Social media fueled magazine for Washington D.C. Suburbs

Brides like bling. From the sparkling solitaire on their left ring finger to the heirloom gems found on their bridal bouquets and hair pieces, brides want to shine on their wedding day. But there are more gems found in weddings–the cadre of people who assist the bride, her groom and often their parents to ensure a successful special day. Northern Virginia is blessed with many of these gems–stationers, caterers, florists and musicians, as well as weddingBriar Patch’s Fox Den planners and more. I asked a few of my favorite gems to suggest their favorite wedding gems, specifically venues for your consideration:

Happy New Year!  I hope your winter holidays were fabulous and your new year is off to a great start.

One thing that I enjoy most at the start of a new year is reading trend reports to learn what’s hip in food, entertainment, fashion, technology and more because, ultimately, these trends will impact our parties.  For instance, last year’s #1 restaurant trend, as predicted by Andrew Freeman & Co, was pies … as in the next “in” item to replace cupcakes.  Sure enough, pies, including fruit pies, mini pies, pies-on-a-stick and, even whoopie pies, were served in abundance at birthday parties, wedding receptions and fundraising galas!

This holiday season, make wrapping gifts twice as much fun as giving them, by hosting a party! Invite your girlfriends over, sip your beverage of choice and wrap presents together while catching up and sharing a few laughs. Yes, you’ll still have a sore back from bending, sizing, cutting and taping but you’ll be in the company of good friends!

Ready to party? In collaboration with a few local party professionals, I designed this no-fuss party plan for you.

When you’re setting the table next week, consider easy and affordable decorations like pumpkins and squash and incorporate brilliant hues of orange, red and yellow to create a stunning presentation.

As you create your own Thanksgiving tablescape, consider these design ideas:

No need to look at the calendar; the cooler temps, shorter days and gorgeous foliage tell me that it’s autumn! This new season is a new opportunity to celebrate – holidays like Rosh Hashanah, Halloween and Thanksgiving, as well as friendships, accomplishments and milestones!  For the modern woman, planning a celebration may seem daunting, considering our time is already absorbed by family, work, volunteer obligations and personal commitments but, alas, there is a solution … a KISS. Keep it Simple Strategy. Yes, you can host a fabulous fall party, from a casual, family-friendly Apple Picking Party to a formal Haute Harvest Dinner Party − if you keep plans simple. Here are a few of my favorite fall entertaining simple strategies:

Is your child a party animal … acts like a monkey, eats like one, too?!  Then, you might enjoy this birthday party at the Reston Zoo!

 

Last month, I produced this fun celebration for a little boy’s 2^nd birthday!  He loves visiting the Reston Zoo so it was an easy decision for his mother to host his birthday party there.  The Reston Zoo is an attractive park with clean pavilions and great entertainment options like wagon rides and animal shows in addition to petting and feeding the animals.  Add a nice day and you may have one successful party!

It’s father’s day and still not a clue what to get dad?  This year do something different.  Let’s pamper dad with a celebration at home.  Here are a few quick and easy party ideas that would make any dad feel like king for a day.

Beer Tasting Brunch – Start dad’s day off with a brunch made for champions.  French toast casserole, meat platter, and home fries w/ a side of all the fixin’s (i.e., sour cream, bacon crumbles, cheese, chives).  Serve with a Wegmans’ Craft Your Own Pack or World Market’s Summer Brews variety pack.  Gift Ideas – Decorate a beer mug from the Dollar Tree and include a few extra brews for dad to enjoy later.

Fabulous parties aren’t just for adults anymore. When it comes to planning a special occasion party whether it be a Sweet 16, Quinceaneara or Bar/Bat Mitzvah, coming of age parties should be celebrated in an extravagant way. These special occasions are the perfect opportunity to create a truly wonderful and memorable experience for everyone. The Washington, D.C., metropolitan area offers limitless ideas and locations for hosting a fun, unique, and extraordinary celebration.

Question : I'm looking for some great fun activities for an Easter Egg hunt party?

Events Guru: Easter egg hunts are so much fun and children really love them. Here are a few activities that you can add to your party for a fun filled day!

• Egg Decorating - What is an Easter Egg Hunt without an egg decorating contest? Purchase a few non-toxic egg decorating kits and allow the kids to go at it. For an added touch, have personalized smocks made with each child's name on it.  Not only will this protect their clothes from getting stained, everyone loves something that is personalized.
  
  
• Make your own Easter basket or bunny - Hop on over to your local craft store and purchase foam kits with Easter theme stickers and cut outs and let the kids decorate their own Easter bag or basket. 
• Pin the tail on the bunny - What's not to love about this time old classic game with a twist.  Spin those kids around have them pin the tail on the bunny!
• Games - Everyone loves games.  Get everyone moving even the adults.  How fun would it be to see them in a three legged race or egg and spoon race?  

My close friend Cheri has a gorgeous silk shawl that I absolutely adore. My sister, Misty, has a delicious Louis Vuitton bag and my good friend, Torrie, has the most fabulous shoes. And, now, so do I. For years, we have been participating in annual “Pink Diamond Parties (PDP)” where we swap our “something olds” for a little “something new” from our friends.

Although this is not a new concept, it’s been revitalized and updated and is a growing trend. Women all over the country are getting together to chat, sip a few cocktails, nibble, and wouldn’t you know it...SWAP. Yesterday’s yard sales have been upgraded. Clothing swap parties have become a fabulous way for girlfriends to get together and trade some of their tired, yet posh and chic treasures. “Tired?” you ask. By no means are we talking about style. It’s a time to put down that 3-year young Chanel bag and replace it with those sizzling hot Dior shoes. Do you have a bunch of fashionista friends? Plan your own PDP with just these few simple steps.