Wine down with a Wine Party!

I love wine; give me a glass of Moscato any day of the week, to relax after a hard day at work. Better yet: Why not throw a  wine party for close family and friends? Let’s just not make this any old wine party; let’s put some excitement into this one! Have all of your guests bring over a bottle of wine they have never tried, choosing a wine label that best depicts their personality. You’ll be floored with what people come up with! Serve light appetizers: cheese, crackers, shrimp, and fruit. As for the decor, wow your guest with a beautiful candle-lit room, decorated with a touch of flowers. If you’re like me (I love little details!), take corkscrews and use them as name stands for table settings or food labels.  Your wine party will be a hit, and, I promise you, your guests will go home trying to mimic your wine party.

Yellow & Black Baby Shower

I recently did a friends baby shower with yellow, black & a touch of damask. I was very pleased with the turn out, it was beautiful! The mommy to be loved all the details, her name on water bottles, thank you tags on the favor and the touch of bumble bees hovering over the flower arrangements.

Chocolate & Pink Shower

It is so hard trying to come up with new ideas, I had to put my thinking cap on for this one. My client requested chocolate & pink for a baby shower but she wanted something different. Then it hit me, coffee beans as the filler in side the vase! I also did a candy bar as the favors, guest made a bag as they left. Enjoy and I hope I inspired you tho think out side the box...

Everything Bella Photographe

So Ive caught the photography bug and I now have a blog spot for my photography. Check out my work!

EVERYTHING BELLA PHOTOGRAPHE

Location, Location, Location

Before you start brainstorming about your next event, you have to figure out the the perfect location for your fabulous party. You will need to figure out a few details:

• Budget: Your budget will help decide the location and other details of planning your party.
• Guest List: The amount of guests will determine the size of the space you require.
• Party Theme: If you are making a theme for your party, it is best to find a venue that will accommodate the look you seek.

Personalized Party Locations
When planning a party, keep in mind that you don’t have to stick with the space restrictions and rules that apply to formal venues like weddings. Pick sites that you have seen and loved. Try a park, old movie theater, wineries, your local club house, restaurants, a family member’s home, or the beach, to name just a few.

Unique Party Themes
As I described in one of my earlier posts, try a red party, or whatever color you love. Try a masquerade party, a Hawaiian theme, or a costume party. There are so many themes you can enjoy!

Stick with your budget. If your venue is a little pricey, try doing  DIY projects to cut costs. That will help you afford your favorite venue.

Don’t forget to enjoy yourself!

Save on your cake!

When I was planning my wedding, I saw this beautiful cake. I knew it was the one I wanted – it would look beautiful after it got blinged out! I did a tasting and obtained a few quotes – the asking price was $600.00. Goodness, that’s a whole lot of money! Time for plan B. So I went to the local grocery store and gave them a picture of my inspiration. I ordered a cake from the grocery store for 80 people, even though we had 100 guests. This cut the price down by almost $300.00! I went to Costco, and bought a sheet cake for $20.00 to feed the rest of our guests. The local grocery store cake was just as tasty and my guests had no clue. For your next event, consult with your local grocery store baker; you would be surprised at how much you can save.

Tips on planning your next Event

When ever I am planning a event I love to plan ahead. I love to get my self organized so I can figure out all the details when it comes to the decor and yummy food.

Here's a time line I like to follow:

2 weeks

• Figure out my guest list and confirm
• Decide what type of menu
• Decide your decor and colors
• Make a to do shopping list

1 week

• Finalize shopping list
• Try a mock up (set up your table and see if it looks how you imagined)

Few Days Before

• Compete food shopping

Day before

• Set up table and decor
• Prep your foods

Few hours before dinner

• 
  
  Check table setting
• 
  
  Prepare finger foods 

45 mins to 30 mins

• 
  
  Reheat appetizers
• 
  
  light any candles
• 
  
  Serve drinks and appetizers as guest arrive
• 
  
  Reheat main meal

This easy time line helps me every time, it keeps me on task and allows me to enjoy my guest. I hope it can help you as well.