Howerton+Wooten Events Blog. The musings of a Maryland Wedding and Event Planner

Friday Night Movies on the Potomac. A Great Option for a DC Rehearsal Dinner

Last fall, I provided a list of some fun rehearsal dinner options.  One of my favorite rehearsal dinner ideas is definitely the movie in the park.

If you live in the Washington DC area, you will be thrilled to hear that the National Harbor offers a fun option for an outdoor movie.

The National Harbor's Date Night Fridays provides attendees with a blockbuster movie that begins at sunset.  Here are the Friday evening movie options for the rest of the summer.

Friday, June 24 – Dreamgirls

Friday, July 8 – Ghost of Girlfriends Past

Friday, July 15 – The Back-Up Plan

Friday, July 22 – The Switch

Friday, July 29 – He’s Just Not That Into You

Friday, August 5 – Field of Dreams

Friday, August 12 – Friday Night Lights

Friday, August 19 – Cutting Edge

Friday, August 26 – A League of Their Own

Friday, September 2 – Sea Biscuit

Friday, September 9 – The Social Network

Friday, September 16 – The Blind Side

Friday, September 23 - Inception

Friday, September 30 – Titanic

 

If you decide to attend one of the movies above, you should definitely bring your own lawn chair.  And, you will be happy to know that admission is free.

Since coolers aren't welcome, fun individual dinners (think bento box) would provide an awesome, personal touch for your rehearsal dinner guests!

Love and Soul Always, Kay

Not a Good Day at the Wooten House . . .

The last episode is taking place today.

 

 

We are going to miss you Oprah!

 

Love and Soul Always, Kay

 

(Photo: China View News)

 

 

An Easy Hors d' Oeuvres Recipe - Perfect for a Bridal Shower

Check out Epicurious.com for this easy hors d' oeuvres recipe -- Cherry Tomatoes stuffed with Marinated Feta.

They are fairly easy to make and even easier to eat!

Enjoy!

Love and Soul Always, Kay

 

Thanksgiving Tips and Tools

 
Over the last three years, I have had the privilege and pleasure of posting some great tips and tools for hosting a holiday dinner.

Since Thanksgiving is only two days away, I thought this would be the perfect time to recap of some of our reader favorites.

Party Beverage Calculator <-- An all time favorite for readers.

Dinner Table Place Setting Cheat Sheet <-- I just posted this yesterday, but I got a big response on Twitter and Facebook.

Thanksgiving Survival Tips for the First Time Hostess

Four Options for a Thanksgiving Turkey Carvey Greatness

And What To Do With All of Your Thanksgiving Turkey Leftovers

 

Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

Love and Soul Always, Kay

 

(Photo Credit: DIYLife)

Dinner Table Place Setting Cheat Sheet

 
I needed a place setting "cheat sheet" for my little guy a couple of years ago, so I downloaded this picture.

He still uses it when he needs to set the table, so I thought it would be a valuable reference for so many of you who have to set a formal table for Thanksgiving.

Believe me, this is great to know for the holiday dinners, rehearsal dinners and dinner parties!

How about you?  Do you have any etiquette or entertaining cheat sheets you can share?

BTW: I cannot locate the source of this cheat sheet.  Do you know?  If you do, please tell me.  I definitely want to give proper credit for this picture.  Thanks!

Love and Soul Always, Kay

Holiday Breakfast Recipes

 
I entertain.  A lot.  Because of that, my brothers and sisters typically place me in charge of holiday dinners.

This year, my brother Cornell (and his wife Sophia) are in charge of Thanksgiving dinner.

So, I am in charge of desserts (of course) and our Thanksgiving Day breakfast.  With so much to cook for a holiday dinner, your holiday breakfast (or brunch) shouldn't be hard.

Here are some great breakfast recipes that you can make with ease.  In fact, some of these can be prepared on the evening before the big day.

French Toast Casserole.  My family loves french toast, but I refuse to spend the entire morning making French Toast to order.  This French Toast Casserole recipe gives you the taste and texture of French Toast, without all of the work.  This casserole tastes fantastic with warm maple syrup and a couple of sausage links.

Egg and Sausage Casserole.  This is the #1 request from my nieces and nephews when I prepare the holiday breakfast.  This Egg and Sausage Casserole is pretty dense -- it contains eggs, sausage, cheese, mushrooms, tater tots, . . .you get the picture, right?  So, I typically serve it with fruit salad and some yogurt, and call it "a day."

Baked Garlic Cheese Grits.  I am not a fan of grits!  They are so "gritty!"  But, thanks to an episode of Paula Deen on Food Network, I discovered Baked Garlic Cheese Grits.  All I can say is "Yum!"

Steamed Asparagus with Poached Eggs.  I found this Steamed Asparagus with Poached Eggs recipe on Gina's Skinny Recipes blog.  I am happy to let all of my Weight Watchers buddies know that this recipe tastes good, and each serving is only two WW points!

I have a thing for spicy hot chocolate, and my son cannot have dairy.  So, we enjoy this vegan hot chocolate on chilly Sunday mornings.

Enjoy a fabulous holiday breakfast!

Love and Soul Always, Kay

 

(Photo: Apartment Therapy)

 

French Toast and Bacon Cupcakes for a Fabulous Team Brunch

This past weekend, I treated the Howerton+Wooten Events team to a brunch that was so good . . . um, um, um

One of the menu items was French Toast and Bacon cupcakes.

I have been itching to try a sweet/savory cupcake, and I am happy to report that this one didn't dissappoint us.

I found the recipe on the Life With Cake blog -- Check it out here.

If you bake them, make sure that you use PORK bacon.  Turkey bacon is definitely not the best option for this recipe. (Ask me how I know that!)

Love and Soul  Always, Kay

 

Bowling Alleys, Batting Cages & Arcades for Rehearsal Dinners

 
A couple of years ago, my team managed a rehearsal dinner at a bowling alley.

It was one of our favorite rehearsal dinners.

The food -- nachos, Coca-Cola, hot dogs, pizza, beer, and burgers -- created a very light and casual mood.  Bowling turned out to be a sport that just about everyone could play.  And you can't help but laugh at your friends in the Bowling Shoes.

If a Bowling Alley Rehearsal Dinner just isn't your thing, check out some of our other favorite spots for a fun and interactive rehearsal dinner --

1. Arcades similar to ESPN Zone and Dave and Busters

2. Minor League Baseball Games (A lot of them have their own little amusement park)

3. Mini Golf

4. Bowling Alleys similar to Lucky Strike

5. Batting Cages (Nothing works off wedding planning stress like whacking a baseball!)

6. A Cinema and Draft House <-- I love this idea!

7. Laser Tag

So, if you are interested in booking one of these venues for your rehearsal dinner, plan ahead.  Your rehearsal dinner might have to compete with happy hours, tournaments and birthday parties.

Reserve a gathering section/room for your wedding party.  Your guests will want a place to relax in between games.

Stop by the venue on a Friday night before you book your rehearsal dinner.  Sometimes, the patrons on Friday night can be very different from the Saturday afternoon patrons.

If you plan your rehearsal dinner at an arcade, consider purchasing the game tickets beforehand.

Provide transportation.  Many of your guests will be pooped after an evening of bowling.  Providing a shuttle bus will allow them to have fun without worry.

Have fun!

Love and Soul Always, Kay

 

(Photo: Real Simple)

Rehearsal Dinner -- Movie in the Park

 
Doesn't a picnic with friends, while watching an old movie sound like a fun evening?!?

I think so!

In fact, I think this would be a great option for your rehearsal dinner.  It's casual, it's entertaining and it's a fun way to bring people together.

Here's how you do it --

1. Invite your wedding party to dinner and movies in the park.  Include the park details, the movie details, the picnic menu, the weather details, and let them know how to find you in the park.

2. Pack an awesome picnic dinner.  Complete with drinks, dessert, and utensils.

3. Arrive early.  Designate a central location.  And, mark it with a flag to let your wedding party know where you are located.

4. Enjoy the movie!

 

If you decide to hold your rehearsal dinner in the park, remember to bring the following --

1. Bug Spray

2. Blankets

3. Lawn Chairs (if you prefer not to sit on the blanket)

4. Bottle Openers and Wine Stoppers

5. Trash Bags (for all of your dinner utensils, plates, and trash)

6. Golf Umbrellas (just in case)

7. Binoculars (for people watching)

8. A Great Picnic Dinner (easy bite-size items are probably the best)

9. Wine, Beer and Sodas

10. Popcorn, Cracker Jacks and/or Movie-Size Boxes of Candy (you can find the movie-size boxes of candy in stores like Five Below)

11. Wet Wipes, Napkins, and Shout (for the little food mishaps)

If you live in the Washington, DC area, check out this list of outdoor movie events scheduled during the summer months.  I checked the internet and found similar movie options in just about all of the major US cities with large parks and beaches.

Enjoy!

Love and Soul Always, Kay

 

(Photo: Washingtonian)

Rehearsal Dinner Options

 
Your rehearsal dinner doesn't have to be at the long table in a restaurant's private room!

This week, we will focus on fun and unique ideas for wedding rehearsal dinners.

Enjoy!

Love and Soul Always, Kay

 

(Photo: Loft 11)