Archive for the ‘Entertaining’ Category

A Lunch Fit for a Queen

Wednesday, May 9th, 2012

Last week we had the privilege of attending an industry event hosted by Steve Fortunato of roomforty. While we expected to join some of LA’s premier event industry for a tasty meal, we had no idea we were about to experience an exquisitely prepared and artistically presented six-course meal for lunch!

The six-course lunch (which felt like 12 courses with all of the goodies they served us) took place at Vibiana.  The lone wooden table in the center of Vibiana was adorned with beautiful custom-made linen and scattered with vibrant wildflowers and fresh herbs of all kind, which we found to be an excellent detail. Not only did the aroma of the herbs contribute to the rustic atmosphere of the lunch, the very presence of these individually-wrapped plants also happened to be a great talking point for the guests, whom amused themselves by smelling and guessing each other’s herbs.

We dined on treasures like spring corn bisque with langoustines, chives, and laced croutons; heirloom tomatoes with house smoked burrata, balsamic caviar, and opal basil vinaigrette; and, a dish we will be dreaming about for weeks – the prime braised beef short ribs with parsley root puree, baby vegetables, and braising jus. The cocktails served by roomforty’s very own mixologist were just as exciting, with a special nod to the “Smoky Baby Burns,” a woodsy gentleman’s drink that was brought to the table literally smoking.

Although there was much chatter between courses, the only thing we could hear once each dish was served were indistinct “mmm’s” and the soft Spanish guitar in the background. Overall it was a beautiful experience…

Thank you roomforty!!

Thank you Las Ventanas!

Friday, March 16th, 2012

Last night, I was a guest at an amazing dinner party hosted by Las Ventanas Al Paraiso. The dinner was held in a private dining room inside Muse at the Montage Beverly Hills. It was great food (they are famous for their spaghetti, which was amazing as always!!) and great company. Joining me at the beautiful table, which was designed by Mark’s Garden, were event planning colleagues as well as Mark’s Garden, Vera Wang and InStyle Magazine. You can only imagine the conversation around the table!

Our departing gift was a glass heart from Las Ventanas’ very own “glass-heart” trees. I loved how they brought a small yet significant piece of their property into the dinner. A perfect ending.

Thank you Las Ventanas!

Ringing in the New Year with the Dawa!

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

Many of you may have noticed by now, that my design and entertaining inspirations often come from my travels. This Saturday evening, friends and family at my New Year’s party will toast to 2012 with a signature drink  – the Dawa Cocktail! I recently sipped the Dawa in Quebec City, Canada; although the cocktail originates from Africa and is based on a Brazilian recipe. The uniquely delicious combination of vodka, brown sugar and honey is truly international!

Special Occasions wishes you a safe New Year’s celebration! See y’all in 2012!

Ingredients

•  1¾ oz (50 ml) Finlandia Vodka

•  2 bar spoons Brown Sugar

•  1 lime, cubed

•  Honey-coated stir stick (garnish)

Preparation

•  Place cubed limes and brown sugar into an Old Fashioned glass

•  Crush limes, add crushed ice and pour in the Finlandia Vodka

•  Twist a “Dawa” or honey stick into honey and add to the drink

•  Muddle limes with Dawa or honey stick

Keeping Kids Busy on Turkey Day!!

Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011

It’s easy to keep adults entertained while the turkey is in the oven, just pour some wine! Kids on the other hand, need a little more entertaining! Here are some last minute ideas on creating the perfect kid’s table this Thursday.

No need to set a table cloth . . . just place some butcher paper across the length of the table and tape down the sides. This will allow kids to draw or play games and it will also protect your table from any spills or accidents. Encourage them to write down what they are thankful for right on the table!

Looking for a creative way to display crayons? Make the super easy crayon bouquet by slicing a third off a Styrofoam ball to create a flat bottom, and then cover the ball with finger paint. When dry, insert crayons close together, starting at the top and using only bright colors. Voila!

The internet is a great resource for printable templates, like these turkey finger puppets.

If you happen to have some extra time, consider making these headdresses that double as a place card for the table and entertainment after dinner. Or if there are children that are old enough to use a glue gun, you can set-up a separate arts and crafts table.

1. Cut a strip of leather (available in craft or fabric stores) into approximately 21″ – 23″ lengths. Place ends of length together to form a circle and hot glue into place. Glue feathers onto inside back of headdress.

2. Using a paint pen or acrylic craft paint and an artist brush, paint each child’s name onto the front of their headdress. Embellish the sides with painted symbols or decorate with beads and hot glue.

If you decide to set-up an arts and crafts table for the headdresses, you can also add some extra materials so the kids can create a necklace or bracelet to wear with their headdress. Just stock the table with an assortment of colorful beads, leather cording and feathers.

GOBBLE GOBBLE . . . HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

A Spooktacular Soiree!

Saturday, October 29th, 2011

Ahhh . . . Let the holiday season begin! It all starts with scary goblins, crazy outfits, and haunted houses – yes it’s going to be one fun Halloween weekend! We’re having some friends over to our very own Haunted House and thought we would share some of our ideas and inspiration.

First we have to begin with the libations! A little Black Magic Martini is the perfect drink to get the mood started!

(Black Magic Martini pictured far right)

Serves 1
1 cup ice
1 ounce black vodka (such as Blavod)
2 ounces cherry juice
Fresh raspberries and blueberries, for garnish

Combine ice, vodka, and cherry juice in a cocktail shaker; shake vigorously. Pour into a martini glass. Thread raspberries and blueberries onto a cocktail skewer, and place in drink. Serve immediately.

Blacklights are back! Yes, we are lighting the dance floor with blacklights! And for that extra WOW . . . hidden bubble machines filled with blacklight bubbles. Let the dancing begin.

It wouldn’t be a Halloween celebration without some creepy props. We came across this Meat Parlor at a Halloween store and we’re taking a bit of a gruesome risk but we have decided to recreate it! It’s going to make the perfect backdrop for photos!

Lastly, we have to have something a little sweet . . . with a spooky twist! How about some Bloody Witch Finger Cookies?!

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

A few drops of green food coloring

Whole almonds for decorating

1 cup of white chocolate chips

A few drops of red food coloring

Directions

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and confectioners’ sugar. Add vanilla and food coloring. Gradually add flour; mix well.

With lightly floured hands, shape a couple tablespoons of dough into 3-in. long “fingers”.

Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.

Press a whole almond onto the tips of the cookie. Bake at 350 degrees F for 9-11 minutes or until edges and bottom are lightly browned. Cool for 2-3 minutes before removing to wire racks.

For the blood red white chocolate:

Microwave white cholate chips until melted. Add food coloring. Dip cooled cookies into chocolate.

HAVE A FUN AND SAFE HALLOWEEN!

Jack, Ace, Queen, King . . Wine!

Friday, October 7th, 2011

Last Friday, Wade’s Wine in Westlake Village hosted the last stop on JAQK Cellars Epic Summer Tour. Special Occasions never misses a good wine tasting!

David Dees, JAQK Cellars’ National Sales Manger, was on hand to pour and discuss all 8 wines from their collection. They were all truly amazing wines; from the crisp “Charmed” Sauvignon Blanc to the pinnacle of Napa Valley splendor the “High Roller” Cabernet. David had a full house and everyone enjoyed sipping while learning about each individual wine. We all left with big smiles!!

To learn more about JAQK Cellars, like them on Facebook or check out their website at www.jaqkcellars.com.

Streets of LA- Part 1

Friday, September 16th, 2011

We are lucky to live in a city with so many event resources at our fingertips…Los Angeles! Downtown LA has some of our favorite hidden gems.  From the Fabric District and Chinatown to the hottest new restaurant, we are always surprised by what we discover.  We decided to start a series of posts highlighting some of our favorite haunts.

Today we start off the beaten path, at Olympic Blvd. and Central Ave. in the Piñata District. It is warehouse after warehouse of all things party related and piñatas galore! Now granted, it does take time browsing amidst all the tchotchkes, however, with a little imagination you can really put a fun theme together for a kitschy birthday party or any other type of event.

Can’t find the right piñata for your event? With a bit of lead time, they can customize colors on an existing shape or better yet, ask (or in some cases beg!) a vendor to create one for you!

(These cupcakes looked adorable at our event this past weekend!)

(From mainstream candy, authentic Mexican candy, produce, to beverage jars - the piñata district offers more than just piñatas!)

Three Lessons From Mr. Hearst

Thursday, September 8th, 2011

For some time now, I had been wanting to experience the famous California coast. I finally had a chance to sneak away and make the drive!

Along our drive we stopped at Hearst Castle.  I loved three things about Mr. Hearst’s main dining room.  First, the table was intentionally made narrow to encourage conversations.  Often times in events we want wider tables to allow more room for table top decor; yet we forget about the importance of conversation.

Second, he always used paper napkins, never cloth.  He felt this would make all of his guests, no matter their background, feel more comfortable.  A great host always considers the comfort of their invited guests.

Lastly, I loved how he fell in love with wooden wall panels that ended up being too short for the walls, but that didn’t stop him from using them…he put them on the ceiling!!

Dining at The Blvd

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

I was invited to have dinner at Beverly Wilshire’s restaurant, The Blvd,  by their Catering Manager – the wonderful Mark Anderson (SO hearts Mark!).  When at the Beverly Wilshire, you have a hard decision of  dining at Cut, whose steaks speak for themselves, or The Blvd.  If you are in the mood for some yummy pasta, hurry and go to The Blvd which has a special menu through June 26th in honor of Italian Week in Beverly Hills!

I chose the Cavatelli Carbonara -  a penne pasta dish with kobe meatballs, crushed tomato, and buffalo mozzarella. The combination of the flavors is absolute perfection!  Rich, yet not too rich! I promise you, you will not regret the calories consumed :)

As an added bonus, they also have a live band that performs fun and lively music (you can actually get up and dance!) and the service was great.  Happy Date Night!

The stakes are high!!

Wednesday, May 11th, 2011

Last night, we attended a private wine tasting by JAKQ cellars . . . it was amazing! We thought we were attending a wine mixer event, but lo and behold, it was a full tasting of their complete wine portfolio!

(JAQK Cellars wine portfolio)

Inspired by the jack, ace, queen and king in a deck of cards, JAQK wines has both a clever graphic bottle design (with a cool story to go along with each one) and an impeccably smooth wine to boot! Looking for gift ideas? Their flagship wine, the “High Roller” would make an excellent groomsmen gift and any level of their “Tipsy King” wine club would be a great thank you gift for a client.

(Laura and Ali with David Dees of JAQK Cellars and their favorite bottle!)