Labels: All Things Wedding, Dreams Do Come True

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I absolutely LOVE holiday decor! In fact, I just finished salivating over the amazing decorations that the President and first lady decided on for the White House. So many fun things to do when it comes to color and creativity. Thanks to my favorite wedding blog Style Me Pretty, I am obsessed with red this season. Look at these cute ideas. Also check out some great ornaments from Etsy. Too much fun!!

Labels: Advice, I Heard It Through The Grapevine, Just Jen

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Suzanne at Flora Europa is one of the most creative people I know. And she is a lot of fun to work with! With all that creative juice flowing through her brain, she ends up buying a ton of stuff to make sure her clients get "the look" they are dreaming of. This weekend she is having her annual garage sale. This is a great opportunity to pick up some things for your own great event at a very discounted rate. Who couldn't use some more "look" at their next event? Here is the 411:

Labels: What's Going On Around Town

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I am currently a guest columnist for Let's Party Magazine. Every issue I am given some questions by the readers and am able to answer them as best I can. This way, everyone can party and feel like they know what they are doing! Here is what I worte last winter issue. If you have any questions I would love to address themn in this winter issue. Just shoot them over to me at jen@imonievents.com. Happy Friday!



Q. I amm considering hiring an event planner to assist with a New Year's Eve benefit I am chairing. I know that having help will relieve a lot of the stress and responsibility for us organizers, but I'm wondering if there are any fiscal benefits that come with hiring a planner? I need to ensure that my organization's dollars are put to best use.

Pulling off a successful benefit is a huge job and even though event planners certainly help with overall stress level of the organizers, we also understand that money spent in the planning process is less money going toward the organization in the end. So I would say the fiscal benefit of hiring a planner for such a job would be the ability of that planner to help you spend your money more wisely. We know which vendors are in which price range, without you have to search the Valley for hours. And we can often get things donated just by having strong connections with vendors we give a lot of business to. If not free, good event planners are well connected and networked, so they can also help you find deals that you would not usually get if you were just another client off the streets. One of the biggest ways I save money for my clients is by coming up with more creative, essentially less expensive, ways to do the things they have dreamed up, seen in magazines or experienced at other events. Some of the most memorable things that happen at events do not have to cost very much, if anything at all. As long as they are personal and emotional, people appreciate it. And hopefully for your case, whip out the checkbook and say, "Sign me up!"

Q. My social calendar is jam-packed from November to January with all sorts of parties, dinners and events. I'm wondering, to what type of gathering is it appropriate and/or necessary to bring a host gift?

Almost all events are during the holidays are special enough that they deserve a hostess gift, even if it is not expected. But this all depends on what type of event your are attending. If it is an event where everyone is supposed to bring something: a gift to exchange, a dessert to share, or wine of choice, then a gift is not necessary. But if is just a celebratory gathering that is completely paid for by the host, than the guests should bring a little thank you, even if only a nice note. I always stock up on ornaments from cool boutiques or even Pier One or Cost Plus the year before. This way I always have options if I have an event the next year that I am not sure what I am going to bring. I just grab the most appropriate ornament and give that as a thank you for inviting me to your fabulous party. You can also do this with wine (if they are drinkers), candles (so their party smells fantastic), or serving platters (since they obviously like to throw parties). I usually pick cool ones from Pottery Barn or Crate and Barrel. These are all very nice, inexpensive ways to thank your host for great night. There two parts to my holiday party philosophy: dress up and bring something. It just saves you awkwardness and has never failed me yet.

Q. My husband and I frequently entertain in our home. Our only problem? Not enough sleep! Our family's weekend usually starts around 6 a.m. with early morning sporting events and activities. Is there any polite way to let late lingering guests know the party is over and it is time to go home?

This is one that I myself struggle with. One thing I have started doing is putting an end time on the invitation. That way guests know that the party will end around this time. Sometimes they even make plans after the party if it doesn’t go late enough for them, and that solves some of your problem right there. You can also ask your close friends to spread the message when they are saying their good byes. "You are leaving already?" "Oh yeah, Suzy (host) and I have been up since 6 this morning. Plus, it is almost 11. So I think the party is coming to an end." If guests are still too unaware to know when they have overstayed there welcome, subtle hints like checking your watch frequently and forcing a yawn will definitely go unnoticed. So, turn off the music or start cleaning up. I like this one since you can still carry on conversation (so that you are not bring rude), but I can grantee by the time you are done cleaning or straightening the house back up you will have saved yourself some time later that night, and have given them a more obvious hint that the party is done. If they are still there, maybe you want to just make them a bed. That might be easiest way to get some sleep.

Q: Do you have any suggestions for DIY holiday centerpieces that won’t get in the way of across table conversations?

DIY is my middle name. I am so glad you asked this question. Whether you are doing a banquet table or round, low centerpieces seem to work the best. You can collect a number of round ornaments, or different fruits and vegetables of the season, and place them in bowls or long platters. In between the objects you can add things that are festive like berries, evergreen or crystals. You can also mass candles of different sizes on long platters, or in glass holders, and cover the edges in garland or mistletoe. If you are looking for something for Thanksgiving try something with the kids: make your own paper turkey, or candy cone cornucopias. Use those pieces for the name cards at the place settings. This allows the center of the table to be open for food, which is what everyone is looking forward to anyway. Similar with holiday parties, place cards can be tiny trees, wreaths, personalized ornaments, or even little disco balls for New Years. What ever you do, try and stay away from baskets and poinsettias. They always tend to be right in the eye line of your seated guests. If you are looking for something traditional like that, by some 4-inch floral foam from and fill it with greenery accented with pinecones, ornaments, pumpkins whatever you would like really. It will be lightweight and easy enough to pull apart for the next holiday arrangement. Whatever you choose, accent you arrangement with a nice runner. Fabric is cheap and sewing a straight line is fairly easy for any DIY girl. Just make sure it is long enough to hit the seat of the chair wherever it drops, and is iron to be as flat as possible. Add votive candles and you are good to go. Talk away!

Labels: I Heard It Through The Grapevine, What's Going On Around Town

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