Event Planning

The City of Palm Springs: inspiring hearts and minds! And tablescapes!

by

As if you didn’t know, we love Palm Springs.  We’re thrilled to live here and do business in the community with our wonderful customer base that is always growing. We were honored the other night to be asked to decorate a table at the Renaissance Esmeralda for an event that benefitted the March of Dimes.  The request came from none other than our fair city, Palm Springs.  All the area cities had tables, and we were excited to be tapped to create the one that represented our hometown, and the center of the My Little Flower Shop universe. We chose a bright, cheerful red jacquard linen, and set it off with one of our signature Manzanita tree scupltural centerpieces hung with three lush spheres of scarlet roses and Swarovski crystal drops.  To pull in that Palm Springs “je ne sais quois,” and keep things fresh, we placed a boldly patterned pillow in each chair.  The outcome? a beautiful table that’s not afraid to get it’s party on!  Martini anyone?

A "Palm Springs" inspired table

The Country (Club) Life

by

What do you think of when you think of country clubs? Is it elegant women clad head-to-toe in Lilly Pulitzer eating chicken salad out of hollowed out tomatoes next to the crystal blue pool while their kids play water polo?  A really sensible place to have a wedding? How’d you know that was where I was going? You’re so smart.

Anyplace that already owns it’s own kitchen equipment, tables and chairs, let alone linens and all that goes on top has already saved you a boatload of money over some beautiful rented location that markets itself as “a blank slate.” Trust me, once you look into the price of hauling an entire chef’s kitchen and outfitted dining room up the mountain to that beautiful open field you’ve rented, you’ll come back down to earth very quickly.

Enter the country club – an institution that makes it’s money maintaining itself and it’s grounds beautifully and providing it’s members an elegant place to entertain.  Could there be a type of building or venue better suited than that? 95% of clubs allow non-members to use the space, usually with the recommendation of a member. Don’t know any members? In this economy, the director of catering will likely be very happy to introduce you to one.  Do keep an eye on the contract: don’t sign anything right there in the office, take it home overnight to review, and have at least one other set of eyes look too.  Make sure everything is as you agreed, because these organizations can be very much “letter of the law” types on wedding day.

Want to know more? We’ll be at a bridal show tomorrow (March 13) at the Palm Valley Country Club in Palm Desert. Come see the space! Come see us! Come live the Country (club) Life!

To be added to the guest list, please call 760.345.2737 or simply stop by 39205 Palm Valley Drive, Palm Desert, on March 13, 2011.

The Press Release:

Free Bridal Show

Free bridal show and open house

Those looking for the perfect location to hold their wedding, commitment ceremony, engagement party, reception or any special event won’t want to miss the upcoming Bridal Show and Open House at Palm Valley Country Club, March 13, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., presented by Country Club Receptions.

This free show allows those shopping for a special event location, a casual afternoon to enjoy the beautiful surroundings at 39205 Palm Valley Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92211and experience the multitude of options available when planning their special occasion from the latest in ballroom design, catering, entertainment choices and more.

“We are happy to host those looking for a beautiful place to hold their wedding or other special occasion,” said John Cavaliere, General Manager, Palm Valley Country Club.  “We are pleased to share our facility and expertise to help them create an event to remember.”

Arianna can get herself all in a Huff, but Emily will always be the Post with the Most.

by

Emily would actually have quite liked Arianna. She’s spunky, and, we imagine, never dull at a dinner party.  The same description applies to Peggy Post, the current Post holding the family post. Peggy has started answering etiquette questions in the New York Times, spicing up the online weddings section. We will be sharing some of them here from time to time.  “But wait,” you might be thinking, “you guys answer etiquette questions on the blog, isn’t she competition?” The answer is no, and here’s why. We freely admit that we don’t know how to properly greet the Queen of Norway. Peggy does.  She also is an enclyclopedia of knowledge about weddings, because it’s her full time job. Resources are always a positive. We liked this question and superb answer because it drilled down into a specific issue about guest lists which we discussed recently. So without further ado…

Q&A: The Well-Mannered Wedding

By PEGGY POST
Published: March 4, 2011
 

Your Wedding Questions Answered

Planning or attending a wedding, but not sure of the proper way to go about it? In the Well-Mannered Wedding. Peggy Post, a director of the Emily Post Institute and the great-granddaughter-in-law of its namesake, answers readers’ questions.

Who Deserves Plus-One Status?  

My boyfriend and I have had several heated discussions regarding the etiquette of inviting guests with a plus-one. He thinks everyone should get a plus-one, all other factors aside. I think that only guests in a serious relationship (i.e. long term, living together) should warrant a plus-one invitation. Can you settle the debate?

Monica A., Berkeley, Calif.

Let’s avoid sending either one of you to the etiquette penalty box. Today’s standard plus-one is someone who is married to, engaged to, living with and, yes, in a long-term relationship with the invited wedding guest. Beyond these “must invites,” your plus-one decisions will be based on budget and consistency. If it’s only a few and it’s not a budget buster, you might consider asking them all. But if that’s not the case (and let’s be realistic here), come up with a clear parameter. Even so, without a plus-one invitation, some of your single guests may not want to attend. In the end, that’s their choice.

Note to guests: You didn’t get a plus-one invitation and you have a new boyfriend? Be empathetic and don’t take offense. Be happy that you’re one of the “must be there” people on the bride and bridegroom’s guest list.

Can I get an Amen? Thanks Peggy and NYT!