Planning a holiday party combined with all of the other seasonal tasks can be overwhelming; therefore, CCE suggests that you jot your ideas and ‘to do’s’  down on paper (or electronic device) to stay organized. Hosting a handful of closest family, or a guest list to include many significant people in your life is hectic, and you want to make sure that you can enjoy the event as much as them. Here’s some tips to get you started … 1.  Get photos of all your stationery – invitations, cocktail napkins, drink signage, and menus. Documenting these pieces remind you of how all the details came together. A keepsake of the occasion and the theme that went along with it. A great reminder for next year on what not to repeat to keep guests surprised and guessing.  2.  Eat! Most often I always here that the host forgets to eat! LOL.  I personally encourage our clients have a protein shake early on in the day and drink a lot of water to combat that blood sugar crash. Being satisfied and well hydrated will keep your energy levels and spirit up.  3. Show appreciation to your vendors. Take the time to prepare envelopes with cash before your party. They will be handy and easy to distribute once they leave. A mutual respect for those you work with will make that next party easier to orchestrate.   4.  Take a moment to relish in the accolades. Having holiday parties can be such a whirlwind; it’s easy for it to be a blur. Make a point to sit and have a drink or bite to eat with a guest. Enjoy the moment and holiday cheer. 5.  Hire a professional photographer to capture all your decor and special moments. You don’t want to miss all of

How to celebrate a centennial you ask? CCE was presented with the pleasure of planning such a joyous occasion. The incredible milestone was requested by our close client and we were honored to organize her mother’s celebration. The unique and understated affair complimented the birthday girl and her Polish heritage. Sabina’s day began by honoring her at church. Her spry age of 100 is one that is not seen by many and her community was pleased to join her in this recognition. The reception following the service was a welcoming and wildly delicious brunch. Fall colors and elegant floral arrangements filled the room to pay homage to her birth month. Family and friends toasted with their favorite signature drink, Chambord & Champagne. A talented family member illustrated the birthday girl, which was proudly displayed in the center of the dining room. The decadent dessert display included some of her Polish culture’s traditions; Kolaczki and Chrusciki; the perfect finale to Sabina’s sweet celebration. With style,

Christina Currie Events knows that organization, understanding vendor strengths, and knowing just what our clients want is important in executing a successful event. When it comes to planning corporate celebrations, there are specific dos and don’ts that must be followed for ultimate guest satisfaction. Let’s start with the Dos.  Begin the planning process early to ensure every detail is in place and carefully selected, so you won’t feel rushed or unable to get the desired elements. Less stress is best. Make sure you choose a space that makes sense for your party. Don’t let the price of the venue be your deciding factor. Take food, staff, location and overall space into consideration. Arrange with the venue plenty of time for setup, magic doesn’t just happen with a drop of the hat. Vendors will appreciate your consideration in allowing them ample time to bring everything together. Focus on the small details, it will make an impact and wow your guests. For example, provide unique audio/visual, map out seating arrangements, feature personalization with your corporate logo, and impress guests with the ambiance of the overall space. Of course, be organized! Hire a professional planner who will keep you in check with timelines, offer advice on loyal vendors, manage set up, run the day of events and ensure teardown is complete.   Now, the Don’ts.  Do NOT try to orchestrate everything yourself; keep calm by hiring a professional. Do not allow room for your guests to get bored. Elevate your entertainment, be creative. Live music to welcome your guests is the perfect greeting. Work with a DJ or band to play during dinner hour to create the appropriate mood. Present an interactive element; such as a photobooth. When leading up to the event, don’t skip on a vendor walk through. It is essential that all vendors understand your vision and

Americans associate the word with fun bits of paper used to decorate and or celebrate an occasion by adding flare to an atmosphere. In Italian culture, confetti has a whole different meaning. Also used to celebrate an occasion, they are sweet and symbolic favors used as traditional wedding parting gifts. In Italy, classic confetti are simple, sugar covered almonds, symbolizing the bitter and sweet to come. Today there are many varieties of confetti, available in different shapes and tastes. From classic dark chocolate and white chocolate, to richer flavors such as creams or fresh like fruit. The confetti are placed inside the bomboniera, a candy box or pouch, given by the spouses as a token to their guests. Confetti are always an odd number, usually 5, to symbolize the 5 essential qualities of marital life: health, prosperity, happiness, fertility and longevity. They’re made with care and intention, appealing to all different tastes. What a fun way to say-thank you! With style,

No, it’s not a misspelling, they are two different cookies! You might not realize that the decadent pastries that compliment showers, weddings and many tourist- favored bakeries come with different recipes.  The French macaron is a meringue-based cookie made with almond flour, egg whites, and granulated powdered sugar, then filled with buttercream, ganache, or fruit curd. The delicate treat has a crunchy exterior and a weightless interior with a soft ending that’s almost nougat like; very chewy! They range in color and taste, with the most popular flavors being pistachio, green tea, vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, espresso and raspberry.  The Italian version, the moist and dense coconut-based macaroon, is composed of egg whites, sugar, and dried coconut. These confections are often piped with a star-shaped tip, and sometimes dipped in chocolate or lemon flavored. Also, these treats can be frozen and enjoyed for up to three months due to their consistency. More time to savor and enjoy these crumbly sweets! Next time you’re at the sweet table and see a version of one of these, share this story with a fellow guest. It’s a great ice breaker or conversation piece with friends! With style,

Christina Currie Events (CCE) was recently consulted by a leading marketing online platform, PartySlate to discuss current bridal shower trends. It was a pleasure sharing ideas among other top event planners and designers in the industry. I talk about the importance of personalization in details, photo ops and creative entertainment as leading styles our clients are enjoying at these celebrations. CCE likes to honor the bride- to- be with elaborate backdrops and incorporate all their loves in life; colors, flowers, cocktails, etc. into the event’s theme. By understanding our clients’ likes, it helps us make their dream a reality. In the article, PartySlate highlighted our award nominated Dallas bridal shower, which focused on the element of surprise in entertainment. We wowed guests with a design your-own jewelry bar, showcasing colored pieces from the designer, Kendra Scott. CCE transformed Le Meridien Dallas into a jewelry boutique, offering a one-of-a kind experience and memorable keepsake for guests to cherish at home. The color palette for the affair was customized to match the luxury jewelry bar, a pristine white with touches of gold and blush and accents of metallic. This was truly a special affair for the bride-to-be and her closest friends and family. To view the article and photos, click Here. With style,

Finding the best way to say ‘thank you’ requires careful consideration, especially when someone goes above and beyond to accommodate your requests for a special event. CCE finds that couples who are planning destination celebrations, and requesting friends and family’s presence abroad, are looking for unique ways to show their appreciation. Travel can be stressful, expensive and confusing; therefore, destination swag require contents that are more meaningful and resourceful than most welcome gifts. Present guests with the ultimate welcome bag upon their arrival to a foreign land filled with special must-haves!  First, make the actual bag resourceful. For example, for our upcoming Tuscan wedding, we will be providing guests with a canvas bag filled with goodies when they walk into their room. This reusable bag will be convenient as they explore uncharted territories on their free time. An itinerary of the weekend’s events is a must, so they know where to be and when. This is reassurance for those who may have left their invitation at home, or new details that are relevant to the organized celebrations. A simple, yet convenient map of local landmarks is a great way for guests not to feel lost in a large city.  Practical items are essential as well. Sunscreen, bug spray, stomach meds, mints, and painkillers are a few of our favorites. Show your guests that your thinking of their well being and want to make sure they are having an exceptional experience as well. And, of course, fun treats! Place some sugary and savory snacks inside the goody bag to satisfy every sweet and salty tooth. Find local flavors or homemade goodies to make them even more enjoyable.  Last, but not least, include a personalized note. This gesture will seal the bag with extra love. A collection of all things combined will