Working and listening to Jimi. "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, then the world will know peace." Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970)

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6 days until the Oscars

6 days and counting; are you ready for the Oscars. The 82^nd Academy Awards show is Sunday, March 7th. Whether you are planning for a small family gathering or for 1500 guests, the same number of guests as the actual Oscars, you need to start making your final preparations.

Start by revisiting your guests list to determine you final count noting any special request i.e. vegetarian, Diabetic or food allergies. Finalize your menu; make your shopping list and food prep timeline. Don’t forget to pick up the bubbly, Moet & Chandon Champagne. The official 2010 Governor’s Ball Menu is listed below for last minute menu ideas.

Shop for your party’s decorating items and party favors early. The décor for the Oscar’s is 1930 “Streamline Moderne”. The color palette is charcoal iridescent taffeta with platinum and cognac matte satins with amethyst tulle overlays and champagne glitter dots. The evening’s floral design include purple Lizzy –Anthus, Rothschild Orchids, aubergine rust Callie Lilies, Clearwater roses and hydrandreas.

Display the Oscar’s 2010 poster by the party’s entrance. You can order the official poster at http://www.oscars.org/academy/posters-books/posters/82awards.html .

Roll out the red carpet. Use indoor/outdoor carpet, or red fabric; just make sure that it is color-fast. Have someone interview and video tape your guests as they arrive. Then play the video during the pre show cocktail hour and at the after party.

Mail each guest an Academy Awards ballot for them to complete and bring to the party or hand them out as your guest arrive along with a pen. Go to http://oscar.go.com/nominations?cid=10_oscars_primaryNav for the printable ballot. Also print the complete list of nominees and facts for yourself.

If you haven’t seen all of the nominees for best movie yet, there will be a Best Movie Screening on March 6^th at Kent Station 14 (Seattle) starting at 10:30AM: An Education, 12:45PM: The Hurt Locker, 3:15PM: Up in the Air, 6:00PM: The Blind Side, and 8:30PM: Inglourious Basterd. On the same day at the Woodinville 12 (Seattle) the following movies will be showing: 10:30AM: Up (in 2D), 12:45PM: A Serious Man, 2:45PM: The Hurt Locker, 6:00PM: An Education and 8:00PM: District 9. For other locations go to http://oscar.go.com/oscar-night/screenings?cid=10_oscars_landingCallout_oscar-night or visit AMC Entertainment at http://www.amcentertainment.com/bps/.

The most important element of your Oscar party night is your and your guests enjoyment so recruit help if needed and do as much as possible before Sunday. Have fun and email me at mardeesdesigns@mardees.com and let me know how your party turns out.

The Official Oscar’s Governors Ball Menu

Tray Passed Hors d'Oeuvres

• Tempura Shrimp and Lobster
• Mini Kobe Burgers with Aged Cheddar and Remoulade
• Wasabi Pea Crusted Crab Cake with Mango and Thai Basil
• Smoked Salmon Pizza with Caviar and Dill Creme
• Black Truffle & Ricotta Cheese Pizza
• Vegetable Spring Rolls with Sweet & Spicy Dipping Sauce
• Chicken Pot Stickers with Ginger Black Vinegar Dipping Sauce

Dinner

• House Smoked Salmon, Potato Galette, Creme Fraiche and Baby Greens with Butler-passed Warm Brioche
• Chicken Pot Pie with Yukon Gold Potatoes, Baby Heirloom Vegetables and Homemade Pastry Crust

Dessert

• "L'Etoile de Oscar"
• Baked Alaska with Espresso Glace, Guittard L'Etoile du Nord Chocolate Sorbet and Toasted Meringue

Selecting Your Wedding Date and Time

When selecting your wedding date and time review your wedding style, wedding priorities and budget. The date and time you select will set the tone of your wedding and will be a contributor factor in the cost of your wedding.

Weekends are the most popular time for a wedding. Late Saturday afternoon or early Saturday evening are the most in demand and the most expensive, followed by Sunday afternoon and Friday evening. Midweek weddings are the easiest on the budget, but there are several things that you have to be mindful of when planning your special day. Due to the increase availability of highly sought after venues, vendors, and cost saving benefits, Thursday evening and midweek weddings are becoming very popular. One added bonus of a Thursday wedding is a long weekend for your guest. Just send out "Save the Date" cards as soon as you lock in your date so your guests can plan and arrange their schedule then follow up with your invitations 6 to 8 weeks before your wedding. Another bonus for out of town guests is midweek travel. According to FareCompare, Yahoo and several other travel sites Wednesdays are the cheapest day to fly, followed by Tuesdays and Saturdays. For additional savings select a wedding date between November and April during the off peak season. During this time venues and vendors are usually willing to make good deals.

A late afternoon or early evening wedding are more expensive than a morning or early afternoon wedding. Also a wedding and reception that both start between 4 and 8pm implies that dinner will be included.

Remember when selecting your wedding month, day and time you are setting the style and tone of your wedding that will affect your budget.

How much will my wedding cost?

There is no set cost for a wedding. The cost of your wedding will be determined by your wedding style, priorities, venue, and vendors; however, you should not have to go into debt, max out your credit card, or take out a loan to pay for your wedding.

The average cost of weddings in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Metropolitan area last year (2009) was $27,600.00 and $19,600.00nationally. In planning your wedding start by determining how much you are about to spend and how much your families are able to contribute. If you need to some additional savings, save 20% from every paycheck until your wedding. Once you and your fiancé settle on an amount then determine your wedding style and priorities.

Valentine’s Day Engagement, Now What?

All you remember saying is "I do", now that you've had a couple of days to float back to earth, you've told your parents, family and closes friends the exciting news, now what? First take a couple more days to bask in the joy and thrill of being the future Mrs. or Mr. ... Next, sit down with your fiance and discuss what style of wedding you both want including how much you are realistically able and willing to spend on your wedding. Also determine if there is anyone else (parents/family) willing to help finance your wedding. Brides your fiance may tell you that he doesn't want to be involved in the planning process but that is rarely the truth. He may not want to be involved with the details, colors, flowers, lettering etc but he does want input in the venue, ceremony, reception, entertainment, transportation, his and his attendants' attire. You're starting a new life together, so plan together. Remember communication is the key especially when planning your special day.