Happy Birthday Tom!

The Ravens may have lost on Sunday, but we had a winner of a Birthday Party for Tom!

It was a last minute scramble, due to the train derailment, our party scheduled at Raven's M&T Stadium was moved to Oriole Park.

The Aramark team from M&T Stadium stepped up to the plate and delivered the party we designed.

Gala Cloths accented the tables with purple satin and gold sequin toppers.

Face Painting by Melissa kept the kids entertained with all sorts of painted designs.

On of the highlights of the evening was 2 Ravens Cheerleaders that greeted guests, signed autographs, and kept the conversations rolling.

We put together football centerpieces, custom trading cards, and a kids craft corner.

It was a wonderful evening for a great family!

All You Need Is Love

Mindy and George's Wedding on Saturday was not traditional but just perfect them in every way. The evening started with laughter throughout the ceremony at Grace Episcopal Church.

The laughter continued at the American Visionary Art Museum - the perfect setting for our 50's inspired decor in hues of pink and orange. Perkins Productions gave the room structure with pipe and drape, washed the ceiling the hot pink, and scattered lanterns that reinforced the circles throughout the decor.

Fleur de Lis created the perfect 'pop' floral arrangements. They matched the fun, festive mood of the wedding. Linwoods Catering kept all of the guests visiting the stations throughout the evening.

The highlight of the evening was the performance by The Mahoney Brothers, a Beatles tribute band. The kept the guests on the dance floor all evening and topped the night with a special appearance by Elvis. The were amazing performers with costumes, wigs, and even British accents.

Congratulations Mindy and George!

Meal Planning and Table Service

While shopping at an antiques store recently, I saw a book titled Meal Planning and Table Service. I have a small collection of older books on the subject of entertaining so I picked it up and discovered that the book's author is Beth Bailey! It was written in 1923 while she was a professor at Iowa State College. Since the author and I share the same name, of course I had to purchase the book.

I love the advice and guidance she gives throughout the book and marvel at the timelessness of the words. Here are some of my favorites lines from the chapter regarding the etiquette of being a guest:

* Having accepted an invitation, one assumes certain obligations. The first is punctuality. One should arrive 5-10 minutes before the luncheon or dinner. It is equally bad to arrive too early or too late.

* It is the duty of every guest to enter into the spirit of the occasion and do his best to make the party a success. If one is feeling out-of-sorts, it is far better to phone regrets rather than cast a shadow over the whole gathering by one's spirit of gloom.

* Never notice any irregularity in the working of a household. An outsider can seldom help in settling a family affair.

* Stand behind the chair until the hostess sits. Sit down from the left side of the chair. Do not move the chair unless it is necessary.

* Never put your finger in your mouth at the table nor pick your teeth. Do not touch or arrange your hair. Do not stir your food all together before beginning to eat. Your plate must never look unsightly.

* Watch not the table manners of others, lest in doing so you neglect your own.

* If a hostess has prepared the meal, it is gratifying to her to have a guest mention the excellence of a certain dish. Otherwise, it is not considered good form to discuss the merits of the food one is eating.

* At the close of a meal, a guest stays but half an hour unless asked to spend the evening. It is customary for all guests to leave when the first one leaves.

Since I witness the manners of hundreds of guests every weekend, these "rules" were a great read. The bad behavior of guests we see is mind boggling at times so here's to educating the masses on proper manners.

I'll post about the "rules" for a hostess soon. I found them equally entertaining!

A Virtual Martini with Kurt from Brandywine Valley Talent

Let's have a Martini with Kurt Tichinell owner of Brandywine Valley Talent and leader of Jelly Roll

Share a fun fact about your home life.
Being a good Dad to my 8 year old and twin 6 year old boys is my motivation at home and, at the same time, the most satisfying fun I could ever have imagined.

How did you get started in business?
Music has always been my passion. Growing up in Philadelphia, I was surrounded by great musicians, so we started a horn party band called Jellyroll in my parents’ basement. 27 years later, Jellyroll continues to be one of the country’s most successful dance bands and a flagship act in our Brandywine Valley Talent company.

What has been the highlight of your career to date?
We have performed at hundreds of very special weddings and events and have won many awards. Recently, we have been invited to perform at very exciting event at a very special venue. We will be able to tell you more in December. This invitation is the highlight of my career.

Give us your favorite wedding or event planning tip.
Leave nothing to chance by hiring established and experienced professionals. Don’t sacrifice quality for price!!

When you travel, what is the one thing you cannot live without?
My cell phone/ PDA

Tell us some of your favorite places to shop both local and out-of-town.
Taylor Music (West Chester, PA)

And we must know your favorite local restaurant.
Antonio’s (Rt 202/ West Chester, PA)

Let’s say you have a day off and you are able to do anything at all for 24 hours (money is no object). What would that day look like and who would you be with?
I would be with my family giving my 3 boys and wife what they want. So, I would buy my wife Mariann, diamonds. Have a catch with my son, Justin and his favorite quarterback, the Philadelphia Eagles Donovan McNabb. Stay up til midnight with 6 year old Christopher (that’s all he wants) and build a spaceship with his twin Kyle (yes he wants a real spaceship – that’s all).

A Virtual Martini with Jeanne from Blue Sage Floral

We're starting something new. A Virtual Martini is the best way to get to know some of our favorite local vendors.

Let's have a Martini with Jeanne Graham from Blue Sage Floral

Share a fun fact about your home life.
I live with my husband, two kids, 1 great dane, 2 ferrets and an occasional goldfish or 2. We have a swingset, hot tub and skateboard ramp in our back yard. We keep Halloween decorations up year round.

How did you get started in business?
I got a job in a florist while attending culinary school... fell in love with the medium and that's all she wrote.

What has been the highlight of your career to date?
Success is sweet.

Give us your favorite wedding or event planning tip.
Always do what your mother tells you to do... or wedding planner.

When you travel, what is the one thing you cannot live without?
Lactaid pills and a credit card.

Tell us some of your favorite places to shop both local and out-of-town.
Local- Valley View farms, Out of Town- Dutch Auction house in Holland

And we must know your favorite local restaurant.
Sip and Bite Diner.

Let's say you have a day off and you are able to do anything at all for 24 hours (money is no object). What would that day look like and who would you be with?
I would be on a deserted island with Johnny Depp.