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FAVORS IN THE CITY BY PARTY CITY BLOG

What’s In and Out for Catering in 2010

Catering expert, Cheryl Kahn-Bracco, director of  Catering for the Glazier Group (a Manhattan event management company,) gave some insight on what’s right now and what’s so five minutes ago in a recent post on MitzvahMarket.com. Cheryl has “extensive experience in hospitality” and oversees unique events for clients at Bridgewaters, Twenty Four Fifth in NYC and The Beach Resort in Key West, FL.

Let’s take a look at what’s cooking in the catering world this season!

RIGHT NOW: Fried Chicken  SO FIVE MINUTES AGO: Sliders

RIGHT NOW: Gluten-Free Foods  SO FIVE MINUTES AGO: Nut-Free Foods

RIGHT NOW: Organic, Sustainable Local Foods  SO FIVE MINUTES AGO: Processed, Frozen or Imported Food

RIGHT NOW: St~ Germain Cocktails  SO FIVE MINUTES AGO: Cosmopolitans

RIGHT NOW: Short Ribs  SO FIVE MINUTES AGO: Rack of Lamb

RIGHT NOW: Lounge Seating  SO FIVE MINUTES AGO: Assigned Seating

RIGHT NOW: Email RSVP  SO FIVE MINUTES AGO: Response Cards Sent Via Email

RIGHT NOW: Woopie Pies  SO FIVE MINUTES AGO: Chocolate Fountains

RIGHT NOW: Root Beer Floats  SO FIVE MINUTES AGO: Frozen Daiquiris

Okay. Let’s talk about the questions you have, which are probably the same things I wondered about.  We’ll start with a recipe for the St. Germain Cocktail. St~Germain is a liqueur made from hand-picked elderflower blossoms, and this recipe is from the St~Germain web site:

2 parts Champagne* or Dry White Wine**
1 ½ parts St-Germain
2 parts Sparkling Water or Club Soda

Method: Stir ingredients in a tall ice-filled Collins glass, mixing completely. Think of Paris circa 1947. Garnish with a lemon twist.Variation: Think of Sarte circa 1947. Be the lemon twist.

* Or Sparkling Wine, Prosecco or Cava
** Preferably Sauvignon Blanc

My next question was about  “lounge seating.” Rental companies can drop off and pick up lounge-style set-ups to match your color scheme. These lounges create comfortable, intimate groupings throughout your reception venue, making your event sophisticated and laid-back at the same time. It’s a great look you’ll probably have to pay more for. Here are a few photos I got from Google that give you a pretty good idea of the concept:

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Last one–whoopie pies (also called a gob, black-and-white, bob, or “BFO” for Big Fat Oreo.) A Whoopie Pie is a baked good made of two round mound-shaped pieces of chocolate cake with a sweet, creamy frosting sandwiched between them. Well, I’m on board. Here’s what they look like:

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As always, use what works for you and leave the rest–although I don’t think many of us would leave those Whoopie Cakes behind.


Posted by Susan Hawkins on Monday, Mar. 8th 2010 in Bride Advice, Party Planning, Wedding Planning & Ideas.
No Comments »

Win An Ultimate Wedding From Crate & Barrel

I came across this online and just had to pass it on.  With so many budget-conscious brides out there, I know there are plenty of you who will want to take advantage of this contest.  The good folks at Crate & Barrel are giving away the Ultimate Wedding!  Valued at $100,000, it will include expert wedding planning, flowers, dresses, a marvelous venue and more–everything except the wedding favors ( It seems you’ll have to get those from us!)

How To Enter

  • Create a wedding registry at Crate & Barrel
  • Complete the Contest Entry Form
  • Tell your love story in 100 words or less
  • Share three important details of your Ultimate Wedding (100 words or less)
  • Describe your everyday dream day in 100 words or less

Then, in true American-Idol style, you’ll have to get people to vote for you.  The couple with the most votes wins!  You have until March 31st to enter.  So, click on over to http://www.crateandbarrel.com/ultimatewedding/default.aspx for details.

Even if you don’t win their contest, you can always be a winner with our bridesmaid’s gifts!  A personalized remembrance of your super-fantastic day, your girls are sure to thank you for them.

cosmo home tote gifted initial tumbler


Posted by Karen Sullen on Wednesday, Mar. 3rd 2010 in Chic On The Cheap.
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Make “Big Dreamzzz” Part of Your Next Baby Gift!

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes…well, you know the rest. We’re all about helping you get ready for two of the biggest milestones in life, and when your friends have babies, here’s where you’d come to find, not only some of the most adorably  unique baby shower favors on the market if you host the baby shower, but totally unique baby shower gifts, too.

Baby All StarThat’s why I’m here to show you the newest from Baby Aspen’s incomparable “Big Dreamzzz” collection.  Their line of  “aspire” attire—career-connected sleepwear sets—is delighting new moms and dads everywhere, giving the new mom, dad and baby a glimpse into the future! Baby Aspen recently introduced the fourth in their ever-expanding line—”Big Dreamzzz” Baby All-Star. Like all the “Big Dreamzzz” sleep sets, Baby All-Star comes with a cap, a bodysuit and booties. In this set, the booties look like little baseballs!

If you think this baseball-themed  layette is for boys only, think again. Why shouldn’t girls go after traditionally male careers, too? Especially when this outfit is just as becoming on a girl as it is on a boy.  Sure, people will take one look at the outfit and assume the baby is a boy, so 21st-Century moms simply need a prepared comeback to “Oh, what a precious little boy!”

Mom’s response: “Not even close. We’re teaching our daughter Grace Dyan that she can be anything she wants to be when she grows up instead of being guided by gender-biased assumptions. This outfit was a gift, and we love it!”

Baby Ballerina

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Of course, if you’re still tied to those long-standing beliefs, we also have the gorgeously girly Baby Ballerina sleep set. Somehow, though, what I said in the previous two paragraphs, about gender bias and aspiring to non-traditional gender roles doesn’t hold up as well here. I don’t think many fathers would be evolved enough to appreciate seeing their son in this particular sleep set.

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Baby MDBaby CamoBut there are two more “Big Dreamzzz” options—Baby MD and Baby Camo, precious and proper for either gender, especially if baby’s parents are doctors, members of the armed forces or avid hunters. I’m sure they would be proud for their children to follow in their footsteps. I wouldn’t be surprised if your gift became a keepsake. After baby outgrows it, mom and dad can frame it and make it wall decor, continually reminding their baby to dream big! Here at Favors in the City, we like to keep the dreams alive!


Posted by Susan Hawkins on Wednesday, Feb. 24th 2010 in Baby Gifts, Baby Shower.
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Sweet Wedding Favors For About A Buck–Just Add Candy!

Our New Wedding Favor Kits Are A Hit!  And, it’s easy to see why.  With six sassy styles to choose from, all you have to do is fill them with candy, and you’ve got a thoughtful, delicious wedding favor that’s personalized just for you!  If you’re willing to exchange a little time for big-time savings, these do-it-yourself favor kits are for you.  Perfect for the practical bride, they allow you to save money and still present a personalized wedding favor to your guests.  With everything included (except the candy, of course), it’s a no-brainer!

Find your style!

Wilton Champagne Bottle FavorYou and your guests will be bubbling with excitement over this Champagne Bottle Favor Kit.  And, who could blame you?  It’s personalized, petite and perfect!  Assembling in minutes, no one would think you made them yourself.

Wilton Martini Glass FavorOr gather the girls to help package your favorite treat in this mini martini glass.  Wrapped in white tulle and accented with a hag tag that can include a special message from you, you can also use it as a place card holder by putting the guest’s name on the tag.  What a sweet treat to find at your seat!  I don’t know about you, but I think this would also be great as a girl’s night out favor.

Wilton Umbrella FavorIf you’re looking for a cute bridal shower or baby shower favor, this frosted umbrella will catch all the compliments on your special day.  Filled with your favorite treat, it’s a unique way to shower your guests will love.  Perfect to present Jordan almonds, mints, chocolates or other delicious desserts.  So simple, but oh-so sweet!

Wilton Heart FavorIt’s easy to show your heartfelt gratitude with this heart-shaped favor.  Perfect for all sorts of occasions, like baby showers, bridal showers, weddings and more, this do-it-yourself favor kit includes the personalized tags that can be printed on the computer to share your special message or the guest’s name.  What a delightful way to end the day!

For look at all of our fabulously affordable favors, visit our website at www.favorsinthecity.com.


Posted by Karen Sullen on Monday, Feb. 15th 2010 in Wedding Favors & Decor.
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2010 Wedding Trends for Brides with Big Bucks

First, let me wish you all a terrifically Happy Valentine’s Day! If you’re planning a wedding, you’re already having a fabulous Valentine’s Day. WhooHooo!

Opulent WeddingAs a blogger, I’m always interested in what’s happening on other blogs. I checked out the Luxury Weddings blog for the affluent bride, because they just came out with their top wedding trends and forecast for this year’s luxury weddings. While top-of-the-line wedding planning might be beyond your budget, there are certainly some elements you can easily incorporate into your plans without turning your pockets inside out. All it takes is some research and creativity.

Meanwhile, here are some 2010 wedding trends for couples whose cup runneth over with cash…

Gowns

There’s a return to “timeless romanticism” by top couture wedding gown designers this year, with collections that feature intricate lace, metallic fabrics, elaborate flower appliques, billowing ruffled tiers and all-over beaded embellishments. Also hot this year is the “daring” asymmetrical, one-shoulder necklines instead of strapless gowns.

Invitations

Sea and nature-inspired custom wedding invitations and hand-illustrated wedding invitations are big for couples planning a destination wedding. Also popular are couture wedding invitations that use luxury design elements and printing techniques like letterpress, foil stamping, embossing, Swarovski crystals, luxury embellishments, silk boxes, engraving, offset, digital and thermography (heating traditional wet ink with a powder compound to create printing that rises off the paper to simulate the refined look of engraving.)
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Color Palettes

Wedding guests will see varying shades of violet, rose, blues and greens to mirror the more popular palette for wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses.

Custom Wedding Cakes

Custom wedding cakes will tower to new heights. Fondant masterpieces like the one on the right will make  triple-layered cakes a thing of the past.

Eco-Friendly Weddings

A popular way to go these days regardless of budget, the upscale eco-friendly wedding eliminates elaborate table arrangements in favor of miniature fruit or ornamental trees, live topiaries and herb baskets ready for easy transplant into a garden after the wedding.

Focus on Favors

Pear Gourmet Brownie PopsEdible favors continue to gain in popularity—personalized and delectable dark chocolates, candies and exotic fruits thank guests with something tasty and often too beautiful to eat, like “The Perfect Pear” Gourmet Brownie Pops edible wedding favor on the right.

Concern for Humanity

Here’s a trend couples in every tax bracket can incorporate into their wedding plans. It’s simply “giving back on your wedding day and paying forward to those who are desperately in need.” Donate leftover food and delicacies from your wedding reception to homeless shelters and give your floral arrangements to area hospices, nursing homes and hospitals after your celebration so they can continue to bring joy, happiness and a smile into someone’s life.

Live Event Painting

Okay. This is pretty cool. Affluent brides are commissioning artists to create a live painting on canvas of their luxury wedding event as it unfolds, providing unique entertainment for their wedding guests. Most live event artists will gladly travel to your wedding destination anywhere in the world. Prices range from $1000 to $2,500 and up, depending on timing, location and duration, plus travel expenses. Pricey, yes, but what a unique keepsake!



You Might Not Have A Personal Valet, But Your Purse Can!

monogrammed purse valetAh, the purse valet!

This nifty little invention has taken my attention as of late.  What’s not to love about them?  They’re sleek, stylish and help keep your purse off the floor.  While they’re not new to us since we’ve carried them for a while, we have introduced a brand new purse valet that is oh-so-chic, I just had to tell you about it.

The monogrammed purse valet comes in cool, classic black.  So striking, it’s almost decadent.  Just look at it sitting to the left of this page stealing the show!  Surrounded by silver, it’ personalized with a single initial in simple elegance.  Ladies everywhere will love them when you give them as a bridal shower favor.  And, even better, they’ll also see you as the cutting-edge, fashion-forward style maven you truly are.

Want to see some of our other styles?  Here they are!

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Posted by Karen Sullen on Friday, Feb. 5th 2010 in Bridal Shower.
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Unique, NEW Baby Gifts for Your Next Baby Shower!

Yes! Three fantastic new baby gifts, including one adorable organic baby gift, just arrived, and we know you’ll love them as much as we do! Baby Aspen, one of our favorite baby gift designers and manufacturers, added to their collection for 2010, and here’s what we have to say about them!

Chick Wagon

“Just Hatched” 7-Piece Layette Set in Charming “Chick” Wagon

When the mom-to-be gets her first peep at this plucky little baby gift, she’ll get even more excited about hatching her little chick! First, she’ll start thinking about how cute her baby (boy “or” girl!) will look in all the adorable clothes, and next she’ll figure out which of many things she’ll do with the adorable “chick wagon!”

Sweet Pea Layette

“Fresh Produce” Sweet Pea Five-Piece Organic Layette Set

As fresh and natural as the produce you pick yourself! Lead the mom-to-be and her little sweet pea down an eco-friendly path with our earth-loving “Fresh Produce” Sweet Pea Five-Piece Organic Layette baby gift set. Talk about setting a great example in style!

Mother Goose Seven-Piece Plush Toy Gift Set

“Mother Goose and Friends” Five-Piece Plush Gift Set

Who’s on the loose with Mother Goose? It’s three of our favorite nursery rhyme friends ready to relate their enchanting stories when baby is sweetly snuggled in mommy’s arms. Our unique baby gift set, neatly nestled in an amazing, book-themed gift box. It’s a toy full of joy for a girl or a boy!

We’d love to know what you think? Which one is your favorite?


Posted by Susan Hawkins on Monday, Jan. 25th 2010 in Baby Gifts, Baby Shower.
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These Newlyweds Prove You’re Never Too Old To Get Hitched!

senior weddingAhh, wedded bliss!

It’s the day young girls dream of.  But, in this case, older ones, too.  I just read a story about this cute little couple in New Hampshire, and I just had to share it with you.  With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it might put you in the mood for a wedding.

How the fairy tale began

Although married at the time to other people, 94-year-old Allen “Paul” Adams and 83-year-old Eileen Ethier-Adams initially met over 11 years ago.  But, it was only recently that their friendship took a romantic turn.  Courting each other during their stay at the nursing home, the two widows often enjoyed day trips to the beach, foliage trips to upstate New Hampshire, and to a local pond to feed wild ducks.  After all of that, he knew she was the one and popped the question.

She said yes!

senior wedding2They were married at the nursing home where they live surrounded by their family and friends in a beautiful ceremony, complete with wedding cake, flowers, wedding centerpieces and a champagne fountain.  No word on the wedding favors, but I’m sure they probably gave out something classy, elegant and useful, like the antique photo frame favors pictured below.

The bride wore white (something she didn’t do the first time around, wearing a green suit instead), and the day was filled with a lot of special moments for this forever-young couple.  What was her reaction when she saw her groom for the first time?  She said,”He looked so handsome I was afraid someone would steal him from me.”   But Eileen wasn’t the only one dishing out the compliments.  Paul said,”She looked beautiful.  I think some people envy me a little. You should see Eileen when she’s all dolled up.”  (Isn’t he a smooth talker!)

Antique FramesAt their age, many might think, “Why bother?”  But, when it comes to love, there’s no limit.  And, when you have a combined age of 177 years, you really can’t put things off.  So, they picked 1-10-10 as their wedding date.  They liked the sound of that.

How did they end the night?

According to the local newspaper, the newlyweds spent their wedding night at Comfort Suites to get a break from the hustle and bustle of their big wedding day.  Eileen adds that “After we got settled in he fell asleep, and I wasn’t far behind.”  They’ll save the big honeymoon for the summer when it’s warmer.  (Alrighty, then!!)

I hope when I’m that age I’ll still have a love for life like these charming love birds.


Posted by Karen Sullen on Monday, Jan. 18th 2010 in Love and Marriage.
1 Comment »

Expert Advice on Finding Your Wedding Style (His, Too!)

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For some couples, finding their wedding style can be a bit of a challenge. In the current issue of Bridal Guide magazine, Karen Bussen, an event planner and author of Simple Stunning Weddings, offers some good tips for working through your tastes and priorities to arrive at your ideal wedding style.  Karen works with engaged couples to smooth and speed up the process of nailing their wedding style, and I’m passing along a few of her suggestions:

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Karen’s first questions to an engaged couple are about themselves: How did you meet? Where did you meet? What are your interests? Are you outdoorsy, foodies, high school sweethearts?

Next, she asks them to describe the mood they envision for their wedding, and she recommends thinking in adjectives: hot and spicy? vintage? elegant and understated? whimsical and funky? Try some out to see what clicks with both of you.
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Write down your wedding priorities. Is it the food? the guest list? an eco-friendly event? the budget? Karen also says that if family members are contributing money and involved in the planning, you should play it safe and run everything by them to make sure their budget squares with your wedding plans.

Farm WeddingAfter you’ve honed in on your wedding style and budget, Karen says, find your venue. Why? “This is your most important decision, because the venue will drive your choice of everything else, from the dress to the decor to the food.” As an example.: “Let’s say your mood will be earthy, but natural and elegant. You know you want something outdoors, with a certain number of people and you’ve agreed on a budget. So maybe, you’ll decide on a farm or a small inn.”
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Tin Pail favors

If you choose, say, a farm, everything follows from there—sourcing your food and flowers locally, using seasonal flowers or even fruits for centerpieces, etc. Instead of a classic jazz trio, you might prefer a bluegrass group or a zydeco band. And, she says, it doesn’t mean you have to go casual. You can go rustic, but elegant in your choice of centerpieces, etc. Even some garden wedding favors can add a touch of elegance to your tables.

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Art gallery weddingFor an urban chic mood, perhaps you’ll rent a modern art gallery, put in long tables, use a row of narrow, clear cylinders with a single flower in each for centerpieces and swanky cocktails. But if sustainability is also a priority, simply choose organic produce for the meal.

All this sounds like a simple, pain-free way to plan the wedding of your dreams—for both of you!
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Posted by Susan Hawkins on Wednesday, Jan. 13th 2010 in Bride Advice, Wedding Favors & Decor, Wedding Planning & Ideas, Wedding Themes.
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Stir Up Some Fun With A Themed Cocktail Party

cocktail partyTired of the same old gathering of family and friends?  Stir up some fun with a cocktail party!  Whether you’re planning an engagement party or looking to jump start the bachelor party, a cocktail party is a fun way to celebrate.  And, the best part is, you don’t have to be an expert party planner to make it happen like a pro.  It’s festive, it’s fun and it’s easy–with these tips:

Don’t go broke on the bar: Trying to stock the bar for every drink imaginable could be a disaster, unless you’re loaded with cash.  Instead, pick 3-4 drinks that you know will be hit with your friends and purchase the alcohol for those.  Allow for three drinks per person and keep in mind that a each 750 ml bottle will make about 15 cocktails.  Complete the bar with a good selection of beer, wine and even non-alcoholic drinks for those who might not want the cocktails.

Create a signature drink: This is a fun way to personalize your party.  Guests can sip the night away on a matrimonial martini or a cocktail named after something special for the couple, like the wedding theme if you’re having a beach wedding or the place where you met or proposed.  A signature drink can help tell your story and is a great conversation starter.

Choose a theme: Everyone knows that party planning is a whole lot easier when elements are held to a central theme.  For a cocktail party, choose a tropical theme with beachy drinks, a regional theme with local beers and unique cocktails or a martini theme with all sorts of martinis, and then mix in some unique party favors that accent the theme.

Martini Shakercocktail mix favorIf you’re going with a martini theme, you might consider this martini salt and pepper shaker as a practical favor that reminds your guests of your totally fab party.  With a classic olive on top, it makes a realistic first impression.  Or, help guests keep the party going with cocktail mix favors.  Whether you choose a Cosmopolitan, Margarita or some other drink mix, it will be easy for guests to make their own drinks when they get home.

Designate a bartender. Because you’re the host/hostess, you’ll have plenty to do mingling and making sure your guests are having a good time.  Whether it’s a large or a small gathering, leave the bartending to Uncle Bob or a friend who knows their way around the bar, or hire a professional.

Don’t forget the food! Balancing the beverages with some light hors d’ oeuvres will help make sure that no one gets inebriated.  Consider meats, cheese, fruits and veggies.  Depending on the type of event, you can fancy up some favorites or go exotic, if you dare.

Bottoms up!


Posted by Karen Sullen on Tuesday, Jan. 5th 2010 in Party Planning.
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