1. Gush launches its website www.gushevents.ca  and blog

2. Partnerships with some of our favourite vendors like the Miller Lash House http://www.millerlashhouse.ca/, the Gift Network http://www.thegiftnetwork.com/, Mobile Productions http://www.mobileproductionsdjs.com/,  and Tolyn Designs http://www.tolyn.ca/ .

3. Gush photo shoot with the ever so talented Alex from Young Hearts Photography http://younghearts.ca/, and make up Diva Nicole from Peachgloss http://www.peachgloss.com/.

4. Meeting Style Me Pretty’s Abby Larson, Celebrity Planner Sasha Souza, and Video Innovator Brett Culp.

5. Boiler House wedding featured on The Wedding Co Blog http://www.theweddingco.com/,  along with Uschi & Kay http://www.uschiandkay.com/.

6. Attended various workshops that included Michael Coombs, Petals, Stems & Leaves Inc. and Marketing Unveiled.

7. Recurring guest blog on Sash & Satin http://sashandsatin.com/.

8. And last but not least our amazing clients who have made this all possible. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts – Erin and Ryan, Lauren and John, Cheryl and Mike, Yona and Sadar, Nicole and Federico, Lindsey and Nav, Adriana and Paul, Ashley and Christian, Maggie and Jamie, Andrea and Wayne, Ben and Erica, and Karla and Ron…not to mention all those to come!

We’re Moving!

Gush is taking a much-needed vacation until early January to spend some time with our family and friends.  And when we return, you won’t find us here.  Starting in January our blog can be found directly on our Gush homepage at www.gushevents.ca.  The direct link is http://www.gushevents.ca/blog/.

We wish all of you a very happy holiday and rockin new year! We hope you will take this time to reflect on what you have to be thankful for this year and we look forward to sharing more event and wedding tips with you in 2012.

Whether you are hosting an evening soiree or a small intimate gathering, food and beverage are a must.  New Years Eve isn’t a party with out something to nibble on or  a cocktail in hand. 

The Beverage…

It is one of the biggest party nights of the year and this annual occasion is ideal for serving exquisite and impressive drinks. While straight Champagne is a traditional way to celebrate, we suggest mixing it up with some bubbly concoctions or party themed punch:

 The Sparkler:

• 1 oz Don Julio Blanco Tequila
• Splash simple syrup (one part sugar, one part water)
• .5oz Champagne

Garnish: Strawberry slice Glass: Champagne flute

Sorbet & Champagne:

* 1 teaspoon sorbet (we like raspberry or passion fruit)

* Chilled Champagne or Prosecco

Directions: Scoop sorbet into a champagne flute. Fill with chilled Champagne or Prosecco; stir.

Blood Orange Punch:

• 2 bottles (25 ounces each) blood-orange juice, chilled
• 3 cans (12 ounces each) natural orange soda, such as San Pellegrino Aranciata, chilled
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 8 ounces light rum, such as Appletons
• 5 dashes bitters
• 1 blood orange, or orange, cut into 1/4-inch-thick wedges and frozen

Directions: Fill ice-cube trays with 1 1/2 cups orange juice, and freeze. To make punch, stir remaining orange juice, soda, lime juice, rum, and bitters into a 16-cup punch bowl. Before serving, add frozen orange slices. Add ice cubes as needed to keep chilled.

The Nibbles….

Instead of chips and dip opt for some savoury bite size snacks for your guests.  These suggestions are not only a crowd pleaser but also a bit more filling than a carrot stick!

They are also easily picked up from your local grocery store that carries PC products if you don’t have the time to cook.

Mini Festive Sliders:

http://www.presidentschoice.ca/LCLOnline/recipes.jsp?courseId=1&type=details&next=11&recipeId=lclor45012

http://www.presidentschoice.ca/LCLOnline/recipes.jsp?courseId=1&type=details&next=11&recipeId=lclor38034

Stuffed Sweet Mini Peppers & Spicy Shrimp Bisque

http://www.presidentschoice.ca/LCLOnline/recipes.jsp?courseId=1&type=details&next=11&recipeId=lclor38034

http://www.presidentschoice.ca/LCLOnline/recipes.jsp?courseId=1&type=details&next=41&recipeId=2127

Cheese and Antipasto Platter & Glazed Cocktail Meatballs:

http://www.presidentschoice.ca/LCLOnline/recipes.jsp?courseId=1&type=details&next=71&recipeId=1897

http://www.presidentschoice.ca/LCLOnline/recipes.jsp?courseId=1&type=details&themeId=100100&next=11&recipeId=196

Ice Cream Sandwiches & Chocolate Truffles for Dessert:

http://www.presidentschoice.ca/LCLOnline/recipes.jsp?courseId=6&type=details&next=21&recipeId=lclor26040

http://www.presidentschoice.ca/LCLOnline/recipes.jsp?type=details&courseId=6&themeId=lclopc116007&next=11&recipeId=2164

Here’s to good times with family and friends, resolutions and happy tummies! 

Pictures courtesy of: Martha Stewart Living and Presidents Choice.

 1. Cookie Exchange Party

Cookie exchange parties are a great way to cut down your baking this holiday season.  Plan a get-together with your girlfriends and exchange cookies and recipes, and don’t forget to indulge in all your hard work.  If you need inspiration check out Style At Home’s top 25 cookie recipes.

http://www.styleathome.com/food-and-entertaining/recipes/25-christmas-cookie-recipes/a/33177

2. Wine & Cheese Open House

An open house or drop in holiday party is definitely less stressful than planning a full sit down meal, and often times you can accommodate more of your family and friends.  Keep it simple and offer a selection of wine and cheese with all of the fixings such as crackers, fruit, jellies and jams.  It won’t break the bank, and you will get to visit with a lot more people than an intimate dinner party.

3. Potluck

Potlucks are a great option when you have a group of approximately 6 to 12 people, and it takes a great deal of stress off the hostesses in terms of planning and cost.  Pick a genre of food in advance such as traditional holiday food, Italian, Mexican and so on, and communicate that with your guests.  Have them indicate what they are bringing in advance so you can make sure all of the food groups are covered.   

4. Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

Everyone loves an ugly christmas sweater party.  It makes for great photos and even better memories.  If you don’t have an ugly sweater in your wardrobe take a trip to Value Village, they will definitely have something suitable.  Have some prizes for the top 3 ugliest sweaters and serve some light hors d’oeuvres, wine, and beer and your guests are sure to have a great time.

5. Secret Santa/ Gift Exchange

Secret Santa parties can be a lot of fun, especially with a close group of friends.  Put a maximum dollar amount on the gift to keep things consistent and fair.  Put the names of your guests, including yourself, in a hat prior to the party and have everyone draw a name.  The name you pick will be the person you buy for and don’t forget it is a secret…so don’t spoil it! 

If you have a large group of people this can also be a really fun and interactive game.  Have everyone bring a wrapped gift in the dollar amount chosen.   The host will distribute a playing card to each person as they arrive at the party.  The host will then use another deck of cards and will call out the card number and suit as it is pulled.  The person with the matching card gets to select a gift.  They can either choose a gift from the pile or steal from someone who has already selected a gift.  If your gift gets stolen, you then get to steal a gift from someone else, and so on! 

A secret santa party is the perfect time to host a potluck of hors d’ouvres.  Ask your guests to bring a bite sized appetizer or dessert with them, and you have all of the elements for a perfect holiday party.

From Bath and Body Works:

Men’s collection; Body Wash and Spray, Shaving cream and Foam, Chapstick and Cologne. Ranging from $5.00-$19.50

From The Gap:

Holiday Boxers – $18.00

From Joe Fresh:

Slippers – $9.00

Striped Wool Scarf – $16.00

Wool Gloves – $10.00

From Restoration Hardware:

Pocket Bocce – $10.99

Roll up Travel Charger – $33.99

Stanley Flask – $16.49

Wiskey Stones – Bringing new meaning to “on the rocks,” these reusable soapstone cubes keep your liquor perfectly chilled – without diluting any flavors. $19.99

The parking lots are packed and the malls are buzzing with the hustle and bustle of Christmas so get out there early and cross some items of your list.  While your at it stop in and say hi to Santa!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Pictures courtesy of Bath and Body Works, The Gap, Joe Fresh and Restoration Hardware.

Beautifully wrapped gifts are extra appealing and will make the gift recipient feel like you went that extra mile.   Although wrapping paper is in high supply this time of year, finding really good quality paper with exciting prints is sometimes hard to come by.  Below are a few stores that carry gift wrap with unique prints and are sure to make your presents sparkle and shine!

Ikea www.ikea.ca

Home Sense www.homesense.com

Hallmark www.hallmark.com

I personally love fabric and therefore tend to have scraps lying around the house.  Consider wrapping your gifts in some of your favourite fabric, which not only will be stunning, but also environmentally friendly since it can be reused.  If you don’t have fabric at your fingertips, go to your local Fabricland or take a trip to Queen Street West in Toronto.  

To make your presents extra pretty, I would suggest topping it off with an accessory like the ones we have outlined below.

You may not want to give away your Grandmother’s antique brooch, but costume jewelry brooches are easy to come by these days and are relatively inexpensive.  Instead of a traditional bow, add some ribbon fastened with a brooch and you have a gift with some sparkle and pizzazz.

A Christmas tree ornament is also a nice gift topper and later can be hung on the tree. 

For those of you that are crafty, top off your gift with a fabric flower or snowflake to make it extra fun and festive. 

Last but not least, if your gift is for a female purchase some pretty hair accessories such as elastic headbands like the ones below that have a bow or flower detail, and use those in place of a traditional bow.  It will make your gift extra gorgeous, and better yet your gift recipient can get some use out of it. 

Happy Wrapping!

Found at Bath and Body Works:

Lip Gloss in Peppermint and Gingerbread – $8.00 each or buy 2 get one free.

Christmas inspired Air fresheners for the home and your car in scents such as Winter and Cinnamon Stick – $8.50 each or Mix and Match 4 for $24.0o.

How cute is this compact mirror? $7.50 each.

Found at Chapters:

Gourmet Hot Cocoa in Dark Chocolate and Peppermint – $15.00 each

Champagne Truffles and Gourmet Vanilla Marshmallows – $21.00 & $9.00 each.

Found at Sephora:

Gwen Stefani’s Xmas Harajuku Lover Perfume – $25.00

Sephora’s Gold Sparkle Top Coat Nail Polish – $9.50

Found at Joe Fresh:

Fur Ear Muffs and Gloves – $14.00 each

Gold Sparkle Belt – $8.00

Multi-Chain Necklace – $19.00

Like what you see?  Well stay tuned as next week and we will featuring our favourite stocking stuffers for the Men on your Christmas lists.

Happy Shopping!

Photos courtesy of: Bath and Body Works, Sephora, Chapters and Joe Fresh.

Baked Goods

You can never go wrong with scrumptious baked treats.  Homemade cookies, candied nuts and cake pops, as well other festive recipes like we shared last week, make great hostess gifts.  One of my all time favourites to make and give  is the snowflake christmas tree.  Using snowflake cookie cutters in various sizes, bake two cookies in each size, then decorate and stack the cookies from big to small to create a christmas tree shape.  Use a mixture of icing sugar and water to adhere the cookies together.  Sprinkle with icing sugar and you are done!  If you are not a stellar baker, you should consider purchasing some baked goods from a delicious bakery in your area.  Pusateri’s has some great holiday desserts or you may want to try Phipps Bakery on Eglinton- YUM!

Wine or Champagne

A bottle of wine or champagne is relatively effort free and a great gift idea around the holidays since it can be re-gifted or enjoyed at another holiday get-together.  Take it up a notch and make a bag for your bottle of wine using some really nice fabric or purchase some accessories like festive wine stops or charms.  

Cookies in a Jar Recipes

One of my favourite hostess gift ideas is the whole cookie recipe in a jar idea.  They look great and are a time saver for your host or hostess. Find your favourite cookie recipe and layer the dry ingredients (in the required measurements of course) in a glass jar.  Attach the recipe and instructions with a tag to the jar, and all your hostess will have to do is simply add the liquid ingredients and they will have a batch of your favourite cookies in no time.

Candles, Creams and More

Bath and Body works has some delightful three wick scented candles this time of year including scents like Twisted Peppermint, Hot Buttered Rum, Gingerbread, and Fireside.  They are absolutely heavenly and make for a nice gift.  If you know your hostess well, scented lotions, creams and bath accessories are also a nice touch.

Recipe Gift Baskets

If your hostess enjoys cooking, a recipe gift basket is an ideal gift.  Print your favourite recipe on a nice piece of stationary and purchase the ingredients to go with it.  Pick a recipe that does not necessarily include a lot of fresh ingredients.  A pasta dish usually works best for this type of thing. 

Happy gift hunting!

Using Cinnimon Sticks

What a great way to utilize old family photos

A good reason to collect your wine corks!

A great way to re-use your old christmas bulbs

Made out of peppermint candies…how festive!

Perhaps if your Dad, Husband or Brother has some old ties laying around, here’s a great use for them!

And while your at it, check out this great DIY video that was featured on City Line this week ….

Sophisticated-White-Felt-Crafts-Nov-22-2011

Photos courtesy of google images.

There are many themes or visions to choose from, but two of my personal faves are a glitz and glam look or a more soft, rustic winter theme.  Keep reading for some table decor options that are suitable for both visions. 

If you want to add some interest to your every day dining room table, but don’t want to spend the money on a costly tablecloth or runner, considering using a roll of holiday wrapping paper that you have fallen in love with this season, in place of a runner.  You can cut it down to any width and length to fit your table perfectly.   If you are going for are more glitzy table, choose a wrapping paper that has a metallic element or vibrant colour; while if you are going for a more rustic vibe, consider a more neutral paper.

Placemats and napkins are also a  great way to add interest and depth, and can be an inexpensive option.  Linen or satin napkins are a nice touch and are much classier than the traditional paper napkin. You can rent them for around a $1.00 a piece at rental companies like Chairman Mills, Around The Table and Susan Murray International.  The fabric and colour options are endless.

Your centerpiece will be your focal point and therefore you may want to focus most of your efforts on making it a masterpiece.  Use what is at your fingertips. Everyone has extra ornaments from years past that may not necessarily match their christmas tree colour scheme this year. Purchase some inexpensive clear glass cylindrical vases of varying heights and fill them with your left over ornaments. If you don’t have enough, go to your local Walmart or Zellars to buy some inexpensive ones for filler.

With a little more effort, you can have a naturesque centerpiece like the one below, made from tree stumps, pine cones and flowers.  Birch wrapped candles would be a great accent piece for this type of centerpiece.  Be creative, you could also use pussy willow branches which are in season this time of year.    If you don’t feel like arts and crafts, but have a wreath and cake stand on hand, you can whip up a whimsical centerpiece in no time with a few candles, perfect for any rustic table setting.  

Everybody loves a favor, so why not make  your guests extra happy with miniature stockings stuffed with holiday treats.  All you need is a few pairs of toddlers socks in festive colours like red and white, or shades that match your colour scheme of choice.  Fill them with holiday treats like candy canes and set them at each place setting. Your guests will appreciate the extra effort, and who doesn’t love something so cute and edible.

Happy decorating!

Cake Pops:

http://www.bakerella.com/its-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-christmas/

http://www.bakerella.com/snowman-cake-pops/

Lottie & Lil: http://www.lottieandlil.com/

Cupcakes:

http://www.bakerella.com/candy-cane-christmas-tree-cupcakes/

http://www.bakerella.com/clarice-and-rudolph/

Cupcake Factory: www.cupcakefactory.ca

 Cookies:

http://www.bakerella.com/piping-practice/

The Designer Cookie: http://www.thedesignercookie.com/