I attended the ABC Conference a few weeks ago at the Fairmont in Newport Beach and it was a real treat!  There were several great speakers and I met so many wonderful folks, it was fantastic!  The theme of the entire conference was “California Couture” which meant everything had a very high-end designer feel to it, but still very soft and individualized.  There was also quite a lot of pink…not sure how “California” it was but it certainly made for new takes on a classic!

ABC Conference 2008

I love the roses in the teacup and the simplicity of the candles floating in the water!

Thanksgiving!  A time for eating turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie…usually until your pants no longer fit.  But if you are hosting dinner for friends and family, then the day is much more than that!  There is turkey to be cooked, potatoes to be mashed, tables to be set, getting ready yourself and the timing on all those pieces can be terribly consuming!  So here is a helping hand..a brief overview on how to a set a table…for all you first timers!

Courtesy of Real Simple Real Life (big fan of Real Simple Magazine!), here are quick and easy tips for how to set a table.

How To: Set a Formal Table - Click Here for More

How To: Set an Informal Table - Click Here For More

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Courtesy of Your Wedding Day Magazine

Last night, I had the honor of attending the Your Wedding Day Magazine Launch Party for San Diego.

The event was held at the exquisite Grand Del Mar, which provided yummy drinks and tasty food! Chameleon Chairs and Wildflower Linen were some of the sponsors for the decor as well as Kathy Wright & Co.!

I must say that YWD picked a great location that complimented their style and what they are all about and made quite the entrance to the San Diego scene! Wayne Foster Music & Entertainment provided a great ensemble for the evening, Plush Impressions’ lounge furniture was a hit and San Diego Stage & Lighting Supply did an impressive logo display on the lawn below the Manchester Terrace. And did I mention the food?  Mushroom Risotto, Mini Goat Cheese Pizza Slices & Pumpkin Profiteroles…delish!!

Centerpiece with Pomegranate....love love love!!

Chandelier of Flowers!

Belly Bars with Chamelon Chairs

Capella Chapel - Photo does not do it justice!

Vendors:

The Grand Del Mar - Del Mar, CA
Chameleon Chairs - Los Angeles & San Diego
Kathy Wright & Co. - San Diego, CA
Wildflower Linen - Orange County & Los Angeles
Plush Impressions - San Diego, CA
San Diego Stage & Lighting Supply - San Diego, CA
Wayne Foster Music & Entertainment - Carlsbad, CA

La Jolla Bridge Club - Ocean Side

La Jolla Bridge Club Table Setting

La Jolla Bridge Club - Wedding Setup

CANNOT beat the view!  The windows look directly upon the water, you have access to the rocks (which makes for some ah-mazing pics), and it strikes this remarkable compromise between ocean and garden wedding!

Approximately 130 people fit nicely inside, but you can also use the patio outside.

And the real fun part of this location….dancing can be in a different room which makes for this awesome nightclub atmosphere!  Hardwood floors with bay windows looking out to the ocean…INCREDIBLE!

One of my favorite aspects of this location is that you get to bring in everything, so unlike a hotel you get your choice of caterer.  Depending on the caterer you may also be able to BYOB which can save $$$$…which I am always in favor of!

For more information:
La Jolla Bridge Club
La Jolla, CA - The Cove

What I Would Prefer to Wear!

Love it!

“I have nothing to wear!”   Those are usually the words that come out of my mouth when I have been formally invited to any type of event.  Weddings are usually the worst for me because I have about 5 chic “go-to” type dresses….in black.  And perhaps it is the “old-fashioned” girl in me…but unless I’m working I cannot bring myself to wear black to a wedding.

Some modern etiquette outlets say it is perfectly acceptable to wear black or even white to a wedding (Wedding Channel.com), but I have my reasons for going against the tide.

• Weddings are festive occasions!  Black does not say festive.
• Black is the color of mourning…need I say more?
• My only exception to this would be if the event is black tie optional.  Then you can get away with a formal black dress.
• While white may be festive…it is the bride’s color.  Even if she is in champagne, ivory or any other color…unless the invite says “Dress in White” its a no.

So then what is the solution?  If you’re like me and love your little black dresses, invest in one or two alternates.  I have two lovely brown dresses that serve me well at weddings and just about any function for which black simply won’t do!