Last night, Mrs. Emerald and I went to an event thrown by the fabulous writer of the equally fabulous blog, Hostess with the Mostess. We had a little champagne, tasted a few hors d’ouevres, and gossiped about the other guests and the location. All in all, it was quite a fun evening!
The event was sponsored by Chambord liquor which meant lots of yummy raspberry flavored cocktails. Blue Plate catered and impressed me a bit with their hors d’ouevres and desserts- not the quantity, because we headed straight for dinner afterwards, but the tastes were great. The only thing that was a bit of the bummer was the location. The Ivy Room at Tree Studios has been talked up as this magical new Chicago venue. I was under the impression that it was mostly an outdoor space, but the focus of the venue is the large ballroom overlooking a beautifully landscaped patio. I don’t want to say too much, but… meh. Our word for the evening was “vanilla.”
Jenn Sbranti, the founder of HWTM, was our hostess and walked us through an easy “Tropical Zen Soiree.” Although none of the ideas were earth shattering, she made the execution seem simple, yet stylish. Everything was quite affordable and do-able, and I was inspired to be a little more theme oriented with my dinner parties. Jenn was great, too! We were able to talk with her for a bit about how she started her business and where she plans to take her site.
Something about the lighting in the room made the pictures awful- anything that was remotely far away come out purely black, even with the flash, and the flash washed out our faces to the point that I didn’t want to post these pictures. I am, however, willing to take one for the team in the hopes that the WB readers can imagine me with makeup and blue eyes rather than red.
Me, Jenn Sbranti (THE hostess with the mostess) and Mrs. Emerald pose for a photo.
Unique ways to present your menu
Raspberry sorbet, Chambord and Korbel. Yummers.
Jenn’s suggestion of a way to present the appetizers.
The place setting. Check out the little coconut cups- they were our favor for the evening!
A very simple and straight forward centerpiece, although it really glams up the table.
Another easy centerpiece. Jenn made one of these as a demonstration.
Jenn mentioned that her next stop is in NYC shortly after Fashion Week. The focus of the event will be more high fashion cocktails rather than luau. I definitely recommend signing up. It was free, the drinks were yummy and we learned a few easy ways to perk up a dinner party.
I enjoyed reading about this and seeing all of the fun ideas… thanks!
just had to comment and say that you (adorable dress!) and Mrs. Emerald look so cute!
I was at that event too! I agree… I really didn’t understand what all they hype was about with that space… “vanilla” is a great descriptor…
Thanks so much for the recap! It was wonderful meeting you and Mrs. Emerald too - I was so excited to have some Wedding Bees at the event! I’m a big fan of this blog as well 
Good luck with the rest of your wedding planning…I was reading some of your older posts, and it sounds like you’ve had some added stress with all the vendor issues :0 Only have a few more months to go though, then all that will be behind you and I’m sure you will REALLY be able to enjoy that honeymoon! (And good thing there’s always shopping in the meantime!)
And sorry you guys were bummed about the venue. I’m not from Chicago, so I didn’t realize there was so much hype regarding it before we got there. Because of the rain, we weren’t able to serve cocktails and desserts in the outdoor courtyard, which was our original plan and was a major bummer for us too because we had to set all the cocktails up in the downstairs indoor area instead. The courtyard was a pretty area with all the trees (and would’ve looked great adorned with paper lanterns - also our original plan), but I agree that it would be very tight for an actual wedding! The ballroom was much, much bigger.
Anyways, thanks again for coming, and best of luck with everything!
Cheers,
Jenn
Hi Miss Peacock,
I am also in Chicago and attended the Hostess w/ the Mostess event. If you are looking for another Chicago gal to go to any events with, let me know. I am engaged to be married next June. cpecenco@hotmail.com
Miss Peacock, Chicago
Age and Occupation: 26, PhD Student
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Internet Whiz
Engagement Date: December 5, 2006
Wedding Date: September, 2008
Blogging Since: December 13, 2007
Venue: St. Clement Church, Cafe Brauer (or a big church wedding and a fancy party at a cafe in Lincoln Park.
About Me: I am a grad student with a secret obsession for all things wedding related. I also love to read, travel, drink champagne and go for walks with our dog, Maisy, and Mr. Peacock. We are planning our very vintage wedding in the greatest city in the world, our hometown of Chicago. I am so proud to be a Bee!
come to sf come to sf!!!!