“P” – Prepare yourself in case of emergency

“E” – Evaluate the situation

“E” – Enjoy your freedom

To further explain…the other night I was watching a popular late night talk show and the host mentioned a wedding trend for brides that is getting more popular.  I didn’t believe my ears, so I immediately searched…”Bridal Diapers”.

Evidently, some future brides have expressed concern that their dresses take a while to get in and out of and “what if I have to pee?”  To fill the void (no pun intended) bridal shops sell “Bridal Diapers” so the bride doesn’t have to worry about going to the real bathroom.  I know…a little gross, especially if its actually used.

Are these simple adult diapers, with lace and fringe or can you get them bedazzled with bling?  Either way, would you consider wearing a diaper on your wedding day?  Maybe on your 75^th wedding anniversary, but that’s another story.

Young or old, almost everyone loves candy.  A client recently requested a candy display for their event, they had little idea what they wanted, other than wanting a fun table filled with candy.  To keep with the theme of the evening and incorporate the client’s branding strategy, I was inspired by the colors of the party, the invitations and the company logo.

After much candy research, we went with a total of fifteen assorted candies, five red, five white and five black.  The sweets (and sometimes sour) candies were placed in oversized martini glasses, champagne glasses, etc.  The items were served in client branded paper chinese to-go boxes.  Guests loved the idea!  100 lbs of candy gone and only a few jelly beans left behind.  A great fun idea on any budget for your next soiree.

The National Restaurant Association surveyed more than 1,500 chefs recently to predict what will be some of the Hottest Trends on menus in 2011.  Its no doubt that these trends will somehow effect events and catering menus alike.  Here are some highlights from the survey…

• The top 10 menu trends for next year will be locally sourced meats and seafood, locally grown produce, sustainability as a culinary theme, nutritious kids’ dishes, hyper-local items, children’s nutrition as a culinary theme, sustainable seafood, gluten-free/food allergy-conscious items, back-to-basics cuisine and farm-branded ingredients.
• Rounding out the top 20 menu trends are artisan liquor, locally-produced wine and beer, smaller portions for a smaller price, organic produce, nutrition as a culinary theme, culinary cocktails, newly fabricated cuts of meat, fruit/vegetable children’s side items, ethnic-inspired breakfast items and artisan cheese.
• On the drink menu, micro-distilled spirits is the top item. Other alcohol items high on the list include locally produced beer and wine, culinary cocktails, food-beer pairings and beer dinners. Specialty iced tea top the nonalcoholic beverage category.

Click here to view the complete NRA Chef Survey “What’s Hot in 2011″

If you like hosting outdoor parties at home, around the pool or need heaters at your next event…consider the line of products from Kindle Living.  Sophisticated, elegant, functional design all in one.

If you like cookies and ice cream, this dessert is for you…Cool Haus Ice Cream Sandwiches.  They serve “architecturally inspired ice cream sandwiches” with all natural ice creams between two cookies of your choice.  Served in an edible wrapper that can be custom, printed with edible ink to celebrate and personalize your event.  They can roll up to your event in their tricked out Ice Cream Truck or set up behind a dessert station.

When planning a special event, birthday celebration or perhaps a wedding its always important to consider the lighting.  Lighting can make an environment more inviting, sexy or romantic, whether its at a restaurant, bar, hotel ballroom or even your own living room.  Accent lighting is a key element.  If you owned a priceless piece of artwork, would you let hang on a wall in the dark? I don’t think so.  Same principle applies to entertaining.  Consider using votive candles, (obviously not near a priceless painting) overhead lighting or even a table lamp.  Place some accent lighting over a buffet so your guests can see what they eating for dinner.  Wouldn’t it a shame that after planning your wedding for nine months, the beautiful wedding cake is left alone in the dark.  If its important to you that your guests see it…Light it up!

One of my favorite spots for a drink in Los Angeles is The Roger Room.  If you haven’t already been, you must check it out.  Great little bar with an amazing cocktail menu.  My go to libation is the Four Aces…fresh basil, muddled grapes, vodka…try one for yourself…Cheers!

Ingredients:
3 basil leaves 6 seedless white grapes
1½ ounces vodka
½ ounce Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur
½ ounce fresh lime juice
¼ ounce simple syrup
1 ounce club soda

Method:
In a mixing glass, lightly muddle 2 basil leaves and grapes. Add the vodka, ginger liqueur, lime juice, syrup, and ice. Shake and strain into a double old fashioned glass filled with ice. Top with the club soda and garnish with the remaining basil leaf.

As an event professional, I can be inspired by practically anything.  I love looking at furniture for event design ideas.  With a little creativity even a chair you see in a catalog can become the inspiration for your next party…wouldn’t these colors be amazing for a funky Bat Mitzvah?

One of my favorite events to produce each year is Cool Comedy Hot Cuisine for the Scleroderma Research Foundation

Here are a few pics from past events…

One of my favorite food trucks in Los Angeles…The Grilled Cheese Truck

More of my favorite LA Food trucks coming soon…