Luncheon set for “Fight for Air” American Lung Association table hostesses
Event Chairman…Debbie Yoeckel
Event Co-Chairman… Elaine Levy
Jennifer Williams, event coordinator for American Lung Association in Oklahoma, announced that table hostesses for the upcoming Fight for Air Luncheon will be treated to a luncheon October 29 at the Paseo Grill.
It is part of a kickoff celebration for the fundraising event which is set for February. The kickoff luncheon is being hosted by Luncheon Event Chairman, Debbie Yoeckel, and Co-Chairman, Elaine Levy. Interested hosts can contact Jennifer Williams at 405-748-4674 ext. 205 or Debbie at 405-706-9077 to attend.
The Fight for Air Luncheon will be held February 2, 2010, at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club and will feature guest speaker Kathryn Joosten who will share her battle with lung cancer.
The luncheon is one of only two fundraisers held annually by the Lung Association and will directly support programming efforts for children’s programs in the Oklahoma City and surrounding area. More information is available at www.BreatheHealthy.org/OKCLuncheon.
10 tips for holiday parties
(A couple of years ago, we asked local residents for 10 holiday party tips. I found this information recently and realized it is good information for this year too….so here is a party re-run with tips for holiday parties. There are three good drink recipes too. HFW)
By Helen Ford Wallace
What kind of holiday party do you want to host this year? Elaborate? Simple? Lots of fabulous food? Dinner? Come and Go party? Come and Stay?
If you are having a party for the first time, make lists of everything: interesting mix of guests, delicious food, festive decorations, thoughtful gifts, liquor, wine, creative entertainment, holiday music, photos and everything you need to do. Then check them off.
You set the mood. If you are happy and festive, the guests will be happy and festive.
We asked several partygoers and party planners to share a few of their ideas on entertaining during the holiday season.
Invitation Designer and Calligrapher Linda Garrett:
Invitations should go out earlier than usual because there are so many events during the holidays.
And always have party favors (can be inexpensive) since you may not be at the door to tell your guest goodbye. Have a basket filled with cards that thank the guest for their friendship and for taking time to share the season with you. Put a sign on the basket saying please take one to tie on your tree.
If you don’t like people who ‘hit and run’, let your guests register for a surprise that will be given later in the evening. If you are encouraging ‘hit and run’, add ‘come and go’ to the invitation.
Bridal, Wedding and Party Consultant Judy Lehmbeck:
Keep everything for the party simple. Make sure everything you do can be done ahead of time so when guests arrive you will be able to focus on their comfort. Have all decorating done a day or two before the party. Make sure all serving pieces along with the serving utensil are out and put a sticky note in each container telling what is to go in each one.
Party Caterer Larry Brannon:
For entertaining, cook dishes that you know people would like. Many recipes are passed down generation to generation. It will make your party a little more personal. Do everything ahead of time as much as possible.
“When you set the table, use name cards with party favors using your holiday theme, Brannon said.
Local philanthropists and superb party cooks Jenny and David Kallenberger:
In planning a menu, try to include a family recipe such as ‘Grandma’s rolls’ as traditions are appreciated. Think local and seasonal as it hard to beat a homemade chocolate local pecan pie.
“For a dinner party, choose something tried and true ( not a great time to experiment). Entrees that are braised, roasted or baked are helpful when entertaining allowing attention to be turned towards guests instead of the kitchen. Make a complete shopping list. There is no reason to feel limited on choices of cuisine with places like Mediterranean Imports, Super Cao Nguyen, Gulfport, Kamp’s and Buy For Less and Crescent Market.
Trochta’s Florist Owner and Designer Jim Vallion:
Figure out where you want to have your party. Plan the menu. Order the flower centerpieces and other floral decorations. Send out festive and fun invitations so friends look forward to attending. Remember the economics of ‘how much do I want to spend on my party.’ Select the date and where to have it…home, club or restaurant. Plan a little something different with the theme…you might have all red, all gold, all silver.
“Good food is a must. You might have music and party favors and be sure to make everyone, friends, family, business associates, feels comfortable and special so they have a great time,” Vallion added.
Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club Events Director Carolyn Harl:
I like to send unusual printed invitations ( I hate e-mail invitations…they are so impersonal) . I love to create the party from either an experience I have had or have read about . I go on the Internet and see what the current ‘in thing’ is on the east and west coasts.
“I love giving party favors at the holiday season. It could be an ornament, bundle of cinnamon sticks tied with Christmas ribbon. Or it could be candy made from a secret family recipe beautifully wrapped in cellophane, ribbon and a small Christmas ornament attached to the ribbon. You might just give a Christmas handwritten note saying how important that person is to you sealed in a Christmas envelope,” Harl said.
Cookbook Author and excellent cook and party planner Ranell Brown:
Plan a party at least two months ahead. Send invitations four to five weeks ahead. It is hard to know, because sometimes if you send them too early, people forget. Remember to have a good time and enjoy your own party. If this means hiring someone to make all the arrangements, do so. The holidays are stressful enough without adding the pressures of entertaining.
Realtor and person who loves entertaining at home Kanela Huff: Be prepared. Do as much as you can ahead of time so you can enjoy your party. I try to add one new item, signature food or decoration each year. It could be Italian or Mexican food for the holidays which adds something new in decorating. Usually, I have a new color scheme or new theme each year. This year? We are working on it.
At a meeting some time ago, Junior League members asked Curtis Bramlett, Chris Fuhrman and Brian Ferguson to talk about holiday tips for food menus and drinks. Nancy Skaarer-Brown from Paper N More discussed party invitations.
Some holiday drink ideas from that seminar are listed:
“Reindeer Martini-Created by bartender Sherri Flynn of Harry’s Velvet Room in Chicago.
Shake over ice and strain to serve straight up in a martini glass, garnished with a cherry (red nose) and two cinnamon sticks making a “V” for antlers.
2 parts vodka
1 part Frangelico
1 part Malibu
Splash of cream
Mama’s Eggnog
In a bowl beat the egg yolks with the 1/2 c. sugar until thick. In another bowl beat the egg whites with 1/4 c. of sugar until thick. In a third bowl beat the cream until thick. Add the cream to the yolks, fold in the egg whites, and add the milk, bourbon, vanilla and a pinch of nutmeg, if desired. Chill in freezer before serving. Serve in punch bowl.
6 eggs, separated
1 pt. Heavy cream
3/4 c. sugar
4 pt. Milk
1/2 pt. Bourbon
1 T. vanilla
Nutmeg
Carolers Confection
Combine ingredients and top with whipped cream.
1 part Jose Cuervo Especial Tequila
5 parts Freshly brewed strong hot coffee
1 package hot cocoa mix
1/2 part coffee brandy
Oklahoma City Executive Chef is speaker at Pi Phi luncheon
Mary Kay Bullard, Bibby Wilson, Millon Lilly, Cherie Martin, Jerry Jennings and Susie Blinn were at the Pi Beta Phi Alumnae luncheon at Nancy Arnold’s home. (Photos by Margo Ward).
The Skirvin Hotel’s Executive chef Andrew Black demonstrated cooking skills at the Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club luncheon at Nancy Arnold’s house.
He showed the group how to make strawberry and walnut salad with poached salmon, risotto and warm pear cobbler.
Members brought children’s books to donate for their literacy project.
Chef Andrew Black talks about his recipes.
Friends of St. Jude in Oklahoma City will host a Halloween Boo Bash on Oct. 22 at 8:00 PM at The Harn Homestead Museum.
Attendees will be entertained by Joe Worrel and The Last Free Exit Band, and CounterFall. There will be food provided by Rib Crib and Advance Food, drinks provided by MillerCoors, costume contests, and premier raffle prizes, such as free dry cleaning for a year, Frontier City Passes, and various gift certificates.
Tickets are available online for $25. or at www.friendsofstjude.org/okc or by calling 405.217.9200.
Proceeds from the event will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital .
University of Oklahoma members of Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity celebrate 100th anniversary in Norman
Harolyn Enis, Elizabeth Prosser, Kinnon Chapman and Nancy deCordova were at the OU Kappa Alpha Theta 100th anniversary celebration in Norman. (Photos by Tamara Hermen).
700 women from 25 states, 36 Oklahoma cities and 33 Texas cities were at the University of Oklahoma Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity 100th anniversary celebration in Norman.
Alpha Omicron chapter members had a festive Centennial luncheon, tour of the Theta house at 845 Chautauqua with first-floor redecorating by master designer Charles Faudree and an evening dinner dance featuring a six-foot long ice sculpture of the sorority house. All activities included the groups’ active members and alumnae.
A 16 minute video was created by Theta Ann Foerster Ryan of Norman.
A 100-year written history with photos was printed in booklet form. Each Theta guest received a complimentary copy.
This 32-page document was written and compiled by Elizabeth Prosser, Oklahoma City, with text from contributing writers who brought their designated decades to life. Text and photos sources also included national and local Theta archives, University officials, Sooner yearbook and dedicated sorority historians. The book will be placed in permanent files at the University of Oklahoma library.
Co-chairing the event were Norman resident Helen Edwards Woodward, a former Grand President of Kappa Alpha Theta fraternity, and Oklahoma City resident Carol Franklin Joullian, a Theta district president.
Kappa Alpha Theta Grand Council-Vice President Public Relations, Kimi Martin , with Centennial Celebration Co-Chairmen, Helen Woodward and Carol Joullian.
University of Oklahoma fans wear OU colors before, during and after the game
What a weekend! University of Oklahoma- University of Texas in the Cotton Bowl!
There are always fun events and parties during this weekend and some years the celebrating is more fun than other times. Not so much, this year.
However, football fans and alumni enjoyed being at the Omni Mandalay Hotel in Las Colinas. OU staffers planned an Alumni cocktail reception, a President’s Associates brunch and had 13 police-escorted buses reserved for the alums to go to the football game at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday.
Our group had lunches and dinners at an Italian Restaurant in the Las Colinas area, Capital Grille, Neiman Marcus Zodiac Room, Omni Mandalay Hotel and corn dogs at the State Fair of Texas. We saw OU fans including David Hogan, June Patton, Marty Conkle, Bette MacKellar, Barbara Beeler, Cindy Homsey, Dana and Chris Gordon, Laurie Givens, Lea Ann and David Quirk, Judi Freyer, Lee-Ann and Stephen Graham, Emily Jacobson, Joy and Gary Tucker, Stacey Berry, Ann-Shannon and Dave Hail, Jennifer and Dale Thurman and many, many people wearing red and white.
OU-UT WEEKEND….On Friday night, Angie Sanger poses with very tall man at Hotel ZaZa, Dallas. (Photos by Helen Ford Wallace).
OU-UT WEEKEND…Margot Habiby and Jody Foote enjoyed the JMC alumni reception at the Moroch Partners Building.
OU-UT WEEKEND…Gary Tucker, Judi Freyer, Joy Tucker, Dale and Jennifer Thurman enjoyed the President’s Associates brunch at the Omni Mandalay Hotel in Las Colinas.
OU-UT WEEKEND…Ford and Angie Sanger and Lillie-Beth Brinkman were at the brunch.
OU-UT WEEKEND…Ann-Shannon and Dave Hail were on the police escort buses that took alumni to the Cotton Bowl.
OU-UT WEEKEND…Lee-Ann and Stephen Graham hit the midway at State Fair Park before the football game at the Cotton Bowl.
OU-UT WEEKEND…ESPN GameDay ready for the College GameDay football game.
Responses from etiquette question
Remember this recent blog post on October 11th?
Never know what will come up next….Etiquette Question….
Your Question?/My Answer
Q: On the subject of children’s birthday parties. “ When it comes time to open the presents, there are always so many gifts that my elementary aged child just tears into them and we don’t know who gave him what. Is it ok to give a general thank you after all gifts are opened to all the kids and call it a day and go to play?
A: Some of the children at the party could have spent a lot of time figuring out exactly what your child might want and what to buy him/her. It really might cause hurt feelings if your child does not acknowledge the birthday gift. A better solution is to open the gifts one at a time and thank each child for the gift. It takes a little more time, but your child learns a lot by saying thank you and the gift-giver knows that his gift giving (and maybe package wrapping) efforts were appreciated.
A thank you note from your child is always appreciated.
There were several comments worth sharing about the subject of children’s birthday parties and thank you notes. Here they are…
Their answers:
Hilarie….
Dear Helen,
RE: Etiquette Question?
I am a certified etiquette consultant, a graduate of The Protocol School of Washington (DC), and I agree with your answer! Children can learn acknowledging and showing appreciation at an early age if given the opportunity. It might be nice for the parents to have a conversation prior to the party about how the process will work and how one behaves with all of the excitement of birthdays.
Best regards,
Hilarie H. Blaney, OKC
Carey Sue….
Helen,
You are spot-on with your answer!!!! I love it!!!
When we talk about thank-you notes in class, that is similar to the example I share with the kiddos….how long did it take to figure out what they were going to buy for your gift, they have to go out and purchase it, then wrap it. That takes quite a bit of time. How long does it take you to write a thank-you note??? Not near as much time, energy and effort as the person who gave you the gift! :-)
Carey Sue
Etiquette Expert and director for the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Chapters of The National League of Junior Cotillions and The International League of Corporate Cotillions.
Alan…from twitter
aherz @hfwallace Nice post http://tinyurl.com/ygwh4ek – You didn’t scold in the blog response as harshly as you did when asked in person.
Alan Herzberger, Digital Managing Editor
Mary Payne Moran talks about cooking and her Casady Young Alumni Award
click here for Parties Extra! photo gallery
Helen talks to Mary Payne Moran with Hail Mary’s Boutique Catering, Margo Ward and Dave Cathey.
Helen, Mary, Dave. (Photo by Margo Ward).
David Kennard produces film on creativity
Matt Goad, Jeremy and Julie Tubb, Mike Anderson were among supporters at the donor party and premiere viewing of “ReCreating America: Creativity and Learning.” (Photo by David Faytinger).
More than 100 supporters gathered at Chesapeake’s Blue Room Theater to celebrate and view the special public television series on creativity sponsored by Creative Oklahoma, Inc. OETA aired the film October 13. It was called “ReCreating America: Creativity and Learning” and it was filmed in Oklahoma by renowned documentarian David Kennard.
The October 6 reception was hosted by Visionary Oklahoma Women (VOW), Chesapeake Energy, Joullian Vineyards, and Nicole Barr to honor the film’s donors.
Guests and donors included:Lolly and Mike Anderson, Burns and Ann Hargis, Jeanette Elliott, Meg Salyer, Mary and Don Sherman, Judy Hatfield, John McCarroll, Sally Bentley, Dick and Jeannette Sias, Skipper and Chuck Jones from Honolulu, Carol Zerboni, Bond and Lori Payne, Valerie Naifeh, Betty Catching, Matt Goad, Jean Hendrickson, Ann Kilpatrick, Linda Howell, Jeremy and Julie Tubb, Donna Vogel, Mary Frates, Cynthia and Jerry Brindley, Al and Rita Dearborn and Amy and Roger Spring.
David Kennard (producer), Jeanette Elliott, Michael O’Connell (director) were at the private screening. (Photo by David Faytinger).
Gaylord Hall, Phase II, dedicated
Gaylord College Dean Joe Foote greets dignitaries. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Christy Everest, Molly Shi Boren, William Ross and Bob Ross applaude during the dedication of Phase II of Gaylord Hall. (Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman).
University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communications students, faculty members, foundation board members and friends were at the dedication of Gaylord Hall, Phase II, in Norman yesterday.
That place is amazing!
Phase II has a courtyard, a patio, a third floor terrace and a statue of the college’s namesake, Edward L. Gaylord. It also has computer labs, video studio, 180- seat auditorium, an area for the college’s student- run advertising and public relations agency.
Also at Gaylord Hall is a live television studio for student newscasts and cable tv broadcasting; print and electronic resources for the Edith Kinney Gaylord Library, and tiered classrooms featuring digital projectors, SMART Boards and wireless internet.
At the ceremony, Gaylord College Dean Joe Foote spoke about the college which has 1400 students and 33 faculty members. He thanked the three foundation contributors for the second phase: The E.L. And Thelma Gaylord Foundation and two foundations founded by Edith Kinney Gaylord, the Inasmuch Foundation, the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism. OU President David Boren attributed many of the College’s successes to Dean Foote. “He leads this college with such conviction and such energy, “ Boren said. In turn, the speakers which included Christy Everest and Bill Ross, also thanked President David Boren for his leadership in all phases of Gaylord College’s project.
Other thank yous went to the Gaylord family represented by Christy, Jim and Tricia Everest and to the Inasmuch Foundation represented by Bill Ross and Bob Ross.
In closing the ribbon- cutting ceremonies, student Savannah Mobley led the crowd in the OU Chant.
Student interviews Oklahoman Editor Ed Kelley. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Kristen Lazalier and Heather Spencer enjoy the Gaylord Hall dedication. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Jeanne Hoffman Smith and Inasmuch Foundation Chairman William J. Ross speak before the dedication of Phase II of Gaylord Hall at The University of Oklahoma College of Journalism in Norman, Okla. ( Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman).
Student representative Savannah Mobley, Oklahoma City advertising senior, and Dean Joe Foote look at students on the second level during the dedication of Phase II of Gaylord Hall. (Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman).
