We've Moved!

 

I know it's sudden but the Socialize Blog has a new home! You can now check it out  

on the new Socialize website!!  

www.socializeevents.com

Socialize Blog

P.S. There is a new post up on my Thanksfeast decor inspiration so head on over and check it out!

Thanksfeast!

Does anyone else crave Thanksgiving dishes before Turkey Day actually rolls around? Several years ago some friends (including my husband to be) and I decided that we just couldn't wait for the holiday and we better just hold a pre-Thanksgiving training meal. With that, our what-would-become annual "Thanksfeast" was born.
Our Thanksfeast event is essentially an orphan Thanksgiving. However, since of our friends travel home for the holiday it's never held on Thanksgiving. Instead, we gather before the holiday to kick off the holiday season together. Here are some shots of last year's event:

Creating the tablescape is by far my favorite part of the planning!

  I am a firm believer in party favors and also in saving money. Last year, I bought mini-jar candles ($2/each) and personalized them with ribbon and scrapbook stickers. Bonus! They acted as my placecards as well.

My husband and I handle most of the food; including freezing sweet corn from the summer and saving it for the occasion. Our dear friends that we started the annual event with (our guest list has grown since then) always contribute a dish or two. Typically it's a traditional Thanksgiving menu- turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, etc. But this year; I would like to throw in some of Real Simple magazines Scene-Stealing Thanksgiving Side Dishes for a little twist. Yum! Which ones would you choose?

Due to some scheduling conflicts; Thanksfeast will actually be POST-holiday this year - which gives me a couple extra (much needed!!) weeks to prepare! Keep watching for posts on this year's decor inspiration, invitations and menu planning.

New Post

Check out Socialize's first post debut on the Cafe di Scala blog.
I’ve created a list of the aspects of an event you need to consider for planning. Some of these are pretty basic but putting all of them together will create a foundation for a well-organized, successful event.

Check It Out!

It's another exciting day at Socialize! Word just came that this blog was featured here as one of the Cafe di Scala's favorite local blogs of the month!

I've also been asked to do a guest post for them - so look for that coming soon! In case you haven't heard Cafe di Scala is a fabulous local restaurant that offers something Des Moines could use more of - an opportunity for an exclusive experience.
Don't get me wrong, private party rooms are great and perfectly meet the needs of most events. However, there are times when you want the the space to be completely your own. Cafe di Scala will open their lovely victorian mansion doors to private groups on nights it is not open to the public (Sunday through Wednesday) for lunch and dinner.

In addition, the staff will consider closing the restaurant just for you on a regular business evening (Thursday through Saturday) depending on the number of guests and budget. Fab food, an award winning wine list and a unique experience. What more could you want?


Well, I'm afraid the last few weeks have been all about Socialize. Not to worry. I'll get you some more event planning tips and tricks soon enough!