Food
Amazon Gift Registry: How to Set a Table
I’m really loving browsing through Amazon’s new gift registry information. My favorite parts are the helpful illustrations they have to explain terms you think you’re supposed to know! Check out these photos for setting formal and informal tables. Are you registering for china, or just everyday dishes?
Hostess with the Mostess: Signature Drinks for Non-Drinkers
About Hostess with the Mostess There’s been a lot of talk about creating a“signature cocktail” for your wedding reception; some of that talk has even come from me! But don’t forget about the non-alcohol drinkers at your wedding as well. Having plenty of non-alcoholic drinks available is especially important if you’re having a summer or outdoor wedding, to keep people from getting dehydrated. An appealing and unusual non-alcoholic drink will ensure that everyone is...
DIY Decorating Idea for a Casual Event
Happy Monday, hope you enjoyed your long weekend! Remember a few weeks ago when Jamie pointed us toward paint cards as a way to get inspiration for wedding colors? In Real Simple, one of this month’s “New uses for old things” has an idea for folding the paint cards over and making place cards out of them. I tried it this weekend for a family brunch, and it really brightened up the table. Obviously, not the way to go for a formal event, but it could be a fun touch for a...
Ask the Wedding Maven: Potluck Wedding Reception, Can it Be Done?
In this week's column, the Wedding Maven looks for a way to combine: a tight budget, a desire to feed people, and good manners. Do you have a question about wedding related traditions, etiquette, or relationships? Why not write the Wedding Maven at weddingmaven@onewed.com
Hostess with the Mostess: Summer Spirit featured in People Style Watch!
About Hostess with the Mostess HWTM got a little mention in the new June/July 09 issue of People Style Watch! Enjoy this fabulous and fruity cocktail recipe- perfect for your outdoor bridal shower, engagement party, or bachelorette party! Or... especially perfect to kick back with after a long day at the office!
It’s A Jaime Thing: Sweet Home Chicago Weddings…
About It's A Jaime Thing ...Planned All The Way Down To The Last Detail! They say, "If you've got it, flaunt it" - and Chicago's definitely got it! If you and your love are planning a Chicago wedding, consider flaunting this gorgeous city of ours at your wedding, all the way down to the very last detail. Adding a lil' Chicago into your wedding has never felt so good! Below are a few ideas on how to celebrate your love of the "Windy City" by incorporating it into your big...
Bubbly Bride: Early Morning Wedding
About Bubbly Bride Not every bride has dreams of her wedding lasting late into the night. Some morning brides love a delicious brunch served along with a desire for early morning vows. This is a great way to save money and some couples have traditions of brunch every Saturday or Sunday morning and want to share this with their friends and family. The menu will obviously offer much different fare with items such as eggs benedict and fancy french toast ending with a delicious...
Pre-Wedding Party Idea: A Wine Tasting
Are you looking for a way to make some of your wedding planning decisions a little more fun? Why not involve your friends? When my friends Michael and Matthew were getting married they were lucky enough to have a venue (Chicago’s Newberry Library) that allowed them to provide their own bar. We’ve written about this idea before, because it’s a great way to save money. Michael and Matthew both like a nice glass of wine, but neither of them are exactly Alpana Singh. So, to...
Specialty Drinks for Your Summer Wedding Reception
Happy Monday and Happy Memorial Day! Welcome to the start of summer. One of the best ways to cut down on bar costs is to serve one or two “specialty “ or “signature” drinks instead of a full-service bar. If you’re having a summer wedding, you’ll want your drinks to have a summer flavor. Here are five classic summer cocktails to consider: Daiquiri Margarita Sangria Long Island Iced Tea Mojito Here are five more you may not have heard of, but are just as...
Couture Lollipops from SugarFactory- Oh So Sweet
Lolli licking just got a whole lot sweeter! These Couture Pops from SugarFactory pretty much speak for themselves. And with the likes of Britney Spears, Nicole Scherzinger (who is ready to tie the knot) and Kim Kardashian loving these jewel-encrusted lollis, they wouldn’t even have to taste good to sell. But… They do. They are delicious! I tried the Opaque Blue Raspberry flavor the other day, and it satisfied my sweet tooth in a very big way. How cute would these be as...
A Gift Registry Anyone Will Love
Are you (or your guy) tired of walking around department stores looking at china patterns? Here’s a gift registry idea that anyone can appreciate, WINE! Lux Wines lets you register for wine. You don’t have to be an oenophile (bonus points if you can define the word), the site is so easy to navigate and understand you’ll be choosing wines like an expert in no time. Hmmm, can I start a registry even if I’m already married?
A Sweet DIY Wedding Idea: Cupcake Stands
Happy Monday Savvy Scoopers! If you’ve been following Savvy Scoop you know that serving cupcakes instead of a traditional wedding cake has become a hot trend. A lot of cupcake brides aren’t going with a traditional bakery, they’re having friends create the tasty tidbits. Here’s a question though, how are you going to display the wedding cupcakes? I mean, this isn’t 2nd grade, you can’t just have your mom bring them in a Tupperware! The simple, but still necessary answer:...
A Tea-riffic Idea for Bridal Shower Favors
The words “party favor” can bring up images of useless knickknacks. For your bridal shower or bridesmaids’ lunch, why not go with something a little more sophisticated, not to mention yummy. Todd and Holland Tea Merchants not only makes yummy teas (my favorite is Morning Dew, a green Sencha with hints of rose, cornflower and sunflower) but they’ll also custom design a tea label for your event at NO additional charge! Pick a tea to serve at the bridal shower, then order extra to...
Featured Wedding from a Fabulous Caterer!
Special Feature by Jody Wimer ofJody's Pantry Catering This wedding took place at one of our exclusive catering venues The Buhl Mansion- a five diamond, Select Registry property that has won a bevy of awards! The lovely gardens showcased a cocktail and butlered champagne hour and then dinner was served in the tented courtyard with beautiful satin linens, charger plates and chiavari chairs. The wedding cake was created by our owner Jody in rolled chocolate fondant with hand...
Custom Couture Wedding Cakes
Yes, there's beautiful you and your handsome groom and the magical moment when you're finally married... But after those, your guests only have eyes for the cake. If you want a wedding cake or groom's cake that's truly one-of-a-kind, check out Custom Couture Cakes by A Bountiful Harvest. You get to choose every aspect of your wedding cake - they have no set designs. And if you have special dietary needs or preferences in the family, no problem. They specialize in delicious cakes...
Top Ten Tips for Creating Your Kitchen Registry
If your gift registry is leaving you wilted, check out our advice section. We sat down with personal chef Susan Hynes to get ten top tips on registering for your kitchen. Whether you're the second Martha Stewart, or a gal who doesn't know a sauté from a flambé, these ideas can help! If there are other areas of the registry process confusing you, let us know!
Bubbly Bride: Bringing your Hometown to your Wedding
About Bubbly Bride If you and your husband met in New York City, moved to Chicago but left your heart in NYC... why not remind your guests what you love about the city? You might not be able to return to your favorite location, but you can bring it to your friends and family! The best way to pull off this idea at your wedding, is to create food stations. I will use New York as an example since they are known for their famous food, found all over the different neighborhoods. ...
Top Ten Tips for a Good Working Relationship with Your Wedding Caterer
Getting ready to choose your caterer? We talked to some wedding reception catering veterans to get their very best advice. Check out our Top Ten Tips for a Good Working Relationship with Your Caterer for a wedding reception that's as effortless as it is delicious.
It’s A Jaime Thing: Throw An Iron Chef Themed Wedding Shower…
About It's A Jaime Thing …And Prepare For A Battle Of The Sexes! Getting the groom to come to a shower is not always easy, but if he loves to show off in the kitchen, this idea will make him happy to attend! Host a couples shower for the bride and groom, with an “Iron Chef” theme, such as the one that Chicago wedding plannerMarina Birch helped create... “The idea”, says Birch, according to Chicago Home & Garden Magazine, ”is to have a cooking competition that will...
Bubbly Bride: The Morning After
About Bubbly Bride Trust me...I know the first thing you are thinking when the wedding and reception are over is get me on the Honeymoon! After a year of planning every detail of your wedding - so that your friends and family can fly from all over the country to come and join you celebrating, why be in such a rush? Between the wedding and the reception you rarely have a free moment to spend quality time with those you love. My suggestion is to relax and set aside the morning after...
It’s A Jaime Thing: DIY Toasting Flutes… Made Simple!
About It's A Jaime Thing Inspired by these photos taken by photographer Erin Hession, found via Brenda's Wedding Blog, I decided to create my own happy little version of toasting flutes for my sister's recent bridal shower... Below are the flutes I created, complete with colorful swirly wrapped stems. All it took were some sparkly rhinestone sticker appliques, Swarovski crystal beads and turquoise blue wire. They turned out to be fun and perfectly stylish in her wedding colors! ...
Bubbly Bride: Midnight Madness
About Bubbly Bride After the delicious dinner, and hours of dancing and celebrating, you guests will start to get hungry again! A big trend among brides right now is to serve a "midnight snack" as the party winds down. Tie in you and your fiance's favorite late night treat, whether it is deep dish pizza or donuts and serve your guests in style! Begin budgeting now for this snack and talking with your caterer on different possibilities for this surprise. You don't need anything...
It’s A Jaime Thing: A Spoon Full Of Sugar…
...And A Little Bit Of Love! Looking to add a sweet touch to your wedding? Surprise your guests with a little bit of love. What kind of love, you ask? Love in the form of heart-shaped treats! Sweets for the sweets. After all, it's ever fitting for the occasion, wouldn't you say? Chocolate is not only thought of as an aphrodisiac, but it's also known to elevate your mood. So why not make your event even more pleasurable for your guests? Please them with a lil' bite of...
Always a Blogsmaid: Open Bar or on Consumption
About Always A Blogsmaid The Question: For my reception, I have the choice to do Open Bar, top Shelf for $60 per person, or beverages on consumption around $8 for a cocktail. I'm not sure which one will work out better for me and I need some advice. The Answer: Well, I think that this really depends on both your crowd, AND the price of non-alcoholic beverages. On average, most guests at a wedding drink more alcohol than they would normally. Typically a drink per person, per...
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