Details....details.....DETAILS

Who doesn't love to be fussed over?!? At the end of a long morning, and two days of intense meetings, we had a client who wanted to pamper their attendees with a spa luncheon. When I think of my favorite spa destinations like Lake Austin Spa www.lakeaustin.com or Angel Stewart's Regent Spa on the lovely Turks and Caicos www.thepalmstc.com , I am reminded that a multitude of details culminate in one fabulous experience.

We set about to delight guests with an over the top luncheon. Wait staff greeted guests with sparkling and flat waters, garnished with cucumber and key lime. Hand written place cards and menu cards awaited them at the table, dressed in multiple layers of linens, custom naps and rings, and custom down chair pads. Warm towels with essence of verbena, were presented to guests before the first course. We went to great lengths to ensure service would feel casual and unhurried, yet anticipate each guest's need and provide for them before they need ask.

To bring this closer to home, it's really very easy to fuss over family and friends when we entertain. Unlike a room full of guests we do not know at a corporate function, these are people we know well. Having a guest's favorite vodka brand, backround music that includes each guest's favorite artist, hand written place cards, not serving fish when half the guests will not indulge, and serving their favorite dessert and coffee - with the cream, steamed milk, pink packet, blue packet, yellow packet, sugar cube, or shot included! Thanks to Starbucks, coffee service has become a science and platform of self expression - with everyone's requisite café ingrédient available you are sure to finish the night on a high note!

You can even go to www.starbucksstore.com to find everything you need!

Would you rather leave the fuss to us? It would be our pleasure! www.featurepresentations.com is the place to see more about us, what we've been up to, and has all the contact information you will need to reach us!

"Oh, Sommelier.....!"

"Would anyone have ever thought this would happen?" I thought, as I put the finishing touches on beautiful tables and observed the waitstaff, like fine foot soldiers lined up in their crisp white starched aprons and shinny black patent leather shoes. Our conference attendees would soon be having Macaroni & Cheese Hors'd'oeuvres and consulting with our Water Sommelier.

As a child I recalled uncomfortable meals out in grand restaurants with Wine Sommeliers who spoke what I was sure was a foreign language. Now books and websites, like www.finewaters.com, abound with information on what water will perfectly compliment your gourmet burger!

For this particular event, which followed a "back to basics" keynote address, guests were delighted to find what we had in store for them! In addition to chatting with the Water Sommelier, we had basic drinks - no dressed up martini this time, just basic cocktails and 9 variations on the Mac&Cheese Hors'd'oeuvre!

Black linen, white chairs, and primary colors in the abundant composite floral arrangement helped set the tone. But boisterous laughter and conversation kept coming back to comments on the cocktail hour, and Mac&Cheese, specifically! People could not help but tell stories about their own childhood, or what special spin they add when they prepare this culinary rags to riches dish!

At home, dress up your favorite comfort food and serve it on your best china! I love to make sliders on the grill! Recently I stuffed my burgers with fresh mozzarella cheese, and dressed them up with Roma tomatoes and basil. Fresh pepper and a light Italian dressing, with aged balsamic vinegar drizzled across the white bistro plate, and bon appétit!

And don't forget the H2O!

So, you love comfort food, and would be even more comfortable if we handled everything for you? ....go to www.featurepresentationsltd.com to learn more, and contact me regarding your event needs!

Run for the Roses

It is called the run for the roses, but this weekend is smothered in mint! Yes this is the wonderful late springtime when colts cantor about and the fresh new shoots or perennial mint burst with flavor! I adore mint juleps! So, like many others, I will don my chapeau this weekend at various Chic Derby Events.

Now I love tradition, but I like to present it enjoué, and make it my own! Thank goodness I have fabulous clients who agree! This year I'll be using crystal flutes for the mint juleps, and silver mint julep cups for the roses! I am making a runner with fresh mint leaves, and massing mint julep cups with nosegays of red roses down the center of the buffet!

The mint julep will be the star of the show! In addition to the traditional Julep, I'm offering a Lemon Mint Julep, using one of my favorite liqueurs from Italy, Limoncello!

In speaking with clients and friends alike this past week, it has become clear to me that many people really do not know how to make this glorious cocktail, so cherished in the old south.

Here are the two concoctions my clients will be enjoying this weekend, feel free to let your inner mixologist be creative, and channel cool cocktails this Derby Weekend!

2 cups sugar [you may use splenda to decrease calories]
2 cups water
Sprigs of fresh mint
Crushed ice
Kentucky Whisky or Limoncello
Silver Julep Cups

Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight. Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Kentucky Whisky or the Limoncello. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or mint and sugared lemon peel.

It's a long shot I'll be able to help you with this Kentucy Derby, but not too late to check out www.featurepresentationsltd.com and ask for our help on other events in the near future, or book us for the Kentucky Derby 2009!