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

Wedding Wednesday: Welcome Bags

Welcome bags can be a nice first impression.

Here are some tips so your bags will be well received.

Impress your guests by skipping the standard gift bag and make it more personal. This is a great way to show that you appreciate their coming to share your special day.

Photo Courtesy of Little Miss Holls

Here are a few tips that are sure to leave an impact:

Think Local. Ditch grocery store snacks and candy and share some of your favorite treats. Find something unique to your town or destination. AE suggests tasty peanut butter and chocolate buckeyes or Pistacia Vera macarons. 

Photo Courtesy of Columbus Underground

Share Your Secrets. Skip the map and brochure of your city!  Instead we suggest leaving a list of your favorite hot spots. Guests may have some downtime so include places to eat, shop, and play!

Photo Courtesy of Renegade Image

Play Up the Theme. Themed wedding? Extend it to the welcome bags! "Green" weddings could include a packet of seeds or goodies packed into reusable bags. Summertime weddings can be hot, so you could include a fan or a mini bottle of sunscreen. And of course, include the wedding colors! 

Photo Courtesy of Little Miss Holls

Give Thanks. Take the time to write a special note to your guests. Thank them for coming and welcome them to your special weekend. This is also a great time to relay any logistical information. 

Photo Courtesy of Bowl of Cherries

AE tip: if welcome bags are not in your budget, place a note in each room for that special touch.

AE Tip: Mongograms

AE Tip: Monograms Add a Personal Touch to Any Soiree

This addition may seem small but can leave a huge impact! 

Napkins and coasters are a great inexpensive way to show off a new monogram, logo, or phrase. They can be passed around with drinks, set next to hors d'oeuvres, or AE's personal favorite: have them printed on hand towels to spruce up any drab bathroom!

Photo courtesy of Paper Source

Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Check out our favorite local spot to pick these up -- Peabody Papers! Located in Grandview Heights, Peabody is home to an assortment of unique and personalized paper products. 

Courtesy of Peabody Papers

Wedding Wednesday: 3 Items You Don't Want to Forget

The most important items can be the easiest to overlook...

They may not as exciting as your dress, floral decor or invitations, but these items are the most necessary! 

Here are some reminders and tips to getting hitched.. without a hitch!

Marriage License

- Check your state's application rules at least six months before your big day.

- Marriage requirements can differ even between counties, so do your homework! 

- Talk about the plan for signing the marriage certificate before your BIG DAY.

- Make sure that who ever is sending it in makes a copy beforehand. 

Photo courtesy of Estate Weddings and Events 

Destination Brides:

Triple check the local laws of your destination, including residency requirements
(how long you must be in the country before you apply).

OR

Hold a civil ceremony in the U.S. before you go - just to be safe!

Check out The Knot for tips on tying the knot internationally.  

Name Change

- Change your Social Security card and your drivers license in person and do this first.

- Everything else, credit cards, bank accounts, et cetera, can usually be done online. 

- You can never check the the spelling enough - it all must match!

Passport 

- Start this process at least 3 months out if you are traveling internationally for your honeymoon.

- Changing your name could take six weeks to process.
(If you're too close for comfort, wait until you return from your honeymoon.)  

- The name on your tickets must match the one on your passport. 

Photo Courtesy of Serendipity Beyond Design 

Common Mistake:  Based on the time of departure, make sure that your passport has at 

least six months before expiration.  If you're close - update it to avoid hassle!