Although mimosas and bellinis are the fizzy drinks to coin the trick, both are unfortunately reserved for daylight drinking.

At A Fare, we found a one-two-punch addition that transforms our trusty and true champagne into an elegant evening beverage. Just add your favorite liqueur and a sugared rim!

It gives you just a hint of flavoring and a look that is more than sleek…

And oh so subtle… 

We recommend a splash of peach, pear or elderflower. Perfect for these hot days (and nights!)

So what do we throw on when we really have to tuck away our white linen pants? Co-presenters, Houston magazine and Tootsie’s, gave us more than a few inspiring looks with Wednesday’s Fresh Faces of Fashion event!

Ten Houston fashionistas modeled an impressive fall runway show of prints, platforms and Pucci galore. We were thrilled to be a sponsor of the event!

Donning hot pink and neon orange ties, our bartenders served up refreshing specialty cocktails that incorporated Double Cross Vodka (a hot new item on the market you must run out and try!)

Off the runway, all 400 +  guests were a fashion show in and of themselves! Only interupting their mingling and designer-dud browsing to pick up a yummy cucumber slice of tuna tartare…

It was a night to remember, and if nothing else, a great indicator of the fabulous, fashion-forward fall to come!

Let’s just say you’d be hard pressed to find a modern-day woman who would leave ANY of the elements of Saturday’s event off her so-called list!

Let me highlight the key words for you… BRIDES Magazine hit 10 major markets on Saturday with a De Beers in-store event, inclusing San Fran, NYC, LA, Vegas, and yes… Houston! A Fare Extraordinaire was there to serve the Dom Perignon and the presentation of sweets as guests browsed the endless offerings of diamond designs.

Photography by Amy Vogel:

Now those are a few of my favorite things!

You’ve already got the gorgeous blue of the pool, so add in exotic flowers for contrasting color…

And of course delicious food manned by attentive staff (that somehow manage to mantain smiling faces despite the heat!!)

And an area to recover in from the food overload…

And there’s your poolside chic! Turned over with less than 24-hours notice…can you believe it? Whewf!

Just leave it to us! No matter the timeframe, we’ll make a big splash!

We continually encourage our clients to do the same. Customized menu signage, themed name plates, departing gifts, etc.  give an otherwise “already seen it” event some real sparkle factor!

We love to design treats and tags to fit your event…

Just at this weekend’s Engagement Party we created diamond ring sugar cookies with a tag that read “On a Bridge in London…She Said Yes!” They were a huge hit, and got the bride and groom-to-be talking about the special engagement night they shared weeks ago.

So get those creative juices flowing. You won’t be dissapointed in the end result, especially the endless string of “You’re so inventive, how do you do it?” compliments!

The Sugar Land Museum of Natural Science opened in October 2009, and has since been gaining momentum as a place to learn, explore and throw special events. We took part in an open house just this week, and our jaws absolutely dropped when we took a peak at the rental prices for this spectacular space. It’s smaller, yes… but impressive, yes!

This unique building used to be a Texas prision, but now houses hundreds of gems and artifacts, a calendar of ever-changing exhibits, and a planitarium.

This guy greets you as you walk in…

…and the fun continues from there! Perfect for a corporate retreat, kid’s birthday party, small gala or any kind of reception.

We’ve already produced a 100-person Bat Mitzvah there, and can see many more special events in our future.

So for all those living outside the loop (or secretly dying for a quick reprieve from the inner-loop hustle bustle), hop on 59 and we’ll meet you there for some AFE fun!

It may seem like a stretch, but first impressions are just as important when planning your party or event. Don’t you want your guests to walk in and instantly fall in love (be it with the venue, ambiance, food, decor)? We sure do!

Your party could have the fairy tale ending you always dreamed of, but I guarantee you, it starts with that perfect first impression. Here are 5 easy ways to ensure you get it right:

1. Turn the air waaaaay down, especially for these summer months. We suggest at least 67 degrees.

2. Dim the lights. Just like you don’t appreciate trying on swimsuits in a bright fitting room, your guests don’t appreciate blinding light as they mingle!

3. If you have lamps, turn them on. If you have candles, light them. What fun is functional décor if it’s not functioning?

4. Clear clutter. The more open the room, the more open your guests will be! It’s strange, I know, but people respond well to space.

5. RELAX! Above all, this is our favorite, favorite party tip. As the host of the party, your tone sets the mood for the evening! If you’re enjoying yourself, everyone else will follow suit.

Just add roses and you’re well on your way to running an AFE (and ABC) approved affair!

Imagine it’s Friday afternoon at 5:30 pm.

Here in Houston, A Fare Extraordinaire is a buzz confirming and re-confirming the details of Saturday night’s 550+ person wedding at the Museum of Fine Arts. With passed hors d’ oeuvres and FOUR buffet presentations, ranging from a “Bridal Buffet” filled with delicious light and refreshing vegetarian items and a dessert-only buffet with SIX rich options, the wedding was on its way to becoming a true affair extraordiniare. And the guest count was still growing!

Miles away on the northeast coast of Newport, Rhode Island, I begin to slowly walk down the aisle as Maid of Honor in my big sister’s wedding.

Although I was originally peeved that AFE would not be producing the magical evening, this notion quickly subsided when I got my first taste of Newport scenery…

Photo from 22 Bowen's Wine Bar & Grille

No complaints, but at the end of the day (and the wedding weekend) I was proud when I noticed not one Newport chef had whipped me up a batch of lobster mashed potatoes. There are still some items that remain an AFE specialty!

Congratulations to my sister Holly and my new brother Clayton!

Or in an over the top, floral light fixture that brighten an entire room!

Here’s a flower, though, that everyone can appreciate…the “Corpse” Flower.

The Corpse Flower is the largest, rarest (and smelliest) single blooming flower in the entire world! The plant only blooms once every 15 years, and the bloom lasts two days AT MOST before it wilts and the process starts again.

We’ve heard the flower is absolutely breathtaking, both in color and in stench. Although the bloom only last a day or so, the smell (comparable to a rotting corpse…hence the name) can linger for over a week! Regardless, this flower is a sight to behold.

Lucky for us Houstonians, an active Corpse Flower, “Lois,” is in the process of blooming as we speak at the Houston Museum of Natural Science! Tickets are on sale now to visit this rare specimen over the next few days, or you can visit the live webcam to monitor its progress yourself!

Although you won’t see A Fare Extraordiniare using these guys to adorn our buffet presentations or dining room tables any time soon, it’s nice to learn more about this crazy creature causing a stir just down the street!

Red…Tuna Sashimi!

Orange…Carmelized Figs!

Yellow…Chocolate Drizzled Plantains!

Green…Smoked Duck Crepes!

Blue…Custom Cookies!

Purple…Raspberry Gelato!