Happy Thanksgiving!!

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. We are very thankful to all of you that read our blog daily and who frequently use our resources at banquetevent.com.

The Countdown Is On

As a bride-to-be you probably get asked often how long it is until the "big day." Well now with an application available for your iPhone, you can give them a precise answer in response. The application called Wedding Day, is available for $0.99 and the program counts the years, months, weeks, days, hours, minutes, and even seconds until you say "I Do."

Wedding Day app continues to work even after you say your vows, by tracking how long you have been married. Down to the second! Download it for your husband-to-be and he'll never forget an anniversary. Since your iPhone or iPod Touch is always with you, the countdown is only a click away. Wedding Day is a real time tool and available on the iPhone App Store.

Let Them Eat Cake!

Believe it or not, but each of the images featured today are intricate cake creations from the Cake Opera Co. based in Canada by cake artist Alexandria Pellegrino. Have you ever seen anything more amazing? Just like her company name, Alexandria's cakes are inspired by elements of the opera and her creations reflect the nuances of the Marie Antoinette French era. Alexandria's cakes are the centerpiece of many weddings and events and each cake prices starts at $5.00 per slice.

Alexandria's cakes are so magnificent we have trouble picking a favorite. Can you?

Giving Thanks

In honor of Thanksgiving...check out our holiday inspiration board for all you that are hosting the big event.

Theme: Giving Thanks, duh!
Colors: Stick to pale oranges, cranberry reds and sage green

Click image below to enlarge.


Top Row: Oak leave cornucopia from Martha Stewart; Leave outdoor lanterns from Martha Stewart; Fall urn from Martha Stewart
Second Row: Fall leave piecrust cutters from Williams-Sonoma; Decorative straw turkey from Williams-Sonoma; Textured Pillar Candles Cardamom Cedar from Restoration Hardware; Vintage Monopoly game from Restoration Hardware
Third Row: Miracle on 34th Street; Fully-cooked smoked turkey from Honeybaked Ham; Homemade cranberry sauce; Sweet cinnamon pumpkin soap caddy from Bath & Body Works
Bottom Row: Pumpkin home fragrance oil from Bath & Body Works; Caterer plates at Pottery Barn; Della Robbia Topiary from Ballard Designs; Nutty Pecan martini from Rachael Ray; Giving Thanks book by M.J. Ryan



Create the look:

The Decor: We like choosing simple decor items that can also carry you into the Christmas season. So stick with fruits and vegetables and dark greens as your design backdrop.

The Food: When it comes to planning a meal for a large group, don't try to do everything yourself. Ask your guests to bring a side dish, and don't feel like you are backing out of the responsibilities by asking others to help out with the meal. Remember, it is Thanksgiving after all, so let your friends give. Of course, there is always the main staple, the infamous turkey. If you are a Tom Douglas mini-me, go ahead and try to make your own frozen/thawed turkey with all the dressings. But if you are like us, consider a catered turkey or a pre-cooked turkey from Honeybaked Ham. Add your own garnishes, and be sure to throw away any evidence of a "store bought" bird so your guests will never know. And, if nothing else, ditch the canned cranberry sauce for the real thing. It's pretty simple to make and you can gloat that you made it from scratch all night long.


The Entertainment: How often do you have all your friends and family together? Not that often right, so make the most of it. Pull out some "family fun" games and stick Miracle on 34th Street in the dvd player. (Yes, we realize this is a "Christmas" movie, but the movie starts out depicting the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, so work with us here).

The Mood: From the moment your guests step inside your welcoming home, make sure they are bombarded (that's right, we said bombarded) with the scent of the holidays. Our pick is the lovely scent of spiced pumpkin, which can also carry you right into the Christmas season. Create the scent with burning oil, candles and room sprays and add extra touches with scented soaps and lotions in the bathroom.

The Booze: Be adventurous and try out a new fall-themed cocktail like spiked hot cider, pecan martini or pomegranate mint mojito. What other time of year can you try something so festive?

Flip Your Flop

Hey all you lucky honeymoon planners planning a tropical getaway this winter...we have a delightful accessory we're sure you're going to love. Check out these customizable flip-flops from Switchflops. Switchflops® is a revolutionary new concept in designer footwear. Buy one pair of flops and switch out the straps to fit any occasion! Simple as that! What a great bridesmaid gift idea…..several flipflop styles to choose from – as well as more strap options online at www.switchflops.com.

This Way Or That Way?

Here's a great idea we think you're going to love. Check out these custom designed maps from Custom Wedding & Event Maps. Custom Maps designs specialized graphics for you to include with your invitation, online or email. Various packages are available to your customized needs.

Distinctive Directions was created in 2006 by our Founder & Creative Director, Amanda Alvarado. Amanda has always had a passion for design, whether it be interior, structural, or graphic design. She has the ability to turn an image in her mind into reality; an ability that wasn't fully discovered until she began planning her own wedding. After designing the wedding map for her wedding invitations, she was sought out by friends, family, co-workers and strangers to design their personalized maps. As time went on, demand grew way beyond the nation to areas such as Canada, England, and Ireland. And thus, Distinctive Directions was born.

Get Inspired! Glitter Glam

In honor of the Seattle Goodwill's Glitter Sale, happening this weekend, as we blogged about last week, we've put together this glitzed inspiration board for those of you that like a little sparkle. Hope you enjoy!

Theme: Puttin' On The Glitz
Colors: Lavender, Plum, Silver, Gold

Click image below to enlarge.


Top Row: Glitter Tin from Tinsel Trading; Image from Glitter Goods; Image from No Time To Stamp;
Second Row: Gown by Jenny Packham; Glitter votives from Vivre; Cake from Creme de la Creme; Bouquet from Wedding Style Magazine
Third Row: Glitter branch from Martha Stewart; Extreme Glitter from Bare Escentuals
Bottom Row: Pura Lopez 'F020' Pump; Filigree-Frame Beaded Evening Bag; Invitation envelope liner from Formal Invitations; Image from Brides

We Think You'll Love...

If you love style, and goodness gracious we know you do, then you are absolutely going to love the website, Polyvore.com. Polyvore allows users like you and me, to upload style sets, showing how to create outfits and complete designer looks. Then it even tells you where you can go to create the look for yourself.

But don't take our word for it, visit Polyvore for yourself and search through thousands of style sets. And if this is something you really love, be sure reserve your copy of the 2009 Wedding Resource Guide, available January of 2009, where banquetevent.com will present the latest color and styles boards for the 2009 wedding season.

All Glittered Up

Did you know that the Seattle Goodwill collects donated formal and vintage clothing and accessories each year and sells them at their annual Glitter Sale each year? We didn't, but now that we do, we just had to share this unique opportunity with you.

From little black dresses to strappy shoes and bedazzled jewelry, the Glitter Sale, held November 15 and 16th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. is just the place you may find that little something extra for your upcoming wedding. The event takes place at the Goodwill's flagship, located at 1400 South Lane St in Seattle, WA.

This year's sale will include items by Jimmy Choo (OMG), Stella McCartney (OMG), Chloe (OMG), St. John (you get the picture), and much more! Last year, more than 300 bargain shoppers visited the store to find one-of-a-kind items.

If you want to get a sneak peak of what will be on sale on Nov 15-16, consider attending the Glitter Gala on November 13 at 6 p.m. at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel. The Gala will feature a Northwest dinner, live entertainment, silent auction and a fashion show of vintage pieces available for purchase at the Glitter Sale.

For information about the Glitter Sale or the Glitter Gala, visit www.goodwill.org.

Check out some pix from last year's event...

Huge Savings At Something Blue Bridal Boutique in LaConner, WA

We received this announcement from Something Blue and want to pass it on to you!!

The 2009 Bridal Couture Show is now behind us and we need to make room for all of the new styles that will be arriving. The good news: Bridal Gown Sample Sale at Something Blue.

We have 3 gown designers that we carry. We are exclusive to these designers in Washington, and you will not find gowns that have the same look. They are each very different from each other but they are all wonderful.

Amy Kuschel Bride is a designer out of San Francisco. Her gowns are sophisticated with a whimsical charm. Amy makes a silk gown that ranges from $1700 to $5000. The price is dependent upon the type of silk in the gown (chiffon, organza, duchess satin, Mikado, or various laces). She has come out this 2009 season with a soft pearl colored non-silk peau de soie that can be substituted for the duchess satin. This brings the price of a gown down approximately $200 to $400.

Avioanni is a designer out of Toronto, Ontario. Her silk gowns are very unique in their design. Very European and quite modern in nature. They range from $1400 to $2700. Again the price is dependent on the complexity of the gown and the silk fabric.

Modern Trousseau is a designer out of Connecticut. Her gowns are very traditional with a slight modern twist to them. They use luxurious silk duchess satin, silk dupioni, and wonderful Alencon and Chantilly French laces. They are very customizable as well. The prices for Modern Trousseau gowns range from $1700 to $4000.

We have several gowns from all three designers that have recently been discontinued to make room for the new season gowns that will be “trickling” in over the next several months. They are discounted anywhere from 15% to 60% depending on condition. There are many left so if the size is close or could be altered to fit, they are very special opportunity to get a fantastic gown at a great price. Appointments are highly recommended as we work with one bride at a time.

For more information about Something Blue, click here.

Get Inspired! Glimmer Of Red & Gold

We continue our "Get Inspired!" inspiration boards with a rich and elegant ensemble that will truly wow the crowds.

Theme: Golden Glow
Color: Deep amber and gold

Click on image below to enlarge.

Top Row: Harry & David candies and confections; Sherrie Long makeup and hair; Jewelry featured at Project Wedding; Table setting from Project Wedding
Second Row: Invitation from Haute Papier; Image from Ulyssess Photography; Amsale gold wedding gown; Lantern light photo from Got Light?
Third Row: Deep red lips courtesy of Trixies Beauty Bar; Fire table decor from Brides; Cake from Brides; Maggy London One Shoulder Dress; Bouquet by Ravenna Bloom
Bottom Row: Cartier wedding band; Charles by Charles David 'Minis' Sandal; Alexis Bittar Amaryllis Flower Pin; Argento Vivo Stingray Teardrop Lemon Topaz Pendant

In Honor Of Election Day...

I Will Vote 2008

Hey all you voters? Want to spread the word that you will be voting tomorrow? Send in your "I Will Vote" photo to the Secretary of State website. Check out some of the great photos we've found of local voters pledging to vote.