Holiday Entertaining: The Cocktail Party

Hosting a cocktail party this holiday season? Here are some tips to make sure your event goes off without a hitch.

JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer DIY Holiday Entertaining Cocktail Party

Space
– Having a space dedicated for the bar is a must! If you are hosting a large party, it’s even a good idea to have two drink stations in different areas to avoid long waits and bottlenecks.
– Bar carts are an easy when it comes to creating a designated space for drinks.
– Don’t have a bar cart? You can create a bar on a buffet, media console, kitchen counter or even a desk.
– Make sure your bar isn’t too close to your buffet or dining table – don’t crowd all your spaces into one area, let things flow to prevent traffic jams.

JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer DIY Holiday Entertaining Cocktail Party

Build Your Bar
– Put the best booze on top: if you have a bar cart, put the most popular drinks on top for easiest access and stash the backups below.
– Ditch the full bar: there is no need to offer every kind of liquor, mixer and garnish. Instead, focus on one or two signature drinks, a red wine, a white wine, a beer, and definitely a sparkling wine.
– Signature Drinks: A signature drink can be a money saver and a time saver. Mix up a big batch, give it a fun name, and let guests serve themselves.
– Non-Alcohol: Don’t neglect the non-drinkers. A citrus punch of orange juice, cranberry juice and ginger ale is always a good option.
– Organize with trays and bowls: Use trays to compartmentalize glassware, booze, and garnishes. Use bowls to display the garnishes, bar tools, toothpicks, swizzle sticks, and stylish straws. Don’t be afraid to mix up the styles and sizes.
– Prep drinks + apps: Arrange your apps and prep your drinks prior to your guests’ arrival. Enlist in a friend to help plate the apps and get the drinks flowing.
– Make it festive: Give your bar a decorative layer (just like you would your mantle or dining table).

JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer DIY Holiday Entertaining Cocktail Party

Simple Bar Checklist
– Alcohol: red + white wine, beer, champagne, two signature cocktails
– Mixers: club soda, fruit juice, soft drinks, water (sparking and still)
– Garnishes: ice, lemons, limes, maraschino cherries, olives
– Glassware: champagne flutes, old-fashioned glasses, wine glasses,
– Tools: bottle opener, corkscrew, cocktail shaker, cutting board, ice bucket, jigger, strainer, pairing knife
– Odds + Ends: coasters, toothpicks, drink stirrers, swizzle sticks, cocktail napkins
– Trays + Bowls

JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer DIY Holiday Entertaining Cocktail Party

Full Bar Checklist
– Alcohol: beer, bourbon, brandy, champagne, gin, liqueurs, rum, scotch, sherry, tequila, vermouth, vodka, whiskey, wine (red + white)
– Mixers: club soda, fruit juice, ginger beer, soft drinks, tomato juice, tonic water, water (sparking and still)
– Garnishes: ice, lemons, limes, maraschino cherries, olives
– Glassware: champagne flutes, old-fashioned glasses, highball glasses, martini glasses, wine glasses (red + white)
– Tools: bottle opener, corkscrew, cocktail shaker, cutting board, ice bucket, jigger, strainer, pairing knife
– Odds + Ends: Coasters, toothpicks, drink stirrers, swizzle sticks, cocktail napkins
– Trays + Bowls

For a printable PDF, click here

A Whimsical Garden Bridal Shower

It really doesn’t get any better than a whimsical garden bridal shower, with touches of Kate Spade, all inside a gorgeous greenhouse.

The Greenhouse in the Grand Rapids Downtown Market offered the perfect setting for Cristyn’s intimate bridal shower. Lorri, the Matron of Honor, and I worked on creating a romantic garden bridal shower for Cristyn, adding some preppy touches of Kate Spade.

Shades of pink were accented with gold, geometric shapes kept things modern and fun, and were a great contrast to the romantic flowers. And boy, were there flowers. Besides the fact that the greenhouse is home to potted plants and flowers, my garden at home was bursting with spring flowers, allowing me to use a lot of flowers that aren’t available from a wholesaler (can you say bleeding hearts everywhere!).

Lorri, the sweetest person ever, wanted Cristyn and the guests to feel extra special, so we were made sure to include a lot of special details. Guests were invited to socialize while sipping on drinks, share their favorite memory of the bride and their best date night idea. We designed a special place for Cristyn to open her gifts and I created a backdrop installation of whimsical greenery and blooms. At the conclusion of the afternoon, as guests left, they were gifted with cute bags of popcorn, Starbucks gift cards, and small flower arrangements. We even had the fabulous Amy Carroll come to capture the special day, so Cristyn could always remember it.

JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS_Weddings_and_Events_Grand_Rapids_Wedding_Planner_and_Floral_Designer_Whimsical_Garden_Romantic_Kate_Spade_Bridal_Shower_Greenhouse_at_the_Downtown_Market_JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market

JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market
JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Whimsical Garden Romantic Kate Spade Bridal Shower Greenhouse at the Downtown Market

Design, Planning & Coordination | JS Weddings & Events
Venue | The Downtown Market Greenhouse
Photographer | Amy Carroll Photography
Catering | Cutting Edge Cuisine
Floral Designer | JS Weddings & Events
Chair Rental | Events By iCandy
Linen Rental | Special Occasions

Spring Tablescape Class

Earlier in May, my friend Lisa and I hosted a spring tablescape styling class at West Elm in Grand Rapids. We started the evening going over some basic floral tips and then guided them through the process of designing and arranging a centerpiece. We then educated them on designing and styling a tablescape for a few different occasions. We ended the evening with our floral centerpiece + West Elm vase giveaway. It was both Lisa’s and my first time teaching a class, but we had a lot of fun and we couldn’t have ask for a better group of ladies to spend the evening with. Below are a few pictures from the event.

JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - West Elm Spring Floral and Tablescape Styling Class JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - West Elm Spring Floral and Tablescape Styling Class JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - West Elm Spring Floral and Tablescape Styling Class JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - West Elm Spring Floral and Tablescape Styling Class JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - West Elm Spring Floral and Tablescape Styling Class JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - West Elm Spring Floral and Tablescape Styling Class JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - West Elm Spring Floral and Tablescape Styling Class JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - West Elm Spring Floral and Tablescape Styling Class JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - West Elm Spring Floral and Tablescape Styling Class JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - West Elm Spring Floral and Tablescape Styling Class JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - West Elm Spring Floral and Tablescape Styling Class JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - West Elm Spring Floral and Tablescape Styling Class

Sad you missed the class? So am I. Stay up to date on all things JS Weddings and Events by simply entering your email address in the subscribe box. You’ll be the first to know about upcoming events, helpful tips, and so much more.

xx js

Spring Tablescape Styling Class

Guys, I am so excited about this class that my friend Lisa and I are hosting at West Elm in Grand Rapids. If you don’t follow me on Social Media, then you probably have missed the details on this.

So, here they are:

On Thursday, May 5, Lisa and I will teach you all about how to style flowers for a spring tablescape. We will teach you how to care for flowers, how to choose unique blooms for arrangements, and then demonstrate how to create a fun, spring arrangement. We will then teach you how to style your own tablescape for a spring soiree!

There are only a few spots left for this FREE class, so head over to our event page to get more details and reserve your ticket!

We hope to see you there!

JS Weddings and Events Grand Rapids Wedding Planner and Floral Designer - Styling Tabslecape workshop West Elm

xx js

The Wizard of Oz Manor

A few weeks ago I went to tour the lovely The Wizard of Oz Manor. I was informed by Kim, the event director, that it is believed that the Wizard of Oz was conceived and written here. The manor is located right on Lake Macatawa, with a view just as stunning as the actual home. Inside, it’s like you stepped back in time to old world New England. No really, it is.

In April, I get to direct and design a style shoot here and I am so excited to see everything come together within the space. I am working with some amazing people to create a masculine, New England style shoot with a hint of nautical glamour. Add in one awesome custom designed invitation suite, an amazing seafood menu, sweet treats, gorgeous linens, vintage china, a cigar bar (yes, I said cigar bar), and a lot more pretty details… April can’t get here fast enough.

Grand Rapids Wedding Planner: Lake Macatawa, The Wizard of Oz Manor Grand Rapids Wedding Planner: Lake Macatawa, The Wizard of Oz Manor Grand Rapids Wedding Planner: Lake Macatawa, The Wizard of Oz Manor Grand Rapids Wedding Planner: Lake Macatawa, The Wizard of Oz Manor Grand Rapids Wedding Planner: Lake Macatawa, The Wizard of Oz Manor Grand Rapids Wedding Planner: Lake Macatawa, The Wizard of Oz Manor Grand Rapids Wedding Planner: Lake Macatawa, The Wizard of Oz Manor Grand Rapids Wedding Planner: Lake Macatawa, The Wizard of Oz Manor

Photos courtesy of Royal Manors and Andrew Ingram