Creative Consumption

Every holiday season I am amazed by what the creative hands-on people do to make their holiday parties spectacular.  At Sunshine Daydream Events, we're always looking for fun ways to amp up our clients' holiday parties.  And since we live in Wisconsin and the dreamy winter atmosphere is already handed to us lucky party planners  for Christmas time, we look to other avenues of creativity to add a special flare- eats and drinks! Today I wanted to share some of the awesome things I've found that help inspire me to have fun and enjoy a little creative consumption!

Candy cane martini anyone?

So clever and totally do-able!

Coco Snowflake cocktail

Super fun edible Christmas tree- not to mention a healthy alternative to some of that fatty holiday party food we're always subjected to!

Teeny tiny gingerbread house

Grinch punch!

SUPER EASY and a total conversation piece. Works every time!

Peanut butter reindeer cookies=YUM

Classic pinwheel cookies- a favorite of mine!

Peppermint bark cheesecake- You can find it at The Cheesecake Factory, but I suggest making your own and serving it at your Christmas party!

Love love love chocolate covered pretzels at Christmas parties.  Fun way to add color and everybody loves a little salty sweetness!

Egg nog martini- very classy and beautiful look for a White Christmas party

Fun! Something the kids will like to help with, and they make for a great display since they stand up if you stick them in pretty much anything.

But the holidays wouldn't be complete for me without a glass of champagne and a splash of pomegranate :)

Today I received a Christmas card from two friends who make the most adorable couple and the card simply read: CELEBRATE EVERYTHING   and on the inside, Be Joyful.  

I couldn't have said it better myself Joe and Andrei.

xo

GOR. GEOUS.

This phenomenal shoot was done by the talented photographers, Meg and Josh Souder at www.loveisabigdeal.com  and styled by Vintage My Wedding.  Check it out! Unique and stunningly GORGEOUS!!

http://www.loveisabigdeal.com/atlanta-wedding-photographer/destination-wedding-photographers-love-is-a-big-deal/

Enchanted Christmas Weddings

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  So why don't more people get married around Christmas time?  Here at Sunshine Daydream Events, we love the idea and know that Wisconsin is the perfect place for your magical Christmas wedding!

Here are some fun photos I found to share to show you just how beautiful and special a Christmas wedding in Wisconsin can be!

Love the poinsettias for wedding flowers!

Snowflakes are so fun!

So fun! You can go modern or vintage with this look, and it's so easy!

Love the greenery with white lights. Classic Christmas look.

Fur muffs instead of bouquets for bridesmaids.

Precious

Red and white always look good together :)

The colors are so pretty but I did you see the pine cones?!

White/silver-clean and classy

Rustic wedding by The Wedding Community

"I'm dreaming of a white wedding..."

Aren't you? Contact us at design@sunshinedaydreamevents.com

Have a ridiculously fabulous evening! xo

Delayed...

Sorry for the delay in posting!  This holiday weekend ended up being a working weekend for me and unfortunately now I'm sick as a dog!  For today I am focused on resting and getting back my  voice (at this point, I can only whisper).  I'll be curled up on the couch with a cup of tea and my little cuddle buddy while watching the classic Oscar winning film, A Streetcar Named Desire.

My afternoon:

My little nugget!

xoxo 

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Happy Thanksgiving mes amis! May your day be filled with love and turkey!

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

When I entertain for holidays, especially the one that revolve mostly around  the traditional foods we all love- I try and go the homemade route. Not tricky, fancy homemade but simple and good homemade.  Your guests will notice the extra effort and will enjoy that special touch that you bring to the table.  

I stumbled upon a homemade cranberry sauce recipe and my mom says, "It doesn't even compare to the canned version!  In a good way that is, dear."  So after I tried it earlier this week,  I decided to make another batch to bring to Thanksgiving tomorrow.  It is cooling on the counter as we speak.  

Here's what you need:

• 1 bag (12 ounces) cranberries
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1 cup water

Rinse the cranberries.  I love the color of cranberry- even my nails are cranberry!

In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, lemon zest, and water; bring to a boil

Reduce to a simmer; cook until cranberries are soft, about 10 minutes.  At this point, I use a wooden spoon to kind of mash them against the pot. It creates a thicker consistency but less chunky.  

My adorable little helper, Kira!

Transfer to a bowl, and let cool to room temperature.

If you are entertaining for Thanksgiving tomorrow, be sure to pick up some cranberries and try this easy, yet delicious homemade cranberry sauce recipe!

It's also great for the Christmas season! Trust me, your guests will not be disappointed!

Northwind Perennial Farm- A touch of Christmas magic!

Ok, so having lived in southern California for the last 8 years, I was unaware of the way my hometown, Lake Geneva, WI has blossomed!  Local towns and their businesses are really making an effort to appeal to shoppers- both local and tourist.  I was pleasantly surprised yesterday when my mom and I went on a leisurely hunt for some Christmas treasures- presents, decor, stocking stuffers... and we decided that we were going to check out the local shops and support the small businesses.  We went to some great shops in downtown Williams Bay, WI and Lake Geneva but my absolute new favorite place EVER is Northwind Perennial Farms!

 This 10 acre farmstead out in  the rolling country hills was originally a 19th century dairy farm and many of the original structures still stand (including a chicken coop-with real chickens!)  A snippet from their website, "Northwind Perennial Farm is a local landmark and a premier destination spot for gardeners and lovers of nature alike, offering an uncommon selection of hardy field-grown perennials, native plants, ornamental grasses, shrub roses, garden accents and landscape design services. "  Typically closed for the cold Wisconsin winters, Northwind opens up for a few weeks before Christmas to offer shoppers unique holiday decor and gifts.  It is really a whimsical dream filled with garlands and berries and soaps and candles and unique antiques and I could go on and on!  They had a camp fire going outside complete with chairs and sticks for roasting marshmallows.  Once you got through the stunning old barn that is now the gift shop you find yourself in a tiny hallway walking into the old silo where they have a beautiful Christmas tree all lit up. Words can't even describe.

They have some of the best greenery in the area for all your decorating needs this holiday season. They have unique branches and berries and greens and have them in the most spectacular displays so you can walk out of there inspired to decorate your own home in a unique outdoor Wisconsin way.  And if you want to come in and warm up, just wind your way through the barn and at the end, near the old cattle stalls, you'll see a discreet littler door that opens up into the old milk room- complete with coffee and cookies for your enjoyment!

So they're open from now until Dec. 11th this year so get up and get there! You absolutely won't regret it!  Check them out at http://northwindperennialfarm.com/main.html

I can't even imagine what it looks like in summer if it looks this good now! But, I did my research and found out that they do offer extremely unique and gorgeous weddings in the amazing gardens that make up the whole property. So for all you Sunshine Daydreamy brides out there, this is your ideal destination if you want beautiful, rustic, charm in an outdoor wedding setting with tons of sun!

Contact us at Sunshine Daydream Events by emailing me at stacey@sunshinedaydreamevents.com   We'd love to plan you the wedding of your dreams!