Who am I?

Who am I?

A daughter to a mother who has Alzheimer’s. That is my job, my calling, my heart, my desire, and the only thing that matters. I am a hoarder of time and a desperate creator of memories. I am a hairstylist, make-up artist, professional leg shaver, clothes-washer, feeder, entertainer,  and a peacemaker (shocking, I know). And though my days are full and my heart is empty, I am a chosen daughter of the most high King and this is HIS plan. Amen! This is MY chosen journey. No one else can take my place, no one can step in for relief, and no one can change the path ahead. THIS is the life that was written out for me before I even came to be. 

So I place my hope in the ONLY thing I have, Christ. I rest upon his promise that he is always with me, carrying me when I can’t walk, guiding me with his light; and though there are days when I scream at the top of my lungs for the Lord to “save me from this hour,” He quickly replies, my child, this is your hour, my plan, and my purpose. I'm here. Find your rest in me!

Glory to God in the Highest!! No matter what Christ WILL get the glory-every last piece of it, even when he has to squeeze it right out of me-with Christ it’s ALL or nothing. With Christ there are no compromises, no bargaining, beckoning, or bartering out of His plan. My life is his and he has claimed reign over me. My thoughts, actions, words - all a reflection of the LIFE he has so graciously put deep inside my heart. He has claimed it, and now it is no longer I BUT CHRIST who rules my days, my hours, and my precious minutes. So I have no choice but to count it all joy, to wake-up and attempt to live because this is who I am. Broken and wrought and so desperately longing for the hands of the potter to mold me into a Christ exploding vessel!! I KNOW one day I will be whole, and oh how sweet that day will be. Knowing that eternality is just around the corner IS my Hope, but as long as I am a dweller in this broken place, coated in flesh, I am here for one purpose - TO BRING GLORY TO GOD. Knowing that HE is the creator of all things surrounding me and trusting in HIM. That’s what I do. HE is who I am. 

Gifts, Gifts, Galore!!

The Who, What, When, and Where of Hostess Gifts!

"It's better to give than receive." A wise phrase to live by and if you happen to be Southern, a phrase that is ingrained in your upbringing. But the 'who, whats, whens, and wheres' of this act seem to have been lost over time..So, let's take a step back and look into what E. Post has to say about all of this generosity!

Bridal Shower

It is a absolute MUST for a bride to present her host and hostesses with a gift at each and every party or shower. Types of hostess gifts range for personalized stationary, a piece of costume jewelry, or a gift certificate where she can choose items from a local store. While the hostess gift doesn't need to be expensive, it should hold some sentiment and also be memorable. 

For example, a group of sweet ladies who hosted a bridal shower for me all received a gift certificate to a local spa. I felt that after all their hard work, that a nice relaxing day would be appreciated and it was!

Cocktail party
Host and Hostess gifts are optional in this circumstance. But if you're in a generous mood, a bottle of wine -or, for the holidays, something seasonal, like an ornament- would be thoughtful. Just be sure to always enclose a card so the host won't wonder whose thought is was that counts. 

Overnight stay

A gift is mandatory. (Or that's what Emily says!) My sweet, sweet cousin came to stay a weekend with Graham and I and as soon as she walked in the door she handed me a wonderful candle (I have since ordered several more!!) and greeted Graham a bottle of his favorite gin! 

*Side note...these are best candles ever...Vie Luxe, Istanbul will knock your socks off!! (Thanks Kathleen for the addiction.)

Emily tells us that you can present the gift upon your arrival, during your stay, or after your exit. Kathleen offered us the perfect example of "overnight stay" giving!! She did everything just right. E. Post would have been proud.

Dinner party
Yes, definitely bring a gift, but keep it simple! Anything that distracts the host may become a nuisance. A candle, bottle of wine, soaps, or flowers in a vase are always good bets. Present the gift to your host when you arrive or leave it on an entry way table if your host isn't there to greet you. My personal favorite dinner party gift is a bottle of wine.  I tend to stick to the light, buttery taste of Cakebread Chardonnay for summer.

Yum....and if I know the host and hostess are true wine connoisseurs I might splurge on a nicer bottle of Silver Oak Cabernet for winter.

So, What do I give the Hostess who has everything?

I simply say go with a nice arrangement of fresh flowers. 

Summer time peonies

Fall Sunflowers and Roses

Winter White Lilies and Mini Callas 

And Finally Spring where Flowers of all colors are blooming and abundant!

What if you can't afford a gift?

“A little praise is not only merest justice but is beyond the purse of no one” - Emily Post 

Write a thank you note! A simple gesture that still goes a long way and probably will get you back in the door to the next Soiree. 

How to Personalize a Party, Part Two.

Shock and awe. Ooossss and ahhhhsss. That's my ultimate goal when planning an event; and a few tears never hurt either! I do what I do on an ultimate quest to make one day last forever!  Lots of pressure...maybe, but worth it??? DEFINITELY!! Things such as pictures of babies...

Randi & Mark's Frenchie!!

Are some of the fun touches that encourage the tears to flow! I'll never forget the look on Randi's face as she walked into the party and saw her baby...large and in charge...worth every penny.

The personalization didn't stop there...scroll down to see how Randi and Mark stayed front and center through all of the personalized goodies!

Customized Bar. (Made by the one and only Justin Reeves...he will work for me one day!! : ) You're awesome!
Get Kasey to tell you that...I'm sure you don't read wedding blogs...

Napkins...matched the theme and are customized with the Bride & Grooms names.

        

The Cutest disposable cups!!

Dinner napkins embossed with the betrothed's  initials

We also had glass plates and wine glasses engraved with their new initials to use at the party and also to  feather their new nest! I am so mad that I didn't actually take any pictures of their plates, but I do have some that are very similar.

The "guest book" for Mark seemed to touch the most hearts. (I know, who could resist shedding a tear over those gorgeous plates??) Anyways, because the soon-to-be groom will be traveling to Afghanastan in the next few weeks, I had a book in which people could write Mark thoughts and prayers to cary with him overseas.  My plan is that he will take it with him on his journey to open in times of need and look back thinking of all the people who support and love him.

Don't worry, We know this journey will be hard on Randi as well.

So, I decided to write a little poem and placed cards with addressed envelopes stamped and ready to deliver to Randi during the eight months Mark will be away.

NSA or FBI, no one knows where Mark must fly.
But as time comes to leave his nest,
We must help Randi stay abreast.
We'll write her a note and send it away,
To let her know we're thinking of her every single day!

All the little personalized touches not only helped to make the party special, but also created an atmosphere that literally yelled "Mark and Randi." One thing I am certain of...everyone new who the party was for. Overall, the party was a huge success! I loved hearing all the oosss and ahhsss and listening into conversations of friends and family simply having a good time. In the end, that's all we are left with..memories..ahhhhhhhh....

How to Personalize a Party, Part One.

It is always nice to get to know your client long before you plan their event. Fortunately for myself, my most recent client is actually my best friends so adding personal details was super easy. 

For example,  I made a video for the couple chronicling their love story. After dinner, the crowd headed to the theatre room to enjoy my amatuer cinematography.  The joy I experienced from all the emotions spreading throughout the crowd was the best reward of the night. From mothers' tears to friends' laughter, each sound uttered was like a "well done" for me. Here's the video for your enjoyment! (click the link bellow)

http://vimeo.com/25488363

Paper...My true soul mate.

I absolutely love paper: stationary, invitations, place cards, letter head, calligraphy. Days of my life are wasted browsing websites for the lastest trends and trying to stretch my budget to collect and conquer each new eye-catching piece of art.

For my latest event (an engagement party for my best friend), I selected invitations from minted.com. Why you may ask?

1.Great modern designs
   Nothing excites me more than modern-vintage: a term I coined...I think....
   For example, the Banner and Branches invitation shown here:

Doesn't this just scream modern vintage?? I loathe wedding invitations that relic in black and white tradition. Every single one looks exactly the same, and there is no joy in opening the mundane envelope. Invitations SHOULD set the tone for the entire event. It is one of the only visuals a guest sees before the big day. With summer in full swing, I have attended multiple weddings. How do I chose to attend or not to attend? By the invitation. Instantly one can grasp the scheme and personality from one piece of paper, an eye-opener inside the mind of a bride.

2. Price

Minted is definitely reasonably priced. Unfortunately, letterpressing and engraving are not standard and are rarely found. But for smaller events, I just look beyond the flat lettering, take a deep breath, and go with it. You can't have it all..A lesson hard learned for myself. 

3. Add-ons

Invitations are not complete without envelope liners, backers, and printed address labels (or calligraphy for the true lover of paper). I for one order it all. It just adds a little ump to the entire set! And minted.com has it all. For example, I used this skinny wrap address label for the engagement party I planned/hosted this past weekend:

Another "add-on," I love is customized stamps from Zazzle.com

and last but not least...all envelopes need liners!

Now I am ready to reveal the entire paper suite. I personally think it turned out great!!

Invitations truly set the tone for an entire event and should be designed in a way to represent the overall feel of a party! I for one save all of my favorites in a drawer and go back to look from time to time just for a little inspiration...I do however realize this is not normal..I'll discuss it with my therapist.

Until next time,

XOXO~Beth

Let the Parties Begin!

I am so excited to announce my new blog and business, Patterson House Weddings and Events. Ever since having such a wonderful experience planning my own wedding, I just couldn't let the joy subside. I still bought wedding magazines, kept up with wedding blogs, and never stopped browsing through wedding dresses. It's the bug that won't go away.


So now, after following the advice of friends and family, I am opening my eyes and diving into the world of weddings and events. Let me know how I can help you with your next function. From the smallest dinner party to the biggest weddings....I am willing to take it all on!!