When I’m out of ideas for a party I’m throwing or if I just need some creative inspiration, the first place I turn is to the Hostess with the Mostess.  It’s a great site that offers tips, ideas and themes for any type of party you can imagine.  I also follow the author’s blog so I was thrilled to find out that she had partnered with Chambord and would be hosting a free event at Robert Verdi’s Luxe Lab in ny!  I signed up and told 2 of my friends to save the date!

Two nights before the event I found out that the event was overbooked and that it would be in our best interest to arrive early.  It worked out well since I was getting out of work early that day so the plan was to head out to the city with Pear and Cousin J to do some shopping and then grab dinner.  (Or so I thought…a work event held me up until my normal time to leave so I didn’t make it back home until nearly 7!)  We grabbed a quick bite at mustang harry’s   (nothing spectacular) and headed over to wait in line.

Let me say…the venue was amazing!  The whole night seemed somewhat of a blur to me since I had been drinking since 1:30 (I was at a work function I swear!) The lighting in the place was very intimate but not too dark where its uncomfortable and strains your eyes.  After about 30 minutes of everyone mingling and chatting away, the presentation started.  Jen warmly welcomed everyone and we started the night!  She showed us how she created the various elements on the table and around the room along with some other tips for entertaining.  After Jen was done, we got a presentation by a mixologist on Chambord – a little history and some new ways to serve it up in cocktails.  Overall it was a great way to spend the night!  I’m so glad I got to go!  I think (hope) Cousin J and Pear had a good time too!

Jen will be posting professional pictures and  detailed instructions on how she made the decorations so check out her blog for updates!

For now here are some shots from the night:

Drink Menu – “Little Black Dress”, Chambord & Champagne and French Martini’s were served throughout the night.

Some of the decor set up in the place:

Each of us went home with this at the end of the night.  A mini bottle of Chambord was also included but I gave mine to Cousin J since she likes the stuff better than I do!  Contents included mints, nail polish, cocktail picks, shot glass etched with the Chambord logo and a pamphlet with some drink recipes and tip, basically summing up the night.

The event is coming to other cities as well…so check the link for when it’ll be at a venue near you!

http://www.chambordonline.com/hostess/home.aspx

Dallas – October, 2008
Boston – December, 2008
Los Angeles – February, 2009
Miami – April, 2009