March 17, 2013 by Sara

Fruit & Flowers

Do you follow the traditional gifts for anniversaries? We do, although often with our own take; for example, the first year we decided “paper” meant plane tickets, so we flew to Paris. This past Friday marked 4 years married for my husband and me. We weren’t going to travel, so I was trying to come up with a thoughtful gift that showed how much the past 4 years have meant to me.

We decided on fruit and flowers was the traditional gift for this year, and I started brainstorming {translation: looking on pinterest}. I saw a picture of a fruit pie and it clicked immediately. My husband loves pie {even over cake!} especially mixed berry. I found Pretty Please Pies to custom make one in Hong Kong and my man couldn’t have been happier. It might be the best gift I have ever given him. {side note: this awesome baker made sure I had my pie for my anniversary, even as she was on her way to the hospital with appendicitis!}

This is how we celebrated our every day {or year, as the case may be}. What did you do for your 4th anniversary?

March 12, 2013 by Sara

Make It Pretty!

I loved these styling tips by Chelsea from Frolic! – and I thought how useful they are for any kind of decor or party planning process. I’m sharing them here and adding some of my own thoughts and tips. She says she wants everything to look pretty and just right but it also has to be simple, quick and inexpensive– something to which we can all relate!

1. Think about Location.

One of the first important decisions of an event is picking the venue. Even if it’s at your house, deciding on whether the party will take place indoors or at the pool will make a big difference in the look and feel of your event.

2. Stick to one or two colors.

It makes things so much easier ( and cheaper!). To make it even easier and to add some depth, I often pick a color then decorate in shades of that color, based on what I can find.

3. Pretty chairs are important.

This is a tough one, as it can add up quickly, and sometimes you don’t have much control over the chairs at a venue. But they do certainly make a difference, so decide if chairs or {simple} slipcovers can fit into your budget.

4. Anything can be a centerpiece.

It doesn’t alway have to be flowers– think outside the box. Using seasonal fruit or donutes for centerpieces and doubling them up for favors is great fun for guests.

5. Make your table look homemade.

Little personal touches are what make an event memorable. Making the napkins or seating cards give a lot of warmth and character to your party.

6. Use pretty packaging.

Buy or make jams, sodas, or favor packages. Ensuring that these items are pretty make people want to take them home.

7. Hang flags!

Bunting is so popular right now because it is simple and inexpensive to make. It adds a bit of fun to your wall or ceiling, making everything more festive.

8. Use handwriting.

I have nice handwriting, so I use this technique often. But I have a friend with even better skills, and I’ve called on her more than once to lend a hand! It really shows that you took the time and cared enough to add that personal touch.

9. Have fun!

Your event should reflect you and your style– so use things you like and enjoy. Don’t feel pressure to use or incorporate pieces that don’t speak to you. Have fun with it, and your guests will enjoy it too!

March 4, 2013 by Sara

A Beautiful Day

To stay true to this blogs theme of celebrating events large and small, and to events that I am planning in my life, I want to show you some of the details of my grandmother’s services last week. I don’t mean for this to be sad, but to share some things that I was able to do to honor my grandmother, and to support my family during this difficult time by putting my event planning skills to use.

My mom asked everyone to gather photos of my grandmother, so we ended up with a wonderful selection, despite my grandmother’s best attempt to stay out of them for the past 40 years or so. I bought 2 large frames at Michael’s and hinged them together to create a screen to serve as her memory board. As you can see from the picture above, the effect was much more organized than a photo collage. I was able to tell the story of my grandmother in a beautiful, dignified way. Also, taking note from numerous movies, we were able to take a photo from my wedding {one of the few high resolution images we had}, crop it, and blow it up. The effect was amazing– and brought me to tears immediately upon seeing it.

My stepdad is a wonderful orator and gave a eulogy that was both funny and touching, sharing stories and remembrances. He also put together these personal cards which summed up my grandmother in all aspects of her life.

My parents hosted lunch at a golf club nearby {with printed directions, naturally} that offered guests the opportunity to share their own stories and memories. The idea was for guests to share publicly, but in the end, most of us shared at our tables, and it felt just right. We also gave a “toast” of sorts, using my grandma’s favorite little debbie cakes, with many guests wearing the badges out.

It turned out beautifully, and I was happy to contribute to the day by organizing and adding thoughtful touches I knew my grandmother would like, from using navy and beige {her favorite colors} to her favorite food. We celebrated her life and I hope we made her proud.

February 24, 2013 by Sara

A Celebration of Life

I am traveling this week to be with my family as my grandmother passed away, so posting may be light.

My grandmother was 94 and spit fire until the end. Even in the hospital, sick and small as she was, she was swinging at the nurses to leave her alone. She lived with my mom for the past 12+ years– it is so hard to imagine her not being there to greet us, watching the Game Show Network. She loved Lord & Taylor and was was particular about what she wore– it had to be just so. {maybe the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!}

She started my love of emerald and was so proud at my college graduation. She always loved little debbie snacks so I want to have them at her services. I made these cut-outs on my Silhouette to dress up the oatmeal creme pies– but, honestly, it was soothing to craft and to plan her celebration.

I love you, Grandma.

January 24, 2013 by Sara

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Most days I love living in Hong Kong.It’s a pretty cool city, and something amazes me everyday. But somedays it’s hard– and one of those days is my mom’s birthday.

My mom is the one who taught me to celebrate everyday, and that birthdays and holidays are important. It’s because of her that I am a thoughtful gift giver, party thrower, and good listener– because she is all of those things.

So today I dedicate my post to my mom. I hope your day is wonderful and worthy of your amazingness! xoxo

{image}

December 12, 2012 by Sara

A Get Well Kit

We are taking a little break from the holidays today, with a little TLC– for others.

Do you know a ton of people who are sick or getting sick? I do. I don’t know if it’s the change in weather, or all the running around and socializing we do this time of year, but it seems like people are dropping like flies. So I loved this idea from Creature Comforts of putting together a little get-well-soon care package.

This simple but thoughtful collection would warm anyones heart– and throat. You can find a downloadable printable on her site for a lemon and honey mixture, but feel free to include any little goodies that you think would help the recipient. Some tea, an airplane sized whiskey, orange juice, nose spray, a magazine or dvd, a fuzzy bear to cuddle– I’m sure anything would be appreciated.

Remember to take care of yourself this holiday season!

December 4, 2012 by Sara

Virtual Birthday

This past Sunday my husband celebrated his birthday– without me. You guys know how important birthdays are to me (any chance to celebrate, I am in!), so it was hard to be away from him, as he is still in DC wrapping up his job.

I’d already sent his gift to him earlier in the week. But I needed something to make his day — his actual day– special. Being apart is hard, but being overseas makes it even harder. I was thinking about cupcakes when a friend mentioned she was picking some up after our lunch. I was in! Turns out they were any cupcakes, but the best cupcakes in Hong Kong.

I picked up 2– his favorite kind and one for me, got some birthday candles at the supermarket {I had to ask to find them. They weren’t near the baking and cake supplies, but with the stationery items…not sure I’ve figured that one out, but I’m glad I found them), and waited until the next evening {his AM} on the day of his birthday.

We were talking via google video chat, as we usually do. Thankfully, the computer camera is only so big, so I was able to prep everything before bringing it on screen.

I didn’t sing {because I have a terrible voice} but I did make him blow out the candle. I think he liked it, even if he didn’t taste the cupcake himself. {My mom called it a diet cupcake for this reason!}

I hope it made his day a little special, even though we couldn’t be together. {We will be for my birthday, thank goodness, which isn’t too far away!}

I haven’t {as of writing this} eaten his cupcake, but mine was amazing! My friend wasn’t kidding that these are the best in Hong Kong. From a place on Queens Road in Wanchai {near Star St} this little shop Sift offered this gem called S’mores–

Toasted marshmallow, chocolate ganache, chocolate cupcake with a graham crust. We will definitely be returning for my birthday.

December 3, 2012 by Sara

Day to Day Life in Hong Kong

As I’m working on getting settled here, I’m stuck most by my every day experiences. Generally, life in Hong Kong is like life in most other big cities– lots of hustle and bustle, work, friends, plans and opportunities. But while you will have tons of weird interactions in New York, most of the experiences in Hong Kong are some how touching.

The other day I was riding the MTR, one stop on the line before transferring. I ran in a the last moment and grabbed a seat. I was busy texting a friend and not paying much attention to the woman standing in front of me, looking at me. She leaned over and asked if I were British.

I looked up and said “no.” Which felt rude, so I added, “I’m American.”

She nodded, so I went back to my phone. She then offered me a unopened pack of Marlboros. “You want?” I smiled, said no. She nodded. I went back to my phone.

She offered me a pack of tissues. Again, I said, “No, thank you.”

At this point we were at my stop and stood to get off. She stopped me, pulled a $2 HKD out of bag and gave it to me. She couldn’t seem to explain why it was so important to give me something, so I took it, thanked her and got off the train.

I put the $2 coin in the side pocket of my purse for good luck.

Then today I stopped by a little shop next to the MTR to get a pedicure. I had been there earlier in the week and thought I’d come back. Turns out it is the shop to get false lashes that last for 2 weeks at a time. Mesmerized, I watched while I waited to care for my feet.

After awhile I asked the girl sitting next to me about it– if it lasts, is it expensive, how it looks. She gave me the details then we started chatting. Turns out she also lived her before 5 years ago and was living in New York, returned about a month ago. She is also in a similar industry, and we knew some of the same people. We exchanged cards and made plans to get together.

While I’ve certainly talked to people I’ve sat next to in salons over the years in various cities, I’ve never exchanged cards or planned to get together with any of them. But that happens in Hong Kong.

And, yes, we are still looking at apartments. More on that when it’s a bit more settled. So I’ll give you a couple of pictures of the city instead.

Sheung Wan, is the neighborhood I currently live in. When I was here 5 years ago, it was hardly a blip on the map. Now it’s one of the most popular parts of town, but hasn’t lost it’s charm {yet}. I love this image of the neighborhood with the old buildings in front and the new high-rises right behind.

Then this gorgeous night view of the city. Just makes you sigh, doesn’t it?

{both images via The Atlantic}

November 9, 2012 by Sara

Ask A Planner

Today’s question comes from Liza in Belgium, via Facebook.

She asks:

How long in advance do I need to send invites for a themed party when dressing up is preferred?

Dear Liza–

This is a great question. Dress up parties can be a lot of fun– but a lot of work– for your guests, so giving them lots of heads up time is a wonderfully thoughtful idea.

My general rule of thumb is about 6 weeks — for a wedding, party, whatever the case may be. If the dress up request is complicated {say Louis XIV} I might consider save-the-dates, or making sure invites are in guests hand at 6 weeks prior. If the dress up is a more liberal {pirates or greeks} you have a little more flexibility. And if the dress up event is expected {like Halloween} and guests have probably already considered costume options, only a few weeks are necessary.

I hope this helps– and your party {and costume!} is a swinging success! As always, we’d love to see your pictures.

xoxo

Sara

November 5, 2012 by Sara

Surprise Endings

When I was in Chile a few weeks ago, we ended up at a fairly fancy restaurant for dinner one night called Ox, a steak house in Vitacura {an upscale neighborhood in Santiago}. After a nice meal, with great dips for our bread and a perfectly cooked piece of meat, they brought out a sample of sorbets in passion fruit and lemon for us to share. But that wasn’t the best part. We decided we didn’t want dessert, and were waiting for the bill. Instead, they brought us a plate of pink cotton candy!

It was so whimsical and fun, and completely unexpected for this white table cloth establishment. Our table was excited and this thoughtful gesture really sealed this experience as one of our favorite meals of the trip.

It got me thinking about surprise endings. At Roxy + Joe’s wedding, they ended the evening with chocolate chips and milk. This wedding gave guests breakfast on their way out for the next morning. It’s such a thoughtful addition, and best when unexpected. I’m thinking of incorporating it into my next event!