Sangria

When we were on one of our cruises, there was a Sangria bar. The bartender was this very cute girl from the Philippines, Mary.

Needless to say, we made great frineds with Mary (ha ha)....it was the best Sangria we ever had!!! Our last day, she gave us the recipe -- I love making it around the Holidays. It is festive, easy to make and the hit of the party!!!

We have also used this recipe at weddings and Events for a signature drink!

SANGRIA

1 bottle of dry red wine
1/4 C. of brandy
1/4 C. of light rum (I use Bacardi)
1/8 C. triple sec
1 liter ginger ale
1 C. sugar (I use 1/2 sugar and 1/2 splenda)
1 apple
1 pear
1 orange
1 lemon
1 lime

Mix wine, brandy, rum, triple sec and ginger ale together in a large jar with a tight lid or a pitcher with a tight lid. Cut fruit in small pieces, add to wine mixture. Cover jar or pitcher with lid and refrigerate for at least 12 hours before serving. Garnish with a fruit slice. (You can also add blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, etc.)

THANKSGIVING CENTERPIECE

I have taught several Holiday Decorating classes during my career as a Wedding/Event Planner/Designer---The one thing I always "stress" is utilizing materials you already have in your house or something that you can purchase inexpensively at the grocery store or craft store.

Years ago, my mom came up with this great centerpiece that is simple, easy and relatively inexpensive -- A Pineapple Turkey!!

Cut a double turkey head out of brown felt and stitch it together. (I use hot glue) Use red felt for his neck, Yellow or orange for his beak and "google" eyes. (Use image above as your guide).

Lay the pineapple on its side, slip the turkey head over the round end of the pineapple...the pineapple top is his feathers. If you have problems keeping the head on the pineapple, use toothpicks.

Thanksgiving is only a couple of weeks away. Entertaining your family and friends does not have to be expensive.

Make centerpieces from supplies you already have around the house---Large vases with candles and fall leaves, a bowl full of glass or real gords, a container full of leaves, pumpkins and fall ornaments make lovely centerpieces.

Instead of purchasing several types of alcohol, make a signature cocktail such as sangria, pumpkin or Apple Martini's, or Cinnamon Champagne Cocktails.

From now to Thanksgiving I will be posting fun holidays ideas and recipes -- so keep checking back!

Videographer

I cannot tell you how many times I hear from my clients that they don't want to hire a videographer because they are trying to save money and feel it is not a necessary expense.

This summer one of my assistants was married. Her Mom felt that way as well. After the wedding she told me how sorry she was she did't have a video because she missed so much!

You spend so much time and money planning your wedding that you don't want to miss a minute of it. With so many guests, photo sessions, etc., it is impossible NOT to miss something.

I have been married 22 years and we watch our video every year on our anniversary -- now for us it is a precious memory since our parents, grand parents and other family members are no longer with us. It is so great to remember them so happy!

A videographer can cost anywhere between $1,000.00 and $5,000.00 depending on what services you want.

If you really feel you want a video but can't afford it, look around and find someone that will give you the unedited footage...that will cost MUCH less since the editing takes so much time!!

Also, you may want to think about just having the ceremony taped.

There are options available to you, so don't cross a video off your list until you have researched all of the possibilities.