Another year means that Pantone has chosen a new color of the year. Be prepared to see a lot of purple this year as the 2014 color of the year is radiant orchid. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, describes the choice of radiant orchid perfectly:

For this reason, radiant orchid is sure to be a popular color choice not just for events but also for weddings in 2014. Here are some great ways that you can incorporate this vibrant hue into your wedding planning for 2014...

My first choice of integrating the color of the year into your event design is with the floral bouquets. Set against your white dress the purple bouquet will really pop. Create your bouquet using flowers in varying purple hues to make it unique like this one below.

With Radiant Orchid as your wedding color you want to look for fun ways to incorporate the shade into the wedding so as not to over-do it. Taking the color and using it for your place cards, like these from The Frosted Petticoat, or creating labels, like the ones on the wine bottles, is the perfect solution!

When it comes to choosing a color to pair with radiant orchid it is best to stick with neutral tones. Golds, silvers, grays, tans, and whites are perfect choices for weddings. A great example is this pairing of champagne and orchid from Every Last Detail. 

Here is another great coloring pairing example from La Fete Weddings. The use of the clear stones, mirrors and silver table accessories really lets the purple shine as the statement color without it being overwhelming.

You don't have to shy away from integrating the color into your food and beverage choices. Create a candy and dessert bar with a variety of purple, white and gold candies like this one from Style Unveiled or have your caterer create a signature cocktail in the radiant orchid hue.

And you can't forget about your bridesmaids! Radiant orchid will be found in women's fashion throughout 2014, so finding dresses for your girls will be easy to do. A great option is to have your girl's chose dresses in a variety of shades which will blend together perfectly when they are all standing by your side on your wedding day.

There are just so many options when it comes to finding ways to include the Pantone color of the year into your wedding! What is your favorite radiant orchid wedding idea?

xoxo
Megan

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Last week was Restaurant week in Charlottesville and the girl's and I were finally able to get together for a fun night out! In Charlottesville Restaurant Week is hosted twice a year and is something I love looking forward to. It is a great time to try out a new restaurant, enjoy some amazing food and help raise money for a local charity. You can read more about this amazing charity week from checking out my post here or by heading over to CharlottesvilleRestaurantWeek.com. This time the girl's and I decided to try out a restaurant none of us had been to before and Shadwell's Restaurant did not disappoint! Everyone was so friendly, we enjoyed some amazing wine and somehow we ended up eating every last bit of food on our plates! Here are some pictures from our night out on the town...

To start the evening my first course was the delicious scallops rockefeller with sauteed spinach, bacon and lemon cream sauce.

Followed by the main course of filet tenderloin medallions with red wine and wild mushroom sauce served with mashed potatoes, marinated grilled asparagus and grilled tomatoes.

And to end the meal I couldn't resist ordering the chocolate molten souffle a la mode...it was heaven!

Since this was girl's night out we just had to order a little vino with dinner too. How can it be girl's night out without wine?

I cannot wait for when Restaurant week comes back to town in July! Does the city you live in host a restaurant week too? What is your favorite way to try out new restaurants? Happy Monday!

And because I can't resist, here is my favorite commercial from last night's Super Bowl (since there really wasn't much of a game to watch)...

xoxo
Megan

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This has been one crazy week as I have been getting ready for two big events at work this weekend. Even with all the craziness I cannot wait for Sunday to get here (besides the fact that I will finally get some much needed rest) as it is Super Bowl Sunday!!! I love watching all the new ad's, dancing along to the half time performance, enjoying some delicious tailgate/football food one last time, oh and watching a little bit of the game (but that is totally optional). While I am still figuring out what I want to make for this year's Super Bowl festivities I did find some adorable (and easy) crafts that you can put together and have ready for Sunday's festivities. Enjoy!

Football Mason Jars

If you grew up in the south mason jars are a staple in your house hold and used for everything from canning to vases and glassware to workshop jars. This Sunday pull out those jars (wash them) and grab a roll of white electrical or washi tape to turn your jars into footballs like blogger Flamingo Toes did. At the end of the evening you can pull off the tape and add this to the list of why mason jars are the best. 

Football Coasters

And while you are making your football mason jars don't forget that its a must to have coasters to go with them! These burlap football coasters, created by Stitched by Crystal, are the perfect solution! They take just minutes to make and can event be customized with your team's colors if you so desire. For the complete step-by-step instructions head on over to Snap Creativity.

Football Field Buffet Table

And last, but not least, here is a fun way to get your buffet table ready for the big game. With green felt, white duck tape and white vinyl you can turn your party buffet into your own football field like blogger A Night Owl did. Check out her easy how-to instructions on her blog and get your table ready for its own party kickoff. For an extra touch you can make your own football banner from the leftover duck tape, curling ribbon and brown construction paper.

Are you making something fun for this year's Super Bowl? 

Good luck to all the Seahawk and Broncos fans this weekend! Who are you cheering for this year?

xoxo
Megan

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When it comes to the Super Bowl there are only a few things that come to mind when putting together a successful party:

1. Drinks
   
2. a BIG TV
   
3. Friends
   
4. and FOOD!

This is one party that has its main focus on the drinks and the food (mostly to help with the excessive drinking). You can theme your Super Bowl snacks to your team, pull out your tailgating favorites or just opt for something to keep you warm. With kickoff this Sunday at 6:30PM it is time to get your grocery list together and put together the perfect Super Bowl menu. Here are my ten favorite Super Bowl snacks for this year's bowl game...

1. Football Pizza Pockets from Picture the Recipe
2. Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites from Two Peas & Their Pod
3. Sweet and Sour Meatball from TableSpoon
4. Chocolate Oatmeal Cream Pie Footballs from Shugary Sweets
5. Cheesy Bacon Oven Chips from Vittles and Bits
6. BLT Dip from The Girl Who Ate Everything
7. Ham and Cheese Sliders from Gina's Italian Kitchen
8. Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese from Tidy Mom
9. Queso Blanco Dip from Seeded at the Table
10. Bloomin' Onion Bread from The Girl Who Ate Everything

Now I just need to decide which yummy Super Bowl snack that I am going to make for the game this Sunday. What is your favorite recipe to make for the Super Bowl?

xoxo
Megan

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As I am currently sitting at my computer trying not to shake like a crazy person, I thought it was only fitting to put together the perfect party idea that will be sure to warm all your guests up nice and quick: a Hot Chocolate Bar. This is the perfect accessory for any party or get together you might be hosting this winter and the customization options are endless. While I am trying to keep my fingers and toes warm I hope you all enjoy!

What you will need to make a hot chocolate bar:

• Hot Chocolate Mix
  
• Cups
  
• Spoons
  
• Straws
  
• Delicious Mix-Ins
  

To setup your hot chocolate bar you can set out hot water and cocoa mix or you can premix a batch for your guests to enjoy. If you premix the hot chocolate a great way to keep it warm is to serve it in a crock-pot with a ladle for your guests to serve themselves. 

These mix-ins could really be anything that you can think of! Here are some great suggestions to get you started:

To spruce up your hot chocolate bar a little more you can put out festive cups or a fun array of mugs as well as some decorative paper straws. Those adorable striped and polka dotted straws are always a hit with any kind of drink! And don't slack on the presentation of your mix-ins either. Serve them in a variety of fun glassware with cute signs letting your guests know what each item is.

And for those who are looking for an adult mix-in try Bailey's, cinnamon liquor, Frangelico, peppermint schnapps or Kahlua. Anyone you choose (or all of them) will be sure to keep you warm and toasty!

What is your favorite thing that you like to add to a cup of hot chocolate? I hope everyone is staying warm! Have a wonderful weekend!

xoxo
Megan

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Every now and then I come across a great new event planning tool that I just have to share with you all. Recently this one found me: SquadUP. After browsing through the website and talking with one of the co-founders (hey Austen!) I can't believe that I haven't run across this site before. The idea behind this site is pretty simple (and amazing!)...

Everything about SquadUP is so easy to use. When you go to their site you simply click "create an event," enter your event information, customize your event page and you are ready to go! Whether you are hosting a charity fundraiser, bachelor/bachelorette weekend getaway, a Superbowl Party or a friend's birthday extravaganza, SquadUP is the perfect tool for the event host or hostess. You have to check it out!

Here are some great reasons why you should start using SquadUP today:

1. Connect with the TOP Social Networks
As a host, you are in charge of sending invitations, tracking RSVPs, disseminating event-specific details, and updating your friends when those details change. SquadUP solves each of these challenges by allowing you to reach friends, and friends of friends, via Facebook, email, and twitter, with beautifully designed custom invitations.

2. Easy Access Anytime
You create a custom webpage for your event where you're able to message guests and track RSVPs, all in real-time. If your time, location, description, or any event-specific details change, SquadUP’s allows you to notify your guests and help them plan accordingly.

3. Easy Payment Methods
Collecting money from guests one by one can be a nightmare. SquadUP streamlines the process of collecting the money for your event and provides you with the ability to track funding every step of the way. You determine the amount you want to collect, how you'd like to receive your funds, and by what date. You can set multiple ticket prices, collect donations, and give out promo codes.

4. It's too easy NOT to use! 
You don't just have to take my word for it...

So be sure to head on over to SquadUP to plan your next event today! You can also connect with them through any of their social media networks below...

Do you have an event planning tool that you love to use? Let me know in the comments section below! Thanks SquadUP!

xoxo
Megan

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Growing up in my house Sunday dinners usually meant Chinese takeout. I kept up the tradition in college when I found a great Chinese delivery restaurant that delivered, because lets be serious by Sunday I wasn't moving unless I had to (if you know what I mean). As much as I love this tradition there are two big downsides that I have encountered: 1. most Chinese take-out is not exactly the healthiest food choice and 2. I can never seem to be able to eat just one serving. So last weekend when I had a craving for some General Taos Chicken I decided that instead of ordering in that I would make it myself! I have not made this dish before so like most things that I need a recipe for I went searching on Pinterest. I found what looked like a great recipe to try from blogger Joy & Passion and to make it event better, everything was prepared in a crock-pot! Life couldn't get any easier!! Here is how you can make your own General Taos Chicken next time you get a craving for Chinese food:

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 4 tsp minced garlic (I am not a huge garlic fan so I went a little on the light side)
• 3 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (or more if you like hot)
• 1 16-oz package stir fry veggies

Directions

1. Place your cutup chicken into the crock-pot. 
   
2. Combine remaining ingredients (except the veggies), pour over the chicken and set the crock-pot to cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.  
   
3. After the chicken has cooked all the way add your frozen veggies, recover and cook for another hour.
   
4. Serve over rice, rice noodles or enjoy by itself.
   

Not only was this a great healthy alternative to what I normally have delivered (solved problem #1), I was able to add more veggies, and I only prepared one serving of rice noodles (thus solving problem #2). This dish was extremely filling and I had plenty of leftovers to enjoy 3 other times this past week. I would have to declare this recipe officially pinned to my recipe page!

Do you have a favorite take-out dish that you have learned to make yourself? Be sure to share your recipe in the comments section below! Have a wonderful weekend!!

xoxo
Megan

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Well I don't know about you, but this cold weather has got me going crazy! It's not that I don't love winter, but I just am not in favor of the freezing cold weather that comes along with it. There are those of us who love enjoying all the seasons and then those of us who wish they could wear their sandals and summer dresses all year long (guess which one I fall into?). A few weeks ago I ran across something that really got me into the perfect spring/summer state of mind: the Pantone 2014 spring colors. This year's color pallet is a nice balance of pastels and brights that are sure to brighten any event you may be hosting this upcoming year. Here are ten great event ideas for incorporating these amazing colors into your events:

1. Placid Blue Vase Centerpiece
2. Violet Tulip Floral Bouquet
3. Hemlock Invitations from Paperlily Photography
4. Paloma Tablecloth from Style Me Pretty
5. Sand Colored Furniture and Table Runner from Project Wedding
6. Freesia Macarons from Cannelle et Vanille
7. Cayenne Party Balloons from Camera Shy Momma
8. Celosia Orange Koozie Favors from Lindsy Steinberg Events
9. Radiant Orchid Lighting from Theme from JAK
10. Dazzling Blue Velvet Cupcakes from Bake.Frost.Repeat.

I cannot wait to start using these colors for everything! Which of these Pantone colors are you looking forward to using most during your events this spring and summer?

xoxo
Megan

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When the weather outside is frightful, which it very well has been this past week, I love being able to pull on a pair of sweats and snuggling up with something warm to sip on. Since I am not a coffee person, I enjoy making a hot cup of tea or hot chocolate on days when it is just too cold for me to tolerate. However, on really cold days I sometimes like to add a little "something extra" to my drinks. With tomorrow being National Hot Toddy day I thought I would share with you a great recipe on how you can celebrate and stay warm at the same time. For those who don't know what this is a hot toddy is a drink made with honey, lemon, hot water and liquor. Here is how you can make your own hot toddy in celebration (and to stay warm!)

Ingredients:

• 2 oz whiskey
  
• 1 oz hot water
  
• 1 tablespoon honey
  
• 1 cinnamon stick
  
• a twist of lemon
  

Directions:

1. Coat the bottom on your tumbler with the 1 tablespoon of honey.
   
2. Pour in the liquor and top with the twist of lemon.
   
3. Pour your hot water into the glass and stir with the cinnamon stick. 
   
4. Enjoy!
   

As with most recipes, the hot toddy can be made many different ways depending on where you are from. Here are some great variations on this classic drink that you can try as well from Urbanspoon:

What is your favorite drink to warm-up with?

xoxo
Megan

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You have decked the halls and rang in the new year with yule tide cheer, but just because the decorations have been put away doesn't mean it's time to stop celebrating. January may bring snow and cold (or below freezing!!) temperatures but that is all the better reason to gather some friends for some fun celebrations. This month has some pretty fun and ironic reasons to party, but if you think about it do you ever really NEED a reason to party when you are with your friends? 

1. January 8th: Show and Tell Day at Work. What could be better than reliving your favorite show and tell moments from elementary school as an adult? 

2. January 11th: National Hot Toddy Day. With all this snow and cold weather this is the perfect reason to celebrate and stay warm.

3. January 14th: National Dress Up Your Pet Day. While your pet may not love this holiday it sure is fun to find them cute outfits to wear! 

4. January 15th: Hat Day. Now this is a fun party theme! What is the silliest hat that you own?

5. January 16th: National Nothing Day. A day when you can officially celebrate not having to celebrate anything. Now this might get a little confusing… 

6. January 19th: National Popcorn Day. It’s the perfect time to host your own popcorn party! 

7. January 24th: National Peanut Butter Day. Without this yummy treat we would not have PB&J’s, peanut butter cookies or my favorite candy Reece’s. Now that is a very good reason to celebrate! I’m thinking a PB&J party would be perfect! 

8. January 25th: Opposite Day. January is just filled with confusing holidays. So to celebrate are you not supposed to celebrate? 

9. January 26th: National Pistachio Day. How do you eat your pistachios?

10. January 29th: National Puzzle Day. See if you can solve who did it by hosting a murder mystery party in celebration of National Puzzle Day.

What will be your reason to party this month? Hope you all are able to stay warm!

xoxo
Megan

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