I'm dreaming of a green Christmas

Even tho Christmas is upon us, there's still time to stop and think about how we can make a difference with each gift given over the next few days. And what about that beautiful Christmas tree when it's finally time to put away the ghost of Christmas past.

This was printed in the National Geographic website four years but the advice still holds true.

"Between Thanksgiving and New Year's day, Americans throw away a million extra tons [900,000 metric tons] of garbage each week, including holiday wrapping and packaging, according to Robert Lilienfeld. Lilienfield is co-author of the book Use Less Stuff: Environmental Solutions for Who We Really Are.

So why not recycle holiday gift wrap? Lilienfield, who has published a newsletter on reducing waste since 1996, notes that if every family reused just 2 feet [0.6 meter] of holiday ribbon, the 38,000 miles [61,000 kilometers] of ribbon saved could tie a bow around the entire planet.

And not all gifts need wrapping. "Think back to your three favorite holiday memories," Lilienfeld said. "I'm willing to bet that they all involve time you spent with your family and friends."

By giving gifts that can be experienced, like tickets to a baseball game or a homemade dinner, you can minimize wrapping and still win points with the receiver. "People like these gifts just as much," he said."

When it comes time to taking down your Christmas tree, don't just throw it away - I like to stick it in a snow bank just outside my front window and enjoy the imaginary north woods feel it gives, especially when it's snowing. I've noticed the birds like to gather and nestle in their newfound sanctuary. There does come the time however when the last snow has melted and tree has lost it's green color but disposing the tree in your trash isn't the answer. It's perfect for composting or saw the tree branches into smaller more manageable sizes and save them for your outdoor firepit. They'll really get your fire started. Make sure open flames are permitted in your municipality before starting a fire.

Winter Wedding Preparations

I wouldn't be honest if I didn't mention the fact that there can be problems with a winter wedding, but being realistic and prepared will help to relieve the stress and worries of "what if..."so here is my best advice for coping with all that can happen.

Weather is the single-most "predictable" and unavoidable force that can impact your wedding day. Airports close, flights are delayed or canceled and guests are stranded in parts unknown. There isn't anything you can do about the weather, but there are ways of protecting your investment so your day doesn't disappoint.

• Wedding insurance can be purchased for a small fee in the range of $300 to $500. If the wedding is postponed due to weather related incidents, all fees, deposits and expenses are reimbursed. WedSafe is just one of the companies that provides insurance for a variety of causes and worth so much more than the expense which is less than .01% of your entire budget.
• For guests who travel by plane, train or automobile suggest they arrive two to three days prior to the actual wedding day. This gives them a cushion in case of delays and if all goes well and there are no delays, who can argue about having a few extra days of vacation?
• Trip insurance is also a wise investment for those travelers. The policies are usually $15 to $30 depending on the details but covers canceled flights, canceled trips due to illness or accident, flight delays which result in missed flights among other things.

When locating a venue for your winter wedding, I strongly recommend one that offers valet service or will allow you to hire your own. I have encountered instances when guests chose to go home rather than find a parking spot and walk a short distance in the negative temperatures just to get to a reception, only to do this all over again at the end of the evening. Valet service allows guests to drive up to the doors and avoid the hassle of looking for a parking spot nearby. The fee averages $5 per car which is a small price to pay compared to the cost of a pre-paid dinner averaging $75 per person. The venue does not refund the cost of meals for no show guests.

Remember to give your valet staff an extra tip, especially during frigid temps or heavy snow. At the very least, welcome them in and provide hot beverages to warm up. They'll go that extra mile if you show you care about them.

All your vendors should be on a carefully prepared timeline that takes into account weather and traffic delays. A little snow on your wedding day can be beautiful but it can also cause nightmarish traffic problems. Far better to have your vendors arrive early and sit than to be rushing in late and scrambling to catch-up.

Your flowers will not last long in sub-zero temperatures, so chose carefully when considering both your florist and the flowers. Some flowers like a poinsettia will turn black almost instantly if their petals get too cold. Confirm your floral selections are somewhat hardy and also confirm they will be transported to your ceremony and reception sites in heated delivery vans by experts who care about the finished product and not just delivery staff who have a drop-off to make and they don't care how they make it.

The flowers need to be protected as much as possible so as not to subject them to the bitter cold and they need to be moved swiftly into the venue. They cannot sit outside for more than a couple minutes without being severely affected by cold.

If the thought of outdoor photos appeals to you, be prepared - a strapless gown will look stunning with a mink stole or better yet full-length faux-fur. Beautiful opera length gloves will enhance the look but help a little to keep the nip off your fingers. For the groom, coordinate a scarf in your wedding colors and add a little style by getting him a Confirm your photographer has the right equipment to shoot outdoors in freezing temperatures and take frequent breaks to warm up.

I saved the best for last - hire the professional services of Fete Perfection to deal with the unexpected problems that can arise at any wedding but especially at winter weddings. Enjoy your day knowing your consultant is quietly working behind the scenes to make your wedding day the day you always dreamed of.

Compelling Reasons for a Winter Wedding

Yesterday I came clean on my passion for winter weddings, today I'm going to give you every reason under the sun dog to have a winter wedding and to do it with style and ease.

• Some of the best deals can be had in the winter, which is technically the off-season in snow country. Food and beverage minimums are significantly lower, 25 to 50% lower than during prime wedding season. This goes for wedding professionals as well. While they may not lower fees as drastically, they are happy to book a date when everyone else is home playing Monolopy by the fire. I'm certain you will see major concessions or complimentary upgrades of goods or service if you inquire about a Saturday in February or March.
• Design and decor is a no brainer - the color schemes are wide and varied but all have one thing in common, look around what do you see? Sparkles, bright lights, warm hues, ice crystals, numerous shades of white and nature at its barest, bark and branches, ice and evergreens...the options are endless. You see beauty in the crystal blue sky after a snowstorm, frost patterns on your window panes and every little tree branch blanketed in newly fallen snow, shimmers and glistens. These same looks can be recreated indoors with the help of a talented florist, designer or wedding consultant. Some of these looks can be done on your own, but just be careful it doesn't look like Aunt Betty and her knitting club did your "decorating".
• Flexibility with venue options is much greater with a winter wedding. I've seen couples have to settle for a wedding date or a location that wasn't their perfect or first choice because many sites book a year or more in advance. Chances are you will get your first pick of dates and locations with a winter wedding.
• Along these sames lines you are almost guaranteed to confirm the most highly sought-after wedding professionals by choosing a winter wedding. The award-winning, industry leaders book dates a year or more in advance but with your winter wedding chances are great you can secure your first choice.
• Chances are good your wedding date will not conflict with friends or coworkers weddings so your guest attendance may be higher than the average 65%.

Watch for additional posts regarding winter weddings - there is so much to say and so little time to say it...

Winter Weddings

Okay, I admit it...I am a closet winter wedding geek. For anyone who knows me, they hear me constantly complaining about the snow and cold but more likely they'll hear me scheming to get to the warm waters of the Caribbean or Mexico.

However when I stop and think about it, winter can be a beautiful time of year all courtesy of Mother Nature. I read that forecasters are predicting a snowier than usual winter, which means driving headaches and parking angst. But hey, I'm a "glass is half full" kind of gal so I'm choosing to put a positive spin on this.

I had the great pleasure to design and pull together a fabulous winter wedding for Ashley and Shea this year and we used a lot of silver and gold. But the color palates can vary from silver and blue, to all white tone on tone, to red and green during the Christmas season. Actually there's almost no colors that won't work for a winter wedding...except black and orange maybe.

Here are some ideas and photos of elegant yet simple decor for your winter wedding. Check out my previous post on ice lanterns. They are eco-friendly and economic and make a stunning impact with little effort.

I'll be posting some of the huge advantages to a winter wedding over the next few days so stay warm and enjoy the holidays.

Hacienda Siesta Alegre

During my recent site inspections in Puerto Rico I had the good fortune to visit Hacienda Siesta Alegre the most spectacular and unique venues in all of Puerto Rico. It's actually a race horse training and breeding ranch but also the home to Linda and Greg Jackson, the owners who moved to Puerto Rico in 1981.

What makes it spectacular? The view is incredible...it's located high atop a mountain and smack dab in the middle of thick, lush natural vegetation with views that reach the ocean located miles away. What makes it unique? Besides being a working ranch, its the home to the owners and the entire space can be rented out for events.

In addition, two movies out of Hollywood were shot there this summer which was a thrill for Norma Perez, the General Manager of Hacienda Siesta Alegre. Here are a few photos but you really have to visit the property to truly appreciate what a fabulous venue this is to provide a 100% Puerto Rican experience.

Luxury Shame

For everyone catering to the high-end luxury business, whether it's weddings, real estate or consumerism this is a must read article published recently in Newsweek - Luxury Shame
I think it's long overdue no matter the reason.

El Yunque Rain Forest

What could be more natural and beautiful than a rain forest?

I had the good fortune to visit El Yunque Rain Forest on the eastern side of Puerto Rico last May. Here's some images from my unprofessional perspective. The scenery is so lush and thick I couldn't help but feel very small and insignificant compared to all the wonders in the world. Just another reason to protect what we are so blessed to have.

I'll be back in Puerto Rico next week and will have to make a point of visiting this glorious area again.

Sustainable Gift Giving

I found this article on Angie's List and wanted to share tips for sustainable gift giving.

Apply the three R’s to decorating and gift-giving

by Ellen Goff

Facing the holidays doesn’t have to drain your energy, emotions or budget. This year, consider a different approach that’s more thoughtful and sustainable and less about the stuff. Here are some fresh ideas.

Reduce

Most people could reduce their overall volume of decorations, lights and gift wrap without hardly noticing that anything is missing.

Use energy wisely. Convert some of your traditional light strings to LED-type holiday lights. Remember to turn all display lights off — both inside and out — before you go to bed.

Cut back on packaging — don’t insist on a box for every gift. Use gift bags or wrap a gift with a gift, like folding a scarf over a pair of gloves and securing it with a ribbon.

Reuse

Give gifts that have more than one life.

A basket of herb plants can be welcome greenery at your window during the winter, flavor your cooking in the spring, then flourish out in your garden all summer.

Blooming bulbs like amaryllis or narcissus stay in bloom for weeks. In the spring, plant them outside to rebloom another year.

Recycle

Although there are more leftovers to deal with in December, you should still salvage as much as possible.

Collect gift packaging, paper boxes and other recyclable materials and either store away for next holiday season or recycle it.

Recycle your Christmas tree, either through municipal collection or by having it ground up into garden mulch (available in some areas). Or, cut the branches off yourself and place them around your shrubbery and planting beds as an added layer of protection against weather extremes.

A Fresh Tree

If you’re concerned about enjoying a live tree and being environmentally responsible, relax! Christmas trees protect watersheds and stabilize soil while preserving agricultural land, open space and wildlife habitat. The cut trees are replanted each year. And, when the holidays are over, real trees can be recycled. If you want to weigh the merits of a live tree vs. an artificial one, visit the National Christmas Tree Association website at christmastree.org for a point-by-point comparison.

Ellen Goff is a master gardener and environmental advocate. Aside from writing about and photographing plants, Ellen tends to a 3-acre landscape she shares with her husband, cat and border collie on the shores of Lake Wylie, S.C.

Smart Ideas for Wedding Planning = Substantial Savings

I was asked to write an article about how couples can save money while planning their wedding. This advice applies to couples with substantial budgets as well as those with limited budgets. Good advice is universal, so here are my favorite tips:

• Cutting the guest list is going to provide the most substantial savings – for example, if you haven’t seen someone, yes even relatives, in over a year and etiquette is clear on this, no need to extend the invitation. Many times those relatives and acquaintances are relieved not to have to make the decision to attend. At a minimum, couples will save $100 per person which includes cost of invitations, décor, floral, food and beverage and entertainment. As I mentioned that's just the minimum, many times depending on the design and location of the wedding savings can amount to $500 per person or more so choose your guest list wisely.

• Hiring a professional wedding consultant is the single best money spent/saved – they can recommend the very best professionals for the budget and will negotiate discounts or complimentary upgrades. These same deals cannot be obtained by couples alone and many times the savings covers the cost of the consultant. Consultants will also save the couples hundreds of hours of time looking and interviewing wedding professionals.

• Regarding favors, my recommendation is save yourself money by not providing them…guests really do not care about taking home a favor and in most cases they are thrown away at the end of the night. Rather than a favor consider donating the dollars you would spend to a charitable organization near and dear to your heart.

• Lighting is a dramatic and cost-effective way to transform the look of your wedding – consider hiring a lighting expert to up light walls in dramatic colors or points of interest such as windows or columns or down light areas of the room or shine the couples initials or logo on the dance floor. Great lighting is simple and dramatic and will save hundreds of dollars over dramatic centerpieces or linens.

• Bridal gowns can be purchased at dramatic discounts at consignment boutiques or look for samples that have been on the rack for several months. Do not be afraid to ask to see samples that have been in inventory for a long time and if you find one you like, ask for their best price. I had a bride who purchased her gown on eBay and it was perfect for her.

• To save substantial dollars on flowers, re-use ceremony flowers at the reception. One or two large ceremony displays can be moved to the reception and placed in significant locations such as near the head table or the dance floor. Consider a variety of centerpieces such as florals for 1/3 of the tables, dramatic candles for 1/3 and a smaller combination of flowers and candles for the remaining tables. Large dramatic centerpieces can cost $500 or more so imagine having 20 tables…the cost exceeds $10,000 however if the remaining tables each cost $150 the total is $5450, Guests will walk into the reception and focus on the large dramatic look first. There should be continuity between the two or three centerpiece designs so it doesn’t look haphazard. At the end of the night, give the flowers to guests or donate to hospitals or nursing homes so they can continue to be enjoyed rather than discarded.

• Use Centerpiece cakes for an environmentally friendly approach rather than reception flowers by providing four of five different flavored cakes on every table. There is no waste at the end of the night and guests love to get up and sample other flavors. Centerpiece cakes range from $35 to $100 each which provides huge savings over a one-time-use floral display.

• For entertainment save money by hiring local cover bands. Depending on your area, many cover bands can be hired for four hours at the same prices as a DJ. Speaking of DJ's, I do not recommend trying to save money by using your iPod - after spending thousands of dollars to make your day perfect, why would you rely on one little device to keep your party rocking into the midnight hour? What if something goes wrong...don't tempt Murphy's Law.

• Food saving ideas include providing one main entrée to your guests rather than offering multiple choices – caterers and venues charge extra to manage the additional labor involved. Ask for childrens menus and pricing because this can save 50% or more off adult menu pricing. Offer two or three different hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour rather than five or seven. Guests will eat what they are offered and the more that is offered the more they fill up. Offer a plated meal rather than buffet. These days buffets costs more per person because the caterer or venue does not want to run out of food and because they have no way to gauge guest consumption, they overstock and thus overcharge.
  

• Save on beverages by hosting kegs of beer rather than individual bottled beer – most times guests are happy with whatever is hosted and a keg of beer will provide approximately 163 glasses for about $350. 163 bottles of beer will cost approximately $815. Many venues offer package pricing for beverages, however I do not feel this is a savings to couples. For example, 200 guests can be charged a four hour package price of $30 per person for a total of $6000. However statistically 1/3 of the guests leave right after dinner, so unfortunately the couple has paid for two to three hours for guests who have gone home. At least 10% of guests do not drink alcoholic beverages however all guests are charged the package price regardless of their beverage preference. Some venues even charge the package price to minors.
  

• For invitations, consider DIY – do it yourself is fairly simple with all the design programs available and if you are not necessarily creative go to a local paper supplier or stationery store for ideas and see if they offer complimentary classes. If DIY isn't your thing, there are many great websites for stock stationery which can be customized with design and color choices for less than $1 each.

Thankfully, people continue to get married and fortunately that is the one constant in this very scary, unpredictable economy we're faced with so why not protect what assets we do have.
Good luck and if you have other time or money saving tips, post them in the comments section and I'll be sure to post them as well.

The Ultimate Recycling

During my recent visit to Puerto Vallarta I was invited to dine at the family owned restaurant, El Palomar de los Gonzales. Although this is not a restaurant review, I have to give the entire experience a 5 star rating.

The restaurant is located on the side of one of the many mountains overlooking old Puerto Vallarta with views of the bay.

My gracious hosts, Juan Gonzales, his mother Senora Gonzales and sister Maripepa Gonzales entertained me the entire evening with fascinating stories about the history of their restaurant. Apparently over forty years ago their father purchased property on the mountain, long before anyone else did. In fact, when he brought his wife to see the land, she shook her head and asked, "what, you buy me air?" The slope is very steep and not friendly to building, but this did not deter Senor Gonzales.

The only request of Senora Gonzales was she wanted a one story home...well forty years later the entire building is home to the restaurant, a jewelry store, banquet facility for up to 100 guests, a bar, two outdoor terraces, swimming pool and the private residence of Juan Gonzales and his family and a separate residence for his mother. All built by hand over the spance of twenty years by Senor Gonzales. Did I mention the structure is seven stories perched high on the side of a mountain? No wonder its views are amazing.

Juan Gonzales did not want to see his boyhood home leave his family, so when his parents were ready to sell, he made arrangements to purchase the home and convert it into the restaurant. Twenty two years later, the restaurant is as popular as ever. I invite visitors to make a special trip to El Palomar for an unforgettable dining experience.

Here are a few photos of the restaurant along with living areas just as they were when the Gonzales children were growing up.

I can't think of a more original form of recycling than this. Oh and did I mention they grow most of their own ingredients on their family farm. The seafood is locally caught and the beef and chicken are raised on another family farm. This is one impressive family. I wonder if they ever fight?