A Shopper's Paradise

Tomorrow is Black Friday and the official start of the holiday shopping season. There are sure to be great deals for everyone on your Christmas list. Also for those of you in the midst of wedding planning, this is the optimal time to shop for the members of your wedding party. Be sure to get out early to beat the crowds. Happy shopping!

Dressing The Table 101

Once again it's that time of year, when family and friends come together to express their gratitude for a myriad of things. Whatever you're grateful for this Thanksgiving, make sure your loved ones gather around a festively stylish table.

First up: Simply Pearfect. There is something to be said for keeping things simple. A clean white dinner plate, linen napkin and a perfect pear doing double duty as both a place card and dessert. Who knew setting the table could be so easy? No muss, no fuss.

Building on the pear setting, you could turn things up a notch by adding a linen runner down the center of the table and bowls filled with walnuts and more pears. Have the kids get in on the act by making cut-outs of their favorite leaves. Small pumpkins and candles round out the table top.


For those whose tastes lean towards more formal settings, this table is absolute perfection. The table is dressed with a gold linen tablecloth and a tonal embroidered runner. Oak leaf printed china is accentuated by an ivory napkin folded in a cone shape, secured with gold ribbon and oak leaf sprigs. Once again the theme is carried over with printed place cards and mini cornucopias. Notice how the understated silverware doesn't compete with but enhances the overall design? Your mother would be proud.


Fashionistas know metallics are very big this season. Bring a bit of the runway to your table this year. Cornflower blue sets off the golden pumpkins, while black enamel cutlery anchors this tablescape nicely.


We can't forget the kids! These tables are sure to keep the little ones entertained thru dinner. Simple white dinner plates topped with mini pilgrim ships, which the little artistes can construct themselves. A larger ship filled with nuts completes the look.


Tom the Turkey takes center stage with this table. Large sheets of construction paper can be cut to fit the table at your local craft store, just be sure to have the dimensions handy. Have the kids cut fringe along the edges like moccasins. To make this table truly interactive (and engage those with a short attention span) be sure to have crayons within reach.


And what would Thanksgiving be without a festive cocktail? The Cranberry Fizz is a definite crowd pleaser.

1 ounce Charbay ruby red grapefruit vodka
2 ounces Champagne
1 ounce cranberry juice
1 ounce black currant juice
Chill vodka, Champagne, and juices, then mix in a champagne glass. Garnish with 4 or 5 cranberries. As always, please remember to sip responsibly!

Have a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving, everyone.

Channeling My Inner Carrie Bradshaw

I have been asked by the publisher of Virginia Bride Magazine to be their newest columnist on wedding and planning trends. As you can imagine I am ultra excited about and very grateful for this new opportunity! The Fall edition is on stands now and the new issue will be available starting in February. Cosmopolitans, anyone?

Cake and Wine: A Perfect Pair

Nothing speaks to the warmth of an autumn wedding like wine. Whether it's a crisp chardonnay or a robust cabernet sauvignon, the varieties are endless and you're sure to find something for every palate. If you're having a cocktail reception, pair your favorite with a sumptuous bite of something savory. Or if you're serving a full-on meal, have your caterer construct a plate of cheeses (both hard and soft) and fruit to accompany the after dinner libations.


While we're on the subject of food and wine, let's talk about fall fare. At this time of the year, the air chills a bit and we welcome the warming comfort of more substantial food. Imagine being a guest at a wedding on a brisk October evening, the temperature has dropped enough to warrant a heavy wrap, the ceremony is over and you're headed to the cocktail portion of the evening. As you enter the room, a member of the waitstaff offers you a shot glass filled with the perfect sip of warm creamy tomato soup. Talk about hitting the spot! Now if there were bite-sized grilled cheese sandwiches, you'd be in heaven.


Should your wedding be held in a vineyard, think of surprising guests with grilled warm duck quesadillas accompanied by mango salsa and merlot.


Notice how the clean white plates set off the food's coloring? The beauty of the wine is enhanced by embellishment-free glasses. Remember, presentation is KEY!

I must admit, I am a dessert kind of girl with a serious sweet tooth. (I definitely get it from my grandfather. I'd happily forgo dinner for the perfect slice of carrot cake with pineapple, walnuts AND raisins and the richest cream cheese frosting known to man.) To carry on with the vineyard theme, this cake is the perfect offering for such a setting. Look at the attention to detail. I can only imagine how long it took to create that lattice work, not to mention those grapes.
(cake by Have Your Cake)

I also love the simplicity of this white cake with tonal scroll work. The mini calla lilies and tea roses bring the wedding's colors into play.
(photo courtesy of Tina)
You almost hate to cut these works of art but one of the best parts of the evening is eating a great slice of cake!

When it's time for you and your new hubby to make an exit, these cones of petals should do just the trick. Let's keep it eco-friendly and use recycled paper, please.
(photo courtesy of Wedding Day Art)

For a parting gift your guests are sure to love, Carafe Winemakers in Chesapeake (www.carafewinemakers.com)offers couples the opportunity to make their own wine. Be sure to choose a package that includes your choice of wine, bottles and corks, personalized labels, coordinated wrapping and processing fees and taxes. Be sure to book your reservations at least 6 months in advance.

Cheers to your lovely autumn inspired wedding!

So…What’s Your Event’s Theme?

I have always been of the opinion the best events flow from a single theme. Now this theme may include several key elements, but those elements all the serve the chosen theme. For example, an idyllic beach soiree may include the blues and greens of the Caribbean sea, pure white linens reminiscent of sailboats, dozens of conch shells and perhaps even sand incorporated into the place card table. Can you visualize the effects? Now imagine how out of place crystal snowflakes would be. See what I mean by key elements serving a single theme?

As I mentioned previously, nothing sets the tone of a wedding more absolutely than color and Autumn is one of the richest seasons where color is concerned. Let’s explore how to use color in the key design elements of your autumn fete. Nothing underscores your intentions more than your décor choices.

Often times your guests first impression of your reception will be the place card table. Imagine the sparkle in their eyes as they approach the table draped in orange shantung silk with tent-folded place cards decorated with fall foliage and calligraphy script. A stunning effect whic may be achieved without breaking the bank! (Photo by Rodney Bailey)

Picture their stunned faces upon entering the room and seeing these incredible tables. These trees are some of the most striking I’ve seen. Though they are quite simple, the effect is awe-inspiring. Notice how the trees further incorporate the design elements of the place cards. The use of leaves to line the tall vases emphasize the autumn theme. The scale of the arrangements drawn the eye upwards and does not impair conversations with your tablemates. Notice how the dark wood chairs further compliment the decor (cohesiveness is the word of the day!)
(Photo by Rodney Bailey)

The detail of the sparse branches is exquisite, echoing the elements of the season.

(Photo by Rodney Bailey)

Strategic use of the frosted golden goblets mirror the colors of the linens, but are careful not to overwhelm the vibe. The clear chargers help in facilitating a cohesive feeling. Very simple, tres chic.
(Photo by Rodney Bailey)

If you’re anything like me, nothing speaks to you more than flowers. Using several smaller scale arrangements will allow the use of more color without overwhelming the room. Notice the colored ribbon framing each square vase. This is a great way to enhance the vessel without doubling your floral budget by lining it with extra flowers!

(Photos courtesy of Wedding Day Art)

With this tablescape, the color is concentrated in the floral arrangements and highlighted by the use of crystal glassware. There is nothing to compete with the impact of the flowers. Also, for those wishing to curtail expenses or simply wish to allocate funds elsewhere, singular favor boxes with a decadent chocolate or two is an awesome and tasty alternative. Trust me, your guests will not miss the bubbles, lol!

(Photos courtesy of Wedding Day Art)

Candles are also an elegant and pocketbook-friendly way to enhance your surroundings. These pillar candles can be used on mirrored trays on the tables, or in holders in the windows. Everyone looks great in candlelight and it's so romantic! Also if they are scented (which I would avoid in the main area, you don’t want to interfere with anyone’s palate), they make a great addition to the bathrooms. I just love this rich wine color!


Take a peek at this clean tablescape. Notice the fashion forward metallics echoed in the table linen. Who says sparse can’t be beautiful? (Photo courtesy of Tina)

Next up: food, wine and cake (yum yum)

Color Me Beautiful/ Say It With Flowers

Nothing sets the tone of a wedding like color. You can use color to tie all the elements of your event together, from invitations to bridesmaid’s dresses to the cake. Being that I love color, it’s hard for me to imagine using just one for a wedding. I prefer to choose a palette of 4 colors that complement one another to bring life to an event. Since we’re discussing autumn weddings, my absolute favorites are burnished oranges and golds, deep reds and chocolate brown as an anchor.

Metallics were all over the runways at the fall fashion shows; use these striking colors as accents your seasonal shades. Think gold hand-dyed ribbon to secure the pumpkin hued invitations, programs or favor boxes. (Photo courtesy of Bags & Bows)

When it comes to flowers, I definitely follow the philosophy of bigger is better. Now, I’m not speaking of overly grandiose, hulking floral arrangements that obstruct your view of your dinner companions or keep everyone from seeing the intricate beading of your gown. I do have some modern minimalist tendencies, after all. What I’m referring to are blooms that are singularly lush and full. My favorite flower is the peony, enough said. Imagine using this beautiful sunset dahlia as a boutonnière.

This mini calla lily is perfect for those who looking for a more sleek alternative.(Photo by dasha wright)

(Bouquet courtesy of Bloom Flowers)
(Bouquet courtesy of Ariella Chezar Design)

This arrangement is a favorite for winery festivities. It's a very potent design but petite in scale as to not overpower the intricate beading of the gown. Notice the various colors of the roses work together to create a beautiful palette. Remember proportion is key!
(Photo courtesy of Lorraine Patricia)

Next up: décor and place settings.

The Leaves…They Are A-changing

Autumn is my most favorite of all the seasons. You’re given a reprieve from the sultry humid days of summer and the earth once again regales her inhabitants with the changing of the leaves. I absolutely love this fabulous time of year! Gone are the afternoons spent wilting in the summer sun waiting for the bride to walk down the aisle while your makeup runs in rivulets down your face. Also you can say goodbye to the ultra feminine, almost virginal pastel hues that come along with summer celebrations. Now don’t get me wrong, I love pink as much as the next girl, but I’d happily trade pink roses for these sultry parrot tulips any day.


For me, the autumnal shades of chocolate, burnt orange, gold and deep red are so robust and awe-inspiring. Over the next few posts, I’ll explore all the components that go into producing an autumn fete your guests will remember for years to come.

It’s all about location, location, location. As with real estate, a truly fabulous event begins with location. Naturally the majority of your design elements will take their queue from this most important factor, its surrounding environment. There are a wealth of choices: ballrooms, tents and of course vineyards. You’ll notice I’ve left off the garden option, here’s why. To me, unless you live in a tropical or continually sunny locale, garden weddings are for the spring and summer when the blooms are at their best.

Now, it is time to be practical. I know, I know…weddings are all about dreams, fantasy and whimsy however one must be realistic when it comes to budgetary concerns. If you have such concerns I highly recommend holding your wedding in a ballroom, regardless of the season. In a proper hotel ballroom (yes, there is a difference), you have the luxury of built-in architectural elements from which you can build.
(photo courtesy of the Mandarin Oriental DC)
Notice the recessed lighting as well as the chandeliers, perfection indeed!

Tents, which I absolutely adore, are blank slates, an event planner's dream come true by the way. Which means you’ll have to spend a great amount of resources to bring them to life. Should you choose the tent option and live where the temperatures are still rather warm in the fall, might I suggest one such as this without walls?
(Photo by Acclaimed Tent & Party Rentals)
Imagine a separate dance floor under the stars complete with an 18-piece band, just delightful.

For those who prefer a more intimate celebration, vineyard weddings are the ideal choice.
(Photo by Angie Silvy Photography)
To me, this choice reflects the abundance of the season, the fertility of the earth and the spirit of thanksgiving and gratitude for its gifts.

Next time we’ll talk colors and flowers. Can’t wait!