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!