AE tip: Signature Drink

You can never go wrong with bringing a signature cocktail into the mix..

AE loves to coordinate a specialty drink with the theme of the party!

Photo Courtesy of Indulgy

.. & it's always nice to keep it seasonal!

Summer bash?
Something light and fruity.

Baby shower?
Offer a mocktail.

Fall gathering?
Try a hot cider. 

Happy Hour: Watermelon Fizz

Mix up your morning mimosas with this summer fresh cocktail!

Watermelon Fizz

Photo Courtesy of Diane, A Broad

This simple recipe follows: 

1 small watermelon 

 2 limes

1 bottle of champagne 

Peel and cube the the watermelon; puree in a blender or food processor. Strain the watermelon through a fine mesh strainer.  Squeeze the lime into the strained watermelon juice and top with champagne. Give the cocktail a big stir and serve in your favorite glasses! 

As always, enjoy responsibly! 

Xo, AE

Wedding Wednesday: Cake Alternatives

Don't have a preference for cake?

AE has a few splendid ideas that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth! 

Dessert Bar. This is a great alternative for the indecisive bride. Pick out all your favorite sweet treats for guests to pick and choose! 

Photo Courtesy of Stylish Soiree

AE Tip: Adding flowers, balloons, or candles to the dessert table will make it a gorgeous focal point.

Macarons. These French cookies are ideal for the gluten-free bride. Made with almond flour, these gorgeous cookies will satisfy dietary needs, and are tasty too! 

Photo Courtesy of Knot Notes

S'mores. Although this gooey delight will have guests coming back for more, not all venues can accommodate, so make sure to double check! 

Photo Courtesy of Confetti Rentals

AE Tip: If you aren't able to toast the mallows, send the fixings home with guests as a farewell gift!

Candy Bar. Pick all your favorite candies: chocolate, fruity, hard, and soft. Guests will enjoy snacking all evening! 

Photo Courtesy of It's a Brides Life

Decided on a cake alternative for your big day?!
Purchasing a small ceremonial cake to cut in front of guests incorporates a traditional touch
& a great photo moment.

AE Happy Hour: The Sparkler

Red, White, and Blue! 

With team USA on a successful road in the World Cup and the Fourth of July right around the corner...

celebrate with a beverage that will surely put you in the American Spirit!

The Sparkler 

Photo Courtesy of Yum Sugar

Recipe as follows:

1 1/2 oz campagne

3/4 oz raspberry liqueur 

1/2 oz vodka 

1 oz pomegranate juice

Shake all ingredients but the champagne with ice and strain into your favorite glassware. 

Top with champagne and add a garnish to complete.

AE tip: for that extra touch of spirit, add an American flag stir stick to each drink or drop in a few blueberries to bring in the blue!

As always, enjoy responsibly! 

Xo, AE

AE Happy Hour: Champagne A-Z

Behind every celebration is a little champagne fizz, but what do you really know about that bottle you're popping open?

The term Champagne refers to only the sparkling wine made in Champagne France. All other bubblies are labeled sparkling wine or noted as being produced by the méthod champenoise. 

Photo Courtesy of Beautiful Life and Style

Let's simplify the label...

Brut: Dry

Extra Dry: Sweet

Blanc de Blancs: Made completely from Chardonnay grapes

Blanc de Noirs: Made from only Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier

Vintage: The bottle is made up of at least 85% of the grapes from the year it was harvested. These bottles are only made during great harvest years which makes them a bit pricier. 

Hosts can count on six flutes per 750 ml bottle. 

AE suggests adding bubbles to any occasion, turning any ordinary day into a celebration! 

Want to keep the fizz but lose the buzz? AE suggests swapping in flavored sparkling water.  We are loving the new flavors by Lacroix.  Coconut?  Yes, please!

So pop those bottles, it's Friday!! 

As always, enjoy responsibly! Xo, AE 

Wedding Wednesday: Thank You Notes

The Importance of "Thank You" Notes

A few things to keep in mind while writing all those notes!

Photo Courtesy of Lifeguard Press

Who. Take the time to write a note to everyone who gave you a gift or money. Don't forget to take extra care of guests who where attendants or made your day extra special. 

When. Notes should be written and sent within three months of receiving the gift.

Mr.&Mrs. Make sure notes are from the both of you, the new duo! 

Returns. Never acknowledge that you returned or exchanged a gift. Give the same care and thoughtfulness that your guest did.

As always, send love and gratitude! 

AE Tip: Current Party

Themed parties can be a great way to pack an extra punch to any get together. 

You can take advantage of almost ANY holiday, spectacle,  or season. 

Current Party: The World Cup

Photo Courtesy of Evite

Gather around the TV to watch this international extravaganza. Kindly ask guests to bring a beverage or food from their favorite team for a worldly experience. Decorations can include national flags, soccer balls, and pictures of your favorite players. 

Photo Courtesy of Evite

Happy Hour: The Merry Bride

It's Happy Hour Here at AE! 

This week we are sipping on...

The Merry Bride

Photo Courtesy of Cheeky Chicago

This sangria is a fantastic drink for any summer get together!

Recipe follows:
Serving 8-10 drinks

1 bottle of dry vermouth wine

1 c. cranberry cocktail juice

1 c. pomegranate juice

1/2 c. orange liquor 

1/2 c. simple syrup

2 oranges, sliced into thin wedges

2 lemons, sliced into thin wheels

2 limes, sliced into thin wheels

20 maraschino cherries

1c. lemon-lime soda

Combine the first five ingredients in a pitcher; add the sliced fruit. Let chill in refrigerator (24 hours if possible). Before serving, add ice and top with the soda for a little fizz. To show off the great color and sliced fruit, serve in clear highball glasses.

Enjoy responsibly! 

Have a wonderful, safe weekend! Xo, AE