As we round the corner into the final month of 2009, it’s the perfect opportunity to take a moment to give thanks. It was a year that had our communities fighting for financial stability in our country – the whole world, in fact. Unemployment is high, personal economies are taxed by job loss or reduced pay, consumer spending is conservative and caution is palpable when it comes to how much to do or spend in a year of uncertainty.
And because of this, I give thanks. It’s often through the challenging times that we get the opportunity to appreciate what we have, how we can help, and where we can improve. I’m thankful that in this low, constant buzz of guarded anticipation, we’ve continued to meet excited brides and grooms eager to plan their wedding day and bring together their families for a momentous celebration. I have a greater appreciation for those organizations that returned to the Ebell this year and struggled to keep their fundraising events profitable for their charities. And it’s encouraging to see others have a record setting fundraising event. To both, I am grateful that The Ebell had been a part of their efforts. Both are realistic of where we are now and optimistic on what the future holds. For optimism, I am grateful.
The Ebell of Los Angeles is an institution in our city, and has survived many periods of struggle. In fact, this historic clubhouse was completed in 1927, on the cusp of a financial collapse that sank our country into The Great Depression. Yet the members persevered. And for that inspiring legacy, I am grateful. That The Special Events Team and I have the honor of representing the Ebell of Los Angeles to hundreds of brides and grooms, non-profit organizations, film companies, event producers, corporations, and families, I am thankful.
I am thankful for the health and well-being of our Ebell family, and their families, and your families. And I’m grateful for every day, for every reward and for every challenge. I’m committed to remembering this gratitude, not only through the holiday season, but throughout the year as well. That the sun rises every morning, and I’m lucky enough to see it for one more day, I am grateful.
May this Thanksgiving be a bounty of blessings to you and yours, and may the moment of togetherness translate into an opportunity to give thanks for all that you have, all that you are, and all that you inspire to be.
I’m a huge fan of Mad Men, so to watch their stellar production team transform the Ebell Lounge into the setting for a wedding reception was enthralling! The time: 1963. November 23, 1963 to be exact. What was supposed to be the grandest day of Roger Sterling’s daughter’s life, was a day fraught with sadness and shock, as the country absorbed the blow of the assassination of our president.
Mad Man offers not only engaging characters and a swanky setting; for history buffs like me, its a mini lesson in pop culture and society’s evolution. (And I would be remiss not to mention that the cast is gorgeous! Don Draper, you can roam the halls of the Ebell ANYTIME!)
Mad Men at The Ebell of Los Angeles. Images from amctv.com
Mad Men has wrapped up their 3rd season, so if you haven’t watch it, catch up on episodes recaps on AMC.com before season 4 starts in 2010.
This spring, The Ebell of Los Angeles was the setting for one of the premier industry showcase events of the year! In conjunction with Your Wedding Day Magazine, The Ebell and a team of top event planners in L.A. designed an event that continues to be the talk of the town. It took five pages in the latest issue of Your Wedding Day Magazine to show all the detail of each room and list the creative talents that orchestrated them.
A new exhibit goes on display in the Ebell of Los Angeles’ Art Salon and you are invited to the Artist Reception, featuring Chinese brush paintings by Pat Tom.
Reception this Thursday, November 12 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Art Salon of The Ebell of Los Angeles. Entrance and parking on Lucerne Blvd.
Need something to do this weekend?? You don’t have to live in Hollywood to know Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs. Located on the corner of La Brea & Melrose (its original location!), any time of the day or night, you’ll see folks lining up for a Pink’s hot dog.
Pink’s is celebrating its 70th Anniversary with “Chili Dogs for Charity” Celebrity Events. Beginning Saturday, November 7, 2009, for 7 days, for 70 minutes starting at 7:00 p.m. Pink’s famous chili cheese dogs will be sold for 70-cents (regular price is $3.50.) 100% of the proceeds during the celebration hour will be donated to the charity of the guest celebrity’s choice.
Guest celebrities?? Yep! Check out who will be at Pink’s for the Chili Dogs for Charity Events:
Saturday 11/7 – Tournament of Roses Queen & Her Court
Sunday 11/8 – Entertainment reporter from ABC-7 George Pennacchio with Chef Jamie.
Monday 11/9 – Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
Tuesday 11/10 – Host of “California Gold” on KCET Huell Howser
Wednesday 11/11 – Actor Jason Alexander
Thursday 11/12 – Comedy legend Bill Cosby
Friday 11/13 – KRTH 101 FM Radio’s Gary Bryan with LA City Council member Tom La Bonge
If you’ve never experienced Pink’s, now’s the perfect excuse to do so. From one Los Angeles landmark to another, “Cheers!”
Are you planning a vintage-style wedding? Always wanted to know how to get that glamorous look from the 1930s and 40s? Well, here’s your chance!!
Gabriela Hernandez, owner of Besame Cosmetics, and Rusty Frank, swing dance instructor and owner of Rusty’s Rhythm Club, are producing a Vintage Hair Styling and Make-up Workshop this Saturday November 7, 2009. The workshop will take place from 1:00pm – 4:00pm at 1558 Victory Blvd in Glendale, CA.
The first part of the workshop will focus on hair styling: Rusty will show you how to wear a snood, style a bandana, barrel rolls, and other popular styles of the 1940s.
The second part of the day will focus on makeup. Gabriela will teach basic techniques to achieve that flawless look, pair the perfect lipstick shade, and apply your lipstick to last all day.
$35 in advance ($40 at the door). Includes afternoon tea and refreshments. Space is limited to 18 attendees. Email today to reserve your spot: orders@besamecosmetics.com
I’ve known both Gabriela & Rusty for years and they really know their stuff ~ this workshop will be fabulous!
The Ebell of Los Angeles is hosting a Blood Drive with the American Red Cross this Wednesday, November 4, 2009.
Appointments are available every 20 minutes between 11am and 4:30pm. Call Jackie Kruse, Chair for an appointment 323-788-7199 or go to www.givelife.org and enter sponsor code: EBELL. Enter at 743 S Lucerne Blvd, Los Angeles 90005.
Consider these facts:
One person nationwide needs blood every two seconds.
About 20% of all blood recipients are children.
One pint of blood has the potential to save as many as three lives.
By the time we are 75 years old, 80% of us will have used blood ourselves.
40% of the blood needed to meet the needs of Southern California comes from the other parts of the country.
The Southern California region provides blood to approximately 150 area hospitals.
Remember: Bring ID and drink plenty of fluids before donating! If you are not sure about your eligibility to give, you can review details at on the Red Cross Website.
Their Trademark says it all: “The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.”
I’m very proud of the fact that The Special Events Office at the Ebell of Los Angeles is a finely tuned and “well rehearsed” group of professionals. Our Special Events & Filming representative, David Toves; our Event Supervisor, Anessa Curtin; our Executive Chef, Louis Pechan; and even our COO, Philip Miller — we all take great pride in “crafting the magic” with our Catering & Kitchen Staffs.
Have you ever sat down at a formal table and felt a bit like Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman”, having NO idea what utensil goes with what course, or how to behave at a formal table? I recently shared details of the formal place setting with readers at WeddingAces.com ~ allow me to walk you through a formal place setting!
Photo by Michael Norwood Photgraphy
When sitting at the dinner table, the center of your place setting may have a charger. A charger looks like an over-sized plate, often decorative, and serves as a base for soup bowls, salad plates and dinner plates. It is often collected after the main course, before the dessert course, though its not uncommon to collect it with the salad plate.
On top of the charger (or center of the setting if there is no charger in the setting) is the napkin. Napkins can be folded in a gazillion ways that add a decorative element to your table. The most common for wedding receptions is the envelope or pocket fold – an elegant placement for individual menu cards or place cards.
Utensils are placed in order of use from the outside working your way in. So when looking at the forks on the left side of the plate, the fork closest to the charger is the entree fork. Next to that fork (one away from the plate) is the salad fork. If a fish course is being served, that fork will be the third from the plate. The knives and spoons are on the right side of the charger, starting with the entree knife; the salad knife is to the right of that (one away from the charger), and next to that salad knife would be a fish knife (again, if that course is part of your menu; if not, then no utensil will be set.) The soup spoon is to the far right of the knives. And that fork and spoon hanging out above the charger? Those are for your dessert and coffee. Depending on the menu, you may see two spoons above. The handles for the spoon will aim toward your right hand while the dessert fork will have its handle toward your left hand.
Image from Luxurious Wedding Etiquette
Glasses are on the right side of your plate (which is a good thing to remember when you are seated at a table where it seems there is no distinction between what if part of your place setting and what may be your neighboring table mate’s. ) The water goblet will be closest to the charger on the top right. Behind it will nestle the champagne flute. To the right of these will be the red wine glass, then the white wine glass. Again, depending on your menu, it may be that one or more of these glasses are not preset on your table.
The bread plate will be found to the top left of the charger, above the forks, or center above the dessert spoon and fork if space is tight. The butter knife will be set diagonally across the plate.
Its customary for the coffee cup and saucer to arrive prior to dessert being served rather than pre-set it on the table throughout dinner.
When setting a table (or again, if you happen to be seated at a table that may not offer enough room to clearly define) here’s a trick of the trade to remember which side of the charger the utensils go: “fork” is spelled with four letters: they go on the “left” (also spelled with four letters). “Knife” and “spoon” are both spelled with five letters – so is “right”, the side on which they are placed.
When you are finished with your meal, simply rest both the knife and fork together diagonally across the plate and place the napkin to the left of your plate. This will signal the waiter that they can clear your plate. If you excuse yourself from the table for a moment, rest your napkin on the back of your chair so your waiter knows you will be returning.
Cancer can’t be planned. It sneaks up on you and, in one moment, changes everything. This was the case for Bryan Bishop. Bryan was an on-air member of the Adam Carolla Morning Radio Show. When it ended in March, Bryan was months away from his wedding day. But first, cancer.
The event begins at 6pm on Friday November 20, 2009 in the Garden Courtyard of the Ebell of Los Angeles with a silent auction. Items up for bid include:
a walk-on role on CBS primetime hit comedy, Gary Unmarried.
Sit in with Adam Carolla during a podcast recording
Tour of Adam’s legendary warehouse & garage
a trip to Hawaii
a trip to Big Bear
a collection of Adam’s favorite power tools
and more to come…!
Ticket are available in General Admission and VIP options: General Admission tickets are $100 and include access to the welcome reception and silent auction. VIP tickets are $300 and include reserved VIP seating, access to the welcome reception, and post-show VIP Reception in the Ebell Garden & Art Salon where you’ll mingle with the performers, and enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and desserts from the Ebell’s Executive Chef Louis Pechan.
The show is lining up amazing talent: Adam Carolla, Jimmy Kimmel, Greg Fitzsimmons, Dana Gould, Dr. Drew, Larry Miller, Joel McHale, The Dan Band.
heading to grocery store for last of the thanksgiving items. No turkey for us; delicious vegetarian instead. And pumpkin custard -yummm//~~//9 hours ago
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