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Top 3 Signature Drinks for Your Holiday Party

December 4, 2024 Paige Thom No Comments Blog, Uncategorized

Top 3 Signature Drinks for Your Holiday Party: Cheers to the Season!

Holiday parties are all about good vibes, great company, and, of course, festive drinks! Whether you’re sipping something sparkly by the fire or raising a glass at a corporate bash, having a few signature cocktails (and mocktails!) on deck is a must. The key? Choose drinks that are easy to make, customizable with or without alcohol, and feel just a little extra special. Let’s toast to the season with these three holiday-ready recipes that’ll have your guests raving.

1. Cranberry Margarita (Large Batch)

A refreshing, festive margarita that’s easy to adjust based on your preference for alcohol or non-alcoholic options.

Ingredients (for about 4-5 servings):

  • 2/3 cup cranberry juice
  • 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 cup silver tequila (or swap with rum, gin, or leave out for a non-alcoholic version)
  • 2 tbsp orange liqueur (like Cointreau) or orange juice for a non-alcoholic version
  • 2 tbsp agave syrup or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • Fresh cranberries and lime slices for garnish
  • Salt or sugar for rimming glasses (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a large pitcher, combine cranberry juice, lime juice, tequila (or other alcohol), orange liqueur (or juice), and agave syrup. Stir well.
  2. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Rim glasses with lime juice and dip into salt or sugar if desired. Pour the mix over ice, garnish with cranberries and lime slices, and serve!

2. Festive Shot: Jolly Jello Shots (Large Batch, 1/3 Recipe)

A fun and easy shot option that’s perfect for a rowdy crowd. Non-alcoholic options can also be made by using fruit juice instead of alcohol. Welcome each guest to the party with a festive shooter!

Ingredients (makes about 10 shots):

  • 1/3 box of red Jell-O (strawberry or cherry flavor)
  • 1/3 cup boiling water
  • 1/3 cup cold water
  • 1/3 cup vodka (or rum, or use a fruit juice like cranberry or apple juice for non-alcoholic)
  • Whipped cream for topping (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve the Jell-O in 1/3 cup boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved.
  2. Add cold water and vodka (or other alcohol or fruit juice). Stir well.
  3. Pour into shot glasses or small plastic cups and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm.
  4. Top with whipped cream if desired before serving. Enjoy!

3. Peppermint White Russian (Large Batch, 1/3 Recipe)

A creamy, minty holiday treat. You can swap the alcohol to fit your guests’ preferences or serve it without alcohol for a festive mocktail.

Ingredients (for about 4-5 servings):

  • 2/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup peppermint schnapps (or use Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlúa, or leave out for a non-alcoholic version)
  • 2/3 cup vodka (or rum for a twist, or skip for a non-alcoholic version)
  • Crushed peppermint candy or candy cane pieces for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a pitcher, combine the heavy cream, peppermint schnapps, and vodka (or substitute). Stir well.
  2. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Pour over ice, garnish with crushed peppermint candy, and serve!

Final Toast:

Whether you’re toasting with a sparkling sip, savoring a cozy punch, or kicking things off with a spicy shooter, these festive drinks will set the perfect party vibe. Customize them to fit your crowd, keep the holiday spirit flowing, and most importantly—have fun. Cheers to an unforgettable holiday season!

Click HERE for more holiday hosting tips!

5 Tips to Be the Ultimate Holiday Host

December 4, 2024 Paige Thom No Comments Blog, Uncategorized

5 Tips to Be the Ultimate Holiday Host (or Designated Host Extraordinaire!)

Whether you’re throwing a cozy holiday party, hosting a corporate mixer, or celebrating a big life milestone, being a great host—or having a designated host—can make all the difference. Think of a host as the secret ingredient to a memorable event: someone who ensures guests are happy, entertained, and, most importantly, relaxed. Hosting doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it’s all about making the experience enjoyable for everyone, including yourself! Let’s dive into five tips that will make you the ultimate holiday host. 

1. Warm Welcomes: Set the Vibe from the Start

The moment your guests walk in, greet them with a smile, a genuine “I’m so happy you’re here!” and, if possible, a drink in hand. A simple welcome immediately sets a friendly, relaxed tone. Give a quick tour of the space—show them where they can stash their coats, the restroom location, and, of course, where the food and drinks are. You want your guests to feel like they belong, not like they’re wondering where to hover next.

Pro Tip: Have a signature drink or a fun mocktail ready to offer as a conversation starter! Check-out our favorite recipes HERE

2. The Great Connector: Introduce, Introduce, Introduce

We’ve all been to events where you unintentionally cling to the one person you know. Don’t let that happen at your gathering! Make it your mission to introduce guests to each other, especially those from different circles. Pair up people with shared interests (“You both love hiking! You have to swap trail stories!”). Not only will this prevent cliques from forming, but it also keeps the energy flowing.

Pro Tip: Have a few icebreaker questions in your back pocket in case the chatter needs a little boost.

3. Keep Drinks Full and Snacks Flowing

One of the simplest ways to keep the good times rolling? Make sure no one’s glass goes empty or plate goes bare. Regularly check in with your guests to offer drink refills or pass around snacks. If you’ve hired staff, work with them to ensure they’re circulating at the right pace. Nothing kills a vibe like an empty appetizer tray or a parched guest!

Pro Tip: Set up a self-serve drink station or grazing table to make things easy, but still float around to check in.

4. Venue Management: Keep the Space in Check

Behind every seamless event is someone quietly managing the details. Be that person or have someone designated to manage the venue flow. Keep an eye on trash cans (empty them before they overflow), check on the food supply, and ensure the music is at the perfect volume. You don’t need to micromanage—just be aware so small issues don’t turn into big distractions.

Pro Tip: Hire help! Companies like Party Host Helpers can handle these logistics so you can focus on enjoying the event, not managing it.

5. Keep it Light, Fun, and Celebratory

Remember: this is a celebration! If the host is stressed, guests will feel it. Be playful, be present, and laugh at the little mishaps (because let’s face it, there will be a few). Your energy will set the tone, so if you’re having fun, your guests will too.

Pro Tip: Have a couple of quick games or activities up your sleeve in case there’s a lull—it’s always good to keep things lively!

Bonus: Don’t Forget the Thank-Yous!

As the party winds down, thank your guests for coming and send them off with a warm farewell. If you really want to go the extra mile, a small parting favor (like a mini treat or keepsake) can leave a lasting impression.

Final Thoughts:
Hosting isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a space where people feel welcome, cared for, and entertained. Whether you’re hands-on or hiring help, a little thoughtfulness goes a long way. So, pour yourself a drink, smile big, and enjoy the party—you’ve got this!

Rethinking Wedding Favors: A Modern Take on a Classic Tradition

June 12, 2024 Paige Thom Leave a comment Blog, Uncategorized

Rethinking Wedding Favors: A Modern Take on a Classic Tradition

Recently, we shared a TikTok in our “Wedding Etiquette pt. 15” series, diving into the traditional practice of wedding guest favors. This sparked an engaging conversation about the relevance of these tokens in today’s weddings, and we couldn’t help but express our evolving views on this age-old custom. This had us Rethinking Wedding Favors, offering A Modern Take on a Classic Tradition.

The tradition of giving wedding favors is steeped in history, tracing back to the French aristocracy and upper classes. The term “wedding favor” originates from the French word bonbonnière, which literally means “box of bonbons.” These bonbonnières were luxurious small gift boxes filled with sweets or other treats, bestowed upon guests as a gesture of gratitude and to wish them good luck.

While this tradition carries a certain charm, we believe it’s time to modernize and personalize the concept of wedding favors. The days of generic chocolates, mints, and trinkets are behind us. Instead, we are advocating for favors that enhance the wedding experience, reflect the couple’s personality, and offer genuine value to guests. Here are some of our favorite contemporary favor ideas:

1. Calligraphy Keepsakes

Introduce a touch of elegance and personalization with a live calligraphy artist at your reception. They can create bespoke items for guests throughout the evening, such as luggage tags, themed cups, or key chains. These keepsakes not only align with your wedding theme but also provide a unique, memorable experience for your guests.

WBL : G + A Wedding
WBL : G + A Wedding
Photo Credit : Wedding Wire
Photo Credit : Be One Letter

 

2. Personalized Bottles

For weddings at vineyards, in Italy, or in Sonoma, consider gifting personalized bottles of wine or olive oil. Elevate this favor by having a sommelier on-site to educate guests about the bottle they’re receiving. This not only adds an interactive element but also deepens the appreciation of the gift.

Photo Credit : MICHELE BECKWITH
Photo Credit : Carats & Cake

3. Late Night Bites

If your celebration extends into the late hours, offer a “late night bite” option. Personalize containers or tickets and surprise your guests with a delicious treat they can enjoy immediately. This thoughtful gesture will be a welcome delight as the night progresses.

Photo Credit : ELYSE HALL PHOTOGRAPHY
WBL : M + K Wedding

 

4. A Flower for the Night

Channel the romance of classic movies with a single, beautiful flower or a small bouquet for each guest. This simple yet elegant gesture allows guests to enjoy a touch of natural beauty throughout the evening and take a piece of the celebration home with them.

WBL : M + K Wedding
WBL M + K Wedding

When selecting wedding favors, we like to follow a few guiding principles:

  1. Enhance the Experience: Does the favor add to the overall wedding experience?
  2. Personalization: Is the favor personalized for the guest?
  3. Practicality: Will guests actually want or use this item?
  4. Convenience: Is it easy for guests to use on-site or take home (considering travel, hotels, etc.)?

In reimagining wedding favors, we encourage couples to think beyond tradition and opt for items that are meaningful, memorable, and truly enhance their guests’ experience. Whether it’s through personalized calligraphy, a taste of fine wine, a late-night snack, or a romantic flower, the right favor can leave a lasting impression and a heartfelt thank you.

A Dreamy Italian Inspired Wedding at Hilton Lake Las Vegas

May 13, 2024 Paige Thom Leave a comment Blog, Uncategorized

Emily & Ra’s Timeless Spring Celebration: A Dreamy Italian Inspired Wedding at Hilton Lake Las Vegas

Wedding Day Team:

Photographer: Amber & Co Photography

Videographer: Lex Get Raw

Venue: Lake Las Vegas Hilton

String Quartet: Las Vegas Music Oasis

Hair & Make-Up : Beauty Studios Inc

In the picturesque setting of early spring, amidst the allure of Lake Las Vegas, Emily and Ra embarked on a journey to bring the timeless romance of the Italian coast to life. Choosing the stunning Hilton Lake Las Vegas as their venue, the WBL team helped to craft a celebration that seamlessly blended classic elegance with natural luxury. Leaving a lasting impression on our couple and their guest.

 

A Romantic Setting To Say “I DO”

Nestled within the beauty of Hilton Lake Las Vegas, Emily and Ra found the perfect backdrop for their dream wedding. With its stunning Italian chapel overlooking the tranquil waters, the stage was set for a ceremony that exuded romance and sophistication. In the early spring sun, the couple exchanged vows in a heartfelt ceremony, surrounded by the love of their closest family and friends.

Tented Reception by the Water

Following the ceremony, guests were treated to a reception under a beautifully adorned tent. This offered all guest panoramic views of the gorgeous water at sunset. The atmosphere was nothing short of magical as laughter and joy filled the air, creating memories that will last a lifetime. The tented reception provided the perfect blend of elegance and intimacy, allowing guests to dine and dance the night away.

 

Timeless Elegance in Decor

Emily and Ra envisioned a wedding style that was both classic and natural. They asked our team for a focus on lush draping greens and timeless white florals. Working closely with our WBL design studio, we brought the couple’s vision to life in every detail of the wedding design. From the elegant drapery adorning the chapel doors to the exquisite floral arrangements gracing the reception tables, every element was meticulously curated to reflect the beauty of the Italian coast.

Floral Magic

The floral team at WBL design studio played a pivotal role in bringing Emily and Ra’s vision to fruition. In particular, when designing Emily’s unique bridal bouquet, a challenge arose. Following a delayed bloom, our specialty floral farm was unable to provide the requested stephanotis, crucial for the bouquet’s foundation. As a result, just two days before the wedding, our design team managed to procure the nearest substitute: white tweedia and lily of the valley.

Conclusion

As the night sky sparkled with stars, Emily and Ra’s timeless celebration came to a close. They headed off, leaving behind memories that will be cherished by everyone for years to come. From the romantic setting of Lake Las Vegas to the elegant decor, every aspect of their wedding day was a testament to their love. And as they embarked on the next chapter of their journey together, they knew that their love would only continue to grow stronger with each passing day.

Ready to start planning your dream wedding day? Reach out for your one-on-one consultation today! REQUEST HERE

~Las Vegas Based Destination Wedding Planners~