Hot, Fresh, Different & Delicious - BUON APPETITO!

As an Italian, food has been a central point of discussion throughout my life.  Take, for instance the lyrics "When the Moon hits the sky like a big pizza pie, that's amore!"  Food is important to every Italian, and there is a story for almost every Italian dish or ingredient.  Most importantly, however, for Italians is that the food be good, fresh and  of great quality. If you want to do something different for your next event, and incorporate freshness and good quality, why not  do the 'hottest thing' and throw a pizza pie party?

Check out the final product -

Check out California Wood-Fired Catering, WOW your guests with great food and a unique experience......

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TARA AND STEVE!

Last Labor Day Weekend, Tara and Steve got married at Firestone Crossroads.  Hope you're celebrating in style just like you did on your wedding day!  Thanks to the extremely talented Melissa Musgrove for the wonderful pictures!

Buon Compleanno!

In celebration of my birthday I got to thinking about the piñatas I used to have when I was little...what a perfect way it seems of celebrating the passing of time and life's impermanence. Somewhere along the way piñatas (the traditional clay pot ones) became outlawed and the cardboards ones just weren't as fun. This year I'm gonna give them a chance- especially after seeing how many creative ones there are out there- maybe I'll even make my own! Here are some fun "adult" ways to fill it

(courtesy apartment therapy.com)

1. Gift Cards: Toss in a $10 gift card for gas or your local Starbucks and watch the frenzy begin. 2. Childish Toys/Snacks: Never underestimate the power of a candy necklace, ring pop or a glow bracelet. 3. Plastic Mini Bottles: Baby bottles of booze raining from the sky? There aren't many who will pass on that. 4. Bottle Openers: Even though many have people one on their keychain, you always need another, plus they're inexpensive and readily available. 5. Guitar Picks: Depending on your crowd guitar picks are a great and inexpensive thing to add and they come in all sorts of colors (for those concerned with coordinating such things). 6. Movie Tickets: Like the gift card above, movie passes are worth throwing yourself on the ground for. It makes seeing the A-Team twice a not-so-expensive reality. 7. Lottery Tickets: Picking up 20 lottery tickets isn't too tricky and there's even the chance you'll make money back on the deal! 8. Gum: There aren't many who will say no to a pack of gum, especially when they don't have to choose what kind to buy. Try bulk retailers for the best deals. 9. Tea Bags: Many varieties of tea come individually packaged and can be used as filler without risking the tea being ruined. 10. Decks of Cards: They're a great way to start a party and keep one going, plus they last forever and will bring back a great memory each time the recipient brings them back out.

Gypsy Wine Country Wedding

We were picked up on The Wedding Chicks Blog for a photo shoot I coordinated in July!!This story of a gypsy bride on her way to her wedding was so much fun to tell- The works of a very talented group of event vendors was inspired by Cocquelicot Winey in Santa Ynez. A great location for a wedding or rehearsal dinner.....

Bien Venue

I love the idea of choosing a venue and using it as more than just a location but an inspiration for decor and theme. Fresh picked flowers for bouquets and boutonnieres, veggies as table decoration,potted plants as center pieces, and even as wedding favors...the possibilities are endless!

Unique and so Chic!

I am a candle lover.  Actually, as a child I remember my parents discouraging me from getting too close to open flames at our family campfires.  I was always fascinated by fire - still am! Check these fun pieces out.

Wouldn't they look great hung all over the ceiling of any event space, private dining room or ceremony altar?  Click here to purchase or for more info.

FUNFACT: Winner of the UNESCO Seal of Excellence recognizing its contributions to the local economy and cultural ethos, Trinetra provides income to the local Thathera while keeping their ancient craft in the modern eye of the beholder.

Viva La Fiesta!

Last weekend marked the 86th year of Fiesta “Old Spanish Days In Santa Barbara”; a celebration of colorful music, dance and song, together with a spirit of friendliness, hospitality and resilience. One of my favorite Fiesta traditions are the colorful confetti eggs you can purchase along the streets to break over someone’s head (not on it, that may hurt).

“Cascarón” Spanish for “egg-shell,” is believed to have been brought to Italy from China by Marco Polo. Originally filled with fragrant powder or a small amount of perfume, Renaissance men gave them to ladies as tokens of love.

Eventually cascarones made their way to Spain, and thence to Mexico, where confetti was used instead of powder for many celebrations as an affectionate gesture conveying wishes of cheer and good luck.

'Tis the season for the name change

ATTENTION ALL NEW BRIDES: After the wedding, most couples just want to RELAX and ENJOY their time as husband and wife.  The light at the end of the tunnel, all the wedding chores are done and to-do's crossed off the list except for some Thank You cards to mail out.  Oh, and the dreaded name change.  Well, no one can (or should) write thank you cards for you, however, you can have someone else help you in officially changing you name.  Click on the link below and enjoy married life ladies!!!!!

Table Numbers from the Kitchen Sink

For anyone who knows me, they know that I love to cook and spend a good bit of time in the kitchen.  This inspired me to look at some fun table numbers that are easy to do, and represent me. Buon Appetito!!!

Rustic Barn Tres Hermanas Farmhouse Winery Wedding

The bride and groom's color scheme of peach, navy and cream is highlighted in this image, as is gorgeous ceremony space. The winery theme is also carried over in the use of wine bottles for the ceremony florals.

The wedding party takes some time to get silly on one of the winery's tractors, emphasizing both the color scheme of the wedding and the theme, as shown in the both the girls' bouquets and dresses, and in the guys' ties and boutonnieres.

The rustic wooden interior of the barn was accented and given a pop of glam by chandeliers that were hung from the beams.