Yes, I know I already posted about our table top at the N.A.C.E. competition, but I have to post these amazing photographs by Ten West Photography.  Andy made us look so good.  A picture is truly worth a thousand words.  Thanks for taking the time to get these beautiful shots.

By Else Holmelund Minarik

Little seeds we sow in spring
growing while the robins sing,
give us carrots, peas and beans,
tomatoes, pumpkin, squash and greens.

And we pick them
one and all
through the summer,
through the fall.

Winter comes, then spring, and then
little seeds we sow again.

Spring conjures up images of rain, the smell of soil, and visions of new growth.  The centerpiece is an interpretation of raindrops carrying opportunities for new growth.  Multiple blue linens create illusions of water pools atop fresh green growth grounded in the earth.  Onyx charges are a natural backdrop for fresh vegetables and flowers.  Simple glass and flatware finish the service.  Menus and name cards created with natural and wildflower seeded papers, present simple information to guests, adding to the theme of the table.  Guests are encouraged to plant them as a reminder of the event and the beauty of spring.

We had a great time designing our first complete table.  I cannot believe how much time it takes to create these beautiful tables.  We sat the table up on Monday, then were back at 6 am to position the flowers, vegetables, etc.  Karin with God’s Garden Treasures was up bright and early to create the floral pallet.  We designed and built the custom table around our suspended holder structure.  Custom holders were assembled to hold the flowers and plexiglas cutouts were used to create the rain drops.  We chose place settings,  linens, and vegetables to support our color pallet.  All linens, place setting, and chairs were supplied by Classic Party Rentals Phoenix.  Seal It With Love designed, printed, and assembled the menus, place cards, and information cards for the table. The final touch of flowers was created by God’s Garden Treasures.  We were very lucky to have these great companies help us out.  It was great meeting N.A.C.E. members and individuals in the industry.  The best thing about this event, all proceeds benefited Feeding America’s Hungry Children and the NACE Educational Fund.

These fantastic photographs are by Kimberly Jarman Photography.  Sara and Paul chose to have their wedding at FireRock Country Club.  Firerock Country Club offers its visitors a stunning panoramic view of the city and views of the surrounding mountains.  Inside, there is ample space for dining and dancing the night away.

Again, we thank Sara and Paul and wish them the greatest happiness and love together.

Here at CHP, we support a variety of organizations and Hope Kids got our attention. I am so glad Bonnie with Inspired Occasions invited us to participate in the Hope Kids 2011 Glamour Day.  HopeKids provides a unique support community for families who have a child with cancer or some other life-threatening medical condition.  This event was a day of pampering for the Mothers and Daughters supported by Hope Kids.  As I was going through the photographs, I was moved to tears by the beautiful smiling faces.

La Dolce Vita Images did a fantastic job capturing the strength, hope, love, and happiness that filled the room.  Here are some photographs capturing what the Mother and Daughters enjoyed:

Event coordinator, Joann Grant with Apropos Creations, did a fabulous job assembling the event team.  The event was held at Noah’s in Chandler, food provided by Ur-Bane, flowers by AZ Family Florist, desserts by Inspired Occasions, and photographs by La Dolce Vita Images.   We believe there is hope and these Mothers and Daughters are proof.

La Grande Orange Announces Second “LGO Indie Shop Fest” Featuring Local Artists

Thanks to the overwhelming success of La Grande Orange’s autumn Shopping Boutique, April 6^th will be your next chance to shop over 30 local artists, designers, and crafters.  LGO Indie Shop Fest will be held at Arcadia Room, LGO’s private event venue, from 10am-4 pm.

The LGO Indie Shop Fest, created by Jenifer Steele (LGO’s retail maven) and Marci McDonald (creator of Flipped Bird), increases exposure to emerging and established creative talent in the Phoenix area.

This juried event, featuring a unique line-up of local artists, crafters, and designers, is expanding this spring to include a variety of vendors with great gifts, original art, handmade treasures, and treats.

Vendors expected are: Ava Rose (loungewear), Flipped Bird (handbags), Jewel Ya (handmade jewelry) and Yoganastix (yoga wear).

Event Date: April 6, 2011 (Wednesday)

Time: 10am – 4pm

Location: Arcadia Room @ N 40^th and Campbell (across from La Grande Orange, 4410 N 40^th St, Phoenix, Az 85018

For More Information Contact:

Jenifer Steele

(503)708-4807

jsteele@lgohospitality.com

www.lagrandeorangegrocery.com

Marci McDonald

(602)741-1365

marci@flippedbird.com

www.flippedbird.com

We still have a couple holders to add, so check back often.  We hope you enjoy browsing our line of holders and encourage you to contact us with any questions. As always, we are more than happy to create custom holders for any occasion. Just give us a holler.

Blossom Sweet Shop

Our challenge was how to compliment this space. We started with the suspended holders, then tried the tabletop holders, and ended up with what I call Dried Flowers Hybrid holder.  The two holders that are bound for Abu Dhabi were created with dried flowers frosted holders, stainless steel spacers, and a 1″ frosted plexiglas base. They will be used to display the extraordinary pastries created at Blossom Sweets. We look forward to seeing photographs of the space, but really want more of the pastries. Just look at these….

Photograph by Blossom Sweets

While we would personally love to be headed to Abu Dhabi, that is just not possible. For us, the next best thing is for our creations to be there.  We are excited and grateful for great customers. Thank you for the opportunity Blossom Sweets. We appreciate the photographs of your shop and pastries.  You can follow Blossom Sweets on twitter @blossomsweets and/or their website; I know we will.

The photograph below was sent in to from Jennifer.  Don’t know if you remember or not, Jennifer came to us with our first custom cupcake holder of the new year.  This holder made out of records is one of my favorites.  We cannot thank her enough for bringing us this challenge. Some of our best designs have come from customer requests and suggestions. So, keep them coming and we will keep making and posting about them.