Howerton+Wooten Events Blog. The musings of a Maryland Wedding and Event Planner

Friday Happy Hour: Vegan Hot Chocolate

Today is all about my little guy.

 

Today, Santa shows up at the mall, the Wooten family tree gets decorated, and the Advent wreath is taken to mass this weekend for its annual blessing.

 

So in the spirit of the little guy, today's signature drink is his favorite hot chocolate.  My little guy is allergic to dairy, so his favorite hot chocolate happens to be vegan (pretty darn good too!).  I found this recipe on Allrecipes last year, and and I must say that it was truly a find!

 

Ingredients

2½ cups soy milk

Three (3) tablespoons of white sugar

Three (3) tablespoons of cocoa powder

½ teaspoon of salt

½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract

One (1) pinch of ground cinnamon

One (1) pinch of cayenne pepper

 

Directions

Bring the soy milk, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper to a simmer in a saucepan over medium-high heat.

 

Remove from the heat and whisk until frothy.

 

Serve immediately.   This recipe only makes two servings, so the little guy and I typically double it to accommodate our need for two cups a piece.

 

**As an added bonus, we are making homemade marshmallows today for our hot chocolate.  The recipe for the marshmallows is compliments of the Blue Orchid Blog

 

Enjoy!  Love & Soul Always, Kay

 

 

(Recipe:Allrecipes)

Gratitude

 

 

I am grateful . . .

 

For my wedding bosses (aka clients).  I consider it an honor and blessing that you allow me to be a part of an incredibly important moment in your life.  Thank you for believing in Howerton+Wooten Events

 

 For my corporate bosses (aka clients).  Your business keeps my meeting planning skills sharp and DC connections strong.  Thank you for hiring Howerton+Wooten Events for your conference needs.

 

For my industry partners.  We know that we cannot run an event by ourselves and we are grateful for the convention & visitors bureaus, photographers, caterers, floral designers, and beautiful venues that help us create our memorable conferences and events.

 

For this blog's readers.  I am a late bloomer -- I never even heard of blog postings before I entered the world of weddings.  This has been an incredibly fun ride and I am grateful to all of you that have stuck with me as I still learn how to write blog postings.  (This stuff is much harder than it looks!)

 

For my health.  This year more than any year.  I can assure you that everyone who has shown me  compassion and support as I make myself good as new will never be forgotten.  I am grateful.  More than you know. 

 

For my siblings, my girlfriends, and all of the new pals that I have met this year.  My blessings have come from the most amazing people (some of whom I have never met in person).  I am 100% sure that I couldn’t have pulled this year off without you.

 

And most of all, for my two guys.  My husband and son's love and support keeps me going, makes me laugh, and makes me feel loved.  Because of them, I am completely satisfied.

 

Thank you all so much for everything that you do.  Having you in my life is a true blessing.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Love & Soul Always, Kay

A tasty gift for a beer lover with a sweet tooth

I will try anything once.

 

 

So when a Parfections representative offered me a Dark Chocolate Truffle filled with Guinness at a bridal show, I just had to give it a try.

 

One bite of the Parfections Handmade Truffle, and I quickly asked for a second one – I had to, I noticed an antsy young man behind me eyeing the last one.

 

 

Oh man, the second was as good to me as the first one.  It’s like the perfect little combination of bitter and sweetness.  And you can truly taste the Guinness.

 

What a great gift for a beer lover with a sweet tooth.  Groomsmen and bridesmaids alike!

 

They have twenty-five different flavors.  My favorites were (and yes, I tried all of them!) Guinness, Cabernet Sauvignon & Cinnamon, Chai Latte, Mexican Heat (dark chocolate, ancho chiles and covered in dark chocolate) and Caramel Fleur de Sel (gourmet caramel flavored coffee with milk chocolate and mediterranean sea salt) -- Who comes up with these flavors?  I didn't matter because they tasted great!

 

Love & Soul Always, Kay

 

Thanksgiving Survival Tips For a First-Time Holiday Hostess

Later this week, you will come face to face with a very large dinner and an audience of family members.

Let me tell you honey, I have been there.  So, in the spirit of the holidays, I noted a few Thanksgiving prep tips that I thought were worth sharing!

Decor -- If you are on the hunt for a cool holiday centerpiece, check out Pottery Barn's 6 easy holiday centerpiece ideas.  My favorite is the glass icicle tree with the white hydrangeas.  Fancy!

Cooking It All -- If the idea of cooking an entire meal sounds overwhelming, consider what my husband's family does -- A Thanksgiving Potluck.  You can make the turkey (or you can do what I do and order that baby from Harry and David) and work with each extended family grouping to ensure that all of the dishes are covered or that there isn't too much dish overlap.  A former coworker used to send her family the menu and her parents and aunts would let her know what dish they will make.

The Turkey -- If you need a turkey carving tutorial, check out my post from earlier today!

The Leftovers -- Need a clever dish for the leftover turkey, check out my cool 2007 post of leftover ideas.  I am still a fan of the turkey enchiladas!

The New Holiday Hostess -- I know a couple of new brides that are hosting her first Thanksgiving, and I thought that this survival kit was a great idea!  Heck, I wish someone would have considered sending it to me.  {Yes, I am a little jealous - smile}

 

If you have any more holiday survival recommendations, please share!

Enjoy a fabulous holiday and make sure that you take a nice walk after dinner!

Love & Soul Always, Kay

(Photos: Real Simple, Pottery Barn, Someone Spoil Me)

Four Options for Turkey Carving Greatness

Great news!  You mastered the "turkey roasting" challenge, and your guests are eagerly waiting the unveiling!

Not so great news!  Someone has to carve this bad boy!  Oy! 

I've been there honey, so I am sharing my four recommendations for Turkey Carving greatness.  Check them out.

 

1. Get a good carving set.  This is a must have.  I promise you that you cannot carve your turkey with a steak knife and there are no stores open on Thanksgiving.  If you do find a store that is open, I bet you that all of the carving sets are gone.

 

2. Get some fairly simply turkey carving tips.  Check out my 2007 post containing three turkey carving links.

 

3. If the step-by-step method is too little information for you (“How do I know if I am doing it right!”), check out this video created by WashingtonPost.com

4. Ask someone else to do it!  Announce that the honors of carving the turkey should go to a "Person of Honor," and, ask an experienced family member to do it -- someone like your dad, granddad, uncle or an older brother.  Okay, I am being a little crazy, I am sure that your mom, grandma and/or aunt can do a much better job!  <Smile.>

 

Enjoy and happy carving!  Love & Soul Always, Kay

Lord of the Rings Inspiration For a Wedding

Earlier this year, we were tasked with designing a wedding for a couple that loved the Rivendell scenes from the movie, "Lord of the Rings."  We used scenes from the movie to capture the look and feel for the wedding.

{Movie Inspiration}

 

{At the reception}

The chandeliers were wrapped and draped in ivy garland.

The centerpieces were Manzanita branches embellished with small crystals, orchids and a sage-colored ribbon wrapped around the bottom.

 

{Movie Inspiration}

 

I loved the intertwining vines over Mr. Frodo's bed.

{At the wedding}

 

{At the reception}

 

 

{Movie Inspiration}

I am sure that all of you LOR buffs are going to tell me that this was a pretty important Rivendell scene.

{At the wedding}

The sweetheart table included many natural elements including two tree stumps that were stained to complement the color of the chiviari chairs.  The table and the tree stumps were surrounded by pale yellow petals and river rocks.

 

The wedding cake was a very pale yellow with dogwood branches and blooms.  Similar to the decor with the tree stumps, the bottom of the wedding cake was surrounded by orchids, votives and river rocks.

 

 

As you can see, we had fun carrying out the inspiration for this wedding.  I have to give much props to my design partner, Charlena Edge at Creative Edge Floral Design.  Charlena is a wedding industry newbie with an amazing talent and a wonderful spirit -- I truly enjoyed working with her on this wedding desing project.

Love & Soul Always, Kay

 

(Lord of the Rings Pics: Lord of the Ring Web Site and Wedding Photos: Studio Marais Wedding Photography)

Fried Sweet Potato Pie for a Little Thanksgiving Mojo

 

 

Just because the Thanksgiving holiday is quickly approaching doesn't mean that you still can't have plans for a little evening love.

 

 

When I dated my guy, I used to make desserts for him -- He swears that my desserts put the mojo on him and convinced him to propose marriage to me.  Hey, whatever works!

 

This Emeril Lagasse recipe is very similar to my own recipe for Fried Sweet Potato pies.  In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, I thought it was worth the share.  Enjoy!

 

Ingredients

· 1½ pounds of Sweet Potatoes

· One (1) tablespoon of Vegetable Oil

· Salt and Pepper

· Two (2) cups of All-Purpose Flour

· A pinch of Salt

· Two (2) teaspoons of Sugar

· ¾ cup of Solid Vegetable Shortening

· 3 to 4 tablespoons of Ice Water

· Vegetable Oil for Frying

· One (1) Egg Yolk

· ¼ cup of 100% Pure Cane Syrup

· One (1) teaspoon of Cinnamon

· ¼ teaspoon of Nutmeg

· A splash of Bourbon

· One (1) cup of Powdered Sugar

· 2 to 3 tablespoons of Milk

 

 

Directions

· Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

· Toss the sweet potatoes with the oil, salt and pepper.

· Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and place in the oven.

· Roast the potatoes until tender, about 1½ hours.  Remove the potatoes from the oven and cool completely.

· In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.  Add the shortening and work it in with your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Add the water at one (1) tablespoon at a time, and work it in with your hands.  Add only as much as you need for a smooth ball of dough.

· Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

· Preheat the oil.

· Remove the dough from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface.

· Roll out the dough on the floured surface into a rectangle about 24 by 8 inches and 1/8-inch thick.  Using a sharp knife, cut twelve (12) 4-inch squares.

· Remove the skin from the potatoes and place the potatoes in a mixing bowl.

· Add the egg yolk, cane syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg and bourbon.  Mix well.  Place about ¼ cup of the filling in the center of each pastry square.  Bring one corner of the pastry to the other, forming a triangle.  Using the tines of a fork, crimp the edges of the triangle and seal completely.

· When the oil has reached 360 degrees F, carefully lay a couple of the pies in the hot oil, fry until golden brown, stirring occasionally for over all browning, about 3 to 4 minutes.

· Remove the pies from the oil and drain on a paper-lined plate.  Sprinkle the hot pies with the sugar.  Repeat the process until all of the pies are fried.

· In a mixing bowl, stir the powdered sugar, milk and a splash of bourbon together.  Mix until smooth.  Drizzle the frosting over the hot pies and serve immediately.

 

(Photo: DallasNews)

Product Love: For Mean Girls Only

Okay, okay, I know that I am being a little "devilish" for sharing these cards, but I found them in an old Daily Candy e-mail and I thought they would be perfect little gems to send if that (um) engagement didn't work out -- KWIM?.

 

Here are a couple more for your viewing pleasure.

 

 

If you are wondering, I would never have the heart to send a card like this -- Even if it were going to one of the nastiest guys in town.  Oh, but I would enjoy reading it and giggling a little bit.  Then I would put it away until I needed another laugh.

If you are interested, the cards are called Unmentionables, and you can order them on the ShineBoxPrint web site.

Ta Ta For Now!

Love & Soul Always, Kay

Hotel Week: Hotel Site Visit Checklist (Part 1)

 

Checking out the hotel on your own is okay, but making a site visit appointment with a hotel salesperson (and your wedding planner) is even better.

 

Below is a recommended checklist that you can take with you on your site visit.

 

General Information –

 

Hotel Name __________________________________________________________________

Contact Person ________________________________________________________________

Phone # and E-Mail ____________________________________________________________

 

Consider these checklist items for your out of town guests staying at the hotel –

1.     What is the distance from the nearest airport?  (Miles)  ___________ (minutes) ___________

 

2.     Is transportation available from the airport?  (Subway)  Y/N   (Shuttle) Y/N     (Taxi) Y/N

 

3.     If your wedding and/or reception is not at the hotel, will the hotel provide a complimentary shuttle for your guests?  Are they willing to build the shuttle fee into the room rate?

 

4.     Does the hotel have any restaurants in-house?  What are their hours of operation?

 

5.     Are there any nearby restaurants?

 

6.     Is there any shopping near the hotel?

     (Shopping Mall)  Y/N     (Drug Store) Y/N           (Starbucks) Y/N

Here are some great checklist items to consider when planning for your guests staying at the hotel –

 

 

Arrival Experience, (list comments)

1.     Check-in (What is the check in time?  Are there long lines?  Is an automated check-in system available?)

 

2.     Check-out (What is the check out time?  If an automated check-out system available?)

 

3.     Lobby area (Is it easy to find the front desk?  Is hotel staff available for questions?  Is seating available?)

 

4.     Bellstand service (Are bellmen available for assistance?  Do they seem friendly and ready to assist?)

 

5.     Front desk service (Are there long lines?  Do they have ample staffing?  Does the staff seem friendly and ready to assist?  What is their policy regarding out of town guest bags?) 

 

Guest Rooms, (list comments)

1.     What type of rooms does the hotel have available?

     King Beds or Queen Beds?        Two Double Beds or Two Twin Beds?         Suites?

2.     Does the hotel offer Wi-Fi?  Is it for free or a fee

 

3.     Does the hotel have a Green Policy?

 

4.     Is the hotel smoke-free?

Event Space, (list comments)

1.     Condition of the ballroom (Are the walls clean and dent free?  Are the ballroom doors in good shape?)

 

2.     What is the condition of the ballroom foyer?  Is it the source of major foot traffic?  This maybe the location of your cocktails and you want to be sure that it is just as presentable and secure.

3.     What is the square footage of the ballroom and the foyer?  Your hotel salesperson can provide you with a sales kit that includes the capacity of the ballroom.  This is good to know because you definitely don’t want a room that is too small or too large.

4.     Overall experience (Are the airwalls soundproof?  What is the quality of the lighting and the sound system?  Does the room have a lot of pillars/columns? 

5.     How far away are the restrooms nearby?  Consider your older guests when you check the distance of the restrooms.

There is definitely more to come.  Stay tuned for more good questions to ask while you are on your site visit.

 

Take care!

 

Love & Soul Always, Kay

Hotel Week: WiFi Hotel Rooms

When I ask brides to identify one of their top priorities when booking their hotel room block, WiFi is always at the top of the list.

To give you a quick reference, I noted below the Hotel Brands where you can typically find Wireless Internet. 

{Wi-Fi for Free}

Aloft

Andaz

Doubletree*

Four Points by Sheraton

Hotel Indigo

Hyatt Place

Omni*

Ramada Worldwide

{Wi-Fi for a Fee}

Embassy Suites*

Hilton*

Le Méridien

Omni **

Sheraton

St. Regis

W

Westin

Enjoy, and let me know if I  am missing a hotel on the list.

Love & Soul Always, Kay

*In The Public Areas

*In Guest Hotel Rooms

(Source: Meetings & Conventions Magazine)