Caplan Miller Events Blog

When you think about Downtown Austin, you think of drinking, eating, socializing… but guess what folks, there’s more! I’ve just discovered that drinking has found it’s match – and nope, it’s not 6th Street Pizza, it’s GAMES!

KUNG FU SALOON is located downtown in West 6th. From vintage pac man to giant checkers, there is something for all the young at heart. My favorite is their Sake Bomb Specialty Menu – too fun! (maybe too much fun)

I love to infuse my corporate events with a few of these great game ideas:

Games2You outside of a hotel to surprise guests after a full day of meetings:

“Armchair Quarterback” at a tailgate:
Take a seat on this wabbly ride and try to hit your target!

“Rock Wall” at a team building retreat:

You’re never too old to find your inner child, so get out there and play!

Cheers!
Elizabeth

So last night I was just doing my nightly routine: sitting on the couch, eating something of some sort, and watching the Hills with this week’s issue of US Weekly. Obviously, ‘Hollywood Trend Watch’ immediately caught my eye (I’ll have you know I’m a fashion junky). The colors, the florals, and the patterns are must haves for SPRING 2010.

Spring Must Haves – FASHION

Admit it. You’re drooling over these pink Chanel sandals. Or better yet – you’re looking at your bank account at this exact moment to see if you can spare the money for this Rebecca Taylor blouse. Even though you really, really want ‘em… you can’t have ‘em. Then you stop to think… is it really the sandals or the shirt that I want or is it the colors, the florals, and the patterns that I am going gaga over? Leave it to me to decide for you – it’s the trends that you want and it’s the trends you can have.

Spring Must Haves – EVENTS

You don’t have to be dressed in these trends to be chic and shabby, just dress your events in the trends. Until next time…

You know you love me.
Xoxo,
Gossip Girl

This past Sunday I spent my evening planting tiny little succulents into terra cotta pots for the centerpieces for my son’s first birthday party coming up this week! It’s no wonder the popularity of these little gems is on the rise. They are extremely low maintenance, exotic and very stylish! They also come in an endless amount of colors, shapes and sizes. I love them all by themselves in a simple silver compote dish or worked into a beautiful bride’s bouquet. With the hot summer months fast approaching consider working these little babies into your arrangements. They are sure to turn a few heads!

love,
Sarah

Image: Kate Mefford Photography

To all that know me and for as long as I can remember I have had a love affair with the color purple! For me it is the most beautiful, always in style and always invoking different moods with its different shades. I am drawn to it in all forms, whether it be a paint color (which it is on my bedroom walls), a purse, a nail color, a pillow….it will always be in fashion! So let’s take a peek as some of my favorite purple’s this season!

Images: Marc by Marc Jacobs Purple and Green “Pelly” Watch, 36.5 mm; Alice + Olivia Kiera One Shoulder Dress; Y’S Color Cardigan in Purple; Knot2much2ask Ask for Everything Bracelet; Ray-Ban; Rachel Leigh Neon Gumball Ring; Tory Burch Clayton Reva Vintage Leather Clutch; OPI Nail Lacquer in Siberian Nights; Hunter Boots; Kendra Scott Rena Linear Pod Earrings in Violet Purple ; T-Bags Purple Beaded Tank; Antik Batik Binita Pareo Scarf in Purple

And ANY excuse to do a purple party and I’m in heaven, like this one we did…

So take this as a warning…I WILL try and sneak purple in somewhere on every event I do! Just can’t help myself.

Xx
E

Drink menus are quite fun.  I can specifically remember drinks that I have had on a trip or at a restaurant – they become memorable because of the flavor and taste of course, but there is so much more!  What makes a good drink unforgettable is presentation, garnish, glassware and color.

In Jamaica, I love to drink Dirty Bananas by the beach or if I’m not in the mood for a frozen beverage, it must be Red Stripe or Rum Punch

Dirty Banana

(great as a desert drink!)

1 medium banana

1-1 1/2 oz. Tia Maria

table sugar to taste

milk or cream

add ice & blend

Jamaican Rum Punch

1 oz.light rum

1 oz.  rum (Appleton, of course)

2 oz. pineapple juice

2 oz. orange juice

2 oz. lime juice

strawberry syrup to taste

In Mexico, I love a fresh lime margarita on the rocks:

Take me to Puerto Rico for a perfect Pina Colada:

I know that specialty cocktails are nothing new, but it’s always fun to look back at drinks that we have crafted for parties to remind us that they are still very chic and something that doesn’t go out of style.

Drinks can carry on a color scheme or theme.

Pick the perfect stemware, garnish and don’t forget your cocktail napkin. Set your bar so guests know what to choose from. Personalize a wine bottle, water bottle or even a Red Bull can!  Throw in a flashing blinky ice cub or shake and pour into a light-up martini glass.  Provide koozies to keep your guests hands from freezin’.

Have fun and get loaded!

Great glassware

Cocktail Napkins

A memorable garnish

Hi bloggers!  I’m a newbie to the blog world so here I go……

My passion is food.  I love the nature of gathering friends over a cocktail (or two!) and wonderful food.   Bottom line-Dining out is my #1 hobby!  I secretly wait for the newest hot spot to open and find any excuse to get a group together to check it out.  My latest mission was The Snack Bar in the famous South Congress district.  While this eatery isn’t brand spankin new, it was my first time.

The concept of this authentic Austin restaurant is to order a few “global small plates” and share as a group.  The Spanish call this style tapas, Middle Easterners call this maza, the Chinese calls this dim sum–Austinites call this SNACK BAR.  This is my absolute FAVORITE way of dining!!  You not only get to experience a variety of items but it also allows for great dinner conversation.  My top picks at Snack Bar are their Edamole, Bleu Onion Dip, and the Rosewater Cake.

“Small plates” is definitely carried over into the event world.  “Small plates” can come in a few different forms—hors d’oeuvres, family style, starters.  A few of my favorites………

Dining out is not only about the cuisine……the ambiance is essential to the entire experience. I’m often inspired by the entertainment and/or the décor. The Snack Bar did not disappoint in ambiance. Everything in this snazzy joint was interesting. However, the most fascinating element were the super cool lampshades made out of old film strips.

Lamp shades are a great décor element that can be carried into your overal event design.

Cheers,

Elizabeth

For my first official post, I only find it fitting that I write about Gossip Girl.  OMG – love this show! You may be wondering why I have this infatuation. Well, I have two words for you: NATE ARCHIBALD. Just kidding. But seriously, those eyes.

Of course there are the boys, and the clothes and the drama – oh how there’s drama… But have you ever looked deeper? Or taken a closer look at the bigger picture? We are talking about Manhattan’s elite here, which means, the most amazing parties ever. From birthday bashes and cotillions to weddings and galas, these upper east-siders are determined to catch your eye with their glitz and glamour.

The lighting. The branches. The twinkle.

The chivaris. The linens. The bamboo folding chairs.

The flowers. The backdrops. The color scheme.

The EVERYTHING!!!

So next time you are sitting down to see what Serena’s next scandal is or Blair’s fabulous choice in clothes are, look beyond what meets the eye and find your inner Gossip Girl inspiration. Until next time…

You know you love me,
Xoxo
Gossip Girl

Put simply, I love all things shiny and sparkly, and out of all the shiny and sparkly things out there, I think my favorite has to be the chandeliers! No other thing does more to add beauty and ambience to your setting.  We have designed rooms and events completely around them.  After all, no space is complete without a little “jewelry”!!   I hope these photos inspire you to add a little bling to your event, even if it just with a fabulous pair of chandelier earrings!

p.s. thank you to Kate Mefford Photography and SMS Photography for the beautiful photos.

Gorgeous!

I found this one at the Round Top Antique Festival a few years back. I loved it so much it became the inspiration for my son’s nursery.

These were taken at our open house event when we moved into our new office space.

With a floral cord over a drink station for our Knot Party. Stunning!

As an accent to an altar table.

The perfect wedding earrings from Bergdorf Goodman!

Love,

Sarah

I have had this image saved from the Miss Dior Chérie perfume ad for the last several months and have often kept coming back to it as I have patiently waited for Spring. An now that it is here I have decided that this is the essence and inspiration for my Spring wardrobe! Everything from the color palette (including one of my favorites – gris), to the soft and sweet style of dress, I dream of simple fêtes in backyard gardens snacking on Ladurée macaroons and sipping citron pressé. Perfectly paired with espadrilles, and a summer scarf, I hope this inspires a little more lounging and a lot less stress.

XX
E

Images: Macaroons, Scarf, Shoes