‘Tis the Season … to Party!

If you are anything like me, you can’t wait for an opportunity to host a few close friends for a night of fun. If you are not one of those people, I hope you don’t have family deciding to crash your house this holiday season. Whichever category you fit into is awesome; well not if you actually have to host 10 people for the first time. Whether your hosting or attending, here are my favorite holiday Festivus party tips:

1) Keep it simple. As host, there will be plenty of other prep for you to do. If you already have decorations for the holiday season, chances are you don’t need to buy more for this occasion. 

2) Take all help you can get. The holiday season is busy … for everyone! If a friend offers to bring something to your event, let them. Even if you have done all your shopping, an extra bottle of wine never hurt! 

3) Make a list & check it twice. Take this tip from Old Saint Nick. I have time and time again gotten half way into a recipe and realized I didn’t have something on hand. A second glance at your shopping list before hand will save you a grocery trip 10 minutes before guests arrive. 

4) Have fun! As a host sometimes people forget to relax and enjoy their own party. Make sure you spend some time with your family and friends. After all, thats what this season is all about. 

What are you favorite holiday party planning secrets? Share yours in the comments!

Happy Planning.

~DS

Stress Free Party

The August 2013 Redbook got me thinking about the idea that you do not need to spend hours planning the perfect party. An article highlights a “Pack a Party Kit” which allows you to host anyone without stressful planning. Having tossed together numerous gatherings, I wanted to share some of my favorite, no stress party essentials.

1. Cute straws or something to set each glass apart. It’s okay to pull out standard glasses when you are hosting & you don’t need anything more but, if you have something it is fun to dress up your everyday cups for friends.

2. An easy snack. I prefer to keep a multigrain cracker at home and pick up a block of cheese on the way home when I entertain. If you have a favorite non perishable snack, that will work just as well!

3. A deck of cards. We all have at least one full deck, somewhere, right?

4. Paper plates & napkins. These seem silly to keep around but they can come in handy for easy clean up. {My mother used to send me packages, stuffed with a few of my favorite things. I would make a stink that I never needed any of the extras, like plastic wear and St. Patricks Day themed plates, but I digress. Those throw away items were great to have on hand! It may have been halloween when I used shamrock decorations but I was thankful for them!}

5. An easy cocktail or microbrew six pack. Jameson and ginger-ale; bourbon and lime juice. Anything you prefer will do. Just throw some ice in a glass and your ready to party!

You just need a few items to make any night a party night. Do you keep anything on hand as quick party essentials? Leave a comment with your favorite stress free party items!

Happy Planning!

~DS

Something Blu

The latest issue of Modern Luxury Brides has hit Chicago streets. With over 350 pages this magazine is bursting with ideas for Chicago brides to be. If you have not picked up a copy, I highly recommend it to anyone looking for inspiration on their upcoming nuptials. I would venture to say that more then half of the pages are advertisements. Local planners, florists, ring insurance and everything in between — there is no shortage of luxury wedding services in Chicago. After my initial read one ad stood out in my mind. While I personally enjoy unique, non hotel spaces for events this ad may have changed my attitude toward the hotel ballroom venue.

Catchy right? This advertisement is for the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago. Located steps from Wacker Drive this building was completed in 2010. At three years old there is something to be said for the buildings already rich history. Fun Fact: This is the tallest skyscraper in the world to be designed by a female architect. Among other amazing achievements it is one of the only buildings in the world to have a song written after it.

Their something blu(e) is quite simple & creates an easy check for those who are looking to take on the traditional wedding rhyme of what the bride should wear. Many people are unfamiliar with the fifth line of the poem, which dates back to the late nineteenth century:

“Something old,
something new,
something borrowed,
something blue,
and a silver sixpence* in her shoe.”

*Do not worry if you don’t have a sixpence lying around, the modern alternative is a silver dollar.

Happy Planning!

~DS

Quick Tip Thursday

Don’t force a cookie cutter wedding. Your wedding should reflect who you and your partner are as a couple. Forget about fitting the mold. Be your own bosses during the planning & choose details that make you both truly happy. In the end this day is about you and the one you love, not what others are expecting.

Red, White & Blue

Growing up I remember looking forward to the fourth of July celebrations around town. Barbecues, games in the yard, and an explosion of red, white & blue. I’ve come up with a few easy ways to jazz up America’s birthday. Don’t worry most of this stuff you can find right in your pantry!

Have you ever dyed rice? Sounds simple enough, right? It is. Grab some white rice, food coloring and vinegar. You can find a recipe for dying your rice right here.  Once you have created your red and blue rice you can fill a vase in different layers of your colors.  I like this example with an American Flag. A white daisy would also look great!

For those looking to add even more stars and stripes here is another tip. Instead of filling your garden with harsh chemicals and toxins opt for a decoration using flour. That’s right, head to your baking bin and grab white flour to add some stars to your lawn!  Free hand a star in a pizza box or enlarge a template onto poster board. Then you can sift or dumb the flour using the template right onto your grass or walkway!

Depending on how much your lawn is used during your event, you may be celebrating till the next rain storm.

Happy Planning!

~DS

Quick Tip Thursday

If your DIY’ing any part of your event its okay to ask for help. Whether you are a crafting master or just looking to shed some out of pocket expenses there are plenty of ways to create beautiful do-it-yourself events.  Friends and family will be likely to pitch in if you create an exciting outing for them.  Have an envelope stuffing party with your bridesmaids or set up crafting stations for your cousins to help with favors. Serve wine and simple appetizers – and some eighties hair band music!

Happy Planning!

~DS

E & S June 16th, 2013

I hope everyone enjoyed their Father’s Day & happy belated to all the dads out there. I spent my Sunday with a gorgeous bride and her family. I wont bore you will all the elaborate details but I wanted to share a little something!

When I first met with the bride I knew it was going to be a gorgeous event. The reception was held at the Chicago Cultural Center, which was the original Chicago Library. Located in the heart of downtown the Cultural Center is the home to the worlds largest Tiffany glass dome. You can read more about the building and its history here.

Tiffany Dome – Chicago Cultural Center

The space needs very little decorations. The bride wanted centerpieces that would add height but not take away from rooms original elegance.  I was hesitant about the design she had in mind, but once they were place and lighting was set they looked stunning.

The couple hosted a traditional ten course family style Chinese meal for their 220 guests. There was no shortage of food. In fact, by the second course most of the centerpieces were moved out-of-the-way to make room for all the platters! More on this later.

After a full day of prep this wedding turned out to be an evening to remember. The bride was thrilled with the turnout of the evening & that’s the best compliment I can get. As my dad always says, “Happy wife, happy life!”

Happy Planning.

~DS

Quick Tip Thursday

Not all parties are created equal. If you are struggling to find the perfect venue for your event it’s possible you’re still thinking inside the box. A growing trend for events is to workout instead of going out. Gyms, yoga studios and even running groups are offering active alternatives to the traditional party. Consider hosting a private yoga class for your bachelorette or find a local running tour for your friends birthday!

 

Bonus Tip:

If you live in Chicago*, check out my friends at City Running Tours for an experience you wont want to miss!

*CRT is also available in Austin, Boston, Minneapolis, NYC, Philadelphia, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle & Washington DC.

Father’s Day Centerpieces

Happy Monday!

With Father’s Day heading our way this weekend, I wanted to share an adorable centerpiece I recently found.  My dad and I will be spending fathers day 1,000 miles apart. In honor of him & his favorite sport, here is an easy centerpiece for your Father’s Day table!

Photo and inspiration from Jac o’ lyn Murphy

You can fill any vase or bowl with a token of dad’s favorite sport or activity.  If you have golf tees lying around those are also an option!  Fishing bobbers and hooks would look great too.  The flowers add height and an element of spring to the table. There is no right or wrong when your designing a centerpiece. Use what you already have & be creative.

Happy Father’s Day & Happy Planning.

~DS

Quick Tip Thursday

Take notes! When you are attending an event and notice something you love or hate – jot it down. Keep a journal, iPhone notepad, or spreadsheet of event details that catch your attention. Inspiration can come from anywhere. I can’t tell you how many times my own notes are from restaurants & friends.  The more information you gather can help focused your own event!

Happy Planning.

~DS