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

We often get asked how to stage the perfect proposal.  And, our advice is simple…hire professionals! CCE ladies enjoy the beginning process for a journey of marriage planning. Adding to our collection of events, we recently orchestrated the most romantic proposal! Best part, the young man we assisted, has been a long time client of CCE! We staged all the romantic details from the oversized floral bouquet, champagne, entertainment, and personalized signaged for the couple and their family members. The gemstone exhibit at the Field Museum was premier placement for the perfect proposal. We added the personalized notecard, (which included “Will You Marry Me?) and placed it inside a gemstone case at the museum’s iconic Gem Hall with the gorgeous engagement ring. Sitting among ancient gems worth millions, sat the diamond ring purchased through CCE’s long time partner and jeweler, in Barrington. CCE worked closely with the security team at the Field Museum to ensure the safety of the display until the couple arrival. When the young bride-to-be noticed the special sign and engagement ring, our client got down on one knee to officially ask for her hand. After she said yes, our newly engaged couple was serenaded by a past CCE client/wedding couple with a few love songs and bubbles! The one-of-a kind event was impressive and memorable. CCE believes that planning a proper proposal sets the tone for a couple’s future celebrations. Excited to take on a potential bridal shower and future nuptials, we can’t wait to continue on this journey with the charming pair!    

Does your morning routine involve the phrase, ‘I have nothing to wear?’ Maybe it’s not what you don’t have, but it’s how it’s presented to you. An organized closet and or home provides an organized and stress-free life. An admirable partner of ours, Posh Services, LLC., is a premier business offering individualized consultation in organization, design, and personal services. Founder, Sue Foley’s expertise in planning and executing the perfect layout for your home or office helps put your mind at ease with projects and errands. She’s a personal concierge who understands client’s needs and exceeds their expectations. Whether you’re preparing for a big event or need a hand with an everyday hassle, Sue will ensure that every detail is taken care of. From moving items and furniture placement, to decoration design and details, Posh Services does it all. So the next time you open your cabinet or closet and feel overwhelmed, call Sue to alleviate your concerns! With style,

Worried about making reservations? Trying to plan the perfect night out? CCE encourages you to stay in this Valentine’s Day and treat your sweetheart to a romantic date at home. Sweet surprises can be incorporated into the evening that will make going out seem conventional and boring. Start the memorable date with a flower delivery early in the day- a fun and flirty gesture to set the tone for the night. Make the meal meaningful by ordering food from your loved one’s favorite restaurant or caterer. Even better, cooking a meal for your sweetheart is endearing and thoughtful.  Set the table and mood for your date with an intimate display of candles, pretty napkins and petite desserts. Dedicate your date to details, and show him or her how much you care. CCE’s specialty is personalized place-settings; reach out to us for ideas or help with organizing the whole affair. No matter what you present, or how it’s put together, know that an intimate date night ‘in’ will make your Valentine feel extra special and loved at the holiday. With style,