savoir faire

We've Moved!

2010-08-31T16:16:00.000-05:00

That's right! Give My Regards To is now Amy Zaroff Events + Design! Please continue to follow our blog on our new site.

pop tarts and pasta.

2010-06-29T14:42:00.001-05:00

minneapolis restaurant powerhouses' have struck gold again.
parasole with their uptown darling CAFETERIA and d'amico & partners with the suburban star, PARMA.

cafeteria's official name is UPTOWN CAFETERIA AND SUPPORT GROUP. funny. located in uptown across from stella's and adjacent to calhoun square, it is kitschy, in a cool way. staff uniforms are tees with their job descrips: "serve", "work" and "pour". school lunch trays adorn the walls. on each table, a caddy of mrs. butterworth's, siracha, soy sauce, ketchup and mustard. top-notch breakfast (house-made pop tarts, caramel pecan french toast) and cafeteria classics (fried chicken, hot tom, crinkle fries and beef stroganoff) and with names like "the brainerd" (walleye) and "employee meal" (who knows), ordering is fun. take the SKY CAR and sit up top. do not miss the communal sink + vanity (a la chino).

an AMATEUR pic (i.e., from my phone) but i wanted you to see the cool wood tables

i am going to preface my review by saying that northern italian cuisine is my ultimate fave. so excuse the prejudice, please. PARMA 8200 is restaurant perfection. that is, aside from the obscure suburban location in bloomington in the normandale lakes development (landmark: kincaid's). from the dark, sexy decor (damask covered lampshades, croc pillows on leather armchairs with rustic wood coffee tables and hollywood regency-esque mercury mirrored walls) this place evokes italian glam. its comfortable but glamorous and not at all intimidating or stuffy. this is all before the 3,000 square foot patio has opened! said to include three fireplaces, an outdoor pool table and lounge furniture to seat 118, sure sounds fab to me. time frame for the patio opening is about two weeks. menu highlights are the cheese tasting (you pick three), blue prawns served en papillote, linguine with white wine, clams and garlic, chocolate panini with vanilla gelato.....i could go on forever. there was not one thing on the menu i would not order. the cocktail list is cool too. i had the italian soda which featured prairie vodka, a vanilla bean soda and campari to create a bubbly, peachy-pink soda. the gin cocktail with tomato water and goat cheese stuffed olives sounds like what i will order when i am back for the patio opening.

both having opened in the last week or two, do not be surprised to experience crowds. but once you have a table, i think you will find that both were well worth the wait.

lindsay piram,

event designer

more than chips and dip.

2010-06-16T13:38:00.001-05:00

summer equals 104 excuses to have a party (ps, there are 104 DAYS of summer). for my non-local readers, let me explain to you what i call the “minnesota summer guilt” effect. if it is nice out, and we do not go out and enjoy it, we feel guilty. we survive brutal winters and so when summer does finally arrive, we better be ready to relish it. no “housewives” marathons here. if the sun is out, then we are in it. a rainy day is sometimes welcome....at least we can get our laundry done.

some summer entertaining ideas we love:

hot diggity dog

chicago dogs are what i call “salad on a bun with a side of hotdog”. sport peppers, celery salt, pickles, sweet relish, tomato wedges....a good mix of sweet and spicy. lunds & byerly’s catering is offering a chicago dog spread for 25 people at $205! pick it up, spread on your center island or picnic table out back and you have all you need for a quick and easy way to entertain.

for details, go to: http://catering.lundsandbyerlys.com/

pizza pie on wheels

so, thyme to entertain, a great local caterer, did the impossible (or what i thought was). they bought a 1972 fire engine and stuck a wood fire oven on it. think punch on wheels. i am not sure i could have thought of anything better myself. i am dying to use it. basically, they pull up with the bright red beast (sirens off) and start slanging pies. pair that with the great salad and side menu they have created to finish off this summer menu. the novelty of it all would be worth it alone, but with thyme to entertain you know it will taste as cool as it looks.

call nate @ 612.871.2199 to get the dish

twenty-six feet of tacos

the set-up: you invite your pals over and you are all relaxing and sipping margs and corona with a lime. around the corner comes what looks like a tour bus. your guests are on the edge of their lawn chairs in excitement....is bret michaels about to emerge? nope, no bret....but TACOS instead. yep, you read that correctly. twenty-six feet of tacos = a taco truck. and a BARRIO taco truck at that. big and black and full of their yummy mexican goodies and i am assuming their tasty tequilas too.

for more, check out:

a recent article from minnesota monthly

and barrio's web-site: http://www.barriotequila.com/

mpls is admittedly behind the 8 ball on street food but catering on wheels seems to be on the rise. we only have 104 days where we can get from our door to the door of the latest and greatest food cart without a parka, lets enjoy it while we can.

to summer soirees,

lindsay piram

event designer

runway to reality. and even events.

2010-06-08T16:00:00.003-05:00

recently, amy zaroff events + design worked on a fashion event with the style experts from styledlook and styledlife. a fashion event would not be complete without a runway show but this event had that and more. the concept was to educate, in a fun and cool way, how to pair closet classics with elements of todays trends. trends can be overwhelming and when we see them on the runways of milan and paris, at times its more theatrical than practical. we all could use a few pointers on how to add animal print without looking like an animal and how to wear the seasons relaxed silhouettes without looking frumpy. also, when and where these trends apply to our LIFESTYLE, for instance taking your basic trench and transitioning it from day to night to sport, etc.

for me, as someone who styles events, i see the same applications for fashion AND events. the way you belt a dress, is how i tie a sash to a chair. mixing modern elements with vintage pieces is not only a fashion secret, it is an event styling standard. and accessories? the statement earrings are my statement vase. a simple black dress with bright jewelry is no different than an understated table linen with the pop of color from great flowers in a striking container.

tips from the pros, our friends @ styledlook and styledlife:

WHITE

think about pairing casual white items with dressy items for casual elegance
pair metallic with white for a fresh look
do not forget about white accessories like jewelry, sunglasses and scarves
look for patent and shine, especially in bags and shoes

RELAXED & REFINED

long over short and short over long for new silhouettes
fedora hats
accessories with ruffle elements
polka dots

THE TRENCH
clean lines and all-ages appropriate
look for trench inspired dresses
pleated skirts give the same great silhouette
different belts reinvent the same piece

regards,

lindsay piram
event designer

"and ive got mad hits like i was rod carew"

2010-05-24T23:01:00.003-05:00

here in mpls, we are in for an exciting summer. the arrival of the new target field has enlivened the city....there is a tangible buzz in the air, with a childlike excitement seen on the faces of those you pass on the street on game day in the city. its proximity to local restaurants and mass transit is remarkable....it feels like it was neatly placed in the perfect spot, its only little nook on the corner of convenient and close.

and this is coming from a girl who barely made jv soccer and had nightmares about the softball section of junior high gym class. i am no jock. attending the world cup in 2006 was a social event for me, not a soccer tournament. so to hear me say that im excited about outdoor baseball, is big.

so, this big environmentally awesome stadium, smack dab in the middle of our bustling metropolis is finally here. the food and restaurants, the ability to suntan your face with a cold beverage just mere feet away from the fresh blades of well-cared-for-grass, the history lesson that is the artwork around every corner....its all great. and for me, an event planner and for this, an event blog.....the part i love (and learned a lot about today at the ISES event held at target field) is the capacity to hold an event right there in the midst of it all. from business meeting to mitzvah to wedding to gala, its all there. the spaces are dazzling and diverse....from the budweiser deck where you feel atop of it all, to the champions club or delta 360 lounge with endless set up and configuration options. (side bar: i wonder if someone has a count on the number of fireplaces in the entire ballpark. i think i counted over 10 in the delta lounge alone.) of course, in its first inaugural season, the spaces are pristine. everything is fresh and new. but so is outdoor baseball in this town. and i have a sneaking suspicion that excitement wont wear off for awhile.

check out their website to learn more:

events at target field

i look forward to seeing photos of actual events held there as they create and catalog. until then i have to say i love their "furniture listing" column....tres helpful.

cheers,

lindsay piram

event designer

perfectly placed place cards.

2010-05-17T21:19:00.002-05:00

place card tables are one of my favorite places for drama, for wow (like big floral arrangement, ice sculpture, tree, etc.) and to play off your "theme" (in quotes as i know many of you dont want me to tell you your wedding has a "theme"). the placement of the "table" (or area, not always a conventional "table") is critical to your flow. ive learned that putting it BEFORE the cocktail reception room or area increases the chance its misplaced. i usually like to position it in a spot that is the natural walking area FROM cocktails TO dinner.

at give my regards to, we see all the paper as a set or suite or wardrobe. when i say paper, i mean from invite to program to place card to menu (and on and on). anything printed. the wardrobe doesnt have to be matchy-matchy, but it is great if it coordinates. maybe different colors, same font....at least one thing in common to tie it all together. the paper becomes the common thread, interwoven through all aspects of the event. if you had a calligrapher address your invites, having her do the names on the place cards is a nice tie in.

here are a few place cards tables weve done recently:

and stay tuned for some FAB place card set-ups we have in the works for our events to come....

regards,

lindsay piram
event designer

a blog about blogs.

2010-05-10T15:14:00.001-05:00

as we all know by now, blogs are everywhere. everyone has one and you could find a blog sounding off on about any topic.

a blog on power tools?
www.toolcrib.com/blog

a blueberry blog?
check out: simply-blueberries blog for recipes, nutritional info and more.

and sunglasses. anything and everything you ever wanted to know about sunglasses.
http://everythingsunglasses.blogspot.com

so you get my point right? now take the event world. more specifically, the wedding world. there are soooo many wedding blogs out there it makes my head spin to think about it. and then, when youre on one, it links to another, that links to another and another and ....
there is so much to read and take in on decor, the dress, the ring, the shoes, the invite, the favors, the place cards.....everything! there is so much great info out there, its no wonder my clients need me to weed through it all and help it make sense to them, for them. as fun as it all is, i know it can be overwhelming to hone in on what makes sense per person, per event. it needs to fit and synchronize and tell a story. the story being the start of their life and what has led them to the place they are now. i LOVE telling that story.

blogs i heart:

i subscribe to, of course, style me pretty. it showcases recent weddings through photos in a way that tells the story of the couple so perfectly (usually in a very "homespun" kinda way), focusing in on all the little details and stylings we so love.

preston bailey's blog is very reflective. more brain candy than eye candy. (although the photos on his site are unbelievable.) i love his "whats in, whats out" features and his reading lists.

of course, the martha stewart weddings blog is good. everything martha does is. amy and i met darcy miller (the editor of martha stewart weddings) at the special events show in nola in jan. creative and stylish, her wedding point of view is a great one to read. subscribing to "darcy's idea of the day" is a good way to get cute and clever ideas on the regular. today's tip? have an ice cream truck stop off at your next summer soiree. see? cute!

marcy blum's blog has recently become my fave. shes sassy and opinionated and we all know i like that. her most recent post was just so perfect. she articulated everything ive been saying and thinking about events and their CONGRUENCY for so long. there IS a psychology of people at events, and ignoring or disallowing for it will not bode well for a party. it DOES take a professional, or at least some serious thought, about the mixture of elements and aesthetic put into an event....making sure they make sense.

let me know your thoughts on marcy's most recent post. and what other event blogs you take time to read through on the regular.

thats all for today,

lindsay piram
event designer

summer salut!

2010-05-04T18:41:00.001-05:00

nothing says summer like a patio and a cocktail. incorporating specialty drinks that exude the couple or the theme, or both, is one of my favorite finishing touches on my events.

a list of some of my faves (old AND new):

the mojito. you cant go wrong with this cuban classic. its refreshing and sweet, without being too sweet. switch up some of the mint for cucumber, to reinvent.

the stuff:
1 1/2 ounces white rum (bacardi will do)
4 slices peeled seedless cucumber
6 to 8 mint leaves
1/2 lime, cut into wedges
1 packet equal or splash of simple syrup
chilled ginger ale

the style:
in a tall glass, muddle together the cucumber, limes, mint and Equal. add to cocktail shaker filled with ice. add rum and shake. fill glass with crushed ice, return mixture to glass and top with ginger ale. garnish with a slice of cucumber.

if i need to transport myself to nice or monaco, pernod (pastis) is the way to do it. the anise flavor is crisp and clean. super simple, pour over ice and add chilled water. the cloudy yellow color reminds me of filtered summer sunlight.

voted one of the top 20 cocktails in the US, the juliet and romeo is deserving of the honor. and of course, perfect for a hot and steamy day.

the stuff:

2 oz beefeater or henderick's gin
.75 oz fresh lime juice
.75 oz simple syrup
3 drops rose water
3 drops angostura bitters
3 slices cucumber, peeled
6 sprigs mint
salt

the style:
muddle cucumber and pinch of salt. slap the mint. add rest of ingredients. let sit for 30 seconds (time allowing). shake. strain. garnish with 1 floating mint leaf and 1 drop rose water on top of leaf, and 3-5 more drops of angostura on the surface of the drink.

pimm's cup. the drink of wimbledon (and basically all of britain) is as refreshing and crisp as they get.

the stuff:

1 1/2 ounces of pimm's number one
4 to 5 ounces of 7up
wedge of lemonslice of cucumber

the style:
combine all the ingredients, in these proportions, in a large pitcher, and then pour it into highball glasses filled with ice.

although the derby was last weekend, i see no reason to hang up your mint julep cup. especially when there are variations out there as yummy as this.

the stuff:

1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves

1 pint blackberries

6 tablespoons sugar

1/2 cup bourbon

4 cups small ice cubes

4 sprigs mint, for garnish

the style:

roughly chop the mint. in blender, puree mint, blackberries and sugar. press through fine sieve into bowl, discarding seeds. return puree to rinsed blender, add bourbon and small ice. blend and spilt between four glasses. garnish with mint sprig.

im not much of a martini girl, but this one i could never pass up. summer EQUALS strawberries. and basil? this is genius. locally, d'amico is doing this. thank god someone is.

the stuff:

3 strawberries, plus one thin slice for garnish

3 basil leaves

1/2 ounce simple syrup

ice

1 ounce gin (i like tanqueray 10)

1 ounce vodka

1/2 fresh lime juice

in a cocktail shaker, muddle the strawberries with the basil leaves and simple syrup. add ice, remaining ingredients and shake well. strain into a martini glass and garnish with sliced strawberry.

cheers,

lindsay piram

event designer

what's your.......color?

2010-04-26T20:42:00.001-05:00

i am pantone obsessed. from simple color bridges to the pantone app on the iphone (a virtual color library at your fingertips and the ability to bring color with you anywhere), pantone takes COLOR to another level.

and ever since i discovered the pantone fashion color report, i havent stopped clipping and ripping out swatches of my favorite combos and hues. the report is divided into spring and fall, released bi-annually and features designers such as betsey johnson. michael kors and zac posen with a sketched piece or ensemble in one of the 10 colors featured in the report.

its been shown that color trends are first seen on the runway in designers new collections. the following year you will see those colors predominately in home decor and interior design. the second year of the color, it emerges into events. so for example, shitake (pantone 18-1015) was a part of the fall 2008 color report. that means, this fall 2010, shitake is a totally happening part of an event color story.

look at yellow (freesia, pantone 14-0852), this color was everywhere in fashion in 2008 (and still is, actually). i received the most fabulous yellow bag in October of 2008 as a thank you from a client. i love the brightness of it and the statement it makes with about any look. now, spring 2010 and yellow is THE event color. its like my event-color-crystal-ball!

the pantone color reports (and their ability to forecast the color story) are amazing. but wait, it gets even better. enter colorstrology. based on the day of your birth, a pantone color is assigned to you followed by three words and a short description about YOU and how wearing, meditating or surrounding yourself in this color will help you......do xy and z. it may not be your favorite color (although mine happens to be) but if you feel an aversion to the color, they recommend looking at the colors that were used to create it and see which one is creating the tension or disturbance. (see more in the "about colorstrology" section)

it really is a fun, cool tool that met our team at GMRT with an uncanny pinpoint precision. soon you will be checking out your moms color, your ex-boyfriends color and everyone in-between. id love to hear what you discover, through COLOR, about you and those you love (and love to hate).

go pantone.

regards,
lindsay piram
event designer

yes, i read menus like some read "twilight"....

2010-04-19T13:33:00.003-05:00

what's a "FOODIE"???

im sure you've heard the term. there are "foodie" festivals. "foodie" handbooks. and "foodie" 'zines.

but what IS a "foodie", and where did this term COME FROM?

a "foodie" is, quite simply, a food and drink aficioando. not only to like food but to be interested in it. the term was coined in 1981 by paul levy and ann barr who used it in the title of their book the official foodie handbook. though used interchangeably, "a foodie differs from a gourmet in that gourmets are are epicures of refined taste who may or may not be professionals in the food industry, whereas "foodies" are amateurs who simply love food for consumption, study, preparation and news." gourmets want to eat the best food and "foodies" want to learn everything about food. the ordinary and the extraordinary. the science, industry and personalities. "foodies" are obsessed with all things culinary. they read menus like books. terms such as "epicureans" or "gourmets" conjure up snobby images of people who will only eat at restaurants with truffled pate on the menu. not so for a foodie....anyone can be a "foodie". "foodie"-ism is a modern, popular way of engaging food culture for the general population.

"foodie"-ism is a true hobby. some areas of pursuit and activities within the overall umbrella of "foodie" would be:

restaurant openings and closings
wine tasting
beer brewing and sampling
food fads
health and nutrition
food science
scotch tasting

some "foodies" may develop a particular interest in a specific item, such as the best croissant or french fry or souffle or ceviche. lots of magazines now have a food column and the rise of "foodie"-ism made way for the food network and other food programming, such as top chef, iron chef and hell's kitchen.
also more evident are the rise of specialized cookbooks, neighborhood farmer's markets, food-orientated websites like zagat and yelp, the institution of the celebrity chef, food blog, food movies such as julie and julia (which came from a food book that came from a food blog) and food specialty stores like williams-sonoma and sur la table. local favorites of the specialty store are kitchen window, cooks of crocus hill and golden fig.

there are some basic traits of being a "foodie". they would never answer the question "what are you eating?" with "i don't know". in general, you have to know what you like and why you like it, recognize why some foods are better than others and in general, have good tasting food all or most of the time. this isn't to say that you can't eat nacho combos once in awhile, but it is to say that you aren't fooled into thinking that is a well-balanced meal.

do you know the difference between a poblano and a jalapeno? barrata and brie? heirloom and beefsteak? if not, as a foodie....you would find out. do you have to shop exclusively at farmer's markets? no, but as a foodie you look for good, fresh produce.

as a self-proclaimed "foodie", i am lucky enough that being a "foodie" is a part of my job. my obsession with cooking and reading about food and drink and my fascination with trying new restaurants, actually pays off for my clients. my events have themes and food plays a part of it. a big part. recently honored with an industry award in the category of "best use of food and beverage" was about as big of an honor as a "foodie" can get. to be recognized for using food as theme makes all those dreadful (read: sarcasm) hours of wining and dining worth it.

regards,
lindsay piram

love your locks.

2010-04-06T19:40:00.002-05:00

as wedding planners and designers, we feel nothing is outside our realm when it comes to your big day. we advise on everything from venue to menu, transportation to videography....even honeymoon and dance lessons. to add to the "princess for a day" mindset, many brides opt to have a stylist handle their hair (and make-up). sometimes the bridal party and mothers too. its a fun morning to spend with your maids, calming your nerves before the big walk down the aisle. a few tips to keep you stress-free:

early.

there is no harm in finding your stylist months out. they tend to book fast and blocking out an entire weekend day for you and your event takes planning. after your first meeting, you may want to meet others and booking early allows time for that.

practice.

many offer a free consultation before your actual wedding day. its important that you like her or him, feel like they listen to you and understand what you're after. bring your veil and any hair accessory or flower you plan to use.

pictures.

comb through bridal magazines and other fashion 'zines to find the look youre after or a combo of styles you like. up or down, messy or sleek, its great for them to see exactly what you like. they will then advise you whether or not your hair can handle, and if not offer suggestions of how the look can be achieved (for example, extensions or temporary hair pieces).

dirty.

dont wash your hair. going to your practice, and your wedding day, with dirty hair allows it to hold the style. dont worry about shine, there are plenty of products to achieve that without it being squeaky clean.

talk.

as with all areas of the wedding planning and designing process, speaking-up is key. dont worry that youre hurting their feelings if you dont like it. their goal is to make you happy and if youre not happy with the first updo at your practice, let them know then so they can make adjustments while you are still in the chair.

bridal hair and the entire primping ritual is another area that we love to advise upon...anything we can do to help you look and FEEL your best.

regards,

lindsay piram

event designer

once upon a STAR....awards

2010-03-29T12:03:00.019-05:00

what an honor to be NOMINATED, among the industry's finest, for a 2010 minnesota ISES star award for best use of food and beverage...and to WIN!

congratulations to a few of our amazing vendor partners who also took home an award:

kevin nelson, ultimate events

amy coppersmith, coppersmith photography

sheree bochenek, apres party and tent rental

a night of latin libations, an action-packed awards presentation capped off by sexy salsa rhythms and dancing.....we had a blast!

a little about the event we were honored for:

A local nightclub was transformed for an evening into a sultry supper club complete with food and libations reminiscent of the forties. Through extensive research and planning, the original and authentic recipes and presentation methods of that era were brought to the table while transporting the 200 guests into an evening of retro merriment and celebration. From classic cocktails and a raw bar to table-side dinner service, guests were nudged with nostalgia from the moment they checked their coats.

we hope to be back next year....maybe your next event is the big winner!

regards,

lindsay piram
event designer

nautical nuptials.

2010-03-22T15:01:00.009-05:00

a fly on the wall of our studio would tell you that i talk a lot about continual concept, or event flow and theme.

this, to me, means that the concept or theme (yes, even weddings have themes) is a tasteful thread woven delicately through the event from initial invite to final favor. EVERYTHING coordinates without necessarily being "matchy matchy". the invite, custom postage, place card, table number (and frame it sits in), menu, cocktail napkin, guest towel, goodie bag (and of course flowers, linens and other decor) all are part of a cohesive set. nothing goes unnoticed.

a beloved GMRT event, Nautical Nuptials, was recently featured in MPLS ST PAUL WEDDINGS (spring/summer 2010 issue, on newsstands now). it brilliantly shows how each piece, as described above, is a part of a whole.

invite set: mr. boddington's studio

menu: custom GMRT designs

napkins and goodie bag:

aren (available at GMRT)

match book place cards:

custom GMRT designs

table number: custom GMRT designs

now shoo fly....back to work.

regards,

lindsay piram

What TYPE are you?

2010-03-19T13:48:00.012-05:00

What TYPE are you?

A lot can be said in a certain font or type you choose for your designs.

What type connects with your personality?

We at Give My Regards To wanted to share what type we are. We all had our laughs over how true this is.

Amy Zaroff

Type: Architype Van Doesburg

All uppercase font, exuding strength and purpose

Each letter occupies the same space as the next, it’s created equally

Nothing is less significant than the other

Lindsay Piram

Type: Bifur

A French typeface showcasing exceptionally strong lines and exceptionally delicate lines to make letters come together in a playful and recreational way

Forthright

Vanessa Kimball

Type: Archer Hairline

Modern and straight forward with tiny outbreaks of elegance and tiny dots of emotion

Outwardly composed

Allie Markman

Type: Lettres Ornees

A French woodcut font used for book covers or title pages

Decorative structured typeface with a touch of whimsy orientation and light hearted fluidity

So try it out! You may be surprised.

sugar high.

2010-03-15T21:43:00.007-05:00

lately, it seems to be all about the cake. the custom cake, most likely because of the rise in popularity of reality cake shows like ace of cakes and food network challenge, has become all the rage. the piece de resistance . it is a sure place to showcase the theme and can serve as edible decor (who doesnt love a 2 for 1?!). usually placed in a prominent place and always a total talking point...many in awe that sugar can take such forms.

a recent trip to gateaux left ME in utter awe. i could not stop looking at this cake. owner and head baker, robin is a sugar genius. who cares if it tastes good (it does), the way it LOOKS is a show-stopper. not just wedding cakes, she too has seen a rise in the “party cake”.

cupcakes are a way to make a cake, reality. its no secret that custom cakes can be $$$. there are many cupcake exclusive shops in mpls as well as full bakeries that have added the cupcake to their list of sweets. a few faves:

yum! (SLP)

every dessert is rich and decadent, neighborhood feel, always packed

sweets bakeshop (st paul)

emphasis on local and organic, macarons are also amazing

cupcake (st paul)

cooool flavors, online ordering

franklin street bakery (mpls)

can you say g-a-n-a-c-h-e????

miel y leche

super sweet with lots of great flavor choices

butter (35th and grand)

if you want a pastry, get there by noon

and opening spring 2010:

cake eater (seward)

though the cupcake as been around has a substitute to wedding cakes at events for years, the creativity in flavors, frosting and custom cupcake papers are making them much more than a passing trend but a mainstay in desserts.

have your custom-cake (or cup-cake)...and eat it too.

lindsay piram

event designer

what is "savoir faire"?

2010-03-08T18:57:00.002-06:00

and why would we name our blog after it?

savoir faire literally means "to know how to do", in french. to respond appropriately in any situation. a french saying so commonly used in english, much like je ne sais quoi ("i dont know what") or laissez faire ("let do"), you dont need a degree in french to have heard.

in my opinion, the french know whats up. from bread to perfume, if its french....i prefer it. after living there in 2000, i fell in love. with the french. and its not hard to do. i dont think theyre rude, i think theyre picky. and i like that they make you earn their affection. they know they have a good thing...its like this cool confidence and i dig it.

so, why do i think "savoir faire" makes sense as a name for an event and invitation blog? because we are here to help. to help YOU "know how to do". do we know it all? nope. but we do love parties and paper and are passionate about sharing what we DO know, with you. all day, everyday (or at least monday through saturday) we are researching, designing, collaborating, writing, creating, brainstorming, seeking...all things events, so we can bring the latest and greatest to you. all of us LOVE what we do and its evident in the parties and paper we create for you. in the days and weeks ahead you will see (read) more, not just from me, but all of us at the studio. (did you see the new pic up top? thats all of us.)

from etiquette to event trends to engraved invites and onward, stay with us as we explore the world of parties and paper, as we know it. occasionally in french.

merci beaucoup,

lindsay piram

event designer

Mitzvah Mania!

2010-03-02T15:54:00.041-06:00

A 50s Sock Hop, a Hawaiian Luau and the groovy sounds of disco in the 70s... What do these things have in common? They are all Mitzvah themes...and among our favorite things to work on here at Give My Regards To.

A Bar or Bat Mitzvah is when a young person becomes an adult in the Jewish tradition. At the age of 13, the child is called to the Torah and becomes responsible for observing the commandments. After years of hard work and preparation...it’s time to celebrate!

From invitation to decor, food to farewell, all aspects of a theme are developed and carried through the event.

As planners, these events allow us to be truly creative and pull out all of the ideas we dreamed about as kids. We love a good theme...and it shows!

Take a look at some of the fun and fabulous themes we have brought to life this year!

Special thanks to Jeff Schmieg Photography for the fun photos of these great events.

Live from Rydell High, Danny and Sandy made an appearance at the Sock Hop!

A taste of the tropics in the Twin Cities at this Hawaiian Luau!

As guests returned to shore, the evening ended hot, hot, hot!

Groovy colors & funky vibes...

The client provided us with adorable bracelets that were used as napkin rings and later given away as favors.

Introducing Umi

2010-02-26T15:39:00.006-06:00

We at Give My Regards To have a wide assortment of albums to order invitations from for just about any bride. One or our personal favorites is Elum Designs. Elum has the high-style modern letter-pressed designs that any stylish bride would crave for her wedding.

Elum has just introduced it’s Umi Wedding Invitation Line.

An affordable wedding invitation solution for those who don’t want to compromise on design. Umi has teamed up with Envelopments, Inc. to offer a wonderful selection of envelopes, liners and enclosures that can all be incorporated to make a truly custom package.

So come in and check out this new album.

You’ll be saying “Umi oh my!”

Invite to Event

2010-02-19T14:13:00.011-06:00

Spring into fun with invitations that exude your personality and style! Your invitation sets the tone for the event. It creates that initial buzz amongst your guests and gets them hyped up for what’s to come.

Take for example, this great funky polka dot invitation we created for a charming girl’s Bat Mitzvah. After conceptualizing the look and feel, we took the idea to centerpiece designer Amy Mastbaum to create the perfect centerpiece for the tables. A great way to carry your theme from start to finish is by using a continuous motif from invite to table. This easy pattern makes it simple to coordinate your cake, linens and even find the perfect dress for the occasion.

And once the event is over, don’t forget about your thank you notes. Thank you notes are yet another way to connect the entire theme from start to finish and to leave a great impression in the minds of your guests.

Blog Posted by: Vanessa Kimball, Graphic Designer

* Notes: Invitations by Give My Regards To: Designer, Vanessa Kimball, Dress: Ruby Rox Girls Dress, Belted Polka Dot from Macy's, Centerpiece: Amy Mastbaum, Cake: Kim Byers

live local, act global.

2010-02-01T15:10:00.006-06:00

while in nola, both amy and i attended some classes that pertained to our area of interest within our industry. as she mentioned in her blog last week, one of the better ones i sat in on was "trends in the middle east, europe and asia". so yeah, part of me chose this to further my bollywood event dream, but it ended up being quite dope.

the moderator was a gentleman from the live marketing firm VOK DAMS, an event agency out of germany (with offices stateside as well as london, china and dubai). the forum started out by discussing trends, identifying them in real time and how to "solve the dilemmas trends pose". no surprise sustainability, urban-centric-ness, and live local, act global were three of the ten.

i loved the idea he touched on about calculating your event/wedding carbon footprint (in lbs of Co2) and ways to offset it by contributing to clean and green projects in your area.

then he went into some realtime examples of live marketing events he has been a part of.

they included:

the launch of the YETI, the first SUV from the vw offshoot in the czech republic

nespresso new product launch at the top of a skyscraper in germany (have you seen g-force???)

PUMA product launch to kick off a line to be featured at the world cup in s. africa

one of the coolest things he showed us (in addition to photos and video of the events above) was a video about a live-marketing project that took place in dusseldorf.

click here to watch the video...

until next time,

lindsay piram

event designer

ps....lots to say here at GMRT. stay tuned for multiple postings each week by others at the studio. ill be back monday!

The Big Easy

2010-01-28T15:47:00.015-06:00

Nawlins. The city, the people, the food...and the music! Lindsay and I were lucky enough to experience The Special Event in New Orleans this month and we came back energized and excited (and full). I don’t think it is possible to eat healthy in that town. Not that I am complaining... We kicked off the week with an amazing meal at Restaurant August. Our sommelier, Crawford (not to be confused with the city’s amazing crawfish) guided us through an evening of laughter and libations all the while dining on some of the best food either of us have tasted in quite some time.

The days that followed included some informative and educational seminars that taught us about European, Middle Eastern and Asian event trends from Vok Dams, the people responsible for the launch parties of Puma and Volkswagen to name a few. One of the highlights of our educational journey was when we took part in what we were hoping was going to be groundbreaking information on the latest and greatest trends in party decor. What we walked away with, however, was the most unexpected information we could have hoped to learn...are you ready? Here it is...COFFEE IS HOT at events currently. No joke. The lady actually said that COFFEE IS HOT right now. She went on to say that Key Lime Pie seems to be a new trend. What planet does she work on? Who are her clients? While the temperature of coffee may be hot, having coffee at your event is by no means a new trend. At that point, Lindsay and I knew WE could be leading the seminars. Maybe next year we will.

At The Wedding Luncheon, we saw some pretty cool tablescapes that inspired us to think out of the “box” as much as possible. I was amazed that this tablescape was made entirely from corrugated paper -- the table, the chairs, the vases ... incredible!

Darcy Miller, Editor-in-Chief of Martha Stewart Weddings, filled us in on how we can get you all in print. For real. Just hire us to plan your wedding and we will be damned if we don’t get you in that publication (okay, we can’t guarantee it, but wouldn’t it be awesome?). We suggested that she start a new publication called Martha Stewart Mitzvahs. Lindsay and I feel truly qualified to be her associate editors. To all of our Mitzvah clients, don’t you agree?

Our evenings were filled with strolls in the French Quarter, feasts of fried green tomatoes at Jaques-Imos and fried chicken at Coop’s and the best brass bands we have ever heard. The Rebirth Brass Band is our new favorite group. We want to bring them in for an event as soon as possible. They would truly rock the house in a way it has not been rocked before. This was one of the trumpet players. They know how to use their horns. Check out the celebs Lindsay bumped elbows with including Johnny Depp (or so we thought) and the one of the most famous high school brass band leaders we have ever met (actually, the only one we have ever met). As event planners, we were somewhat disturbed by the exposed cords that were so blatantly exposed right where we were standing. Yikes! Who is in charge of that venue?

Special thanks to Michael Schachtman for taking us all over the Nawlins most tourists don’t see. Without him, our trip would most certainly not have been as much fun as it was. There is so much more to say and next week Lindsay will bring you the latest and greatest trends from Europe. The Big Easy was just that...easy for us to enjoy and making us long for more.

AZ

i thee wed.

2009-09-22T15:41:00.010-05:00

as a wedding planner, i have experienced first-hand many different wedding rituals. some are based on religion, some culture or heritage, some tradition and some a bit of all three. incorporating rituals into the ceremony and reception is as important to me as it is to my client. i think this develops the framework for the couple, to start their lives together whilst incorporating who they are and where they came from.

one of the things i work towards when designing a wedding is, as the guests depart, to hear them say: "that was so THEM". i love that the event exuuuuuded the couple, the couple's family and the couple's heritage. this is usually done through time honored traditions and/or rituals.

here are a few ive seen or done in my weddings and their meanings:

RELIGIOUS RITUALS

christian

unity candle

lighting of the unity candle symbolizes the joining together of two families. the taper candles are typically lit by the mother of the groom and the mother of the bride. as the center candle is lit by the wedding couple, the love of both families is brought together in a united love of the newly married couple. cute.

jewish

chuppah

the wedding ceremony takes place under the chuppah or "canopy" which symbolizes the home they will build together. the sides are left open to signify that all friends and family are welcome into their new life and home. a great chance to incorporate flowing fabric and fabulous flowers too.

breaking of the glass

nothing says "jewish wedding" more than this. but what does it mean? depending on who you ask, the breaking of the glass, can symbolize the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem or a representation of the fragility of human relationships. i must admit, when i found out the glass was actually a LIGHT BULB, i felt the same as i did when i saw my mom pull a tooth out from under my pillow and replace it with a shiny quarter. a great conclusion to the ceremony and a chance to yell "mazel tov"!

hora

an israeli circle dance typically danced to the music of "hava nagila" (or jock jams, depending). it usually takes place at the reception and our non-jewish guests affectionately refer to it as "the chair dance" as bride, groom and parents too are hoisted into the air to the rhythm of the music. fun stuff.

muslim

henna

the henna ceremony takes place before the wedding. women gather to celebrate the bride as she is adorned in fanciful inks. there is music, dancing, laughter and food. different cultures within the muslim faith practice the henna ritual differently, however all are based in the idea that the future bride is to be served and spoiled as she readies for her big day. the ink typically lasts a few weeks. mine lasted about as long as my marriage. ;)

ETHNIC RITUALS

african american

jumping the broom

this wedding ritual symbolized various things, depending on the culture. those of south african descent used it as a representation of the wife's commitment to "cleaning the courtyard", whereas african-americans of the american south, the custom determined who ran the household (highest jumper = decision maker). during times of slavery when marriage amongst african americans was forbidden, publicly "jumping the broom" was an open declaration of settling down in a marriage-like relationship. because of the slavery stigma this tradition went away for some time but there is a somewhat recent resurgence nowadays with its reference seen similarly to "tying the knot".

latin american

arras

it is customary in many latin american countries for the groom to present his bride with 13 gold coins. the coins represent his trust and the fact that his wife is now the mistress to all his worldly goods.

other rituals (all originally based in culture or religion) would be a wedding cake, grooms cake, veiling and unveiling of the bride, parent recognition (giving of a flower, special poem, embrace, etc.), honoring the deceased (through a poem or passage, lit candle, floral arrangement or excerpt in program), receiving line, throwing rice (or releasing doves, butterflies, other living/flying things).

until next time,

lindsay piram

event planner & producer

2009-08-27T12:15:00.039-05:00

Anonymous said...

Hi-
I recently had to plan an event and chairs are a big thing to me. Most venues have the classic, rusty folding chairs. I searched hi and low for cool chairs but the event was not fancy and those were the only chairs I could find. Some time could you blog about how chairs can make or break the event. Maybe some different types of chairs and which are appropriate for which. Also, maybe ways to decorate the chair if you have to use the venue provided chair.

Thanks!

thanks anonymous. ive been in a blog rut and i appreciate you snapping me back. lets talk about chairs and how, for real, they can make or break it. i wish venues would understand when designing or redesigning, how important a neutral chair is. but even then, neutral may not be what you're looking for. they can certainly make a statement as you will see below. chairs are not like the walls, they do not fade away. they are pushed in to your beautiful tablescape and stick out like 8-10 sore thumbs.

so what can you do? here are some options.

chair covers

if your venue has ugly banquet chairs, there are a few chair cover options. keep in mind that the type of chair cover is determined by the type of chair. if the venue has square back chairs vs. rounded back, your options for chair covers will change.

stretch chair covers

fit rounded back banquet chairs, come in tons of cool colors and instantly update the look into sleek and contemporary. a sash, band or runner can be tied around it for a super couture look. if your venue already has the round back chairs, and they are ugly (always are), get these.

oh, they also have really funky zebra ones out there...but they stretch onto chivaris (see below) so that means chair rental + chair cover rental. better to do as accent, like for cocktails, then on every chair.

bag-style chair cover (photo example below)

another chair cover option is the bag-style. it's sometimes sloppy and less fitted, but it can be drapey and elegant if done right. it typically comes in a satin vs. a matte spandex (like the stretch above) and therefore translates to more elegant affairs. the good thing about them is that they are quite versatile in that they fit many different styles of chairs and can be a good, quick fix for an obscenely ugly chair. they come in less colors than the stretch, usually black, white, ivory and navy satins.

rented chairs

if chair covers are not your thing and you know

you want to bring in your own chairs, there are a lot of options.

chivari chair

the most popular is probably the chivari. the father of the bride loves to tell me how uncomfortable they are, but they sure look good. locally, i can get them in white, black, mahogany, silver, pink and gold and usually with a coordinating chair pad. a lot of times a sash is woven through the spindles.

folding chair

other chair options are folding (white, black, bamboo, wood). these i typically use for outdoor events, for instance a wedding ceremony.

the bamboo are nice at casual outdoor events like a bbq or luncheon. please do not use a metal folding chair (a la the vfw) when nice folding chairs that fit your decor are readily available.

acrylic chair

another cool option is the acrylic chair which is part of the anti-decor trend. it follows the line or profile of an old world chair with the rounded back but with a "clear" update. i like how it blends in and lets other decor shine but also makes a statement in its own right. that and they are surprisingly comfortable.

here is an example of the same room, with different chairs. one client chose to keep the existing chairs and use complementary decor whereas another group chose to cover the existing chairs. as you can see, you get two very different looks.

i hope this helps, anonymous.

regards,

lindsay piram

event planner & producer

roses are red....

2009-08-05T11:57:00.024-05:00

roses are red, violets are purple....you're as sweet as maple surple.

lets talk about flowers.

i have to say, being a wedding planner requires you to be quite proficient in a number of areas. we are designers. we are organizers. we are foodies. we are wine nerds. and we know flowers. over time you just acquire this stuff, or you should in order to provide your client the most factual and up-to-date information. that said, i of course trust the experts. i have no problem defaulting to the florist on seasonal varietals or the like. but going into meetings and interactions with florists with a base of knowledge will make the meeting more productive and actually more fun.

so...here's a quickie:

amaryllis.

season: winter and spring.

red, white, pink, yellow and green.

often associated with holidays but a few cut blooms can look dramatic when clustered.

calla lily.

season: winter, spring.

white, orange, aubergine, mocha, green, pink, red.

these can be expensive but they are modern, look amazing when clustered or super tall. they remind me of soap operas (idk why), in a good way.

carnation.

season: year-round.

like every color ever and can easily be dyed (see your prom pics).

are back! yep, i said it. tightly tucked into balls is a very cool look. and the versatility, available colors and affordability make them a no-brainer.

dahlia.

season: summer and fall.

white, pink, red, deep purple (almost black).

these flowers are big and fluffy...make a big impact but can be hard to find.

gardenia.

season: summer.

white.

BEAUTIFUL scent but bruise easy.

super-duper elegant.

gerbera daisy.

season: year round.

bright vibrant colors (red, pink, orange, white).

simple and cheery...great for CASUAL events.

a bit 90s-esque but fun and whimsical too.

gladiolus.

season: summer.

white, pink, red, orange, yellow, purple.

these are the guys you see in buckets at the farmer's market. all colors with long stems that work well in tall arrangements. we use a lot on chuppahs and the blooms can be opened by hand and wired together to make one, big bloom that is STRIKING and will have your guests saying "what IS that?"

hydrangea.

season: summer and fall.

white, pink, blue, green and purple.

the color of this flower actually depends on the soil its planted in...i love that idea. (nerd alert).

oversize blooms that then require less filler, big bang for the buck.

lily.

season: spring and summer.

white, pink, orange, yellow.

hmmm...strong, overpowering a bit 80s. when i worked for the Ritz, we had to remove all lilies before jerry bruckheimer arrived. i agree with him. if you must use, have your florist remove the pollen-dripping stamen in the middle to avoid staining. and sneezing.

peony.

season: spring.

white, pink, red and deep purple.

super popular and super pretty. i remember the ants loving them in backyard as a child. trendy little ants. they can be pricey (because they are somewhat hard to get) but just a few still look fluffy and lush.

ranunculus.

season: winter and spring.

white, pink, red, orange, yellow.

my personal fave. the tight buds can fill in around bigger blooms but also adorable on their own. i love the layers of petals and the curly, erratic stems.

tulips.

season: winter and spring.

purple, white, yellow, orange, red.

they twist and twirl, look good on their own or as fillers. readily available too. check out the french ones...super cute. (as all french things are).

so, there you have it. a brief tour of the bad boys of the garden. hope this helps next time you find yourself wandering through the cooler at your floral shop...you'll look so smart!

lindsay piram,

event planner & producer.

and wanna-be florist.

you only turn 5 once.

2009-07-27T15:47:00.007-05:00

wherever i said previously that you shouldn't hit your guests over the head with a theme, i retract in the instance of children's parties. there is no better place to go over board and exhaust all the crazy themes you've thought up, then at a kids fifth birthday. though your office crew is cool, i'm not sure your stint on the holiday party committee will last long when you suggest a SHARK theme. your son, on the other hand, will shout from the tree fort that you're the coolest mom in the land. (i must give credit to my three year old for his SHARK theme...complete with red beverages to resemble blood. go ahead, take it.)

kids are cool. they will love whatever outlandish, nonsensical stuff you can dream up. and i promise you, a do-it-yourself-er with a funktified theme can come with the same price tag, if not less, than one at the local arcade with the guy in the mouse suit. my advice, is to ASK them what they want...their answers may surprise you at how cool and DOABLE they really are.

another place that i love flexing my thematic muscles is for mitzvahs. for those of you who don't know, the party part of the mitzvah weekend is usually centered around a strong theme. there is no better source to extract the theme than from the kid directly. therefore, as i do with my brides & grooms, i have an interview session. i ask questions about their hobbies and interests...what they value, what they think they're good at. what emerges from the interview? what they like and therefore, a theme. many are top secret now as they are in the planning stages, but i never seize to be amazed at how creative, uninhibited and cool my 13 year old clients really are.

one of my favorite kids parties you ask? had to be "under the big top"...a retro circus complete with pink ponies, freaky magicians, belly dancers, mini doughnuts, jugglers, stilt walkers and a brass band. mid-party i had a "pinch me moment"....it was the coolest, weirdest (in a good way) party yet. and who dreamt it all up? a kid.

regards,

lindsay piram

event planner & producer

let me see you tootsie roll.

2009-07-20T16:00:00.006-05:00

the chicken dance.

the train, the choo-choo train (you can ride it).

the electric slide.

how can you avoid catastrophe by having those played at your wedding? (assuming you want to).

music selections and the performance of your musical entertainment plays a HUGE part in the overall

success of your wedding festivities. a good band gets people to the dance floor...and they stay there (versus them fetching their car and heading home). a few tips to make sure the dancing at your wedding is a lot less chicken dance:

hire a band.

there is nothing more festive and celebratory than a big band with brass and drums and big, booming vocals. its retro, its fun and it puts you in the mood to "shake your groove thing".

hand select your songs.

a list of songs that your band knows should be provided. go through it (some can be long) and make sure you like what you see. if not, ask with enough advance notice, and they may be able to learn something special.

consider your audience.

most likely, your grandma will be at your wedding. play something she wants to hear. also in attendance, i assume, are your loud college friends and your fiances frat pledge class....and what they want, i'm going on a limb here, is not what grandma requested. you CAN play both and still keep the dance floor packed...a good band and song selection will make it happen.

feed the frenzy.

if you follow the simple steps above, i think

your dance floor will reap the rewards. what's the last step to keep it hoppin'? feed the crowd. whether its more sweets like cold ice cream cones or late night savory snacks like pizza or egg sandwiches wrapped in the morning news...bring the food TO the dance floor. this will keep them from having to leave it and will energize them all night long. (a bar with close proximity doesn't hurt either).

good band + the right song choices = packed dance floor

packed dance floor = great party

regards,

lindsay piram

event planner and producer

Best of Minnesota Bride

2009-07-14T09:36:00.009-05:00

We came, we partied, we didn’t take home the prize… but we were nominated. (And boy, were we excited about it.)

Everyone who is anyone in the Twin Cities Bridal Industry made an appearance at the 2009 Minnesota Bride Best Of Awards at the Varsity Theater on Wednesday, July 8th. It was a lively crowd of floral designers, caterers, jewelers, stationers, decorators, photographers, and so many other “ers” and “ors” that I can’t even mention all of them at once.

Vanessa Kimball, our amazing graphic designer, Lindsay Piram, event planner extraordinaire and usual author of this blog, and I (we missed our beloved manager Greta Andzenge,

who was off learning to breathe in birthing class), donned our finest duds and celebrated our nomination with a signature cocktail the hosts called “Something Blue.” Way to appeal to the wedding crowd… It was a mix of UV Vodka, sprite, and something blue I guess…too sweet for me, but at least it got us in the wedding vendor vibe for the night.

The cocktails were flowing and the food was plentiful. The music was loud and the people were louder. (Probably because they only get out when working other people’s events.) The awards were handed out and we applauded our friends and colleagues.

Cheers to Eric Sandstrom of Floral Logic, Don Jensen of Linen Effects, calligrapher Rosann Konieczny and the entire team at D’amico Catering for their well deserved awards. We love working with these amazing companies and invite all of you to check them out as well.

Until the usual blogger is back next week, make every day a reason to celebrate!

(And by the way, I do take full responsibility for missing the deadline my employee set forth for me on Monday. Thank goodness my staff keeps me in line and holds me accountable for my tardiness.)

Amy Zaroff

chinatown, usa.

2009-07-06T15:12:00.007-05:00

i love chinatown. and the best chinatown of all chinatowns? san francisco chinatown.

how can a place like chinatown help your next event? think theme!

there is so much thematics in chinatown its ridic. from the tea sets to the samurai swords (ok, some is really cliche), everything there is centered by a theme...of what? china! seriously though, it can teach you a lot about taking one thought or idea and running with it. theme can be totally kitschy or simply subtle...but theme, at least to me, is required for an event to feel cohesive.

everything you need is in chinatown, whether you're hosting a dinner party with far east flair or your sons "kung fu panda" party. you can walk away with your arms full or wander and gather mental merchandise (thats what i call ideas).

not every city has its own chinatown, how i wish they did. but there are similar haunts in your city, i am sure. check out your local markets (flea markets, bazaars, farmers markets) for authentic items for your decor and menu (saffron is WAY less expensive at a global market than your supermarket, priced per thread). locale specific grocers are also a great place to submerse your

self in theme. arabic and asian markets are full of spices and sauces and are great places to check out to think theme (and fill your pantry).

here in mpls i highly recommend visiting the Global Market on Lake Street. it houses latin, caribbean, asian and arabic specialities all under one roof! parties are just waiting to be happen with all that is here. i guess the Global Market could be considered the closest thing we have to chinatown (one sprawling building vs. an entire neighborhood), for now.

do yourself a favor and find your city's own chinatown (or version of). you will be glad you did.

regards,

lindsay piram

event planner & producer

napa know how.

2009-06-29T11:58:00.010-05:00

as i mentioned previously, i was in napa valley last week...which quickly became one of my favorite places to visit. it has all you need: great weather, world class food, laid back people and most importantly an endless abundance of magnificent wine.

on a tip from a friend, i hired a private

"tour guide" (contact gordy larum at www.eyeonwine.com to hire yours) to take me around the valley.

this eliminated waiting in line, boarding a hot bus with tourists and their fanny-packs and allowed the opportunity to taste and see some really unique wines and wineries.

to give you an idea of the scale:

sterling vineyards (shown at right) produces something like 18 million cases a year, whereas lava vine is under 1000 case production. the difference is palpable, without a doubt.

so for fear that i may have started sounding like a napa valley pamphlet, lets discuss how this affects you (my loyal audience)...

wine and events go hand in hand. or they should. and selecting wine can be intimidating and overwhelming. some

tips of the trade to get you through:

sticker shock.

good wine does NOT need to be expensive and dont be talked

into the most pricey bottle on the list. there are

great wines out there for less than $40 a bottle, even some as little as $15. higher prices usually mean a smaller yield, making it rare or a "reserve". save those for small, special occasions. a midrange bottle is entirely acceptable to serve to guests at a large gathering.

blanco y rojo.

the age old adage that white is for fish and red for beef is simply not true. to me, it depends more on the preparation of the dish (sauce and sides) than the actual protein itself. lighter reds pair surprisingly well with fish or chicken. dont be afraid to take risks and try new things, you'll be glad you did.

pairings.

because wine can be potentially overwhelming to your guests and food tastes SO much better when paired with the right wine, do the pairing for them at your dinner. simply passing by with a bottle of white and a bottle of red at each course doesn't showcase the wine or the food like it should. i like to start with a sparkling because its light and celebratory. pair that with your amuse bouche or first course. next, pair a wine with your salad, entree and even

into dessert. it is AMAZING how different the meal will taste and feel when the wine is thoughtfully selected. most restaurants and event venues have a sommelier on staff, use it.

hope your summer is off to a sunny start and thanks for your loyal readership. i enjoy your feedback and am open to topic suggestions too. next week, in honor of the 4th of july, ill be blogging about chinatown. until then...

regards,

lindsay piram

event planner & producer

please. and thank you.

2009-06-15T10:14:00.009-05:00

as a child...

i walked with books on my head, by choice.

when i set the table, i set salad, dinner, dessert and shrimp forks. when having tacos.

my school lunch box, included a linen napkin. pressed and folded.

i sent thank you notes to my slumber party hosts.

i guess you could say, etiquette has always been important to me. and in my career, nothing has changed. etiquette, to me, is a sign of respect. respect to tradition and also to the guests and hosts of an event.

so, today...a few simple etiquette "rules" i live by.
and you should too:

spell correctly.
whether it's the menu at an event, the (reluctantly) invited cousin's girlfriend's name on the invitation or text within a program: proof, proof and proof again. take time and do some research to get the accent on the french wine varietal just right. email your aunt and make sure cadie opts for the c. and the d. explain the significance of a huppah at a jewish wedding, not the hippo. (spell check wont catch that but proofers will.) it bodes well for you in the end.

source those old dusty stationery grammar books.
believe it or not, when inviting a child to a formal event, it should read "master ben miller". i know this sounds crazy and even outdated, but if you're going formal, i recommend going all the way. there are certain ways to address judges, doctors, widows and officers. all of this and more is included within Crane's Blue Book of Stationery. here at give my regards to, there are literally copies on every desk and shelf.

put your napkin on your lap.
as soon as you're seated! this is a big one and to me, encompasses all table manners, such as: let the ladies order first. use the utensils from the outside in. pass items, such as bread baskets, to your right. excuse yourself if leaving the table. lay your flatware diagonally across your plate to signal you are finished. simple, right?

be grateful.
a thank you goes a long way. a thank you note, even further. it is such a simple gesture, but makes people feel appreciated. and insures you get invited back! i've written them as a host, to my guests (ESPECIALLY if gifts were involved) and as a guest, to a host for a great event. including something unique to that event, within the text, helps personalize it. ("the nutella crepes were divine. merci!") come see us if you need some new thank you notes...there are some adorable options that make you want to send, send, send. (so cute that my son has had a set since age two.)

regards,
lindsay piram

event planner & producer

next week i'll be blogging from napa valley....this should be interesting.

how to have a haute party.

2009-06-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

what to wear?

when it comes to my wardrobe, i abide by the following: i splurge on basics that will never go out of style (motorcycle jacket, black cocktail dress, cowboy boots) and i force myself to be frugal and smart when it comes to that season's trends. i just can't justify blowing the bank on a feathered bikini…it would be SO cool, but laughable by next season. son in tow, we hit up sale racks, vintage stores (because everything that’s cool now, has been cool before) and designer outlets to still get the look, but for a lot less.

so, the blog begs, can fashion trends transcend to events? let's explore:

rock and roll:
"equal parts rebellious and refined, this 90's style" is characterized by black, frays, rips and tears, more black and studs…100% downtown. an event look would rock this style with black on black, couture cutting (contrived rips), stark floral arrangements with all one flower (callas would be cool). bring in the studded look through metallic accents (flatware and serve-ware). and lots of leather…seating is an obvious place for this.

open range:
feathers and fringe. wild at heart. life on the prairie gets a fashion update. i see this trend becoming event décor through suede, flowing fabrics, untamed floral, natural tones with pops of color inspired by nature (turquoise, orange). keep in mind, the juxtaposition of a cowboy boot and a long, laura ingalls wilder floral print dress will look just as cool when interpreted at an event as it does on the runway. this is done with bold, worn-in, chocolate leather seating against a pastel table-scape with quail feathers mixed into a bucket or pitcher of wildflowers.

floral and feminine:
old school ladylike meets modern ‘tude. floral patterns, sheer fabrics and ethereal layers combine flirtatiousness and elegance. incorporating vintage pieces into the event décor will weight this look accompanied by silk and sheer linens. nothing too heavy though (no drapes) or it will date the look. floral motifs can be exhibited through not only pattern, but texture, too to soften the look. anchor it with neutrals (like you’d pair ivory linen trousers with a floral blouse) to keep it elegant and modern.

global goddess:
find inspiration from distant lands like southeast asia or the plains of sub-saharan africa. beads, bold prints and embroidery transport us to new lands and new looks. bold linens with funky pots, nothing contrived and lots of layers. lighting is low for nighttime and daytime events of this type should soak up the sun. moroccan teacups can double as adorable and appropriate wine glasses, toss some beaded pillows down and cover your table with animal prints and bold patterns.

the four current spring/summer fashion trends listed above can certainly translate to an event, but keep in mind that trends change with the seasons…a prairie-inspired party next spring will be far less cool than this spring. (by then i'll be dishing on the super-hero look that's sweeping the runway!) fashion magazines and fashion show footage from paris or new york are my new favorite places for event inspiration, now all you need to figure out is what to wear to your party!

lindsay piram,
event planner & producer

2009-06-01T00:01:00.003-05:00

sidelined by the stomach (not swine, thanks) flu in los angeles over memorial weekend interrupted some, but not all, of my excursions. still, as promised, i got my picture next to mike’s star (wow, did that make me feel like a tourist or what? all in the name of my blog, wink wink.)

so, later that day i ended up in santa monica. and at the ritz. I worked for the ritz-carlton hotel chain in sobe and love, love all they stand for. as a guest and as an employee. i just strolled in and made myself at home, and at the ritz, this is allowable. act like you own the place and no one says a word. ha.

i think i've mentioned before that YELLOW is the “it” color this season. if i haven’t, i'm sure you already know. yellow is hot for clothes, jewelry, handbags, flowers, stationery, events. (basically everything but cars).

so…what did i find while snooping through SM? a yellow event (wedding) AT the ritz. (yes, i was in the ballroom). it was in the very preliminary stages of being set but I snapped what I could. how nicely it tied in with the yellow and gold touches within the hotel itself, such as the hand-blown amber glass fixtures and antique mirrors.

which leads me to my #1 event philosophy: WORK WITH THE SPACE, NOT AGAINST IT. im talking color, style, theme. this will save you time and money and will make your event feel “right”. a rock and roll party at your parents' country club? not gonna feel as good as it could. with some work, it could eventualllllly but think about all you would have to bring in by way of props and décor. why not go straight to the heart of rock and roll? find an old warehouse or kick a** bar that embodies that style.

an all-white princess wedding? I would recommend a more traditional venue where the elements are built in through architecture versus the contemporary, urban hotel. and keep in mind…if a hotel or venue is modern or contemporary in its architecture, its standard linens, chairs and serve-ware will be too. which means YOU will need to supply the ones that go with your look. all of those things should exude your overall theme and if they don’t, there will be a disconnect. ($30 chair cover x 300 chairs = find a venue where the chairs fit your look and you can spend this $ somewhere else, like on a planner to tell you that!)

so, the moral of the los angeles story? YELLOW works at the RITZ. and i heart both.

regards, lindsay piram event planner & producer

umbrella chic.

2009-05-25T00:01:00.004-05:00

outdoor events in minnesota.

as you have witnessed in minneapolis this week, weather here is as unpredictable as American Idol. 40 on one day and 95 three days later…and that’s in May! the summer is the same. so, how is it possible to have an outdoor event in minnesota in june?

a few things to keep in mind:

a tent.
with sidewalls. if its nice you roll them up. or if you see that the forecast looks clear, cancel it. you will pay a nominal restocking fee but peace of mind is well worth it.

plan b.
if your event space is not conducive to a tent, you MUST have a back-up plan. many hotels will double book you with a back up space. granted, it may be a meeting room on the third floor, but it is probably better than wet hair on your wedding.

communicate.
if your event is outside, communicate to the guests where to go and what to do in the event of inclement weather. a back up space should be listed as well as rain or shine if you will be in the same locale, come hell or high water (literally).

roll with it.
if you’re having an event outdoors, a part of you must like being out there. having the attitude that what happens, happens is realistic, relaxed and memorable!

i'm off to LA…stay tuned for some of my west coast event inspiration spaces. (and me next to michael jackson's hollywood star.)

the photo booth: old is new. and cool again.

2009-05-18T00:01:00.006-05:00

photo booths.

my hair sticky with cotton candy, my face adorned with a smeared and amateur unicorn face painting and my sandals dusty after having run circles in the midway mud, I find the photo booth. I slip in my shiny nickel, take my place on the crooked stool, fling closed the curtain and smile my silly smile.

we all have a vivid and tangible memory of a photo booth from our childhood. and because of this nostalgia, photo booths have made a well-deserved comeback, at adults and kids events alike. they invoke silliness and whimsy. they capture raw and real footage of people having fun and being their true selves. due to their regained popularity, you probably have seen a photo booth at recent events.

here are some of my faves in the minneapolis area...

the traveling photo booth:
this is the real deal. its stainless steel exterior and powder blue curtain really take you back. the photo strip that emerges has two sets of photos, one for the guest to keep and one that is inserted into a custom guestbook that the guest then signs. photographic evidence of their attendance! you can even customize the center of the strip with your logo or monogram. extras abound such as thank you cards with your favorite image and a disc of images captured. parties, weddings or mitzvahs all benefit from having this photo booth at the event.
www.thetravelingphotobooth.com

space pix:
not as much of a “booth” but a great way to capture stills of your guests. the background and border are customizable either from their library of images or created by us (image from your invite, for example). this is a great way to run the theme from the invitation to the party and into the take-away as the guests will leave with their color photo. super-impose your guests onto home plate at Yankees’ Stadium at your Baseball Bar Mitzvah Party or your head onto a muscleman body at your Circus Soiree.
or add a simple border with the event name and date for a great keepsake.
www.space-pix.com

mobile photo booth:
strips or 4x6, color or black & white are all options with
these guys. the box of costumes they bring along is a big hit. their multiple booth sizes are great if space is tight.
this booth appears to take photos from further back meaning more space for a group shot. we’ve even seen mobile photo booth do a video confessional booth that turned out to be quite hilarious. www.mobilephotobooth.com

matt blum photography:
world-renowned, minneapolis based wedding and event photographer who has done his homework and knows what his clients want: a photo booth! not a “booth” in the traditional sense, but with all the fun and nostalgia for sure. him and his partner, katie, have come up with a way to capture their guests in the coolest and most unconventional way. all it is, is a backdrop white paper screen and their super-fast flashing camera. pics print onsite in minutes and are amazing, seemingly capturing the anti-pose. I love, love the look you get…you’ve never seen grandma look so cool.
www.mattblumphotography.com
moments later, the glossy black & white photo strip emerges. I slip it into the pocket of my parachute pants, pop a saltwater taffy into my mouth and head towards the tilt-a-whirl, thinking to myself, “I wonder if I’ll look back at this someday and remember this day?”

it appears I did. and your guests will too.

regards,
lindsay piram
event planner & producer

spring has sprung.

2009-05-11T08:00:00.008-05:00

this is spring in minneapolis:

we run (i walk) around lake calhoun, we spruce up our window boxes with beautiful annuals, we leave the house, we dine alfresco and we have parties!

spring (ESPECIALLY in minneapolis) is as good a reason as any to throw a party. spring also seems to be the time we are invited to or hosting bridal showers, mother’s day luncheons and graduation parties.

Martha Stewart Weddings

at give my regards to we offer three distinct levels of event planning services: full service, day of and hourly (see www.givemyregardsto.com for a full descrip of each). hourly is great for the self-starter who knows they want to throw their niece a beautiful but understated bridal shower for her july wedding or the busy parents who want to express to their grad how proud they are of his accomplishments. with hourly consultation, i fill in the bash blanks on menu, décor, etc. here’s how:

a few fun ideas to add some primavera to your par-tay:

think fresh, local and seasonal accents…

neighborhood farmers markets are sproutin’ up everywhere. check here first for tulips that can make a stunning centerpiece.
in-season asparagus, melon and berries = fresh, available and affordable. wrap the melon in proscuitto, grill the asparagus and top with feta and balsamic and serve berries with mascarpone and lemon zest and you have a fanciful meal!

use color to emanate the season…

yellow (way hot right now, ps), orange and pinks are all indicative of spring. add some bright green to make it pop.
use these spring colors in your linens, floral, food and invite. are you following along? if so, you know THIS is your theme!

source spring as your favor…

a petite potted herb (that could adorably double as the place card)
brightly colored candy (www.thecocoaroom.com) in clear boxes (so as not to hide our hues)
the tulip centerpieces! (visit ikea for vases and you won’t care that they walk away.)

now go already and celebrate spring!

regards,

lindsay piram
event planner & producer

What makes a great party?

2009-05-04T08:00:00.009-05:00

What makes a great party? Is it the fabulous food or the divine décor? Is it the hottest venue or the rock star band? All are key components of throwing a bodacious bash…but in and of themselves, they can’t make or break you. Foul food won’t ruin the night, but it may make your guests flag the valet and head for the nearest drive-thru faster than you had hoped. And come to think of it, a bad band is BAD.

But, what ultimately makes a party is creating a GUEST EXPERIENCE. Your guests feel like they were a part of something. They belonged and who doesn’t want to belong? This starts with the invitation. That simple piece of paper (or not-so-simple, come on, this is GMRT we are talking about, after all!), hand delivered to their home, with THEIR name printed on it begins the experience. It sets the tone.

From there, you take that theme and you run it through, from beginning to end. Go crazy and don’t miss a beat. This does not suggest you hit your friends and family over the head with the theme, however. That can happen and I suggest avoidance of that tactic. (No grass skirts and coconut bras at the door, please). But rather, a theme can be as simple as a color, a monogram or logo, an object or as out-there as “Mardi Gras” or a “Diner de Tetes” (talk about options!). The décor transports you, the food invokes a memory or nostalgia, the lighting tells a story (like what time of day YOU want it to be versus what time it actually is) and the entertainment engages you. Satisfy all their senses: let them hear your theme through a live performer. Let them taste your theme through flavors of where you want them to be. Let them smell your theme through flowers or live plants or aromas of where this theme originated (Mardi Gras = Bayou, Diner de Tetes = The streets of France). Let them touch and see your décor through layered and textured fabrics or using the space above and drawing their eye up. If your theme is as simple as a color (love!) than use that color in every shade and hue it comes in. There ARE gray flowers, just partner with someone (www.florallogic.com) who will be creative and find them for you. Transport your guests.

As they walk out the door at the end of the evening…they may not be able to specifically put their finger on WHAT made it the party of the year, but they will know that it was. Why? Because it was cohesive, thematic and made them feel a part of something. They belonged. What a gift you gave your guest.

regards,

lindsay piram
event planner & producer

who am i and why am i telling you how to party?

2009-04-27T12:54:00.010-05:00

Its time to PARTY! (and blog about it…)

Greetings party goers, fellow party planners, past and future clients and vendor partners:

Welcome to the GMRT Party Patrol blog. As many (ok, all) of you probably know, I like to talk. A lot. I have a lot of opinions and on the subject of parties, I could go on and on. And now I will!

In the weeks ahead, look forward to us giving our spin on all things events. I will share insider secrets on what makes a great party, how to wow, parties on a budget (yes, everyone has a budget), things I’ve tried that failed (so you don’t have to!) and more.

And what qualifies me to tell all? As an event planner for Give My Regards To for nearly two years (and previously in South Beach, Miami), I have produced events of all shapes and sizes. From a rock-star birthday bash in a former casket company (think wild zebra print!) to a corporate networking event where beer was locally handcrafted by the guests themselves and unveiled at an authentic Oktoberfest (Leiderhozen? Check. Weinerschnitzel? Check.) Thinking outside of the box is my forte and now is as good of a time as any to share what I know with my fellow party people.

Me with the "celebrity" judges from Oktoberfest

I maintain a firm bash belief that parties are a celebration of those we like and love, be it a wedding, a corporate gala, a Mitzvah or a simple shower. They can be grand or grounded . . . but definitely should be great. I look forward to sharing my event expertise and welcome your feedback in the weeks ahead.

So look forward to logging on every Monday and getting the dirt, the dish and the deal from the GMRT Party Patrol.

regards,

lindsay piram
event planner & producer