We've Moved!

The It! Girls are thrilled to announce that our newly redesigned blog, It! Weddings FLORIDA, is up and running at www.itweddingsflorida.com! It! Weddings Florida exemplifies the best of the best in the Sunshine State, from creme de la creme vendors to chic Inspirations and the most unique, charming and lovely Real Weddings. Our exclusive It! List highlights Florida wedding vendors who’ve proven themselves to be the best in their respective fields. After all, we wouldn’t brag about a vendor we wouldn’t want to team up with on your wedding day!
Log on and be inspired!

Join the It! Girls for a fab cocktail party at Cafe Boulud Palm Beach!

From the It! Vault for St. Patty's Day: A Verdant Inspiration

Silk chiffon dress from J. Crew and parasol from Cultural Intrigue; A poolside dessert table in the Hamptons by Amy Atlas; Queen Anne cake by LovinSullivanCakes; Mother's Day dessert table by Amy Atlas; Hand-sewn fabric pockets for wedding programs by Chewing the Cud; Ivory Marichelle lace necklace on old green novel by White Owl; Green wedding invitations by Cathie U.; Custom cocktail, Saketini, with cucumber. Find recipe on Brides.com; Bride and groom signs from June Bug Weddings; Table setting by Yvette Roman Photography; Flowergirl, bridal, and bridesmaid dresses by Jenny Yoo; Bridal bouquet from June Bug Weddings; Boutonniere by Florarama Modern Design

Check out It! Weddings & Events on WFLX

It! Interview: Sommelier Jenny Benzie dishes on one of our favorite topics: WINE!

Sommelier Jenny Benzie, owner of Pour Sip Savor: An Assemblage of Sommelier Services, splits her time between Palm Beach and Nantucket (and Napa, and Ribera del Duero, and...), pouring, sipping and savoring the world's finest wines. As you can imagine, she's one of our favorite people to chat (and drink) with.

We caught up with her in advance of the Simply Italian Great Wines U.S. Tour 2011 stop at the Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach (stay tuned for our favorite vintages from the event later this week) to ask her the questions that are always top of mind for our clients.

Here's a taste:

What are the most important things to consider when selecting wine for a wedding reception?

While it is your 'big day' and there are many things to consider to make your event memorable, the wine you choose to serve should not be overlooked. There is nothing worse than arriving at the bar to only be offered 'red and white.'

Make sure to choose wines that are user-friendly for the type of wedding event you are planning and that pair with the food that you are serving. Most people are familiar with Chardonnay and while it might be appropriate for a four-course sit down meal, is that big, buttery oak bomb appropriate for an outdoor cocktail reception? Cabernet Sauvignon is great with beef, but you're serving a choice of chicken or fish. If you are only serving one red and one white for the entire event, choose a wine that is 'middle-of-the road.' Sauvignon blanc or albarino are more exciting than pinot grigio and not as big as most chardonnays; pinot noir may be too light and malbec too big for red. Select instead perhaps something made from tempranillo (Ribera del Duero from Spain) or a blend from Southern Rhone (made from grenache, syrah, mourvedre).

Also, steer away from wines that your friends can find at the local grocery store. Take a little time to discover something unique that will leave your guests asking, 'Where can I buy more of that wine?'

How much should a bride and groom expect to spend per bottle on wine?

On average, the price per bottle of wine should be double the cost of the main course. If your price is inclusive per person, ask your caterer to break the cost down for you so you know how much that would be. If you are having only a cocktail reception, the caterer should be able to give you an idea of a figure. For example, your appetizer is $15, then main course is $30 and the dessert (wedding cake, of course) is $15. Then the wine would be about $60 per bottle. Feel free to go lower or higher in price based on your budget and the level of sophistication of your guests' palates. Most fine dining establishments will offer an entry-level wine at $50, with selections at $75 and $125 for upgrades. Off-premise caterers may be as inexpensive as $25 per bottle, with $40 and $60 upgrades. Remember that you are paying restaurant pricing for the wines just as you are for the food.

Also, the cost of your wine should be in proportion for the rest of your event. Booked a five-diamond hotel for your reception? Maybe don't serve Prosecco, but you don't need Dom Perignon either. There are many reasonably priced lesser known Champagnes that give you a better bang for the buck: Gimonet, Vilmart, Pierre Peters, Pol Roger. Barefoot on the beach? Cava from Spain would be perfect (think Gramona for excellent quality)!

Do most venues allow couples to bring their own vino? What would be an appropriate corkage charge?

This is always tricky and is definitely depends on the restaurant. Most fine dining restaurants DO NOT allow you to bring in your own wine. Why? Because many people will bring in an everyday wine in order to cut their costs versus serving a wine that is more suitable and appropriate for the food that will be served. If your father has a special collection that he has been saving for your wedding, speak with the banquet manager and let them know that it is no ordinary wine that you are interested in serving. Try to negotiate a set fee for all the wine as a corkage fee, not a corkage fee per bottle opened (if they charge you $50 per bottle, you may be better off paying a flat fee of $500 or $1,000).

For places that do allow you to bring your own wine, they may charge $10-$25. Consider the cost of your wine plus that fee to make sure it's not better a better deal to just buy the $40 bottle that is being offered at the venue.

Are champagne toasts a thing of the past?

Yes and no - if this is your first time at the altar, I think a toast is appropriate. Your best friend wants to wish you well (and tell that embarrassing story...) and your parents are proud. If this is your second (or third) time getting hitched, you may not find a toast necessary. Keep in mind, this adds another cost to your wedding. If your crowd aren't big bubbly drinkers (although I am!), ask to have half glasses poured for each guest instead of a full pour.

For more information on Jenny Benzie and Pour Sip Savor, visit www.poursipsavor.com.

Celebrate Valentine's Day at Cafe Boulud Palm Beach

We heart Mr. Boddington's Studio

We adore bespoke stationery by Mr. Boddington's Studio for weddings and special events, but heir latest Valentine's Day line has us positively swooning. Check out one of our favorite stationers, The Paper Tree, for a great selection.

The Paper Tree

1903 Lincoln Drive

Sarasota, FL 34236

941.266.1326

www.thepapertree.com

Two Lovers at Sea: The perfect card for all jet-setting pairs. Each set includes 4 or 8 flat matte cards on heavy eggshell stock.

Announcing: THREAD BRIDE!

It! Inspiration: Winter Wedding

Why should Spring get all the glory? We adore winter weddings. After all, what better theme to inspire guests to cozy up with one another as the snow falls?

Winter wedding from Bentley Meeker; Snowy pinecone winter wedding cake from Martha Stewart; Stationery by Ceci New York; bouquet from Brides.com

The Festival of Trees has begun! Join us at Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens Dec. 3-12

The It! Girls will be rocking around the Christmas tree tonight at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens! With more than 30 designer Christmas trees, Christmas carolers, a holiday boutique and more, it is just what we need to get us in the holiday spirit here in balmy South Florida — the delicious noshes and open bar during the Gala Opening doesn't hurt, either!

The event benefits the garden's Community Enrichment Program, designed to provide cultural opportunities to all populations through innovative programming incorporating the visual arts, environmental awareness and interpretive history of Ann Weaver Norton.

Family and friends of all ages are invited to the gala, with tickets available for $200 for adults (ANSG members $150) and $25 per child. Gentlemen of the Garden will present Community Days with $10 admission (children $5) Dec. 4 and 5 and Dec. 8-12.

For more information on Festival of Trees or the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, call (561) 832-5328 or email annnorton@ansg.org. To view the latest schedule of events at the garden, please visit www.ansg.org.

The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, Inc. is a recognized 501(c)3 operating foundation established in 1977 by the prominent sculptor Ann Weaver Norton (1905-1982). The gardens are conveniently located at 253 Barcelona Road, at the corner of Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach, FL. The rare palm and sculpture gardens, exhibition galleries and artist studio are currently open Wednesday-Sunday. 11- 4 p.m.

Back Yard as Ballroom

House too small for a hundred houseguests? No great room, formal dining room or even elbow room? No problem! Take the party outside and make al fresco memories.
For an afternoon Sip 'n' See in honor of Juliana Elizabeth, our youngest It! Girl, we set round tables in the garden with folding chairs and rustic burlap linens. To enhance Mother Nature's verdant backdrop, we tied fresh jasmine to mauve napkins, and planted budding carnations in mason jars trimmed with twine (guests were invited to take them home to plant in their own gardens). Lanterns were lined with family photos, and piles of miniature lady apples kept the organic feel going.
On the patio, glass vessels filled with gala apples, bosc pears and black mission figs complemented a simple menu of crudites, charcuterie and artisinal cheeses. Mini cupcakes by The Sugar Monkey — chocolate-peanut butter, pumpkin spice and vanilla — invited guests to nibble. Champagne punch, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir rounded out the beverage selections (plus sodas and juices for the kiddos!).
But don't take our word for it: Check out these lovely photos by LILA PHOTO!

It! Inspiration: Halloween Desserts

Looking for last-minute Halloween treats? Here are a few of our favorites. Click on the links below for recipes!

Pumpkin Cupcakes from Parents; Pecan- Caramel Spiders from Food Network; Pumpkin Cake with Little Ghosts from Southern Living

Join us today at Neiman Marcus Palm Beach!

18 Spooktakular Menu Options

Our friends at C'est Si Bon Catering in Palm Beach have been serving up haute dishes to the island's savviest clientele for more than 20 years. We love their fun fall menu selections — great for an intimate fall dinner with friends or a ghoulish celebration for hundreds!

Horror D'Oeuvres
PUMPKIN PARMESAN PUFFS
DEVILED EGGS
STUFFED FUNGUS (Mushrooms w/ Sausage)
COCKTAIL SHRIMP with SLIME SAUCE (Green Dill Sauce)
MOLD AND MILDEW CANAPES (Crostini w/ Hot Spinach and Artichoke Topping)
MINI BRAIN BURGERS w/ BLOOD SAUCE (Sirloin Burgers on Silver Dollar Rolls)
BULGING EYEBALLS (Cherry Tomatoes with Mozzarella and Pesto)
MINI BAT SANDWICHES (choose from tuna, egg, ham, chicken salad, turkey, roast beef)

Monster Dinner Buffet
FRANKENSTEIN CHILI BUG RICE (Rice with Peppers, Onions and Roasted corn)
WITCHES STEW (Curried Chicken and Apples)
BAKED GOBLIN (Penne Pasta with Chicken and Roasted Red Peppers)
UNCLE FESTER'S DEVILED CRAB CAKES AND LERCH'S SAUCE
BAT'S NESTS AND EYEBALL MEATBALLS

Vampire Delights
Pumpkin Pie Tartlets
Pumpkin Brownies
Decorated Halloween Cupcakes
Customized Halloween Cookies available

Check out the C'est Si Bon gourmet market at 280 Sunset Avenue in Palm Beach, and call (561) 659-6503 or (561) 848- 7183 for more information on their services.

Not your average girl!

We were honored to have been interviewed by Alyson Seligman of The Average Girl's Guide, a blog that focuses on celebrating the everyday joys in life — a great deal on hot boots for fall, a healthy recipe, a great tip for staying organized.
Check out our tips for taking home entertaining from average to above & beyond:

Must-Know tips for the Well-Heeled Hostess: Aime Dunstan

Entertaining is fun... yet slightly stressful, if you ask me. You want it to be perfect, your guests to have the best time, the food to be delicious and everyone to get along just smashingly. Sounds like a miracle needs to happen.

Enter Aime Dunstan (our miracle!). As president of Palm Beach-based It! Weddings & Events, it's her job -- and passion -- to make every event, from surfside clambakes and verdant garden anniversary soirees to elaborate museum fund-raisers and celebrity weddings the most glorious experience ever. And, trust me. Her creations really are glorious. Aime's also a fashion and society columnist for The Palm Beach Post, a contributing editor for Hamptons Cottages & Gardens magazine and an all-around "it" gal. You can check out some of her creations and get inspired throughout the year by visiting her Facebook page and blog. Plus, check the end of this post for where you can meet Aime and see and hear about her latest works.

For a fun spin on our weekly five must-haves, we asked Aime five questions the average gal would like to know about hosting parties and she graciously obliged. Get ready to host with confidence. (And if you're still nervous or have a bigger party to throw, find Aime!).

Aime Dunstan

5 tips... for the well-heeled hostess

1. What are affordable/creative ways to decorate a table? Are there a few things I should always have on hand?

Linens: Whether its funky table runners and placemats or a classic hemstitch linen tablecloth and napkins, your tablescape begins and ends with linens. Prints are fun, but unless you have a huge assortment, they can be limiting and repetitive. It’s always a good idea to have tablecloths in several solid colors on hand (white and black are must-haves, followed by festive holiday colors and a rustic neutral, like burlap). 

Classic charger from
Pier 1 Imports



Chargers: If you have the storage space, I’d pick up 12 each of silver and gold chargers. They’re made so inexpensively these days (look for them at Target and Pier 1 Imports) that it can cost less to own them than to rent them from your local party store. They instantly jazz up a white plate from your cabinet or caterer. A colored or detailed salad plate, simple flatware and crystal stemware will complete the look — all of which can be rented from your local party store!





RED-HOT inspiration board. Aime
develops these for clients to envision events.



Centerpieces: A clear vase never hurts to have on hand, but I love punctuating a table with an unusual centerpiece — perhaps a grouping of potted plants for brunch in the garden, piles of pumpkins and gourds for a fall feast, or a living table runner with tons of fresh pine branches, cones, and berries for a formal winter dinner.

Candles: A must for any dinner table is at least one votive candle between every couple to add warmth and ambiance. Be sure to use unscented candles to let the scents of your home-cooked meal take center stage.

2. What are good dinner party themes? Wait, should I even have a theme?


Safari-themed dinner party

A theme is like a road map — both for the guest and hostess. A theme can be as simple as a color scheme that begins with your invitation and is carried through your table setting and event decor. (Or it can be as elaborate as a Moroccan feast with oriental rugs, ornate lanterns, and live camels to greet guests at the front gate). Either way, choosing a theme will help you as the hostess to make decisions on menu, décor and entertainment, and it will help your guests know what to wear and what kind of party they’re attending.



Looking for simple dinner party themes? Pick anything that inspires you at the moment, like the season or a favorite color combination (we love aqua and cherry red). A special French dish you’ve wanted to prepare could lead to a romantic night in Paris, while a cool fall breeze could inspire an al fresco autumn feast with a farm-to-table menu celebrating the season’s harvest.

Q: At what size group would you recommend doing place cards? Any tips for placing people?

I adore place cards for luncheons and dinners with 12 and under — any group that fits at a single table. To me, it’s not so much formal as thoughtful.



Green inspiration board for Aime's clients.

By selecting where and with whom your guests are seated, you can help foster new relationships by mixing up couples and genders. I think for the most part, people like to know where they’re supposed to go. Giving them a reserved seat means your guests have one less decision to ponder, and it shows you thought of them in advance.

For groups where more than one table is involved, say 12 and higher, I’d recommend escort cards, which are displayed on a table near the entrance and direct each guest to their intended table (you can number your tables, or name them to go along with your theme). You may leave the seating open at their respective tables, or take it one step further and include a place card at each setting.

Q: I sometimes get stressed about what to serve. Any suggestions? Should I do a big dish like paella so it's a dish and side all rolled in to one or make individual pieces of fish, steak, etc.?

Whether you’re serving up a one-dish meal or a multicourse feast, it should be a menu you’re comfortable preparing, and one where the majority of the prep work can be done before your guests arrive. The scents of your home-cooked meal will permeate the air (yum!), and you’ll be relaxed and at ease to entertain your guests. No one likes a frantic hostess!


Ina's 'perfect roast chicken.' Classic.


I love Ina Garten’s “Barefoot Contessa” cookbooks for party recipes. They’re elegant, easy and classic. Just be sure to do a trial run of your menu before the big event so you can adjust the seasonings to your taste the second time around.

Also, be sure and make a quick phone call or send a quick email to find out about your guest’s allergies or dietary restrictions. Pork and seafood dishes can be a huge hit — but not for the guest who’s left to side dishes and salad because you weren’t aware of his or her dietary restrictions.

Don’t let this thought limit your menu to chicken and potatoes — snooze — just make a few calls to cover your bases and let your culinary talents shine!

Q: Are there a few things I can always have in my pantry or fridge to be able to serve up if anyone comes over last minute?

It never hurts to keep noshes on hand such as blue-cheese stuffed olives, almonds and a nice cured sausage to slice up with some fresh cucumber. Club soda or sparkling water is a pantry staple, as are a few bottles of everyday wines (whites and reds) that go with an assortment of foods. Maurizio Ciminella of Amici Ristorante in Palm Beach is opening up Amici gourmet market this fall, and we can’t wait to see what treats he’ll carry for our party guests!

Want more advice from Aime?

Who doesn't! She'll be speaking this Saturday, Oct. 9 at Tea & Tastings, an event hosted by The Junior League of the Palm Beaches. Enjoy fine tea, indulge in delectable bites from the Junior League cookbook, Worth Tasting, hear from smart women. Fab. Want more?

Visit Aime and see her gorgeous holiday tablescapes at Table It! at Neiman Marcus Palm Beach on Thurs., Oct. 14 from 1:30 to 4:30 pm. While there, get a taste of the holiday season from Neiman Marcus Epicure Collection and Teaforte. The display continues through Oct. 18.

Go forth, gather inspiration and host with confidence!

Join It! Girl Aime Dunstan on Oct. 9 for Tea & Tastings

Along with Tiffany & Co. and Pioneer Linens, It! Weddings & Events has been invited to speak on home entertaining during an afternoon tea to benefit Junior League of the Palm Beaches at Rosarian Academy. Join in on the fun!

LaFrance Films captures Fashion's Night Out by It! Weddings & Events!

More than 500 of Palm Beach's most fabulous fashionistas attended Fashion's Night Out at Neiman Marcus on Sept. 10.

It! Weddings & Events had the pleasure of helping ensure the success of this event through partnerships with The Sugar Monkey, Pistache French Bistro, Omphoy Ocean Resort, Bulletproof Wine & Spirits, CaptureSET, Elan Artists and more — not to mention the It! Boys & Girls who showcased their talents at the event!

Whether you were one of the few to miss all the fun, or you just want to relive this amazing night, check out this video by LaFrance Films, which captures all the fun and excitement!

Fashion's Night Out Palm Beach from Michael LaFrance on Vimeo.

It! Destination: Bear Flag Farm

Just an hour outside of San Francisco amidst the natural beauty of Wine Country lies one of our favorite special event venues: Bear Flag Farm. The relaxing scents, sights and sounds of this working organic estate literally reconnect guests with Mother Earth.

Bear Flag Farm opens its doors to just 15 events per season (May to October), ensuring a celebration that's short on pretense and long on personal attention. Surrounded by orchards, lavender fields and mesmerizing rows of organic produce, the California estate incorporates proprietary olive oil, wine, fruits, vegetables and herbs into each personalized farm-t0-table menu.

For more information, contact the It! Girls or Bear Flag Farm.

xoxo

Kelly

Sweet treat from Daily Candy: An indie wedding playlist

Despite being Gaga for pop, it makes us want to “Shout” when wedding DJs play the same songs “Time After Time.” Make it more than a mindless “Celebration” with our favorite indie picks.

First Dance First
“Home,” Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros (Feel free to play this multiple times.)
“Can You Tell,” Ra Ra Riot (He’s still got butterflies.)
“No One’s Gonna Love You,” Band of Horses (Classic. To the point.)
“Love and Some Verses,” Iron & Wine (In it for the long haul.)
“You’ve Got the Love,” Florence + the Machine (Well, if you didn’t we’d be worried.)

Daddy’s Little Dancer
“Hello Halo,” Blair (Once a kid, always a kid.)
“On My Way Back Home,” Band of Horses (But only for this song.)

Get Everyone on the Dance Floor
“Ready to Start,” Arcade Fire (That’s “Ready to Start the Party” to you.)
“I Feel It All,” Feist (Feeling mighty fine.)
“A-Punk,” Vampire Weekend (Aren’t they all?)
“Tighten Up,” The Black Keys (And get down.)
“Say Aha,” Santigold (Less talk, more dance.)
“Je Veux Te Voir,” Yelle (It’s French for “good music.”)
“Deadbeat Summer,” Neon Indian (Children of the ’80s gotta love synth pop.)
“Whirring,” The Joy Formidable (It’s going by so fast; take a second to dance.)
“Drunk Girls,” LCD Soundsystem (Never tardy to the party.)
“Electric Feel,” Mgmt (Better than the electric slide.)
“Creator,” Santigold (No, that’s not M.I.A.)

Wrap It Up “Boyfriend,” Best Coast (For the single gals, perhaps during the bouquet toss.)
“Neutron Star Collision (Love Is Forever),” Muse (Please don’t judge us for the source.)
“Cameras,” Matt & Kim (The photographer’s got you covered.)
“Sleepyhead,” Passion Pit (You can sleep in the morning.)

Photo: Thinkstock

Not your ordinary kids' party

When one of our favorite Palm Beach It! Moms wanted to throw a "low-key house party" to celebrate her daughter's 14th birthday and graduation from Palm Beach Day School, we knew it would be no ordinary fete. After all, it's de rigueur for this former New Yorker to grab dinner with Eric Ripert, talk fashion with Zac Posen or take in a Miami Dolphins football game in a private skybox with Fergie.
Taking cues from the guest of honor's love for Japanese mochi ice cream and ramune soda, the It! Girls transformed the family room of their Palm Beach estate into an Asian nightclub with pipe and black velvet drape, masses of flickering pillar candles, disco balls and motion lights — of course you had to make it past two hunky bouncers and a velvet rope to get inside!
Poolside, a sunset butterfly release celebrated their graduation, symbolizing their respective journeys to high schools and boarding schools near and far.
On the menu: Asian fare by Christafaro's Catering served up in Chinese takeout boxes, and sweet treats by The Sugar Monkey in the form of marzipan sushi rolls. A birthday cake in the form of a Chinese takeout box complete with a fortune cookie and edible chopsticks rounded out the theme. DJ Adam Lipson mixed the latest tracks as nearly 100 teens danced the night away, and each guest of the birthday girl departed with a yard of multicolored gumballs at the evening's end.