Here's to Looking at Ceilings!

My favorite day of the week… “Get Lit Thursday.” Today’s edition is focused on ceiling lighting. Special lighting can go a long way in transforming any room with high impact. So many people focus on what is at or below eye level. Think about it. Table linens, table centerpieces, favor stations, buffets, and bars. Break outside of the normal sight lines and direct your guest’s attention elsewhere for a change. The sky is the limit! Let’s think up, way up! Consider decorating those hard to reach ceilings with the help of Leko, Parcan and LED instruments. The possibilities are endless. Here are five of the most versatile ways to dress up the ceiling with the help of trained professional! Royal Ceiling Drapes, Illuminated Paper Lanterns, Gobo Break-Up Pattern, Basic Flood Lighting, and a little bit of Twinkle!

Roll the Credits:

http://wifeinslowmotion.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/ceiling_paper_lights.jpg
http://www.nomadsound.com/Web%20Photos%20Large/mellon_04.jpg
http://specialeventdecorators.com/wp-content/gallery/royal-draping/golden_dream.jpg
http://www.soundlightingfx.com/sitebuilder/images/accentlighting-twinklelights-444x311.jpg
http://www.eventlightingsolutions.com/sitebuilder/images/light4-592x346.jpg

Favor Friday: NACE & Guitars Edition

I am very excited to report that I will be attending the NACE Experience! Conference next week. This year’s event is sure to hit a high note as big as Texas in the eclectic capital city of Austin, TX. I am looking forward to networking with catering and event professionals from around the country, bonding with my fellow Alamo Chapter members, and experiencing the sights, sounds, tastes, and feel of the city limits.

In honor of Favor Friday and my excitement for the NACE conference, I want to spotlight custom iced cookie favors from The Flour Pot. These little gems of sugary goodness are sure to dazzle the crowd at your next big Rock Star inspired event. Let the good times roll with these sweet guitar shaped cookies. Finish the look with a clear cellophane bag and a music note gift tag.

Credits: http://www.flourpotcookies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=FAV-PURPLEGUITARS

Get Lit Thursday!

I am excited to bring you the first “Get Lit Thursday;” the newest weekly edition to Moonlit Soiree. One of my biggest passions in life is special lighting. My degree is in Arts Management. I took many a class from the experts in the field of Technical Theatre. I have professionally Stage Managed for theatre companies in San Antonio, TX and Oklahoma City, OK as well as for Busch Gardens Theme Park in Tampa, FL. With that comes an appreciation and better understanding of the art of lighting design. If it came down to budget, I would tell a client to pick special lighting over floral décor; hands down, any day. The quickest and most efficient way to transform a venue and to have the largest, most awe-inspiring impact on your event is to incorporate special lighting. The possibilities are endless! So here it is, every Thursday I will share some of my favorite photos with you of events that take special lighting to the max!

Credits:

http://ormondeproductions.blogspot.com/

http://www.dancesouthflorida.com/event-lighting/event-lighting-miami.html

http://klkphotography.blogspot.com/2009/06/jason-caryns-wedding-seven-degrees.html

Nothing Says Summer-Lovin' Like...

Nothing says summer-lovin' quite like an old fashioned sundae. In need of a mid-week, summer, yummy treat, pick me up? Look no further!

Today’s must have dessert: Bourbon-Nectarine Ice Cream Sundaes with Pound-Cake Croutons.

This is a fabulous "grown-up" version of an ice cream sundae, made with lush nectarines cooked in bourbon. The best part: the crisp, buttery pound-cake croutons.

Ingredients:
4 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter
8 ounce(s) all-butter pound cake, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
6 firm, ripe yellow nectarines, cut into thin wedges
1/2 cup(s) light brown sugar
1/3 cup(s) bourbon
1 tablespoon(s) fresh lemon juice
2 pint(s) vanilla ice cream

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. Add the pound cake and toss to coat. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, until toasted.

2. Meanwhile, wipe out the skillet. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and the nectarines and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until the nectarines are slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add the brown sugar and stir to melt. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the bourbon and lemon juice. Tilt the pan slightly and carefully ignite the alcohol. Cook over moderate heat until the nectarines are softened and the sauce is slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.

3. Scoop the ice cream into bowls and spoon the nectarines and sauce on top. Garnish with the croutons and serve right away.

Approx. 6 Servings; and only 30 minutes to Delish!

Credit: http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/bourbon-nectarine-ice-cream-sundaes-pound-cake-croutons-recipe

The Moonlit Twist: I imagine this recipe would also be delish if you switched out the nectarines for strawberries and used Grand Marnier instead of the Bourbon! Add a simple garnish of basil; and poof! Instant yummy!

Welcome to the Big Top!

I fell in love today! Not with a person, but with a Vintage Circus inspired party theme. An absolute must have for your child’s next Birthday Party.

Come one! Come all! Step right up and have a ball! Here’s your ticket! You’re on your way! Let’s celebrate (Insert Name Here)’s Birthday!

Cheers, and here's to clowning around!

Credits: http://www.etsy.com/ and http://www.vintagebella.net/

Theme: Goes to the Birds!

I love a good theme. I am one of those planners who thinks as highly of a consistent party theme like a good company considers a marketing brand campaign. The theme of your party should start with the invitations and be carried out through all aspects of your party from the décor, table settings, centerpieces, to favors, and beyond. One popular new theme is the Lovebirds. Cute and adorable, the Lovebirds are perfect for a wedding, anniversary party, or bridal shower. My favorite color palette for the Lovebirds theme is Robin’s Egg Blue (a paler version of Tiffany Blue), Chocolate, and Crème.

Here are a few of my favorite themed items that will compliment your inner Lovebird.

Invitations are the introduction to your theme. I love this Lovebird invitation because it can be used for any type of event. I love how the two birds are on opposite flaps and when closed they are nestled with one another.




More than just decor, this modern, die-cut design can also hold your table numbers. Swinging on a personalized card, the table numbers can be displayed with the couple's monogram. These are a charming addition to your eco-friendly, spring, or garden party.



Cake or Cupcakes, can’t go wrong either way!

Here is a new twist to marking your guest’s drinks so that you don’t set it down and forget which one belongs to them.
Twig birds nests are perfect bird friendly favors that can double as place card holders; egg-shaped chocolates or Jordan almonds are the perfect insert.


Why not go all the way and incorporate these adorable bird salt and pepper shakers on your tables.
And of course, the most obvious décor piece; great for holding cards from guests.



Favors (remember by favorite party planning detail)!


Credits:
http://www.myweddingfavors.com/Search.aspx?q=birds
http://www.littlethingsfavors.com/ecbineplcaho.html
http://www.accenttheparty.com/inc/sdetail/54924
http://www.overstock.com/Gifts-Flowers/Birdcage-Wedding-Card-Holder/3415327/product.html
http://www.daisy-days.com/lovebirds.html

Grillin' Outside of the Box!

Some people enjoy the fresh scent after a rain storm, others enjoy a crisp morning breeze on the beach, me…well I love the overwhelming sensation and rush I get when I fire up the family grill! The art of the grill; my favorite cooking technique. I am the master griller in our family; I absolutely love it! Luckily my husband allows me this simple pleasure. There is just something so refreshing and savory about food cooked on a hot grill. South Texas is the perfect place for me to live because I can utilize our outdoor grill from March – October. November, December and January are very sad months for me…. I usually end up cooking a lot of Chili and Stews. Now it is time to think outside of the box. We know you can grill meats and veggies; but what about something different? Here are a few of my favorite outside of the box grilled treats!

Grilled Avocados:
So simple and easy to make! Very versatile as well, you can fill the avocados with your favorite cheeses, veggies, and meats; the possibilities are endless. Purchase 1 avocado per two servings. You will want to find those mid-ripened avocados. Slightly soft to the touch; not too hard and not too soft. Slice the avocados in half long ways. Remove the pit. Place the avocado inside up on a platter. Squeeze a lime wedge over each half to keep the avocado from browning. Brush the exposed insides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Allow grill to heat up to approximately 400 degrees. Place your avocados inside face down on the upper rack (or bottom if you don’t have an upper rack). Let grill for approx 5-10 minutes or until you have visible grill marks. Flip the avocados inside face up and fill with your favorite ingredients (note: whatever you choose to fill your avocado with should be fully prepared and cooked). Allow the filler to warm up, cheese to melt, etc. Serve as a side dish or lite dinner entrée. The grilled avocados are absolutely amazing! A warm buttery soft finish. Fillings you might try are sliced cherry tomato and feta crumbles; grilled chicken and Monterrey Jack cheese; or Pico de Gallo and shredded Cheddar. My little disclaimer: Only eat the inside of your avocados. Did you know the outer skins of the avocado are poisonous if eaten?


Grilled Pound Cake with Berries:
Simple, simple. What you will need: pound cake, berries, ice cream. Slice the pound cake into approximately 2 inch slices. Heat slices of pound cake on the hot (clean) grill grates for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until you have visible grill marks. Top each slice with your favorite ice cream and 1/2 cup of fresh berries. Yum, yum. A cool summer treat hot off the grill.


What are some of your favorite grilled treats?

Party Planning Begins – Bella’s 2nd Birthday!

One of my best and favorite clients is my daughter Bella. She is an easy going little girl and easy to please. :-)

Bella’s second birthday is coming up at the end of August. The idea for Bella’s party actually came to me as inspiration from another blogger “Punky Parties” when she planned a Tutu Party for her daughter a few years ago. I absolutely loved her theme and told her up front that when my daughter turned two I would copy her idea. As always I am holding up my promise! Bella’s favorite characters are Sesame Street’s Elmo and Abby Cadabby. I wanted to incorporate the Tutu theme into the party as well as add the vibrant rich colors from Sesame Street.

The color palette for the party: Bright Pink, Teal, Yellow, Purple...and a sprinkle of Fairy Dust! I started shopping and hoarding party supplies over two months ago. I have learned the hard way one too many times...You have to buy something when you see it or it won’t be there when you need it (hence the reason for my premature shopping for the party). If you ask me, it’s never too early to start planning!

Step one of course are the invitations. I wanted to share my design with you. Can’t wait to show you more once the party actually happens!

The Loot:

The Finished Product:

Favor Friday

If you have ever attended one of my parties, you know that my number one favorite party detail is the party favor! I LOVE party favors! You absolutely will not catch me without party favors at any soiree that I coordinate. I love to search the internet for new ideas. One of my favorite websites is http://www.beau-coup.com/.

Here are a few favors you might consider for that next Birthday Party you are planning:

Child’s Birthday Party - Mini Classic Gumball Machine:

There's nothing like a classic gumball machine to bring out your inner child. These mini classic gumball machine favors will be a crowd pleaser!

Teenage Birthday Party - Chocolate Couture LolliDress:

Who knew chocolate could be this chic? This chocolate couture LolliDress is a one-of-a-kind design available exclusively at Beau-coup. These runway-ready treats are gorgeous for Sweet 16 and Quinceaneras.

Adult Birthday Party - Cocktail Infusions:

Choose from three taste bud friendly blends of herbs and spices: Lavender Citrus, Lemongrass Mint, and Silkroad Chai. Each natural infuser creates an instant mixed drink: just slip a sleek tea bag into your glass and add the alcohol of your choice then top with ice, a splash of juice or a decorative fruit wedge. Each favor is attractively packaged and can be personalized with our custom-printed oval labels.

Happy Party Planning!

Little Things I Love...

Confessions of a shopaholic: I will purchase little things here or there that I stumble upon and either (a) fall in love with and can not live without or (b) find on clearance, fall in love with, and tell myself I will eventually find a use for it; but again... I can not live without. :-)

Last night I went for a quick stroll through a Michael's Craft Store. They have a great bargain bin aisle with some great finds for only $1.00! Who could resist? I found the most amazing packing tape last night. It is transparent (although the white backing is there to show you what the pattern will look like) and they had a variety of great colors and patterns. My favorite two were the purple and teal fleur de lis patterns.

I don't yet know what I will use these packing tapes for; but the possibilities are endless!!!! The perfect self adhesive border for a white gift box or metal tin perhaps? Or maybe a trim for some party invitations? You will just have to wait and see what I come up with for these fabulous finds!

What other wonderful discovery did I make; you ask? I found some super cute large gummy erasers with the words "delete" and "undo" scrolled upon them. The erasers are classified as "Too Cute" to pass up!

American Pride Celebrated by Cupcakes!

I am a huge fan of Rachel Ray and her 30-minute meals. Such insight and delicious meals I have gained from her shows. Much like Rachel Ray, I too am not the world's best pastry chef; however, I love to embellish either pre-made desserts or take the helpful hand of my Fairy God-Parents, Betty Crocker and Duncan Hines. :-)

A sucker for any excuse to be creative; I thought the 4th of July Holiday would be a perfect reason to celebrate. I decided to send some yummy treats with my daughter to school. I enlisted the help of my Fairy God-Parents to bake up 48 fresh cupcakes. It takes a lot of supplies to make this happen. I needed cake mix, frosting, red/white/blue sprinkles and candy melts, and some very patriotic red and white polka dot paper cupcake liners.


One of my favorite inspirational cupcake books is "Hello, Cupcake!" authored by Karen Tack and Alan Richardson. This cook book is amazing! It covers ideas for every season, every holiday, every possible party theme.


I had fallen in love with a pattern for a Fall Monarch Butterfly cupcake design. Some of my best ideas are created from scratch; but some transpire from taking someone else's great idea and adapting it to fit my need. I transformed the Fall Monarch Butterfly design into a Patriotic Butterfly theme. Super easy. You fill a plastic baggy with melted candy melts, trace a pattern on paper covered by wax parchment, and boom! Utilize basic Kindergarten skills of staying inside the lines, allow the candy melts to harden and peel the design away from the wax paper. Easy, easy. For added flair, swirl the outer and inner colors together to make a more dramatic effect.



I wanted to create a few different designs to add some variety to the mix. The remainder of my designs were pretty basic but really made the butterfly cupcakes stand out as show pieces. I was very pleased with the final product and the Teachers absolutely loved the special treat!



Cheers to cupcakes and a great American Holiday! Happy 4th of July everyone!

Whimsical 4th of July Kabobs

These fun and whimsical kabobs are the perfect “outside of the box” addition to any 4th of July BBQ. Who doesn’t love cupcakes, marshmallows, and strawberries? Your inner child will thank you.

The basic concept of the dessert kabob could easily be altered to fit any fun theme or holiday; perfect for any occasion.

The Moonlit Twist: Halloween is my favorite holiday. I can already see black and orange mini cupcakes dipped in an enchanting deep purple frosting, skewered with crystallized marshmallows and some “black-magic” berries.

The possibilities are endless!

Credit where credit is due: http://themomblog.ocregister.com/2009/06/30/win-cupcakes-from-guest-blogger-the-meringue-bake-shop/25837/

My Debut Entry

Here it is; my first entry. The debut of Moonlit Soiree. I have been a professional event coordinator for over 10 years. But honestly, I have been planning parties for over two decades. Even before I knew the event industry would be my career path, I had been enthralled with all aspects of throwing over-the-top soirees. In my blog, I hope to share my inner secrets of party planning, post some of my favorite recipes, and dazzle you with inspiration. There is an inner-party goddess in all of us; let's unleash the creativity!