Thanksgiving-Eve Toast

As we approach another Thanksgiving, I'm always excited and delighted because it is simply my most favorite holiday!  I'm soooooo thankful for my supportive family, especially my daughter who just celebrated her 12th birthday.  I'm thankful for my girlfriends who are like sisters-from-another-mother to this only child.  I'm thankful for a successful and thriving wedding & event planning business.  I'm thankful for my health and strength, plus those good days that keep me smiling and those bad days that keep me learning.  And I'm so very thankful for all my social media friends who follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Tumblr and who read this blog.  I toast to you and your families via the recipe below:

Ingredients

3 cups canned unsweetened pear nectar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon minced crystallized ginger
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup dry Diablo Creek Sauvignon Blanc
Lemon slices (optional)
***serves 5

Instructions

Prep Time: 3 Minutes
Cook Time: 7 Minutes
Ready In: 10 Minutes

1. In a 1 1/2- to 2-quart pan over medium-high heat, mix pear nectar, sugar, ginger, lemon juice, and wine. Cook, uncovered, until hot, about 7 minutes. (Or heat in a 1 1/2- to 2-quart microwave-safe container in a microwave oven at full (100%) power until hot, about 7 minutes.)
2. Pour cider into mugs or heat-proof glasses, and garnish each with a lemon slice. 

 

Until next time...Happy Thanksgiving and WEDologize!

(Photo credits and recipe via Dominicks)

Dressing Up Signature Drinks

A signature drink has pretty much become a staple at the cocktail and reception bar.  Couple's always put a lot of thought into the drinks ingredients, color and event the unique name it's given.  But also consider the "attire" the drink will wear when presented to your wedding guests.  Take a look at some of these ideas:

Bubble gum (or candy) garnish

And who doesn't love a fun paper straw?!

This doilie stirrer is so romantic!

Add a beautiful floral garnish to the drink

And you can't go wrong with adding a hint of fruit

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - bubble gum martini; paper straws; flower garnish; doilie stirrer; fruit garnish)

Pretty Little Ice Cubes

When I stumbled upon this idea, I smiled from head-to-toe thinking about the guests when you place this refreshing drink idea in front of them showcasing flowers and/or fruit.  Not only could you see ice glistening in a drink glass during the cocktail hour, but they would certainly add a punch of color to the water glasses on the reception tables.  Or better yet, save the ice cubes for your speciality and signature drinks.  Either way, it's always those smaller details that get noticed and discussed by the guests...so now you can add ice cubes to that list!

***side note - when adding flowers to your ice cubes, make sure they are edible flowers and that they have not been treated with chemicals or pesticides.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.culinarytribune.com, www.weheartit.com, www.luxefinds.com)

Escort Cards Plus Drinks

I'm in love with one of the newer trends I am seeing - escort cards + a drink.  It's truly a fun way for wedding guests to enter into the cocktail hour immediately following the ceremony.  The guests get a refreshment and their seating assignment all at the same time.  The guest name and table number can stand out in so many different ways from using bottle labels to acrylic attachments.  Check out some of the "cute" ideas below:

Flavored sodas w/ name and table number labels

Acrylic name tags w/ champagne

Custom tumblers w/ the guest name and table number

Drink stirrers showcasing name and table number

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - 100 Layer Cake;  Style Me Pretty; Creative Print Media; VanCityAllie)