Steak Superb

Have you been craving a YUMMY cut of beef? The best selection of potatoes and sides galore? Is your  mouth watering yet??

Think about your rehearsal dinner or your next birthday dinner- doesn't that sound like the kind of food you'd like to share with your most treasured guests? After sampling the delectable fare at Little Steak Alley today, I'd HAPPILY recommend this as a next event venue. The space is superb. The staff is, too.  And the food? Yep, it's just that good. See for yourself!

The AMAZING spread-served family style. SO good!

Don't forget the yummy desserts. An array of beautiful treats that taste as good as they look!

Be still my heart.

Where is this phenomenal food, you ask? Located in hip and happenin' Historic Roswell on Canton Street. Get there, STAT. Try the food. You won't be disappointed. And we will certainly recommend this to any and all looking for a great, intimate venue..with a killer menu. Fun AND filets...now that's just FABULOUS!! Hope to catch you all there soon!

Until then, Happy Celebrating!

Lettie Nicole

Winne Couture Spring Show!

I was able to see some of this Spring's most gorgeous designs from Winnie Couture tonight, and they were GORGEOUS. A great colleague and designer friend and I went to Winnie Couture Flagship Bridal Salon in Buckhead tonight for the Pink for the Cure Cocktail Launch Party- benefiting the The National Breast Cancer Foundation.....and let it was so much fun. Great cause and great fashions?! Yes, please!!

I'm sure you're wondering about the styles...lots of satin, silk, and lace. Simply stunning!!!

Another common theme? Lots of mermaid and fitted styles with flair, cascading ruffles and dramatic touches sure to wow every guest and give every bride sweet dreams of her wedding for years to come.

 Screaming Romance in a subtle and Gorgeous way

Don't forget the draping accessories....baubles and bangles are BIG again, as are the bird cage veils, and even bridal fascinators.

And NEVER forget...attending events with good friends makes EVERYTHING in life more fun!!! <3 <3


Happy Celebrating!

Lettie Nicole

ACCENTUATION inspiration

Weekly Inspiration Alert!

I am LOVING  this trend right now.*So much, in fact, that I'm quite sure that it's not just a trend. This simple inclusion to any  wardrobe, home, or event is something so memorable that it will be a staple on the color scheme scene for years to come.

So, what's "accenting?" It's quite simple. You probably accent a lot more than you realize on a daily basis. Maybe you pair a super cute wide RED belt with a simple black dress, to give that dress a splash of "fun." Yep, you've got it. That's precisely what "ACCENTING" is....see, you're already doing it right?

Lots of folks choose to accent in their homes with a signature accent wall..like this....  
 

We are seeing LOTS more accent nails....(which I have personally tried with gray nails and a plum accent-SUPER LOVED)....Try your own like these we found on Pinterest:

                                     




 Or these like our lovely client and past bride, Linda C. submitted to us:

 Talk about making your BLING BLING!!! Love it! Especially because it shows off the rings so beautifully....:)


If you are falling head over feet for this style..and want to accent your wedding a little more...First, pick your shade. Remember Shelby from Steel Magnolias? Blush and Bashful. Well, she gets 2 because she IS Shelby and Steel Magnolias is one of my favorite movies of all times. But, in order to properly execute, the rest of us will just have to declare one hue for accentuating our events :)

Once you've decided on the perfect shade....be it gray, persimmon, or something in between, pick WHERE you'd like to use it. We suggest some subtle but memorable places like this : 

Cake: 

  Feel free to use whatever color, but doing one accent block with the same color accent flowers on the table will certainly catch your guests' eyes in a tasteful and fun way!

Another idea: Loving how this shot shows a bridal party that uses all white flowers so that your eye focuses solely on the accent color of the dresses. Talk about accentuating...and LOVELY!!

Clearly, there are many ways you can make your next event...and daily life "pop." My challenge? Accentuate on the daily.  Don't be afraid to stand out...and pop :)

Happy Celebrating!

Lettie Nicole





*See what I did there? A simple POP of color (with "loving") goes a loooong way toward grabbing attention in the proper areas and engaging an audience :)

Weekly Inspiration!

Hoping everyone has had a WONDERFUL and celebratory weekend. We were busy celebrating our friends' forthcoming baby, "Baby M," and attended an awesome couples' shower for the Baby and his great parents. So fun!

And speaking of celebrating, I did want to share this AMAZING piece of inspiration we received recently with you all, in hopes of getting the creative juices flowing for all you planning parties. Who knows, maybe you'll find a reason to celebrate...or make one up ;) Either way,  one of my bestest friends is getting married this year..YAY!!!!! And, one of HER soon-to-be hubby's bestest friends (did ya get that?) LOVES to throw theme parties. So, what better way to CELEBRATE the fun couple than by throwing a THEME Engagement/Celebration of their upcoming nuptials?!

Loving and inspired by this because a) Who DOESN'T love a theme party? (In this case the Roaring 20's) and b) a "let's celebrate you 2" party gets our vote any day of the week...and twice on Sundays :)

Check out these AWESOME invites that were sent out with the couple's faces put in. I am so in love with this concept, for a 20's style party...A newspaper invite (on actual news paper), complete with faux articles, and VERY convincing period-esque pics of the engaged pair. Even the labeling of the invites was top-notch-designed to look like type-written scribe of the era. Can't stress enough how the true impact of an event can certainly be made through intricate and well executed details...like this fab invite.

Now, for the fun part...deciding what to wear!!!! I'm seeing a boa, fedora, long strand of pearls.....loads of fun!!! Can't wait 'till February for this party, and that's how it should be....After all, life is truly about looking forward to celebrating...and look for daily celebration :) 'Till next time!

Happy Celebrating!

Lettie Nicole

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