Got a Winning Recipe?

Do you have a great recipe using wine as a base? Participate in the latest Food Network Challenge in conjunction with Bobby Flay to submit a top notch and original recipe using a Columbia Crest wine and other fine ingredients fresh from Washington State.

Judges include Columbia Crest winemaker, Ray Einberger, Seattle Times restaurant critic Nancy Leson and celebrity chef Bobby Flay. The top finalists will fly to New York City to cook the winning dish with Bobby Flay and dine at one of Flay's top restaurants.

All entries are due by May 31.

Rules and entry directions available starting April 15 at foodnetwork.com/columbiacrest

21st Century Recycling At Its Most Innovative

It’s no secret that needless waste and heaps of scraps are part of the equation in today’s textile and garment manufacturing process. Granted there are some amazing results in terms of cutting edge fashion and eye-catching furniture designs, but this often comes at a huge cost in terms of the throw-away elements. The Cabbage Chair by Japanese designers, Nendo, defies this trend by taking waste paper from the pleated fabric industry and turning it into an organic marvel. The Cabbage Chair appears naturally as you peel away a roll of pleated fabric layer by layer. Naturally, due to the softness of the fabric, the chair is extremely comfortable and cozy. This recycled textile waste chair was designed for the XXIst Century Man exhibition curated by Issey Miyake. Nendo calls the chair a "primitive design [that] responds gently to fabrication and distribution costs and environmental concerns, the kinds of issues that face our 21st century selves."

So what do you think? Could you see having this chair in your living room or office?

One Person's Trash Is Another Person's Treasure

Hey all you party planners, we have a new on-the-go-planner for you to help you jot down important notes during all your busy meetings. Let us introduce you to the eco-friendly day planner from Nahui Ollin. Nahui Ollin is a collection of unique and fashionable accessories made from recycled materials. All merchandise is entirely hand-made by specially folding and weaving individual candy wrappers, gum wrappers and soda bottle labels--together to create the various beautiful shapes and sizes. That's right, these planners are made of recycled candy wrappers.

The wrappers are collected from manufacturers. The specific wrappers used are considered rejects by the manufacturer often because they have a small defect. What a creative way to practice recycling in an innovative and fresh way.

We hope this inspires you to be just as creative in the design of your next event.

Have you used someone's trash to create a treasure? Share it with us.

Gas Prices Got You Down?

Maybe you should try some alternative forms of transportation...

These Cake Toppers Take The Cake

Cake toppers are not just for weddings anymore. We think you'll love this charming cake toppers by Toppers With Glitz. Toppers With Glitz offers traditional monogrammed cake toppers but also has the ability to customize designs according to your event theme. Even your company logo can be turned into a charming and sparkle-studded cake topper.

Each cake topper comes with a consultation with a designer, removable cake pegs, choice of font, up to 4-crystal colors, partial or full crystal coverage and 1/8" platinum colored aluminum letters. Customized designs are also available so if you have something unique in mind for a themed wedding just ask the designers.

Ordering is simple with their online form and various shipping options are also available according to your timeline.

Prices range from $50 for a cupcake topper to $225 for a 3-piece set. Additional costs for upgrades apply.

Real Event: ISES/ABC Tabletop Design Meeting

The best of the best in the Northwest event industry gathered on March 19 at the Hotel 1000, for a showcase of regional talent in tabletop designs presented by ISES-Seattle and the Washington Branch of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC). The latest trends in themes, use of colors and design styles in original tablescapes were on display to fit any special occasion. In addition to being able to view each tabletop in detail, guests had the opportunity to dine at one of the tables during the evening. The designers each shared information about their designs and their vendors who participated in supplying various elements for the tablescapes.



The above photos from the event come courtesy of Camera Renter. Wondering about the services available through Camera Renter? Before your next special event, they deliver a set of easy-to-use digital cameras. You give the cameras to your guests because who better to capture all of the memories from your event then the people who will make those memories? After your event, you, your family, and your friends view, download, print, and share all of the once-in-a-lifetime memories—for free—from the Personalized Memory Sharing Website they create for you. Pretty great idea, no?

Interested in more information about the designers who participated and wondering how you can hire them for your next event? Contact ISES president, Geri Windecker of Lucky Lady directly.

Mark your calendar for the next ISES meeting: April 16 - featuring special guest, Maria Marsala from Elevating Your Business.

Recharged

Ever wished you could do away with all those annoying cell phone chargers that are cluttering up your space? Have you ever taken to cursing cell phone manufacturers for their extremely wasteful and inconvenient policies to manufacturer different types of batteries and chargers for every make and model of phone known to man? (We certainly have). Well here’s a design that promises an eco-friendly end to the hassles of multiple batteries and chargers - by offering up a single standardized battery that can fit in every type of personal electronic device. The Green Cell battery is safe, environmentally friendly, made without toxic chemicals, and — here’s the best part — when it runs out of juice on the go, it can easily be exchanged for a freshly charged battery at a local vendor machine.

Right now, this solution is only a concept, as it was presented recently at the New York City Greener Gadget Competition. The idea took 3rd place in the competition. Here's to hoping this genius idea becomes a reality.

Northwest Event Show - Registration Now Open!

The meeting & event planners' show, The Northwest Event Show is now open for registration.

The Northwest Event Show was designed for event planners, by event planners. This once a year event, blends entertainment, food, decor and networking to create an incredible and interactive display of innovation and design.

This year marks the 13th Anniversary of the Northwest Event Show. This year's theme for the show is GLOBALLY GETTING GREEN. In today's highly interactive and fast paced world, nuances in both design and interaction are infused in the event planning world to utilize eco-friendly tools in the planning of incredible events.

Come to the Northwest Event Show to gain insight into the ever-evolving world of event planning. The Northwest Event Show is always one step ahead of the curve in presenting the latest trends and newest services available to you. But don't take our word for it, come and see for yourself.

Show Details:
Date: September 23, 2008
Location: Washington State Convention & Trade Center
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free for meeting & event planners

REGISTER HERE

All Hail The Green Cab

Check out what's new in King County: the first and only all hybrid cab company on the road. Green Cab Seattle is an environmentally friendly taxi company that offers all the regular amenities of a taxi service, but when you hail one of their cars, you also make the choice to save the planet.

Green Cab offers:
• 24-hour service - 365 days a year
• Door to door service
• Commercial and personal account
• Express Airport Service
• Delivery Service

Way to go Green Cab. Next time we ride, we'll be going green!

Two Cheers for Tulips

Is there anything better than springtime in the Northwest? The days are longer, the temperatures are rising and the flowers are in bloom. One of our favorite springtime activities is to visit the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival each year. This year marks the 25th Annual Tulip Festival and even after 25 years, the flowers still seem to amaze us each year. If you haven't been to the Tulip Festival before, make the effort to see them this year. You'll be surprised at just how marvelous they are. It's worth the travel time and we promise you won't be disappointed.

Event Details:
April 1-30th
The Skagit Valley is 60 miles north of Seattle, Washington, 60 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia.
Tours available.
Get Directions.

While you're there, stop by Pacioni's Pizzeria on 1st Street in Mount Vernon. This quaint Italian eatery has the best gourmet pizza ever! (We're getting hungry just thinking about it). Pacioni's doesn't look like much from the outside, but this family owned restaurant is a local favorite.



Photos by Dawn-Marie Hanrahan

Don't Put All Your Eggs In One Basket

This Easter weekend we suggest hopping from one place to the next just like the Easter bunny. We've found some excellent Easter activities happening throughout the city to keep your kids (or the kid in your heart) busy all weekend long...

FRIDAY

Easter Skate at Castle Ice
When: 11am - 5 pm
Come skate with the Easter Bunny all day long.








SATURDAY

Bunny Bounce at Woodland Park Zoo
When: Sat, April 7, 9:30am-2:00pm. Egg hunts for ages 3+ start every hour on the hour 10am-2pm.
Cost: Free with zoo admission
Where: North Meadow at Woodland Park Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo’s Bunny Bounce will feature fun and interactive activities for the whole family. Children 1-8 will have the opportunity to participate in one of many egg hunts on the zoo’s North Meadow. Each egg hunt is based on a first come, first served basis. Back by popular demand is the self-serve egg hunt in the Butterfly Forest for toddlers ages 3 and under.

SUNDAY

Easter Cruise with Waterways Cruises
Boarding Time: 11:00am
Cruise Time: 11:30am - 2:00pm
Celebrate Easter with a family brunch cruise aboard the luxurious Emerald Star! Enjoy a champagne or mimosa toast upon boarding, a sumptuous brunch buffet, and a narrated tour of Seattle’s beautiful lakes.


Easter Brunch Cruise with Argosy Cruises
Cruise Time: 12pm-2pm
Location: Royal Argosy, Pier 56, Seattle Waterfront
Enjoy Easter Brunch with the family this March on the beautiful Royal Argosy. Guests will have fabulous views of the Seattle skyline during their cruise, a delicious brunch buffet and live music on some decks. Plus a special "kids area" (unsupervised) with arts and crafts, as well as an on-board Easter Egg Hunt for small children! There will also be an Easter bunny for photos.

Easter Brunch at Kaspar's
Time: 9am to 2:30pm
Since its origins, Easter has been a time of celebration and feasting. For many, it marks the beginning of Spring - a time to welcome back the tulips, crocuses and daffodils. Kaspar has created a sumputous feast for you to enjoy so bring your family and friends and join us for our Easter Brunch Buffet!

Returning the Favor

How often does your company send out mail to a client and provide a self addressed return envelope? As a publishing company, we do it all the time. We've found an excellent alternative to supplying return envelopes that helps us save costs and the environment with one swoop. Meet ecoEnvelopes. ecoEnvelopes creates reusable envelopes that zip open and seal just like a normal envelope. Then once your receiver opens the mailer, they simply reinsert a reply and reseal before sending it back to you.

Here's what ecoEnvelopes has to say about their product, "Our revolutionary envelopes are less expensive, easier-to-use, simpler to open than traditional envelopes and use approximately 50% less paper. Companies save 15% to 45% on envelope and related mailing costs, and they benefit from higher response rates."

ecoEnvelopes are made exclusively on certified papers from managed forests with up to 100% recycled content. USPS approved, ecoEnvelopes run seamlessly on existing equipment.

Request a sample.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Wishing you the very happiest St. Patrick's Day from banquetevent.com!

Are you festive and wearing green today? Or maybe you're not not wearing green, but you're being green (as in doing something to save the environment). Either way, send us some photos of how you celebrated today. We'd love to see them.

Email Us Here.

Luck of the Irish

Banquetevent.com would like to wish you a very happy St. Patrick's Day in advance!

We'll be celebrating this weekend at...

St. Patrick's Day Parade
Starting from 4th Ave to Jefferson in downtown Seattle
Saturday, March 15
12:30 p.m.
The Parade travels north on 4th Ave to the Reviewing Stand at Westlake Park.
The parade officially ends at the Seattle Center with Closing Ceremonies at 2 PM.
Use the FREE Monorail (Noon-3 PM) to travel from Westlake Park to the
Seattle Center for the 2008 Irish Festival (also taking place on March 17).

Marching as a group? Be sure to fill out the application form.

Tea Time

Yes, yes coffee is a wonderful luxury we Seattleites know how to enjoy. But did you know that tea is actually the most consumed beverage in the world, second only to water? Whether it is black, green or red tea, they all contain polyphenols which give tea its antioxidant properties. Plus, besides the health benefits, tea is simply delicious. Have you visited a teahouse recently and seen the variety of flavors and combinations? If you haven't, here are some local teahouses you just have to visit.


Black Pearl Teahouse
3000 184th St SW Suite 946
Lynnwood, WA 98037
Phone: (425) 673-7264 Fax: (425) 673-7269

Abbie's Lighthouse & Tea By The Sea
102 Fifth Ave. S.
Edmonds, WA 98020
Phone: (425) 771-2601

Miro Tea
5405 Ballard Ave. N.W.
Seattle, WA 98107
Phone: (206) 782-6832

Floating Leaves Teahouse
2213 N.W. Market St., Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98107
Phone: (206) 529-4268

The Perennial Tea Room
1910 Post Alley
Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: (206) 448-4054

B&E's Hot Pick! Queen Mary Tea Room & Restaurant
2912 N.E. 55th St.
Seattle, WA 98105
Phone: (206) 527-2770
B&E Tip: On a side note, order Queen Mary's Hot Chocolate Pudding. If you are a chocolate lover, you'll be in heaven.

Teacup
2207 Queen Anne Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: (206) 283-5931

Teavana
234 Bellevue Square
Bellevue, WA 98004
Phone: (425) 451-1880

Pictured: Queen Mary Tea Room & Restaurant

It's Easy Being Green

We promote green meetings & events a lot because we sincerely care about our environment and our role in preserving it. So, we will continue to provide you with green friendly products & services that you can incorporate into your next event or every day activities. Here are some of our latest great finds.

For your next company picnic or potluck, use these fantastic fully biodegradable plates from Branch Home. These plates are created from a byproduct of sugar cane fiber and supplies to create this product are practically available everywhere. The utensils shown are made of 80% potato starch and 20% vegetable oil.

After use, recycle these plates to make other paper products. Bulk order is available.

Another new idea for corporate promotions is to hand out real trees with your company's information tucked inside a tube. Through Arbor Day, earth friendly tree tubes are prepared with your customized label. These tree tubes make incredible corporate gifts or promotional items at a trade show.

Got a sweet tooth? Even sweets can be prepared organically. This St. Patrick's Day enjoy organically prepared Shamrock Cookies available at Organic Style. These handmade delights are excellent choices for your St. Patty's party. Plus they taste as good as they look.

Send the gift of green through the mail with these fantastic, and totally sendable Wood Postcards from Patina. Created from a thin "slice" of eco-friendly, sustainable harvested wood, complete with address lines on the flip side. The Owl Wood Postcard measures 6" x 4 and requires standard postcard postage.

Open House: As You Like It Catering

March 25, 2008 - As You Like It Catering Open House
The Swedish Cultural Center
1920 Dexter Ave. N
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 523-9570
5:00pm – 7:00pm

Come visit one of Seattle’s most spectacular 180 degree views overlooking Lake Union and downtown. Step out onto our covered balconies and watch the sunset, tour our event rooms, sample our savories, and sip libations. Partners in the event include: Aria Style, Abbey Party Rents, Choice Linens, Jilly Eddy Lipsology, Illustrations in Ice, Wavelink Music, Espresso Elegance, and Redfish Bluefish Photography.

Plenty of reserved free parking! Driving Directions available at www.cateringasyoulikeit.com. Please RSVP by March 24th to cynthia@cateringasyoulikeit.com.

Pong Anyone?

Looking for a unique group activity that practically anyone can enjoy? Consider taking Ping Pong lessons at the Washington Table Tennis Center in Bellevue's Evans Industrial Park. The vision of Yiyong Fan who is currently the U.S.'s top-ranked ping-pong player, The Washington Table Tennis Center offers leagues, group and private lessons, and kids camps. Plus, you're being trained by a true professional!

We bet you didn't know...
...table tennis is the most popular racquet sport in the world.
...more than 10 million players compete in tournaments each year.
...table tennis inspired the first commercially successful video game, PONG.
...top players can hit a ball at speeds of 100 mph.

Do You Feel Lucky, Well Do You?

The nationwide day of luck is fast approaching and we have some "charming" ideas and gifts for all you lucky Irish celebrating St. Patrick's Day.

Could anything be more lucky than a ladybug? We don't think so. And how adorable are these little ladybug staplers available at Patina. The ladybug stapler is 1.5" x 2.5" and retails for $7.95. It may be small, but it gets the work done.


Grow a good luck garden in a bag! Gardens-in-a-Bag offer a living reminder of your good wishes that will last for a very long time. The best part is that they are so easy to grow -- right in the leak-proof bag! Simply mix the enclosed seeds and soil, add water and watch it grow. That's it! They do great sitting on a windowsill or under a desk lamp. Give them and grow them any time of year! The Good Luck Garden-In-A-Bag retails for $8.00.

Make a Wish with this charming Wish Bone Necklace available at Dogeared. Simply make a wish when you put on the necklace, and when the necklace wears off, your wish is ready to come true! Retails for $32.00.




Burn a little good luck with a clover scented candle from Paddy Wax. Candle comes in a glass holder with the signature Journey of the Bee logo on the side. The fragrant candle will burn for 80 hours. Retails for $36.00 for a 14 oz size.

Spring Cleaning In Style

Spring is only a few weeks away and we all know what that means - it's time to Spring Clean your work area! To help you clean up and organize your workspace in style, we've found these great buys to help you file, archive, and simplify your space.

File Folders
Available at Patina Stores
Created in a fabulous blend of lime, chocolate and robin's egg this set of Mod Graphics Folders will have your papers organized and your space looking good! 2 each of 3 patterns combine to make this set of 6 Mod Graphic Folders measure 11.5" x 9.5".
Price: $6.95

Weekly Calendar
Available at Patina Stores
Who says staying organized can't be pretty? This Green Leaf Weekly Calendar, with its delicate leaf patterns, in soft greens and browns, will help with the task! Each sheet is divided into 7 long spacious rows. The Green Leaf Weekly Calendar comes in a pad of 50 sheets and measures 7.5" x 9.75".
Price: $10.95

Espresso Pandan Office Accessories
Available at Cost Plus World Market
Pandan panache for home or work office. Good-looking office essentials are made of exceptionally durable, natural pandan leaves in a rich espresso tone. Black bamboo trim adds an exotic touch. File box, 9.75"Wx4.75"Dx4.5"H. File tray, 13"Wx10.5"D. Pencil box, 4.5"Sq.x4.75"H. Letter sorter, 10.5"Wx5.5"D.
Price: $4.99+

Magnetic Tins
Available at Storables
Organize your paperclips, rubberbands, staples, pushpins and more in these magnetic tins available at Storables. Then just stick them to your file cabinet to get them out of your desk drawers.
Price: $18.95 set of six

More great file folders available at Patina Stores...