Many Thanks!

'Tis the season for gifting! Whether you're lucky enough to receive a thoughtful gift or 2 from a gracious neighbor (like us) or received a nice sweater from your long distance, twice removed aunt for Christmas, it's always just as thoughtful to share a "thank you." When receiving gifts for holidays and birthdays, it's always especially kind to pick up the telephone and share a few words of gratitude with the gift's purchaser. Grandmothers adore getting phone calls from distant grandchildren that they don't see as frequently..and of course, it reassures all that the package DID in fact make it to your door ;)


For the socially media savvy, does a "thank you" on Facebook suffice? Depends. How formal was the gift? We personally like to recommend an old fashioned note or call at all times...but again, it does depend on preference!

When it comes to events like weddings, however, we truly like to see hand written thank you notes for each and every present. I know, you may think, "that's over 300 hand written notes!!" BUT, think of it like this, that's OVER 300 people who thought highly enough of you and your betrothed to shower you with a gift...by all means, shower them with your gratitude-and autograph! It doesn't matter what kind of stationary you pick (although we LOVE the monogrammed personal touches),  as long as you send a note. *

Unsure what to write? I'm reminded of  the old Television station days-include the W's-Who, What, When, Where, and Why?

For example:

Dear Catherine (Who),
Thank you so much for the great bottle of wine (What) that you gave us to celebrate our wedding (When/What Occasion)! It was such a great gesture, and we plan to enjoy the bottle on first anniversary (Where-How you might use the gift, when appropriate). We LOVE trying new wines, and this certainly indulges this love, and provides such a treat! (Why). We are so grateful for your thoughtfulness, and hope to see you again very soon.
Love,
Lettie

Looking for other ideas? Feel free to shoot us an e-mail or message via Facebook or Twitter (@lettienicole). Or, simply drop us a hand-written note, and we'd be more than happy to help..just don't forget the W's :)

Happy Celebrating,

Lettie Nicole

*LNE tip to assist sending Wedding "Thank-You's" in a timely manner- Pre-print a list mailing labels with all wedding guests' addresses. (You can do this from your wedding guest list address tab if you are keeping this through something like Microsoft Excel). That way, all you'll have to do is write the note and slap your already printed mailing label onto the envelope after the wedding. If you're using the same spreadsheet (which often couples do) to generate lists for showers, etc..Just print an extra copy of the person's address onto a label before each shower. That way, again, you'll only have the note to write. We also are BIG fans of Return Address Stamps! They are cute, save time, and add a bit of "OOMPH" to an everyday envelope! For more tips and tricks to make your Wedding process a bit easier, please contact us for complimentary consultation and pricing.

And how do you take your coffee?

'Tis the Season...and fah-la-la-la-la!! While the weather might not be cold enough to totally indulge in all of Old Man Winter's delights, (ie: playing in the snow, scarves, hats and boots...) if you're like me, you can't have enough coffee during the winter..even if the temps aren't frigid.

There's nothing better to me than a yummy cup of coffee to start a chilly morning, to help make Christmas shopping complete, and a Starbucks run mid afternoon before wrapping presents. Coffee=Christmastime complete (for me)!!!

How can you put a spin on this Christmas (and good ole' morning) staple when hosting guests? First, treat them with an array of options that welcome the holiday and Christmas spirit...

My personal favorite is Coffe-Mate....having sampled almost every holiday flavor, I can attest that they are indeed yummy...and totally get you in the Holiday spirit.

What about displaying a "Coffee Bar" for your friends and family as they drop in throughout the season, or as you host guests for special occassions during the chillier months? It's a great way to warm tummies and hearts...and make a memorable stamp as a hostess. And an even more memorable way to win hostess gold stars?! Try displaying your coffee bar like this...

 

 

If you're looking to add a little adult flavoring to your coffee cups this season, try a little Bailey's, Vanilla Flavored Vodka, or even Brandy to your drink to give it an extra spice.

 For a little more adventure, serve up a keg of a yummy "Breakfast inspired Stout" like this one we had the pleasure of sampling recently at Wrecking Bar Brewpub in Atlanta. The Jemmy Dean Breakfast Stout has a yummy and distinctive java flavor sure to leave a memorable mark in your favor with all holiday party guests!

 

However you take (and serve) your coffee, do it with flair...and frequency :)

 

Celebrating daily,

Lettie

Who NOSE WHAT your guests will notice? (And other random thoughts on sensory details...)

See...Touch...Taste..Hear..and Smell...Yep, those are the senses all right. I'm sure you all are familiar with these, and we don't need the elementary refresher :) Or, do we? Lately, I've been thinking about how the event industry puts so much emphasis on appealing to guests' senses....but don't we often turn up our noses to one in particular?



 Events, big or small, often turn into a circus of senses-guests juggle and admire with awe various details big and small. Time is invested on eye-appealing decor and color schemes, selecting the perfect musicians, and having as many tastings as needed to nail the perfect menu. But in this detail-driven world, (channeling my Carrie Bradshaw) I have often wondered...have forgotten the nose?

As event planners, we lend so much FIRST and foremost, to what visually appeals to guests. And of course, this makes sense. Every event planner (and host) wants their guests to walk into a room and be fully enveloped in beauty and character. And, true, guests are most likely to draw impressions from what they see and what colors "pop."It seems most naturally that we spend the bulk of our sensory time focused on the visuals.




Then, we have the sense of touch. Admit it. How many times have you sat down to eat and admired an overlay or fabric with your forefinger and thumb? Ok, no? Just me?! :) I love feeling different textures, and often spend time debating types of fabric, and admiring their unique "flavors." And, as an "insider tip," I can't tell you HOW many times I see guests actually feel the centerpieces. I'm not lying. For whatever reason, people LOVE feeling flowers. Part of me thinks that they are verifying their reality, and part of me thinks that we just like to "feel" great beauty. (Tip to brides: go with the real flora-your guests (and their fingers) will thank you!) I've also seen this done with feathers, candle displays, and other inanimate objects alike. Let's face it-humans are curious (and admiring) creatures :)
 


But...let's skip to smell! Do we think about scents while planning events? (And must we rhyme EVERY single time?!!) The answer is no on both accounts. But, I'd like to say that it's a WONDERFUL touch and detail that will make you  (and your event) stand out when done correctly.

I'm not advising you to select your favorite cologne and go crazy spraying it throughout your venue. While I adore a good makeup counter, we're not striving to make your wedding or special event feel like one. On the flip side, do be mindful of the way a room smells as an added courtesy for your guests. I honestly can't tell you which wedding or venue I worked, but I literally had Coordinator, Allie, spraying Febreeze (the standard scent) like crazy to kill the odor before the bridal party arrived. The last thing you want after you've spent big bucks on your most special day is to walk into a room smelling of foot.

Some helpful hints-If you have an older building or venue, make sure that your Planner or Coordinator packs the Febreeze on reserve. Art spaces, lofts, industrial converts can sometimes also fall into this category. Another good back up is scented candles (I love Yankee Candle's Fluffy Towels for a "clean," "crisp" smell and Home Sweet Home for "warmth.") While I ADORE candles that invoke kitchen aromas, the last thing you want is your guests STARVING before dinner is served or hors d'oeurves are passed.

 

If you have an outdoors setting, consider something like this that I found on Pinterest....
 


http://pinterest.com/pin/76913106106705933/

It's beautiful, and the candle will actually heat the jasmine to emit the lovely smell throughout the event. Double duty detail. I like it! And of course, there are other options for aromatics at your event if you're not into candles or your venue won't allow them. Just ask Katy Perry :)

 

 http://blogamole.tr3s.com/2011/01/31/katy-perry-infuses-tour-with-scent-of-cotton-candy/

During her last world tour, to ensure her guests got the ENTIRE experience, she made her venues smell of cotton candy. Now THAT, my dears, is attention to detail ;)

And if you're curious, have ideas, or want to talk events...and cotton candy, you know where to find me.

Happy Celebrating!

Lettie

April Showers bring...more celebrations :)

Can't believe it's already April. For you friend followers, you know that this is one of my FAVORITE months. My husband and I got married in April-so of course, it will ALWAYS hold a special place in my heart. Couple that with the fact that he was also BORN in April (talk about an occasion to celebrate!)...AND...it's beautiful springtime. There is nothing I adore more than the flowers bloomin', the birds chirping, and the weddings starting...Here at Lettie Nicole, we are gearing up for our busiest wedding season YET..and for that, we are grateful.

This time of year brings on  many fabulous weddings that we are lucky enough to be a part of and assist with planning. But, if you aren't planning a wedding this April, there are many other things (and reasons) to celebrate. For example-Easter! Why not put together a wonderful Easter brunch with a great spread and table scape that will dazzle your family?

If you're looking to host something a little more outside the box...just think about something else that occurs every year during April-The Masters!!!

If you're in Georgia (and even beyond), you know what a great deal this tournament is...and how important it is to the golf community. If you're looking for something special to get the husbands (and wives) together to celebrate and watch, it's not too late to send out a punchbowl or EVITE and gather your friends and family to watch on Friday or Saturday April 6th or 7th.  With a little preparation, you can have a super fun Master's party sure to make your guests rave about your hosting skills and creativity for weeks to come.

First, let's talk food. I consulted with my AMAZING April-born hubby, Matt, who also happens to work in the golf industry. He will be watching the Master's from the greens in Augusta this weekend. And, thus, I consider him a pretty reliable source. He SWEARS up and down that the most popular food item at the Masters is the Pimento Cheese. Really? Really. So, why not serve up this southern staple with a little flair?

Here's a link to Bobby Deen's version of Pimento Cheese which we happen to think is super divine!!!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/bobbys-pimento-cheese-recipe/index.html

Feel free to serve this on traditional bread,  Hawaiian King rolls (for added sweetness), celery sticks (for appetizers), Ritz crackers (for baby bites), and Pita bread (for healthiness).

What better to wash down this southern staple with the official beverage of golf...from Mr. Golf himself: The Arnold Palmer!!!

Yep. That's the legend right there. This beverage was named for the man who loved them, and is a crowd favorite. It's super simple, too. Just half sweet tea-half lemonade. That's it! Oh, and throw in a lemon for garnishment. If this recipe sounds familiar, it is also referred to in the service industry as an Uptown. But, for our Masters party, there is NO other acceptable name. Period. If you'd like to add a little "spice" to this recipe, you can serve the adult version by adding 1/3 bourbon (1/3 lemonade and 1/3 sweet tea). Talk about refreshment!

And as far as decor, grab a basic glass cylinder or vase and put in a couple of the hubby's old golf balls. If you'd like to get a little fancier, this could work nicely....

Or what about this?

With a simple glass container, a couple golf balls, and some Easter grass or paper craft stuffing that you can find at Hobby Lobby, you'll be ready to entertain in no time! And speaking of entertainment, in addition to having the tournament on live, why not put a makeshift golfing green in the yard for stretching and commercial breaks?! Super fun and interactive...and a great way to leave and impact and enable your guests to make memories.

Just some simple ideas to jazz up your April...and as always, if you need help planning your next event...or wedding (in April and beyond)...you know who to call!!! :)

xoxo,

Lettie

Sips and Celebrations...and a BIG, FAT, WELCOME!!!!!

You're here! I'm so grateful that you've decided to stop by :) As a guest in my "home," I'd of course like to welcome you with a hug..and perhaps a cocktail. Treating guests as guests no matter the occasion (a casual visit or super shindig) can set you apart as an excellent hostess-thoughtful and engaging. And of course, the right cocktail can take any party or gathering from "so-so" to spectacular by giving guests something to remember...and creating a (ahem) buzz.

We're just weeks away from the perfect cocktail party. You may be thinking..Valentine's Day!!! Who wouldn't love a nice love-inspired beverage to set the tone for a Valentine's dinner or party? I COMPLETELY agree...but am thinking of ANOTHER cocktail party. The Biggest Football game of the year (as a matter of fact). I'm not saying to skip the beer-that's a staple for the big game. But, wouldn't it be neat to see a little flair added to the chips and dips? Here's what I'm thinking : A couple New York cocktails + A couple New England Cocktails=Taking that Superbowl party up a notch.

So, you're sold! What to serve? Well, it depends. If you're a New York fan, what about a Manhattan? It's masculine, yet sophisticated-and sure to be remembered. Or, maybe try a classic-Long Island Iced Tea!

If the New England Patriots are more of your style, don't fret. There  are definitely some "signature" style cocktails that can make a statement and keep your guests raving for days. A "Cape Cod" is pretty basic-Vodka + Cranberry Juice with a lime garnish. But, doesn't that just SOUND more spirited?  Any red, white and blue cocktails will also remind everyone what team you're pulling for.  Try something like this option....

with a red cherry garnish...and a red sugar rimmed glass for added pizazz. Need the recipes or more ideas? Shoot me an e-mail at LettieNicole@gmail.com and let's chat. I'll be happy to help you plan your super party and all the fixin's to serve with.

Till Nextime,

Salud!