Quick + Easy Peony Centerpiece

I love fluffy flowers so of course my very favorite is the Peony. Peonies can be a bit pricey, but this time of year you can pick some up at a reasonable cost. An easy and quick centerpiece for an outdoor party or even wedding is to float one in a great bowl. (I picked up this copper one HERE). You can also add some floating candles for an evening soiree. Awww.....love that flower!

Kate Kelly Photography in San Jose!

My boys just did a mini-session with Katie of Kate Kelly Photography in April and the pics turned out fabulous! I can not say enough great things about Katie and her wonderful team! She was so patient with my wild and always opposite twin boys and I'm always so impressed with her work. I noticed on her blog today that she is heading down to San Jose, CA and will be offering two days of mini-sessions (June 7th and 8th) at Vasona Park. Don't miss this opportunity! Click HERE for more information on the mini-sessions in San Jose and also check out all the eye candy on her SITE. Cheers!

HiiH Gallery: Portland Handmade Paper Lantern Event Rentals

I can't believe this amazing gallery is right in my backyard in Portland, Oregon. The HiiH Gallery creates gorgeous handmade paper lanterns for residential and commercial applications. In addition, they rent the lanterns for weddings and special events. I can't think of a more spectacular way to light your event. It would also make a great keepsake of your special day if you decide to purchase the lanterns. The warm, soft glow and unique look of the lanterns would create an unforgettable experience for guests. HiiH Gallery ships throughout the US and the lanterns are durable works of art. Contact them for lighting rental packages and more information about purchasing lanterns.

Images: HiiH Gallery

70's Summer Kids Party

How much fun would kids have at a 70's Disco Inspired Summer Party? Pick up a bunch of white tees to use for tie-dying and fill the room with disco balls and tie-dye tablecloths. See below for details and menu:

Disco Ball Ornament
Hippie Invitation - Green Ink
Flower Melamine Plates
Fred Peace of Cake



Menu:
Peace Punch
Vegetarian Chickpea Burgers
Confetti Veggie Pancakes
Frozen Fruity Salad
Tie-Dye Yogurt Popsicles



Activities:
How-to Tie Dye

Images: Green Ink, CB2, crate&barrel, Cookie Magazine, fred

Memorial Day Strawberry Shortcake

Ingredients

Serves 12 to 15

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 8 ounces cold cream cheese, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3/4 cup buttermilk, plus more for brushing
• Raw sugar or fine sanding sugar, for sprinkling
• 2 pints blueberries
• 2 pints strawberries, hulled (small berries left whole, large berries halved lengthwise)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 cups (1 pint) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Make the biscuits: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a food processor, pulse flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined. Add butter, and pulse until largest pieces are the size of peas. Add cream cheese, and pulse again until largest pieces are the size of peas. Add buttermilk, and pulse until dough comes together. Transfer to a bowl, and gently knead into a ball. Cover with plastic wrap, and let rest in the refrigerator at least 1 hour (or overnight).
2. Divide dough in half. Working with one portion at a time on a lightly floured work surface, pat into a disk, then roll into a 10-inch round. Transfer to baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
3. Brush biscuits with buttermilk. Generously sprinkle raw or sanding sugar over tops and sides. Brush off sugar from parchment. Bake until dough has risen slightly and is golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes (if bottoms brown too quickly, reduce temperature to 400 degrees). Leave biscuits on sheets. Using a 2 1/2-inch star cutter, cut out (but do not remove) 7 stars from one biscuit while it is still warm. Let cool.
4. Using a paring knife, carefully remove star shapes. Reserve for snacking or another use. (Biscuits can be made up to 8 hours ahead; store on wire racks, and cover loosely with plastic wrap.)
5. Make the filling: Combine blueberries, strawberries, and 2 tablespoons sugar, and let macerate until juicy, 10 minutes.
6. Just before serving, beat cream to medium peaks with remaining tablespoon sugar and the vanilla.
7. Assemble the cake: Place uncut biscuit on a large plate. Spoon half the berries and their juices on top of biscuit, then spread the whipped cream over berries. Top with all but about 1/2 cup berries. (Make sure surface is even; it will support the top biscuit and prevent it from breaking.) Carefully place cutout biscuit on top. Fill star cutouts with reserved berries. Serve immediately, or refrigerate, uncovered, up to 3 hours.

Image + Recipe {MarthaStewart}

The Margarita - Speedy, Skinny, or Sassy

The Dangerously Speedy Margarita-
My next door neighbor got me hooked on the Jose Cuervo Golden Margarita. The ready to serve cocktail is made with Cuervo Especial Gold, Grand Marnier liqueur and lime. Throw some ice in a glass, twist off the top, and pour! Way too easy to throw a few of these back. In my friend Sarah's neighborhood, everyone has a martini house flag so they just throw out their flag when they decide to host an impromptu cocktail party. This would be a perfect item to have on hand for those spur of the moment events.

Getting ready for bikini season or just a Real Housewives of NY Fan, here's the one for you:

The Skinnygirl™ Margarita

On the Rocks

What you'll need:

• 2 oz of Clear Premium Tequila (count 1, 2 while you pour, no need for measuring)
  
  
• Tiny splash of Orange Liquor
  
  
• Juice of 4 Fresh Lime Wedges
  
  
• Splash of Grand Marnier or BOLS Triple Sec

Combine all ingredients over a glass of ice and garnish with a lime wedge

Makes one serving

The Sweet & Sassy Margarita:

This one sounds d-lish and relatively easy since you use the "Speedy Margarita":

Golden Sunset

2 cups Jose Cuervo Golden Margarita
2 scoops orange sherbet
1 cup champagne
1 splash Grenadine

Place Jose Cuervo Golden Margarita, sherbet and champagne in a blender and mix
Pour and garnish with a splash of Grenadine

Images:(Jose Cuervo, Bethenny Frankel}

Event Inspiration: Gloria Wong Design

Looking for a little inspiration or just a little pick me up? Then head on over to Gloria Wong Design for drool worthy event photos. I could sit there and look at that site for hours. I'm sure you remember Gloria from her Wedding featured at Style Me Pretty? I've been a fan ever since. I could go on and on.....but instead, just click on over and enjoy the eye candy!


Images:{GloriaWongDesign}{Anna Kuperberg}

Treats, Tips, and Sweet Finds!

As I was catching up on my Reader I came across this fabulous post from one of my favorite blogs, Ruby Press, covering their Wedding Soiree. The event was captured by Joel Flory Photography. How lovely is that candy table by Crown & Crumpet? I wish I could do all of my candy bars on that gorgeous table. Viv & Ingrid was one of the shops participating in the soiree. Besides having drop-dead gorgeous jewelry, I found these fabulous little Cupcake Keepsake Boxes on their site. If the cute little container isn't enough, you can pick a greeting or add a pair of CZ posts to complete your perfectly sweet gift!

Along my blog travels, I also found this great post on Packing for your Honeymoon at Ashley Troyer Events Blog. Great packing tips and wardrobe options even if its just a Summer Vacation!
Images{Joel Flory Photography}{Ruby Press}{Viv&Ingrid}

Swanky Deal: Beverage Server Sale

Check out these Beverage Dispensers from Horchow. So many possibilities with the two-part server filled with lemons and limes. Fill it with flowers, crystals, or seashells. The pedestal server holds 220 oz and the two-part server holds 272 ounces. Perfect for your summer party! The best part is they just happen to be 30% off today! Happy Shopping!

Image: Horchow

Swanky Spotlight: A Paper Posy

I was first introduced to A Paper Posy at the Bravo Wedding Affair in Portland. Chelsea had this amazing display of gorgeous paper flowers that are perfect for so many events. The first thing I thought of was how easy these would be to use for an event because I don't have to worry about putting them together at the last minute and transporting them. The long stemmed Posy works perfectly as markers for candy tables; just wrap a little tag around them with the flavor of candy. I also love the little Posy topped boxes, handmade and customized with a wide selection of papers. Fill the box with candy at your wedding or jewelry at your bridesmaid lunch. The Posy Pen would be great for your guest book or as a cute favor for a birthday party or corporate event. That is one pen you can not lose! I love the fact that everything can be customized to match the theme or colors of your event and you can call for ribbon and paper samples. I think my favorite collection is the BEBE(top picture), and what a perfect bouquet that would make for a new mom. You could even customize it to match the nursery since it will never fade or wilt! Not in the Portland area? Don't worry she ships! Go check out all the collections at A Paper Posy. If you buy 12, the 13th is FREE!

Bouquet of Hope, Part II

Here are the remaining tables from the Bouquet of Hope Gala.(minus the Pacific Northwest Apple table, my picture was beyond blurry, you can kind of see it in the background). From top to bottom Beach Chic, In the Vineyard, Marrakesh, and Miami. The two additional tables I did at the eleventh hour were Pacific NW and the Miami table. I felt like I could have definitely improved on Miami. During the planning process I found some great resources:

Since I had a specific style in mind for each table, buying fabric and having runners made for some of the tables really added to the theme and ended up less expensive then renting elaborate linens.

Resources:

• Manzanita Branches and Wood Boxes: Blooms and Branches

*The large branch on the Miami Table I actually sawed down and hauled back from my families home at Black Butte Ranch in Central Oregon. I plucked all the leaves off and it was good to go.

• Crystals: Jamali Garden + Cristalier
• Favors: Hammonds Candies, Cultural Intrigue Fans, Sparrow Lane Vinegar, Tcho Chocolate
  
• Cake Stands: Rosanna
• Moroccan Lanterns: Z Gallerie
• Glass + Silver Votive Balls: CB2
• Votive Holders: Cultural Intrigue
• Pastries: Truly Scrumptious and Pix Patisserie

Thank you to all the ladies at Social Enterprises in Portland for putting on such a fabulous event and letting me be a part of it!

Bouquet of Hope, Part I

After all the planning, it was fun to finally see my ideas come to life on Saturday night. The Bouquet of Hope Gala was a fabulous benefit for Rose Haven, a Portland Women and Children's Center. Because of the great response I ended up doing seven tables instead of five. Each table had a different travel destination design. The two pictured above were Paris{La Patisserie} and Shanghai Garden. My wonderful, now blister fingered friend from Truly Scrumptious Bakery, created the fabulous Croquembouche. By the end of the evening, the table looked like I had decorated it with crumbs. It was hilarious seeing people eating the centerpiece. Unfortunately, I did not check my camera batteries before arriving and all my photos are via iphone. Luckily, Jasmine Photography was there and I will be able to get photos from her for future use! More tables to come tomorrow!

Inspiring Fresh Ideas Blog

I am a crazy person running around getting ready for the Bouquet of Hope today. So in the mean time, I wanted to share one of my new favorite blogs! As a new business owner, I'm constantly looking for ways to further my education and build my business in the best way possible. I prefer quality over quantity, because if there isn't Quality there will no longer be Quantity. If you get my drift! My go-to blog for sound advice and fabulous wedding eye candy has long been, Pearls Events, written by the ultra fabulous Aletha VanderMass, owner of the West Michigan event planning boutique by the same name. Just the other day, I was jumping up in down when I found out Aletha has a new blog called Inspiring Fresh Ideas! So if you are a new business owner or just looking for great ideas and inspiration add this blog to your reader!!

Swanky Deal: Kate Spade Posy Vases

Kate Spade candy-colored Posy Vase Set, 25% off thru May 10th. {free shipping, too} Too perfect with a single stem.

Dig into some Margarita Pie and celebrate!

Margarita Pie

Notes: Use a silver tequila.

Yield

Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups (3 1/2 oz.) lightly packed white marshmallows
• 2/3 cup half-and-half (light cream)
• 1 teaspoon grated lime peel
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup tequila (see notes)
• 20 thin chocolate wafer cookies (about 2 in. wide; 5 oz. total)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

Preparation

1. In a 3- to 4-quart pan over medium heat, stir marshmallows with half-and-half until melted, about 5 minutes.

2. Nest pan in ice water; stir often until cool, about 3 minutes. Add lime peel, lime juice, and tequila; stir occasionally until cold, 8 to 10 minutes.

3. In a food processor, whirl cookies until finely ground. Add butter and whirl until mixed. Press cookie mixture evenly over bottom and halfway up sides of a 9-inch cake pan with removable rim.

4. In a bowl with a mixer on high speed, whip cream with sugar until it holds soft peaks. Fold in marshmallow mixture, blending well.

5. Pour filling into crust and spread level. Freeze until firm to touch in the center, about 1 hour, then wrap airtight and freeze until solid, at least 2 hours longer or up to 2 weeks.

6. Unwrap pie, run a thin knife between crust and pan rim, and remove rim. Set dessert on a flat plate. Let stand at room temperature about 10 minutes to soften slightly, then cut into wedges.

Recipe + Image {Sunset Magazine}

Seam Binding Cake Stand

Loving this Seam Binding Cake Stand from Martha Stewart. I think I might have to try this with my new black cake stands. They could use a dash of color. The little chandelier would be so cute hanging from a patio umbrella.

Image{Martha Stewart}

Swanky Spotlight: Bouquet of Hope

On Saturday, May 9th, I will be participating in the Bouquet of Hope Gala, a benefit for Portland women's center, Rose Haven. The evening will include a seated dinner of local, organic cuisine by Artemis Foods and gourmet cake by Karren's Specialty Cakes. The highlight of the night is performances by The School of Oregon Ballet Theatre and a feature concert by violinist Aaron Meyer. What the heck am I doing besides eating yummy food and enjoying the entertainment? Well, along with Starflower, Quince Flowers + Events, and Anna Mara Floral Design we will be designing the tables. If you are in the Portland area, this would be a great way to celebrate Mother's Day. Come join us for great food, fun, and flowers!