Of Wine and Waterford (Part 1 of 4)

I am proud to announce that internationally famous Waterford Wedgwood will be Art of Creative Celebration- Vivid Expressions LLC’s resource for Fine Crystal and China industry trends and education. Waterford has been a globally recognized name and a prestigious leader in the fine crystal industry since its start in 1783 when brothers, George and William Penrose, founded their crystal manufacturing business in the busy Irish port of Waterford. For several weeks now I have had the tremendous pleasure of talking with Jorge Perez, Director of Marketing - Bridal and Special Events for Waterford Crystal, and I’m excited that he will be our “go to” resource for Fine Crystal and Chinaware industry news, bridal and design trends, and more. Mr. Perez is a seasoned tabletop authority, with specific areas of proficiency revolving around the tabletop, bridal and entertaining world. I can’t express to you how delighted I am to have his phenomenal expertise as an educational resource for our company, Clients and blog followers. Thank you Jorge!

In light of this great new relationship and with summer dinner party, outdoor entertaining, and the height of wedding season upon us this seams like the ideal time to consider the link between "celebrations and fine crystal stemware". Specifically, this post will be the 1st in a 4 part blog series designed to introduce and demystify choosing wine, sparkling spirits, and the right stemware for entertaining especially for wine novices. Let’s begin by taking a simplified look at the steps one goes through as they experience a glass of wine. We will start with red wine, then white wine, champagne (for any occasion), and finally wedding registry and everyday dinning. At the end of each post I will touch on the right stemware to select for the wine, perhaps some basic etiquette, and I’ll share some beautiful items offered by our friends at Waterford Crystal. So let's get start with the 1st in this 4 part series of tips for wine novices, "Of Wine and Waterford".

Part I - Red Wine and the 5 Senses:
Believe it or not when you are at a reception, wine tasting party, or just sharing a bottle of wine with some friends the process actually involves all 5 of your senses.

1. Sight – Wine may seem either red or white at first glance but look a little closer and you’ll see a spectrum of shades. After pouring about an ounce of wine in a glass gently tilt the glass away from you, allowing the light the shine through it. Now take a good look at the wine’s color. Is it a true burgundy color or does it have tints of pink or shades of plum?

2. Smell – The shape of the glass plays a big role in experiencing the smell (or "bouquet") of a red or white wine (but more about that later). Carefully swirl the wine in the glass, close your eyes, take a whiff and try to identify what you smell. You may be surprised. Wines pick up a lot of scents and flavors from where, when, and how the grapes were grown and processed. Think of it like the different seasoning in a scrumptious soup. You may smell spices like clove, wood of the barrel the wine was stored in like ceder, fruit like cherries or peaches, and even flowers like lavender.

3. Touch (Body of the Wine) – As the wine pours over your lips you will experience the wine’s mouth-feel (also know as "Body"). So, how does it feel? Is it thin, light and delicate like the feel of water or is it as thick and velvety as light syrup? The “Body” of a wine will fall into 3 groups; soft-bodied which are light, full-bodied which are the fullest and usually the most intense flavors of wine, and medium-bodied which falls between the two. World renowned Sommelier, Andrea Emmer-Robinson once compared the difference in these bodies to the different textures of milk. Is it the mouth-feel like skim milk, whole milk, or cream?

4. Taste:
Now it’s time to put it all together. See this sample chart below on “Reds” which gives examples of what you may taste in and describe in the following popular light, medium, and full-bodied red wines.

5. Sound: O.k., well, you got me. I like to think of this as just the social aspect of sharing a good glass of wine with friends. Hosts and guests should remember to communicate their thoughts while drinking the wine. Remember to discuss the wine; ask others what they taste and smell, toast to the occasion, laugh, and enjoy!

Wine Glass Selection - Red Wine
Traditionally Red wine is served in a round, bowl-shaped wine glasses perched on a tall stem while white wines are served in more elongated, tulip-shaped glasses whose stem begins lower than that of a red wine glass. Although some newer designs differ slightly from this standard, these designs were developed to aid in maintaining cool temperatures and swirling the wine to allow air into it. Over the years Waterford has launched an exceptional series of collections featuring designer stemware collaborations with world renowned designers like Vera Wang, Marc Jacobs, and most recently wine artisan Robert Mondavi.

With choices ranging from delicate to boldly designed etchings, the Marc Jacobs (as seen on the left) collections creating more distinct looks for a tabletop design. Designs from the Marc Jacobs collections can offer complementing elements, patterns, or textual accents to a table's design.

Since 1966 the Robert Mondavi Winery has been one of the most dominate driving forces behind creating the now iconic Napa Valley Wine Region starting with the release of its now world famous Cabernet Sauvignon. The winemaker gained international acclaim in 1976 when its wines put Napa Valley on the global wine map with their historic Paris wine tasting appearance - walking away with 1st prize. In addition, its famed vineyards have captured the imagination of California artists for years - being portrayed the warm, lush landscape in vibrant paints. It is no wonder that the Robert Mondavi collection is one of the newest designer collaborations from Waterford. Some designs reflect the traditional shapes of red and white crystal stems are known for while others present more unconventional designs, offering white wine stems with noticeably a more full, rounded shapes. These designs from Waterford feature sleek and simple lines (as seen in the Burgundy wine glass on the right) - which complement any classic or contemporary table.

to be continue...

For more information on other stunning fine crystal and designer collaborations from Vera Wang, Marc Jacobs, Robert Mondavi and more please visit http://www.waterford.com/. If you have questions about entertaining, event planning or designing a breathtaking event feel free to contact me.

Art and the Event: "Decoupage Details"

I once created a table-scape design based on the famous "Water Lillies" series of paintings by Impressionist Artist Claude Monet. It was a multi-layered table with a mini bottom lit gell pond as its centerpiece. One of the most "artistic" elements of the table design was seen at each place setting. Each charger was a adorned with a small hand-made decoupage plate featuring an image of a painting in the Water lillies series. The image complemented the same color harmony of the table's color palete of cool colors (ie: Greens, blues, and violets). The best part, no two placesettings were alike - resulting in each guest's setting being both uniform (in harmony with the table design) and unique.

Decoupage is a craft consisting of a technique were an image (usually photographic) is applied to the surface of an object (example: furniture) and is then sealed with an appoxy to pretect and perserve the image and object. Although popular with artists and crafters, the world of event design also offers a wide range of creative possiblilites for this technique. The Monet theme tabletop design is only the tip of the iceburg for event clients.

I can imagine a Retirement party, Sweet 16, or a Fiftith Anniversary party with dozens of personal photos from the Guest of honor's career (and their years with the company), childhood and growing up, or year's together as a Married couple. Perhaps instead of a photomontoage playing in a video during a wedding reception - each table could feature different images from the Bride and Groom's childhood, school days, courtship and even engagement.

For the craft minded person who enjoys the challenge of such projects decoupage may be extremely involved but fun undertaking for a very small dinner party. Creating decoupage pieces for a large scale event however, may be too labor intensive for most - requiring the utlization of a workshop, the ability to handle the materials and chemicals needed, and a good deal of manpower and strategic planning. Although this process is time consuming it is well worth the look - providing the event with a truly customized and decorative design element. Remeber, you can always hire an event design (or Artist) who will have the abiltiy to handle a large project like this for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering a "Decoupage Detail" for your event:

The Downside:

1.) Images are perminately affixed to objects and can not be removed so use spare or extra copies of hearlum photos or images.

2.) These items will be for decorative perposes only. Guests should not place food on them or attempt to eat off of these decoupaged elements.

The Upside:

1.) Unique! This will create a custom detail linking concepts and images of your theme together throughout the event.

2.) Small decoupage elements can be created as the perfect favor or souvenir for a small dinner party. Each guest can take home a distinctvie momentu of their evening.

If you are interested in having this or other artistically based elements incorporated into your special event design please contact us.

Introducing Seaside Romance: Vow Bride & The Chamberlin

It's not everyday that an event professional gets the opportunity to experience an event from a guest's perspective but I recently had the pleasure to do just that. Vow Bride Magazine, Hampton Roads region's leading Bridal Magazine together with the historic Chamberlin Hotel, Hampton (at Fort Monroe), Virginia introduced a brilliant new venue. After a remarkable renovation The Chamberlin has opened its doors again as an exquisite event site. Such a momentous occasion offer the opportunity for The Chamberlin to work with the area's best special event vendors.

For over 8 years Vow Bride Magazine has embodied the trend-setting voice, vision and style of the best Hampton Roads has to offer to local Bridal Couples. It was no surprise that The Chamberlin asked Kim Wadsworth, Editor-in-Chief of Vow Bride Magazine, to recommend the very best wedding professionals to introduce to the venue. The Chamberlin and Vow Bride Magazine then invited the area's best Hampton Roads wedding talent to attend a "by invitation only" champagne luncheon. Yours truly, along with the area's most elite wedding industry professionals, were among the first to experience this absolutely stunning seaside wedding and special event venue.

As a Hampton Roads native I admit I was familiar with The Chamberlin but it had been years since I last visited the site. The Chamberlin has been a landmark and a beloved thread in the area's rich historic tapestry for decades. As a little girl, I remember visiting the hotel - in fact, I recall my mother sharing tales of her own High school prom taking place at the majestic location. A few years ago we lost the hotel as a wedding and special event venue as it began to offer residential apartments and closed it's grand ballroom. However, on April 30th The Chamberlin unveiled its renovated facilities to this select group of wedding professionals. I was not disappointed. The Chamberlin offers a delightful return to "old world elegance and grand splendor" not seen in many years.

The bridal professionals luncheon guests were treated to a private tour showcasing the venues unique features which seemed to be ideal for bridal couples. Nestled prominently on the mouth of the James River, the venue offers a dramatic panoramic view. Built in 1929 (after the original building burned in 1920) the hotel creates an enchanting combination of historic grandeur and seaside beauty - the essence of Hampton Roads.

Simply steps away from St. Mary's church or Fort Monroe's picture perfect gazebo overlooking the siren waterfront it's not hard to imagine a Bridal couple exchanging vows with such a breathtaking backdrop. From there guests could be entertained on the venue's gorgeous rooftop or the stylishly elegant solarium leading out to the veranda overlooking water for sunset cocktails or small receptions of up to 35 guests. And, off course, a reception may be held in the venue's crowning jewel - the newly re-opened grande ballroom which can accommodate up to 200 guests. This is were the bridal professionals luncheon took place.

As I entered the ballroom I was swept away by the room's architecture. Enormous, arching windows welcomed radiant light while showcasing a spectacular view of the sea. The room was dressed in luxurious warm hues like golds delicately accented with soft cream columns. My eyes were drawn upward to the painstakingly details of the intricate crown molding. It was easy to envision a blissful Bridal couple sharing their first dance as husband and wife on the room's large wood dance floor but The Chamberlin and Vow Bride brought that vision to life with the help of a mock Bride and Groom who entered the room wearing an enchanting wedding gown and tuxedo from Maya Couture.

After enjoying scrumptious hors d' oeuvres passed by professionally dressed servers during a meet and greet in the venue's beautiful lobby and in between site tours, guests of the champagne luncheon dined on an exceptional meal from The Chamberlin's charming staff. Guests started with a fresh salad accented with sweet seasonal spring fruit which complemented slightly bitter mixed greens. This was followed by a succulent grilled steak paired with tender crab cake served with fennel-head ferns. The meal ended with and decadently rich chocolate and vanilla cake compliments of The Magic Cupboard who also creative a unique cake artistically designed to reflect the seaside wedding theme which became the decorative focal point of the dance floor.

For more information on this stunning location contact Caleb Holland, Special Events Coordinator for The Chamberlin at 757-637-7481. I'm excited to share this delightful experience at The Chamberlin and look forward to designing and coordinating many phenomenal weddings and special events at this extraordinary venue soon.

Kim Wadsworth, Editor-in-Chief Vow Bride Magazine (Left) and Janel B. Keen, CEO & Artistc Director Art of Creative Celebrations - Vivid Expressions LLC (Right).