Aleah and Nick Valley
This month I’m gathering around my kitchen table and chatting with some of my favorite enetertaining and cooking experts to find out what inspires them, how they live in their kitchens and what they are doing to survive the hoildays. This week I’m chatting with the event planning duo Aleah & Nick Valley…if you want a fabulous party, an enchanting wedding or a splash of fabulous to your family gathering, Aleah and Nick Valley have the inspiration and talent to make your dreams come true. I am lucky to have them as friends, not only do they have the kindest nature, they are oozing with talent. You can find them monthly in the San Diego Magazine sharing entertaining advice, and no doubt you have seen some of their work in any number of the magazines sitting on your coffee table.
Coryanne: What is your entertaining philosophy?
Aleah & Nick Valley: When we entertain or plan events for our clients, we focus on creating an experience for each guest who will attend, including the host or hostess. We plan effortless, yet unexpected, décor and whimsical menus with at-the-ready gourmet touches, and take guests through a pleasurable experience, starting when they enter the celebration and are greeted with a cocktail or sparkling water. It’s all about appeasing the senses throughout.
C: Do you have a memory from your kitchen table that stays with you and inspires you?
ANV: The holidays drum up fun-filled memories of delicious dinners, brunches, and maybe most importantly, visiting into the wee hours with our loved ones. Food and drink play a leading role in our holidays as they set the stage for so much: comfort, heritage, tradition, and the enjoyment of good company. Grandma’s Parisian wafers, Norwegian lefsa, dad’s pumpkin pie, and Blick top the list for longstanding traditions mixed with a fresh evolving menu each year.
C: What are you top 5 tips for entertaining in style?
ANV: Entertain from the heart. Focus on elements that will add to an experience: whether it’s giving thanks to each guest with a simple toast as to why you are thankful for them, or sending guests home with late-night Christmas cookie bags, putting a personalized stamp on the holidays means so much.
- Set the mood with music. Pepper Top 40 music, holiday classics, and world music. Keep the vibe upbeat and festive but the volume low.
- Focus on items you have on hand: eclectic mixes of heirloom china with modern sleek linens can be so striking.
- Bring the outdoors in. Forage in your own back yard and decorate with moss, leaves, beatiful lichen-covered branches, and acorns {just wash them first}.
- Don’t forget about serving non-alcoholic drinks. Dress them up sparkling water with sugared cranberries or lemon zest, apple cider with cinnamon sticks, or egg nog with a sprinkling of nutmeg.
Find out more great ideas and inspiration from Aleah & Nick Valley by visiting them on Facebook, Twitter, Valley & Co Lifestyle, Valley & Co and don’t miss their tips for a fabulous New Year’s Eve here.