Happy New Year!

10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

Giving

give


v. gave (gv), giv·en (gvn), giv·ing, gives
v.tr.
1. To make a present of
2. To place in the hands of
3.
a. To administer
b. To convey by a physical action

Champagne 101

During this time of year many families and companies celebrate by having holiday gatherings. Many people love to celebrate with Champagne. So I decided to do a little Champagne 101.
Champagne is the most famous sparkling wine in the world. It gets it great taste from a combination of France’s soil, weather, and strict regulations on the production process. Many sparkling wine makers use the name Champagne, but true Champagne is only produced in the Champagne region of France.
Most Champagne is made from three kinds of grapes. The white grape is Chardonnay. Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are black grapes. The amount of sugar added after the second fermentation determines the sweetness of the Champagne. Brut is the most popular type and it is considered dry or not sweet. It pairs well with desserts and is used a lot for wedding toasts. Sec is sweet Champagne that pairs well with acidy fruit, mildly seasoned dishes, and caviar.
The majority of Champagne is non-vintage. Which means it is less expensive than that produced in vintage years. Non-vintage Champagne is a mixture of grapes produced from different harvests and years. It must20be aged one year. Vintage Champagne must have grapes harvested from a single year and must be aged a minimum of three years.Champagne is more sensitive to temperature and light than most wines. It should be stored between forty and sixty degrees Fahrenheit. Champagne is best served chilled. You can do this by placing the bottle in the refrigerator a couple of hours, putting it in the freezer for 15 minutes or putting the bottle in a bucket of ice for 20 minutes.

Put A Ring On It!

I was listening to Beyonce on the radio as she sang Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it) when it hit me and I remembered something that I saw. Call me crazy, but this is so cute! Now you must admit that it is difficult to juggle holding a glass and plate at the same time. That won't be a problem anymore with these darling finger food mini plates.
Your guest at your New Year's Eve, bridal shower or cocktail party will love this idea. This puts a different spin on putting a ring on it.





Photo by fredflare.com

Holiday Social

Last night I attended an International Special Events Society (ISES) holiday social for members at Atlanta Woman's Club. This was my first time visiting the facility formerly known as Wimbish Mansion, so I was excited about finally seeing the inside.


Located on Peachtree Street, I have passed by the building hundreds of times and seen event going socializing on the southern porch many times.

The facility has three levels. The main ballroom is on the lower level and has beautiful decorative gold moldings. This is a wonderful place to have an event right in the heart of Atlanta.

Gown Preservation

This is the second part of caring for your wedding gown after your perfect day. (See November cleaning your wedding gown post). There are three options when it comes to wedding gown preservation. They are sealing, boxing, and bagging. In the sealing method, your gown is actually sealed into an acid-free box. This is said to protect it from oxygen, but it has the risk of permanent creases to the gown and mildew. If your gown is sealed into a box, it makes it impossible to take it out and admire it.
In the boxed method, the gown is folded in an acid free box. It is not sealed so you can take if out and admire it and the fabric can breathe. Your gown has less risk of permanent creasing, but you must make sure the box is acid free and not just acid coated.
Another option is bagging your gown. This is not your typical dry cleaner bag. It is similar to the method that museums use to maintain the condition of costumes. The gown will be protected from dust and light and will be easier to admire. You must make sure you use a reinforced hanger and twill tape for support to protect it from long term hanging.
Whatever method or company you choose to preserve your gown, make sure that you ask questions so that you understand the process. This is your gown from one of the most important days of your life so you want to preserve this memory.

Bloody Mary (Merry) (Marry)

Blood Mary is a classic. It has been around since the roaring 1920's. So yes we love our new drinks, but there is nothing like a drink that has stood the test of time.

I love the color, because red is one of my favorite colors. Not to mention the flavor. This drink has some kick to it! So why not have it a your signature drink for your holiday party or your wedding?




Here is what you need:
2 oz. of vodka

4 oz. of tomato juice

1/2 oz. of lemon juice

pinch of salt & pepper

3 dashes of Worcestershire

3 drops of Tabasco sauce

crushed ice


Directions:

Shake all of the ingredients in a shaker and strain into a tall glass over crushed ice. Then garnish with a lemon wedge or celery stalk or both. Enjoy!


Photo courtesy of cocktailtimes.com

Meet Jenelle and Cecil

Jenelle and Cecil are a very sweet and spiritual couple. I am looking forward to coordinating their wedding and reception in January of 2009.

Earlier this year, Cecil surprised Jenelle by bringing her a box of her favorite cereal. She opened up the box to pour herself a bowl and found a black ring box inside. When she turned around he was down on one knee proposing! I am sure she will never look at a box of Trix quite the same way.