A Black Tie Affair & Basic Etiquette

Over the weekend, hubby and I had a "date" with the CEO of hubby's company.

I've been to dinner parties with doctors and other business types, but never to dinner with a CEO.

 I was a nervous wreck as I raided my closet for something 'appropraite' to wear to this dinner function. Now, it wasn't a "black tie affair" but it was business related, so I had to make sure I dressed the part.

The evening went well, and that night's event got me to thinking about doing a post on the proper etiquette for a "black tie affair" so that if the occasion ever arise, I would be prepared.

First, let me start with this basic chart for the men out there who might need this information. Us women have it fairly easy when it comes to dressing for any such event. We merely have to don a "go-to" black dress. However, if you're like me, you want to dress in line with what the man is wearing. Here is a basic guide to the Male's dress code:

Now that you're dressed and as you find the evening underway, you never know what might pop up unexpectedly, so here is my short list of things I carry in my bag:

• Female necessities
• Plackers - It's like dental floss on a stick and it's easier to use when you need to make a "quick" visit to the ladies room and lipstick for a quick touch-up after the meal/dessert.
• Perfume - a light scent that doesn't overpower the room and irritate anyone who might have allergies.
• A travel size bottle of hair spray, mouth wash, and deodorant if you feel you might need them. Otherwise, forgo those for the ability to carry a small evening bag.
• Tape for the bottom of your shoes, should you find the floor to be slick. You don't want to hit the deck while sipping a drink.
• Business Cards - to hand out, should you feel the need to network with any of the people you come into contact with.
• Safety pins and and extra pair of hose. Nothing looks worse than an unsightly run in your panty hose.
• A small day planner - for recording upcoming events, important contact info. and details from that nights business dinner (if applicable).

Last but not least, relax and enjoy the evening.

Everyday Icing

Last week, Rhoda at Southern Hospitality did a post about the remarkable and very charitable accessories auction outfit, Everyday Icing, where they combine the love of social media and shopping. Everyday Icing offers designer jewelry without the designer price tag, so anyone wanting that something special can afford to have it. But that's not the only reason I decided to feature Everyday Icing here. They do offer delicious eye candy, and I posted a couple of my favorites here, but because a portion of their sales go to a very much-needed charity - Compassion International. Compassion International is an incredible organization dedicated to releasing children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty. Compassion International is also on Facebook.

Here is how you can be a part of this wonderful opportunity. Just go to Everyday Icing on Facebook and "like" the page to register to be a part of the auction. [More details are available at their FB page.] Shopping starts on Monday at 9 PM.

Baileys Irish Cream Mousse

This recipe is from the delightful food blog Tutti Dolci. [I didn't have time to prepare for you a post about one of my own recipes, but I will next week.] When I saw this one, I thought it looked too good not to share.

When preparing this recipe, according to Tutti Dolci takes but a minutes and is extremely Delicious! You want to use high quality chocolate for this recipe and a wire whisk to achieve the right consistency. Once the chocolate melts, you have to work quickly, so prepare all of your ingredients and so on ahead of time.

You’re only three ingredients (four if you count the whipped cream topping) and 15 minutes away from a delicious and decadent dessert.

Baileys Irish Cream Mousse

Adapted from Cafe Fernando
8 ounces chocolate, chopped (I used 4 oz bittersweet and 4 oz semisweet)
3/4 cup water
3 Tbsp Baileys Irish Cream* (here’s a homemade version!)
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
Optional: unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting

Set a large metal or glass mixing bowl over a slightly smaller mixing bowl filled with water and ice (the bottom of the larger bowl should touch the ice; I placed a metal bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes before placing it over the ice bath). Arrange six small cups or ramekins in a baking dish.
Place chocolate and water in a double boiler or in a heat-proof bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water. Slowly melt the chocolate, stirring occasionally until glossy and smooth. Remove chocolate mixture from heat and stir in Baileys.

Pour chocolate mixture into the large mixing bowl set over ice and whisk with a large wire whisk for about 4 minutes, just until mixture is slightly thickened (be careful not to over-whisk, or the texture can become grainy). When mixture is thick, divide evenly among cups (about 1/3-cup mousse per cup).
Cover cups with plastic wrap and let chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving (or up to 4 days). When ready to serve, beat heavy whipping cream in a mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Spoon a dollop into each cup and dust with cocoa.

*If you prefer to make a nonalcoholic version, replace the Baileys with 3 tablespoons water. You can also flavor the mousse with cinnamon, instant espresso, etc.

Yield – 6 servings
Calories – 230
Carbs – 22

Soiree in the Garden

[Dress: Pearl Southern Couture]

With Spring in all of her Magnolia scented glory on her way,  I begin to think about the lush Azalea, Crepe Myrtle, and Wisteria about to begin blooming. In some places in the South they already are. As I sit here writing this, I imagine the Azaleas in bloom amongst the gnarled oak trees draped in moss, and candles all aglow, setting the scene for an evening garden party. If you're looking for a "flirty and classic" dress suitable a garden party, or any sort of outing that requires a semi-formal dress code,  I think this one will do.

Texas native Amber Perley, founded Pearl Couture in 2008, a line of quality, classy clothing, which she creates and produces right here in the USA. South of the Mason-Dixon to be exact. Each piece of clothing in her line will provide the lucky women wearing one of these stylish numbers with true Southern appeal that captures "a sense of style that has evolved through the traditions and the charm of the South."  Amber Perley is inspired by what she feels epitomizes Southern style - "From the parties of New Orleans, the palm trees of Charleston, the hippies of Austin and the horse races of Nashville, Pearl was inspired by Southern Women and the cities they love."

Pearl Couture captures the essence of romance, class, and the true spirit of the South. For the know-where to buy or to pore over her 'look book,' visit Pearl Southern Couture.

The Modern Southern Belle

[Dress: Shabby Apple]

Garden & Gun magazine recently wrote an article, "Southern Women: Redefining the Southern Belle" and I for one could not be happier that someone is bringing to light the strengths and qualities that define a Southern woman. Continuing this tradition is of the utmost importance.We are living in a time that is testing our faith, our traditions, and our resolve. Time is showing us the importance of embracing the traditions many of us had instilled. The "modern belle" has to see to it that these traditions endure.

While the "modern belle" is busy traveling, making a life, a career, and/or raising a family, there is a certain mystique that personifies a Southerner. Whether she is applying makeup, applying to college, or applying diaper rash cream, she knows by putting her best self forward that she can accomplish or overcome almost anything. There is just an undeniable "something" that keeps us women going. With a smile on our face we are polite to both strangers and kinfolk. But most importantly, we persevere with grace when we need to be strong. We extend warmth and graciousness at all times, but we can pitch a fit when need be. Hissy fits aside, there is an underlying strength that each of us carries with us wherever we go and an alluring charm that attracts people.

Having lived in six different states and nine different cities within those states, I have come to realize that when you're in the South, you're home. You're made to feel at home. No other place in the country does this. When I'm away from home and on the road, whether I'm visiting or just passing through a Southern town or city,  I am received with a smile, a wave hello, and hospitality. And yes, life is becoming increasingly busy, these are the "rules" that the South still honors.  "Redefining the Southern Belle" reiterates the importance of the South's valued and time-honored traditions, mixing the new with the old, the modern with the time-honored. It doesn't hurt to dress the part either. The image above shows a dress by Shabby Apple and I think it personifies the Modern Southern Belle to a "T."