Cupcake Mama

We couldn’t resist giving a little plug to Cupcake Mama on Mother’s Day. Not only do we love the company name, but her cupcakes are divine. You can even send an adorable box of twelve cupcakes to a special friend. I sent a “masculine” box of these to my husband many years ago and they were a MAJOR hit with he and his buddies. Check out Mama’s website at www.cupcakemama.com.

Fancy Feet

In honor of my mother, who always taught me that a great pair of shoes can make an outfit simply spectacular, we’re spending this lazy Sunday compiling a montage of photos of our favorite footsie finds. Whether you’re going to your best friend’s house for a dinner party, going to a glitzy city wedding, or picnicking on the beach, every event deserves YOUR best foot forward. So, enjoy.

Derby Days

Talk about class, fashion, tradition, and proper southern hospitality–the Kentucky Derby is the epitome!  It would be a mistake for us to not showcase the Derby–a party in and of itself.  From wide brimmed hats, to red roses, to divine cocktail dresses, speeding horses and delicious libations, the Kentucky Derby is a fantastic representation of a well planned, well executed, and entertaining event.  If you’re watching the Kentucky Derby today, you may be hosting your own themed party.  So we thought we’d post two of our favorite recipes to kick-start your day.

Start with Bobby Flay’s modern twist on the traditional Derby drink…the Mint Julep. We think his “Blackberry Bourbon Julep” is a party must-have.  Here’s what you need:  1 pint fresh blackberries (washed and drained), 8 tablespoons super fine sugar, 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1 big bunch of mint leaves, crushed ice, 1 cup bourbon, and cold club soda. Mash together the blackberries, sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl and let macerate at room temperature until juicy, about 20 minutes. Strain the mixture through a sieve, into a bowl, pressing against the solids with a spatula, and discard the seeds.  Place 1 1/2 tablespoons of the blackberry mixture into a mint julep glass, add 8 mint leaves and muddle together. Fill with crushed ice and 1/4 cup of bourbon and a splash of club soda. Garnish with sprigs of mint and repeat this process to make 4 drinks. Sip and savor!

If you drink your way through these events, you might be in need of some food.  Our favorite Southern bite is a tea sandwich.  We love Martha Stewart’s fancy and unique twist on this traditional treat.  What you need: 3 one-pound loaves of white sandwich bread (unsliced, if possible), wasabi/lemon and salmon cream cheeses, tea poached chicken, 1 large seedless cucumber sliced thinly, 1/2 pound sliced smoked salmon, 2 1/2 ounces fresh salmon roe, 1 ounce black caviar (optional), 3 to 4 ounces of baby leaf lettuce (shiso or other), 1 bunch fresh dill, 1 bunch fresh chives, 2 to 3 tablespoons black sesame seeds, 2 to 3 tablespoons white sesame seeds.  Trim crusts and slice into 1/2 inch think pieces. Spread each slice with cream cheese. Arrange ingredients on the bread in a decorative pattern. Use the small greens to tuck in between layers. Sandwiches look best with salmon, chicken and cucumber on the outer edges of the bread, overlapping slightly. Get artistic with your creations…and then savor and enjoy!

For more fun Derby party finds, go to www.kentuckyderbyparty.com. Enjoy this year’s “Run For The Roses.”

Wedding Showcase

We want to invite our friends, followers and fans to start submitting wedding photos.  If you are interested in having your real wedding featured on Cocoa Belle Events, please email me at vanessa{at}cocoabelleevents{dot}com and include the following:

• Your name/Your fiance or husband’s name/Wedding date and location
• A short description of your wedding and your inspirations. Tell us about any do-it-yourself projects you incorporated into your wedding details and how you infused your own sense of style into your big day.
• A list of wedding vendors (photographers, catering companies, florists, etc.).  Photographers are especially important to include so we can give proper photo credit if we choose to publish your event. 
• A series of 10-15 of your favorite wedding photos. Photos should be submitted as jpg’s or via a web link. Please be mindful of our email server and yours, and send larger photos in smaller groupings. If you are interested in submitting photos via DVD, please let us know.

We look forward to seeing your submissions.

Oh baby, baby!

We’ve had a few requests to write about baby showers, so we’ve finally caved.  I mean, how can you resist babies?  Here are a few fun ideas.

A fun invite…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Pick a colorful invitation on a simple card stock. Wrap a corresponding ribbon around the card and tie a bow. Go to your local craft store and pick up some simple kraft brown boxes, fill with a layer of candy–bright colors preferred.  Place the invite on top of the candy, place the lid on top and wrap with another bow, if desired. It’s best to hand deliver these invites due to the sweet treats, which will either shift or melt…not so cute.

Favors!

 

 Blume Box has some adorable favor ideas.  Some are even multi-purpose (place card and gift).  They are colorful and fun. Purchase various sizes at www.blumebox.com.

 

 

 

Darling gift for the mom-to-be…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’ve seen some diaper cakes, but this one topped the list–it’s so colorful and coordinated. Take note!

Super cute centerpiece…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Isn’t this centerpiece fabulous? And even better that it’s easy to assemble, right? Take flower foam, soak it–but not too much– and stick on your favorite flower. Wrap it like a gift with a coordinating ribbon and you’re done.

Irresistible food service idea…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ok, isn’t this the most adorable, creative idea? We thought so. Just hollow out a watermelon and fill with your favorite fruit salad. Pin the wheels (orange slices) on with a grape tipped toothpick.

Great games…

One of our new favorites is “bottle bowling.” All you need is a long hallway, ten empty baby bottles, a tennis ball (pink or blue if you can find them), and a scorecard. Strike, spare, who cares? This interactive game is a hoot!

Another favorite is “bottle chugging.” Yes, that thing you did in college. This game might be a great option for a co-ed shower, where some bottles could even be filled with beer (for those NOT expecting, of course). Fill baby bottles with milk, juice, sparkling cider–whatever your fancy–and have everyone stand in a line with their bottle (with nipple attached). Yell “go” and the person who finishes first, wins!

And finally, “spit the binky,” another interactive humorous game. Have your friends form a line and give each one a pacifier to put in their mouth. You guessed it…see who can spit their binky the farthest wins.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter to our Cocoa Belle Blog followers.  We hope you have a wonderful weekend with family and friends.  Happy Hunting (for Easter eggs, of course)!  But if you’re hunting for simple, easy-to-assemble centerpiece ideas, check out four fun ideas below from Martha Stewart.  We think they’re fabulous, and even the kids can partake in the creation process! Photos courtesy of www.marthastewart.com.

 

A Modern Twist

WOW!  We’re exhausted, but overjoyed.  The Friday night Art Museum Gala went off without a hitch.  Events like these make our job so enjoyable.  We want to take a moment to thank vendors like PassionFlower, Campus Catering, Premiere Valet and West Coast Event Productions.  Here are a few photos of the spectacular event.  We hope these not only provide you with inspiration, but a deep appreciation for this truly magnificent venue.  To book events at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, please call (541) 346.6491. 

Champagne and Diamonds

Please join Cocoa Belle Events in celebrating 75 years of fabulous art and culture at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art this Friday, April 3 from 6-9pm.  The evening’s celebration, hosted by University of Oregon President, Dave Frohnmayer, will consist of multiple musical performances, elegant 7-course revolving hors d’oeuvres, and libations to lift the spirits.  Each guest will have a chance to win a 1 ct. diamond from Skeies Jewelers.  Valet parking is provided.  If you are interested in attending, tickets are $150 and you may reserve your spot at this fabulous event by calling (541) 346-6413.

Tips on Tipping

Should I tip my event staff and vendors?  This question rarely comes up in conversations I have with clients.  That’s probably because rules for tipping tend to be somewhat loose in the 21st century.  But an event is much like any other service you pay for…like getting your hair cut, or taking a taxi to a restaurant.  When someone provides you with a valuable service, it is polite to consider tipping them for their time.  Tipping is just another way of showing appreciation and respect for someones work.  In the events world, custom dictates that you don’t have to tip the following, though if someone has done an especially wonderful job, you may want to offer a gratuity or simple gift: florist, photographer, videographer, baker, stationer, wedding planner, religious officiant, organist, soloist or alter boys.  Below are some guidelines which are meant to assist you in your planning efforts, however, we do understand each situation is different because of varying social and regional customs and standards.

Caterer, Maitre d’, Club Manager, Hotel Banquet Manager.

Plan to tip anywhere between 15 and 20 percent of the total food and drink bill. But pay close attention, gratuity for these service providers is often worked into the food and beverage or hotel contract.

 

Waitstaff.

Plan to tip 15 percent of the total food bill for the waitstaff.  But again, be aware of your contracts, because this cost can be built in.

 

Bartenders. 

Just as you would tip 15 percent to food service staff, bartenders should receive the same amount.

 

Reception Musicians/DJ.

Some believe this is not necessary.  But for a majority of the events we plan, the band or the DJ plays an integral role in the success of the event.  If they can work the crowd and get people dancing without being offensive or annoying–they have contributed tremendously to your event.  We believe that each musician and/or DJ should be paid about $25-$50 each.

 

Limousine Drivers.

More often than not, gratuity for this service is built into the hourly rate, but check before you sign any contracts.  If it is not included, expect to tip about 15 to 20 of the total bill.

 

Delivery Truck Drivers.

Plan for about $5 to $10 per driver.

 

Valet Parking Attendants.

Standard practice would be about $1 to $2 per guest.  However, some believe $1 to $2 per vehicle is sufficient.  Just make sure you alert your guests with a simple sign that reads “Gratuities have been arranged by the host” so your guests don’t feel obligated to tip as well.

 

Powder Room and Coat Check Attendants.

Plan to give 50 cents to $2 per guest and again, remember to put up a sign so your guests are aware of the arrangement.

 

Hairstylist and Makeup Artist.

Plan to give each about 15 percent of the total bill.

 

When tipping, it is always gracious to add a short note of thanks to each vendor.  Sometimes it is best to write these notes in advance of the event because on the day of, thoughts may slip your mind in the hustle to get things done.  And as always, we suggest that after the event dust settles, it is important to send a hand written note to each vendor or service provider.  A tremendous amount of labor goes into planning and executing an event, and a simple note of thanks can go a long way.

Why hire a wedding coordinator?

 

Wedding Coordinator

 

Q.  I have a small wedding budget, so hiring a wedding coordinator is not feasible, right?

A.  Actually, not exactly.  Wedding planners aren’t magicians but his/her specialties will help you in finding great vendors that marry your budget (no pun intended) and often bring original ideas to the table.  Every situation is different.  So ask yourself a couple questions…

1.  Is your wedding complicated in that it’s becoming large and elaborate? 

2.  Are you planning a destination wedding or planning your wedding from a distance?

3.  Are you far from being a multi-tasker?  

4.  Do you get stressed out easily or get overwhelmed with a lot of decision-making?

5.  Do you have a family (or in-laws) that like to stir the pot or argue for the sake of arguing?

 

If you answered YES to any of the questions above then you probably should consider hiring a wedding coordinator.  Here are the top 10 reasons you should hire a coordinator:

1.  Suggest vendors and venues.

2.  Accompany you to appointments and manage the flow of each meeting.

3.  Help you create and stick to a budget.

4.  Translate vendor contracts so they actually make sense to you.

5.  Keep planning organized and on-track.

6.  Provide you with useful tools and original ideas to make your day memorable.

7.   Serve as a third party mediator to settle any arguments related to the wedding details.

8.  Access fabulous linens and table top decor for a reasonable cost.

9.  Give you a safety pin on your wedding day when your bustle breaks.

10.  Manage last minute, stressful details that arise on the day of the event.