The Special Event Show

Our professional team travels coast to coast to bring the very best in ideas, design and coordination to your celebration. Next weekend, Kim will be attending the largest event conference in the country, The Special Event Show. The TSE is located in New Orleans this year. There will be tons of continuing education classes, events to attend, creative inspiration galore and a fabulous trade show. I PROMISE TO BRING BACK ALL THE BEST FOR YOU; MY DEAR FRIENDS!
Each year I meet more and more tremendous individuals in the event business. It is such an opportunity to be able to form networks with them. From these networks, I can provide you with the VERY LATEST AND BEST ELEMENTS for your special occasion. This is something I look forward to attending and look forward to returning to you. Watch for more soon.
By Kim

Upcoming Bridal Shows

January and February are no reason to "hibernate". Make sure to visit us at some of these great bridal shows and learn more about how we can assist you in creating the absolute most amazing wedding ever! It's our specialty and it's all about you!
Begin January with the Indianapolis Monthly Bridal Show, Ritz Charles, Carmel, January 3rd, 11:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. www.indianapolismonthly.com Check out our gorgeous sweetheart table display and learn how we can help you with your wedding! Make sure to go to our website www.kimkingsmithevents.com and request one of our highly sought after ROYAL WEDDING RESCUES AND TREND fliers.This information will be some of the most valuable you will receive; and it's a gift to you from Kim King Smith Events, LLC the professional bridal consultants team that everyone needs!
Upcoming shows include:
Dolce Salon and Spa Bridal Show 1114 Rangeline Road, Carmel
January 14, 2020 5:30-8:00 P.M.
Daily Republic Bridal Show
January 31, 2010
Holiday Inn Conference Center, Columbus,
The Bloomington Bridal Show Bloomington Convention Center
February 14, 2010
By Kim

You Asked for It!

Ok, you've been asking for THE RECIPE. It is still NOT too late to bake them for the holidays (sorry I'm so late with this one, the weddings and parties have kept me busy!). These are THE ABSOLUTE BEST cookies ever. My friend, Mary Alice Roush shared the recipe with me.
Use them for treats at the office, for the TOP SELLER at a fund raiser or just to enjoy. Buttery, nutty, and rich with icing. You will be addicted like everyone else that bites into one of these little morsels.

Mary Alice's Thumbprint Cookies
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
1 C Crisco
1 C Fleischman's Margarine (honestly, just use every brand it calls for)
4 C Brown sugar
4 C All Purpose flour
4 Egg yolks, keep whites in separate bowl
2 T Vanilla
4 t Salt Yes, this is no typo. Just wait and taste........I didn't promise anything healthy!
Almond extract
About 2 C of unsalted crushed pecans
2 C or more of powdered sugar
Food Coloring
Cream butter, Crisco and sugar. Add egg yolks, one at a time. Next add salt and flour. Lastly, vanilla. Roll dough into small balls. Dip them LIGHTLY into halfway beaten and just mixed egg whites. Now roll them into the bowl of crushed pecans. Put cookies on cookie sheet LINED with parchment paper. Bake at 375 degrees for 5 minutes. Take out of oven and depress thumb or spoon into each one, making a little hole. DO NOT MAKE A HOLE ALL THE WAY THROUGH, just a small well inside the cookie. Put back in oven and bake 8 more minutes. While cookies are still warm, take small bowl and whip up a cup or two of powdered sugar, a TINY BIT of water, (add a drop(S) until consistency is correct)and a tiny bit of almond extract, (this is what makes them really good) and a little bit of food coloring. I prefer red so that I can make them pink. This could be a Valentine gift afterall! Drizzle icing into holes If it seems wet don't worry, it will harden as it cools. You don't want icing thick!
Now when everyone goes on and on about these, please tell them that your wedding planner gave you this recipe:)
P.S. I know this isn't a cooking blog, but I just had to share!

Blue Snowflakes Anyone?

Here is a cocktail that will be perfect for the snowy season.
The Blue Snowflake recipe is
splash of vodka,
2 ozs. of hypnotiq
1 oz. of pineapple juice
Shake it up, strain into glass.
Enjoy!
www.drinknation.com
www.shindigz.com
By Kim

Fabulous Favor Box Ideas

Trying to figure out what to put in the favor box? Make it something your guests will appreciate. If it is something you wouldn't want, chances are they won't either. Here are some ideas courtesty of www.accenttheparty.com. I love this damask one. One of our gorgeous bride's, Marie, loves damask too. Maybe this could be a possiblity?
Pick your favorite filler!
18 Things you can put into Favor Boxes
1. Candies, mints or chocolates.
2. Trail Mix or nuts
3. Jewelry for bridesmaids or the wedding party
4. Flower seeds or Bird seeds.
5. Chap stick or lip balm
6. Poker chips
7. Dried fruit
8. Name of the charity you are donating to in honor of guests
9. Baked goodies
10. Tea bags
11. Small ornaments for the holiday
12. Taffy
13. Wine glass charms
14. Golf balls or tees
15. Fortune cookies
16. Candles, bath salts or soaps
17. Magnets
18. Small paperweights

Holiday Glitter

Here are some really fun decor ideas for Christmas. It's not too late to ask Santa!
We have it ALL here: illuminated shopping bags; to let everyone know your bags are ready to "grab and go", the perfectly pink tree, and a nice chandelier for a little spontaneous celebrating.
All from www.grandinroad.com

More "Fabulous" Fashion

Here is a new website that I was just introduced to. The fashions are really different and fun. Meghan Fabulous is based and designed in Los Angeles. This is a fun site to visit and get some ideas for possibly a fun nite out or your honeymoon.
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4HPIA_enUS311US235&q=meghan+clothing+los+angeles

Cupcake Ideas for Any Celebration

This is a site that is fun and will give you great ideas on any type of cupcake theme. The picture features a Thanksgiving cupcake that will sure to be a hit with guests.

Hydrangea Home by Dawn's Designs: Fall Tablescapes

Here is a great site with some really pretty ideas for fall tablescapes. Look closely, many are very easy to design. You could incorporate items that you already have. Make your table special for guests and for you!Hydrangea Home by Dawn's Designs: Friday Feature - Fall Tablescapes

Encore for Us!

Kim King Smith Events now carries the chic line of Encore Invitations and Stationery. This line will be exactly what you are looking for in wedding stationery. So rich, so gorgeous, so unique. Please make an appointment to stop by our design studio to see it. The link www.encoreinvitations.com/Stationery/index.shtml just doesn't give it justice. Mention our blog post and receive special pricing.
Gorgeous paper, beautiful engraving!

A Little Help for the Holiday

We know how busy you are. Whether this is your first holiday cooking or you are the seasoned hostess, we wanted to help in some way. Now as the countdown begins for Thanksgiving, we have the PERFECT recipe for you to prepare. Share it with family, friends or the office. They will LOVE IT! I got this recipe from Southern Living's Cookbook and I must say it is incredible. It is easy and everyone will think you are better than Martha Stewart!
Pecan Pie Bars
1 3/4 C all purpose flour
1/3 C firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 C butter or margarine
1 C firmly packed brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 C dark corn syrup
1/4 C butter or margarine melted
1 t vanilla extract
1/8 t salt
1 1/4 C chopped pecans
Combine flour 1/3 C brown sugar; cut in 3/4 C butter with fork or pastry blender until crumbly. Press mixture evenly into a greased 13x9 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 17 minutes.
Combine 1 C brown sugar and next 5 ingedients, stirring well. Stir in pecans. Pour filling over prepared crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until set. Cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars. Yield 2 1/2 dozen. www.southernliving.com/food

Wow at the Westin

Lauren and Evan wowed everyone with their summer wedding at the Westin downtown Indianapolis. Each personal detail from the electric blue wedding palette to the IU Basketball Groom's Cake made it fun and very special for them. The ceremony and reception were both held in the ballroom. After an elegant dinner, the dancing began and did not stop all night. Thanks to the Westin for providing a beautiful venue with the best in service.

Romantic Night; City Lights

Lindsay and Jary had a wedding that glimmered with gold. Their wedding was a mix of two cultures, two families and one amazing love. Candlelight, salsa and spectacular city scapes were all part of this grand occasion.

Sylvia Weinstock Cakes

What a pleasure it was to meet the queen of cakes, Sylvia Weinstock. Here, Kim King Smith Events team members, Barbie Gurwitz and Kim King Smith are pictured with Sylvia. We met her at the Association of Bridal Consultants www.assnbridal.com annual conference. We also had the pleasure of meeting with her for an hour of "one on one"; learning about her cakes, her methods and showing off downtown Indy to her. Each of her cakes are a masterpiece. She is featured in every cooking and bridal magazine and show as well as bakes cakes for billionaires and stars. If you want one of her gorgeous cakes, we can provide it for you!

Ivanka Incredible

Look at Ivanka and her gorgeous Vera Wang gown. Notice she is wearing sleeves. This could be a return to the romanticism of Grace Kelly and Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Just stunning!source:Source: runway.blogs.nytimes.com

Pumpkin Martini Anyone?

Here's a recipe to help you celebrate the season. I was thrilled to meet up with my friend, Jeanette, from Santorini Greek Restaurant at Fountain Square.
She loved my Facebook post of this martini so much that Santorini ordered the ingredients and will be featuring it all Halloween Weekend!
Just the excuse I need to visit one of my favorite restaurants and celebrate the season! I am thrilled that they will be using it.
Here's the link and recipe for you!
http://www.hostesswiththemostess.com/recipe_box/pumpkin_martini
1/2 oz Sylk Cream Liqueur
2 oz vanilla vodka
1/2 oz pumpkin liqueur or pumpkin spice syrup
1 tsp whipped cream
cinnamon stick for garnish

"Dressing Up" for Halloween or Anytime!

Now this is my FAVORITE type of "Dressing Up"! Check out these fun and fabulous shoes that can make your outfit a "monster" of a hit!
sources: www.naughty-monkey.com and www.fashionising.com

Fab, Fun, Fall: Ideas to make your Fall fantastic!

Look at some of these great ideas for this Fall. Just LITTLE THINGS that make your get together or decor a BIG THING!
Sources include: www.womansday.com, www.thefuntimesguide.com and www.grandinroad.com

My Favorite New Designer; My Friend Lexi Tavel

I want to introduce you to all to my friend and one of my very favorite designers, Lexi Tavel of www.octoberanniversary.com. Please check out Lexi's extraordinary work. Lexi is an IU graduate and Chi Omega living her dream in NYC! As a designer she is really making it! We are all so proud of her.
Recently she was featured in Lucky Magazine. Lucky profiled her and got some of her fasion tips which include:"Going Out Outfit" vintage tshirt, leather jacket, short skirt, massive heels. She likes to shop at Barney's, Screaming Mimi's, and Helmut Lang's to name a few. "Look for great stuff in the men's section." she offers.
Check out my favorite design that she offers "Delicate Flower" cocktail ring is available in recycled gold or recycled silver; just gorgeous!
Sources: www.octoberanniversary.com and www.luckymag.com

Scott and Catherine

What a gorgeous sunny day for a beautiful wedding in downtown Indianapolis. Scott and Catherine were such a fun couple to work with. They had vision and style that made their wedding elegant and gorgeous.
Posing for pictures at Monument Circle and in front of the wedding site at the Conrad were just the beginning of an evening filled with photos, fun and beautiful memories.

A Little Bragging!

I have just received word from the Association of Bridal Consultants that I have reached the coveted designation of Accredited Bridal Consultant! I can't tell you how thrilled I am. Only myself and one other person hold this designation in the entire state of Indiana. There are only 19 worldwide! I really worked hard for this designation through continuing education, service and experience. I can't tell all of you how much I appreciate your support and friendship. It just means the world to me. Thank You!

Fun Groom Cakes

The Southern tradition of the Groom's Cake becomes more and more popular. Now guests are enjoying it at the Rehearsal Dinner too. Here are a few fun ones to look at. One is for a golfer, an IU fan and Michigan football.

September Splendor

Shimmering white, dazzling gold, luxe decor all the elements to wow guests and admirers. This wedding had it all. The bride was very artistic and creative. She knew what she wanted and how to get it.

Auction and Fundraiser

My company, Kim King Smith Events had the opportunity to work with D. Hancock Associates a professional appraisal and auctioneering company on an antique auction that was absolutely amazing. The owner of the home was 96 when she died and the house was packed with treasures. Buyers came from all over the country and the auctioneering firm needed to make sure they would be fed. Well, my sorority, Tri Kappa was in need of $$$ and thus our first Kappa Kafe was introduced. Here are some pictures of a fun late summer afternoon that also provided a lot of profit for a worthy organization.

Komen Pink Honor Roll: People that make a difference!

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure depends on a lot of individuals for support. Some of their grass root donations are the very largest and most needed. I had the privilege to be able to assist the committee with the Pink Honor Roll Banquet. There were over 140 guests that had worked, some year after year, forming teams and making sure their friends and coworkers didn't forget this cause. They are truly tireless!

All of these lovely volunteers were rewarded with dinner, recognition and door prizes. My company, Kim King Smith Events wanted to reward them with something for all of their kind and "sweet" efforts. Thus another fun and tempting candy bar is created by us. I can't tell you how much fun the guests had. Guess what? They ate all the candy! Now, isn't that just the best. What a reward for me to be able to contribute to all of these dear individuals. Thank you all so much!

You deserve fun!

This is a Rehearsal Dinner we did recently. At Kim King Smith Events we want you to have FUN! You and all the guests deserve a memorable treat and that is exactly what we provide!!! Just look at the creative details and fun we provided for this wedding party. Rave reviews and tons of thank yous were almost as good as the "all you could eat ice cream bar".

Save the Date! Mt. Auburn March for the Cure!

The fourth annual Mt. Auburn March for the Cure will be Sunday, October 18, 2009 at the Southwestern High School track. The Run. Walk. Cycle. begins at 1:00 P.M. with registration starting at 11:30 A.M. A one mile Family Fun Walk, 3 Mile Fitness Walk, 5K Run and 10/25 Scenic Bike Ride will be available for all participants. Those unable to participate may join us for lunch and entertainment. Door prizes and a bake salee by Miss Sue's Star Factory dancers will also be on hand.

The event is sponsored by the Southwestern High School FFA and coordinated by professional volunteer coordinators, Kim King Smith Events, LLC.

Make sure to go to our website (live on August 2ND) at www.marchforthecure.com. Online registration is available!
Join our FACE BOOK GROUP, MT. AUBURN MARCH FOR THE CURE too.

How to Pick Out the Perfect Bridesmaid Dress

Here is a story from the Today Show website on "How to Pick Out the Perfect Bridesmaid Dress". Enjoy
By Bobbie Thomas
TODAYShow.com contributor
Bobbie Thomas
TODAY Style Editor


Bridesmaid. The word alone makes most women cringe, unless you are the bride. It's time to do your closest circle of friends a favor — find them a dress they will want to wear on your big day, and again. Because unlike Katherine Heigl's character Jane in "27 Dresses," most of us don't want to collect a closetful of fearful frocks!

Bobbie Thomas, TODAY style editor and author of the Buzz Column for In Touch Weekly, offers a few things to keep in mind when thinking of your soul sisters ...

Make a planFirst consider the theme or venue for your magical moment, because both your wedding gown and the setting will help point you in the right direction. Remember: Along with the bouquets, your bridesmaids will be your most valuable accessories.

After the paying party has decided on a price range, plan a "pre-edit." This is where you pull together an assortment of dresses before you gather the girls for a fitting. If you are dealing with long-distance friends, you may want to consider a larger retailer with multiple locations and a Web site.

Ask yourself the following questions to help narrow down the possibilities: Formal or casual? Long or short? Soft or structured? It's OK if you don’t know the answers (and may be better, leaving you open to a welcome surprise).

Consider the colorUnless you have your heart set on a specific color, let the dress dictate the shade. Trendy styles tend to look better in sophisticated tones, while classic cuts can hold a bold, vibrant hue. Decide whether the dye of the dress, or the details on it, is most important. Let one aspect take center stage. A general rule of thumb: Beware of brights — dark tones will help less expensive fabrics look rich.


ParticipateVote on the wedding attendants attire!


Select a style
Your wedding should be timeless, not time-stamped. While current fashion fads may feel fresh and tres chic, it's important to consider the future. Will you look back and cringe? (Just flash back to the princess sleeves and big hair of the ’80s.)

This doesn't mean your only option is strapless and simple; just be sure to consider the "multiple factor." While an intricately designed dress can be stunning, three or more standing next to each other can be a fashion disaster. So choose wisely, because less may be more.

Pick the dress
It's important to like many before you fall in love, therefore I urge you to collect a rack of dresses. Yes, I said "a rack." Five to 10 favorites would be ideal, because your bridesmaids will bring each to life in their own way.

If you can arrange to have a group fitting, great; if not, ask everyone to try on your choices and e-mail you some photos with feedback. It’s important to listen and hear what your girlfriends think, but don’t make your decision at the fitting or under pressure.

If possible, pull together a collage of all the visual elements to be blended on your big day. Hopefully more than one will fit into your fairy tale, so that you can then offer your group of girls a vote, and everyone will live happily ever after!

New York City Designer Trunk Shows

While in the City, I met with my friend, Courtney, from Events Beyond and attended two exquisite European trunk shows with my friend, Wendy, from the Veiled Rose. The Lela Rose gowns www.lelarosebridesmaid.com and the Junko Yoshioka www.junkoyoshioka.com were really wonderful. The pictured gown is from Junko Yoshioka in Soho.
I also got the chance to attend a great educational seminar on event marketing and met so many new connections in event marketing! Next stop, the fabric district, I just can't explain the many FABULOUS fabrics that I saw that could be used for your next event or your wedding! Utterly gorgeous! Row after row!

TODAY SHOW WEDDING

While in NYC I had the pleasure to have a "front row" seat at the annual Today Show Wedding. It was a beautiful day and the wedding was spectacular.

The wedding set was in a vineyard theme. The bride's gown was absolutely gorgeous. The groom and his attendants had on gray suits and the bridesmaids in a deep plum. Lots of gorgeous pink peonies, hydrangea, roses, all in large urns. Large wine barrels were set up as well as grapes intermingled in the floral. Meredith Viera had a dress on that I loved. It was in plum and I searched all over NYC for it. No luck, but I did find a great new place to shop. Check out Daffy's. It is labeled "The Millionaire's Discount Store". And that it is!

NYC: Inspiration, Fashion, Education and Fun!

Last week my friend, Alice, and I went to NYC. I had been ready to go for a year. Just couldn't find the time (I definitely need to do this more often). Alice is originally from Brooklyn and knows her way around. Soooo off we went on our second escapade to NYC together.

First thing we do is ALWAYS stay in Times Square. This is where the action is. I love the people, the lights, the taxis; all of it!

The picture above is at Central Park at the John Lennon Memorial Garden. Yoko Ono donated this in John's memory. Thought you would like to see it.

The Big Apple wasn't all play. I had the pleasure to attend the Today Show Wedding, visit two exquisite Euopean designer trunk shows with fellow friend and bridal consultant, Wendy, visit with my friend, Courtney who works with Martha Stewart and is also a bridal consultant, attend an event marketing meeting that would benefit non profits tremendously and go to the Broadway musical, Hair. Wow!

OK, after allll the work, I did force myself to do a little shopping; So Ho, Macy's, Fifth Avenue. Needless to say, Alice and I had a great time! Inspiration, fashion, education and fun!