Hello E-Trenders!  

Thank you for all the great feedback regarding Karyn's Sugar & Spice Shower blog post.  Here is part two with a focus on the tablescape filled with sweetness and peppered with a bit of spice!

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The days of chocolate fountains, tarts and whipped filled desserts are gone - say hello to adding personality to your presentation!  It's important to select a theme that brings your dessert table to life!  Culinary confections are now over the top thanks to talented pastry chefs, inspiring blogs (we love bakerella) and Pinterest.  You can find ideas all over the internet and with a little tweaking make them your own.  Luckily I had the amazing opportunity to work with a very talented pastry chef, Veronica Owens who works with me at the Royal Park Hotel.  In her spare time Veronica runs a side business called A Sweet Intention and handcrafts cakes, artful cookies, French inspired macaroons and other decadant desserts. 

(LOVE Veronica's gum paste baby cupcake toppers)

I really enjoy working with Veronica, she has this calmness about her during the heat of the moment when she is producing thousands of desserts over a busy weekend at the Royal Park Hotel.  She also has a twinkle in her eye when we chat about all things sweet!  Veronica has this humble ability to take an idea and create a confection masterpiece.  Not only does Veronica knock it out of the park with her presentation skills, the flavors are simply delish!

I shared this idea found on Pinterest with Veronica and asked her to recreate the look.

Here is the end result...

 

Just darling! 

My mom (Judy) and I wanted the dessert table to be interactive.  We created a takeaway station on the table where guests could enjoy some sweet and spicy treats after the shower.  Guests filled their bags with spiced gumdrops, sea-salted caramel, kettle popped corn, M&M's, Good & Plenty, dipped pretzels and other goodies.

Veronica baked two tortes...

Chocolate Ganache Spice Cake (infusing spice with chocolate is a current culinary trend) and Sweet Vanilla Cherry Chip with Buttercream Icing.

ET Tip:  Stack cake pedestals to create two tiers and elevation on the table.

Add a pop of color by simply tracing the top of the pedestal on a piece of scrapbook paper.  Cut out the circle and use double-stick tape to secure the paper to the top of the cake pedestal. 

Interested in learning more about this Sugar & Spice Shower?  Check out part one of our ET blog post here.

An EventTrender shout out to my dear, sweet sister who is having her twins Friday (yes this Friday) !!!!!!!!!!!

As you can imagine, our family is just over the moon with joy and excitement.

Sugar and Spice and everything nice that's what little girls are made of (times two)!   

 

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Hello E-Trenders!  As you know both Angela and I are going to be Aunts this Spring!  We are so excited for our sisters and had a great time planning the showers with our moms and for the moms-to-be! 

When my sister Karyn and her husband Stan shared the news with our family we were all over the moon!  Could the news of a new little baby in our family get any better?  Well the answer is yes...

  TWIN GIRLS! 

My mom (Judy) and I wanted to create a very special day for Karyn while celebrating with family and friends.  We envisioned her day to be intimate and meaningful, a day like no other day, an afternoon showered with love for Karyn and the beautiful girls she will soon meet.

The theme was actually inspired by my EventTrender partner in crime Angela!

We were brainstorming one day (something we both love to do) about shower ideas and she suggested a darling rhyme just for girls!

What are little girls made of?
Sugar and spice,
And everything nice,
That's what little girls are made of.

Mom and I loved the suggestion and the shower theme was born (thank you Ang).  The idea of incorporating sugar (maybe a dreamy sweet table) with a hint of spice infused in the tablescape made my brain crazy with creativity which is sometimes a dangerous thing! 

First on the list was the invitation!

 

An inviation sets a party vibe and creates pre-shower buzz!  I called my favorite invitation & event memory-makers over at Something Fabulous.  I knew Kimberly and Jennifer (sisters and company co-founders) would create the perfect invitation.  I love their vision, ideas and passion!  They also crafted menus which had the same feel as the invitations.  SF used glimmering high quality paper and added layers which created dimension and interest.  They even found a satin chocolate ribbon embossed with the wording "something nice" which was an inventive touch. 

They say the "devil is in the details" and Something Fabulous nailed it!  Thank you Jennifer and Kimberly xoxoxo!

Next on the list was an inspiration piece, something that builds a foundation for the overall design and shower concept.  It took us time to find something that would jump out from the crowd!  My mom and I spent hours in craft stores and baby boutiques searching for just the right element (times two - twins) and finally found what we were looking for in a local baby clothing store.

 

Mom-to-be (Karyn) loves polka-dots and cocoa brown!  We thought these sweet little dresses were just adorable!  Instead of using typical shower decorations we wanted to add items to the tablescape design that could be upcylced for Karyn to use down the road so why not add dresses as props?

 

We placed each dress on a pretty pink padded baby hanger and used a jewelry stand purchased at Target to elevate each dress on the sweet table.  The sign above was easy to create.  Simply find a whimsical graphic online.  We found this one on Etsy (see below for details) and took it to a local printer who enlarged the graphic and made a sign for us.  The sign can also be recycled to hang on a wall in the twins nursery.

 Here are a few of my favorite baby shower Etsy finds!

Check it out E-Trenders...

1  Vintage, Sugar & Spice Stamped Spoons from Olive Spoon Studio

2  Children's Graphic Download (for sign) from Fuzzy Wuzzy Boutique

3  Newborn Twin Onesies from Mumsy Goose

 

 

The centerpiece groupings on the table represented the overall theme of the baby shower...

Sugar - we filled a vase with layers of colored pink and white sugar and filled it with whirly pops, rock candy and other sugary treats from The Sweet Spot located in Troy, Michigan (by the way the owner is a twin girl) love it!

 

Spice- we selected a mason jar and added cinnamon sticks topped with a brown layer of fabric, a spice label and finished it with a ribbon.

 

Everything Nice - we placed a large bouquet of roses which is Karyn's birthday flower.  She shared her June birthday with our beloved Grandmother, Pauline Rizzo who played a huge role in all of our lives.  We wanted to honor "Grams" memory with a few subtle touches that would warm our hearts throughout the shower.  It amazes me how Grandma Rizzo always seems to send us signs telling us she is with us in spirit.  We recieved a few from her on this very memorable day for our family.

 

 

My mom selected the favor which was a gift idea she has given to my sister and I throughout the years.  A close family friend and fellow E-Trender (Karen Murany) shared this fab find with us...

Handpainted note cards by a very talented artist (Marsha Halleck). 

The custom note cards were perfectly placed in a crisp white bag with a painted pink flower and guest name on top which also doubled as a place card for seating arrangements.  Our guests enjoyed the personalized touch and attention to detail.  These note cards are always a home run for special occasions and gift giving.  If you are interested in learning more about this unique favor idea click here for details.

 

 

The tables and chairs were dressed with luscious linen rented from Luxe Event Linen.

Yet another shout out to the team over at Luxe Event Linen who offer such a unique variety of linen and personalized guest service.  To learn more about Luxe Event Linen products and designer collections check out their website here.  Thank you ladies - you are all fantastic to work with and are true industry leaders! 

Luxe Event Linen Selections

Fuchsia Rosette Chiavari Chair Caps

Fuchsia Rosette Runners (dessert table and dining table)

Chocolate Satin Napkin

Chocolate Matte Satin Linen (dining table)

E-Trenders - stay tuned for part two of Karyn's Sugar and Spice theme shower!  We can't wait to share all the Cafe Via menu details, decadent design elements and sweet-scape ideas by Veronica Owens.  Veronica is an ahhhhhh-mazing pastry chef and a fellow Royal Parker.  In her spare time Veronica owns and operates a small business called A Sweet Intention.  It was so much fun brainstorming with Veronica.  She is such a talented baker.  Here is a sneak peek of the sugar & spice scape!

 

 

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Hello E-Trenders!  Happy Valentine's Week!  We are celebrating with a sweet and salty smore treat!

You are going to love these Open-Face Turtle Sea Salted Smores!

Step One:  Melt two cups of chocolate (dark and milk mixed).  You can find the chocolate at your local craft or cake supply store in the candy making section.  Select a Valentine chocolate transfer sheet which you can purchase at a cake and candy making speciality shop or buy online here.  We love transfer sheets!  They are easy to work with and the end result looks very professional!

Step Two:  Break graham crackers in half and cut the transfer paper in squares that are just slightly larger than the graham crackers.  Dip the cracker in the melted chocolate and make sure both sides are covered in chocolate.

Step Three:  Place the covered graham crackers on a cookie pan covered with wax paper.  Place the chocolate transfer sheets over each graham cracker (rough side down) and put in the refrigerator until the chocolate cracker is completely chilled.

Step Four:  Gently peel the transfer sheet from each graham cracker

Step Five:   Add a dollop of melted caramel (we recommend this brand) and a touch of kosher salt to the dipped cracker. You can use either side of the cracker - it's up to you if you want the heart transfers face up or down.

Step Six:  Add a chocolate dipped marshmallow and sprinkle pecans and valentine's inspired sprinkles to the top!

Have a Wonderful Valentine's Day Filled with Love and Sweetness.

Enjoy E-Trenders!

XOXOXO

Sue & Angela

 

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 Hello E-Trenders! 

Are you looking for a delish Super Bowl recipe?  We love, love this easy breezy meatball appetizer inspired by "Royal Parker" -  Elizabeth Gray! 

This simple family recipe requires three ingredients and one pound of appetizer size meatballs.  You can purchase a frozen bag of meatballs at your local grocery store or make your own.

Check out the ET "how to" below.  We guarantee your guests will come back for seconds during halftime!

 

• Add one bag of frozen meatballs in a crockpot
• Turn your crockpot on medium (or high)
• Prep one cup of ketchup, one half cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar

• Add all of the above ingredients to the meatballs
• Heat crockpot meatball mixture for 30 minutes or until meatballs and mixture are completely hot

 

Stir the meatball mixture every ten minutes before you are ready to serve.

Enjoy!

E-Trenders - are you craving more Super Bowl inspiration?  Check out another popular ET Super Bowl blog post here.

 

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 Add a creative twist to your favorite pastimes this holiday season!

With your holiday decorating under way, EventTrender is bringing you some retro inspiration to add a classic twist to any décor! Vintage cameos and Grandma’s antiques are the hottest trend, and a perfect addition to the holidays. Plus, showcasing your favorite memories are a fantastic way to sprinkle a little history throughout your home!
(above and below pictures viaHGTV.com)

Chalkboards are a cost effective and playful way to create an old-time feel and can be personalized to fit any style of décor! As a simple DIY, paint a large rectangle of cardboard or fabric with chalkboard paint and add a vintage frame or border.

Decorate your display with a creative message or create a scene for your holiday guests to enjoy! Such an easy way to personalize your vintage look this holiday season!

 

(above photo found here)

This retro-inspired wall art combines the festivities of the holidays from all generations. It’s time to raid Grandma’s house for the cutest antiques and knick-knacks to hang on your wall!

This is your chance to add pieces that truly represent you! Hang family photos, kids’ artwork, and monumental artifacts, along with any charming, and vintage, pieces you can find! Decorate the wall in a Christmas tree, wreath, snowman, or any other retro-inspired design! 

(above inspiration found here)

A great way to share and display your family history during the holiday season!

(photo credit : Pretty Petals)

And Vintage inspired holiday gift wrap! Use elements like lace ribbons, no sew fabric flowers and rosettes burlap, newspaper, or book pages or brown bag papers to create and embellish your holiday packages!

 
(above picture found here )    

And we can’t forget about the mantel! Cameos are a unique vintage addition to any holiday décor. Instead of hanging the family pictures, try this homemade vintage E-Trender Tip: In a dark room, project light onto a black piece of paper. Have your child or loved one stand in front of the paper and trace the outline of their face. Cut out the face for a personalized silhouette cameo!

Add the image to a stylish vintage frame and hang with a bow. Or for the extra crafty, outline Mr. and Mrs. Claus cameos to truly showcase the holiday spirit in your vintage look!

 

(from: Better Homes and Gardens)

Finally, incorporate all of our tips to make a fabulously old-fashioned ‘Very Vintage’ Christmas tree!

 At local craft and antique stores purchase Victorian frames and either make or find cameos to place in the frames. Or fill the frames with historic pictures of your relatives; a great way to personalize your main attraction!  Hang them throughout the tree with other antiques, such as old broaches and stylish pins. Throw in some leafy sprigs and tin cans to create a retro wonderland!  To top it off, replace garland with lace and hang strings of pearls for and added touch of vintage class!

(above picture found here)

And don’t forget E-Trenders….

Have Yourself a ‘Very Vintage’ Christmas!

PS:  We are taking a few weeks off to enjoy our family and friends this holiday season.  We wish you all a wonderful holiday and a happy new year!  Thank you for all of your ET support this year.  We can't wait to share more inspiration with you in 2013!

X0X0

Angela & Sue

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What constitutes the most wonderful fun filled Christmas ornament exchange party?  Is it the planning and coordinating, or the attention to detail? Perhaps it is the thrill of anticipating your guest's enjoyment...

Whatever the answer, our very own E-Trender Angela has accomplished just that!

Let's fast forward to the conclusion of an evening that kicked off the holiday season...an evening that sent each gal home thrilled about the experience.  What could be better than that?

No detail was left to chance but each aspect of the event carefully examined.

From the welcoming outdoor holiday greenery to stepping into Angela's warm cozy home filled with the fragrance of burning holiday candles, the sounds of the season music, and a glimmering tree, all these elements contributed to an atmosphere glowing with ambiance.

I was honored to have been invited and thought it would be fun to interview Angela afterward to gather behind the scenes prep work and ideas she so brilliantly executed. The primary question I was curious about was what elements did Angela focus on to create the evening and did she have any thoughts to pass along.  Angela shared with me that since she is a Party Planner by career, every so often she wants to share that passion with the people she loves...her family and friends.  She enjoys having guests in her home and wanted to create an atmosphere where they felt special, spoiled and indulged. And, she did just that!

Some of the interesting touches were the Jingle Juice station set up in Angela's inviting kitchen along with the hot chocolate and topping station!

 

Each station was so appealing that many of the guests felt compelled to try both throughout the evening.  The juice bar consisted of an elevated display of three different beverage dispensers, each with an appealing juice or holiday cocktail concoction. The hot chocolate station included mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, cinnamon and refrigerated whipped topping, perfect for a December evening.
The aroma of brewing coffee with holiday flavored creamers added to the atmosphere.

Each guest brought either an appetizer or dessert to share and placed it on a special table in the lower level for easy access. The flow of people, beverages and food was festive and well planned!

The highlight of the evening was, of course, the exchange of the Christmas ornaments. Each guest had been asked to bring a wrapped ornament of a minimum $10 value to exchange. Angela had set up an area in the lower level, where we set our decorated boxes and bags so that each gal could easily choose, open and display their ornaments for the others to check out. 

Angela had each guest draw a number in order to start the exchange. When each person’s number was up, they could either pick an ornament from the display or "steal" another's. This element added lots of humor and strategy to the game. Great for socializing!

More variety included an upstairs space where Jewel Kade jewelry representative Nikky Palmeri showcased one of Angela's favorite lines of jewelry. Guests could browse through and try on the Jewel Kade jewelry on display or take home a catalog.  Another vendor, a delightful woman Angela met at a craft show, Diane Moody setup a table with feathered adornments, tutus and other accessories for women and little girls, certainly adding to the diversity of the night and some quick and easy holiday shopping! 

E-Trenders - check out this simple reindeer dessert - too cute!

SO, what then creates a perfect ornament exchange party?

In my opinion, it is keeping your guests in mind when doing the planning, decorating and setup. It is the gracious host and her obvious enthusiasm for this special time which is contagiously transferred to each person there. It is the spirit of the season.  We all thank you Angela for a memorable event that we will remember all through the year.

Happy Holidays E-Trenders!

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Cheerio E-Trenders - we can't wait to share this festive dessert idea imported from London!

Who could resist a slice of this show-stopper inspired by Master Patissier, Eric Lanlard (an ET favorite).

The combination of cherries, chocolate, marshmallows, golden sultanes and crunchy biscuit is simply divine!

 

  Simply make one dozen large chocolate chip cookies using your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe.  

Bake cookies until golden brown and let cool.  Be sure to bake the cookies in advance. The chocolate chip cookies will be used to make cookie crumbs.

Prep the following rocky road mixture...

 Four ounces of red glace cherries.

Four ounces of mini pink and white marshmallows.

Three ounces of golden sultanes (raisins).

Two cups of chocolate chip cookie crumbs.

Next

Melt seven ounces.of milk chocolate (broken in pieces) in a small crockpot (we used Godiva Chocolate).

After the chocolate is completly melted add 3 1/2 ounces of unsalted butter.

Once the butter and chocolate are fully blended together, let cool for ten minutes.

Let's get back to the rocky road topping...

Mix the cookie crumbs, cherries, marshmallows and raisins in a large bowl.  Now stir half of the rocky road mixture in the melted chocolate mixture.

Place the rocky road melted chocolate mixture in a seven inch square pan (greased with butter).

Press mixture firmly down in greased pan and allow to set for about ten minutes. 

Add the leftover rocky road topping mixture (the other half)  to the top of the chocolate mixture that is already in the pan.

ET Tip:  Add other toppings to this mixture like pecans or walnuts.  You can also add extra marshmallows and cherries to make the topping extra high in the pan.

 Now for the finishing touch...

Melt 1/4 cup of semi sweet chocolate chips and drizzle over the top!

Let chill for two hours.

Enjoy this "brilliant" dessert this holiday season  E-Trenders!

 

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