Reminder for February Menu Tasting

Just a quick reminder that our next menu tasting is scheduled for February 19th at 6:30 pm. Please RSVP at least a few days in advance so I can let Ed and Julio know how many to prepare for! Don't forget to bring your appetite! Thank you and we'll see you soon!

Ryan and Elisa - So Happy Together: October 10, 2008

Ryan and Elisa were such a cute couple and both played large roles in bringing their day together. Elisa and the ladies got ready for the ceremony in our Patriot Room. Here you can see Elisa taking a quick peek at her guests beginning to assemble in the garden.

The afternoon was beautiful and so the ceremony took place in the garden. Elisa was preceeded by a flower girl scattering fresh petals and a handsome ring bearer.

Afterward, there was some time for clowning around with the groomsmen while the bridesmaids looked on.

Meanwhile, the guests enjoyed a cocktail reception featuring Peking Duck Wraps with Hoisin Sauce and Hawaiian Chicken Satay along with wine, liquors and, quite clearly, a refreshing assortment of beers.

In addition to their really sweet personalities, one of the things that came through was Elisa's attention to detail. Her personal touches included the initials "R" and "E" in Cabernet Red suspended from Ivory Ribbons as a feature at the head table. Elisa also provided a unique twist on scattering flower petals - handmade ribbon flowers sprinkled across the cake table.

A pair of kissing doves looked on from their icy perch as the guests and the happy couple had a great time dining and dancing the night away.

Best wishes to Elisa and Ryan for a happy marriage every bit as sweet as the two of you are!

Happy Holidays from our Family to Yours!

From Catherine, Julio and our team, thank you for choosing the Hilton Garden Inn Fairfax! We wish you a safe and happy 2009!

Pretty in Pink - Rebecca's Bat Mitzvah: November 22, 2008

Okay, well this first picture isn't Rebecca . . . that's me, having fun showing off the arrival table. However, you can definitely get a sense of Rebecca's interests. She loves dancing and had a ballet themed reception.

Originally, they had planned to use this photo as a signature board but when it turned out so perfectly, they decided to frame it and use a different photo instead. This one was simply for display purposes.

Inside the room, everything was color! There were hot pink and lime green splashes everywhere - a perfect color combination to brighten a November afternoon. Joining the centerpieces were a large variety of home-made chocolate covered treats - pretzels and nuts! Yum!

The centerpieces were also home-made. The family arranged with the dance studio to take a bunch of worn out toe shoes and give them new life by turning them into the treasures pictured! Hot pink and lime polka dots outside and tons of hot pink flowers inside, these toe shoes are standing on their own bases! After the reception, they were donated back to the studio to brighten future events.

The guests had two cakes to choose from and of course we used hot pink lighting under the table to add a little pizazz! Here you can see Rebecca captured during the candle lighting service!

Mazel Tov Rebecca!

Non professional photos are courtesy of Rebecca's mother.

Candy Cane Martinis - a refreshing way to spread holiday cheer!

Here's a fun and refreshing way to celebrate the holidays! The Candy Cane Martini is not only delicious but features a minty, breath freshening kick! We are offering these at our holiday parties this year. Yum!

3 parts vodka

1 part peppermint schnapps

splash of lemon/lime soda

ice

grenadine

crushed mint candies or miniature candy canes

Put ice in the martini glass to chill and then empty.

Then, dip the rim of glass in grenadine and then a saucer of crushed candies.

Meanwhile, mix vodka and peppermint schnapps with ice and shake.

Pour into martini glass.

Top with lemon lime soda.

Add a drop of grenadine - note that this will sink to the bottom for a layered look.

Garnish with a small candy cane if desired.

Enjoy with friends!

Sun Kissed Autumn - Allison and Brad: October 4, 2008

Allison and Brad could not have asked for a more beautiful day for their wedding. The warm autumn sun provided a golden glow for their outdoor ceremony. As you can see, all of the garden flowers were at their peak. The florist added some blooms to the arbor in warm, fall shades of red, orange and yellow and the beautiful draping allowed sheer rays of sun to filter through.

The bouquets and boutineers were evenly matched with one couple in red, one couple in orange and one couple in yellow.

In addition to the ceremony backdrop, the bridal party posed for a few formal photographs in the upstairs garden as well while the guests went on to enjoy the cocktail hour.

The elegant reception was decorated in shades of ivory and chocolate brown with yellow, orange and red accents including alternating designer linens and centerpieces of large candy jars filled with fun fall candies surrounded by flowers.

And, taking the prize for the most unique centerpiece is this figurine that Brad and Allison had at their sweetheart table. Apparently, this lovely lady is a traveling trophy that Brad had won for being the best at engaging in leisure time activities.

Best wishes to Brad and Allison! May you keep the love, joy and sense of humor!

Professional photos provided by Kat Rader Photography

http://www.katraderphotography.com/

Flowers and garden draping provided by Occasional Flowers

http://www.occasionalflowers.com