14

Jan

Fabulous Wine Tastings at Home

Wine tastings at home are a lot of fun. They are also educational, and a great reason to get some friends together to chat it up and explore your palate. In other words: A guaranteed good time.

My heritage and my passion for wine has led me to pursue an in depth education of different wines.  My passion for teaching and knack for event planning has led me to perform wine tastings for my clients, who enjoy a good time, and good wine.

To our followers in the greater Portland, OR area, all you have to do is choose a date (I typically suggest Friday or Saturday night, for obvious reasons), invite 6-12 people to your house for a wine tasting, prep some snacks*** and I will take care of the rest of the details!  I always bring with me 6+ bottles of wine for tasting from all over the world, in order to provide a wide variety of tastes and varietals.

I will personally walk you through the how-to’s of tasting, including: how to look like a pro, what you are looking for, and how to find out what type of wines you prefer and vice-versa.  I also find that the tastings provide an excellent opportunity for you and your guests to ask a lot of those questions about wine that have always baffled you! All you have to do send the invite, sit back and enjoy the flavors and the company. And who knows…  Maybe you’ll expand your knowledge on wine in the process too.

***If you are unsure what you think would be best for the palate ding the tasting, here are some great options to keep in mind (remember to keep your foods light and easy):

Cheeses: 2-3 varieties

  • Mild: Brie, Teleme, or Jack
  • Medium: Havarti, Gouda, or Edam
  • Strong Blue: Gorgonzola or Stilton

Crackers, French bread, Italian bread

Fresh Fruit: Grapes and Strawberries

Assorted Chocolates (dark, milk, white)

To wine lovers everywhere, cheers to 2011!

~ Christina S.

***************************************************************
For more information on Muse – A Wedding & Event Planning company based out of Portland, Oregon, visit www.eventmuse.biz.   Thanks for stopping by!

Pin It
Email Send to a Friend

860 days ago Short URL Comments

Parties

//////

21

Oct

Creative ways to say ‘thank you’ to party gifts

We know how hard it is to get your kids to do their thank you’s after a party or Christmas, so here are some fun, unique ways to say thanks!

1) Have kids do an “mad lib” thank you card – print up as many as you need and they (or you) can fill it in.  It’s creative and fun and will get the kids involved.

2) Take a picture of the little one(s) or you can include yourselves too – holding a sign that says ‘Thank You’ or get a bit creative and have one that says “very much” and they can sign the thank you!  Then get them printed and off you go with an easy thank you card.

3) Make a list.  It might be a bit off the wall, but make a list while presents are being opened, then make as many copies of it as presents that were received and circle one present on each copy.  Then, your kids can sign a big smiley face or heart with the word “thanks” and maybe why they love it and their name.  Fold them up and send them off as thank you’s.

4) When you have your party, have your thank you’s already purchased and make a game out of having everyone write their address on the envelopes – then you can pick one for a door prize and you’ll already have the hard part of the thank you’s done!

5) If your gift givers are local, make up a batch of cookies (or whatever your specialty is) and send them back a gift or just drop it off at their door.

6) Make phone calls instead of cards.  Picking up the phone or even Skype calls can be a truly special way to do your thank you’s. Of course, there are also e-cards if you’re crunched for extra time.

Most importantly, just use your creativity and have fun!

***********************************************
For more information on Muse – A Wedding & Event Planning company based out of Portland, Oregon, visit www.eventmuse.biz.   Thanks for stopping by!

Pin It
Email Send to a Friend

946 days ago Short URL Comments

Gifts, Favors & Accessories/Parties

////////////

01

Oct

Bridal Showers: Think Outside of the Box

When you hear the words “bridal shower,” what do you think?

Old-fashioned games?  Embarrassment?  Matronly gifts?

A wedding shower is a long-standing tradition that comes from many, many cultures.  It is a way for those who’s lives the bride-to-be has touched to help her into her new life.  It should be full of well-wishes and gifts and laughter.

Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.  We hear many of our brides say they just wish they didn’t have to have a shower… don’t get me wrong, they appreciate it and certainly enjoy the gifts!  They just don’t like the stress, the family conflicts, and the ‘silly’ party games.

So, here are some ideas for all of you Maids & Matrons of Honor who are planning those showers….

1) Think out side the box! The most fun shower ideas come from the couple’s (or the bride’s) favorite holidays and occasions;

2) Although tradition maintains the idea that shower gifts need to be for the home, why not make the gifts for the bride? It can be themed, such as lingerie and pampering treats, or it could  be something that reflects the bride’s personality.

3) A bridal shower does not need to be girls only; in fact, there are also grooms showersl, although less common. Therefore, why not make it a couple’s shower, and make the event a larger celebration? If you are inspired, you can have a barbecue, and add a touch of tradition by serving cute dessert treats, or adding some delicate touches to the decor.

4) Games can be a great addition to the shower, as long as it is…well, fun. Although it is a matter of taste, some of the more traditional games can end up making your shower hear crickets. Instead of playing games such as “guessing which gifts are associated with each anniversary,” why not play a more lively game? A good one I recently came across consists of placing the guests by order of whom the guest of honor has known the longest, to the one she (and/or he) has known the least amount of time.  It helps loosen up the event, and allows for some interesting and fun memories that are about the bride and/or groom.

Pin It
Email Send to a Friend

966 days ago Short URL Comments

Bride & Bridesmaids/Gifts, Favors & Accessories

////////////

15

Sep

Celebrating Oktober!

Oktoberfest: A fabulous German celebration that is cherished worldwide by those who love beer, good food and a great time with friends.

Widmer held their Oktoberfest in Portland this past Saturday, and it was so much fun!  Between eating delicious chicken schnitzel wraps and drinking an assortment of delicious beers, we could not help but think of a fabulous Oktoberfest themed house party! You can make it as simple or as chic as you’d like to, but we recommend going simple and interesting.

If you have a backyard, decorate it with some Bavarian themed decor (white and blue colors), and add some creative touches, such as beer mugs as flower vases, etc.

Naturally, no Oktoberfest celebration is complete without some delicious beer, so make sure you and your guests bring an assortment of your favorite styles, and share your beer preferences! As for snacks, the traditional and delicious options include sauerkraut, wurst, weinerschnitzel, kielbasa, crispy potato pancakes (served with applesauce and sour cream, yu-mmy!) and apple strudel or German chocolate cake for dessert. Also, serving some bread next to the beer will be a delicious addition to the decor and the meat snacks.

You can also play some fun games, and hold a best costume contest, along with the [almost necessary] beer competition.

Cheers!

***********************************************
For more information on Muse – A Wedding & Event Planning company based out of Portland, Oregon, visit www.eventmuse.biz.   Thanks for stopping by!

Pin It
Email Send to a Friend

982 days ago Short URL Comments

Parties

//////

We welcome you to come check us out at Muse
weddingsandeventsbymuse.com

www.weddingsandeventsbymuse.com