Farewell 2014

With Less than than 48 hours left in this year I must say that is was pretty Good ! We learned a lot , we gave a lot and most importantly we grew a lot . I feel that 2014 has prepared me for all the blessings that 2015 is going to bring . So here is a recap of the things we did this year … be sure to stay tuned because so much more is coming and you won’t want to miss what’s coming up next !

Braylin’s Super Hero Bowling Bash :

Every year my son and I go back and forth over his birthday party theme … but this year was easy  I asked and he simply said that he wanted a “Super Braylin ” Birthday Party . I thought it was so cute and so fitting … because he really is a super cool kid ! This photo is of his super cool super hero cake ! I love when my local bakery can take all my craziness and turn it into a masterpiece !

Next Stop Kindergarten :

My first born transitioned from daycare to kindergarten … it was an emotional time for me but it is truly amazing to see him transform right in front of my eyes . So to celebrate his transition we had an Dr. Seuss themed party … this event was filled with Dr. Seuss Themed quotes and vibrant colors . This is a picture of his cupcake display

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Happy Birthday To My Leading Lady :

Anyone that knows me knows that my mom is my world… she has such a pure heart and a beautiful smile so when she turned sixty we had to shower her with Love . Her theme was ” Welcome To The Golden Years ” … I pray that when I turn sixty I have as much style and grace as you do !

 There Is So Much To Be Thankful For:

In my family we always alternate who hosts thanksgiving dinner and this year was our turn . My husband made fun of me because I spent countless hours playing with centerpieces and other decor items. I was more worried about decor than I was of the food… but in the end I was thankful that I had my family and friends all around my well decorated table … LOL!

Well Hello DollFace :

I was so honored to be apart of such an amazing event … DollFace Studio contacted us to transform their space from everyday use to and glamorous event space  . The Theme for their holiday party was Rustic Glam ! We have so much fun getting dolled up with the lovely ladies of DollFace Studio & Just B Beautiful .

The Bar At DollFace Studio’s Open House !

Cookies Are Not  Just For Santa :

Every Year during the Christmas Holiday my family gathers together to have cookie day … we laugh , we eat and bake cookies !!! The kids love it and so do we … well this year we decided to cut down an the alcohol cost and create a signature drink . This beauty is called ” The Winter White Cosmo ” … The recipe is not our own but it was oh so good !

As this year end we wish you all a happy and a prosperous new year !!!! So may new exciting things are coming in 2015 !!!! Hold On Tight Because It’s Going To Be An Amazing Ride !!!!

Written By : E. Wilkerson

Hello DollFace – Holiday Party

When I was asked to help with decor for the DollFace Studio in Philadelphia I was beyond thrilled and I couldn’t wait to jump right in . After speaking with them a few times their vision was very clear . The theme was rustic-glam and we delivered ! Decorations included : green floral arrangements , gold ascents, candles and white lights ! We absolutely loved working with them and meeting all their Dolls ! If you want the Best Boudoir Photos that money can buy go to DollFace Studio!
This is a shot of their dressing room …. The studio has a very romantic feel and it’s very intimate !

The Party had two signature cocktails … Cocktail # 1 was “Hello DollFace ” and the other was ” Marry Me Mojito “. Both beverages included Tito’s Vodka which was one of their amazing sponsors ! And the bar was decorated with martini glasses filled with gold and glittered Christmas balls and mason jars with  tea lights… with hint if glitter of course !

 

 

The food was nothing less than amazing !!!!!  When we contacted Sweet Pea Catering for this event they  were  instantly on board and she showed up and showed out .The custom menu included :

• Chicken Teriyaki Sticks
• Mini Taco Bowls
• Mini Chicken Salad Bites
• Bruchetta
• Fresh Fruit Tray
• Blueberry Cobbler
• Mini Blueberry and Raspberry Bites
• Sweet Peas Famous Pink Lemonade

 

 

 

More than Cakes was more than amazing !!!!!!  They provided white chocolate covered pretzels and mini dessert shooters…. they were oh so tasty !

 

Doll Face Studio really showed their dolls some love with these gifts bags … they had a little something something from each vendor /sponsor !

This was an amazing event for the EBE TEAM and we are truly blessed and honored that we were apart of it… We cant wait to work all of you in the future !

Happy Holidays!!!!!!

Please Visit the amazing vendors and the amazing sponsors :
DollFace Studio. : http://dollfacestudio.com
Just B Beautiful: http://www.justbbeautiful.com
Sweet Pea Catering : http://www.sweetpeacatering.org
More Than Cakes: http://www.morethancakesllc.com
Titos Vodka : http://www.titosvodka.com
The Bronzed Bee: http://www.thebronzedbee.com
Hope Chest Philadelphia: http://www.hopechestshop.com/lingerie-store-philadelphia.php

DIY APPROVED : Christmas Edition

Grab your crafting kits and let’s make something festive ! I love love love crafting .. It really gives me a sense of peace . I sit in my office turn on some music and craft away…it’s really my happy place ! So because its Christmas and I believe that you should spend the money on the kids … Here are three DIY projects that I will be doing to curve some of my spending

DIY Project # 1: Snowflake Wreath ! This project is quite simple …
Items You Will Need :
Wicker Wreath
Snowflake Christmas Ornament( two colors )
Mini Wooden Letters ( my favs are JOY ,HOPE & NOEL)
Hot Glue Gun w/ glue sticks

There is no real guide for this one … Make it your own … I honestly did this craft five times before I decided on a design.

DIY Project#2:Glittered Candle Holder !
I am a lover of all things GLITTERED!!!! This craft was so much fun to create …
Items You Will Need :
Three Glass Candle holders ( I have seen people use Mason Jars & Votive Candle Holders ) but I chose a different design because I love to be different !
Elmers Glue ( white glue )
Paint Brush
Glitter ( I chose silver but any color will do )

Directions :
Take the glue and the paint brush and paint the inside of your glass object … I painted close to the top so that the entire inside of the glass would have some glitter on it.After all your glasses have been painting ….Shake away ! Shake the glitter and roll it around in your object until all areas with glue are now covered .
Let the glitter and glue dry overnight and then add a votive candle to dish and light away .

DIY Project # 3: Peppermint Vodka
Yes I know … Some may think it would be easier to just buy the vodka from the store … But your friends and family will appreciate the gift so much more if it was homemade!
Items You Will Need:
Mason Jar
Unflavored Vodka
Candy Canes ( or Peppermint Candy)

Directions :
Take the candy and beak it into pieces … And place in the bottom of the jar.
Then pour the vodka over the candy .
The candy will instantly begin to dissolve.
Put the lid on and walk away !
Depending on the size of the candy the vodka will be ready for gifting or sipping in a matter of hours … Every hour or so shake the jar to insure all pieces are dissolving.
Your Vodka will have a reddish / pinkish color … But it will taste oh so good .
I made a batch for my husband and I and we loved it in a few drinks that we serve at our Christmas Parties ( recipes below ) ! I hope you have fun crafting and I hope that you have a very very Happy Holiday Season!!!!

For More Tips & Tricks On How To DIY Your Christmas Please Visit Us On Pinterest : http://www.pinterest.com/EventsByErrika/diy-approved-christmas/

Peppermint Vodka Recipes:
Peppermint Mochatini

2 parts peppermint vodka
1 part Chocolate Mint Liqueur
2 Parts Chocolate Milk

Shake with ice and strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with shaved chocolate floated on top.

Baby It’s Cold Outside ( Hot Chocolate )
1Part peppermint vodka
1 cup of hot chocolate
First, pour vodka into a mug then, fill the mug with hot chocolate. Top with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candy sprinkles.

Santa Baby
4 oz of peppermint vodka
4 oz of whipped cream vodka
Mix the peppermint & whipped cream vodka pour over ice and add a candy cane for garnish .
Until Next Time :
E. Wilkerson

  This holiday season enjoy your family over good drinks , good food and good events !

Have Yourself A Very Elegant Christmas

 

Welcome December !!!!!! I absolutely love Holidays… I love the way the air feels  , the activities and gatherings that my family and I host but mostly its because of  CHRISTMAS !!!!  So during the fall I love all things Pumpkin but during the winter I love all things Cranberry!!! So this holiday season if you plan on hosting a small intimate gathering here are some of my favorite things to do with cranberries of course ….

Welcome ….this is the perfect way to welcome your guest to your event ! The cocktail that is served here is champagne and cranberry spritz with frozen cranberries for a garnish. ( recipe Below )

This is perfect and it taste so good !!!! I suggest that you have the drinks pre-made before your guest arrive and display them  on your bar  or a small table near the entrance to your party .

 

 

The Table Is Set … When hosting a cocktail dinner sometimes its ok to have everything buffet style but other times its best to have a good ole fashioned sit down dinner . I used simple white plates and two different colored chargers  and a festive floral ornament was placed on every plate . The ornament is not only a decoration but it can also be used as a favor so that when the guest go home they can take a little piece of you and put it on their tree.

At The Center Of It All …   every year when I entertain I use vases of some sort but this year instead of  vases I thought that martini glasses would be perfect . The centerpieces included :

Bright Red Cranberries

Water 

Led Lights 

Red Votive Candles

These will surely wow your guest !!!

Snow Covered My Berries : I am big on sweets and these sugared covered cranberries are the perfect  holiday treat for your guest ( recipe below ) .

This holiday season enjoy your family over good drinks , good food and good events !

“HAVE YOURSELF A VERY ELEGANT CHRISTMAS”

For More Tricks and Treats  and Tips Please visit us on Pinterest:

http://www.pinterest.com/EventsByErrika/all-things-christmas/

Champagne & Cranberry Spritz :

You will Need :

1 Bottle Of Champagne 

1 Bottle Of Cranberry Juice

Frozen Cranberries

Directions :

Combine the champagne and the cranberry Juice in a pitcher and give it a good stir , and let chill in the refrigerator for an hour or so ! after you have added the beverage to all the glasses garnish with frozen cranberries.

Snow Covered Cranberries :

You Will Need :

1 Cup Of Water

1 1/2 Cup Of Sugar 

2 Cups of Cranberries

Directions :

In a saucepan combine the water and 1 cup of sugar stir the water until all sugar is dissolved and the liquid is warm . DO NOT BOIL !!!  Once the sugar is dissolved place all cranberries in the syrup and let soak over night … The cranberries will absorb some of the sweetness of the syrup , drain the berries and then toss them all in the remaining sugar . Once all the cranberries are covered let them dry on wire rack for about 2 hours …. then ENJOY! 

UNTIL NEXT TIME …..

E. WILKERSON

Holiday Cocktails

IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR !!!! I Don’t know about you but I love the holiday season . Thanksgiving to me is like a warm up for the real holiday . During the Christmas season I host and attend many events but when my girlfriends and I get together its always over some good ole fashioned Christmas themed cocktails . Every year we spend so much money on the ingredients because everyone has a different preference. So this year we have decided to nix the extra drinks that we only drink half of and we are doing holiday punches instead …. so here are a few of my favorites:

Jingle Juice : ( recipe from www.abouthome.com)

Ingredients

Citrus Sugar:

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon lime zest

1 teaspoon grapefruit zest

1 teaspoon orange zest

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Punch:

3/4 cup Citrus Sugar

1 cup lime juice

1 cup lemon juice

2 cups orange juice

1 cup grapefruit juice

1 cup mango nectar

1 cup pineapple juice

3 3/4 cups Captain Morgan Spiced Rum

2 1/4 cup Grand Marnier

1 1/2 cups Amaretto

3 cups sparkling water

orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit slices, frozen cranberries for garnish

Instructions

1. Make the citrus sugar by combining the sugar, zests, ginger and cinnamon. Rub the zest between your fingers to release the oils. Let sit at room temperature for 4 hours or up to a few days in an airtight container.

2. Peel the skins off of the fruit and juice.

3. I squeeze everything ahead of time and put in a pitcher. I keep it icy cold in the fridge. Just give it a shake before you pour it into the punch bowl. I also do the same with the liquors too. I like everything to be really cold.

4. Make the punch by adding the sugar to the bottom on the punch bowl. Pour in the juice and stir to start to dissolve the sugar. Pour in the alcohol.

5. Remember the ice ring we made? Dip the bottom of the container in some water for about 10 seconds. The ice should pop right out.

6. Garnish with frozen cranberries and fruit slices. Give it a taste, just to make sure that it tastes okay and is balanced. Or to just because you want to.

Cranberry ,Orange & Apple White Wine Sangria :(recipe from http://www.therisingspoon.com/2013/11/cranberry-orange-apple-white-wine.html )

Ingredients
1 large, organic apple, cored and diced (I used honeycrisp)
1 cup of fresh cranberries
1 large orange, juice squeezed out and sliced into small pieces
1/2 cup of raw honey
1/2 cup of unsweetened 100% cranberry juice
1/2 cup of brandy (optional)
2 bottles of dry Riesling
1 12-oz can of sodium-free sparkling water
ice
 Directions
Wash, dry and dice the apple, making sure to remove and discard the core. Place the pieces into the pitcher. Wash and dry the fresh cranberries and then measure them into the pitcher. Roll the orange on a flat surface with the palm of your hand. This will help redistribute the juices. 

Take a few thin slices off the orange and set aside for topping the sangria later. Quarter the rest of the orange, squeeze the juice from the wedges into the pitcher and drop the fruit pieces into the bottom. 

Uncork your wine and pour 1/4 cup into a glass or mug. Measure in the raw honey and stir until dissolved. Pour the wine / honey mixture into the pitcher and use a muddler or large utensil to lightly smash the fruit, which will extract more of the juices. 

Pour in the brandy, unsweetened cranberry juice and the rest of the white wine. Stir well, taste and adjust ingredients to your liking. Wait to add the sparkling water until right before serving. 

Ideally, you’ll let it chill a few hours in the fridge or overnight; however it will still taste good serve immediately. Just fill each glass full of ice. 

Clinton Kelly’s sparkling cranberry-cherry punch:( http://www.redbookmag.com/recipes-home/tips-advice/the-chew-recipes#slide-5 )

Ingredients :

Ginger syrup

2 cups water

1½ cups sugar

½ lb fresh ginger, peeled, thinly sliced

Gimlet mix

2 cups fresh lime juice

2 cups ginger syrup (see above)

Punch

4 cups Absolut CherryKran vodka, chilled

4 cups gimlet mix, chilled (see above)

¼ cup cherry syrup (from a jar of maraschino cherries)

1 quart club soda, chilled

1 lime, sliced

1 pint frozen cranberries or cherries

Directions :

1. Ginger syrup: In a large saucepan, bring sugar, water, and ginger to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer 3 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand 30 minutes to steep. Strain syrup through a mesh strainer. Chill in refrigerator.

2. Gimlet mix: Combine ingredients by stirring together. Chill in refrigerator.

3. Punch: Pour vodka, gimlet mix, and cherry syrup into a large punch bowl; stir

to combine. Stir in club soda. Add ice cubes and garnish with fruit.

Makes 12 cups.

We love love love the holidays and we hope you do too … Please join us in three weeks as we showcase our favorite blog of the year ” Have your self a very Elegant Christmas “.

 This holiday season enjoy your family over good drinks , good food and good events !

For other tips ,recipes and decorating ideas please visit us on :

 Instagram page  :@eventsbyerrika

FaceBook : Events By Errika

Twitter : @eventsbyerrika

Pintrest : http://www.pinterest.com/EventsByErrika/cocktail-party/

Date Night Approved : Painting With A Twist

I know that you have heard of the new epidemic of Painting With A Twist ! When I first heard of it I laughed because I just knew that it was painting naked or painting naked people … Boy was I wrong ! I am always looking for ways to keep my marriage hot and spicy . See getting married is easy but staying married and happy is something different . One night my husband and I decided to “Paint With A Twist ” … So we put the kids to bed and had fun ! My husband and I decided to paint each other … I know I know very risqué ! But trust me it’s fun and here’s what you will need :
1. Non-toxic or edible paint ( edible is my favorite)
2. Paint Brushes
3. Candles

I am not going to go into full detail but I think you can get the picture . There are no directions but one … Have Fun !
This ” Painting With A Twist ” is a sure hit …

Marriage is hard but both parties have to work at it . The same way you pulled out all the stops when you dated you must pull out all the stops for
For More Date Night Approved Activities:

Until Next Time ….
E. Wilkerson

DIY APPROVED : THANKSGIVIVNG EDITION

I absolutely love DIY projects ,But they are even better when they are partly free. For this edition of DIY Approved we are incorporating some nature favorites to create your Holiday table. Most people don’t like DIY projects because they never turn out like the model, so keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be perfect it just has to fit your style as well as your theme . So for this thanksgiving I urge you to take a walk outside .

DIY # 1 : Table Runner :

To Complete this project here are the things that you will need :

1. Burlap Table Runner

2. Multi Fall Colored Paints

3. Paint Brushes

Directions :
Lay your table runner on a flat surface and begin to paint . Take the paint brushes and make circles on the runner.
Don’t worry about the circles being perfect this is your masterpiece paint the way you want .
Here’s A Tip :
if you really want perfect circles take a wine corks and dip it into the paint and take the cork and use it like a stamp on the runner .

DIY # 2: Fabulous Fallen Leaves
To Complete this project here are the things that you will need :
1. Fallen Leaves ( yup the ones on the ground )
2. Paint
3. Paint Brushes
Directions :
This one is so easy … All you do is lay your leaves on a piece of news paper and paint … That’s It . These leaves can be incorporated into your centerpieces or they can be transformed into place cards ( just let the paint set and dry and take a marker and write your guests name )
Here’s A Tip :
Be sure to store your leaves in a cool place .. If you leave them in your heated home you risk the chance of them drying out .

DIY #3 : Let’s Branch Out :

To Complete this project here are the things that you will need :
1. 3 Different Sized Vases ( or Mason Jars)
2. Small Tree Twigs
3. Water
4. Led Submersible Lights
Directions:
Trim your branches down … You want to make sure that your twigs fit in your vases. Then take the twigs and place them into the vase . Place the led light at the bottom of the vase and then add water . Very simple , very cute , very cheap !

When choosing DIY projects be sure to know exactly what you need and exactly what to do . It’s nothing like starting something and can’t finish it . And don’t forget this is your project follow the directions but make it your own !
For More Tips and Tricks To DIY your thanksgiving check us out on Pinterest :

Until Next Time ….
E.Wilkerson