Holiday Parties . . . Time's a wastin

Who doesn't love a good Christmas party. I know I know. All that great food that we have all come to expect each Christmas/Thanksgiving season.

As fun and fabulous as parties are they can be stressful for the host. My best advice is to make a plan. Decide in advance what you will serve, how you will serve it, when you will prepare it and when you will purchase it.

If you aren't into cooking, then just go buy it from your local grocery store and then present it on decorative serving pieces.

I really like a good check list. Without a list I will probably forget something. Have you ever cooked a large meal and then left a side dish sitting in the fridge because you forgot to put it on the table. So make a list, it will keep you from going "aw snap, I forgot to put out the______."

You want to enjoy your party so think of a creative way to keep from being the clean up crew. Make sure you place trash cans around that are visible, but not obtrusive, if you are using disposible products. You can place trays for guest to put dirty dishes on or as you're picking up have a designated, but slightly hidden place to put all the dirty dishes. It may be as simple as screening off an area of your counter to pile high dishes and then tend to them when your guest leave.

Enjoy your parties!

a fun holiday favor . . .

Have you ever had a chocolate dipped spoon? Recently I made several for an evening dinner party. All you need is clear plastic spoons, almond bark(chocolate & vanilla) and toffee bits. Oh, and wax paper to set them on.

Here's what to do . . .

Melt either chocolate or vanilla almond bark according to instructions. Dip each spoon in bark and place on wax paper. Sprinkle toffee bits on top. I chose to dip them in chocolate, let them dry and then dip them in vanilla leaving some of the chocolate exposed, then I sprinkled them with toffee bits and then I striped them with more chocolate and vanilla almond bark.

It's a fun and simple treat that can be used to add a hint of chocolate and/or vanilla to your coffee or other hot drinks.

I hope you try it and enjoy it. It's very easy. If you plan to give them as gifts place each in a small clear bag and tie.

July 25th

On this day, July 25 in the year 2009 a certain girl woke up and realized "it's my wedding day." She has spent months preparing and taking care of every detail from what food would be served at the reception, how the ceremony would come together, and even making sure her skin was flawless for this one day. Because, this day, she has dreamed about for years.

That same morning a certain gentleman woke up and realized he was getting married that day, though fully confident in his decision to marry this girl his stomach still had butterflies. He knew that this marriage was plotted out in God's plan for his life. He had found the women who he could love and cherish and who would partner with him and fully love and support him in his calling.

She readies herself in a white sundress to attend the traditional Bridesmaids Luncheon at the Fairview Inn. Immediately following she goes to have her makeup done and then it's off to the church. Meanwhile, the groom heads up to the church to enjoy time with his groomsman at their luncheon.

The photographer, Erin Fults, arrives and it's time for the bride and groom to get dressed and then take their "first look." (Traditionally, a bride and groom would not see each other until she walks down the aisle, but many couples are now choosing to take all their pictures prior to the wedding so they have more time to visit with guest at the reception. That's why they do a "First Look." The couple can take a moment for themselves.) At this point all the pictures have been taken and guest begin to arrive. It's time for the ceremony to begin.

As Seth awaits at the front for his bride, the bridesmaids and groomsman enter to How He Loves by John McMillan and as the song builds so does the anticipation of the entrance of Amanda. As she enters, the words of this song sends a message to the crowd that this union is built upon the foundation of Christ love for His children. The ceremony combined traditional elements such as communion,the unity candle, Scripture readings with non traditional music selections.

The Bride was beautiful in her lace covered gown and carried a bouquet of bright, colorful roses and lilies. Her maids were dressed in clover colored tea length dresses. The Groom and Groomsman were dressed in distinguished, but simple tuxedos.

The reception was held in the fellowship hall at the church. The food and the flowers all done by Wendy Putt and I must mention it was delicious and beautiful. Another special touch added by the bride was an Ice Cream Bar, each guest could take their pick of chocolate or vanilla ice cream and pile on their favorite toppings. For a hot July wedding there is just nothing better than a waffle bowl full of ice cream.

As the day came to an end Mr. & Mrs. Seth Price were showered with rose petals as they ran out of the church and were whisked away in an antique Ford Fairlane. What better way to end this dream wedding day.

Congratulations Seth and Amanda! It was a pleasure to be a part of your wedding day!

People Flow . . .

What!??? Yes, flow. For those do-it-yourself weddings and events it's very important to think about People Flow as you decide the set up of tables, buffet lines, drinks etc. Ask yourself a few questions before you get started.

1. Where will most people enter from?
2. Will people enter in groups?
   
3. Is anything obstructing their preferred walk way?
4. What is the most natural way to walk through the space?

After you've answered these questions you can then think through your set up. Below are some elements to keep in mind.

1. What is the focal point?
2. Will this set up create a bottleneck?
3. Does it make sense?

A good event planner can help walk you through the thought process and come up with the best alternative.