Warwick Applefest 2014

Sorry we have been MIA lately. We have been gearing up for Warwick Applefest which is takes place tomorrow! If you live near the Warwick, NY area, make sure you stop by to enjoy this family friendly festival. It starts at 10 AM and goes until 5 PM. We promise you will not be disappointed. For me information on Applefest log onto www.warwickapplefest.com

A Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate Birthday Celebration

This week is a special birthday, so we are planning a party based on all of the guest of honor's favorites - wine, cheese, and chocolate. Yum - the pairing possibilities are endless!

Here are some beautiful table displays that will help inspire us for this weekend's party.

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Save the Date

One of the most exciting things about getting married is sending out your Save the Dates because it's the first time you get to "officially" announce your wedding information to your lucky guests.

Now here's a tip - you want to make sure that you send out your Save the Date announcement typically 6 months before the wedding takes place. It helps guests start to plan, especially if they are coming from a distance. Not to mention it gets them excited for the big day!

There are a lot of options out there for possible Save the Dates, so we have complied a list of our favorites. Enjoy...

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Rainbow Sangria

We can't express how excited we are to go to the various Labor Day parties we have lined up this weekend! Nothing beats a BBQ with friends; even if it means it's the end of summer. 

This year the drink of choice is Rainbow Sangria. 

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Here is how to make it.

Ingredients

• 1 refrigerated bottle dry white wine
• 3 Tbsp. granulated sugar or honey
• 2 Tbsp. lime juice
• 8 cups diced rainbow fruit (*see below*)
• 2 oz. brandy 
• 1/2 cup club soda or ginger ale 

Method

Combine wine, sugar/honey, lime juice, brandy, club soda, and stir until combined. Then add the fruit in the various colors. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. 

The Fruit 

To make a rainbow of fruit, you will need bite-sized fruit in the following colors. 

• Red: strawberries, raspberries, pomegranates
• Orange: mandarin oranges, any other kind of orange/clementine wedge
• Yellow: fresh (not canned) pineapple
• Green: kiwi, green grapes
• Blue: blueberries
• Purple: red grapes, blackberries

Ultimate '90s Party!

The other day while trolling around on the internet we found by far the best (in our opinion) themed party...

Want to learn how to throw the Ultimate '90s Party (we know you do)? Then check out this article from Buzz Feed.

Non-Traditional Wedding Cake Toppers

We love that nowadays people are stepping outside the traditional box and taking some creative freedom when it comes to planning their wedding. 

People are throwing away that cookie cutter mold and personalizing their wedding in all aspects - even their cake toppers! Here are a few fun non-traditional wedding cake toppers. Which one is your favorite?

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Backyard Movie Bash

This weekend we are getting together with friends to watch some of our all-time favorite movies. But instead of doing it inside we are going to take advantage of the warm weather and have a backyard movie bash!

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The first (and most important) step is to get an over-sized screen to view your movie on. The easiest and most cost effective way is to throw up a plain white sheet and use a projector, but if you want to get a bit fancy, you and purchase an inflatable widescreen movie screen like this one from Target. Either option will allow you to sit back, relax and watch a movie on the “big screen.”

After you have decided which screen you would like to use, you need to figure out seating. You can use blankets, chairs, lawn cousins, pillows, really whatever you have laying around the house. Just make sure it’s something soft and conformable. And don't forget, it can get cold out so make sure to supply your guests with extra blankets. 

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 Next step is to figure out the food situation. Popcorn is a must! You can't have movie night with salty delicious popcorn. You can make this beforehand or make it throughout the night by using an Old Fashion Popcorn Maker. You can either rent one from your local party supply store or buy one from places like Best Buy or Kohl's.

You will also need something to put your popcorn in. We love these popcorn boxes form Williams-Sonoma.

And don't forget to provide your guests with different popcorn seasons. You can purchase them from your local specialty grocery store or online from Kernel Season's.

You will also have to have something sweet. Give your guests lots of different snack sized options that they can either have on the side or if they are daring - add to their popcorn.

Some fun combinations are 

• Popcorn, Sour Skittles and M&Ms
• Popcorn, Snow Caps and Cookie Dough Bites
• Popcorn, Sour Patch Watermelon Kids and Starburst Minis
• Popcorn, Snickers Bites and Reese's Pieces

For more fun candy combinations check out this post from Buzz Feed

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After all of that sweet and salty goodness, you will need to wash it down with a nice cold beverage. Give your guests a couple of different options – sods, ice tea, lemonade, water, etc. Or if you want to have something alcoholic (one of the perks of being at home) make a Vanilla Rum Cola.

Last but not least, don’t forget to supply your guests with bug spray and candles/flashlights. Two key items that are essential for having a movie bash outside.