Carolyn Leber Event Planning

Games we play - baby showers

Most baby shower games to my mind aren't intended for adults - at least not the ones I know.  Most guests approach them less than enthusiastically than party planners hope (read with teeth gritted and a fake smile plastered on).  It's my opinion that if you need gimmicks to keep your crowd entertained you've done something wrong.

But they are traditional and I did come across one baby shower game recently that I thought sounded pretty fun, and could actually imbue an event with a sense of family history and little sparkle of fun. 

In this, the baby photo game, several variations can be devised depending on the guests and the level of familiarity. 

It can also be played with celebrity baby photos (would take a bit of research and isn't as personal but might be the way to go depending on the guest list).   

You'll ask each of your guests to bring a photo of themselves as babies - to up the fun why not surprise grandparents and other close relatives in attendance by digging out their old photos.

Make a lovely area for the photos to be displayed using magnetic boards, place setting name holders, message holders, and clothes pins.  Add your guests photos as they arrive, and assign each a number (use post-its affixed to the backs).  Be sure to include note pads and pens at the table so your guests can make a list of who they think each baby is in each shot. 

At a time when the party seems to be at a lull take a poll of how your guests voted, giving one point for each correct answer.  Award the winner something fabulous like a lovely photo frame. 

Make room for the kids - Bethenny Bakes launches

The Bethenny Bakes line of 100% vegan baked goodies launched this weekend at the Food Emporium in New York.

While Bethenny (as in Bethenny Frankel from Martha Stewart's ill fated version of the Apprentice and more recently Bravo's The Real Housewives of New York) looked cute posing with her cupcakes (below) she was no match for the adorable little fans that collected around the goodie laden tables throughout the event.

Bethenny's collection of cupcakes, cookies, and other treats are wheat, dairy, and egg free and made with oat flour.  This can be an iffy combination so we're dying to try the new concoctions out, or at least get an expert review from the kids on hand... since children are notoriously honest when it comes to snacks.  But since the kid's weren't giving sound bites, we'll just let the looks on their faces suffice as endorsement of the new line.

   

Minnie Driver's Baby Shower

People.com has some details about Minnie Driver's baby shower, held recently in Malibu.

"The house was decorated with pink and white peonies, and it was a casual affair, with guests sipping basil lemonade and eating finger sandwiches and berry cake from Sweet Lady Jane," says People of the gathering. 

Sweet!

Alessandra Ambrosio's baby shower

Bucking the trend towards more thematic, mixed baby showers, Victoria Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio's event last weekend was classic and a little old fashioned.

Held at a private residence in Los Angeles, guests played typical baby shower games, opened presents, and cut the gorgeous three layer cake.

Baby daddy Jamie Mazur posed for photos as the lone fellow in a crowd of about 23 women.

 

Style Me Pretty Giveaway

Style Me Pretty blog has a great giveaway in the works this week.

The prize is 100 digital photo cards, and 50 personalized note cards designed by Whitney English, plus a 50% off coupon that can be applied at a later date.

These will awarded to a randomly chosen commenter - so click over and put in your two cents and you may get a set of these lovely cards!

Cupcakes inspired by breakfast cereal - and the result couldn't be lovelier

My love of cupcakes and decorated cakes is an obsession.

So when I saw this photo stream on Flikr I was thrilled.  Look at these innovative and amazingly detailed creations!

All, according to AbbieTabbie, are made from fondant.  Just beautiful.  I have just a couple of the many here, be sure to check her photo stream to see the whole collection.  She has birthday cakes too.  You'll be amazed!

 

publicity stunt: Amstel Light's Dutch Takeover of Amsterdam Avenue

Amstel Light went all out yesterday, mounting a well thought out publicity event on Amsterdam Avenue in NY.

The company celebrated New York's Dutch heritage through a massive giveaway of 150 free bicycles, drink specials at pubs along the avenue, and of course mixed in scads of hot-pants clad college girls with signs and big smiles everywhere a camera could point.

It was the perfect photo-op for Amstel Light's 20-something beer drinking audience, and the bicycle giveaway was a great environmental move that got people in the area involved.

A handout that showed a map of all the participating pubs on Amsterdam Avenue was a great way to support Amstel Light's bar customers.

It also sported a vintagey black and white photo of bicycles in Amsterdam which was probably the most authentically Dutch part of the production.

Inside the Carolina Herrera Dinner in Dallas

Fashion at the Park was held recently in Dallas, and Carolina Herrera's label participated heavily. 

Among the festivities, a private dinner was held at a private residence on Turtle Creek.

According to D Magazine, guests were seated at tables in various rooms of the palatial pad.  A VIP table which was situated around a small pool/fountain in front of a large fireplace, shown here.  For more, skip over to D Magazine.

   

Turner Up Front media event

Tabletop for the Up Front event for the Turner Group was simple and streamlined. 

Pastries, coffee, water - take you pick, but pay attention to the shows being rolled out by TNT, TBS and Tru!   

Modern Bride's Trendsetters of 2008 Awards

Modern Bride's  Trendsetters Award dinner had an interesting tabletop design.

Held yesterday at the New York Palace Hotel the tables were draped in white satin and chairs were adorned with ruched slipcovers.

Programs sat atop silver chargers at each place setting. 

Tea lights were woven in with white tulle and roses for a soft centerpiece. 

The look was a bit poofy with the lights on, but as you can see with the lights dimmed for the ceremony the effect was lush and romantic, just the setting for a bridal themed evening. 

Attendees included Rebecca Budig, Ted Allen, Bobbi Brown, Daisy Fuentes, Ashleigh Banfield, and Jane Pauley.