Caplan Miller Events Blog

Looking for this weeks blog inspiration took me as far as looking through my own wardrobe and realizing I have a bit of an obsession…white, white and more white! White jeans, white shorts, white dresses, white tee-shirts, white collared shirts, white tank tops, white scarves, white sweaters. I love the clean feeling white gives and summer is always an excuse for me to wear it head to toe. And once summer comes and goes, I bring all my “winter whites” out and refuse to believe in the rule of no whites after Labor Day. Fashion has no rules as far as I’m concerned and no one is taking my favorite color away! I love the way accessories pop against the crisp color, bring a turquoise earring in, a gold shoe, multicolor bangle bracelets, layered beaded necklace. Anything works, it is an easy, effortless look and you will always look put together. And for those times that I crave a new piece of white, I always know just where to go to satisfy the craving…Calypso St. Barth. I was over the moon when I learned there was one here in Austin and though a lot of the collection is geared towards beach chic, I can always find a beautiful piece of white in the most luxurious fabric. Take a peek of a couple of my favorites from this seasons collection…

Perma Tank Dress , Cosia Shirt, Pearl Tank, Lupe Cardie, Stroller Trouser, White Stilt Denim

Sigh. So beautiful.

Xx
E

For two weeks in June, I traveled through Greece, Turkey and Italy. The food, the beaches, the cities, the history, the ruins, the people, the shopping – all were incredible. But what did I do most at these destinations? I drank ridiculous amounts of coffee! Espresso, cappuccinos, American-style coffee, crazy thick & strong Turkish coffee… you name it – I was drinking it.

Courtney + Coffee = LOVE. I’m an addict. It started after college when I worked at The Driskill Hotel. Our F&B Director at the time (shout out to SW) introduced the property to Illy Coffee. That was the year that I said sayonara to S-bucks. It was then I realized I had been drinking criz-ap. SORRY ‘BOUT IT, S-bucks (you do have great iced tea though).

Over the past several years, Justin and I have made it our mission to figure out how to bring that perfect cup home. We grind our own beans and use a French press, but are currently on the hunt for an espresso machine for our home – so if you have any suggestions, let me know. The grinding and pressing might be Justin’s morning ritual, but I don’t have the patience. I, on the other hand, take the easy and more delicious route and head over to Teo Espresso and Gelato.

In Austin, no one comes close to having better coffee than Matthew Lee (aka Matteo, hence the name “Teo”). Teo is a little piece of Firenze right here in Austin. Matthew lived in Florence for years and learned his craft straight from the source – Vivoli. He is the real deal. The atmosphere at Teo, the espresso, the gelato (my fave is Salted Caramel), even Alberto the barista, is from Florence. Come on… how do you get much better than that?

Coffee is not something to ignore at your event. Sure, the venue or caterer will offer coffee with dessert or set out a coffee station, but listen to me RIGHT NOW! Don’t ignore this special sip. Give coffee a little love and respect!

Try a few of these ideas…

HOLIDAY CAFFEINE
…serve Pumpkin Spice Coffee, Harvest Coffee Cider, Peppermint Mochas, Café au Eggnog

TOP IT OFF
…with Cinnamon Sticks, Chocolate Shavings, Fresh Whipped Cream, Rock Candy Sticks, Biscotti, Flavored Syrups, Cardamom Powder

ADD A LITTLE KICK
…with Kahlua, Tia Maria, Baileys Irish Cream, Grand Marnier, Whisky, Brandy, Frangelico or Amaretto

BRING THE COFFEE SHOP TO YOU
Call Teo and they will send out a barista, an espresso machine, and their gelato.
Ask them to serve Affogatos: espresso served over gelato.

PERSONALIZE YOUR JAVA
This weekend we have an Indian wedding celebration with a coffee set-up including chai tea and pistachio Kulfi (Indian ice cream).

Probably gulping down a medio cappuccino with an extra shot as you read this,
CC

Last night I spent 4 hours dining at Restaurant Jezebel. Yes 4 hours! And I loved every minute of it. Let me tell you why………..

First of all, the ambiance is unlike any other restaurant in Austin. With your first step you immediately feel as though you’re dining far away from Austin. It’s small, intimate with industrial walls embellished with multiple Jezebels. The Jezebels provide a great dinner conversation topic. It’s hard not to stare! It’s extremely dark with only taper candles providing light at each occupied table. Oh how I love the dim lighting! While the ladies restroom is not really something that added to the incredible ambiance, I must mention it. It’s dressed in head to toe (or floor to ceiling) in green astro turf. Sounds a bit weird, but it’s quirky and definitely memorable.

The menu is the masterpiece of chef-owner Parind Vora. I’m OBESSED with the combinations of the various spices. His creations are a perfect balance of flavor with a subtle yet present pizzazz. Saffron, Sweet Thai Chili, Curry, Tamarind, Rosehip, Lavender—is your mouth watering yet? These are just a few of the intriguing flavors that tickled my taste buds last night. The 1st place selections of the night include:

Salad of baby arugula, mixed berried in a light raspberry vinaigrette with aged Spanish Manchego Cheese

Dark El Rey chocolate and dried spice crusted Atlantic Salmon with garlic and caper infused olive oil

French Toast with homemade cinnamon ice cream, honey-lavender goat cheese and Vermont maple syrup

This is a perfect reflection of the elements that make this restaurant STAND OUT from all the others—SPICE!!

Cheers!
Elizabeth

If the words “my name is” do not ring a bell, you may want to skip this post. I can’t hide it anymore — I have a weird relationship with Mr. Slim Shady. Those who know me well might be a little confused as to why I am writing about him. When I first heard his songs (years ago) I was so turned off. Who was this angry guy that was yelling scary lyrics about his ex-wife Kim and his little daughter Hallie? Why did he look so creepy with that bleach blonde shaved head and those protruding cheek bones? What made him so livid and why did each of his CDs have the ‘parental advisory’ sticker in the corner? Whether his name was Marshall Mathers or The Real Slim Shady or Eminem, it didn’t matter… I had questions and I needed answers.

Well, little did I know it would take me ten years (from his first hit “The Way I Am”) to figure out answers and come to terms with my infatuation for this angry rapper. As I have grown older, I can’t seem to get his jams out of my head, especially in the last few months. His lyrics are addicting and spill out, or sing out, like word vomit – I just can’t get enough. And how can you not listen when he has FOUR top tens on the radio as we speak. Yup “he’s back, back again” and topping the charts once more. It also doesn’t hurt that he is partnering with my other favorite artists to make magic happen – ahhh, music to my ears… literally. I can, however, do without his movie, 8 Mile, but that’s beside the point.

Kids and adults go nuts when the DJ plays his tunes at a party. How can you resist this catchy beat? Keep in mind, just because you may not like him, doesn’t mean your guests won’t shout his lyrics at the top of their lungs all night long. If you are not a fan, get over it – it’s time to jump on the bandwagon and “lose yourself in the moment” with my pal, Eminem.

Refresh-your-memory Downloads:
1) My Name Is
2) Lose Yourself
3) Stan (feat. Dido)
4) Cleanin’ Out My Closet
5) Sing For The Moment

New-must-have Downloads:
1) Not Afraid
2) Love the Way You Lie (feat. Rihanna)
3) Despicable
4) No Love (feat. Lil Wayne)
5) Won’t Back Down (feat. Pink)

You know you love me (and Eminem)
Xoxo,
Gossip Girl

Have you ever attended a dinner event where the hostess put out satin or polyester napkins? This happens to be one of my biggest pet peeves ever! Satin napkins slide right off the lap, and polyester will just not do the job for which the napkin was intended.

It is always worth a little extra money for a real linen napkin and a perfectly pressed hemstitch napkin is always fabulous for any event. It is a classic that will never go out of style. Consider buying the napkins instead of renting for your event and having them monogrammed. Then you will always have a beautiful napkin for all those future dinner parties you will be hosting!

These monogrammed napkins by Daisy Hill and are available in some of my favorite colors of the season.

Love,
Sarah

For those of you who haven’t heard of Finn Jewelry, it is time for you to familiarize yourself this very moment! I first became a fan when Courtney gave the entire team friends forever bracelets for Christmas. Just a simple leather cord with a gold bead pendant…simply divine, subtle and goes with everything!

On the heels of July 4th, I received an email today with this adorable, to-die-for Anchor pendant necklace. Minor Obsession…I think yes.

Jump on their website and browse your little heart out!

Xx
E

I love the summer!!! I can barely handle the Texas heat for 5 minutes, but if I am in a bathing suit and floating in water, I can handle it all day.

Who doesn’t love s’mores? They are the sweetest summertime snack and bring back childhood memories of camping and campfires.

I love incorporating them into my weddings and events. Below are a couple shots – pre-packaged s’more kits at a wedding and another with a s’mores bar set up around a fire pit at a client’s home (complete with wet wipes for sticky fingers).

My cousin Lindsey – the future pastry chef extraordinaire – introduced me to her seductive s’mores bars. I haven’t been the same since. Her recipe is top secret, but I have come pretty darn close:

INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 (1.55 oz. each) HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Bars
• 1 cup marshmallow crème (I use lots of mini marshmallows instead!)

DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 8-inch square baking pan.

2. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder and salt; add to butter mixture, beating until blended. Press half of dough into prepared pan.

3. Arrange chocolate bars over dough, breaking as needed to fit. Spread with marshmallow crème (I use my mini marshmallows here – I throw them in by the handful!). Scatter bits of remaining dough over marshmallow; carefully press to form a layer.

4. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars. 16 bars.

WANT SOME MORE S’MORES?

Try a S’mores Milkshake made with ice cream, a drop of milk (keepin’ it thick), graham crackers, cocoa powder and top it off with toasted marshmallows. OMG.

Or how about s’mores for breakfast? Pancakes, crepes or French toast…. add in marshmallows and chocolate chunks. Mix it into the batter, put ‘em on the griddle and you have yourself a sweet mess of melted chocolate goodness. Don’t forget the graham cracker crumbles on top.

Feeling lazy? No problem:

I hope everyone had a wonderful July 4th holiday and if you happened to be around a campfire, I certainly hope these delicious babies were a part of your celebration!

Cheers!
Courtney

If you are anything like me, you are getting all of your plans in place for the big holiday weekend. My absolute favorite times during the 4th of July have been on the lake. So why should I let a little rain stop me from a fabulous 4th on beautiful Lake Austin?

While the weatherman is pretty much guaranteeing rain, I still plan to spend my time on the water one way or the other. Starting tomorrow morning I will turn into a lake rat for the next two days. If the “rain rain go away” doesn’t work that’s not stopping me from good times on the lake. Here comes Abel’s on the Lake to the rescue!!!

TOP 10 REASONS WHY I LOVE THIS PLACE:
1. The View-enough said
2. Texas Tea-Hangover–don’t say I didn’t warn you.
3. Neon Hats-only the cool kids sport these on the lake
4. Beer on Tap-67 beers on tap
5. Fried Pickles-yes please!
6. The Crowd-love to people watch at Abel’s!
7. Vacation away from home-enjoy the feeling of a short get away without even leaving town
8. Fresh Cut Potato Chips-a side of ranch strongly recommended
9. Pitt Stop-dock up, grab a quick bite, take a potty break, and get back to boating
10. Cute Bartenders-this is for the fellows and the ladies–get your ‘Fourth’ flirt on

Plan your event on the top deck overlooking the lake. They are in the process of redoing their upstairs space and it’s going to be fab. The view will blow your guest’s socks off.

If you do make it out to the lake, make sure to check out the fireworks show at Abel’s on Saturday at 9pm. I’ll be there and you will be sure to spot me in my bright pink Abel’s hat. Besides…what’s better than fried food, fireworks, and freedom?!

Have a very Abel’s Independence Day!
Cheers!
Elizabeth

I cannot reveal my true identity today.  I know you will judge me.  So today, I am a guest blogger.  I might work at CME and I may have dark hair.

I had so many great titles for today’s post:
GET THE SCOOP ON THE POOP
POO & PARTIES DONT MIX
IT’S POTTY TIME
SHITS & GIGGLES
DONT MESS WITH THE MESS
DONT CHEAP ON THE POO
PARTY ON THE POOP DECK

but I digress…
In the event industry, we have a wonderful selection of portable toilets available to us.  These elegant vehicles are called “Comfort Stations”.  Below is a Presidential Comfort Station diagram.

These sweet puppies come fully equipped with simulated marble walls and wood valances. They have fully enclosed stalls with wood trim, a sky light, interior lighting, wooden cabinets, cold/hot water, porcelain sinks, air conditioning and a stereo for your listening pleasure. Pretty fancy pants, huh?

When I tell people what I do for a living, I often hear, “Oh, I bet you have some great stories!”.
Yes I do, and this is one of them:

I produced an event at a client’s home. We were hosting around 300 guests at their ranch — a 4 hour reception complete with dinner and dancing. We were entering the final hour of the party. The dancefloor was packed. Guests had bellies full of food and drinks. Naturally, the facilities were utilized. Bladders were emptied. You get the picture.

I was standing towards the rear area of the reception on my client’s driveway in close proximity to our comfort stations. I noticed something wet running down the driveway toward my feet. I followed the trail back to its source and noticed it was leaking from our restroom area. I made my way to check with our restroom attendant and he was staring at me with an awkward gaze. He proceeds to tell me that, “our tanks are overflowing”. My professional reply, “Ummmm, WHAT?!!!! {insert expletive}”

What apparently happened earlier that day was that our restrooms were en route to be delivered and the company was running late. They wanted to arrive on time and made a judgement call to not to empty the tanks. They figured they would be okay. Twas not the case.

Numero uno combined with numero dos were leaking from the tanks and running down the driveway and towards my guests!!!!! I calmly made my way to the band and made the decision to wrap up this shin dig and get those guests on their merry way. Well guess what they all wanted to do before they left? They wanted to use the restroom!!!! NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Moral of my story….
When comfort stations are delivered to your event, check with the attendant to make sure that they are emptied. Dont skimp to save money on this — get the correct number of stalls to hold your guests! Trust me, you dont want to experience the peepee river.

But…. if you happen to be into that sort of thing– call me. I throw one heck of a po’ down!

yours truly,
the top secret guest blogger

Happy July 1st ya’ll! Ahhh, what a great day. You may be thinking to yourself, “what is so special about this day?” Well for starters, July 1st is the 182nd day of the year, which makes it the half way mark. So congrats – you made it through the first half of 2010. (A little sigh of relief, huh?!) Let’s take a look back and see why we owe July 1st a shout out and what the world would be like WITHOUT the following…

Without this day: The beautiful Princess Diana of Wales was and still is an inspiration to many. Without her, we might not know the true meaning of elegance and grace. Happy Birthday and you’ll always be remembered.

Without this day: Canada Day would not be recognized and it’s national anthem ‘O Canada!’ would not be sung. You’re probably not Canadian, but so what. Take a small breather from work and belt it out:

That felt good, didn’t it? Happy Canada Day!

Without this day: Bay Watch, Armageddon and One Tree Hill may not have been created. Don’t sit there and pretend like you were never a fan of one of these. Happy Birthday to Pamela Anderson, Liv Tyler and Hilarie Burton and thank you for letting us be entertained.

Without this day: Dance lovers and club goers wouldn’t be able to “Lose Control” without many hits from R&B mogul, Missy Elliot. So here’s to you, Misdemeanor – Happy Birthday and have fun…or in your own words “Get Ur Freak On.”

AND without this day: ME!! I would not be here. So raise your glass and take a minute to thank this glorious day. CHEERS and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my fellow July 1st birthday friends, and most importantly, ME!!

You know you love me,
Xoxo,
Gossip Girl