After one of the coldest winters I can remember, I can only dream of a good reason to go to one of these Caribbean destinations. Oh wait, you have a good reason! Your honeymoon! Below are a just a few destinations we found so appealing. Top row, The Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Spa at St. Thomas. Middle row,Tamarind Cove in Barbados. Bottom row, Bucuti Beach Resort in Aruba.
Be sure to contact one of our local Valdosta travel agents for assistance in booking your dream honeymoon.
Selecting your fine and casual china might be one of the most exciting tasks on your list of things to do. Why wouldn't it be with the endless possibilities of gorgeous designs to choose from. With patterns ranging from modern to classic, the world of china varies in so many ways. Will you choose a sophisticated yet simple design or a delicate floral print? Check out this selection of favorites I found at Belk.com. Many of these designs or brands can also be found here in Valdosta at Betty Webb, Ltd., or Perfect Settings.
Left to right from top: Kate Spade china designs including June Lane, Garden Street Platinum, Primrose Hill, and Laurel Canyon. Lenox china patterns including Batik, Rutledge Legacy, Chocolate, Chirp, Federal Platinum Blue, and British Colonial Shutter. Also shown are Paula Deen's Low Country Square, Kate Spade's Grosgrain, Opulence by Biltmore and Mikasa's Indigo Bloom.
According to the fashion industry, Pantone defines the color trends for this years Fall season with a gorgeous array of warm colors. We've included a few images from Martha Stewart Weddings that utilizes these trendy colors in flowers, clothing and decor. How can you incorporate these colors in your fall wedding?
Pantone's Actual Color Pallette For 2009 Fall Season
If you've ever thrown an event as simple as a child's birthday party, you know how a guest list tends to multiply on its own. Now it's time to create your wedding guest list. Be prepared for the questions that might arise by reviewing this post from the guru of etiquette, Emily Post.
Most Popular Questions About the Guest List
Q. What do I do about inviting children?
A. If you are not inviting unlimited children, you may decide to include family members only, children of a certain age, or no children at all. It is inappropriate to write “No Children” on the invitations. Instead, communicate your wishes by writing only the parents’ names on the inner and outer envelopes—and through word of mouth.
Q. What do I do about including partners?
A. Partners of invited guests must be included in a wedding invitation. This includes couples who are married, engaged, or living together. Allowing single guests who aren’t attached to a significant other to bring a date is a thoughtful gesture, but one that is not required. A single invitation addressed to both members of a married couple, or a couple who live together, is sent to their shared address, while invitations to an engaged or long-standing couple who don’t live together are sent separately, to each address. Envelopes addressed to a single friend that include “and Guest” indicate that he or she may bring an escort or friend.
Q. What do I do about guests who ask to bring guests?
A. It is impolite of a guest to ask if he or she can bring a date—but it is not impolite of you to refuse. Say, “I’m sorry, Stan, but we have very limited seating at the reception and we just can’t accommodate any additional guests.” However, if you discover that they are engaged or living together, invite your friend’s partner, either verbally or by invitation.
Q. What do I do about invitations to out-of-town guests who can’t possibly attend?
A. Many people prefer not to send invitations to those friends and acquaintances who they think cannot possibly attend the celebrations. In most cases, these friends should receive a wedding announcement instead, which carries no gift obligation. However, some good friends who live far away might actually be hurt if you don’t invite them, even if your intent was to spare them from feeling obliged to send a gift. In general, always invite truly good friends—even if they live far away.
Below are a few gorgeous Carolina Herrera designs for the 2009 Fall Season. What a beautiful collection using lace and ruffles for the ultimate romantic design.
Valdosta, Ga. – Just imagine: you’re lying face down, the massage therapist is working your shoulders into a state of bliss, and nothing could be more peaceful . . . until your cell phone rings. Oops!
“At some point leading up to the wedding,” said Beth Downs, an Etiquette & Leadership Consultant and Wedding Coordinator in Valdosta, Ga., “most brides enjoy a trip to the spa with friends, with family or even the groom, or as an escape from all the wedding hustle and bustle.” Going to the spa has even become a popular event for all of the ladies in the wedding party in lieu of a Bridesmaids Luncheon. But according to Downs, “it’s important to remember that a spa is a place of solace and even healing, and the experts who deliver those gifts deserve respect and good manners.” “Clients are here to escape the world,” said Violet Johnson, a certified etiquette consultant and a massage therapist in San Jose, Ca. “It is a place of relaxation and an adjunct to each person’s health care.” With that in mind, here are some tips that will make your next spa visit nothing but relaxing for both you and the person massaging your back.
Getting ready for your moment of Zen
Think of a spa like a medical office, and be mindful of policies on late cancellations or no-shows.
Remember to arrange for childcare: unless the spa offers childcare, your children should stay at home.
If you prefer a female or male massage therapist, be sure to say so when you make your appointment; you may not have a choice by the time you arrive at the spa.
Dress comfortably (and be prepared to remove jewelry) so you can easily and quickly slip into a robe and slippers. If you’re worried about clothing, know that you will always be draped during any service and never fully exposed. If you have any questions about what to wear, feel free to ask the staff.
Arrive at least 15 minutes early in order to fill out paperwork (which is confidential and will help your practitioner meet your needs) and to change your clothes. If you are planning appointments after your spa visit, remember to allow time to change back into your non-spa clothes.
Once there, stay quiet and comfortable
“Treat the spa like a library – be very quiet.” That’s the advice from Debbie Howell, an aesthetician, and Micki Wisenbaker, a massage therapist and aesthetician, both of Arbor Salon and Spa in Athens, Ga. So be sure to speak quietly, and turn off all electronic devices (or leave them in the car).
Tell your practitioner whether you have allergies that might affect the choice of oils or other products used during your visit. If you’ll be enjoying aromatherapy, you can inquire if they have your favorite scent.
Remember that you are there to be pampered. If you are too cold or too hot, or if the massage is too deep or not deep enough, let your therapist know.
Most importantly, remember to relax!
Afterwards, get ready to do it again
Be prepared to tip 20 percent for the service, and bring your calendar to schedule your next appointment of happiness.
Beth Downs has been teaching social etiquette and dance classes for 13 years, and she provides a variety of services for brides including Wedding Day and Rehearsal Coordination and event design. For more information, visit www.polishingleaders.com.
Beth Downs
Etiquette & Leadership Consultant
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