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).

Blogger's Challenge: 4 C's with Diamonds, 5 C's with Leaders

When the challenge to blog on the topic, "What does leadership mean to you... especially in these trying times", caught my attention I was was excited to share my thoughts. Ok, some of you may be wondering - "What can an Art Major tell me about Leadership though rough economic times?" No, I'm not an accountant or financial adviser and you won't see me on TV shouting "buy, buy, buy... sell, sell, sell" but I do have some experience on the topic of leadership.


Of course, a fare amount of leadership is needed in developing and coordinating a special event but there are other instance that lend themselves to an educated commentary on this topic. Yes, in between being a Public Relations Director for a small animation studio and a Business Marketing Manager for a game development and entertainment publishing company I worked as a contract Sales and Technical Trainer for (at the time) the nation's largest telecommunications company.


All most every industry (including the event industry) has been challenged by the current economic climate. Americans have gone from buying big cars and big houses to finding themselves suddenly concerned with things like housing, fuel prices, job security, and savings. More than ever consumers are closely watching where their money is going and businesses from large, multi-national corporations to small, family owned businesses are seeing the impact. With the U.S. dollar as the driving force for currency around the world, our fiscal mindset is being echoed throughout the global economy. That's the bad news. Now for the good news. This is not the first time (or the last) this has happened - it's a fact, by its very nature economies cycle through periods of rise and fall - they shrink and flourish. Truth is troubled economies don't last forever.


For those of us in the event industry this is an especially interesting time because we understand that "life goes on" - people still have babies and baby showers, family matriarchs are celebrating Golden anniversaries, young Jewish boys still turn 13 and have Bar Mitzvah, young Latina girls turn 15 and have Quinceaneras, and couples still fall passionately, hopelessly in love and get married! Experts are starting to see small glimmers of growth on the horizon. This is can be the signs of exciting news for business but only those who position themselves for the "turn around" and have good leadership in place to implement plans will come out stronger than before. I've had the opportunity to lead range of personalities - from training creative right brain thinkers like Caricature Artist's who work on commission at a world famous theme park to coaching extremely logical, linear left brain thinkers like Customer Service Representatives during the high-speed Internet technology boom. I've developed a leadership philosophy that allow them all to shine like diamonds.


Those of us in the wedding industry are familiar with the 4 "C's" - the general rules made up of specific criteria that are designed to measure a diamond's worth. They are Cut, Color, Clarity and Karat (yes, spelt with a "K"). These "C's" are key characteristics in determining the gem's quality, beauty, integrity and value. Over the years I've found that when it comes to leadership there are common factors that, characteristics if you will, that aid leaders to effectively grow, inspire, and prosper in that would cause others to fail. Here are the my 5 "C'" - rules that if used during challenging times to position a company and it's team for success.

1. Courageousness: Good leadership requires a strong amount of courage. Beware of the paralyzing effect that a slow economy - some companies take "a wait and see" approach (which in some cases may be a good move) but when there are signs that action needs to be taken they are afraid to make changes. Successful leadership is not stagnate. They evaluate what's working and were improvements can be made. They are not afraid of trying new things, make smart changes, take very calculated risks based on a well throughout plans, and are not afraid to make mistakes. Good leadership know that often, out of challenging time the greatest innovations are made.

2. Communication: It's hard to believe but in a world of voicemails, emails, texting, and tweeting interpersonal communication is, in fact, a dieing art. Think about it, when was the last time someone wrote you a well written letter on stationery? How often have you witnessed someone texting or checking emails while with a group of people at a dinning table? Or, have you had an issue of "miscommunication" with someone even after a number of emails?

Great leadership understands that communication is vital to success. Good leaders are great talkers (able to express concepts in presentations, face to face meetings or even in a simple hand written letter) however, they are even better listeners. They understand the importance of a timely follow-up as well as positive and constructive feedback. Have you ever heard the phrase "Feedback is a gift"? Feedback shows you not only what is working well but what could be improved and good leaders understand the importance of constructive feedback. We all love "positive" feedback - who doesn't love compliment but constructive feedback is more important. Think about the last time you were out at a party - mingling, meeting new people, joking, laughing, maybe even flirting. You go into the restroom, look in the mirror and are mortified to discover an enormous piece of spinach in your front teeth. You wonder "How long has that been there? Why didn't someone tell me?" Constructive feedback is designed not to hurt you but to help you fix a problem. Good leadership understands that great ideas and help can come from anywhere.

3. Creativity: I think good leadership not only understands the rules of the game and why they are in place but also when it's time to bend them. Creativity plays an important role in leadership. I'm not just talking about from a design, crafts or artistic perspective but a since of unique vision and flexibility. The ability to "think outside the box" and look at a task from different perspectives allows a leader to explore the many facets of a concern, develop new solutions and find inspired approaches to prevent other issues before they even begin.

4. Coaching: One of the most powerful duties a good leader has is to always provide themselves and their team with the tools they need for success. Strong leaderships does this through Coaching - educating themselves with the most current information and conveying the right information to their team through continuous training. It's extremely important to ensure that a team is inspired, excited about their mission, and works well together. Team building exercises, incentives programs, and general one-on-one encouragement should be a consistent practice of leadership and are especially vital during an uncertain economic period. Effective coaching should be as fun as it is informative - resulting in enthusiasm and confidence that your Client will find infectious.

5. Consistency: Actually, this could be considered two"Cs" - Consistency and Confidence. As important as it is to be flexible in challenging times, firmness is equally as important. Customers, Clients, and company team-members look to see consistency from a company and its leadership. It's easy to demonstrate confidence during a time of economic growth but it's quite another during a time when sales drag and the stocks dips. Good Leaders are able to demonstrate consistent confidence, focus, and dedication though these tough times. They act as a reliable support system; answering questions, offering a kind and encouraging word, and are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and lend a hand when needed - in other words, leadership is dependable.

Are these 5 "C's" the only approach to leadership in challenging economic times? Of course not, they are simply practices I've employed and are reflective of my leadership style. However, in this economy, more than ever, its a company's leadership that will determine its future and sets the tone for its recover.

Boutique Bridal: Cleaver, Inexpensive and Intimate Affairs

Spring seems to have finally (all be it slowly) started to emerge around us. Just look outside your door and you'll see flowers gently unfolding in the warm, shimmering sun. The earth and trees blanketed in lush hues of velvety green, delicate yellows, soft lavenders, and other pastel colors. As we all start to shake off the still, quite chill of winter not only are we seeing the revitalizing signs of spring but the beginnings of (an also very slowly blossoming) boost in our economy.

Are Bridal Couples still concerned about the costs of their wedding? Yes, but as wedding season gets underway many informed and trendy Couples are discovering they can indeed have the elaborate, lavish wedding they've dreamed of. The key is to concentrate on quality not quantity and focus on a smaller, more intimate guest list. Smaller weddings are giving Couples a later overall cost "per person" budget to work with which will allow them to have more options - giving them the ability to truly choose what they want for their wedding.

With these smaller, "Boutique-style" weddings (example: less than 75 guests) Brides and Grooms are free to realize their vision and create a "signature" event - that captures their imagination. They are able to select the perfect items (invitations, table settings, floral designs, etc.) to create an incredible environment with exquisite details and an experiences that would take their guests breath away. Interested in planning your "Boutique-style" wedding? Here are 3 Tips to that my help with creating a sensational intimate wedding.

1.) B and B = Boutique and Bridal: As with any special event one of the most important steps is finding the perfect location. A boutique-style wedding by its very nature are designed to be small, intimate affairs. The venue should reflect a cozy environment where each detail may shine - noticed and admired. The danger in this is choosing a location that is too large and in essence so large it seems to swallow the event. Larger environments like those in hotels (if planned correctly) many still be used in a way that well not loose the beauty of intricate details. This can done by partitioning off a large reception hall into smaller, distinctly themed areas, zones, or stations such as a lounge area or wine tasting session area. However, a fantastic option for a boutique-style wedding venue is the classic Bed and Breakfast. Small weddings (between 25 and 50 guests) are perfect for a Bed and Breakfast. Many offer beautifully landscaped grounds which are ideal for Victorian or other garden theme weddings and offer unique opportunity for a weekend wedding get-a-way. Some "B n B's" will offer catering, limited rooms for a few guests (3-4 rooms), and even honeymoon suite accommodations with "breakfast in bed" for the Bridal Couple.

2.) Easy like Sunday Morning: Most of us know that Saturday night is the most popular time of the week (or weekend) for weddings. As a result, Saturdays (afternoon and evenings especially) have not only the most expensive reception and catering fees but are many of the highly sought after hotels/reception sites book quickly and have limited availability. That's why many cleaver Brides and Grooms are now choosing Sunday for their wedding day. If you are planning a wedding at a cultural venue, B n' B, or even hotel consider a Sunday morning followed by a brunch reception or an afternoon wedding. You'll find lower reception and catering costs as well as more chooses of available dates on Sundays. Worried about not having the following day for friends and family to enjoy - also consider a Friday night wedding. Friday night weddings will still give you and your guests the rest of the weekend to celebrate.

3.) "The New June": The cultural image of the "June Bride" had been a symbol of spring, love, beauty, and marriage for centuries. June remains the most popular month of the year for weddings however, many of us in the wedding industry have seen another month step up to challenge this iconic month. With its mild weather and appealing post-summer pricing, over the past few years, October has become the "new-June". As long as there are little girls dreaming of spring here will always be a place for June wedding but many contemporary Brides are considering an October date for their big day.

Want to learn more about creating a signature "Boutique-style Weddings"? We invite you to visit our website at http://www.vividexpressions.com/ for more details on designing an exquisite boutique-style wedding.

Art and the Event: Edible Art - Mike's Amazing Cakes

Do not attempt to adjust your monitor. You are not seeing things. Yes, that is indeed an "up-side-down" wedding cake... yes, that is a four tier "Alice in Wonderland" theme cake were each tier is shaped like a teacup... yes, that is a miniature "Formula Porsche" entirely made of cake. O.k., no, those are not real or even silk roses cascading down that elegant wedding cake - they are edible handmade flowers. And although that is not a "real lobster" on that silver platter it's a cake that looks good enough for drawn butter and a bib. These are definitely not your standard cakes.




For years we've seen the bar steadily rise for wedding and special occasion cakes. Although there will always be a place for the simple 3 tier white cake with matching plastic pillars, more and more Brides and party hosts are choosing to utilize the cakes as more of a design feature - adding to a noticeable element to the event design concept. The cake is not simply hidden away in a corner of the reception hall awaiting the Bride and Groom's cutting ceremony but instead it is used to add a focal point to the room. The cake could be designed to complement the centerpieces, match the fabric or design of the Bride's gown, reflecting the color or theme of the event, or (in the case of the long held southern tradition of the "Grooms cake") be a playful nod to couple's personality, hobbies, or an inside joke. In a time when smart Bridal Couples are insisting on getting best and most memorable bang for their buck, whimsical cakes has become a hot trend and talented pastry artists are still in demand.



The Artist: It's hard to believe what world famous cake artist Mike McCarey can do with baking ingredients but that's why his Redmond, Washington business, "Mike's Amazing Cakes", has been making sweet fantasies since 1995. Mike's Amazing Cakes creates incredible cakes (as seen in this post) for Clients who's imaginations just won't stay "inside the box". Winner of numerous pastry design competitions, Mike McCarey and his team can use fondant (a puddy-like sugar confection), modeling chocolate and other edible mediums to make "amazing cakes" the same way sculptors would use clay and other artistic mediums. With the laws of physics being the only restriction, each cake is custom designed for their clientele which includes corporations and Celebrities like Disney, The Smithsonian, Dustin Hoffman, and even the late Rodney Dangerfield and Julia Child.


The Art of Cakes: With realistic miniatures, 2 dimensional relief sculpture, free-standing figures, and gravity defying 3 dimensional forms Mike McCarey's confections seem to demonstrate techniques often seen in works of fine art. His award winning, artistic approach results in each cake being a unique, beautifully designed edible sculpture. The Pastry Chef's work is guided by the two key principals of around Concept and Structure. The Concept being presented should be as accurate and true to life or as animated as possible and should have as unique a perspective as can be conjured up. The Structural principals of architecture constantly influence Mike's work and he draws great inspiration from a wide range of illustrators such as Alphones Mucha, Norman Rockwell or James Christensen. These are certainly philosophy we can relate to.

Can you envision your guests being captivated by a work of edible art? Think a artistically designed cake would add the perfect decorative accent to your event? Wondering what you should know about hiring a Pastry Artist to create a masterpiece for your next celebration? Here are 3 Tips to keep in mind when searching for a Pastry Chef or bakery to create a custom designed cake.

1. Feeding the crowd: The cost of a quality custom baker is quite different from those of the average supermarket bakery. They require far more attention to detail than those of the flat rectangle or round cakes so give yourself (and the baker) plenty fo time. Give yourself enough time to research (and even taste) cakes and give your baker enough time to schedule, prepare, and create the cake. This can be as little as 2 weeks or as much a 2 months - check with them to find out their order requirements.

The cost of most special occasion cakes like wedding cakes are established by the slice. Each cake maker's price may very due to their experience, styles of cake, and level of service. Typically, they can range from $2 to $5 or more a slice. For example, the cakes a Mike's Amazing Cakes can start around $2.10 per slice (more or less depending on the number of slices and cake design). When you are estimating your cake budget you will want to start by determining how many guests you are expecting. Then research each bakers prices and multiply their "by the slice" cost by the number of guests. Also, ask about their deposits and when the balance is due. This may vary depending the baker's policies but they can start as little as $50 and may be non-refundable.

2. Theme and Design: Today's Bride or party host has more special occasion cake design options than ever before. You still have the your basic stacked round or square cakes but (as you can see) there are so many other choices. Some skilled bakers can create a wide range of shapes to complement the look and design of your event. New innovations and trends in the culinary industry have provided pastry professionals with mediums like edible paints in vibrant and metallic hues, gum paste (a moldable sugar paste), air brush techniques, and many others options to help them create a range of colors and texture.

Mike McCarey told us "Everything within the laws of gravity is possible and you shouldnt be limited by tradtion or conventional thinking. Let the cake be what you want. Let the cake make a statement." So, when ordering speical event or wedding cakes (especailly these works of edible art) please have some idea of what you'd like in mind but be open to suggestions. You many be introduced to something you never thought of after reviewing their portfolio or learning about their full range of skills and capabilities.

3. The Arrival: Special occasion cakes like these are large, custom-made confections designed to "wow" your guests. They are also more difficult to deliver than your typical grocery store sheet cake, you'll need to make sure your stunning cake arrives safely and is ready for your event without incident. Always verify what the delivery policies are. Check to see if the delivery fees are a seperate charge or if they are included in the cost of the cake. Also, if it is being delivered to a reception hall or hotel check with the catering staff to confirm when it can be delivered and if there will be a storage space (like a large cooler/freezer) available. Some venues will want to have the baker deliver and set-up the cake on-site in the reception room so be sure to have your event planner coordinate the delivery and placement of your cake. If you are having an outdoor wedding or an event on a very hot day you do not want to have the cake in a very hot room without air conditioning - the cake may melt. If the cake will be set-up in advance of the event check to make sure the temperature of the room will be suitable for the cake. Work with your event coordinator or consider asking the caterer can hold the cake in a cool area until just before the event starts.

Do you have your heart set on a cake from Mike McCarey but you're not located near Redmond, Washington? Good news! The team at Mike's Amazing Cakes would be more than happy to work with you over the phone (or even via email) and ship a custom cake creation directly to you. Give them a call at 425-869-2992 and tell them Janel Keen over at Vivid Expressions LLC sent you!

No place like home: Help fight childhood Cancer

Nestled in a peaceful little neighborhood in the Deep Creek area of Chesapeake, Virginia sits a beautifully decorated, newly constructed house unlike any other. This is no ordinary home, in fact, for thousands of critically ill children and their families this house represents an abundance of hope. Yesterday was the second in the Hampton Road's chapter of Friends of St. Jude's monthly membership and fundraising series - Cinco for St. Jude. Cinco for St. Jude takes place on the 5th of each month throughout the year to raise awareness, membership, and funds to help this incredible cause - dedicated to the concept that “No Child Should Die in the Dawn of Life.”

This month's theme Cinco for St. Jude event, the "Big Hat Brunch", took place in the gorgeous 2009 St. Jude Dream Home. The spacious 3,058 square foot house was exquisitely decorated in lush earth tones and featured a tantalizing range of hues including chocolate browns and cool blues. Guests of the event were the first to tour this fantastic home, which is currently open for tours Saturdays, 9am to 5pm and Sundays, noon to 5pm from now until May 30th. With a large, loaded kitchen and airy sunroom overlooking the backyard, this house would be perfect for anyone who enjoys entertaining at home and was an ideal venue for this Cinco for St. Jude event.

The "Big Hat Brunch" invited guests to come in their best (and biggest) hat. Geoff Cook (left along side Jenny Watson) won for his outrageous balloon hat in the Big Hat Contest. Guests were treated to Sunday morning cocktails like Mimosas and Bloody-Marys, scrumptious breakfast delights, fine silent auction items, and live entertainment in the form of Caricatures from yours truly. During Sunday's event it was my pleasure to not only perform caricatures for all who came out but to meet two amazing families who's lives were touched by the tremendous support of St. Jude.

It was such a joy to meet and sketch Gracie (a bubbly four year old cancer survivor) and her 3 brothers and sisters. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital focuses on fighting childhood cancer, offering treatment and care to children and their families regardless of their ability to pay. Gracie's family, after being told that her cancer was terminal and to prepare to for her passing, received a life-changing call from St. Jude's. The family was told that they could in fact help Gracie. St. Jude flew the family out to their facility in Tennessee for treatment as well as took care of their lodging during Gracie's care. Today Gracie's cancer is in remission, she is a vibrant little girl who is full of life and this loving family is joyful. Programs like Friends of St. Jude and the St. Jude Dream Home help St. Jude to make stories like this possible. The St. Jude Dream Home is a breathtaking home (valued at approximately $490,000.00) and an incredible giveaway to help this cause.

Tickets for the drawing (which will take place on Sunday, May 31) are $100 each. For more information on reserving a ticket for your chance to win the St. Jude Dream Home and other fabulous prizes please visit: http//www.friendsofstjude.org/hamptonroads