We All Like to Have a Good Time

With so many holiday parties turning their heads, I think it is time to review some tips when it comes to alcohol.  Let me first say, I enjoy having a good time out just like anyone else!  However, I have come to learn that sometimes taking advantage of the open bar is just not worth it.  So here are some tips to help you avoid becoming the office drunk (or even the drunken bridesmaid!).

• Eat something! The worst thing you can do to yourself when you know you will be drinking is not eat anything.  I know that when you’re running around just trying to get to the party, food is the last thing on your mind.  But really, praying to the porcelain god should be deterrent enough to make you stop and have a bit to eat.
• No shots. Of any kind.  See the problem with shots is that you can’t measure your intake, and then they just hit you like a ton of bricks because chances are you already had a drink or two prior to that and after that.
• Pace yourself. You are not in a drinking contest.  If you’re at a holiday party, you’re there to socialize and have fun and maybe get on your bosses good side.  You’re not there to be a spectacle.  And if you’re at a wedding, you’re there to celebrate.  Not make the embarrassing drunk toast to the bride and groom.
• Eat something! If you have already been drinking and feel yourself approaching that line, get some food in your stomach.  It will help you from hurling yourself across the line.
• Alternate your beverages. There is no harm in changing up your beverage selection throughout the night.  Have a glass of wine or two, then a glass of water.  Part of the socializing bit is having a drink in your hand.  But there’s no law that says the drink must be alcoholic.

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!

Yummy!!

Some people think food is just food….not I!  I think that food is one of the centerpieces of nearly any event.  I look forward to seeing what kind of food is being served and what yumminess I have the pleasure of consuming!

So when it comes to planning an event I put a lot of stock in the catering.  My philosophy is that if you want your event to be memorable, make the food memorable.  And doing so does not require taking out a loan.

If you are planning a cocktails/hors d’oeuvres/dessert only type event, then advertise it as a scaled back version of what you will actually be doing.  For a wedding, on the invitation print: “Champagne and Cake Reception” but have a combination of champagne cocktails (like a Bellini!) or a beer and wine bar, do an assortment of mini pastries on display along with your cake, and have some tray passed hors d’oevures.  You will far exceed your guests expectations and they will be so pleasently surprised that your event will certainly be memorable!

For a full dinner, try some interesting sauces or variations on a classic.  Typically, the least expensive entrees are chicken but chicken does not have to be your good ol’ Rosemary Chicken or Chicken Marsala (unless that’s your personal favorite!).  I’ve been to events where a dish of chicken stuffed with jarlsberg cheese, granny smith apples and almonds was served with an apricot brandy sauce.  Can you say delicious!?  So surprise your guests with a new take on an old favorite!

Any caterer worth their salt will be able to help you create a menu that is special to you, but that does not cost an arm and a leg.

Here are some of my favorites:

Indulge Contemporary Catering - San Diego, CA
Truly Yours Catering - Los Angeles, CA
Thank Goodness It’s Sofia - O.C. and Los Angeles, Ca

Happy Planning!!