Trying to Unbox

Happy Monday everyone! Hope the week is off to a great start.

We're currently setting up our new office and studio but promise to return tomorrow with an interesting blog. Once the redecorating is done and everything is setup we'll post pics!

In the meantime - check out the photo below. I wonder where they got their hair inspiration ;)

Interview Day!

We have fun blog topics coming your way but today we're interviewing intern and event staff candidates! 8 hours of interviews? You betchya! Keeping our fingers crossed that we have some solid folks.

One floral designer is already onboard!

Something To Be Thankful For

Instead of talking about Christmas decorations or party hosting I thought today I'd share with you a great organization I recently came across - Wish Upon a Wedding.

Wish Upon a Wedding "is the world’s first nonprofit wish granting organization providing weddings and vow renewals for couples facing terminal illness and serious life-altering circumstances, regardless of sexual orientation." The foundation was "created to celebrate the courage, determination and spirit of these couples by granting their dream wedding wishes. Our hope is that chosen recipients can inspire others couples facing similar situations to find hope and strength."

This holiday season celebrate your loved ones and spend as much time as possible cherishing those moments.

For ways to get involved with this organization click here OR to learn more about Wish Upon a Wedding go to www.wishuponawedding.org.

I can't wait to get involved!

Check out District Bride Guide!

Good Morning Everyone! As you know, today we're announcing something special and it's finally here! We are really happy to be guest-blogging on the fabulous District Bride Guide - a fantastic resource for Brides in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area.

Check out our post here.

Something Special Is Coming Tmr!

We have something super special to share tomorrow so make sure to check back!!!!

Rebranding - It's part of Reinventing

Part of staying relevant and being a leader in an industry is to constantly improve and reinvent. We're excited to announce (as you might have noticed yesterday) we are rebranding Designs by iBi to DBI Events. We feel that the new name is easier to pronounce, more catchy, and describes what we do a whole lot better!

We have also officially joined twitter and you can follow us @dbievents

Our new contact info is:

dbieventsdc@gmail.com

Thank you for coming back and reading our posts!

And we're back...

After a LONG break from blogging Designs by iBi is back! I have lots to write about after a few weeks of some of the most amazing events of my life. I will be sharing with you tips on how to throw an insane bachelorette party, a beautiful bridal shower, an intimate rehearsal dinner, and a successful wedding! I also have some more fun DIY ideas as well as HOT recipes (homemade hot sauce, soups, roasts...mmmm just in time for the cool weather coming our way)!

This week we are super busy at Designs by iBi - between client meetings and several events this weekend we are dodging flower buckets and craft scissors all day long.

One of the events this weekend is Rachel & Matan's wedding - a great couple who'll be tying on the knot on 10.10.10!!! Both the ceremony and reception will take place at the Contemporary Art Center in Virginia Beach. The colors are a lovely purple and light, cool blues. The overall theme is "love birds" so everyone knows I had to have birdcages throughout the decor. Check out the mood board for their wedding:

I'm really excited about this wedding and can't wait to share photos once it's all done!

Stay tune for great articles to come this week! And thank you for continuously coming back to visit Designs by iBi Blog!!!

A Recipe Sure to Delight - Figs & Prosciutto Anyone?

Being a host I know how hard it is to constantly reinvent your food menu and provide delicious food for your guests. It's hard because you need prep time, cook time, socializing time, and eating time so you most likely stick to the recipes you have made several times before. Well no worries because I have a new adult recipe that is sure to wow all your guests and leave them thinking "Did s/he fly to Napa Valley and get a course in California cuisine?"

You'll need:

• figs
• sliced prosciutto
• boursin cheese
• grill

The recipe is super easy:

1. heat up your grill to 400-450 degrees
2. cut the figs in half
3. scoop a teaspoon or table spoon (depending on the size of your figs) and put it in the center
4. wrap fig in a slice of prosciutto
5. throw on the grill for 5 minutes

The end result is a perfect combination of sweet and salty. The cheese melts (but stays inside b.c. of the prosciutto wrap) and the prosciutto gets nice and crispy. With prep and cooking time you are looking at 15 minutes TOPS.

Tips:

• This dish is great as an appetizer (with some wine of course :) ) or on top of a mixed greens salad (with balsamic vinegar...yum).
• If you're beyond lazy then just quarter the figs and wrap each in prosciutto and serve raw
• Some websites will tell you to use chevre -I've actually made boursin and chevre options side by side and the consensus from everyone was that boursin makes a much tastier combination.

Enjoy!

Coming Up this Week

I know the blog has been idle for over a week but no worries - this week will be a good one! We have been traveling, researching, and working on some new projects so this week will be full of new products that we love, new recipes that are to die for, new bouquets, new design inspirations, and some great new tips on party planning!

Make sure to check back tomorrow for a design inspiration post that will not only inspire you but give you a bit of insight where it all started for Designs by iBi!

Planning for A Weekend Guest

Lets be honest - being a hostess is sometimes not just for a night. When you have a weekend guest you must not only prepare for your friend's arrival but also for their entire stay. Here are a few must-haves before that special person/s arrive:

1) CLEAN, clean, clean. There's nothing more awful then getting to someone's place and they have old sheets on your bed, trash spilling all over the place, and dog hair balls rolling through the living room.

2) Make some space in the closet - have 10 or so empty hangers for your guest to use.

3) Have extra pillows and blankets sitting on the bed - your guest might get cold during the night so make sure they're comfortable at all times.

4) Stock up the fridge - even if you don't cook have water and snacks ready. I can't tell you how many times I've stayed at a friend's place where I've had to go down the street to buy a bottle of water and some snacks. It sucks - especially if you're not familiar with the surroundings.

5) Stock the bathroom - ensure there are plenty of clean towels (to include wash cloths), toilet paper, and basic toiletries (toothpaste, shampoo, etc)

AND Last but Not Least

6) Have a vase of fresh blooms in your guest room - it not only livens up the space but also makes the guest feel extra special :)

*image from Crosby Hotel NYC

Packing for a Weekend Trip

Besides hosting events we also attend them :) So today I decided to share with you a great packing list for a weekend trip - think about how many weddings, engagement parties, birthdays, and beach trips you've taken this summer? Packing for a weekend trip is an art. Whether you pack too much or forget something important the list below will help you keep it all together.

Taking it day by day, write down every outfit you need, including sightseeing clothes, evening wear, beachwear, even pajamas. Try to use interchangeable pieces - one dress can make a killer day and night outfit.

Once you make that list check out the pieces we recommend as must-haves:

• A black or white cotton dress; a knit rayon skirt. Both can be dressed up or down.
• A cardigan in a neutral color. It can be used in place of (or in addition to) the jacket.
• A pair of jeans. Opt for a darker wash; they can be dressed up or down.
• At least three shirts: two short-sleeve, one long-sleeve. Try a cotton-lycra blend – they’re less likely to wrinkle.
• One pair of comfortable walking shoes - for some it's flats and for others it's sneakers. For more shoe options, consider flip-flops (if comfortable) – they’re cute and take up little space.
• A pair of evening shoes
• Toothbrush
• Mascara
• Cellphone charger

Everything else can be purchased once you get to where your destination.

Remember to alter the list based on your particular event such as weddings or beach vacations.

Bouquets to Art 2010

My parents are SO intuned with what's happening the Bay Area (CA). They constantly know the latest art exhibits the trendiest restaurants at any given time, and any other cultural activity. Basically they're the coolest people I know.

Anticipating my arrival to visit home my dad sent me a link to Bouquets to Art 2010. I was not about to miss this opportunity, especially since I do floral arrangements for a living . I flew in to San Fran, grabbed my good friend Sandi, and headed to the de Young. As Sandi and I arrived at the museum we quickly realized that we were EASILY 40 years younger than the average age and if we wanted to see any of the masterpieces we'd have to hold our ground against these feisty senior citizens.

The exhibit featured local florists/event designers who created amazing 3D structures interpreting certain pieces of art at the museum. The results were not only beautiful but also very technical. While holding my elbows out and praying that none of these "65 and over" gals ate me alive I was impressed by what was on display. This group of "artists" (or floral designers) are extremely talented and highly innovative.

Next time you're work with flowers think about this - must a flower stand straight up in a vase or can you hang it upside down? Can you make a flower collage? Can you layer the flowers? Can you stack them?

A stunning centerpiece will be the talk of the party.

"Greening" Your Events

With Earth Day quickly approaching we thought we'd take a moment to provide some eco-friendly event ideas - from catering to centerpieces you have options to go green.

Invites:

• if you're hosting a dinner or a small private event evites are a great way to go. No paper, no waste.

• If you're planning a wedding getting your invites printed is a special thing. But don't worry - not all printed invites are bad for the environment. Research ''green'' invite companies that use recylced paper. A great resource is http://www.formal-invitations.com/

Centerpieces: if you're looking to spruce up your event with visually amazing centerpieces you have two options

1) if you must use flowers check out your local growers/farmers. Getting your flowers locally saves on long-haul delivery (planes, trucks, etc). And as we know the more gas we use the more damage we do to the ozone layer. Also, recycle your centerpieces by donating them to local hospitals (a common practice at Designs by iBi and our mission statement)

• 2) explore alternatives such as live centerpieces...aka potted plants. These can not only be replanted after the event (helping reduce CO2 levels) but can also be given as party favors. Orchids and cacti are always a great option and are visually stunning.

Caterer: choose a caterer that uses locally grown products. If you're catering the party yourself GO to your local farms and buy produce there.

Style: ladies - no one said we can't be beautiful and green at the same time. There are many new make-up lines out on the market today that are eco-friendly...check out EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone (I worked on the EcoTools launch party...I know first hand that her line is amazing)

And one last thing - instead of water bottles use pitchers. This is not only classy, adds to the decor, but also avoids all the plastic/glass associated with water consumption.

Designs by iBi has been a ''green'' operated company since day one so remember to recycle, reuse, reduce. That has been our motto and should definitely be yours.

Happy Earth Day!