Valentine's Day Breakfast

Every year, at least once we are honored to receive a call from the KSFY morning show asking if we will put together an event with their corresponding show.  In the past we have talked Oscars, 4th of July and Spread the word.  This morning I got to chat up the holiday of LOVE! Nancy of Shawn and Nancy's morning show called last week to see if I was available.  I always say YES! I have a blast every time I appear on the show, plus it gives me the opportunity to show all of the early risers what kind of creativity we are capable of! The trickiest part of the show is you have one awkward shaped table and very limited amount of time to whip out the creation.  Oh and you have to be super quiet...if you know me, you know this is a challenge! I wanted to create a t able that anyone at home can recreate for their girlfriends or their kiddo's.  Every day that we wake up is an incredible miracle so why not celebrate it! Please note that these photos were all from my iPhone and don't judge!

Take a look at a few of the items we whipped up!

        

A Reason to W(h)ine

A Reason to W(h)ine  “Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant, every day more civilized.” – Andre SimonFall is creeping up faster than we have a chance say goodbye sangria season, but whoever said the fun has to stop after summer?! Hosting a wine tasting party is the perfect way to say au revoir to summer and bonjour to fall. With 10 vino options for under $15 and lots of cheese, your friends will be begging you to throw a party every week. InvitationsSet a date for your party and create invitations that scream, "Party time!" Your guests will counting down the days. I recommend keeping the guest list under 10 people. This way it will be more intimate and not overcrowded. If you wish to have guests contribute or make a donation to the very important cause of drinking wine, include this information on the invitation.The invitations pictured can be purchased online at: http://www.etsy.com/listing/95367466/wine-tasting-invitations-postcard?ref=tre-2722932364-6WINE. WINE. WINE.  “Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing.” – Ernest HemingwayHere is a list of red and white wines to get your shopping list started:Red Wines

1.  2009 Lindeman’s Bin 40 Merlot
2. 2009 Morse Code Shiraz
3. Robert Mondavi Private Selection Meritage 2010
4. 2009 Esser Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
5. 2008 Brancott South Island Pinot Noir

White Wines

1.  2011 Ecco Domani Moscato 2011
2. 2009 Brooks Amycas
3. Frisk Prickly Riesling 2011
4. 2011 Bandana Chardonnay-Torrontés
5. d'Arenberg The Stump Jump White 2010

If these don’t strike your fancy, ask an expert at a local wine shop for more options of the best buys at affordable costs.AppetizersPick foods that are bite size and easy to eat. Less the mess! Try antipasti kabobs, a cheese bar filled various cheese and crackers, fruit kabobs, and dark chocolate.Additional pairings can be found at : http://www.savory.tv/food-wine-pairing/Taste Wine like a (semi) ProStart by tasting the lightest white wines first and continue to the darkest red wines.Hold the glass only by the stem, since the heat of your hand will quickly warm the wine. This is a really easy one to forget...we are not drinking hot-cocoa, friends!Pour about 1 inch into a glass and note the color. Give the glass a good swirl for about 10 to 20 seconds, this allows oxygen into the wine. Take a deep sniff, continuing to do so as the wine settles in the glass. What is your first impression? Is the aroma strong or weak, what fruit flavors can you smell?Next, take a sip of the wine and move it around your mouth as if you are chewing it.Now consider what impression the wine is making. Is the palate weak or concentrated, what flavors can you detect and finally, does the wine make a strong impression or is it instantly forgotten after you swallow the remainder? Voilà, you’re a (semi) pro wine taster! Tasting NotesBy keeping wine tasting notes, you’ll be sure to remember what wine you absolutely can’t live without and which wines that made you cringe. Include the name of the wine, the aroma, color, flavor, and your overall evaluation. You’ll be happy you wrote it down after your third or fourth glass…Pre-party RemindersPut white wines on ice about 45 minutes before guests arrive so they are nicely chilled, and have napkins, utensils, and small plates in numerous places to help avoid any messy situations. You will also want water glasses for rinsing the mouth and cups for spitting in if necessary.Music is a must! Set the ambiance by playing a mix of Miles Davis, Norah Jones, Frank Sinatra, and throw in your favorites.Most importantly, do not stress out! This is supposed to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Hey, if you need a glass before your guests arrive, go right ahead! There is no better place to w(h)ine than enjoying a night filled with drinks, food, and great friends. ‘Tis the season for wine, let the tasting begin!Cheers,Kaitlin Christenson, Serendipitous Events Intern

Invitations, RSVP's and all the drama in between!

A blog for the Host and the Guest...An invitation sets the tone for any event! It tells your guests what to wear, what behavior to bring and gives all of the details! An invitation tells your guests if your event will be formal, or wild or perhaps lets them know if gifts are OK to bring or not!Always be sure to double and triple check your invites for all the correct information! Call the phone numbers, Google the addresses and check the spelling!Sending a pre stamped RSVP card will help you to get more RSVP's back than without the stamp, but lets get real people are horrible at sending back response cards! PEOPLE please get better about sending back your cards...Hosts need to know if you will attend! While on the topic of response/RSVP cards I would like to add a few notes! My soap box perhaps! :)1.  If an envelope is addressed to you and your spouse or guest do NOT think it is OK to bring your children, cats, dogs and imaginary friends2. This is not your wedding...do not judge someone for not wanting kids at their wedding or for not inviting every single cousin, 2nd cousin, relative or friend.3. Weddings have taken on many different forms than in recent history! Weddings are becoming more popular on Fridays and Sundays...Be hip, be cool, do whatever you want to do!There are couples who have gone to online RSVP's and even online invitations...Great if you are sure that your Grandmother and Grandfather have the internet and will have a clue what is going!

This land was made for you and me!

Good Morning America! Serendipitous Events made a guest appearance on the ABC affiliate KSFY to celebrate America’s birthday! Chocolate-covered strawberries & sugar cones dipped in patriotic sprinkles, firecracker-inspired treats on skewers, & various glassware filled with borrowed-from-Christmas sparkly red décor joined together like the armed forces for a fun 4^th of July spread. Festive pinwheels & drinking straws displayed in mason jars brought an All-American feel to the table. Complete with red velvet cupcakes & letters to spell out the good old “U.S.A.”, what better way to celebrate Independence Day than with a little DIY fun?!!!Enjoy the photos and the fun of your day!Salud,Jessica