I thought it would be nice to include a little more on the origins of tea after last week's post.
Tea in China:
It is impossible to know whether there is any truth to this story but tea drinking was popular in China many centuries before it had even been heard of in the West. Containers for tea have been found in tombs dating from the Han dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD), but it was under the Tang dynasty (618-906 AD) that tea became firmly established as the national drink of China. It became such a favorite that during the late Eighth Century a writer called Lu Yu wrote the first book entirely about tea, the Ch'a Ching, or Tea Classic.
Tea in Japan:
Tea was first introduced to Japan by Japanese Buddhist monks who had traveled to China to study. Tea drinking has become a vital part of Japanese culture, as seen in the development of the Tea Ceremony, which may be rooted in the rituals described in the Ch'a Ching.
Tea in Europe:
In 1560 A.D., the Portuguese missionary Jesuit Father Jasper de Cruz was the first European to encounter and write about tea. After its arrival in Portugal, it was shipped to Lisbon, then to France, Holland and the Baltic countries.
Tea Arrives in England:
Although we assume that tea originated in England and the British culture, it is interesting to find out that the first sample of tea reached England when Catherine de Braganza brought chests of it in her dowry for her marriage to Charles II in 1663. Charles and Catherine's affinity for tea quickly popularized it amongst the upper classes and the British tea trade began in earnest in the 1670's, thanks to the British East India Company. By 1880, afternoon tea had spread to the homes of the upper classes and to tea shops across the country. There were two types of tea traditions: low tea and high tea. Low tea was for the wealthy aristocrats. It was served elegantly with menus centered around small cakes, dainty sandwiches, assorted sweets, other gourmet tidbits and, of course, tea and where the emphasis was not only on presentation but conversation. Midway through the Industrial Revolution, working classes adopted a variation of high tea for themselves: a heavier meal served with tea at 5 PM, upon their return home from work and consisted of meats, vegetables and tea. The U.S. has a slightly different focus on some aspects of afternoon tea and the terms high and low teas have changed in today's society, as people often associate the term "high tea" with the wealthy and "low tea" with the working class.
Showing posts with label special event. Show all posts
Showing posts with label special event. Show all posts
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The Tea Tradition
A unique event request I received this week was for a special tea for two by a fiancé who is planning to propose to his sweetheart on Valentine's Day. How sweet is that? This matches a request I received last year from a gentleman who wanted to serenade his wife at the office with a "Sing-A-Rama" to a Luther song.
Therefore, it is natural that this week's article will be about tea. Let's begin by looking at the History of Tea.
The Legendary Origin of Tea:
Although tea is typically thought of as being a British tradition, we have been drinking it for over 350 years. The story really begins in China. According to a legend of the Chinese Mythological Emperor Shen-Nung (a renowned herbalist and healer) was taking a break from his expedition, sat under a Camellia Sinensi tree while boiling drinking water when some leaves from the tree fell into the water. He decided to try the infusion, he liked what he tasted and felt energized very quickly. He therefore decided to collect some leaves in order to further experiment on them, which then resulted into the drink we now call tea.
Some Great Tea Facts:
• A cup of black tea has half the amount of caffeine of a cup of coffee.
• In one day, an experienced tea picker can collect around 70 pounds of tea! That's enough tea to make 14,000 cups!
• There are four main types of tea: white, green, oolong, and black. But depending on the influence of culture, these four types can turn into thousands of varieties.
• The most interesting of tea facts is that all tea comes from the same plant, Camellia Sinensis.
• Did you know that tea can help abate your appetite? Good news for people who are dieting.
Above facts from The Color of Tea.
Some Necessi-Teas:
Other Interesting Tidbits:
• How many of you know that there is an Annual Coffee and Tea Festival in New York? This year's event will be on February 19th and 20th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and registration is now open.
• The evolution of the tea cup began in China and spread through Europe in the 17th century as a handle-free vessel. Chinese teacups had no handles and were held by the thumb and forefinger at the lip and base of the sup. European's intolerance of the hot temperature eventually led to the addition of the handle.
• During the 17th century, Mme de La Sabliere, a French hostess of an influential literary salon was credited for being among the first to add milk to tea.
• During both world wars, teacups helped denote status, as officers sipped from china, and enlisted troops drank from metal or tin cups.
Above tidbits from the January issue of Tea Time Magazine.
Therefore, it is natural that this week's article will be about tea. Let's begin by looking at the History of Tea.
The Legendary Origin of Tea:
Although tea is typically thought of as being a British tradition, we have been drinking it for over 350 years. The story really begins in China. According to a legend of the Chinese Mythological Emperor Shen-Nung (a renowned herbalist and healer) was taking a break from his expedition, sat under a Camellia Sinensi tree while boiling drinking water when some leaves from the tree fell into the water. He decided to try the infusion, he liked what he tasted and felt energized very quickly. He therefore decided to collect some leaves in order to further experiment on them, which then resulted into the drink we now call tea.
Some Great Tea Facts:
• A cup of black tea has half the amount of caffeine of a cup of coffee.
• In one day, an experienced tea picker can collect around 70 pounds of tea! That's enough tea to make 14,000 cups!
• There are four main types of tea: white, green, oolong, and black. But depending on the influence of culture, these four types can turn into thousands of varieties.
• The most interesting of tea facts is that all tea comes from the same plant, Camellia Sinensis.
• Did you know that tea can help abate your appetite? Good news for people who are dieting.
Above facts from The Color of Tea.
Some Necessi-Teas:
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| The World In Your Teacup by Lisa Boalt Richardson |
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| Five-Piece Silver Tea Set |
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| Tea Strainers for loose-leaf tea |
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| Elegant Porcelain Teapot |
Other Interesting Tidbits:
• How many of you know that there is an Annual Coffee and Tea Festival in New York? This year's event will be on February 19th and 20th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and registration is now open.
• The evolution of the tea cup began in China and spread through Europe in the 17th century as a handle-free vessel. Chinese teacups had no handles and were held by the thumb and forefinger at the lip and base of the sup. European's intolerance of the hot temperature eventually led to the addition of the handle.
• During the 17th century, Mme de La Sabliere, a French hostess of an influential literary salon was credited for being among the first to add milk to tea.
• During both world wars, teacups helped denote status, as officers sipped from china, and enlisted troops drank from metal or tin cups.
Above tidbits from the January issue of Tea Time Magazine.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Unique Brag Bag Items and Wedding Favors
If you are looking for brag bag options or wedding favors, you have come to the right place. Events2Remember has some fabulous ideas and products as a selected supplier of Weddingstar! Whatever the occasion, be sure to select the perfect favor/gift bag item that will reflect your own personal style, flair or cultural background.
Here are a few samples of unique favors for you next beach-themed event:
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| Flip Flop Note Pads |
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| Mini Folding Beach Chairs |
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| Mini Woven Beach Bags |
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| Thank You Flip Flops |
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| Personalized Water Bottle Label |
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| Personalized Wine Bottle Label |
Not planning a beach-themed event? Don't worry! We have a variety of favors to fit any theme! Whatever the occasion, you want your favors/brag bags to be distinctive, not similar to ones from the last event your guests attended. If unique is what you are looking for, you have come to the right place! Here are some samples:
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| Personalized Playing Card |
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| "Sole Mates" Mini Shoe Polisher |
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| Novelty Popcorn Cartons |
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| Typewriter Placecard |
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| "Luck of the Irish" Wine Bottle Label |
Sunday, January 2, 2011
The Color of the Year - 2011
I can't believe how fast 2010 has come to an end and it has been a year since my posting on the 2010 color trend! Well, the New Year is here and Pantone has announced the Pantone 2011 color of the year! It is the PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle!
Pantone says that it is "A Color for All Seasons! It is Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It's a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it."
They further state that while the 2010 color of the year, PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, served as an escape for many, Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor.
A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life. "In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues," explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. "Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum."
Some Suggestions from Pantone:
Wedding Apparel
A flattering hue for wedding attendant apparel and accessories, Honeysuckle is now one of the nearly 200 PANTONE WEDDING Colors available from Dessy, a leading manufacturer of bridesmaid, social-occasion and flower-girl dresses.
Fashion
Honeysuckle always works with the standard basics of black, navy, charcoal or light to mid gray. But using complementary bronze greens like Willow PANTONE 16-0632 and/or Tapenade PANTONE 18-0840 adds a new sophistication to the combination that showcases the energy of Honeysuckle. The green tones can be really interesting in accessories for Honeysuckle tights and top. Another great and unique combination is Honeysuckle with a pinkish brown like Apricot Brandy PANTONE 17-1540. Think of a warm cashmere turtleneck in Apricot Brandy with a matching skirt and shoes to blend and flatter the legs. A Honeysuckle cashmere scarf and belt create a luscious combination. And to blend all the colors, try a big and bold patterned bag with every color mentioned above.
Paint
Honeysuckle is one of 3,000 colors available in Pantone's line of superior-quality, eco-friendly paint. PANTONE Paints combine the accuracy of PANTONE Colors with the beauty of high-performance Dutch paints.
Home Interiors
Honeysuckle is upbeat and dynamic when used on large areas like the entry area of a house or an apartment. It is an appetite and conversation stimulant when used on the dining room walls. In the kitchen, it adds a fun touch on the table in placemats and other linens (patterned or solid), colored glassware, candles and small appliances. Honeysuckle is a great color to cover up shabby kitchen cabinets, or, if that's too much of a color statement for you, try repainting knobs and drawer pulls. But be warned – once you try this arresting shade, it can become addictive.
Packaging
Honeysuckle is an excellent packaging color for products that speak to something active or festive, or are suggestive of sweet tastes and scents. It’s an especially good shade for delicious food or drink packaging. The name Honeysuckle is evocative of these perceptions.
They further state that while the 2010 color of the year, PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, served as an escape for many, Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor.
A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life. "In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues," explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. "Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum."
Some Suggestions from Pantone:
Wedding Apparel
A flattering hue for wedding attendant apparel and accessories, Honeysuckle is now one of the nearly 200 PANTONE WEDDING Colors available from Dessy, a leading manufacturer of bridesmaid, social-occasion and flower-girl dresses.
Fashion
Honeysuckle always works with the standard basics of black, navy, charcoal or light to mid gray. But using complementary bronze greens like Willow PANTONE 16-0632 and/or Tapenade PANTONE 18-0840 adds a new sophistication to the combination that showcases the energy of Honeysuckle. The green tones can be really interesting in accessories for Honeysuckle tights and top. Another great and unique combination is Honeysuckle with a pinkish brown like Apricot Brandy PANTONE 17-1540. Think of a warm cashmere turtleneck in Apricot Brandy with a matching skirt and shoes to blend and flatter the legs. A Honeysuckle cashmere scarf and belt create a luscious combination. And to blend all the colors, try a big and bold patterned bag with every color mentioned above.
Paint
Honeysuckle is one of 3,000 colors available in Pantone's line of superior-quality, eco-friendly paint. PANTONE Paints combine the accuracy of PANTONE Colors with the beauty of high-performance Dutch paints.
Home Interiors
Honeysuckle is upbeat and dynamic when used on large areas like the entry area of a house or an apartment. It is an appetite and conversation stimulant when used on the dining room walls. In the kitchen, it adds a fun touch on the table in placemats and other linens (patterned or solid), colored glassware, candles and small appliances. Honeysuckle is a great color to cover up shabby kitchen cabinets, or, if that's too much of a color statement for you, try repainting knobs and drawer pulls. But be warned – once you try this arresting shade, it can become addictive.
Packaging
Honeysuckle is an excellent packaging color for products that speak to something active or festive, or are suggestive of sweet tastes and scents. It’s an especially good shade for delicious food or drink packaging. The name Honeysuckle is evocative of these perceptions.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Great Global Destinations
In the November issue of M&C Magazine, Michael C. Lowe suggests the following 5 hot international cities to consider for your next destination event because they have seen recent developments in infrastructure, renovated hotels, meeting venues and transportation options. He also stated that planners will find myriad deals and affordable attractions to help keep budgets under control.
1. Cape Town, South Africa: http://www.southafrica.net
Cape Town sits on South Africa's southwestern coast with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and 3,562-foot-high Table Mountain on the other. This second most populous South African city is an international business hub with rugged wilderness around the corner.
Why Now? Because since she recently hosted the 2010 World Cup, Cape Town is bristling with new hotels and a citywide room count of around 32,000 including a strong infrastructure for meetings and convention at the currently expanding Cape Town International Convention Center. The city has held the International conference and Convention Association's top ranking spot for global gatherings in Africa and the Middle East for the past two years.
2. London, England: www.visitlondon.com
England's capital city is bursting with attractions ranging from the venerable Buckingham Palace to the vertiginous London Eye Ferris Wheel and to the ever-increasing supply of excellent hotels with state-of-the-art meeting facilities.
Why Now? Because in 2012, London will host the Olympic Games (for a record third time) and
where more than US 17 billion worth of development is taking place.
3. Riviera Nayarit, Mexico: www.rivieranayarit.com
Found about midway down Mexico's western coast. This scenic region begins at the large, modern city of Nuevo Vallarta in the south and meanders up some 190 miles along the Pacific Ocean to the city of San Blas in the north. She offers pristine beaches, quaint fishing villages, eco-tourism excursions and more.
Why Now? This booming stretch of beautiful coast-line was dubbed the Riviera Nayarit just four years ago and is coming into its own as a tourism destination. They are planning to add 756 new hotel rooms this year and an additional 10,000 before 2015.
4. Dublin, Ireland: www.meetinireland.com/us
Medieval, Georgian and modern architecture coexist in beautiful contradiction in Ireland's capital. This bustling port city on the river Liffey is studded with landmarks, museums, art galleries and pubs, while just a few minutes away are seaside villages and rolling hillside.
Why now? With its three yearlong (and counting) economic struggle unfolding at the same time, some 3,000 new hotel rooms came online in the capital city, one result has been that nightly hotel rates in Dublin fell by 7 percent in the first six months of 2010 making it surprisingly affordable for groups.
5. Hyderabad, India: www.hicc.com
The capital of the Indian State of Andhra Pradesh in south-central India, Hyderabad is a relatively new destination for corporate travelers but has a rich 400-year history. The city is home to the Hyderabad International Convention Center, India’s largest, with a 65,750-square-foot main hall for up to 5,000 delegates and 32 additional meeting rooms. Adjacent is the 287-room Novotel Hyderabad Hotel, which opened in 2006.
Why Now? The city has been dubbed "Cyberabad" thanks to its thriving IT, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals industries. A burgeoning hotel sector has 12 new properties coming online in the next year, adding a total of 1,960 rooms to the city's skyline; with room rates generally remain reasonable. The city's many charms have been drawing events such as The International Congress and Convention Association's 49th annual Congress and Exhibition, held last October.
See the November 2010 issue of M&C Magazine for the full article.
1. Cape Town, South Africa: http://www.southafrica.net
Cape Town sits on South Africa's southwestern coast with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and 3,562-foot-high Table Mountain on the other. This second most populous South African city is an international business hub with rugged wilderness around the corner.
Why Now? Because since she recently hosted the 2010 World Cup, Cape Town is bristling with new hotels and a citywide room count of around 32,000 including a strong infrastructure for meetings and convention at the currently expanding Cape Town International Convention Center. The city has held the International conference and Convention Association's top ranking spot for global gatherings in Africa and the Middle East for the past two years.
2. London, England: www.visitlondon.com
England's capital city is bursting with attractions ranging from the venerable Buckingham Palace to the vertiginous London Eye Ferris Wheel and to the ever-increasing supply of excellent hotels with state-of-the-art meeting facilities.
Why Now? Because in 2012, London will host the Olympic Games (for a record third time) and
where more than US 17 billion worth of development is taking place.
3. Riviera Nayarit, Mexico: www.rivieranayarit.com
Found about midway down Mexico's western coast. This scenic region begins at the large, modern city of Nuevo Vallarta in the south and meanders up some 190 miles along the Pacific Ocean to the city of San Blas in the north. She offers pristine beaches, quaint fishing villages, eco-tourism excursions and more.
Why Now? This booming stretch of beautiful coast-line was dubbed the Riviera Nayarit just four years ago and is coming into its own as a tourism destination. They are planning to add 756 new hotel rooms this year and an additional 10,000 before 2015.
4. Dublin, Ireland: www.meetinireland.com/us
Medieval, Georgian and modern architecture coexist in beautiful contradiction in Ireland's capital. This bustling port city on the river Liffey is studded with landmarks, museums, art galleries and pubs, while just a few minutes away are seaside villages and rolling hillside.
Why now? With its three yearlong (and counting) economic struggle unfolding at the same time, some 3,000 new hotel rooms came online in the capital city, one result has been that nightly hotel rates in Dublin fell by 7 percent in the first six months of 2010 making it surprisingly affordable for groups.
5. Hyderabad, India: www.hicc.com
The capital of the Indian State of Andhra Pradesh in south-central India, Hyderabad is a relatively new destination for corporate travelers but has a rich 400-year history. The city is home to the Hyderabad International Convention Center, India’s largest, with a 65,750-square-foot main hall for up to 5,000 delegates and 32 additional meeting rooms. Adjacent is the 287-room Novotel Hyderabad Hotel, which opened in 2006.
Why Now? The city has been dubbed "Cyberabad" thanks to its thriving IT, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals industries. A burgeoning hotel sector has 12 new properties coming online in the next year, adding a total of 1,960 rooms to the city's skyline; with room rates generally remain reasonable. The city's many charms have been drawing events such as The International Congress and Convention Association's 49th annual Congress and Exhibition, held last October.
See the November 2010 issue of M&C Magazine for the full article.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Not-So-Big Wedding Recap
The 2010 Not-So-Big Wedding Boutique and Challenge at the beautiful Rockwood Manor in Potomac, MD was a tremendous success and very well attended! The weather was fabulous and the teams did a fantastic job! The scores, which were based on a scale of 1 to 10, were very close.
Congratulations to Team Cinful lead by Cindy Jacobs who took the 1st prize with a total score of 58.50. The 2009 Challenge winner Team Carnevale, led by Janice Carnevale of Bellwether Events took the 2nd prize with a total score of 52.50 and in 3rd place was Team Cannon led by Kelley Cannon of Kelley Cannon Events with a total score of 48.25.
Take a look at some of the highlights!
All pictures courtesy of Photography by Alexander.
To see more, please visit the event's website. Looking forward to next years' NSBW!
Congratulations to Team Cinful lead by Cindy Jacobs who took the 1st prize with a total score of 58.50. The 2009 Challenge winner Team Carnevale, led by Janice Carnevale of Bellwether Events took the 2nd prize with a total score of 52.50 and in 3rd place was Team Cannon led by Kelley Cannon of Kelley Cannon Events with a total score of 48.25.
Take a look at some of the highlights!
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| NSBW 2010! |
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| Rockwood Manor, Potomac MD |
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| The beautiful premises. |
Beautiful dresses!
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| The panel of judges! |
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| The winners - Team Cinful! |
2nd place - Team Carnevale 3rd place - Team Cannon
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| The Captains - Team Cannon, Team Cinful, Team Carnevale |
All pictures courtesy of Photography by Alexander.
To see more, please visit the event's website. Looking forward to next years' NSBW!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Not-So-Big Wedding 2010
Calling all MD, DC, VA area brides and grooms! Don’t miss out! The Second Annual Not-So-Big Wedding 2010 Challenge is here! This is a FREE event open to the public. RSVP on the Not-So-Big Wedding website for your chance to receive $500 off a venue rental. However, no RSVP is required to attend!
About the Challenge:
12 Teams comprised of up to four vendors will be working together to create a wedding for $15K or less for 65 guests. They are vying for the grand prize -- $500, media spotlight, and the Not-So-Big Wedding Challenge Winner title for 2010. If you're looking to plan a wedding on a budget, this is the event for you! Come see each team's display and gather a wealth of information for your wedding!
Each package created must include all the costs associated in the production of a wedding such as a planner, caterer, Deejay or band, florist, photographer, rentals etc. and must include the rental of one of the Montgomery Parks facilities: Rockwood Manor, Seneca Lodge, Brookside Gardens, Woodlawn Manor, or Ag Farm -- all for under $15K!
Laura Gosse, Marketing Specialist for the Montgomery County Department of Parks event centers said: "The Not-So-Big Wedding is the new reality for many brides and grooms as the effects of the recession continue to play out. However, small does not have to mean plain. The challenge teams' wedding displays will show couples how they can have a wedding day to remember without breaking the bank."
Team Carnavale has returned to defend its title. Eleven other teams will strive to take it away. Come see the results and meet Team Bijou, Team Cannon, Team Centino, Team Cinful, and Team Crazy in Love, Team Forbidden Fruit, Team Intercounty Wedding Connection, Team Jackson, Team Matrimony, Team Show, and Team Williams.
The panel of judges led by Joyce Mnkande of Events2Remember, Inc. includes Denise Thorne of In Style Caterers, Julie Upchurch of Little House of Flowers, Andrew Larris of Andy Kushner Entertainment, Janice Harrison of Occasional Cakes, LLC, Dave Fritz of CORT Event Furnishings, and Carmichael Jennings of On Que Photography. Accompanying them will be live bloggers Amy Regeti and her colleague Srinu of Regeti’s Photography.
This year’s panel of judges represents the different areas within the industry and each judge brings their knowledge and expertise in those areas. Judging criteria will be based on the creative use of given space, creative use of budget, level of elegance and most memorable display.
There will be a fashion show featuring affordable gowns, which can be purchased from St. Anthony's Bridal, a local non-profit whose mission is to help people have an affordable wedding.
So, mark your calendars, come on along, and have lots of fun, food, and refreshments!
See you there!
About the Challenge:
12 Teams comprised of up to four vendors will be working together to create a wedding for $15K or less for 65 guests. They are vying for the grand prize -- $500, media spotlight, and the Not-So-Big Wedding Challenge Winner title for 2010. If you're looking to plan a wedding on a budget, this is the event for you! Come see each team's display and gather a wealth of information for your wedding!
Each package created must include all the costs associated in the production of a wedding such as a planner, caterer, Deejay or band, florist, photographer, rentals etc. and must include the rental of one of the Montgomery Parks facilities: Rockwood Manor, Seneca Lodge, Brookside Gardens, Woodlawn Manor, or Ag Farm -- all for under $15K!
Laura Gosse, Marketing Specialist for the Montgomery County Department of Parks event centers said: "The Not-So-Big Wedding is the new reality for many brides and grooms as the effects of the recession continue to play out. However, small does not have to mean plain. The challenge teams' wedding displays will show couples how they can have a wedding day to remember without breaking the bank."
Team Carnavale has returned to defend its title. Eleven other teams will strive to take it away. Come see the results and meet Team Bijou, Team Cannon, Team Centino, Team Cinful, and Team Crazy in Love, Team Forbidden Fruit, Team Intercounty Wedding Connection, Team Jackson, Team Matrimony, Team Show, and Team Williams.
The panel of judges led by Joyce Mnkande of Events2Remember, Inc. includes Denise Thorne of In Style Caterers, Julie Upchurch of Little House of Flowers, Andrew Larris of Andy Kushner Entertainment, Janice Harrison of Occasional Cakes, LLC, Dave Fritz of CORT Event Furnishings, and Carmichael Jennings of On Que Photography. Accompanying them will be live bloggers Amy Regeti and her colleague Srinu of Regeti’s Photography.
This year’s panel of judges represents the different areas within the industry and each judge brings their knowledge and expertise in those areas. Judging criteria will be based on the creative use of given space, creative use of budget, level of elegance and most memorable display.
There will be a fashion show featuring affordable gowns, which can be purchased from St. Anthony's Bridal, a local non-profit whose mission is to help people have an affordable wedding.
So, mark your calendars, come on along, and have lots of fun, food, and refreshments!
Sunday, November 7th, 2010 from 1-4pm at
Rockwood Manor
11001 MacArthur Blvd
See you there!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Insurance Coverage: To Have, or Not to Have?
I thought that this would be a great topic to cover because Fall is officially here and old Mr. Winter will soon be popping his head out; and if this winter is anything like last years' that resulted in numerous event cancellations, you do not want be unprepared!
Whether you are in the special event industry or any other business, it is imperative to protect your business and have insurance coverage especially in today’s litigious society where lawsuits are on the rise with every dawn. We can face potential lawsuits from customers, contractors, attendees, and spectators. Even if the lawsuit is unfounded, the cost of defense will be expensive.
Although the special event planning industry appears to be a glamorous job, it is unfortunately quite the contrary; it is a very hectic, tiring, and occasionally a very trying job. God forbid if some unfortunate mishap ensues and the event planner is sued! It is therefore imperative that everyone in the event management industry carry General Liability and E&O coverage. The latter is sometimes debatable but I personally feel it is essential.
Coverage typically protects against liability claims for bodily injuries, property damage, cancellation, rescheduling, or any accidents that might occur from the set-up time, to during the event, and during the breakdown at the end of the event.
However, just as with other insurance policies, event insurance coverage must be carefully selected. Shop around to compare rates and plans and make sure you ask many questions, read through your policies to fully understand your coverage and read the fine print! Be sure that you are covered for the entire management process and/or tailor it to your specific needs. Apply the same steps as you would when purchasing your health insurance, life insurance and/or other benefits. If you cannot afford an annual coverage, some agencies have à la carte options. Whatever package you select, having insurance coverage will not only give you peace of mind but also protect you from setting yourself up for lawsuits that will lead you down bankruptcy lane.
Whether you are in the special event industry or any other business, it is imperative to protect your business and have insurance coverage especially in today’s litigious society where lawsuits are on the rise with every dawn. We can face potential lawsuits from customers, contractors, attendees, and spectators. Even if the lawsuit is unfounded, the cost of defense will be expensive.
Although the special event planning industry appears to be a glamorous job, it is unfortunately quite the contrary; it is a very hectic, tiring, and occasionally a very trying job. God forbid if some unfortunate mishap ensues and the event planner is sued! It is therefore imperative that everyone in the event management industry carry General Liability and E&O coverage. The latter is sometimes debatable but I personally feel it is essential.
Coverage typically protects against liability claims for bodily injuries, property damage, cancellation, rescheduling, or any accidents that might occur from the set-up time, to during the event, and during the breakdown at the end of the event.
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| Image from www.intheiropinion.com |
Sunday, October 10, 2010
The Brightest Light in the City of Stars
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| Image courtesy of www.marriott.com |
Key Features:
- 878 JW Marriott guest rooms
- 123 The Ritz-Carlton guest rooms
- 224 The Ritz-Carlton Residences
- The Ritz-Carlton Spa
- 2 Celebrity Chef restaurants
- 3 bars and Illy Coffee
- Meeting, ballroom, amenity spaces for up to 2,000 guests
- Rooftop pools and fitness facilities at both hotels
- Spectacular views of Hollywood
To satisfy your hungry taste buds, WP24 is the newest culinary treat by Wolfgang Puck. It combines a dynamic conversational lounge and his signature restaurant on the 24th floor with windows offering panoramic views of downtown and surrounding Southern California. The spectacular rooftop pool bar combines sustenance and sky-gazing. 24 hour in-room dining.
While there, be sure to explore L.A. LIVE’s entertainment district and the pulse of the city with convenient access to walking tours, museums, sporting events and concerts. Centrally located, the hotel is just steps away from STAPLES Center, The NOKIA Theater, The Grammy Museum, and an array of restaurants and nightspots.
A definite "Must See" if you are in L.A. and a wonderful space for a destination event!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Selecting the Date for Your Next Event
When planning any event, many factors have to be taken into consideration, as they can affect the outcome of the event. Sometimes these factors work in your favor, and other times they do not. However, in order to plan a successful event, here is a short list of some key considerations:
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| Image from www.bridalbuds.com |
- Major Holidays
- Religious Observations
- The Season
- Time - daylight savings time changes (you don't want your guests to forget and arrive an hour early/late!) and availability
- Superstitions - Friday the 13th, April Fools Day (4/01)
- September 11th - this date (9/11) will be forever etched in the minds of many Americans as a day of mourning.
- Sporting events - especially during Superbowl weekend, World Cup, World Series, etc.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Invitations for Social Events
Many of these items feature your favorite photographs. You can easily attach the digital file when you place your web order on our website!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
AAHF Recap
As you know from our previous post, the African American Heritage Festival kicked off its 9th Annual event June 18 -20th in Baltimore, Maryland. Programming enriched the community and visitors to the city of Baltimore over the three day event.This year was the first for Events2Remember, Inc. to partner with the festival in providing the elegant décor for the exclusive VIP cabanas flanked on either side of the main stage.
What a treat to be able to experience the entertainment on the stage from such a comfortable and convenient location. We enjoyed musical performances by Robin Thicke, Donnie McClurkin, Fantasia, Patti Labelle, and many more. Definitely the best seats in the house! The festival offered a family friendly experience in celebrating the rich culture and history of African Americans.
Here's a quick snapshot of the cabanas. Check out our website for more exclusive, detailed photos, coming soon!
While we celebrated the historic contributions of African Americans, all visitors to the event enjoyed a unique cultural experience. We hope to partner with the festival again next year!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
"Day of" vs. "Month of" Coordinating/Plannning Services
Semantics or not … here’s yet another debatable topic.
First, although it appears as such, it is important to understand that an event planner is not a party planner and is definitely not simply a decorator. They are professional event planners because they have the education, the resources, the experience, the network, and reliable alliances in the industry.
The professional planner focuses on the client’s objective and ensures it is seamlessly achieved by paying attention to all the details that lead up to the event for all weddings, corporate, social and fundraising events.
We must therefore understand both the definition and the nature of work associated with the different titles used in the industry:
1. Event Planner: A professional who plans special events and is responsible for the event from conceptualization to orginization and execution of the entire event. They will custom design the event and make appropriate suggestions and recommendations based on the clients vision, needs and budget. They will assist with venue searches and acquisition, vendor referals and recommendations, ettiquette advisement, budget advisement and maintenance, logisitcs maintenance, make, and implement design recommendations and assist with menu recommendations and selection. They will also ensure that the client complies with all state and federal legalities for any licenses and permits that may be required for the event as well as ensure that all political and social protocols are adhered to.
Planners will have several meetings with their client throughout the planning process, they are not only there during set-up, but are there from beginning to end to of the event to handle any problems that may arise, and oversee the breakdown as well. These are just a few of the many responsibilities of a professional special event planner.
2. Event Consultant: The American Heritage dictionary defines consultant as "one who gives expert advice." In the event planning industry, consulting and planning are in most cases synonyms of each other with minor differences in what their "comprehensive" package offers.
3. Event Coordinator: A coordinator orchestrates the event. However, it is a miss-conception and a miss understanding that a coordinator just shows up on the day of the event and "makes things happen." Typically, the coordinator will have a specific number of meetings (contractual agreement) with their client, get a list of all the vendors and their contacts, construct a time line, have a vendor rehearsal, and finally execute the event on the day of. Yes, a planner/consultant can also be a coordinator.
Now that we have clarified the definition and responsibilities of a planner, is "Day of" or "Month of" the proper "term" for this service? Or, should we coin a different term/phrase for it? Remember, most event professionals will not take on “Day of” jobs less than 3-4 months prior to the event. Therefore, "Month of" may be more fitting regarding the scope of the services. What do you think?
First, although it appears as such, it is important to understand that an event planner is not a party planner and is definitely not simply a decorator. They are professional event planners because they have the education, the resources, the experience, the network, and reliable alliances in the industry.
The professional planner focuses on the client’s objective and ensures it is seamlessly achieved by paying attention to all the details that lead up to the event for all weddings, corporate, social and fundraising events.
We must therefore understand both the definition and the nature of work associated with the different titles used in the industry:
1. Event Planner: A professional who plans special events and is responsible for the event from conceptualization to orginization and execution of the entire event. They will custom design the event and make appropriate suggestions and recommendations based on the clients vision, needs and budget. They will assist with venue searches and acquisition, vendor referals and recommendations, ettiquette advisement, budget advisement and maintenance, logisitcs maintenance, make, and implement design recommendations and assist with menu recommendations and selection. They will also ensure that the client complies with all state and federal legalities for any licenses and permits that may be required for the event as well as ensure that all political and social protocols are adhered to.
Planners will have several meetings with their client throughout the planning process, they are not only there during set-up, but are there from beginning to end to of the event to handle any problems that may arise, and oversee the breakdown as well. These are just a few of the many responsibilities of a professional special event planner.
2. Event Consultant: The American Heritage dictionary defines consultant as "one who gives expert advice." In the event planning industry, consulting and planning are in most cases synonyms of each other with minor differences in what their "comprehensive" package offers.
3. Event Coordinator: A coordinator orchestrates the event. However, it is a miss-conception and a miss understanding that a coordinator just shows up on the day of the event and "makes things happen." Typically, the coordinator will have a specific number of meetings (contractual agreement) with their client, get a list of all the vendors and their contacts, construct a time line, have a vendor rehearsal, and finally execute the event on the day of. Yes, a planner/consultant can also be a coordinator.
Now that we have clarified the definition and responsibilities of a planner, is "Day of" or "Month of" the proper "term" for this service? Or, should we coin a different term/phrase for it? Remember, most event professionals will not take on “Day of” jobs less than 3-4 months prior to the event. Therefore, "Month of" may be more fitting regarding the scope of the services. What do you think?
Sunday, June 6, 2010
The African American Heritage Festival
Once again, it is time for the 9th annual African American Heritage Festival (AAHF). It will take place in Baltimore, Maryland at M&T Bank Stadium (Lots B & C) June 18-June 20, 2010 and Events2Remember, Inc. is partnering with the festival this year! The African American Heritage Festival is an annual family celebration of the history, culture, education, heritage, and arts thatembraces and promotes the rich traditions and zestful spirit of the city of Baltimore. The festival is free before 4pm and $5 after 4pm. Children 12 and under are free anytime, all weekend.
Founded in 2001, the African American Heritage Festival has become one of the premiere Atlantic-coast summer festivals offering patrons a wide array of events. Such events include local artist’s displaying their arts and crafts, carnival rides , live performances on 3 stages (Main stage, Verizon Wireless B stage and the Sunny Delight Children’s stage), Baltimore’s local and diverse cuisine and villages filled with programming in the areas of Health and Wellness, Financial Empowerment and Art/History/Culture and Education. This year, scheduled to perform include Ryan Leslie, Robin Thicke, Donnie McClurkin and many more, for a full list of the artists scheduled to perform on all 3 stages, please visit www.aahf.net and click on "Entertainment."
Proceeds from the festival go towards the AAHF Foundation, Inc. The foundation is a Maryland based non-profit organization that cultivates, secures, and directs creative and intellectual capital towards developing self-sustaining, cooperative, and competitive communities. The AAHF Foundation, Inc. was established in 2008 to combine the reach and influence of the African American Heritage Festival with direct services in health and wellness, education, and financial literacy. The AAHF Foundation, in partnership with regional non-profits and foundations, produces events that support direct services around health and wellness, financial empowerment, and education, as well as creates opportunities for self-expression in the creative arts, music, poetry, dance, and theater by producing the Annual African American Heritage Festival.
Their model is one of building coalitions and partnerships that serve and affect under-served communities. Their commitment is to touch and impact communities that are at a disadvantage in relation to health disparities, low graduation rates, financial empowerment and ownership. We hope to see you at the festival this year!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
The Odyssey Cruise - Washington, DC
If you haven’t already seen it already, this is a fabulous venue to host your next event! Welcome aboard the Odyssey:
My colleagues and I had a wonderful networking event with a wide selection of beverages, a variety of hor’s d’ouvres, a choice of entrees (selection of three), and exceptional service. If you need assistance with planning your next event aboard the Odyssey in Washington, DC, do not hesitate to contact us at 301-317-4411 or info@events-2remember.com
My colleagues and I had a wonderful networking event with a wide selection of beverages, a variety of hor’s d’ouvres, a choice of entrees (selection of three), and exceptional service. If you need assistance with planning your next event aboard the Odyssey in Washington, DC, do not hesitate to contact us at 301-317-4411 or info@events-2remember.com
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Wearable Art/Un-Wearable Fashion
On Friday, April 9th I had the opportunity to attend the opening reception for the Wearable Art/Un-Wearable Fashion exhibit at the VisArts Center in Rockville, Maryland. The exhibit featured some beautiful, unique pieces of art, all of which push the boundaries of fashion to innovative heights!
These are some of my favorite pieces from the exhibit:
I also had the opportunity to meet one of the artists -- Martin Figueroa-Ramirez of RōM. His sneaker designs are amazing examples of "wearable art" and are a must-see! Here are some pictures of Figueroa-Ramirez and his work:
He will be teaching three sneaker art workshops at VisArts; please visit the Classes/Workshop section of the VisArts website for more details on this unique opportunity!
Wearable Art/Un-Wearable Fashion will be on display until June 19, 2010 so be sure to check it out if you live near or will be visiting the DC Metro Area!
The VisArts facilities are also available as a rental space for special events! The event room, gallery area, rooftop, and learning center are all spectacular areas and the four spaces can accommodate anywhere from 25 to 300 guests!
These are some of my favorite pieces from the exhibit:
I also had the opportunity to meet one of the artists -- Martin Figueroa-Ramirez of RōM. His sneaker designs are amazing examples of "wearable art" and are a must-see! Here are some pictures of Figueroa-Ramirez and his work:
Wearable Art/Un-Wearable Fashion will be on display until June 19, 2010 so be sure to check it out if you live near or will be visiting the DC Metro Area!
The VisArts facilities are also available as a rental space for special events! The event room, gallery area, rooftop, and learning center are all spectacular areas and the four spaces can accommodate anywhere from 25 to 300 guests!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
"What to Do with Leftover Wedding Food?"
I recently read a blog article via Slashfood that highlighted some practical uses for leftover wedding food. The article is from last June, but I couldn't resist sharing! Here's a brief synopsis:
Be sure to check out the original article here!
"Most caterers will over-estimate the amount of food you'll need for your happy nuptials... So what do you do with all of those leftovers? You've paid for the food, and it really is a shame to see it go to waste."I find that this is often the case with functions (whether it be a wedding or any other special event) that offer a buffet selection instead of a sit-down dinner. The article suggests donating the food to a local food bank, or allowing your out-of-town guests to pack a "doggy bag" to take back to their hotel room. Overall, I thought the brief article made a great point and you should try to keep these options in mind if you find yourself faced with the dilemma of too much food!
Be sure to check out the original article here!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
RSVP Etiquette
The Meaning: The term RSVP comes from the French expression “réspondez s’il vous plaît,” which means “please respond.”
What it does not mean: RSVP does not mean, “respond only if you are coming,” nor does it mean, “respond only if you are not coming.” “Regrets only” is the term for the latter instance.
The Importance of RSVP: responding to an invitation assists in --
• Planning for minimum requirements for hotel room blocks
• Planning for banquet halls and breakout room requirements
• Planning for printed material
• Planning for place settings
• Determining the number of servers and bartenders required
• Planning for food and beverage quantities
• Planning for swag bags and/or party favors
• Determining dance floor size requirements
• Floor plan layout
• Finalizing programs
and much, much more…
6 RSVP Etiquette Tips:
1. If an invitation includes an RSVP, all guests are obligated to respond by the specified date on the invitation.
2. If there is no “reply by” date, the general rule of thumb is to respond within 24 to 48 hours of receipt.
3. If a social invitation does not include an RSVP, it is still considered polite to respond accordingly.
4. All business and/or non-profit events require a response. If you are making a charitable contribution but not attending the event, RSVP appropriately and do not attend unannounced.
5. In keeping with today’s Greening efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, an invitation may come via email (try Evite). You are still obligated to respond within 24 to 48 hours of receipt if there is no "reply by" date.
6. For the more formal events that choose to send invitations via snail mail but opt to set up an RSVP online (try My RSVP Live), telephone, or a personalized website, be sure to respond within 24 to 48 hours of receipt if there is no "reply by" date.
Who Should RSVP?:
1. If you are sending a representative(s) to corporate and non-profit events, the RVSP should specify whom and/or how many are attending on your behalf.
2. For social and private events, all invitees must RSVP.
3. If the invitation allows for extra guests, and you intend on bringing additional people, be sure to indicate how many extra people will be accompanying you. Typically, it is polite to add no more than 2 extra people per invitation.
Final Tips:
• Be sure to communicate all last-minute changes.
• Be sure to communicate any conflicting events and respond by the specified date.
• Be sure to communicate any special dietary requirements well in advance. Remember, this is different from dietary preferences.
• Arrive on time.
• Dress appropriately and in keeping with the theme of the event. (i.e. Black-tie, formal, business etc.)
• Network and Enjoy!
Sample Invitations, RSVP cards, and favors:
(click on the text below the image to be linked to the sample's corresponding site)
What it does not mean: RSVP does not mean, “respond only if you are coming,” nor does it mean, “respond only if you are not coming.” “Regrets only” is the term for the latter instance.
The Importance of RSVP: responding to an invitation assists in --
• Planning for minimum requirements for hotel room blocks
• Planning for banquet halls and breakout room requirements
• Planning for printed material
• Planning for place settings
• Determining the number of servers and bartenders required
• Planning for food and beverage quantities
• Planning for swag bags and/or party favors
• Determining dance floor size requirements
• Floor plan layout
• Finalizing programs
and much, much more…
6 RSVP Etiquette Tips:
1. If an invitation includes an RSVP, all guests are obligated to respond by the specified date on the invitation.
2. If there is no “reply by” date, the general rule of thumb is to respond within 24 to 48 hours of receipt.
3. If a social invitation does not include an RSVP, it is still considered polite to respond accordingly.
4. All business and/or non-profit events require a response. If you are making a charitable contribution but not attending the event, RSVP appropriately and do not attend unannounced.
5. In keeping with today’s Greening efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, an invitation may come via email (try Evite). You are still obligated to respond within 24 to 48 hours of receipt if there is no "reply by" date.
6. For the more formal events that choose to send invitations via snail mail but opt to set up an RSVP online (try My RSVP Live), telephone, or a personalized website, be sure to respond within 24 to 48 hours of receipt if there is no "reply by" date.
Who Should RSVP?:
1. If you are sending a representative(s) to corporate and non-profit events, the RVSP should specify whom and/or how many are attending on your behalf.
2. For social and private events, all invitees must RSVP.
3. If the invitation allows for extra guests, and you intend on bringing additional people, be sure to indicate how many extra people will be accompanying you. Typically, it is polite to add no more than 2 extra people per invitation.
Final Tips:
• Be sure to communicate all last-minute changes.
• Be sure to communicate any conflicting events and respond by the specified date.
• Be sure to communicate any special dietary requirements well in advance. Remember, this is different from dietary preferences.
• Arrive on time.
• Dress appropriately and in keeping with the theme of the event. (i.e. Black-tie, formal, business etc.)
• Network and Enjoy!
Sample Invitations, RSVP cards, and favors:
(click on the text below the image to be linked to the sample's corresponding site)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
MILAN - Baltimore, Maryland
MILAN is Baltimore's first upscale, eclectic Italian Restaurant and Lounge and is located at the threshold of Baltimore’s Little Italy. The restaurant offers Italian/Mediterranean infused cuisine and boasts a one-of-a kind Sushi bar. Complimenting the menu is a selection of top rated Italian wines and cocktails inspired by world-renowned fashion designers. It has three levels and an outdoor patio for al fresco dining throughout the year, and is considered to be a premier venue, “Where food meets fashion!"
We were honored to be on the guest list last week and we really enjoyed the space, food and music. To sum it up: a beautiful, classy, sexy, and great addition to Baltimore, as this is something you would typically see in DC, New York, or California!
Here are some pictures of our time there:
Lower Level Lounge Area
Intermezzo Coffee & Wine Bar
Restaurant Area
Outdoor Patio
MILAN would be perfect for a small, intimate event or a rehearsal dinner! Check them out!
We were honored to be on the guest list last week and we really enjoyed the space, food and music. To sum it up: a beautiful, classy, sexy, and great addition to Baltimore, as this is something you would typically see in DC, New York, or California!
Here are some pictures of our time there:
Entrance
Lower Level Lounge Area
Intermezzo Coffee & Wine Bar
Restaurant Area
Outdoor Patio
MILAN would be perfect for a small, intimate event or a rehearsal dinner! Check them out!
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