Platinum Touch Events: December 2012

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Winter Wonderland Wedding Inspiration

There is something so special about this time of year. I don't know what it is, but it seems as if there is something magical in the air (no pun intended) during the winter holiday.

These thoughts inspired this post. I wanted to share inspiration for a winter wonderland wedding because this theme captures the essence of the season.

Take a look...

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When done correctly, a Winter Wonderland themed wedding can be absolutely breathtaking!

PTE Wants to Know: Would you get married in the winter? If not, what do you think is the best season to get married and why?

XOXO,
Nikola

Nikola Ahaiwe is a Los Angeles wedding /event planner and owner of Platinum Touch Events, a boutique event planning firm servicing southern CA. To learn more about Platinum Touch Events, please visit our website and become a fan on Facebook to stay connected.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

{Holiday Entertaining} 3 Festive Holiday Cocktail Ideas

No holiday party is complete without a festive cocktail to add a little EXTRA holiday cheer! As always, I've got ya covered! I have rounded up 3 cocktail recipes that are sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering.

Check out these delish holiday cocktail recipes...

French Kiss

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Ingredients:

1 oz Chambord
1 oz vodka
1 oz dark crème de cacao
1.5 oz half and half

Directions:

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.

Jingle Jangle Punch

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Ingredients:

1.5 cups berry vodka
3/4 cups Grand Marnier
6 pints of fresh berries (raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries)
1 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed—about 8 lemons)
1.5 cups simple syrup
1 bottle sparkling wine (Something Extra Dry)

Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients (except the berries and sparkling wine) in a large glass or plastic container (or pitcher). Stir well.

2. Wash the berries.

3. When ready to serve, first fill the punch bowl with ice. Pour a small amount of the mixture in a cocktail shaker.

4. Add about five to seven berries.

5. Top with ice and shake HARD. (Make sure you shake hard enough so that the berries break apart in the cocktail shaker.)

6. Strain into the punch bowl.

7. Keep repeating steps until the mixture is all shaken and in the punch bowl.

8. Top the punch with about 3/4 of the bottle of sparkling wine and stir well.

9. Top the punch with additional berries and serve.

S'mores Martini

Ingredients:

1 oz. chocolate vodka
1 oz. Baily's Irish Cream
1 oz. chocolate liquor
1 oz. Cream de Cacao
1 oz. vanilla vodka
2 oz. heavy cream
Toasted marshmallows,

Graham crackers (crushed)

Chocolate syrup

Bamboo Martini skewers

Directions:

1. Dip the rim of glasses into the chocolate syrup, then into the crushed crackers. Chill glasses in freezer.

2. Pour all remaining ingredients, except marshmallows, into a Martini shaker filled with ice, and shake until well blended.

3. Pour into really nice glasses.

4. Skewer the toasted marshmallows on the bamboo skewers, place across the rim and serve..for about 2 servings.

PTE Wants to Know: Do you have a go-to festive holiday day drink that you serve every year? We'd love to hear about it! Please share the recipe in the comments section below.

XOXO,
Nikola

Monday, December 17, 2012

5 Quick and Easy Tips for Stress Free Holiday Entertaining

Yesterday morning, I woke up to some pretty fabulous news: my article, "5 Quick and Easy Tips For Stress Free Holiday Entertaining", had been published on Los Angeles Black Parent Magazine Online (insert happy dance and excited squeal!!!).

I decided to post it here on my blog as well because their are some great tips in there that will not only help you save money and time, but also help you get through the planning with ease!

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Make a List and Check it Twice: I am the queen of lists! They keep me organized (and I even get a thrill out of checking things off as I complete them!) Make a “to buy” list and a “to do list” and keep them with you when it’s time to shop for the party. Writing things down ensures that you will not forget anything and is the #1 way to save time by eliminating multiple shopping trips.

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Use What Ya Got: Chances are you have a box of ornaments and old decorations packed away. Break them out and figure out how to repurpose what you already have! You can use last year’s ornaments to fill up an apothecary jar, vase, or serving dish. Add a decorative ribbon and voila…you have a quick and easy table centerpiece. The key here is to get creative and use items that you already have to spruce up your home décor.

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Who Says Smaller Isn’t Better: Instead of spending countless hours in the kitchen preparing an elaborate, multi-course meal, why not serve an array of mini foods?! “Light bites” are a popular trend right now and will save you a load of time. Consider foods that can be prepared in individual serving sizes so that guests can grab them and keep it moving. This will help to avoid a pile-up or long line in your kitchen/serving area.

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Put Your Signature on It: Signature drinks are a great way to spice up any party! Create a festive holiday cocktail, give it a fun name inspired by the theme of your party, and prepare a drink station for your guests to fill up. This is a great time saver, as the drink can be made in batches and stored away until it is time to replenish. It also cuts down on the cost to fully stock a bar.

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Keep the Kids Busy: Designate an area to keep the kiddos entertained in a separate area from the adults. Consider setting up multiple stations for the children to get creative while having fun. Cupcake/cookie decorating, Gingerbread House building, or a card-making station are just a few ideas that will keep the kids busy and amused for the evening. Be sure to have a chaperone on hand to supervise and assist.

PTE Wants to Know: What stresses you most about entertaining during the holidays? What other tips can be added to the list to make planning a holiday party a breeze?

XOXO,

Nikola

Nikola Ahaiwe is a Los Angeles wedding /event planner and owner of Platinum Touch Events, a boutique event planning firm servicing southern CA. To learn more about Platinum Touch Events, please visit our website and become a fan on Facebook to stay connected.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

{Holiday Entertaining} Non-traditional Xmas Colors

The holiday season is my absolute favorite time of the year! I look forward to spending time with my family and spreading my decorating wings (oh, and shopping!!!).

I'll be heading out to purchase a Christmas tree this evening, so I've been thinking a lot about the color combo I'd like to use this go-around. I mean, who says you have to stick with red and green? I'm an out of the box type of gal, so this year, I think I'll go with bold, non-traditional Christmas colors and decor.

This was my inspiration...

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PTE Wants to Know: Have you finished your holiday decorating? Did you/are you going with traditional or non-traditional colors?

Drop by our Facebook page and post pics of your best holiday decorating photos on our wall. I'd love to see your creative decor!

XOXO,
Nikola

Monday, December 3, 2012

{Holiday Entertaining} Hot Cocoa Bar

Can you believe it's already December?!

I won't be cliche and say how fast the year has gone by (but geesh, where has the time gone haha!!!)

It's raining here in Los Angeles, and the cold, wet weather is definitely putting me in the holiday spirit. Don't be surprised if you see a lot more holiday entertaining posts around here...mixed in with plenty of wedding goodness too, of course!

Speaking of rainy weather, a great way to stay warm and toasty during your holiday gatherings is a Hot Cocoa Bar. The great thing about it is that it's pretty simple to set up. All you'll need is hot cocoa mix, milk, and a variety of topping options. A few suggestions include:

*Marshmallows

*Peppermint

*Whipped Cream

*Cinnamon Sticks

*Caramel Squares

For the adults, a hint of liquor can be added to give a touch of EXTRA warmth!

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PTE Wants to Know: Will you be hosting a Hot Cocoa Bar at your next holiday gathering? What other toppings would you suggest to make your hot chocolate even more delicious?

XOXO,
Nikola