Warning: Don't read if you are hungry! :-)

As much as I love my job and what I do...I'm not going to lie, sometimes it's really hard.

We did an intimate dinner for our clients this past weekend where we brought in a Chef...(who rocked by the way...) to prepare a 4 course meal for our clients and their guests.

The meal was out of this world good.....at least it looked that way! ;-) Our clients confirmed it too! All that's left are the pictures.....enjoy!!

So...I started this new thing....

....if you go to Facebook and "like" Bella Mia Weddings and Events you will be able to read all about our 30 days of being Thankful.

While I have to be perfectly honest with you, I am thankful ALL 365 days out of the year, but November seems like the perfect time to share 30 of the bazillions of reasons why I am Thankful!

One other thing I would like to share with you...besides what I am Thankful for... ;-)......is a Thanksgiving decorating tip.

Whether you are having a Thanksgiving day dinner made for the masses or you are having a small little intimate gathering...you want to make the table inviting. You can do that by setting the table with matching linens, a centerpiece, place cards, candles, and so on.

Of course browns, oranges, and golds work very well this time of the year. I tend to stay away from the busier tablecloths and napkins (like the plaids, and prints). I like things a little more streamlined in color...maybe a nice shimmery brown table cloth with gold napkins to match in the same fabric. Or you could do a creamy table cloth with darker napkins. Whichever you do, keep in mind that no matter how careful you or your guests are, there is always something bound to spill. To add a little pop into your table you can add a low centerpiece that is proportionate to your table size. Remember to keep it rather low though so your guests don't have to dodge the centerpiece just to talk to the person across the table.
Another nice touch that I like to add is decorative napkin rings that fit the occasion. I have a set of 10 squirrel napkin rings from Pottery Barn that I like to use...not because I like squirrels but because they are a cute conversation piece and unique.
I also like to use place cards even though we have a fairly small family. Place cards just add that little touch to an exquisite table without over doing it.
Of course we can't forget about the actual serving pieces!! Your sweet potatoes can be a decoration in it's own if it is served in a coordinating bowl. You can choose to use serving dishes that have more of a pattern to them or you can use all of the same color. No matter what you use though, the colors in your foods will make the table pop!!
Happy Decorating! :)
xoxo,
Tammy

The little things in life.

So this day started off great....the sun was shining, my Son still had one more day off from school, I was having people over for breakfast, and I had my favorite coffee to brew for friends and family! Oh, and the most important thing...everything was ready!! I just had to heat it up! If things aren't ready to go then I start to panic so I make sure that I never go into panic mode.
Anyways...I showered and got ready to come down and brew the coffee....I couldn't wait for the sweet smells of my chocolate raspberry creme coffee to fill my home. I filled the reservoir up with 12 cups of coffee (because I knew this coffee would be a big hit and I was right...), turned the coffee maker on and went about my businesses. As the aroma was filling my home so were strange noises that didn't sound very good. I happened to look over to see my coffee maker falling apart!! Right in the middle of brewing my little cup of heaven!! What was I to do other than to PANIC!! I managed to hold it together long enough for it to brew 6 and a 1/2 cups of coffee....but what happened to the rest of the water? And more importantly....did I have any instant coffee to offer my guests??
As panic sets in (didn't I just say that I do everything in my power to avoid panic??) my husband....my one and only said that he would drink tea instead and save the coffee for us. What a man....taking one for the team! ;-)
Luckily we all had one big mug of coffee and we enjoyed every last drop of it!
Needless to say...the old maker went in the trash and the new one was set in it's rightful place on the counter.
I will enjoy it tomorrow as I brew my new orange cream coffee. :)