Happy Hour with AE: HOT TODDY!

Baby, It’s Cold Outside!

January 11 was National Hot Toddy Day, and what better way to celebrate than to feature the Hot Toddy in our Happy Hour this week?!  A hot toddy is a mixed drink, most often featuring whisky that is served (go figure!) HOT.  Toddy's are traditionally enjoyed in wet or cold weather, AND, once upon a time, were believed to cure the cold and flu (try it! we bet it works!).

Whether you’re just looking to take the chill off, or entertaining guests who have a scratchy throat or runny nose, this is just what the doctor ordered. 

Cheers!

Photo Credit: blog.raileurope.com 

Ingredients 

1 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey*
1/4 oz lemon juice
3/4 oz sugar syrup
1 slice lemon
1 clove
4 oz hot water

Directions 

Mix whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup and heat either on the stove or in the microwave. 

Spear the lemon slice with the clove and float in the toddy, and of course serve HOT!  

Cinnamon sticks make a cute addition to the presentation.  

*Bourbon whisky can also be substituted with scotch or brandy

Ask Ady: Handling Invitations to Three Bridal Showers

Dear Ady, 

It looks like I will be having three bridal showers hosted for me and I am not sure if I should be inviting my Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids to all three or just one.  I do not want them to feel obligated to bring or send gifts just because they received an invitation. I would love for them to be a part of the festivities and to spend time with my family and friends if they can make it to one or more. What is the proper thing to do/say so they don’t feel obligated? 

Melissa, Columbus, OH

Dear Melissa, 

You are very sweet to be concerned about this and there is a very simple answer to your quandary.  Yes, do invite them to all three of the showers.  You just never know which dates might work best and as an your honored attendants, they should be included in all of the festivities surrounding your special day.  However,  I would encourage you to call each of them and let them know that they will be receiving invitations to all of these parties.   Explain to them that you would love for them to attend any of the events that they are available for, but that you would prefer that they not bring gifts.  This conversation will set the expectations appropriately and your bridesmaids will appreciate it.  In fact, telling them exactly what you told me explains it perfectly. 

Bravo Considerate Bride, 

Ady

NOTE TO BRIDESMAIDS:  If you find yourself in a similar situation and are unsure what to do about a gift, here are a couple of suggestions:

1. Bring one gift to one shower.  Your presence at the other showers will be gift enough.  You can also contribute to the party by helping the host, keeping track of the opened gifts, etc. 

2. The bridesmaids can all contribute to a group gift for each of the showers.  Either items from the registry that fit comfortably in the budget set-forth or something special off the registry that you know your bride will love (examples:  Anthropologie tea towels, a special candle she loves, a basket of cooking spices and oils, a meaningful cookbook; the options are endless)  

Press! Columbus Dispatch

Thanks Columbus Dispatch!   Great article on groom involvement.

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/01/08/on-new-honey-do-list-plan-wedding.html

Ask Ady: Gown v. Party Dress

Dear Ady,

I would really like to change from my bridal gown into a party dress for my reception.  I am butting heads with my mom on this one - she really wants me to stay in my gown for the entire evening, but I just think it will be more fun to switch it up.  What do you think I should do?

Thanks!

Sara, Manhattan

Dear Sara,


I have to tell you, I am with mom on this one.  My philosophy is that your gown is KEY to the magic of being a bride.  Once you change out of that dress, you change from bride to wife.  Do not misunderstand me, being a wife is absolutely fabulous, but you do have the rest of your life (as a wife) for a fun party dress.  Your chance to wear your gown and be a BRIDE is once.  Stay in that dress.   Dance your heart out in it.  Have the time of your life in it.  And when you take it off, relish the memories you made in it.   


Team gown, 


Ady

Ask Ady: Can I bring my kids?

Dear Ady,

I recently received an invitation to a close friend's wedding (I am not in it) and it was addressed to just my husband and me.  I would really prefer to bring my kids since it's an out-of-town wedding, but I am not sure that that is appropriate.  However, I have heard that if a couple really wants no kids at the wedding, the invitation would read "Adults Only."  What are your thoughts?

Thanks,

Carrie G., Columbus, OH

Dear C.G.,

"Adults Only" is verbiage frowned upon by most etiquette experts (myself included) and is not widely used.  I encourage my clients to steer guests away from bringing children by simply not inviting them. SOOOO, let's assume for assuming sake that if your friend addressed the invitation to just you and your husband, she would prefer that just the two of you attend. 

Your best bet here is to book a babysitter for the night, kick your heels up, and have fun at your friend's wedding SANS kiddos.  . 

On that note, it is important to remember that their choice to not invite children has nothing to do SPECIFICALLY with your kids.  Children at weddings (when the couple is not prepared to host them) can pose several stressors on the planning - What will they eat?  Do they need a booster seat or high-chair?  How does this affect seating arrangements?  What will they play with?  And the list goes on...

If traveling without your children to the wedding is not possible, perhaps call the hotel and inquire about a babysitting service on-site.  This may be the best of both worlds for you.  The kids are close to you, but you and hubby will also be (mostly) free to enjoy an adult evening.  Hotel-recommended sitters are most often insured and CPR-trained and come with the *good faith* of the hotel, so they are a very safe option.  

However, as a last last LAST resort, and only if you are EXTREMELY close with this bride, you may want to have a simple conversation with her.  It is best to call your friend (rather than e-mail) and let her know your predicament and ask her gently if she would be amenable to allowing your kids to attend her wedding.  It would also be kind to allow her time to think on this before answering.  Be sure to let her know (and 110% follow through) that you will be entirely responsible for the comfort of your children.  Meaning - you will provide their dinner, share your two seats with them, make sure that they are entertained and well-behaved and that she WILL NOT have to worry about or incur cost for them. If she does allow your children to attend, it would be gracious to give the couple an additional gift just from the kids.   However do be prepared, she may choose to stand-firm on "no children," and you must accept her choice good-naturedly.

My vote?  Option 1 or 2. 

- Ady

Wedding Wednesday: Looking back on 2011

2011 has been such a blessed year for AE!  This year, our clients took us all around the country from NYC to Florida to Vegas to Napa Valley (and beyond!) and all along the way, we worked with the BEST!  We love what we do and are so grateful for all of the support.  Happy Holidays to YOU and cheers to what we know will be a FABULOUS 2012!  xoxo

FEBRUARY

 Pool Tradeshow in Vegas with Badcock Apparel .  Also got to spend some swanky Vegas time with the lovely ladies from Rowe

 

Photo credit Jacqueline Nicole




MARCH
Hawaii and Napa Honeymoon planning for newlyweds, Scott and Cindy Hennigan AND site inspection with Candice White Nowinski.  Lucky us, we were able to spend a few minutes with Scott and Cindy on the Napa leg of their  honeymoon!  Here we are at Del Dotto Winery. 

APRIL


Jen P. Baby Shower at Lindey's

SPRING SOIREE WITH ROWE & Smocks.  This was such a fun event!  Spring party tips from AE at Rowe and featuring the FABULOUS aprons designed by Kelly from Smocks. 

MAY
Andrea and Jason's Fun Florida Wedding at Carlouel Yacht and Country Club

Photo Credits:  Life's Highlights




JUNE 
52nd Annual German Village Haus und Garten Tour and PreTour Event.  So happy to have been the event planner for the second year.  Looking forward to a stellar 2012 event!

Getting ready for the BIG PreTour night!  Record attendance and it was FAB!


JULY
Candice and RJ Nowinski's spectacular Napa Valley Wedding weekend. 

Photo Credit:  Red Gallery

AUGUST
Candice and RJ Nowinki's Back-Home reception at New Albany Country Club

Photo Credits:  Red Gallery

VERA WANG TRUNK SHOW & COCKTAILS AND COUTURE with BIG ROCK LITTLE ROOSTER  

Photo Credit:  Novia Distinctive Photography
TEA 43206...Tea for 2, 200 for Tea.  We were a sponsor of this fun inaugural event at the German Village Guest House.  Had SO much fun in our hats and loved having our besties David and Dallas in for a visit.  Can't wait for next year!   

Photo Credit:  German Village Guest House
  

SEPTEMBER

The very dear-to-our-hearts wedding of Leslie and

Brett Gordon at Bryn Du Mansion in Granville, OH

Photo Credit:  Lotz Studios

CAPITAL AREA HUMANE SOCIETY'S

PAWS: Inspiring Tails of Dedication event at the Hilton/Columbus Polaris.   Fabulous Pup Fashion Show styled by Moochie and Co. and our fave friends, Rowe.  One of the models was particularly handsome!  ;)

Photo Credits:  John Clark

OCTOBER

The very special wedding of Katie and Justin Brannon at Taylor Mansion.  It was fun to find subtle Parisian touches to add to this wedding.  The couple moved to Paris right after their honeymoon!  C'est la vie! 

Photo Credit:  Amanda Julca

GERMAN VILLAGE MONSTER BASH! 
Our second year chairing the event. 
We raised the most funds, had the most attendees, and the MOST FUN ever! 

Photo Credit:   Jacquelyn Poussot Photography

DECEMBER

Real Simple Pop Up Shop in Bryant Park. So amazing to be back with our old colleagues and such a honor to have been asked.  This event was truly a spectacular end to a rewarding year.

And a big huge TREMENDOUS thank you to our

FABULOUS and ADORABLE and VERY TALENTED intern, Brittany.  

Photo Credit:  Red Gallery

SEE Y'ALL in 2012!!!  xoxo

Real Simple Pop Up Shop DAY 1

What a day!  What an invigorating glorious (albeit quite warm) DAY! 

Day 1 of Real Simple Pop Shop has been amazing.  Had a lovely early flight (no delays!  magic!), a venti misto, and a feeling in my tummy like going to sleep before Christmas! 

Got to New York and hit the ground running.  First stop, HBO office, where we have set up our satellite planning office (I can see Bryant Park AND the shop from the window)! 

Then a tour of the shop and it looking AWESOME.   Most of the install is done, the pretty touches are going in and we are eagerly anticipating the finished product.  Which will (and always has) exceeded wildest expectations!   A few shots from today and more to come tomorrow!  

A HUGE HUGE Real Simple!  Amazing gift guide this year. 
If you can't visit us in NY, pick up a copy - such good ideas for all the
people on your holiday list!

THE MAIN STAGE!  Todd English, Gail Simmons, Mario Batali and Dylan Lauren
are some of the celebs who will be gracing our stage.  Can't wait!

Red Lip!  Here I come.  I will learn this year how to perfect this. 

Too cute!  Great gift idea (and reusable) from Container Store

I must have one of these to organize my ornaments. 
Only from the geniuses at Real Simple,of course!

Follow the fun at on Twitter at #rspopup

Come visit us at Citi Pond in Bryant Park in the greatest city in the world. 

Dec. 8-13. 

 Click Here for all of the happenings!

SO happy to be here with my favorite Real Simple gals. 

xx, Ady