things they knew we handled and for those they found out we handled. Weddings are usually the most emotional event of all, since most brides have dreamed about this event since their childhood and have an expectation of what the day should look like.  Not to mention it involves so many people. 

As a planner we sometimes become the liaison between the bride and everyone else (we execute the brides wishes against all others), the best friend (we get it..we listen and laugh), the psychiatrist (we listen and offer professional advice), the escort (we go everywhere with the bride, we even hold up the dress so she can tinkle on the big day!), the consultant (we connect her with the right vendors according to the budget, style, vision and even personality) and Personal Assistant (we receive tons of emails and phone calls from you, those closest to you, and all involved in the wedding over the course of the planning).  And we love every minute of it. 

Birthdays and other social events don't involve as much emotion as weddings, so the approach to the planning is much lighter.  All the details still exist, your adrenaline still rushes as you create unique touches to personalize the event for your client. We still spend the time, include all the details, but the planning is less stressful from the clients stand point which lends to less handholding than a wedding.

Corporate Events are usually very straight forward.  The client tells you what they want, the goal of the event, the budget and event details and you make it happen.  Details, Details, Details, just like the other events, but not as personal because it's strictly business.  Decor, honorees, silent auctions, breakout room, guest speakers, fundraising, etc. make up multiple small events that creation one big corporate event.  It takes a well oiled team to produce a successful one. 

As I reflect on my experience over the past eight years I'm honored at all I've been blessed to experience. Today's blog was simply to let you know how much we coordinators love what we do and to give you a brief look at what goes into planning a few different types of events.  I look forward for all that is to come. 

Eventfully yours,
Jennifer

Who Needs an Invitation!

With all the electronic invitations available to us today I question whether or not we still need paper invitation, stamps and calligraphy!  Just Kidding!!!  I absolutely love opening the mail to find an adorable invitation to a child's party or baby shower, an elegant invite to a wedding or milestone anniversary celebration and I especially enjoy receiving a whimsical, flashy or unique invite to a birthday party.

Receiving an invite by mail is extremely personable.  It tells you your presence is being requested directly from the host to be in attendance at that particular celebration! It also shows that you've been kept up with!  The sender actually has your full name and mailing address!  It's a personal invitation for your eyes only and not a list to someones entire database or massive call to all who can attend! So when someone sends you a note via mail they've gone beyond the social call of duty!  You're special!  If you can't attend there is usually a request for a regrets via return note or phone call. 

Traditional invites show thought, expectation and gives you an indication of the feel of the event! There are so many varieties of the personal invitation.  Usually made out of some type of specialty paper or card stock but can be made of bottles, plexi-glass, wood, and other objects.  Whatever you imagine can be created!  An invitation is also the first indication of the type of event you've been invited to.  Is it casual or formal?  Is this going to be a creative gathering or a traditional fete!

Now don't get me wrong, I love the convenience of evite, punchbowl and pingg, just to name a few.  An electronic invite does not carry the same personal touch that a traditional invite does and should not be used for a formal event.  Informal gathering at the house...evite!  Game time....evite!  Small party with cake....evite!  Wedding invitations require a stamp.

Take a look at these invites below and see that they relay so much more info than an electronic message!

Mail the puzzle pieces and let the guests put it together!  So fun! 

Baby Shower Invite.  So Cute!

Sweet Potato Paper has really nice multicultural invites for all occassions!

This record serves notice of the party!

This unique invite tell me it's a Vintage Affair!

Until next time,
Jennifer

dbO Creates Dishes with Style!

I stumbled upon dbO Home while enjoying my morning dose of Daily Candy.   Being that I love to entertain dishes are so important to an event.  Now, they don't have to be matchy, matchy, but be creative and spend a little time planning out your food display, buffet table or the dinnerware you want to use for each guest.  I guarantee if you put together an unexpected but thoughtful display you will generate some good table talk amongst your visitors that won't be forced or fake. :-)

Look at these one of kind unique platters, spoons and hot chocolate cup cheers me up!  What really caught my eye while perusing the dbO site was the unique design of their dishes.  Everything is made by hand, thought out and perfected.  That's such a joy being that most items are produced in such mass quantities these days.

What a perfect gift these original items would make! What you see below is only a sample of what's available.  They have so many different designs and pieces you'll have a time trying to figure out what to get!

Platter set.

Hot chocolate cup.  Burr!



These spoons are so adorable!  Look at the bowl!



Until next time,

Jennifer!

Cupcakes and Pinterest!

Today's post is inspired by my love of Cupcakes and the creative finds on Pinterest!  Even though cupcakes have been around since the 19th Century there's not much recorded history on the little personal pastries.  The new wave of cupcake creations that took place a few years ago, when cupcakes began to make their way into weddings replacing the cake and into adult parties and corporate events was a fad that I thought would not be around for long...boy was I wrong!

Today still holding their own, cupcakes are still showing up at all types of events and with original decorations, designs and displays!  Not to mention in all kind of wonderful flavors!  Today I saw a blueberry, blackberry cupcake topped with blueberry cream icing!  I drooled as my taste buds imagined how delicious and decadent a bite would be!!!

As I searched Pinterest this morning, one of my favorite pass times that inspire creativity, I found some lovely, fun and creative cupcakes.  Take a look at these fun unique themed cupcakes.  Don't they look tasty!

Hamburger Cupcakes!  Too Cute!

I love the sharks floating around the buoy!  Creative!

A salute to all things medical!

Who doesn't love the zoo?

I hope you enjoyed this fun creative blog of cute cupcakes!

Until next time,

Jennifer

The Weekly Web Find: The Scarf Boutique



Unique!  Love it!

 It's cold outside!  As I dropped my kids off at school this morning I glanced at the thermometer to find out it was 51 degrees outside (That's cold for California)!  Being that I rushed out the house, which is normal, and due to poor wardrobe planning last night, I had no scarf! 

Classic!

However, we all know that when something is on your mind, it usually crosses your path.  So as I scrolled through my emails this morning and clicked on the Daily Candy Daily Deal, what did I find?  The cutest, fashion forward scarves in Los Angeles!  But thanks to the Internet, you can have the cutest, most fashion forward scarves where you live too! 
Chic Tweak is a scarf boutique that offers a variety of scarfs from various fashion designers that have chosen the best fabrics, created unique designs and even show you ways to wear them!  Now that's a complete package!

I love the colors in the "Peacock" design!  Winter or Spring this scarf will jazz up any outfit!

"Glamourpuss" is one of my favorite designs!  The fur piece can go from casual to dressy in an instant!

Scarfs have become an accessory in most wardrobes.  There are so many options!  Knit, silk, gingham, animal prints, fur you name it, it's out there.
So, since it's winter, I thought this wardrobe necessity would make a great bridesmaid, shower or hostess gift.  I know I would love to receive one of these scarfs even if it was just because!

Happy Friday!

Jennifer

A Fresh Start

Most of us look at the start of a new year as "A Fresh Start" or "New Beginning", but I want to refer to the start of 2012 as a time for new growth, a time of forward movement or continuation that will take us into a new chapter in our lives, businesses and relationships. It's a time to experience things we've never seen as we step out into new avenues, ventures and meet new people.

What are your goals for 2012? What do you want to do differently this year as you continue to push forward? We have so much time before us. Let's make it count!
Wishing you a happy and prosperous new year filled with peace, love and joy!
Stay focused!
Jennifer