Hosting Essentials

Summer is right around the corner, and that means – Summer Hosting!  It’s no secret that I love to host a good party. I truly enjoy gathering people in my home and watching everyone interact. I also love creating and designing the décor - the little details really amplify the guests experience. But most of all, I enjoy bringing all the pieces together from the flavors in the food, to the refreshments and wine pairings to the party favors, really creating something my guests will remember. 

Below is list of hosting essentials you need on hand when planning a party or gathering.

Serving Platters

My favorite place to get serving platters is HomeGoods. They have a great variety of serve ware so you can find something for every occasion. When shopping, look for different sizes. You will need a variety of sizes depending on what you are serving. Smaller platters for appetizers and larger platters for family style dining. 

Cake Stands

You can use these for several different things – not just cake! I like to put cheese or appetizers on cake stands to add some height to my countertop. I also like variety in height as well. It’s nice to have some low and high cake stands so you can use them through your hosting spread. I like these from Crate & Barrel and CB2.

Beverage Pitchers or Dispensers 

I love creating a signature drink that is easy and delicious to serve. Beverage Dispensers make it so easy for guest to enjoy and low maintenance for the host, and don’t forget about a water station! I like this dispenser from Crate & Barrel.

Glassware

I like to keep beverage options simple when hosting (depending on size of party), but I like to provide the right glassware for the occasion as well. If we are hosting a sit-down dinner, I’ll choose to use my fancier stemmed wine glasses or if we are having a more causal event outside, I’ll use my plastic glassware.

Cocktail Napkins 

An obvious must. I look for unique ones and stock up when I can, so I have a good variety to choose from. 

Candles or Essential Oils

No matter who is coming over to my house, I either have a candle burring or a diffuser running. I choose between seasonal scents or citrus flavors. Nothing is more welcoming the scent of fresh aromas.

Décor 

Décor helps set the tone for your event. Whether your hosting a birthday party, holiday gathering or spring brunch, your décor will help bring it to life. My go to décor pieces:

• Florals: I either do something easy from a local market or order for a local florist.

• Tabletop: Candles, candle holders, runners, napkins, vases (variety of sizes) and linens. 

• Straws

• Stemless Wine Glasses or Plastic Stemless Wine Glasses

• Balloons and/or Steamers 

• Party Favors 

Additional Tips for Hosting:

• Make sure the trash is taken out BEFORE your guest arrive and that you have designated an area for trash to go during the event.  

• Make sure to have ice on hand – and extra if you're hosting in the spring or summer. 

• Separate the booze and food. People gravitate to the booze and food. So, it’s great if you designate a place for each to create flow between the two spaces. 

• Make sure to communicate the tone or theme of the event to your guests, so they know what to except when they arrive. 

• Prep as much as you can before – I hate running around an hour before guest arrive. So, I try and prep my décor and most food items the day before, so the day-of I can prep beverages and enjoy the party. 

• Plan your menu around what is in season. Seasonal dishes and beverage also help tie in themes. 

• Don’t forget the mocktail! It is nice to provide a non-alcoholic option for your guest to enjoy.

• Maybe a bit old school, but I’ve never hosted an event where someone didn’t ask for a cup a coffee. Depending on the time of your event, it’s nice to have a fresh pot of coffee brewed in case guest want a cup. 

My Morning Routine

I believe having a solid morning routine is essential for a productive day and healthy lifestyle. I remember when my morning routine started to take shape. I was 25 and working as an Event Director for a startup company. I remember thinking I was already behind when I opened my eyes in the morning - even though I worked in bed until 11pm the night before. So, I started to create a better morning routine that helped set me up for success. It really started with getting up earlier, which meant going to bed earlier and then taking better care of myself (body and mind). Suddenly my mornings felt less daunting and my days felt more productive. I’ve outlined my morning routine below - Keep in mind this ALL happens before I look emails, take a calls or look at social media. Enjoy!

Set an Alarm 

Depending on what you want to accomplish before you officially start the day, set an alarm that allows you enough time to get it all in. I set my alarm for 6:30 am and my office hours start between 9-9:30 am.

Lemon Water

I’ve been following this routine for years and I can’t tell you enough how much it impacts my day. Lemon water helps detoxify and hydrates your body quickly. I try and drink at least 30 oz of water before anything else to get hydrated before the day starts. I also take a daily probiotic and multivitamin – Favs here: Women’s Raw Probiotic & Ritual Multivitamin

Sweat

For me, if it doesn’t happen in the morning it likely won’t happen. I like to mix it up my workouts between spin class (Peloton is my in home go-to) or a live yoga or barre class, and then mixing in strengthen training once or twice a week. Moving my body first thing in the morning helps wake up my mind and keeps me motivated for the day ahead.

Get Dressed

Obvious right? But really, take a shower and put on work clothes. Work attire has evolved and has become much more casual, but I still don’t allow ripped jeans, leggings or sandals in my work wardrobe. I like to stick to clean dress pant and comfortable blouses. I love to layer – So I mix in blazers, jackets, sweaters, etc. Over the years, I have built a work capsule that I turn to. It makes getting dressed quick and conveniently thoughtless.

Eat a Healthy Breakfast 

Again, kind of obvious, but often overlooked. When I was younger, I used to rush out the door with a yogurt or skip breakfast all together. As I grew up, I realized breakfast is the most important meal of the day and one of the only meals you can control with a hectic work schedule. I try and load up on nutrients to set me up for the day. Here are a few of my favorite go to recipes: 

• Veggie Egg Scramble (2 eggs, handful of spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle cheese) 

• Oat Night Oats (fav recipe here - Tone It Up)

• Avocado Toast (GF toast, 1 fried egg w/sprinkle of Cayenne Pepper) 

• Smoothies (Love Daily Harvest! I add a scoop of protein and flaxseed)

Coffee to Go 

The true key for success! My husband religiously makes drip coffee every morning (bless his heart), so I pour a BIG cup and hit the road. I usually have 1 cup in the morning and then another decaf in the afternoon. Most mornings, I drop in a scoop of Collagen Peptides. Fav brand here: Vital Proteins

Event Planning Tips

Kayla Cook Events specializes in event management and production. We’ve worked on small corporate events, festival VIP lounges and large scale 4,000+ person business conferences. No matter the size, scope or budget we follow a very specific blueprint for planning and executing events. 

Do The Research 

When we first meet with the client, we ask and identify these important event deliverables. It’s important to build a solid foundation with this information in order to understand how the event (and your client) will be successful. 

·      What are the Event Goals?

·      What is the Event Budget?

·      Who is the Audience and Stakeholders?

·      What are the Event KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)?

Build The Team 

We work very close with our clients to understand the mission and vison of the event. From there, we outline what partners and vendors we need to execute. It’s also very important to build strong relationships within the event industry so you have a skilled professional network to tap into. We have a preferred vendor list for both our corporate and social clients. 

Communication & Organization 

We believe very strongly that excellent communication and organization are essential for a successful event. You need to be able to communicate details, expectations, key dates, vendor information, etc. to make sure all stakeholders are on the same page when it comes to event specifics. There are some great management tools that make the management of information easy. A few of our favorites: Basecamp, Asana and Trello. 

Promoting The Event 

Whether you are sending invites or securing media and advertising, it’s curial to have a solid marketing plan for your event. First, we outline a workback schedule and goals for attendance. Based on the budget you’ve confirmed, we look into paid social options and incorporating that with our email campaign. It’s also very important that your branding and messaging is clear and direct – What is your call to action? We’ve worked with numerous clients that come to us with very mixed messages and our best advice is to remove the fluff and directly ask for what you want. 

Finalize the Details

One of the last steps, finalizing your onsite details and building a run of show. We like to host a few production meetings leading up to the event with our key vendors. This is vital to align everyone and make sure everyone is crystal clear on details and expectations onsite. 

The Event Debrief

Very important and commonly overlooked. Hosting a debrief meeting post-event with your client is crucial in gaining valuable feedback from them on the success of the event. Where the event goals met, did we stay on budget, where leads generated, is the client happy, etc.? Gathering feedback post-event, positive or negative, will help strengthen management skills for future events.

2020 Wedding Trends

Ah, it’s that time of year – a fresh year with fresh new trends! Below is a short list of some of my favorite wedding trends for 2020. 

Smaller Bridal Parties

In the past it’s been bigger the better – But in 2020, brides and grooms are opt’ing in for smaller and more intimate bridal parties. 

Digital Invites & Save the Dates

Sustainably has been a trending topic among the event and wedding industry for a while now (and personally I love this trend). It’s a great way to save, environmentally conscious and digitally savvy!

Destination Weddings

Couples want a weekend-wedding experience. Somewhere away from the normal day to day. Hot spots include: Palm Springs, San Diego, Aspen, Newport Beach and Santa Barbara. 

Dessert Bars

I have a soft spot for wedding cake, but more couples are ditching the cake and going for assorted dessert bars. Many venues will allow for you to bring in your own sweets, so many couples take advantage of adding their own favorite treats for guest to enjoy. 

Color

Yes, we’ve all been waiting for this and I love this trend! The bolder and brighter the better! You will see so much color in 2020. 

No Gifts 

Couples are tying the knot later in age and may not need all the gifts. One of my favorite couples opt’d out for gifts and added a link for guests to donate to their favorite charity. 

The Modern Wedding Dress

This trend is sticking around – Thank you again, Meghan Markle. You will be seeing the chic wedding dress more and more. Clean lines and soft edges from most wedding designers in 2020. Some of my favorites: Sarah Seven, Stella McCartney, Danielle Frankel and Pronovias.

2019 Wedding Trends

I love this time of year. All the new and exciting wedding and event decor trends start to surface! Here are my favorite wedding trends for 2019. Enjoy! xo

Moody Floral

YES! Moody floral is still all the rage.

Floral Installations

This season couples are opt’ing in for more natural and dynamic floral installations for their wedding celebrations. A designers #dream.

The Modern' Wedding Dress

Megan Markle may have brought back the traditional wedding dress, but brides in 2019 are opting in for more traditional and modern designers. Some of my favs: Sarah Seven, Elly Sofocli, Rime Arodaky

Velvet

I personally love this trend. I had velvet blush napkins at my wedding this past fall and loved the rich texture and softness.

Coral and More Coral

Bring it! It’s the Pantone color of the year and we will see this color A LOT this year.

Gorgeous Wedding Cakes

Again, cakes too pretty to eat are still in the mix. I’ve said this before, but wedding cakes are less about eating them and more about a decor piece for the reception. Some of my fav cake designs are from Hey There Cupcake, almost too amazing to eat!

Custom Invitations

Invites are moving towards custom designs. From the monogram to a detailed map for guests to enjoy. My favs: Grey & Cake and Swell Press

Extreme Bachelorette and Bachelor Parties

Okay, I love this one. Go big or go home, right?. Top Destinations: Miami, Nashville, New Orleans, Austin and New York.

Our Wedding

I’ve been thinking about this blog post for so long and I’m so excited to share all the beautiful details with you all. It is difficult to explain how magical the experience was – hence the timeline of this blog post! Regardless of the timeline, the day was perfect and everything I dreamt it would be. I had an amazing vendor team, all our favorite people in one place, all our details came together perfectly, and I got to marry the man of my dreams – Seriously, the list could go on and on. 

My only complaint, it went by way too fast. #sayseverybride 

Being in the industry and submerged into the hustle of event planning as a full-time gig, I knew how fast the day would come and go. I prepared myself early on – I tried not to get too wrapped up in the details or let the planning consume me. Truthfully, I did feel pressure to have the most picture-perfect wedding. Whether that was from being a wedding planner myself or being one of that last single ladies in my crew to tie the knot. Either way, I tried to keep it light and enjoy the planning process. I also had the most incredible support from my vendors, bridesmaids, family and fiancé. Again, regardless of the pressure to have an insta-worthy wedding. I can say, after it is all said and done, no one can prepare you for how incredible it is to marry ‘your person’. All the little details flutter to the bottom of the priority list once that first look happens.  

Our Wedding Week

The week of our wedding was an even mix of relaxing and hectic as I'm sure most people experience. Jay and I decided to road trip down to La Jolla from Seattle. We had 22 hours together in a Toyota 4Runner, jam-packed with wedding decor. We passed time with murder-mystery podcasts, country music and Starbucks drive-thrus (hitting several along I5).

We spent the first few days in La Jolla organizing wedding details. Picking up alternations, stuffing welcome bags and finalizing details for our pre-wedding events. 

Once our families arrived the whirlwind began! The first gathering was on Wednesday night, two eve's before the big day. My mom hosted a welcome happy hour on that Wednesday, which happened to fall on Halloween. The following day, we had our rehearsal in the afternoon and dinner at George's at The Cove. After dinner, Jay and I hosted a welcome party at the La Valencia Hotel for all our guests. I know, it sounds like a lot of 'pre-wedding events' but I do suggest hosting a welcome gathering of some sort if you are planning a destination wedding. All the pre-wedding gatherings gave everyone a chance to meet and mingle. But most importantly, they gave Jay and I the opportunity to see all our guests before the big day.

The Wedding Day

The day started bright and early! Hair and makeup was done by Beauty by Stacey. I decided to go with a modern look with a little glam. I went with a dark lip and my hair slicked back, I kind of felt unstoppable. Ha. Once the photographers and videographers arrived the villa filled with a good chaos.

Jay and I had our first look at the hotel and that moment was everything – Like a giant rush of energy. Jay and I keep a running list of moments we have together - You know the moments when you feel butterflies or your heart skips a beat, a first kiss, the first date - You know the lovey-dovey stuff. Well, that 'first look moment' tops our list. You spend a year planning a wedding and at times, I think you get swept up in the details. The dress, the flowers, picking the colors, the party favors, the music, etc. the list goes on and on. But the moment you see the person you’re soon to marry it is so surreal and amazing all at the very same time. 

After our first look, the bridal party hopped on a historic white trolley to take photos around La Jolla. I remember taking mental photos when we were riding around on the trolley. It was so fun to have all our best friends together, dressed up and all sharing rose out of classy black solo cups!

When we arrived at the The Darlington House, I saw the hustle happening in the back of the venue. Our day-of planner and florist had it all dialed in and calmly under control. I can't explain in full appreciation how nice it was to be able to relax and let the day happen - and actually enjoy it! 

Just before 3 p.m. we lined up outside the venue, like we rehearsed the day before. My younger brother walked me down the aisle. That was a very surreal and emotional moment for me – I kind of felt like I was walking on air as I walked down the aisle to Jay. As soon as our eyes connected all my emotions were at ease. Our officiant told our love story and blessed us as we started our new chapter. We shared our vows and we had a tribute to my father played by Gemini Strings. 

After we said I do, the rest of the evening flew by. We sat down for dinner around 5:30 p.m. and enjoyed a family style menu. Our cratering team was a dream to work with. I had told them I wanted dinner to feel like a long-romantic Italian dinner party. They nailed it. The sunset fell between our last bite and starting speeches and I remember both our faces hurting from smiling and laughing so hard.

Since we had spent so much time with all our guest leading up to the wedding, I felt like Jay and I were able to actually enjoy the reception - our dinner, the drinks (specialty his and hers cocktails to be specific) and the band! To be honest, I didn’t eat any cake (other than a bite when we cut the cake!) and or a late-night slider. I guess I was too busy dancing to notice! 

We didn’t make it to the after-party, but I will say it was a day I will never ever forget.

The Dress

I wore a dress by Sarah Seven, Hotel Living. I have to note, and my bridesmaids and mothers will agree, I tried on hundreds of wedding dresses. I was almost convinced that I wouldn’t find the one, then I retried-on Hotel Living at the Dress Theory in Seattle. I knew the second I put it back on it was the dress I was searching for – classic and elegant, modern but sexy. I dropped the back and added buttons down the back of the dress. Everything else I left as is. I loved it. I wore Jimmy Choo blush sued heels. My hair piece was from BHLD and earrings from a local consignment shop in Kirkland. My day of jewelry was custom made by Rachel Brooks Jewelry. Jay surprised me with a gold band and gold bracelet with a single diamond pendant as a wedding gift. He had the gold band engraved with our wedding date 11.2.2018. One last fabulous item, I wore a pink fur cape. It was the perfect tone of pink to tie in the old Hollywood glam that I was going for. 

Jay was dressed in Hugo Boss tuxedo pants and wore a midnight blue tux jacket, and he was SO handsome! My bridesmaids wore Show me Your Mumu and Groomsmen were all in Tuxedo's from A Better Deal Tuxedo.

Our Vendors

Our day ran so smooth, thanks to all my vendors. I have such a new found respect for all wedding vendors. I can't thank ours enough for all the hard work they put in the months leading up and on our wedding day. We are forever grateful. 

• Venue: The Darlington House

• Hotel: La Valencia 

• Planning: Details Darling

• Florist & Design: Kaleb Norman James

• Invites & Paper Goods: Grey & Cake 

• Photography: Todd James

• Videography: SJ Video

• Rentals: TBD San Diego

• Catering: Culinary Concepts

• Cake: Jenny Wenny Cakes

• Ceremony Music: Gemini Strings

• Entertainment: Ben Mallare Entertainment

• Jewelry: Rachel Brooks Jewelry

• Dress: Hotel Living - Sarah Seven 

• Hair & Makeup: Beauty by Stacey 

• Shoes & Accessories: Jimmy Choo, BHLDN, Nordstrom

• Bridesmaid Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu, Color: Show me the Ring Crisp

2018 Holiday Gift Guide

I love the holidays, for so many reasons. The décor, the parties, (the party planning!), the fun festive outfits and of course the holiday shopping. I’m trying hard this year not to shop for myself as I’m shopping for others – wish me luck! There are so many great things out there!

Below is a fun gift guide for all the special people in your life. All items are links so it should make shopping this year fun and easy, enjoy!

xo, Kayla

For Her

Whether you're shopping for your mom, sister or best friend these gift ideas are so perfect this year. Some of my favorite things are: Slip Silk Pillow Case, 2019 Planner and custom jewelry by Rachel Brooks Fine Jewelry.

For Him

Any male - will love these gifts! Jay wears a lot of Ted Baker and I like it because it dresses him up but it’s still casual and comfortable for him. My top picks for the guys: Ted Baker Apparel, UGG Slippers and Lululemon underwear.

The Travel Buff

These are all fantastic gift ideas for anyone who has a travel bug or lives on a plane!

The Beauty Queen

I’ve been obsessed with skin care this past year, so this was a fun category to shop for! Skincare can be tricky, since you don’t always know someone’s routine or skin type. But all the gifts below are great for all skin types! My current favs: Mario Badescu, Herbivore, Tata Harper and Bobby Brown Beach - Such an amazing scent!

Home Gifts

These items are an easy way to cozy up the house this holiday season. All great housewarming ideas too!

Holiday Decor

Again, my favorite stuff to shop for. Michaels and HomegGoods have been my go-to’s for years. But this year I’ve been finding great stuff at Crate & Barrel, Cb2 and Pottery Barn.

Hostess Gifts

These are fun and so thoughtful! Many of these little gifts are perfect for year-round hostess gifts. My personal fav - Pink Wine Stones!

Stocking Stuffers

I love shopping for stocking stuffers! I always enjoy finding cute inexpensive gifts for the people I love.

How to Try and Stay Sane While Wedding Planning

I wrote a blog post earlier this year about the importance of hiring a wedding planner, if you haven’t read it and your engaged, start there – and then continue here. 

I hired a day-of planner and looking back I wish I would have hired a full planner from the beginning. (Again, read the post, I have a full list of reasons why). Planning a wedding is super overwhelming. For a long time, I felt like I couldn’t say that because, well – I am a planner. But the reality is, it is crazy stressful! Planners help smooth out the details and let you enjoy ‘being a bride – planning all the fun details’ part while they are the ones finalizing the contracts, organizing vendor details and juggling the logistics. Wouldn’t you rather sit back sip champagne and shop for the zillion white dress you need? Um, yes. My hand is raised. 

After we got engaged I took a few months to let it all soak in and then I jumped into planning. I felt ahead of the game, I knocked out some of the big stuff way early - I booked the venue, hired the catering team, found my florist, locked in an amazing photographer and landed a killer band. Then I over thought everything. Did I make the right decision? Did I pick the right vendor? Are my save the dates going out too late? I hit a point where I needed to stop and reflect on it all. 

I Hit Pause

After hitting pause, I let the details rest. I’ve heard rumors planning a wedding is like a part-time job (again, another reason to hire a planner). It’s crazy how many hours you can spend on Pinterest or Instagram, just scrolling thought countless wedding ideas. What I did realize early on, even with the over load of choices, I liked the feeling of doing a little at a time. That way it gave me more time to focus on the details that were important to me. It helped make the planning process feel a little less like a daunting to-do list.

Write Love Notes

Then, I wrote love notes. I loved falling in love with Jay, and I loved retelling our love story. So I started writing down little memories and giving them to Jay. It help me kick up those butterflies and give him a little love too.

A Little Spa Time

After that, I sat down and scheduled out my beauty appointments. Sounds high maintenance, but if you know me well, you know I can spa like a champion. So I made sure to schedule out a few facials and massages to gear up for the wedding but also chill myself out. 

Plan A Girls Night

I scheduled a couple girls nights. I feel like we (brides) ask SO much of our besties the year of the wedding that sometimes it feels good to go out and throw back a few cocktails and let the girl chat take over. 

Sweat

I started committing to my workouts. That ultra-thin bride body your supposed to have – Okay, I 100% feel the pressure. I’d be lying to you if I said I didn’t have this feeling like everyone is expecting you to drop 10 pounds and look fabulous. Well, F. How I am I going to do that and balance work, my hectic schedule, life and all the random stuff along the way. Well, I haven’t figured out how to balance this, nor have I have dropped the 10 lbs or I am I trying too. But I have enjoyed mixing it up and committing to my workouts. I’ve been doing a lot of different classes (Class Pass is amazing for this!) and sticking to them. Helps me reduce stress and makes me feel accomplished and a little more toned. 

Listen to Mom

Lastly, advice from my mom – relax and enjoy it. She also always tells me - Life is about choices. You will realize quickly there are so many choices to make while planning a wedding. I think if you try and slow it down and really enjoy it (don’t overthink it, don’t stress about it, do a little at a time) you will be a lot less stressed along the way. 

Good Luck!

xo, k