Caplan Miller Events Blog

You may be wondering what all these different shapes are…Well I have two words for you: SILLY BANDZ!!! These light weight, stretchy bracelets are taking over as the number one fad. If you think they are annoying, I bet your mind is about to change. These bandz are the bomb-dot-com. Everyone is wearing them around and trading them at every chance they get. Sarah Jessica Parker wore them on David Letterman and Shakira is rocking them on her new album cover. Wear them to the next event you are attending and trade for something else. No need to be shy – you will look super cool. Don’t leave home without them… you never know what kind of silly shape you will get next. Who knew something made for tots would make people of all ages go so silly?

You know you love me!
Xoxo,
Gossip Girl

Lately I have been craving Spinach Artichoke Dip. And for good reason…who does not love this hot and bubbly concoction of cheese, garlic and artichokes? So, I know this is so old school, but Houston’s has to have the best artichoke dip, hands down! I’ve got the recipe. Try it, it’s a snap to make!

And don’t forget, artichokes are not just for eating, they are also for decorating. They work beautifully into your centerpieces or even a bridal bouquet. Just look at the one Kurant Events put together for us for a wedding at Laguna Gloria earlier this year. Fabulous!

love,
Sarah

Spinach Artichoke Dip

1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
1 large clove garlic
1 10 oz. package frozen chopped spinach — thawed and squeezed
1 (6.25 oz.) jar artichoke heart — drained and patted dry
1 (8 oz.) container soft garlic-chive cream cheese
2 large eggs
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian mix
tortilla chips, sour cream and salsa — for accompaniment

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Put Romano cheese in a food processor with metal blade. Turn motor on and drop garlic through feed tube to mince. Stop machine and add spinach, artichokes, cream cheese and eggs. Process until thoroughly blended; turn into medium bowl. Fold in mozzarella.

Transfer to a 2 to 3 cup baking dish; bake until heated through, 20-25 minutes.

Serve hot with tortilla chips, sour cream and salsa.

Makes 16 servings.

Kate Mefford Photography

I love the octopus trend that has been around this year. I want Kenneth Jay Lane octopus rings in every color! And I need a set of octopus dinner plates and tumblers from Anthropologie.
My two very favorite must-have octopus items of the moment: diamond octopus brooch and octopus letterpress notecards


YES!!!!!

Is the octopus trend making its way into the wedding world?

NO!!!!!

Cheers to a quick week and much needed holiday weekend!
CC

I recently had an impromptu Sunday morning date with my husband at Walton’s Fancy and Staple. I’ve always admired the building from afar, but I had no idea that I was in for such a treat on a random Sunday morning. This gourmet delicatessen, bakery and cafe is so well rounded: their daily offerings range from sandwiches, soups, salads, cheese, breads, pastries, coffee, flowers, plants, catering, gifts and picnic baskets. What more could you ask for? Maybe a Sandra Bullock sighting?? This is one of the cutest eateries I’ve visited lately and I highly recommend it!!

Cheers!
Elizabeth

The 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards are on this Sunday. Millions of viewers will be tuning in to see what shows are going to bring it home this year. Jimmy Fallon will take the stage to be the night’s host and your entertainer. This is a big night for Hollywood, people. If you are like my brother, you are making a super long poll with all the awards and sending it to your friends to fill out (Sorry Jeffrey, but some might say you are obsessed much). Yeah, yeah, this is exciting and all, but hello?? The PRESHOW!!!

I am fixated on this little thing called the red carpet. Why you might ask? It’s amazing. I could almost pee in my pants thinking about how thrilled this makes me. The glitz, the glamour, and the fashion… oh boy, the fashion. The dresses, the shoes, the jewels… WOWEE, this is what I live for. I can’t wait to sit in front of my TV and see what all my favorite celebs have going on. I go gaga (or Lady Gaga) over this kind of stuff. I mean, I am the gossip girl – I HAVE to tune in or I would be doing you, my precious readers and fans, a disservice. This is my job.

Brides: keep your eyes peeled for all the colors and patterns that are in this season and get ideas for your bridesmaids’ dresses. Look for yourself too; you might see accessories that you absolutely must have.
Grooms: don’t feel left out! I know you are “forced” to watch this kind of stuff, but be on the look out. All your favorite actors will be looking extremely dapper. No worries; get the look for your big day.

I have a feeling the Gleeks are going to take over the night. What about you? Who are you excited to see? What show do you want to take home the Emmy?? Come on all you celeb stalkers… let me know!

YOUR SUNDAY SCHEDULE:
Live From the Red Carpet
5:00pm on E!

62nd Primetime Emmy Awards – Live!
7:00pm on NBC

You know you love me!
Xoxo,
Gossip Girl

Okay okay, so I know monogramming everything for your wedding is on the outs (no more monograms on the dance floor please), but I can’t help but to monogram everything in my house, especially my bedding!

After a recent trip to New Orleans with the CME girls I fell head over heals in love with the city; the food, the people and the shopping! So, next time you find you find yourself in The Big Easy head over to Leontine Linens on Magazine Street. They have the most luxurious monogrammed linens you will ever see. And if your travels don’t take you to New Orleans anytime soon, they can also be found right here in the Lone Star State in stores in Houston and Dallas. Gorgeous!

love,
Sarah

Hi all! I am normally a Monday blogger, but I took a much needed day off yesterday. I have to take a quick sec to say how lucky I am to work with the team I work with — both my staff and my incredible team of creative partners. This year, and particularly this summer, has been our busiest ever and I am in awe by each of the events we have been producing.

Now on to today’s topic: Properly dressing your tables.

One of the most important ways we enhance our events is by dressing our tables. We pick linens based on fabric, texture, color, pattern, etc. In addition to linens, we add layers and textures by using overlays or table runners. We don’t always need to add the additional layer by using a runner or overlay, but when we do, we have a few do’s and don’ts.

Rules that CME lives by:
1. A table runner belongs on a long table.
2. An overlay is used on a round table.
3. These above rules are not interchangeable.

Cheers to beautiful and well-designed tables,
CC

I’m always on the hunt for a hole in the wall restaurant and dive bar. As if I’m collecting hidden treasures and then spreading the love to my favorite people. My new favorite treasure is Albert……Albert, Texas that is. This small Texas town is nestled in the beautiful hill country consisting of a dancehall, a tiny Ice House, an old school (young LBJ attended) on 13 acres including a pecan orchard. Thed don’t even have a population sign as these three buildings make up the town—not a person to make up their population! Don’t you worry, this town is filled with plenty of personality.

MUST DO.MUST SEE.
-ice cold beer under the ancient live oak trees (always a great breeze even in this Texas heat)
-make friends with one of the biker dudes (or chicks)
-enjoy live music during the day
-nosh on yummy Riley’s BBQ
-game it up—dominoes, horseshoes, washers
-two step across the dancefloor

This hill country jewel is perfect for all kinds of events. I’m just waiting for the perfect corporate outing (group dance lessons + Texas Country Music) and wedding rehearsal dinner. Hope you guys love my secret boyfriend!

Cheers!
Elizabeth

You know those nights when you are starving, but can’t think of a place to go? And out of all the yummy places in Austin, for some reason, at that exact point in time, nothing comes to mind. And no matter how good something sounds, you just end up at the same old places. Well, I can pretty much say that happens to my friends and me every single time we try to make a decision about food (me especially – I am the worst!). Well right now I feel like fried chicken, dangit, and I’m putting my stinkin’ foot down – it’s gunna be a Popeye’s night.

Everyone loves fried chicken. How about adding Popeye’s catering for your event? I can guarantee that your guests will RSVP yes for the next one! We are doing a big order of biscuits for a group this week. And when I say big, I mean a car full of the fluffy, buttery treats. YUM. Can you just imagine that smell? Deeeeeeelish!

I would like to give credit where credit is due… Popeye’s. How can you resist the taste of the juicy deep fried chicken and moist buttery biscuits? Yup, I said moist…SO? Yes, Popeye’s has been around for years, but it’s just as good as ever, if not better. My mouth is literally watering at this very moment. If you are one of those people who just made a face of disgust, I call BS. I challenge you, my friend – to eat a chicken leg and biscuit in front of me.

Popeye’s…you do me good.

You know you love me!
Last week’s poet and today’s gross blogger,
Xoxo
Gossip Girl

If you have not yet been introduced to Mr. Boddington, well then, please allow me! Mr. Boddington’s Studio is producing some of the most beautiful invitations and stationary I have ever seen. With their fabulous liners, gorgeous lettering and fresh designs you will be hooked, jut like me. You’re in luck too, the complete line can be found right here in Austin, Texas. Head over to see the fine staff at Hayden Avery on West 35th Street and they will take great care of you.

Love,
Sarah