[urbanhostessco]

The perfect table scape can easily take your event to the next level! 😍

Planning events can be so overwhelming! Let us take care of the hard part, so that you can sit back & enjoy! Click the link in our bio or shoot us a dm to find out how we can help! ✨

[urbanhostessco]

Infused Waters, the other party drink

What's the first thing you think of when you think of a party? DRINKS. Well, that might just be us. And the last thing? Probably water. That's right, water is often forgotten about or just an afterthought. Most of us will have our guests get water from the fridge or maybe have a case of bottled water sitting in the corner half torn open. We've all done it. If there's anything we've learned over the years of being a host, it's the little things that make a party great! And one little thing that is overlooked and under-appreciated is some purely amazing water.

Now we're not talking about plain tap with ice or even sparkling water. No, let's discuss infused waters.

Infusing water is when you combine fruits, vegetables, and herbs in water. Setting it for a certain amount of time allows nutrients to dissolve in the water. This process adds flavor and aroma to making it a pleasantly refreshing experience. Even now, as we write this, the thought of a nice ice-cold glass of strawberry cucumber water sounds divine.

Infused waters are a perfect alternative beverage for guests who don't drink, kids, or even just hydration on deck for when the drinking pace becomes a bit too much for some. Not only can you tailor water to match a theme, but you can also use it as a centerpiece on a buffet. It’s also quick, easy, and cheap to make!

Since infused waters have become trendy recently, there are plenty of pitchers with infuser cartridges that will keep all the fruit bits out of your guest cups. But you can also use standard glass crafts for a more simple rustic look. If you go with a tabletop style water dispenser that pours from the bottom, we suggest putting a catch at the bottom, over the faucet. This will keep the soggy fruit from clogging up.

A good rule of thumb is to infuse for 1-2 hours at room temperature or in the fridge for 3-4 hours before your event to achieve the potent flavor and color. Infused waters can stay fresh for up to 3 days refrigerated if you know you might be too busy the day of your event.

So now that we've shown you how great infused waters can be. Let's look at some simple recipes!

There is a myriad of combinations to make some great waters, and you can go as vibrant or as muted as you like.

Trying to stay neutral? How about this pear cinnamon water.

 Not only does color palate consist of warm soft tones, but the flavor is also very muted and not too overpowering of most meals.

Need some pop of color? Go with the pineapple mint recipe. A bold color scheme with bright fresh flavors, great for summer outdoor gatherings.

You can even do themes; check out these gender reveal pink grapefruit with basil and cucumber blueberry waters!

Not only contrasting colors but also very different, but yummy contrasting flavors. A cute double water idea intriguing enough for guests to try both no matter if they are team boy or team girl.

The combinations are endless. The great thing is we haven't tested a flavor we haven't loved yet! So get to experimenting. Tag us with new combinations you tried out! And have fun with it!!

[urbanhostessco]

#Summer might be over but #WeOutside , still so let us help you elevate your next event this #Fall . . . . . #AtlEvents #UrbanHostess #MicroEvents #EventPlanner

[urbanhostessco]

#Applypressure 💎

Light work last week on a #bridalsuite for a beautiful couple.

Minor details and finishing touches really make an event special. #Decor doesn’t have to be over the top. Sometimes simple is sexy.

Book us for your intimate event! #atleventplanner #baloonarch #hostess #123PandoraME

[urbanhostessco]

Spring, the time of year where you start to open up and reach for the sky. Temperatures are getting warmer and we are looking forward to finally being able to spend some time outside on a patio for brunch or a picnic in the park. As the days become longer we begin to think about all the events we could have! While we still have to remain somewhat safe due to Covid, we can start having socially distanced outdoors events again and for those that have been vaccinated, at home soirees are slowly returning. There are plenty of ideas on how to make these events outstanding so stay tuned for more inspiration on how to make the most out of those situations. With a new year and a new season comes new trends. We are predicting some of the top trends in spring entertaining this year and want to share them with you. These trends are a great way to get your home ready for entertaining this season and we have options that fit any budget

Fresh Scent Candles

This Is a no-brainer for anyone that is candle-obsessed as much as we are. Candles are the gatekeepers of the vibe. It is one of the first things people notice when they walk in. The scent is everything. Scents set the mood and elevate the ambiance. This is the time of year when we switch out the heavier scents for something fresher. You want people to walk in and be carried away by honeysuckles and dandelions not punched in the face by Apple pies and caramel. Put away the musky or dessert-smelling candles and opt for Clean lighter scents of fresh fruit and florals. We see scents like magnolia, lemon and sage dominating

this season

These light and airy fragrances are comfortable and fun without being overbearing. They sort of bring the outside indoors and blend well with the natural spring air. It's a wonderfully inviting fragrance to have while also having all the doors open for a backyard….. Soft scents such as these are subtle enough to be put on display and used in centerpieces or in vases. Here are two great examples:

Peony & Magnolia by Blossom

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White Sage + Lavender by Unlax

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Minimalist vases

Speaking of vases as decor. Decor is something we thrive on. Although things such as balloons, banners, and bouquets are the first things we all start thinking to get when we begin planning the decor. There's nothing quite like a beautiful vase. They can be used as centerpieces or on a pedestal, with or without flowers, color-themed marbles in glass vases. Vases can become more of a talking point. The ideas are endless. Minimalist vases with their simplistic design and muted colors are the perfect accessory for any hostess. The great thing about the design of minimalist vases is the fact they go well with just about every style decor. So they are the best if needed in a clutch. Just grab, set go! Vases such as

Bloomsbury’s Adelyn Table Vase

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INGLENIX White Ceramic Vases

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Rose-colored Glassware

There’s just something about springtime that makes mixing drinks and crafting cocktails more fun. The anticipation of sitting outside, drinking a nice cool cocktail is almost as intoxicating as that flute of champagne and dash of OJ you calling a mimosa. While we tend to start drinking lighter and use more flora garnishes. Making drinks fancy enough for guests to consider them insta-worthy can be a daunting and draining task. This is the perfect time to make drinks extra pretty by using rose, blush and pink-tinted drinking glasses. This gives a fresh, romantic, and fancy feel and can make any drink, alcohol or none, seem instantly more interesting. Colored glassware is also a hostess hack for a quick way to zhoosh up a party last minute. So having glasses like these are a must:

Estelle Blush Colored Wine Stemware

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Martha Stewart’s Blush Coupe Glasses

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Fancy Reusable straws

Ok, let's get into some real details here. No one and I mean no one should still be using plastic disposable straws when entertaining. I’m not going to list the reasons why so let’s move onto paper straws. They are definitely the better alternative and if you are anything like us, you know where to find any that will suit a vast array of color schemes and occasions. Paper straws are awesome for large events but what about smaller, more intimate shindigs? Hear us out - when things get back to normal we want to return to doing normal things like drinking from real cups and glasses. Reusable straws can provide a sanitary yet stylish alternative. Paper straws get soggy after a while and even though they are more environmentally friendly than plastic, they still aren't the most sustainable option.

We simply adore these straws:

Viski Bamboo Copper Reusable Straws

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W & P Metal Straws in Gold from Williams Sonoma

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Punch Bowls

Throwing it way back. Remember growing up and all the high school parties or proms on TV had punch bowls? I think they were onto something. Large batch drinks have become quite popular over the past few years because as much as we love trying to make a craft cocktail, no one has time to do that for 10 or 15 people throughout the night. SO instead of hiring a bartender, large batch drinks, or punches work well for events. And while we love a good drink dispenser, there is something just a tad more elevated about having your drinks in a punch bowl. It’s reflective of a communal event and there is some dope inspiration for garnish and styling that is easier and much more time-efficient than making every individual drink look cute. Something like these can range from $50 to $300 depending

PRODYNE’S Illusions Punch Bowl Serving Set

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Schott Zwiesel Tritan Pure Punch Bowl Set

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These trends will be hot this spring but we predict that you will end up keeping a lot of this in your entertaining arsenal throughout the year! Let us know in the comments if any of these trends will be a part of your spring aesthetic!

Urban Hostess

We encourage our guests and clients to stay safe during this pandemic by practicing social distancing guidelines and other recommendations from medical authorities. Please restrict gatherings to household members only and we recommend virtual adaptations when possible.

[urbanhostessco]

Cinco De Mayo Charcuterie Board

It's that time again. Time for another creative charcuterie board! And just in time for Cinco De Mayo! Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican heritage. Commemorating the date of the Mexican army's victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Cinco de Mayo is not an official Mexican holiday and actually is celebrated more here in the states than in Mexico.

The U.S. celebration of the holiday began in California as an expression of solidarity with Mexico against the French. The holiday spread throughout the country and today is considered an opportunity to celebrate Mexican identity, promote cultural awareness, and build community.

For this amazing reason, we think it's a great opportunity to build a very Sabrosa(that means yummy) Mexican heritage-inspired charcuterie board for the occasion!

Unlike many nontraditional charcuterie boards we do, the great thing about a Cinco De Mayo board is that traditional Mexican foods are rich in all sorts of gourmet cheeses and craft meats.

Our focal points of these boards will be the dips. You may already be familiar with queso dip. But like most things here in the states, queso dip is one of those things that's been American-zied. Nacho cheese dip and the melted cheddar mozzarella mixes you get at restaurants are not truly Mexican. Surprise. Authentic Mexican melted cheeses are known as queso blanco or Queso fundido. We'll be using queso fundido because it has the word "fun" in it! 😅 Too cheesy? Get it?😅😅. Ok we're done

But seriously, Queso fundido is the more flavorful Mexican cousin of queso blanco, usually served with grilled peppers folded throughout. This recipe also adds a little chorizo to elevate the dip to new heights! And if you are seriously looking to wow people take it a notch up and make it a Queso flameado. You guessed it, cheese flambé! Setting the board first, of course, add a shot of tequila(85-100 proof or at least 50% alc) on top, gather everyone around, have the boomerangs ready, then toss a match!

This isn't necessarily for show. It also can be done to re-melt the cheese when it starts to cool and solidify. Serve in a small cast-iron skillet to give it a rustic feel.

Next up we will stack some tetelas oaxacas surrounding our queso. Tetelas are small triangular-shaped snacks made of corn masa and stuffed with retired beans then topped with, you guessed it, more Queso. Of course, you can add crumbles or salsa for extra flavor as well. Although beans are the more popular stuffing for tetelas, they can also be stuffed with other fillings like pork cracklings, mushrooms, and cheese, just to name a few.

Alternatively, for those not wanting bean stuffed chips, we will share the circle with some small crispy chalupas!

What is a chalupa? Chalupas can be found in the south of Mexico and is a crossover between tostadas and tacos. They are an iconic Poblano street food. Although the queso fundido will be our focal point, your chalupas will be the main charcuterie. They are a versatile airy blank slate that your guests will be able to top with other ingredients or just dip in your queso. So have plenty on standby!

After that, we can do rows of fresh sliced jalapeno to start our Mexican flag colors! Followed by some slices of Queso Panela.

Like most authentic Mexican cheeses, panela is a soft and white cheese. But it is made with skim milk and thus is firmer and considerably more flexible than its queso brethren. Panela can be easily cut but not crumbled. Panela cheese is slightly salty and is most often eaten alone or with other ingredients as a snack or an appetizer. Making it a great choice for our Mexican charcuterie.

Next up, we will lay out our red meats to finish up our flag colors. To contrast all these salty snacks, how about a true Mexican treat. Chamoy and tajin are some of the greatest Mexican secrets. When combined then tossed on mangoes you get the most amazing flavor known as mango con chile!

Finally, at the end of the board, we will do a mixture of mini tamales and cut elote aka Mexican street corn! Off to the side, you can have small bowls of salsa verde, sour cream, and pico de gallo to keep the Mexican flag theme going

Now we know this may seem like a lot of stuff for you to be making a simple cheese board. But here's a pro tip. The corn husk you will have leftover from your elote can also be used for your tamales. Also, the corn masa is enough to make several hundred chalupas and tetelas. So don't fret too much about all the ingredients because everything will eventually make everything else for you. Nothing goes to waste in Mexico.

So much goodness comes from our neighbors from the south it is no wonder we love celebrating the people and their culture! Hopefully, this charcuterie will be the perfect centerpiece for the festivities!

[urbanhostessco]

We heard it’s #NationalPicnicDay!

Flashback to our indoor bachelorette picnic curated specially for our bride @b_lovely1

We had so much fun putting this one together and love the cute boho vibe of the event!

It’s definitely picnic season in Atlanta and you can celebrate indoors or outdoors!

Contact us today for any springtime events!

#urbanhostess #atlblog #atlblogger #events #instahostess #eventplanner #atlevents #blackhostess #microevents #hosting #hostess #atleventplanner #athome #theurbanhostess #fancypicnic #bougiepicnic #picnic

[urbanhostessco]

Our week 4 #workingwoman is Brittney, owner and creative genius behind @bmoodycreatives .

Brittney is the creative mind behind all of our marketing materials and business graphics. She has created everything from our logo to website and everything in between. Her style is fresh, modern and she knows how to deliver quality work in a quick turnaround. Custom flyers, personalized menus and digital invitations are services we would recommend to our clients if they want added personalization for any event.

Brittney is the designer behind our #WHM graphics and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate

[urbanhostessco]

Our Week 3 #workingwoman is Rae, chef and owner of @raesfooddiaries.

Rae has a passion for cooking and it’s evident in every dish she creates. From catering events to meal-prep, Rae is able to put her own twist on some of our Jamaican favorites as well as Southern classics. Her Oxtail Pasta and Fried Fish are our ultimate favorites. She is one of our preferred caterers and she will add so much flavor to any event you have. Check her out this Sunday at #raetown Pop-Up Brunch and be sure to follow her for your event catering needs.

#urbanhostess #atlblog #atlblogger #events #instahostess #eventplanner #atlevents #blackhostess #microevents #hosting #hostess #atleventplanner #athome #theurbanhostess #workingwomenwednesday #WHM #Womenshistory #atlcaterer #caterer

[urbanhostessco]

This week, our #workingwoman is Ashley, owner of @ashleynicolestyles1

Ashley has an eye for style and can pull a look together for any event,big or small. Whether you’re a guest or hosting, she can help you look your best even with items you already own. Part of being an #urbanhostess is looking great while entertaining, and Ashley can give you one less thing to worry about by curating an outfit that will complement your vibe.

Ashley Nicole Styles can provide virtual consultations and can style you for your next event no matter where you are located.

Fun fact: Ashley styled us for our first shoot and we are still obsessed with those looks!

Contact her today!

#urbanhostess #atlblog #atlblogger #events #instahostess #eventplanner #atlevents #blackhostess #microevents #hosting #hostess #atleventplanner #athome #theurbanhostess #workingwomenwednesday #WHM #Womenshistory #atlstylist #eventstylist #fashion #lewk

[urbanhostessco]

A BIG happy birthday to one of our favs, @mzbebelove owner of @hobnoblifestyle! It was our pleasure to help you set up and set off your 35th!

[urbanhostessco]

Every woman's success should be an inspiration to another. We're strongest when we cheer each other on - Serena Williams

We want to wish every woman a Happy International Women’s Day. We salute all the women out there making things happen and making no excuses! Find a way to celebrate yourself today and every day!

Cheers to you! 🥂

#urbanhostess #atlblog #atlblogger #events #instahostess #eventplanner #atlevents #microevents #hosting #hostess #atleventplanner #athome #theurbanhostess #WHM #Womenshistory #IWD