*..* Ice Palace *..*

Year 1 - "A Night at the Ritz"

Year 2 - "Venetian Masquerade"

This Year - "Ice Palace"

For the past 2 years I have had a major role with an Eastern Shore College and their largest event of the year - Birthday Ball! After last year's event, I was told by the committee the job was mine from there on out. You can only imagine how happy that made me! So, needless to say, I couldn't wait to get busy planning this years!

As always, the students choose the them. This year's theme was "Ice Palace." This was a total 180 from the previous year's theme. "Venetian Masquerade" incorporated very vibrant and rich colors; orange, red, gold, etc. "Ice Palace" had a very different color palate; blue, silver, and white. I couldn't wait to design a whole different look for this years event.

Just like in previous years, we started with lighting.

Once the lighting was finished, we still had a whole lot of work ahead of us. The stage treatment had to be done. The tables needed to be place. Linens and centerpieces had to go down. The bar to be built and so much more.

For tables this year, we used square tables. It gave the event a whole different look from last year's banquet tables that were put together to make long dining style seating.

Like in previous years, we alternated centerpieces. This year, one centerpiece had a "ice cycle" theme to it and the other was candles.

In the bar area, the table dressing and centerpieces were very simple. We used oversized linens and tied them with bows for an hour glass look. Centerpieces were small vases, filled with floral gel and a snowflake.

The bar centerpiece was one of my favorite pieces! I used small and large vases. They were filled with floral gel and snowflakes. The vases were internally lit. It truly speaks for itself...

Just like in years past, there was a surprise. The chandelier over the dance floor is a must! So, that's the surprise. Every year the chandelier fits the theme and this year was no exception!

As always, I had a blast designing the look for Birthday Ball and I can't wait for next year!

Happy New Year!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

So, welcome to 2010! Can you believe it? I know, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it!

2009 may be over, but I can't help but reminisce about how great of a year it was for me and think about all I have to look forward to in 2010!

I know a lot of people talk about how they are so ready for the year to be over so they can start fresh! But, I hope you were as lucky as me to have a great year and are looking forward to another great one!

From birthday celebrations to vacations and football games to holiday festivities, A LOT have wonderful memories have been made and A LOT more are left to be created!

So, let's not dwell on the not-so-great moments that are now behind us and get ready for what's next to come!

Hope everyone had an awesome New Years and have a great year!

Always,

-Vicki

Cinnamon Fruit-licious!

Happy New Year's Eve Everyone!

Before I head out shortly to celebrate the night away, I want to share with you a new, tasty recipe I came across and am trying for the first time, tonight!

Annie's Fruit Salsa & Cinnamon Chips

To Serve 10, Here's What You're Gonna Need:

2 Kiwis, peeled and diced

2 Golden Delicious Apples, peeled and diced

8 Oz. Raspberries

1 Lb. Strawberries

2 Tbs. White Sugar

1 Tbs. Brown Sugar

3 Tbs. Fruit Preserves, any flavor

10 (10 inch) Flour Tortillas

Butter Flavored Cooking Spray

2 Cups Cinnamon Sugar

Here's What You Need To Do:

1. In large bowl, thoroughly mix kiwis, apples, raspberries, strawberries, white sugar, brown sugar, and fruit preserves. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.

P.S. I Love My Pampered Chef Apple Corer!

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

3. Coat one side of the flour tortilla with butter flavored cooking spray. Cut into wedges and arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle wedges with desired amount of cinnamon sugar. Spray again with cooking spray.

4. Bake in preheated oven 8 to 10 minutes. Repeat with remaining tortilla wedges. Allow to cool approximately 15 minutes. Serve with chilled fruit mixture.

So, there you have it! Enjoy!

Hope you have a wonderful and safe New Year's Eve!

Best Wishes for the New Year!

-Vicki

Happy Holidays "Hon!"

If you're from Baltimore, then chances are at some point in your life you have experienced Christmas on 34th Street in Hamden and are very familiar with the "Hons!"

A client of mine took that very concept and transformed their corporate office into their very own "34th Street" for a festive and fun-filled holiday party!

From the Christmas lights to the pink flamingos and the lawn ornaments to the "Hon" glasses, this event was sure to be a hit!

As guests arrived, they were greeted by a flock of pink flamingos and a life-size Natty Bo can.

A must have for all events is a photo-op. So, what's a better photo-op then a row home decorated the way you would see on 34th Street?

Don't forget your glasses, Hon! Everyone's wearing them!

Everyone loves a little pink flamingo action! What festive centerpieces?

(Compliments of my WONDERFUL designer!!)

As for the rest of the decor, enjoy...

A pink and silver Christmas tree with a pink flamingo topper.

A "craddy" tree. This was inspired by the infamous hubcap Christmas tree of Hamden!

A tree of gifts.

The infamous stringing of Christmas lights.

FYI, in Hamden lights are strung across the street from house to house.

Pink flamingos hang out at the North Pole all the time... Don't they?

The gingerbread house, boy and girl!

Well, there you have it. That's how you throw a 34th Street Christmas, Hamden style!

I'm sure the guests will have a great time and I hope you enjoy all the fun and creativity that went into bringing this event to life!

Happy Holidays "Hon!"

-Vicki

Great (Inexpensive) Holiday Decor Ideas!

While surfing the web for some decor ideas for the holidays, I came across a site I would like to share with you.

Kathleen Wilson has come up with some great inexpensive ideas for holiday decor!

Hope you find this helpful and inspiring!

Happy Holidays,

-Vicki

Let's Spread A Little Holiday Cheer!

With the holiday season upon us, we are scrambling to put plans together for the dinners we are preparing and who we are spending the holidays with and where.

Let me lend a hand in some of the preparations!

While flipping through an event magazine a few days ago, I stumbled upon an article about a few seasonal punches from a few of the top mixologists!

"11 Seasonal Punches (and Recipes) From Top Mixologists"

Take a minute and browse these yummy holiday drinks. I hope you find one that tickles your fancy and adds a little cheer to your festivities for the holidays!

Cheers :o)

-Vicki

Alice In Wonderland!!

Chances are, you don't know that "Alice in Wonderland" is one of my favorite movies. So, you can only imagine how excited I am about the new remake of "Alice In Wonderland" with Johnny Depp playing the Madd Hatter! :o)

Anyways... the point of this post is to share with you an event I read about a few days ago in an event magazine. Needless to say, the theme was "Alice In Wonderland!"

"Alice In Wonderland - Inspired Whimsy Accents Meridian Ball"

Take a look through the pictures!

My favorite part of this event was the buffet. When you take a look at that picture, you will see a teapot suspended in the air and pouring red carnations into a stack of tea cups like at the Madd Hatter's half birthday.

The lighting used to light up the trees guests walked through as they entered the tent was phenomenal!

Hope you enjoy reading about and seeing the pictures of this event as much as I did!

Ciao!

-Vicki