The Art and Science of Elegant Entertaining

Wedding Cakes Basics

2011-08-16T15:14:00.000-04:00

One of our favorite reality TV star Kim Kardashian is getting married and we could be happier for her. Next on her wedding day check list...select the wedding cake. On this episode of Get Married The Dish you can get tips from the cake pros on the dos and don'ts of cake selection and tastings.

Happy Planning!

Mid-week Cocktail Cool Down ~ Strawberry Daiquiri

2011-07-27T09:00:00.001-04:00

Strawberry Daiquiri

Strawberry Daiduiri from Real Simple

Now it's just wouldn't be summer if you didn't have a cool and refreshing Strawberry Daiquiri at your next soirée. Here is a quick and easy recipe that your guest will love!

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients
1 pint strawberry sorbet
1 1/4 cups light rum
6 cups ice

Directions
1. In a blender, workin gin batches, puree sorbet, rum and ice until it is smooth
2. Transfer into a large pitcher and stir to combine. Add water to the mixture if necessary to adjust the consistency of the drink. Serve immediately.

Mid-week Cocktail Cool Down ~ Pineapple Mint Punch

2011-07-20T09:00:00.000-04:00

Pineapple Mint Punch from RealSimple

Pineapple Mint Punch

Serves: 20

Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar
3 quarts pineapple juice
1 liter gin
1 liter club soda
1 cup fresh lime juice
1 cup fresh mint leaves
ice, for serving

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and ½ cup water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the sugar dissolves, 1 to 2 minutes; let cool.

2. In a large bowl, combine the sugar syrup, pineapple juice, gin, club soda, lime juice, and mint. Serve over ice.

Mid-Week Cocktail Cool Down ~ Vodka Cranberry Cooler

2011-07-13T09:00:00.001-04:00

Vodka Cranberry Cooler fom Real Simple

Vodka Cranberry Cooler

This is one of my all time FAVORITE "go to" cocktails that I love serving to family and friends on a "hot" summer night!

Ingredients

4 12-ounce bags cranberries (fresh or frozen)

4 cups sugar
3 liters tonic water
1 liter vodka
1 cup fresh lime juice
cream soda and ice, for serving

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar and 2 cups ofwater; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries to a large bowl, starin the remaining syrup into the bowl and let cool.

2. Add the tonic water, vodka and lime juice to the cranberry syrup. Serve over ice and top with a splash of cream soda.

Mid-week Cocktail Cool Down ~ Tequila Grapefruit Splash

2011-07-06T09:00:00.006-04:00

Tequila Grapefruit Splash from Real Simple

Tequila Grapefruit Splash

This is the perfect punch to serve at your next summer cocktail party. Make this cocktail the night before your get-together and serve in carafes so you guests can serve themselves.

Serves 20

In a large bowl, combine:

2 quarts of fresh pink grapefruit juice
1 liter of tequila
1/4 cup Triple Sec
3/4 cup Campari

Directions:
Mix well and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Add 2 liters of ginger ale before serving.

Celebrate the 4th in style with these easy and fun ideas

2011-07-01T09:00:00.019-04:00

With the 4th of July right around the corner (ummm it's Monday in case you didn't know) and if you've found yourself stressed for a little "extra" time to plan an amazing celebration - you can now sit back and relax because we've got you covered. Our friends over at Hostess with the Mostess has come up with some super cute/quick/easy and affordable ideas that will have you and your guests celebrating in style!

Check out some of their cute ideas here.

Wishing you and yours a safe and happy 4th of July!

Join us on Saturday, July 2 special guests Cookies and Corks and The Wine Coach

2011-06-29T09:00:00.002-04:00

Art of the Reception ~ Talk about adding that WOW factor

2011-06-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

I came across this amazing time lapse video from Celeste Studios of Greg Kalamar a performance artist from California who comissioned to create a painting of a couple wedding reception. He painted the reception as it was taking place at the venue. Talk about adding that "WOW" factor to your event. Plus at the end, the couple had an amazing piece of art to commerate their special day! The time la

TIME LAPSE: The Art of the Reception from Janice Celeste on Vimeo.

Check out this GREAT space for your next summer soiree!

2011-06-28T12:48:00.000-04:00

Looking for a cool, hip space to host your next summer soiree? If you are in the Atlanta area then you must visit my friends at the Loft at Castleberry Hill. Right now they are offering 50% off their space rental for events held on Sunday - Thursday but you must book by June 30th to get this great deal. For more information on their space and this great promotion visit their website or give them a call at (404) 522-5678 and tell them that Erika {Event Diva} sent you.

Happy Planning!

4th of July Cocktails

2011-06-27T09:00:00.000-04:00

This 4th of July, celebrate the holiday in style by serving one of these amazing cocktails at your BBQ bash!

Fourth of July Cocktail from Guy Fieri

Fourth of July Cocktail

Ingredients

1 ounce watermelon schnapps
1 big splash cranberry juice
1 very thin slice jalapeno or Serrano pepper
1 slice lemon
1 slice lime
1 1/2 ounces tequila
1/4 ounce blue curacao
1/2 ounce simple syrup
Watermelon wedge, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Mix the schnapps and cranberry juice in a shaker; pour into an ice-filled glass.

Muddle the jalapeno pepper, lemon and lime slices, tequila, blue curacao and simple syrup (to make a batch, dissolve sugar in equal parts hot water and chill) in the shaker. Slowly strain into the glass over the red layer. Garnish with watermelon, if desired.

Strawberry Sucker from Rachael Ray

Strawberry Sucker

Ingredients:

Ice cubes
1 ounce vodka (2 tablespoons)
2 ounces strawberry schnapps (4 tablespoons)
Club soda
1 strawberry, halved

Directions:

Fill a highball glass with ice cubes. Add the vodka and schnapps and top with club soda. Garnish with the strawberry.

Watermelon Mint Cooler from Real Simple

Watermelon Mint Cooler

Ingredients

4 cups seedless watermelon chunks (about 1 pound)
1 1/2 cups lemonade
1/2 cup fresh mint

Directions

In a blender, puree the watermelon and lemonade; strain if desired. Stir in the mint and serve over ice. For an instant cocktail: Stir in 1/2 cup vodka or tequila before serving.

Patriotic Margarita from Coastal Living

Patriotic Margarita

Toast your country all year long with this red-and-blue beverage, one of many signature drinks featuring the vodka-based liquor HPNOTIQ.

To make this festive cocktail, follow these simple steps.

1. Puree thawed frozen strawberries.

2. Blend 2 tablespoons each of the strawberry puree, dark rum, coconut milk, pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, and ½ cup crushed ice in a blender until smooth.

3. Pour 2 to 4 tablespoons HPNOTIQ into a glass, and top with 2 to 4 tablespoons of the strawberry mixture.

Red, White and HPNOTIQ Blue Martini from Bar None Drinks

Red, White and HPNOTIQ Blue Martini

Ingredients

2 oz. Hpnotiq

1 oz. Citrus Vodka

1 splash(es) Lemon Lime Soda

Grenadine

Directions

Shake with ice, strain into a martini glass and slowly add a touch of grenadine. Garnish with chopped coconut.

Mid-week Cocktail Cool Down

2011-06-22T16:00:00.001-04:00

Let's celebrate summer with this refreshing cocktail! Nothing says summer like an Apricot Bellini.


Photo and recipe - www.weightwatchers.com

Ingredients
3/4 cups of chilled apricot or passion fruit nectar
3 cups of Champagne or sparkling wine or Prosecco (chilled)
1/4 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
6 pieces of mint leaves

Directions
Pour 2 tablespoons of nectar into a Champagne flute and top each glass with 1/2 cup of Champagne or sparkling wine or Prosecco. Garnish each with a few raspberries and a mint sprig into each glass. Serve immediately.

Mid-week Cocktail Cool Down

2011-06-15T16:00:00.002-04:00

For my health conscious host and hostesses out there, this cocktail is just for you. Although this cocktail is low is calories, you can rest assured that its NOT low on taste. Make a batch of this yummy drink for your next soiree and your guests will love you for it!

Photo and recipe - www.weightwatchers.com

Fruity Sangria

Ingredients
3 cups low-calorie cranberry juice cocktail - make sure it's cold
2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped (if you can't get fresh, frozen will work too)
2 medium apples, chopped
1 cup dry red wine
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon or to taste

Directions
Place all of the ingredients in a large pitcher, stir together and allow to stand for approximately 30 minutes. Pour into glasses filled with ice and enjoy! This recipe yields about 3/4 cup per serving.

Event Diva's Drink of the Week - Sparkling Margarita

2011-06-12T13:50:00.000-04:00

Image from www.bhg.com

Nothing says summertime like a delicious margarita! I found this amazing margarita recipe on the BHG website the other day and I would have to say that this one is a keeper and will be in heavy rotation this summer.

To make this yummy cocktail you will need:

1 cup blanco (white) tequila
1/3 cup agave nectar
2/3 cups lime juice (fresh lime juice is the best however if you have no desire to squeeze limes then lime juice from concentrate will work too)
1 1/2 cups sparkling wine or Champagne

Lime peel strips for garnish

Directions

Combine half of the tequila, lime juice and agave nectar in a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice. Shake for 5 seconds and strain the mixture into three glasses. Repeat with remaining tequila, juice, and agave nectar. Top each serving with sparkling wine or Champagne. Add a lime peel strip. Add additional lime juice to taste.

This recipe yields 6 servings.

Cheers!

Cocktails & Conversations w/Sister Save-A-Lot

2011-06-10T21:59:00.000-04:00

Spring is in the air!

2011-04-08T17:00:00.000-04:00

According to the calendar it's spring and when I think of spring I think of my all time favorite cocktail; the Sea Breeze. This super cool and super easy drink will definately put you in a lazy spring day kind of mood.

To make this cocktail you will need:

1 3/4 oz. vodka
3 oz. cranberry juice
1 oz. grapefruit juice
lime wedge for garnish

Directions:

Pour the cranberry juice and vodka into a highball glass half filled with ice.
Stir mixture well.
Top off with the grapefruit juice.
Garnich with the lime wedge.

Cheers!

2011-04-06T17:17:00.000-04:00

Bridal Tip of the Day

Make sure you break in those dancing shoes before your wedding day. You absolutely LOVE your new 5 inch Christian Louboutin or Manolo Blahnik’s but they may not be the most practical choice. We suggest that you walk around in your new shoes prior to the wedding to break them in and add cushion inserts if needed.

Remember - happy feet make a happy bride!

Candy Bar Anyone???

2011-01-17T05:15:00.000-05:00

Image from Hostess with the Mostess

In case you didn't know, a planners BFF is none other than the World Wide Web...yea that's right, you heard me the Internet. When planning an event, the very first thing I will do (after meeting with my client that is) is fire up my trusty laptop and search for images that I can use for inspiration. One of my absolute FAVORITE sites to look at is Hostess with the Mostess. The dynamic team made up of Jennifer and Sonny Sbranti (yes, friends - husbands and wives CAN work together) never fail me or their audience with providing us with some yummy eye candy and easy DIY ideas to get those planning creative juices flowin'.

While working on my little one's 2nd birthday party, I stumbled upon this lovely candy bar. Isn't it absolutely adorable? There are a few elements that I'm thinking about using for the upcoming party. I will provide more details about the party in a later post. In the meantime if you think this picture was cute, you must check out the rest of the post...you'll LOVE it! To read more about this whimsical lollipop inspired dessert table click here.

Until then...
Happy Planning!

The Love Story - Celebrity Wedding: Tia Mowry & Cory Hardrict - InStyle Weddings - Celebrity - InStyle

2011-01-12T06:00:00.006-05:00

The Love Story - Celebrity Wedding: Tia Mowry & Cory Hardrict - InStyle Weddings - Celebrity - InStyle

5 Ways To Make Your Wedding Unique

2010-05-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

Tired of the "cookie cutter" wedding? Do you want to take your wedding from drag to fab? Below we share 5 tips to add some spice in your wedding day!

1) A fabulous way to make a wedding unique is to incorporate the cultures of the bride and groom. Whether you feature a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, the breaking of the glass, jumping of the broom or traditional foods, I think incorporating one’s culture is a beautiful way to add depth and uniqueness to your wedding.

{Jumping the broom by Annie Lee}

2) Another way to add dimension to your wedding is to entertain and “wow” the guests with creative interactive experiences. Some examples might be adding a photo booth, a dessert buffet of your favorite desserts, a cigar roller, or a port and cheese tasting. All are non-traditional items that you wouldn’t find at weddings past and also provide an interactive element to your wedding that your guests will enjoy and best of all remember for years to come.

3) Think outside the box when it comes to your wedding décor, more specifically your table centerpieces. Instead of using traditional flowers, try something a bit different. Some ideas might be incorporating a few stunning vintage bird cages, elegant crystal chandeliers, or even miniature wedding cakes as centerpieces.

{weddingbee.com}

4) Make your wedding special and different (not to mention “wow” your guest) plan to include over the wedding weekend some different activities for your guests to participate in. Plan a mini tennis/golf tournament; a Clam bake for all your guests; a morning hike; a luau or a Sunday brunch, just to name a few. Adding some creative activities for your guests really helps add a whole new unique aspect to your wedding.

5) However the most important part of making a wedding unique is to incorporate the passions and personalities of the bride and groom. For example, if the couple is really into wine, use that theme and infuse it throughout the wedding. You could have the tables named after vineyards you love, set place cards in wine corks, use deep reds and browns as your color scheme, and bring in wine barrels to add additional décor to the room. Bringing in who you are as a couple is very important in making your wedding special and unique!

{Flickr photo: camillestyles}

Springtime Entertaining Tips

2010-05-24T09:00:00.001-04:00

Spring, hands down, is my FAVORITE season. With this season, the weather starts to get a little warmer and the days become longer. Spring/summer is the easiest season for entertaining too. Parties are expected to be causal, seasonal foods are plentiful and reasonably priced, and mother nature has taken care of all of your decorating needs. With Memorial Day right around the corner, we have come up with some easy summer entertaining tips that are guaranteed to make your next fete a success!

1. Lighten Up Your Menu

When planning your next outdoor soiree try to use as many fresh, seasonal ingredients in your menu as possible. As the weather gets warmer appetites for heavy recipes start to shrink. Go for salads, fresh fruits and grilled food in place of stews and casseroles. You will find it’s much quicker and cooler to prepare these items in the warmer weather and your guests will welcome the seasonal change.

2. Make Sure You Have Plenty of Ice

Never underestimate how much ice will be used during a warm weather event. Even if the party is inside, guests are still feeling the heat of the spring/summer days and will want lots of ice in their drinks to help cool them down.

3. Don’t Underestimate How Many Beverages You Will Need

You can best believe that there are never enough drinks available in the spring/summer! From soda to bear to mixed drinks, there never seems to be enough. Whether your guests are simply mingling outside and chatting, or playing a vigorous game of volleyball, you can rest assure they will work up a thirst now that the weather is warmer. When determining your beverages for your next warm weather gathering, make sure to include plenty of bottled water in your beverage arsenal. Sometimes nothing does the trick like a nice icy glass of water. Event Diva Tip: Place a bucket of fruit filled ice cubes on the side to add a little extra pizzazz. Your guest will LOVE them!

4. Keep Your Décor Colorful and Casual

There's no need to lug your expensive place settings and décor outside for your next BBQ. Take the advantage of the casual atmosphere the warm weather brings to use inexpensive melamine and other plastic materials at your next outdoor bash. If you don't own any, it pays over the long haul to invest in a sturdy set of summer dinnerware. Colorful dishes help to create a festive mood, it's better for the environment (think green) and it's cheaper than buying disposables (trust me it will pay for itself in the end).

5. Provide Shelter

If you're hosting your outdoors party during the daytime make sure to provide your guests with options for escaping from the sun. Whether you rent a tent, place groups of chairs under a shady tree, or set up tables with umbrellas, your guests will appreciate a place to escape from the heat. Event Diva Tip: When planning events outdoors, always have a plan B in the event Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate with your vision of sunny skies and delivers some unwelcome rain.

Happy Planning!

7 Tips For Planning a “Signature Wedding” on a Small Budget

2010-05-23T13:53:00.000-04:00

There is no direct correlation between your budget size and having a fabulous and stunning wedding. Truth be told, many a brides have managed to plan the most beautiful weddings on small budgets with no one being the wiser. The key to pulling off this feat is lots of planning, research and planning. Below I have provided some tips you can use to make your budget (no matter what the size) work for you!

Tip #1 – Request quotes from a few florists and price compare. There are florists out there at various price points, and it is good to see what is out there and which florists are willing to work with you.

Tip #2 - Choose flowers that are in season because that will help reduce extra costs.

Tip #3 - Hire a planner! Wedding Planners have longstanding relationships with vendors and venues, and can really assist in bringing down the costs. A good planner will ultimately pay for him/herself in the end.

Tip #4 -If the venue has their own white linens, use them, and accent them with great napkins and flowers. If you can afford to rent linens from an outside vendor, make sure you request quotes from a few companies. Just like florists, there are varying levels of price and it is important to see what is out there so you can make the best choice for your wedding.

Tip #5 -Try skip using flowers all together and invest in something more creative for a centerpiece. Think vintage chandeliers (which you can buy from a flea market), or a few hurricane candles or vases filled with unique items. You can also try reworking the tables to form long tables instead of traditional rounds, possibly reducing the number of centerpieces you actually even need.

Tips # 6 -Integrate your personality and style into the small details which really define a “Signature Wedding” such as place cards, table numbers, ceremony details, etc. It is in the details where your style really comes out and you can add this feel with little touches.

Tip # 7 -Instead of having a large cake to feed all your guests, opt in favor of having a fabulous but smaller cake, and using a sheet cake to feed your guests. This will save you a substantial amount of money and your cake will still be the stunning one you want.

Great Holiday Cocktails

2009-12-07T06:00:00.001-05:00

Tis the season to be jolly! Try these festive cocktails at your next holiday party. I’m sure they will brighten the spirits of your guests.

Candy Cane Cocktail

Ingredients

• 1 candy cane, crushed for garnish

• 2 oz. strawberry vodka

• 4 dashes of white crème de menthe

• 2 ½ oz. cranberry juice

• Ice cubes

Directions

1. Place the crushed candy cane on a small plate or saucer. Wet the outside rim of a chilled martini glass with water. Holding the glass by the stem, rotate the rim to coat with candy.

2. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, crème de menthe, cranberry juice and ice; shake until well combined. Strain into prepared glass; serve immediately.

Photo and recipe from Martha Stewart

Pear and Sparkling Cider Cocktail

Ingredients

• 2 cups pear nectar, chilled
• 2 cups sparkling apple cider, chilled
• 2 cups seltzer, chilled

• 4 oz. (1/2 cup) bourbon whiskey

• 1 Bosc pear, unpeeled, cored and cut lengthwise into 8 wedges

Directions

1. Stir together pear nectar, cider, seltzer and whiskey in a pitcher. Divide pear wedges among glasses and pour in cocktail. Serve immediately.

Photo and recipe from Martha Stewart

Gingerbread Apple Cocktail

Ingredients

• 2 oz Domaine de Canton

• 1 oz vanilla vodka

• 2.5 oz apple cider

• A few drops of lemon juice

• Orange zest

• Agave syrup

Directions

1. Line a chilled martini glass lightly with agave syrup on a dish followed by spiced graham cracker crumbs.

2. Place all ingredients except for orange zest in a shaker and shake vigorously. Strain into glass.

3. Freshly grate orange zest on drink and serve immediately.

Photo and recipe from Delish

And it all started with the tree...

2009-12-06T08:09:00.000-05:00

Looking for a unique was to add some pizzazz to your holiday season? This Christmas think about adding an unexpected twist to this joyous occasion by having a colored Christmas tree. Then check out Treetopia for a fabulous selection of trees. From the traditional tree to the cool and colorful (think Pink tree) to everything in between, they’ve got it. Here are some of our favorites:

White

Champagne Gold

Orange

Our Favorite this year...Candy Apple RED!

Pretty in pink

Tuxedo Black

Custom Card Boxes - A Bride's Best Friend

2009-09-10T15:42:00.006-04:00

While planning her own wedding, Marni Gold, creator of Creative Custom Card Boxes was searching for a unique and secure way to store cards during her wedding reception. Frustrated with the limited selection of card boxes available at the time, this DIY bride rolled up her sleeves and loaded her hot glue gun and went to work. The final product was a beautiful custom card box that was simple, elegant and most importantly - it went along with her wedding day decor. What started out as a simple project to create something custom fro her own wedding has now turned into a successful business.

Today while looking at Marni's site I found 3 custom card boxes that I am absolutely in love with for the fall wedding season.

Champagne and Chocolate Brown

Chocolate Brown and Orange

Ivory and Chocolate Brown

So if you are looking for a unique way to store your wedding cards, check out Creative Custom Card Boxes.

"Q&A with the Event Diva"

2009-05-27T13:30:00.000-04:00

Well it's Wednesday and you know what that means....Q&A with the Event Diva. This week we have a question about invitations and entertaining at home.

Thanks for your questions and please keep them coming!

Q: I am thinking about planning a little get together for some friends and would like to send out invitations. Can you tell me how far in advance I should send the invitations out? Is there such a thing as sending out the invitations too early?

A: When sending invitations out for a party I usually follow the 3 week rule. Sometimes I will send them out 4 weeks prior to the event if it is close to a major holiday. This allows you ample time to get on people’s calendars before they make other plans. However sending them too far in advance (more than 4 weeks out), you are taking a risk that they may completely forget about your party (which I’m almost sure will happen). Either way, I would also suggest following up with your guests with either an email reminder or a phone call about a week before your party to get a final count and to make sure that no one has forgotten about your party.

Q: Whenever I have a party at the house, it never fails that everyone almost always ends up in the kitchen. For my next house party, how can I ensure that this doesn’t happen?

A: I completely understand what you are going through because it always happens to me too. A simple solution to this common problem is to put the bar as far away from the kitchen as you can. Remember this simple rule, people will always gather either around food or the bar. So by keeping them both out of the kitchen you reduce the risk of having your party end up in that one room. Space permitting, I suggest setting up several drink and food stations through out the house so that your guests are forced to move around during the party. This also avoids bottle-necking and long food and drink lines.

Got a question for the Event Diva? Email us at info@beckwithevents.com - and include in the subject line "Q&A with the Event Diva". We will try to answer all questions in the order in which they were received. Check back every Wednesday to see if your question is listed.

HAPPY PLANNING!

2009-05-25T13:42:00.002-04:00

We would like to take this time to thank all the service men and women for all that you do to protect our country. We appreciate, love and support you!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

"Q&A with the Event Diva"

2009-05-20T13:04:00.000-04:00

It's that time once again this week and we're still talking about weddings!

Q: I am on a very limited budget for my wedding and would like to provide my guests with a nice wedding favor as our way of saying thank you. The favors that I have picked out are a bit expensive, to save some money is it necessary for me to give one to each guests, or can I give them per couple?

A: It is absolutely okay to give favors per couple. Just keep in mind your single guests that you may have invited as they should give them their own favor so they won’t feel left out. The tricky part is going to be deciding on how to distribute the favors. Putting the favors on a “favor table” runs the risk of people taking more than one favor. To remedy this I would suggest using place cards during the reception. With the place card, you are putting their name in the exact spot you would like them to sit at the table. Simply place the favor between the two place settings so they will be able to see that the favor is for the both of them. For your single guests, simply place the favor directly above or on top of the place setting so they will know that it is for them.

Q: I have been reading the one way to save money on your wedding is to plan it during an “off” month. What are the “off” months?

A: The winter months (January – March) tend to be the least popular for weddings. Whereas June, August, September and October tend to be the more popular months. December is also starting to become more popular for weddings all due to the holidays. Because the demand is less during the winter months, you’re more likely to find places (ceremony/reception) who are more likely to offer specials or deep discounts. These discounts can often extend to other wedding services like rentals, photography, flowers, videography, etc too.

Got a question for the Event Diva? Email us at info@beckwithevents.com - and include in the subject line "Q&A with the Event Diva". We will try to answer all questions in the order in which they were received. Check back every Wednesday to see if your question is listed.

HAPPY PLANNING!

It's Official!

2009-05-19T17:18:00.001-04:00

Things have been busy around the office for the past few weeks! We are working on some new and exciting products and services that we will be launching in the next month or so, so keep your eyes on the bolg for more details. We are also putting the finishing touches on re-launching our radio show "Cocktails and Conversations". Look for our re-launch debut on June 4th.

Our latest breaking news is that our very own Erika Beckwith was named the Atlanta Wedding Advice Examiner for examiner.com! You can check out her page here!

"Examiner.com is the insider source for everything local. Covering thousands of subjects across hundreds of cities and towns, Examiners come from all walks of life and contribute unique and original content to entertain, inform, and inspire their readers. Examiners are credible, passionate and knowledgeable local influencers. Launched in April 2008, Examiner.com serves 70 major markets across the country. Examiner.com is a division of the Clarity Media Group, and is wholly owned by The Anschutz Company. " Taken from http://www.examiner.com/

We hope you will drop by and check out her page!

“Q&A with the Event Diva”

2009-05-13T00:16:00.004-04:00

Q & A with the Event Diva

This week I thought we would tackle some common questions I get regarding weddings.

Q: How much time do I need to plan a memorable wedding?

A: About 10 years ago my answer would have been for couples to allow anywhere from 12 – 18 months to plan their dream wedding. However today it all depends on the couple and how much time they have to invest in the planning process. My rule of thumb in planning is pretty simple, the more time you are willing to invest up front with the planning the better. But typically it will take most couples 12 months to properly plan and pay for a wedding. Keep in mind the key to planning your dream wedding is working with an experienced planner and vendors who are great at what they do. With the right mix of wedding professionals a fabulous wedding can be planned in any amount of time!

Q: With the current state of the economy, is hiring a wedding planner even necessary?

A: The current state of the economy is the reason why every couple SHOULD hire a wedding planner. A great wedding planner will streamline the planning process for the couple. There are so many vendors out there to choose from, by hiring a wedding planner he/she will help you select the right vendor that meets your criteria and fits in your budget. A great wedding planner in the end will pay for her/himself and will ultimately save you money in the end. Keep in mind that a wedding planner’s prize possession is her vendor list. We work hard to maintain relationships with great vendors who offer top notch products and excellent service. Because of our relationships we are oftentimes able to negotiate great deals on behalf of our clients saving them hundreds of dollars.

Q: Do you have any money saving advice for couples planning their wedding?

A: Yes, first things first – create a realistic budget! This will be your blueprint throughout the planning process. Once you know what you can comfortable afford, you empower yourself to make “smart” money decisions.

HAPPY PLANNING!

Introducing a New Blog Feature

2009-05-12T23:25:00.001-04:00

When people find out that I am an event planner I somehow instantly become their “go to” person whenever they have questions about planning their event. Almost daily friends, family, friends of friends and friends of family will either call or email me with their event planning questions. From how to select the perfect caterer to invitation wording and everything in between, if there is an event planning question to be asked I’ve probably heard it. So…for that reason and that reason only, I’ve decided to create a special blog section called “Q & A with the Event Diva” which will post every Wednesday where I will try to answer some of your event planning questions.

So…if you have a question that you would like to have the Event Diva (that’s me) answer, email your question(s) to info@beckwithevents.com subject line “Q&A with the Event Diva”. Each week I will select a few questions to answer and will post them to the blog. Who knows, your question could be featured next, so check back often!

Tweeting on Twitter

2009-05-08T23:48:00.001-04:00

Well we have gone and done it...we have jumped on the social networking bandwagon and have joined the twitter family. And believe it or not but we are having a blast!

Feel free to check us out at http://twitter.com/atleventdiva

Tweet you later!

Celebrating Mom!

2009-05-07T17:03:00.003-04:00

"Who ran to help be when I fell,
And would some pretty story tell,
Or kiss the place to make it well?
My Mother." -Ann Taylor

We celebrate Mother’s Day every year and with good reason. Being a mother is one of the hardest jobs a woman will ever have. You are on call 24/7, 365 days a year. There are no sick days, personal time off or vacation days accrued. You can not call in a sub for the day and there is no retirement. There is no salary, bonuses or cost of living adjustments. Yet, it is the most rewarding job a woman can do. A mother’s hard work is often overlooked sometimes unappreciated. So with Mother’s Day this Sunday (May 10th) what better way to celebrate mom, to simply say “Thank You” for loving me than by hosting a Mother’s Day brunch in her honor.

Below you will find nine (9) easy steps for planning a memorable stress-free brunch honoring that special lady in your life…you mom.

Step 1: Set your budget. With the economy being the way it is keep in mind that it isn’t necessary for you to break the bank just to show your mom that you care. Knowing how much you can comfortably spend up front will help you plan how to celebrate mom on her day - stress free.

Step 2: Create a theme. Building a theme around your mom’s interest and hobbies is guaranteed to be a hit. If your mother is a gardener, incorporate some of her favorite flowers from her garden into the décor. Does she love to scrapbook? If so, make 12x12 collages filled with fun family photo’s and place them throughout the house. Incorporating her favorite things into the theme, like her favorite color, flower and music will give your brunch that “special” touch and show your mom that this day is all about her.

Step 3: Choose the location. Hosting the brunch at her favorite restaurant is always a great option, however you may be limited in the amount of personalization you can do. Some other places to consider are a park, special event facility, and your backyard (weather permitting). Keep in mind if hosting the brunch outdoors; always have a back up plan in the event of bad weather.

Step 4: Create the guest list. Are you planning something grand or just planning on inviting your immediate family? My rule of thumb is to always let your budget dictate your guest list.

Step 5: Send out invitations: Whether you decide to have a small intimate gathering with only family or a grand affair, it’s always nice to send out invitations to your guests. No matter how simple or elaborate the invitation is, make sure it includes three basic elements:
· The date and time of the event
· The location, including directions and phone number in the event they get lost and need directions
· The attire – let your guest know how they should come dressed to the event. Is this a casual brunch held outside in the backyard or will it be held at the Four Seasons? Letting your people know how they should dress takes the stress of what to wear off your guests and lends to a better event for all attending.

Step 6: Create the menu. Are you hosting the event at a restaurant? If so pick your mom’s favorite one. Or if you’re hosting the brunch at your house, are you going to have it professionally catered or will you be doing all the cooking yourself? Whichever you decide keep in mind your mom’s favorite foods when planning the menu.

Step 7: Plan the entertainment. Hiring a band or DJ are always good options, or you can keep it simple and create a play list of your mother’s favorite songs and burn them on a CD or put them on your mp3. If children will be attending, have them write poems that they can recite during the event.

Step 8: Take lots of pictures. Designate one or two people as the official photographers to capture the special moments of the day. You can also place disposable cameras in various places for the guests to snap candid photos during the brunch.

Step 9: Have fun! Make the event a fun experience for everyone involved.

Most of all remember what the day is all about – it’s about celebrating mom and treating her like a queen for the day. You don’t have to go to extremes because in the end, it’s the little things that count and mean the most.

Hiring a Wedding Consultant, a Wise Investment

2009-04-27T17:29:00.002-04:00

Congratulations you’re engaged…now what? After the proposal of your dreams you spend the next few days making tons of phone calls and visits to share the exciting news and to show off the ring, then one day as you are flipping through a wedding magazine it hits you - you have to a wedding to plan!

Where do you begin?

Who do you call?

The task of planning a wedding to a newly engaged bride can seem quite overwhelming. Where should you have the reception? Should you have a buffet dinner or seated served? Should you have it outdoors or inside; what if it rains? Your wedding will likely be the most elaborate and expensive party that you will ever host, and you want it to be perfect. For this fact alone many couples are deciding to hire a professional wedding consultant.

What was once considered to be a luxury only reserved for the famous and affluent, hiring a professional wedding consultant has actually become a necessity and can actually be a smart move economically. A wedding consultant should be considered a part of your wedding expenses when determining your budget, not an additional expense.

The scope of the consultant’s involvement in your wedding is entirely up to you. You can have the consultant plan as much or as little as you desire. If you find that you are a “hands on” type of bride and want to do the planning yourself you can still enjoy the benefits of a wedding consultant by selecting only the services you need.

Wedding consultants can provide an array of services to their clients which can include:

Determining the wedding budget – This should be one of the first things you should do after getting engaged. Costs for weddings vary greatly depending on factors such as location and your wedding style. A wedding consultant can help you decide which aspects of your wedding are important to you and the overall look you are trying to achieve. Based on your priorities, your consultant will determine realistic ideas of what things will cost to help you achieve your overall vision all while keeping within your budget.
Referring Qualified Vendors – Putting you in touch with qualified vendors that are within your budget is the most important job of the wedding consultant. While referrals from family and friends are great, their style and budget may not reflect your own. A wedding consultant, knowing your budget and style of wedding you are trying to create will refer vendors that meet your criteria. A wedding consultant’s prize resource is the relationships she establishes with other wedding professionals. Therefore he/she may be able to negotiate a better price than you may obtain as a one-time customer.
Stress Reducer/Confidante – Planning a wedding can be a time of great joy and often time’s one of great stress. Many couples find themselves riding on the roller coaster of emotional tension during this time in their lives. Not only are they preparing for the biggest day of their lives, they are also under going a life-changing process and starting a new family together. Sometimes it’s nice to have a third party who is neutral listen to you as you let off steam about family disputes or someone to simply bounce ideas off of who is not emotionally tied to the wedding.
Time Manager - Many of today’s couples are immersed with responsibilities involved within their personal and professional lives. With career commitments, family responsibilities and maintaining active social lives, many couples are finding it increasingly difficult to find the extra time needed to plan the wedding of their dreams. A wedding consultant can set appointments for you, keep track of deadlines, develop a timeline and payment schedules.

Hiring a consultant does not mean that you will have to give up control of your wedding. However, it does mean you will have someone who is knowledgeable of the wedding industry that will look after your interest. Realizing the benefits of hiring a professional wedding consultant early in the planning process will allow you and your family the luxury of enjoying your special day without having to worry about whether the flowers have arrived or if the correct linens have been placed on the tables. Keeping everyone on track can be stressful for the bride and groom as well as their families however it’s all in a day’s work for an experienced consultant.

Erika Beckwith is an experienced event planner specializing in both social and corporate events. She is also the founder of the event planning firm Beckwith & Associates LLC which serves the Metropolitan Atlanta Area. Visit her website at http://www.beckwithevents.com/.

Copyright © 2009

Our First Show! Hosting a Fabulous Cocktail Party

2008-04-03T20:00:00.003-04:00

Today we launched our new internet radio show on Blog Talk Radio - "Cocktails and Conversation with the Event Diva" (www.blogtalkradio.com/cocktailsandconversations)

March 20th marked the first official day of spring and for most this is also the official kick off to entertaining. With the weather getting warmer more people are finding themselves hosting parties...barbeques...open houses. Tonight we thought we would talk about how to host a fabulous cocktail party.

Tonight's Signature Cocktail

Sour Apple Martini

1 1/2 oz. Sour Apple Pucker

1/2 oz. Triple Sec

1/2 oz. Vodka

1 1/2 oz. Sour Mix

Add all ingredients in a shaker with a small amount of ice. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a cherry in the bottom of the glass.

CHEERS!

What is a Cocktail Party?

A cocktail party is a social gathering, held early in the evening, usually for a period of about 2-3 hours, typically from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M.or 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. It may take place in a home, at a private room in a restaurant or hotel, or in a business such as an art gallery or bookstore. Cocktails, wine, and soft drinks are served, though contemporary cocktail parties may offer wine and soft drinks exclusively and skip the cocktails. Beverages are accompanied by finger foods, which are meant to delight the palate, stave off hunger until dinnertime, and complement the cocktails. Cocktail parties are great for entertaining friends or business associates, or a combination of both.

Party Decisions

Your cocktail party can be as simple or as complex as you wish to make it . As with any event that you host there are a few questions you should ask yourself when beginning to plan your party.

What is you budget for this event?
How many guests will be attending? This number will impact your budget greatly, so if you're working with a limited budget keep the guest list small.
Is this a casual event for friends or a formal business networking event?
Will there be a full bar or a limited cocktail menu?
Will the party be indoors or outdoors? If outdoors what is the plan B in the event for inclimate weather?
What type of foods will you serve?
Is there a theme/occasion for your party?

The Food

A full course meal is not necessary when hosting a cocktail party. Simple foods like hors d'oeuvres and other finger foods allow your guests to graze throughout the event. Serving something like cheese and crackers, a veggie platter and a nice fruit display is nice and simple for the novice cocktail host/hostess. You could also do a themed cocktail party where you serve just desserts or maybe a chocolate cocktail party and do a chocolate fountain with all the fixings! Remember it can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. If you don't have the desire, time or talent for cooking then do what I do and call your favorite caterer or take-out restaurant for help.

The Drinks

Now we all know you can't have a cocktail party without having the cocktails!!! There are two options available to you when it comes to serving the drinks...

1. Have a full bar - this option gives your guests the option to choose their favorite drink. This is great if you have a well stocked bar or if your are willing to buy the basics (liquor and mixers) and are able to mix up a variety of drinks. Think the movie "Cocktail".

2. Come up with a drink menu or serve a signature drink - this is my favorite option because it encourages your guests to step out of their "cocktail" comfort zone and possibly try something new. This is also a great way to save money because you don't need to have a fully stocked bar. I like to select and ore-mix several cocktails that I will be serving through out the night right before my guests arrive. That way I can spend more time talking with the guest and less time behind the bar (or in my case in the kitchen) mixing drinks.

I would also like to share with you some helpful hints on making your next cocktail party a fabulous one...

Make sure you have all the essentials for your bar. If having a full bar make sure to have a variety of liquor and mixers (soda, soda water, juice, etc.).
Send your invitations out early but not too early. 2-3 weeks should be more than enough time unless it is a busy time of the year - like around the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas).
Make sure you stock up on cocktail napkins, plates, and glasses.
Plan on 50-75% of invited guests to attend when estimating the number of drinks you'll be pouring and how many bottles you'll need. A good rule of thumb is that on average each guest will have 2-3 drinks during the evening.
Add a WOW factor to your event. This could be a speciality drink, garnish, food dish, decor element, or gift (take away).

Always remember that every good host/hostess is responsible for those drinking at their party. Be aware of guests who have had too much to drink and cut them off when necessary. When they are ready to leave call them a cab or arrange to have them leave with a designated driver. It's also good practice to keep in mind that everyone may not want to drink, so make sure you have a few non-alcoholic drinks or "mocktails" available for them.

But the most important thing to remember when hosting any event is to have fun. Planning early and properly will ensure that you will spend less time stressing and more time enjoying your guests.

Happy Planning!

Beckwith & Associates Launches New Internet Radio Show!!

2008-03-31T23:59:00.005-04:00

I am happy to announce that Beckwith& Associates will be hitting the internet airwaves starting Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 6:00pm. We will be airing our first live broadcast "Cocktails and Conversation" on Blog Talk Radio - www.blogtalkradio.com/cocktailsandconversations. During each broadcast we will feature a signature cocktail and talk about something to social entertaining, from cocktail parties to weddings and everything in between - we'll talk about it!

Got a question for the Event Diva (me)? Well you can call your question in during our live broadcast at (347) 838-9795 and we'll try our best to answer it. You can also subscribe to our pod casts via iTunes our you can listen to any of our archived shows by visiting our website - www.blogtalkradio.com/cocktailsandconversations.

See you on Thursday, April 6, 2008!

~Step 2 - Budget Basics - Setting Your Priorities~

2008-03-18T10:55:00.009-04:00

Now that you have determined what your wedding style is or at least you have an idea, it's now time to tackle a topic that most couples dread - determining the wedding budget. As you know everyone's wedding is as unique as the couples that are getting married - well the same philosophy holds true for the wedding budget. Let me share with you a little secret...it is possible to create a beautiful wedding on any budget...you just have to set realistic expectations.

So first things first, before we start talking about money, it's important to determine the elements of your wedding and their priorities. Below I have provided you with a priority list. On it we have identified 15 wedding elements to get you started. Look at the list and start ranking the following elements of your wedding according to their relative importance to you. Mark a "1" next to those elements that are the "most important areas"; a "2" by the "medium important areas"; and a "3" next to those that are the "least important" to you. Feel free to add additional elements that relate to your wedding.

Priorities List

___ Ceremony

___ Number of Guest

___ Size of Wedding

___ Location

___ Season

___ Food and Drink

___ Music - ceremony

___ Music - reception

___ Flowers

___ Tabletop Decor and Linen

___ Lighting and Mood

___ Invitations and Printing

___ Fashion

___ Photography/Videography

___ Other_______________

This exercise is most effective when done as a couple. Make two copies of the priorities sheet and give one copy to your fiance. Do your ranking separately and when you're finished, sit together and compare lists. This is a great exercise to start discussing what is most important to each of you and will help you both determine where your budget and your attention should be directed first.

Next we will discuss actually putting the budget together.

Happy Planning!

Starting the Planning Process - Step 1: Determining Your Wedding Style

2008-01-07T21:56:00.000-05:00

You've dreamt about your wedding day since you were a little girl. The man of your dreams plans the most romantic evening...dinner...dancing...you end the evening with a late night stroll through your favorite park. The air is crisp and the stars are bright. As you're walking through the park, he stops...turns towards you...gently kisses you on the lips...and while looking deep into your eyes starts to bend on one knee. You start to get butterflies because you know what is about to come next. And then you hear those four sweet words...

"Will you marry me?"

Ahh the perfect engagement right? In the beginning you're excited...can't believe that it's happening...and after a few days reality starts to set it...you think to yourself..."I'm really getting married!" Now it's time to plan the perfect wedding but where do you begin? How do you go about selecting the perfect location? Find the vendors that match your personal style and budget? How do you fit in phone calls, vendor meetings, dress fittings, engagement parties, showers, tastings, and site visits while still working, your family responsibilities oh and let's not even think about trying to maintain an active social life all while trying to remain sane.
The first thing that I suggest is that you take a deep breath...and have a glass or bottle of your favorite drink. In other words calm down. Planning a wedding...excuse me YOUR wedding can seem like a overwhelming task but if you break it down into bit size pieces, planning it can be manageable if you take it one task at a time.

Starting the planning process...

First determine your wedding style. To get some insight on your particular style try answering the following questions:

1. When envisioning your wedding, do you see a celebration that is modern/contemporary or classic/traditional?

2. Do you imaging a part of your wedding (ceremony or reception) taking place outside?

3. You envision your wedding taking place in the spring, summer, fall or winter?

4. What would be your ideal number of guest at your wedding?

5. Your wedding colors should be:

deep and passionate
soft and subtle
natural and organic
contemporary and chic
romantic and bridal
unusual and fresh

6. Your ideal wedding meal would be:

buffet dinner
seated formal dinner
seated family-style
cocktail party
brunch
lunch
other

7. At your wedding you want your guests to feel - (fill in the blank)

8. If you had to describe your wedding in a sentence or two, it would be -

9. You don't want your wedding to be - (fill in the blank)

10. Other words that you might use to describe your wedding would be:

This exercise works best if you and your fiancé answer the questions independently and then come together and share your answers with each other. This starts the dialogue on how you both envision your wedding which should aid you when talking to potential vendors and making decisions on the types of products and services you will need in order to make your "dream" wedding a reality.

If you want to take this exercise one step further, then I would recommend that you also create an idea board. Take all of those bridal magazines that you went out a purchased right after he popped the questions, grab a pair of scissors and start to cutting! Cut out dresses that you like, cars that you think it would be cool to ride in and centerpieces that inspire you...cut out everything! Love a color of a dress in a magazine but hate the style? Cut it out too...just make a note to yourself on why you cut it out (for the color) so you can communicate this with those helping you plan your special day.

Determining your style is the first step in planning your wedding. So grab a sheet of paper...answer the questions...and look through your magazines with scissors in hand...and have fun!

Check back later when we look at step 2 in the planning process...creating the wedding budget!

Happy Planning!
Erika Beckwith - Beckwith & Associates, LLC

~Upcoming Wedding Workshops~

2008-01-03T20:00:00.000-05:00

"Congratulations You're Engaged...Now What?"
Wedding Workshop

You've just experienced the "perfect engagement"...now it's time to plan the perfect wedding but where do you begin? How do you go about selecting the perfect location? Find the vendors that match your personal style and budget? How do you fit in phone calls, vendor meetings, dress fittings, engagement parties, showers, tastings,and site visits while still working, juggling an active social life and family responsibilities?

HELP!?!?!?!?!?

Start the New Year off right - and get a "jump start" on your wedding planning by attending one of our January workshops. Taught by top industry professionals providing you with the latest trends for 2008 on decor, cakes, photography, videography, flowers and much more!

January Workshop Dates: Sunday January 13, 2008 or Sunday, January 27, 2008
12:00 noon - 5:00 PM
Registration starts at 11:30 am

Sheraton Buckhead
3405 Lenox Rd, NE
Atlanta, GA 30326

Admission: $10.00/workshop

Space is limited as class sizes are small, register today to secure your spot!
This is one workshop you won't want to miss!

For more information on this workshop and to register visit us on the web at http://www.beckwithevents.com/. You can also register by calling our office @ (770) 339-6591.

Some of our speakers and exhibitors for our January workshop include:

Allan Levene Photography

Flowers of Blessing by Brenda

LT Travel Connection

MK's Fotography

Grayson Flowers and Events

Design Squared

1420 Dezigns

Surviving the Company Holiday Party (while at the same time keeping your job)

2007-12-12T12:48:00.000-05:00

We have been busy this week planning many holiday parties for our corporate clients. So you just about imagine how many times we’ve witnessed that one employee who’s had a tad too much to drink that decides he wants to try his hand as a stand up comedian at his bosses expense. Or what about the other employee who is dressed a little too provocative for an “office” celebration? You now who I’m talking about. So with the holiday’s right around the corner, we thought we would take this time to offer our take on how to survive the company holiday party and have fun without losing your job.

Just as each company is unique, so is its holiday party. If this is the first time at your company’s holiday party we suggest that you properly prepare for it by finding out a few things such as:
What is the normal atmosphere at the party?
Are dates allowed?
What is the normal dress code? Is it dressy or business casual? (There is nothing like walking into the party under dressed or worse yet dresses inappropriately).

Once you’re at the party keep in mind the following:

1. Keep everything in moderation – that goes for both food and especially drink! Remember you are there to socialize and network not pig out and get sloppy drunk.

2. Try to avoid socializing all night with the same group of people you hang out with during regular business hours. Take advantage of the holiday celebration and branch out and network with others that you may not be familiar with. You never know, that new person you meet may hold the key to your next promotion!

3. Pay attention to the time. As a general rule of thumb don’t stay at the holiday party less than 30 minutes (you don’t want to give the impression that you’ve got better things to do…even if it’s true) but on the same token make sure you aren’t the last one to close the door! No one wants to hold the title of office “party animal”.

4. But our biggest piece of advice is this – no matter how festive the occasion is, remember it’s still all about business. Keep in mind that your boss, your boss’s boss, and your boss’s boss’s boss will be there and they may (in fact I know they are) be watching you, to see how you (along with their other employees) are interacting with each other.

That’s it…4 simple rules that are sure to guarantee that you’ll have a job waiting for you on that Monday following the office party!

Cheers!

Planning the Perfect Holiday Party

2007-12-11T11:38:00.000-05:00

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays of the year. I love everything about it…the sights (all the pretty lights), the sounds (people caroling…yes, believe it or not people still do), the smells (evergreen, cookies, pies) and the good cheer. This is also my favorite time to throw a party…but then I’ll throw a party just because it’s Wednesday. (smile)

If you’re like me and love to entertain, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite things I use when hosting the perfect holiday gathering.

First the cocktail...

I love greeting guests as they arrive with a cocktail, it’s just right thing to set the mood for the evening. This year I will be serving the Peppermint Patty at all of my holiday gatherings.

Peppermint Patty Cocktail

Ingredients:

2 ounces vodka 1 ounces peppermint schnapps

1/2 ounces white crème de cacao

Directions:
Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice.
Stir gently and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Servings: One cocktail.

To add a little pizazz crush some peppermints in a food processor. Dip the rim of your cocktail glass in water and then dip the rim in the ground peppermints. Garnish your cocktail with a candy cane.

Drink recipe and photo courtesy of fineliving.com

Next the appetizer...

As much as I love to entertain I don’t like to cook, but if there is one thing that I don’t mind making that would be my favorite Hot Crab Dip. I found this great recipe on the Food Network’s website a while back and it’s never failed me. In addition to the Hot Crab Dip, I also make sure to call my favorite caterer who is always on “stand by” ready to help me at a moments notice for all the rest. (smile)

Hot Crab Dip

Ingredients:

1 pound jumbo lump crab meat, free of shells

1 cup grated pepper jack cheese

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup grated Parmesan

1/4 cup green onions, minced, optional

5 to 6 roasted garlic cloves or 2 cloves minced

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juice

1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Combine all of the ingredients in a casserole and gently stir until thoroughly mixed.

Bake for 40 minutes.

Serve hot with crackers or toast points.

Recipe and Photo courtesy of FoodNetwork.com

Now that we’ve got the cocktail and appetizer checked off our list, let’s move on to music.

A holiday party is just not a party without good old Christmas music to get you in the mood. Below you will find just a few of my favorites. Don’t have time to go out and buy the CD? No problems. Most of the songs can be found and downloaded from iTunes for just 99 cents!

Here are my top 6 picks for this holiday season...

1. The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole
2. Christmas Time is Here – Vince Guaraldi Trio (from A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack)
3. Let it Snow – Michael Bublé (the entire CD is a must have!)
4. All I Want For Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
5. Jingle Bells – Ella Fitzgerald (from the CD Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas)
6. Winter Wonderland - Ella Fitzgerald (from the CD Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas)

So we've got the cocktail, appetizer, caterer on speed dial and the music we’re all set for a great holiday gathering! All you have to do now is pick a date and invite your guests.

Here’s to a fun holiday party!

Happy Planning!

Look at what's new for 2008!

2007-12-10T18:18:00.000-05:00

As 2007 quickly comes to an end we wanted to take this time to give you a "sneak" peek on some of the exciting new services and workshops that we are planning for 2008.

We kick off the New Year with the introduction of our new bridal package - BRIDE'S BEST FRIEND which will be available starting January 4, 2008.

And don't forget our popular "Congratulations You're Engaged...Now What?" wedding workshops. Workshops are scheduled to begin on Sunday, January 13, 2008 at the Sheraton Buckhead and will occur twice a month at various Metro Atlanta locations throughout the year. Visit us at www.beckwithevents.com for a current listing of workshops and information on how to register.

BRIDE'S BEST FRIEND - PLANNER IN A BOX!

Our newest service offering for 2008 is designed specifically for the DIY and budget conscious bride who wants the services of an experienced planner but doesn't want to pay the hefty fee associated with it. BRIDE'S BEST FRIEND ("BBF") is a "virtual" planning service designed for couples to assist them in planning the most important event of their lives, their wedding.

BBF package includes the following services:

2 hour initial consultation
Personalized Budget Analysis
Planning Pages Workbook
6 hours of phone coaching
The Bride's Black Book of Resources CD
Monthly Newsletter
Personalized Planning Checklist

Included in the package is our 21st century version of the "little black book". The Bride's Black Book of Resources is an electronic resource guide filled with information on products and services that every couple needs during the planning of their wedding. On this CD, you'll find everything from venues to gifts & favors and everything in between that you will need when planning the wedding of your dreams!

Available - January 4, 2008!

"Congratulations You're Engaged...Now What?" Wedding Workshop

You've just experienced the perfect proposal and now you're ready to plan the perfect wedding. But where do you begin? You don't want to miss this one day workshop designed to take the stress and mystery out wedding planning. Taught by top industry professionals providing you with the latest trends for 2008 on decor, cakes, photography, videography, floral and much more!

You won't want to miss out on our next workshops!

Sunday, January 13, 2008 or Sunday, January 27, 2008 @ The Sheraton Buckhead

Sunday, February 3, 2008 or Sunday, February 17, 2008 @ Park Central

Workshops are from 12:00 noon - 5:00 pm

Admission: $10.00 / workshop (includes workbook)

Space is limited, call now to reserve your seat!

Blue Diamond Awards - Honoring Unsung "Sheroes"

2007-10-19T22:19:00.000-04:00

Beckwith & Associates LLC was selected to plan and produce the Darakjian 43rd Anniversary Celebration – Blue Diamond Awards in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, October 14, 2007. This event was created to honor unsung women heroes in the Metro Detroit area. Proceeds from the event went to Spelman College in Atlanta, GA.

Special "Thanks" goes out to the following people who helped make this event a success:

Lenne George & Staff
C-Stop Photography
Andria Love
Georges Mokbel
All Pro Color
Engraved Impressions
The Creative Genius Trio featuring Gene Dunlap
Darakjian Jewelers Staff
Beckwith & Associates Detroit Team (Daisha Herring, Kim & Kevin Bell)

Below are some pictures from the event. Hope you enjoy!

About Us

2007-10-02T23:06:00.000-04:00

Beckwith & Associates, LLC is a practiced event planning firm specializing in full-service event management and coordination. Our team of qualified event planning professionals design and facilitate distinctive events and leisure activities with creative themes and lavish amenities. In our practice the word event epitomizes impressive style and simplicity.

Whether you are entertaining an enthusiastic group of 3,000 or an intimate gathering of 30, Beckwith & Associates will help you orchestrate an event that will leave your guests with a lingering sense of elation.

Many of today's professionals are engrossed with responsibilities involved within their personal and professional lives. The additional task of planning details of an important event can be overwhelming. We work for you! Let Beckwith & Associates plan your next event so you can relax and enjoy.

Welcome!

2007-10-01T17:48:00.000-04:00

This blog was created to share with you, our friends and future clients the art of entertaining. On this blog you will find out the latest tips and tricks for elegant entertaining that can be used whether you're having an intimate dinner party for 2, planning a wedding for 500 guests, launching a new product/service or planning a corporate meeting for your department. We will also keep you up to date on what's happening at our company Beckwith & Associates, LLC so make sure you check back often. It's time to bring back events that are Innovative, Sophisticated and Timeless - so sit back, relax and enjoy!

Happy Entertaining!
The Beckwith & Associates Team

The Art and Science of Elegant Entertaining

Wedding Cakes Basics

Mid-week Cocktail Cool Down ~ Strawberry Daiquiri

Mid-week Cocktail Cool Down ~ Pineapple Mint Punch

Mid-Week Cocktail Cool Down ~ Vodka Cranberry Cooler

Mid-week Cocktail Cool Down ~ Tequila Grapefruit Splash

Celebrate the 4th in style with these easy and fun ideas

Join us on Saturday, July 2 special guests Cookies and Corks and The Wine Coach

Art of the Reception ~ Talk about adding that WOW factor

Check out this GREAT space for your next summer soiree!

4th of July Cocktails

Mid-week Cocktail Cool Down

Mid-week Cocktail Cool Down

Event Diva's Drink of the Week - Sparkling Margarita

Cocktails & Conversations w/Sister Save-A-Lot

Spring is in the air!

Candy Bar Anyone???

The Love Story - Celebrity Wedding: Tia Mowry & Cory Hardrict - InStyle Weddings - Celebrity - InStyle

5 Ways To Make Your Wedding Unique

Springtime Entertaining Tips

7 Tips For Planning a “Signature Wedding” on a Small Budget

Great Holiday Cocktails

And it all started with the tree...

Custom Card Boxes - A Bride's Best Friend

"Q&A with the Event Diva"

"Q&A with the Event Diva"

It's Official!

“Q&A with the Event Diva”

Introducing a New Blog Feature

Tweeting on Twitter

Celebrating Mom!

Hiring a Wedding Consultant, a Wise Investment

~~Our First Show! Hosting a Fabulous Cocktail Party~~

Beckwith & Associates Launches New Internet Radio Show!!

~Step 2 - Budget Basics - Setting Your Priorities~

~~Starting the Planning Process - Step 1: Determining Your Wedding Style~~

~Upcoming Wedding Workshops~

Surviving the Company Holiday Party (while at the same time keeping your job)

~~Planning the Perfect Holiday Party~~

Look at what's new for 2008!

Blue Diamond Awards - Honoring Unsung "Sheroes"

~~About Us~~

Welcome!

Our First Show! Hosting a Fabulous Cocktail Party

Starting the Planning Process - Step 1: Determining Your Wedding Style

Planning the Perfect Holiday Party

About Us