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Holiday Custom Cocktail Inspiration

How To Have The Happiest Holiday From Home This Season!

This holiday season looks a bit different, but a way to brighten your spirits is with Spirits!

It’s not like we’ll be needing to leave the house, so a bit of custom cocktail inspiration–and responsible drinking–are just what the doctor ordered to spread some cheer at home this year. If you’re like us, we’re looking to take the nostalgia of a perfect Christmas and mix in a little extra fun. Growing up, the holiday desserts were our favorite part of the season. Inspired by these sweet treats, we took a few classics and transformed them into some custom cocktails!

Ordinarily, the festive cocktails we offer our clients are Spring or Summer themed signature drinks that complement their event. We get rave reviews over our Watermelon Cucumber Coolers and now offer “Logo Cocktails.” We take a signature logo for your event, print it on thin sheets of sugar paper, and float these custom cocktail discs as a garnish on the top of your guests’ drinks. It’s an inventive way to think outside the cheesy logo bar napkins while delighting your impressed guests! Imagine each of these holiday drinks with your signature logo on top for the perfect viral social media post. Make your friends Grinch-green with envy over your immaculate custom cocktail presentation this season!

 

Rudolph’s Nose (Raspberry Hot Cocoa)

A steaming cup of hot chocolate is the epitome of childhood holidays. Take yourself back with this fun spin that is sure to make you glow with happiness! Try substituting hot coffee for the hot chocolate if you’re looking for that extra pick-me-up after a holiday feast.

Ingredients:
1 oz. raspberry liqueur (Chambord if you’re feeling fancy!)
1 oz. white crème de cacao
8 oz. hot chocolate
whipped cream
1 fresh raspberry 
Preparation:
  1. Pour raspberry liqueur and white crème de cacao in your favorite holiday mug.
  2. Add hot chocolate (or coffee) and stir.
  3. Top with a dollop of whipped cream.
  4. Finish off with a fresh raspberry for Rudolph’s signature look!

 

Pumpkin Pie Martini

Pumpkin pie is one of the most beloved desserts of the holiday season. It seems the nation as a whole can agree that pumpkin spice flavor should be added to pretty much everything, so why not your holiday cocktails?
Ingredients:
1/2 oz. Stoli Vanilla (optional to give it kick)
1 oz. pumpkin spice liqueur (such as Hiram Walker)
1/2 oz. Kahlua
1/2 oz. Butterscotch Schnapps
1/2 oz. half-and-half
crushed graham crackers
sprinkle of cinnamon as garnish
Preparation:
  1. Rim edge of a martini glass in crushed graham crackers (for that “perfect crust” taste). Set aside.
  2. In an ice-filled shaking-glass, combine all liquids. Shake well.
  3. Strain mix into the rimmed martini glass.
  4. Top with a dash of cinnamon for a little extra spice!

 

Peppermint Bark Shot

If we’re talking about childhood holiday memories, we can’t forget the iconic peppermint candy cane. We got this custom cocktail idea from Tipsy Bartender.com, and we can’t rave about it enough! It’s bright, creamy, and super festive with the crushed peppermint rimmed on the glass. If shots aren’t really your style, sip this minty treat in a tumbler over ice! Click HERE for their fun video with assembly instructions.

1/2 oz chocolate vodka
1/2 oz peppermint schnaps
1oz white chocolate liqueur
Melted chocolate and crush candy canes for garnish
Preparation:
  1. Rim edge of the glass in melted chocolate and crushed candy canes. Set aside.
  2. In an ice-filled shaking-glass, combine chocolate vodka, peppermint schnapps, and white chocolate liqueur. Shake well.
  3. Strain mix into the rimmed shot glass.

 

All we ask is that you enjoy these drinks responsibly and remember to share the love, not our germs, this holiday season!

 

 

Lawn Game Inspiration!

Jumbo Games for Maximum Fun!

Lawn Games are timeless and perfect for any event.

Lawn games are great accessories to any wedding reception, family gathering, or corporate event! Now that most events are outdoors use them to fill up some of that extra space. Guests will be looking for excuses to break the ice with unfamiliar faces and for leisurely entertainment while socializing throughout the night. Toss some out during the night to give them an alternative to dancing or being stagnant at a table. 

 

Cornhole: Lawn Games for All Ages!

All That Room For Activities!

From corporate events to weddings, guests love extra outdoor activities! Lawn games fit right in with the DIY craze that is going on now. Customize or personalize each game any way you like with your names, event colors, pictures, or cute sayings. Your guests will recognize your hard work during the cocktail hour or throughout the entire event. Afterward, these games can become a signature part of your home for future gatherings!

 

Giant Jenga: Lawn Games for All Ages!

Try popular lawn games like Giant Jenga, Cornhole, or Giant Connect Four!

When you hear lawn games, you automatically think corn hole, but we’ve seen other games you can play around with, such as Jenga, latter golf, ring toss, bocce ball, and croquet. Mix and match them up, depending on your favorites! Placed outside, there’s no need to worry about appropriate playing space. The games will add so much enjoyment to the entertainment through the evening because your guests will feel confident playing these familiar activities.

 

Giant Connect Four: Lawn Games for All Ages!

 

Just as our fantastic team of coordinators, which outdoor activities they recommend for your event!

 

 

Japanese Friendship Garden Wedding | Client Event Review

Customizing Your Event Is Our Big “Flex!”

We know we’re good at what we do. Bethany was thrilled with our responsive help and flexibility during her planning process. We loved working with her and the Japanese Friendship Gardens in Balboa Park to create her perfect wedding experience.

Her glowing event review below helped our team of hard-working staff know they did a stellar job!

 

 

If you need a detail customized for your big event, we can’t wait to work with you to find the best solution!

San Diego Event Coordinator Appreciation! | Ann’s Plans

“This is your wedding, so it should reflect your personality and fulfill your dreams.”

 

We love working with Ann’s Plans! Clients can always trust her to make their event plans her own. Ann’s Plans specializes in stress-free brides. Ann works tirelessly to make sure your wedding will reflect your personality and fulfill all your dreams, all while presenting your family and friends with a fantastic celebration they’ll never forget.

You can choose services from complete event planning, month-of assistance, and day-of coordination. Ann’s experienced skill set can provide you with a personalized planning checklist, calendar, and wedding day timeline for effortless organization. She is knowledgeable in a spectrum of customs and etiquette for any occasion, and her repertoire of industry contacts provide referrals for high-quality wedding vendors for your future event.

 

Your Dream Event is in good hands with Ann.

Reach Out Today!

Ann Strobel
Phone: 619-206-5676
Email: ann@annsplans.com

 

 

Ann’s Plans Website

Our Event Collaboration!

Testimonials!

Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers For Any Occasion!

“There’s An App For That”

Our wide range of crowd-pleasing appetizers spans the full spectrum of flavor and enticing displays! Tease your taste buds with a few of these appetizing delights. Use these artful morsels to your advantage! Your guests eat with their eyes first, portray a mood or theme through a few choice bites. These delicious mouthfuls will pique your guests’ interest, warming them up for the main course later on.

Our Watermelon Skewers are a small but mighty appetizer!

Bring a hint of summer to any day of the year. An explosion of flavor with Mint, Honey Goat Cheese, Blueberry Basalmic Reduction, and dusted with a pinch of Pistachio, watermelon has never had such a glow-up!

Our Crab Cakes are light, always fresh, and one of our favorite crowd-pleasers.

A little bit of lemon and Herb Remoulade perfectly top off this tasty treat!

Have a crowd looking for the ultimate, savory snack?

The Mini Beef Sliders win over every group with the Sharp Cheddar, Truffle Aoli, and Caramelized Onions!

Be sure to expand your palate!

Explore sweet, savory, and fresh so your guests can experience all sides of their flavor profiles.

Keep your veggie-friendly friends in mind!

We offer several delectable crowd-pleasing appetizers sure to delight your vegan and vegetarian guests.

Try a gourmet spin on classic comforts.

Our Chicken and Waffle Skewers, with Maple Syrup and Crunchy Bacon, take that “mom’s secret recipe” taste, and somehow make this sweet and salty treat better than you remember! We also offer a heavenly Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese with a Creamy Tomato Bisque to satisfy all your childhood dreams.

 

Ask us for our full menu of delicious appetizers!

Whether you’re having a corporate event, holiday party, or celebration, we have the perfect bite-sized appetizer for the occasion. We’re sure each one will excite and delight your hungry guests.

 

La Jolla Woman’s Club Wedding | Client Review

Tell One, Tell All!

Martina left a positively glowing client review of her La Jolla Woman’s Club wedding with us, in collaboration with Simply Gorgeous Events, and loved every minute of her experience!

 

“Flawless,” her “saving grace,” with “literally no worries from beginning to end.”

We’re beyond happy that Martina and Ty have magical memories of their big day with us! We’re so thankful she took the time to leave us a client review and gave our staff such positive feedback!

You absolutely must check out our blog post about their Elegant Vintage Beach Wedding at the La Jolla Woman’s Club.

(Trust us, you won’t want to miss all their incredible details!)

 

 

 

San Diego News Suspects Spirits At Mt. Woodson Castle

Mt. Woodson Castle, One Of Our Favorite “Haunts”

“Ghosted” by a Ghost?

San Diego Union-Tribune’s Regina Elling, of the Ramona Sentinel, recently walked the halls of Mt. Woodson Castle, a venue that lies close to our hearts. Due to its tantalizing history for the occult, this historic Castle is a hotspot for San Diego spiritualists during this time of the year. In her article, Regina wonders if the spirit of the Castle’s original owner, Amy Strong, has abandoned the historic site. As we reflect on all of our magical experience at the Castle, any thoughts of spirits are usually at the BAR!

Ghost jokes aside…

For the first time since our partnership with Mt. Woodson Castle, which began about a decade ago, the corridors and kitchens are eerily quiet. If there ever was a spirit, we believe the warmth from our events and respect for the Castle’s history pleased it. Due to the shutdowns caused by Covid-19, you can feel the stones themselves miss the vibrant flow of life from the 100+ weddings per year it was accustomed to. One benefit of this year’s unexpected time-off is that the Castle has never been in such great shape! The Mt. Woodson Castle staff have been busy adding their own personal touch to top-secret historic renovations among the halls. Hopefully, with the start of the new year, guests will appreciate the resurrection of this gorgeous venue’s splendor!

Thanks to Regina Elling of the San Diego Union-Tribune Ramona Sentinel for stopping in for a spell to delve into Mt. Woodson Castle’s incredible history.

We love any opportunity to bring this hidden gem to the surface for everyone to appreciate.

 

Check out Regina’s article here! “Has Mt. Woodson Castle been Ghosted By Amy Strong?”

Intrigued? Take a peek at another article from Fox 5 San Diego about this incredible venue! “Explore San Diego: Enchanted Castle” by rchenfox5.

Can’t get enough? Try “On Memory’s Back Trail: Amy Strong And Her Mt. Woodson Castle” by Darrell Beck for a deeper look into the history!

Kate + Rob | Justice Photography | La Jolla Woman’s Club

Another La Jolla Woman’s Club Wedding!

This incredible venue always sets the stage for the most magical San Diego Weddings.

 

waterfront san diego event venue

Bridal Prep!

Rob looked quite dapper in his ageless black tux, the perfect ensemble for a classic and romantic wedding motif.

 

Rob’s Groomsmen team was more than willing to show their “support” of Rob marrying Kate.

 

Kate’s stunning wedding dress combined wistful romance with classic elegance. She absolutely glowed in it.

 

These beautiful Bridesmaids dresses followed the romantic theme of the day, and we love that each bridesmaid had a different style!

 

The Ceremony

Kate looked radiant, walking down the aisle on the front lawn of La Jolla Woman’s Club. We’ll never get enough of the tiny details on her gorgeous dress!

La Jolla Woman's Club Outdoor Wedding

 

The ceremony was incredibly heartfelt, filled with many touching moments and smiling yet teary eyes.

La Jolla Woman's Club Outdoor Wedding

 

The vows were sealed with a big kiss, and everyone felt the love that this couple shared!

La Jolla Woman's Club Outdoor Wedding

 

You’ve got to love that “I Do” Glow!

La Jolla Woman's Club Outdoor Wedding

Reception

The love birds had two specialty cocktails for their guests to enjoy. The “Mint-To-Be” Mojito and The Spicy Concombre were huge hits!

 

This spacious side garden at the La Jolla Woman’s Club, like a private cafe patio, is perfect for an intimate seated cocktail hour!

La Jolla Woman's Club Outdoor Reception

 

We are completely smitten with this novel idea of a “Welcome Book” for guests to sign. This treasured cookbook will get plenty of use in Rob and Kate’s kitchen and remind them of this special day with every use!

 

Our appetizers were hand-picked favorites by the Bride and Groom, and all of our food is made fresh on-site!

 

Our staff set the tables with the utmost care for the finer details of each place setting. We made sure each had our personal touch, from the blush crystal water goblets to the napkin fold.

La Jolla Woman's Club Outdoor Reception

 

Each guest received an adorable custom-printed bottle of hand sanitizer as a party favor.

 

Back at last from their photoshoot on the beach with Justice Photography, this happy couple was ready for a chance to relax and a cold drink!

La Jolla Woman's Club Outdoor Reception

 

Our crowd favorite Watermelon Caprese Stack Salads are a mouthwatering mix of juicy watermelon, creamy goat cheese and topped with a bright pop of our house-made blueberry balsamic reduction.

 

 

After the cake-cutting, our staff passed out a decadent cheesecake bite for each guest. Topped with an adorable heart-shaped sugar cookie and Pirouline, it was the perfect way to end the night!

 

Such a beautiful couple to work with. We’re so lucky to have been a part of their big day!

La Jolla Woman's Club Outdoor Reception

 

We loved being a part of Rob and Kate’s wedding at the stunning La Jolla Woman’s Club!

Huge thanks to all the collaborative effort with the incredible team of vendors and Event Coordinator, Amy, from First Comes Love Weddings and Events.

We can’t wait to see the bright future in store for these two lovebirds!

 

Vendors

Coordinator: First Comes Love Weddings and Events

Justice Photography

Venue: La Jolla Woman’s Club

Abbey Party Rentals

 

Forever Enchanted Events Coordinator Review!

Being “Friendly” and “Efficient” is Our Personal Touch

Kelsey Schwarz, a phenomenal San Diego Event Coordinator, left this glowing review for us!

 

We’re beyond appreciative that Kelsey from Forever Enchanted Events took the time to write this coordinator review for us!

“Sky-rocketing” up to the top vendors on any of our fellow event vendors lists is fantastic! Positive feedback like this, especially from one Event Professional to another, is such a wonderful compliment. Our hard-working Event Teams deserve to know that their commitment to excellence is recognized. She helped us provide that encouragement!

We loved working with Kelsey and her amazing staff. She felt like one of our own with her organized and cheerful demeanor!

Thanks, Kelsey, for this rave review. We can’t wait to work with Forever Enchanted Events again soon!!

 

Distance Party To-Go Boxes!

Party On The Go!

Finally, a safe and easy way to celebrate together! “Party on The Go” is a new venture our team is diving into for the Holiday Season and beyond. Our curated To-Go Boxes are crafted with the freshest items based on our most popular menu options, and they’re perfect for every occasion! Did you miss out on a special event? Or perhaps you’re struggling to find fun, safety-compliant ways to bolster employee morale? We’ve got a Box for that. 

Fun-Filled Party Packs, To-Go!

This creative alternative to the traditional gathering is a distanced spin on nearly every gathering we’ve been sorely missing from a holiday party, company picnic, happy hour, special occasion, or employee incentive! Now, your Alternative Holiday Parties or Distanced Holiday Celebrations can give that fulfilling experience on The Go.

Our Service

We’ve designed this new service with you in mind, keeping everything as easy as possible so you can enjoy the gift of a safe-gathering. All of our Boxes come prepared and ready to be distributed. Just choose the drop-off or drive-through option! Our talented and friendly staff will deliver your chosen POTG Boxes directly to you for self-distribution for the drop-off method. As for our drive-through service, we can help set up a distribution location for your lucky recipients to come to pick up their boxes. Unlike individual delivery services like Uber Eats, our service encourages the feelings of excitement that comes from a special occasion! Your lucky guests will enjoy the novelty and surprise from the gift of these boxes, reveling in the sense of gathering at a distance.

What’s in The Box??

The better question is, “What’s NOT in these boxes?!”

Our Party on The Go boxes come packed with everything you could need for your celebration. We’ve purposely crafted each themed box to encompass a party’s true feeling so that no more special occasions are lost to social distancing. We believe that everything deserves to be celebrated, so take a peek at our boxes below to see which best fits your event!

Happy Hour Boxes:

Grazing

Distance Party To-Go Box, "Grazing"

Imported & Domestic Cheeses, Seasonal Crudite, Roasted Garlic & Chive Dip, Mixed nuts, Dried Fruit, Salami & Summer Sausage, Gourmet Crackers, Chocolate Covered Pretzels.

Toasting

Distance Party To-Go Box, "Toasting"

Imported & Domestic Cheese Variety, Brie Cheese, Grapes, Olives, Marinated Mushrooms, Artichoke Dip, Salami & Summer Sausage, Sliced Artisan Bread, Gourmet Crackers, Creamy Vanilla or Decadent Chocolate Cake Pop.

Brunch Box:

Sunrise Spread

Distance Party To-Go Box, "Sunrise Spread"

Spinach & Mushroom Quiche, Sliced Fresh Fruit, Overnight Oats, Freshly Baked Muffin.

Picnic Boxes:

Belated BBQ

Distance Party To-Go Box, "Belated BBQ"

Bone-In Garlic & Oregano Grilled Chicken, Smoked Cheddar Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Field Greens Salad, Freshly Baked Bread Roll with Butter, Chocolate Cookies.

 

Long Distance Luau

Distance Party To-Go Box, "Long Distance Luau"

Slow Roasted Pulled Pork with Chef’s Secret BBQ Sauce, Soft Bread Rolls with Butter, Fried Rice, Tropical Coleslaw, Spring Greens Salad, Vanilla Cupcakes.

 

Party Apart Boxes:

Italian

Distance Party To-Go Box, "Italian"

Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce, Pasta Alfredo, Green Beans, Traditional Cesar Salad, Freshly Baked Roll with Butter, Tiramisu.

 

Classic

Distance Party To-Go Box, "Classic"

Braised Short Ribs in a Red Wine Demi-Glace, Chive Whipped Potatoes, Crispy Brussel Sprouts, Farmers Market Salad, Freshly Baked Roll with Butter, Chocolate Cake.

 

South Of The Border

Distance Party To-Go Box, "South of the Border"

Pollo Asada Enchilada Bake, Red Rice, Black Beans, Avo Lime Salad, Roasted Salsa & Chips, Flan.

 

Holiday Boxes:

Greater Gobble

Distance Party To-Go Box, "Greater Gobble"

Herb Roasted Turkey Accompanied by Spiced Cranberry Relish, Goat Cheese Whipped Potatoes, Herb Stuffing, Green Bean Casserole, Field Greens Salad, Freshly Baked Roll with Butter, Pumpkin Tart.

 

Festive Feast

Distance Party To-Go Box, "Festive Feast"

Pecan Crusted Chicken Served with Bourbon Cream Sauce, Rosemary Roasted Heirloom Potatoes, Herb Stuffing, Garlic Green Beans, Cranberry Quinoa Salad, Freshly Baked Bread Roll with Butter, Pumpkin Tart.

 

Kits:

Give Them S’ mores!

Distance Party To-Go box, "Give Them S' mores!

Extra Large Marshmallows, Graham Crackers, Hershey’s Chocolate Squares, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Skewers, Portable Flame with Instructions.

 

Gingerbread Bundle

Distance Party To-Go Box, "Gingerbread Bundle"

Gingerbread Man Cookies, Red & Green Frostings, Holiday Sprinkles, Assorted Candies, Decorating Tools.

 

Classic Cookie

Distance Party To-Go Box, "Classic Cookie"

Fall or Holiday Theme Sugar Cookie Cutouts, Two Frosting Colors (of your choice), Holiday Sprinkles, Assorted Candies, Decorating Tools.

 

Extra Goodies:

Wine, Beer, Champagne, Personal Notes, Labels, or Custom Gifts!

Fine Details:

As we mentioned before, all of our Boxes and Kits come prepared and ready to be distributed. The menus and cutlery kits are included in each box to uphold our promise of complete ease for you and your recipients. We try to be as inclusive as possible, so of course, Vegan, Vegetarian, and Food Sensitivity Substitutions are also available.

 

Interested?

Fantastic! Just reach out to inquire about our prices and minimums!

We’re excited to get this party started with you!

 

Thanks to True Photography for all of these incredible detail shots of our Party on The Go Boxes!

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