Napa White House Inn

Save a tree” isn’t just a cute slogan — between global warming and habitat destruction, it’s imperative. Minimizing the amount of virgin paper used in your wedding stationery can have a huge impact. While there unfortunately aren’t extensive options for eco-friendly printing — between the inks, toners, and solvents, a lot of chemicals are involved — there are fabulous (yet responsible) choices when it comes to paper.

Opt for Recycled Paper - You can’t completely dismiss the wedding invitation. So instead, use paper that has a high-recycled content or is made from an alternative fiber, such as hemp or bamboo. “There are beautiful recycled papers,” Seo says. And buying recycled does make a difference. According to Ariel Dekovic, coauthor of 365 Ways to Save the Earth, “Every ton of recycled paper saves 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, the energy equivalent of 380 gallons of oil, and keeps almost 60 pounds of pollutants out of the atmosphere.” Go to WomanCraft.net: These 100 percent recycled invitations are handmade by women working to overcome homelessness and other hardships. Or try JamPaper.com for a wedding-worthy array of recycled papers.

Consolidate Inserts - Typically, there’s a lot of information to convey to your guests. Instead of enclosing multiple cards in your invite, combine the essential info into one card. Or, even better, print up a website card that directs guests to your personal, paper-free domain.

Minimize the Mailings - Use online invites for the surrounding events: the bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, and the postwedding brunch. If you need to update your guests about the wedding happenings, toss the paper newsletter for an email version.

Skip the Extras - Instead of placing a menu at every setting, have one or two for the table. If you’re having wedding programs, eliminate unnecessary pages (like that monogrammed layer of vellum). Or print up one per couple — you definitely don’t need extra programs.

Seat Guests with (Paperless) Style - Two escort card ideas we love: Paint or stamp guests’ names on stones, or tie a ribbon to the stem of a flower (using ribbon left over from the programs, of course) with the guest’s name and table number on it. Or, forgo individual escort cards for a poster that lists table information. Take it up a notch with white-glove service: have guests ask the waiters (armed with printouts of the table assignments) for the info.

Splurge on Calligraphy - Have as many items hand-calligraphed as your budget allows. Not only is calligraphy gorgeous and elegant, it’s totally eco-friendly. Envelopes and escort cards are pretty standard, but you can calligraph menus, table names and numbers, and even the invitation itself.

Investigate Printing Alternatives - Most large printers still use traditional printing methods, but there’s no harm in asking if yours would be willing to try soy- or vegetable-based inks. Make sure to find out about custom projects that are eco-friendly (think program covers) at GreenerPrinter.com.

Source:  wedding.theknot.com
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Reduce & Reuse
The key to a wedding that’s eco- and style-conscious is to simplify. Reusing accents or materials doesn’t just save money, it saves resources. Work with what you’ve got nearby (and in season) and feel good about your efforts.

Choose a Site with Significance
Look for a space that will benefit from your event, like a museum, a cultural organization, or an art gallery. Ask how the site will use your fee (hopefully toward new programs and upkeep of the institution). Want an outdoor event? Opt for a botanical garden, arboretum, or the grounds of a historic home — it’s likely you can even find one run by a nonprofit organization.

Recycle Your Decor
Decorate your ceremony space with items you can reuse at the reception, whether it’s topiaries that go from the altar to the entryway or arrangements that decorate the program table and dress up your guest book area. You’ll save money and waste less. When the evening is over, plan to donate the pieces to a nursing home or hospital. Call ahead to see if you can arrange a pickup from your site.

Decorate with Bamboo
A great and modern-looking option, bamboo is considered one of the most sustainable materials on earth — it can grow up to two feet a day, “So it takes only three to seven years to mature, as opposed to 120 years for some nice oak!” explains Ariel Dekovic, coauthor of 365 Ways to Save the Earth. Use tall stalks of curly bamboo in centerpieces, or choose bamboo chargers for your reception tables. And of course, mini stalks of lucky bamboo are always a favorite favor.

Arrive in (Low Emission) Style
A Prius limo? That might not yet be a reality, but there are ecologically friendly options out there. If your wedding is near the water, leave your ceremony in a canoe. We’ve also seen couples depart on tandem bicycles, rickshaws, or old-school conveyances like a horse and buggy.

Light Soy Candles
Candlelight isn’t only romantic, it’s energy efficient. Look for soy candles — they’re made from a renewable resource, are cleaner and longer burning than regular candles, plus spills are easy to clean (just use soap and hot water). They’re available in nearly every size, shape, color, and scent you can imagine.
Source:  wedding.theknot.com
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Every year corporate executives, rich and famous come to Napa to be apart of the Flights of Napa.  “Flights of Napa” festival is a celebration of the finest in aircraft, wine and luxury. Dozens of new and pre-owned private aircraft will be on display at the “Flights of Napa” festival on the weekend of September 27 & 28, 2008 at the Napa Valley Airport. “Flights of Napa” offers aircraft enthusiasts of all levels a chance to get up close and personal with some of the world’s finest private aircraft. Some of the aircraft on display will be new models from Embraer, Hawker/Beechcraft, OurPLANE, Pilatus, Cessna, Executive Jet and Clay Lacy Aviation, including the wildly popular new VLJ (Very Light Jets) category. There will also be many pre-owned aircraft brought by several national aviation dealers.

Admission to the two-day “Flights of Napa” festival is FREE. A VIP package of $500 per person and includes admission, lunch daily, tasting of dozens of Napa Valley cult wines, cigar tent, priority jet tours, exclusive dinners, a Sunday brunch and much more. For more information on “Flights of Napa”, or for VIP packages, please call (212) 672-5171, email napaflyin@doubledownmedia.com, or log on to: www.flightsofnapa.com.
10am, FREE/$500 VIP Pass Napa County Airport, 2000 Airport Rd., Napa,

Source: www.flightsofnapa.com

Amongst the natural wood, the copper and the bar carved from a single piece of wood (check it out yourself!); the newly remodeled Sequoia Grove tasting room is just what you’d expect–– warm, welcoming and gracious, just like our staff. Yet, you’ll also be delighted by the details. The entrance is flanked by two large upright wooden casks. These are called puncheons, and impressive word to drop into casual conversation! Each puncheon was made in France and assembled here in 1981. Each is a different size designed to hold a specific lot of wine.
The amazing natural light is courtesy of the “Lightning skylight.” In 2003 lightning struck one of our Sequoia trees, causing it to crash through the roof. Always looking for the silver lining and being thrifty, we salvaged the wood from the fallen Sequoia to make redwood presentation boxes; and filled the hole in the roof with a skylight to let in a little more light.

Tour & Tasting Programs
Sipping fine Sequoia Grove wines is great, but how in the world did that great taste get into that little glass? Find out with our newest tasting program.  You’ll be greeted with a glass of Chardonnay in our newly renovated tasting room. Then we’ll take you on a tour of our vineyards, winemaking facility, and grounds. We conclude with barrel tasting of our future vintages.

Wine & Cheese Pairing - The cheese never needs to stand alone again. Bring your lips (and the rest of you) to Sequoia Grove to enjoy our finest reds paired with select savory cheeses. Wines: Stagecoach Syrah, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Rutherford Bench Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Selected cheeses paired with each wine

Wine & Chocolate Pairing - The sweetest combination ever. We start with sips of our favorite Cabernets, add divinely delectable chocolate confections from local chocolatiers, and then we share the tasty treats with you! Mmmmm.

Private Events - Give your guests a taste of Napa bliss. Set back from the road, set apart from the rest, Sequoia Grove and its award-winning wines present a wonderful set-up for a great time. Our newly remodeled Reserve Room and garden are striking venues for any occasion. Sequoia Grove is pleased to host:

Executive Meetings and Lunches
Picnic Lunches
Corporate and Private Receptions, Lunch and Dinners
Large Group (groups greater than 10) Private Wine & Cheese Pairings

Sequoia Grove 2008 Special Events
September 27 - Harvest Celebration
Another fun, food and wine filled event at Sequoia Grove. You’ll definitely not want to miss out on an evening of entertainment, excellent food and all of our Sequoia Grove wines.

Source:  www.sequoiagrove.com
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St. Supéry Winery has long been a magnet for Napa Valley visitors. Our estate winery, art gallery and guided and self-guided tours offer guests a unique and memorable Napa Valley winery experience. There are a variety of ways you can enjoy your stay at St. Supéry, and those choices can be narrowed into three categories:

Just show up. St. Supéry Winery is open to the public seven days a week (with the exception of a few major holidays) with tasting and touring options every day. You can see our daily offerings in the column to the right.
  
Reserve space for an event or seminar that is open to the public. St. Supéry has interesting and fun events and seminars throughout the year. These events are designed for those who seek to do something a bit out of the ordinary during the wine Napa Valley visit, something more than just wine tasting, without a large time investment.
 
Arrange your own custom, private event for your group.
St. Supéry Winery has long been a magnet for Napa Valley visitors. Our estate winery, art gallery and guided and self-guided tours offer guests a unique and memorable Napa Valley winery experience. There are a variety of ways you can enjoy your stay at St. Supéry, and those choices can be narrowed into three categories:

Just show up. St. Supéry Winery is open to the public seven days a week (with the exception of a few major holidays) with tasting and touring options every day. You can see our daily offerings in the column to the right.Reserve space for an event or seminar that is open to the public. St. Supéry has interesting and fun events and seminars throughout the year. These events are designed for those who seek to do something a bit out of the ordinary during the wine Napa Valley visit, something more than just wine tasting, without a large time investment.

ONE OF THE FIRST great Wine Country establishments, the Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil pays tribute to its legacy with an award-winning menu and wine list. Our culinary staff’s inspired cuisine reflects the natural diversity and rich ingredients of Napa Valley and draws from regional produce, accented with Mediterranean flavors. Sommelier Kris Margerum’s wine list, the largest and most extensive in the valley, showcases the very best from neighboring vineyards. 

Executive Chef Robert Curry welcomes guests with beautifully prepared Wine Country cuisine. Curry has brought his own fan base to the Auberge, having spent six years as Executive Chef at nearby Domaine Chandon. Most recently, he was Executive Chef across the valley at the Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant at the Culinary Institute of America. A native of Los Angeles, Curry began his career working with Wolfgang Puck at Ma Cuisine and later, with Michel Richard and Alain Giraud at Citrus. After traveling the world and training with Alain Ducasse, Michel Rostang and other renowned chefs, he was lured to Napa Valley, where he has established a reputation as one of Wine Country’s finest.

Renovated recently by Tucker, the Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil features rich interiors accented with abstract paintings, exposed beams and warm wood furnishings. Tables on the famous terrace are some of the most sought-after in the Valley, due to the panoramic views of the olive groves, vineyards and sunsets. The adjacent bar, now updated with in a relaxed contemporary style, is an inviting setting in which to sip a cocktail by the fire, dine on lighter fare al fresco or enjoy one of the 35 wines served by the glass.

Source:  www.aubergedusoleil.com
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Think your autumn wedding has to be all about pumpkin centerpieces and foliage hues? Not to worry — during this transitional season, you still have tons of options. It’s easy to feel trapped in a certain kind of wedding style when you’re planning a fall wedding — you might feel bound to a color palette of brick to russet to terra cotta, and that autumn leaves are a decor necessity. But it’s not so — we’ve busted the top fall wedding myths so your style possibilities will be as excellent as the weather forecast.

Myth #1: You Must Stick To a “Fall Foliage” Color Scheme
Experts agree that you do not have to use leaf-hues for a fall wedding, and that some couples tend to rely too heavily on these and other earth tones (like chocolate brown) in autumn. We’re not suggesting that you ignore the season entirely and use bright, summery colors or spring pastels; simply consider other rich and glamorous hues that fit the time of year. Try plum and aubergine combined with shades of cream and blush, or classic navy blue paired with a glam shade of gold. If you have your heart set on brown, try mocha or cappuccino hues rather than chocolate, which combine beautifully with black, cream, and even red. In fact, you can use any color you crave — even electric brights or baby pastels — as long as you combine it with a darker hue to create balance. Some examples we love: Tiffany blue with mocha, and hot pink with charcoal gray. And if you want to use some classic fall hues, highlight them with fresh, unexpected tints like burnt orange and deep gold spiked with mango or fuchsia.

Myth #2: The Bridesmaids Must Wear Heavy Silk or Satin
You shouldn’t feel obligated to outfit your maids in heavy fabric just because of the season. Lightweight fabrics like silk will look perfectly appropriate, but avoid supersummery ones like eyelet. It’s more important to choose a fabric that flatters everyone’s figures and a color that will complement their complexions (keep in mind that they may be paler in the fall). For a glamorous fall bridesmaid look, try pale gold dresses accented with sashes or flowers in mango or fuchsia. Rust, aubergine, and deep (but not quite forest) green are also widely flattering shades that look chic at this time of year.

Myth #3: The Guys Have To Wear Dark Suits or Black Tie
Though seersucker may not be the best idea, the groom and his wedding party aren’t obligated to go with a formal, dark suit look. Light khaki suits have an earthy feel that’s still appropriate in the fall. If it’s warm enough, skip the jackets and go for a casual-but-polished look with crisp button-down shirts and khaki slacks.

Myth #4: You Must Incorporate Pumpkins
Though you might want to use them as filling for a ravioli starter, you don’t have to incorporate pumpkins into your wedding aesthetics. There are lots of other decor elements you can work into your wedding that reflect the season in more subtle ways. Since it’s the harvest season, any grains like wheat and millet add atmosphere. Wine or champagne grapes and fruit like apples, pears, and pomegranates will also highlight the fall in a pumpkin-free way.

Myth #5: You Have To Hold the Festivities Indoors
If you’ve always dreamt of an outdoor wedding, but believe you can’t reconcile that dream with your fall wedding date, think again. With enough heat lamps, you can hold the ceremony, cocktail hour, and possibly even the reception outdoors regardless of the temperature; however, you may want to retreat inside for dancing and dessert when the night gets chilly after the sun sets. Give your guests a heads-up (on your wedding website or on a slip of paper inside the invitation) to bring jackets and wraps. If, by chance, it ends up unseasonably cold on your wedding day, arm your bridesmaids with a bunch of inexpensive pashmina-style wraps to pass out to guests who look chilly.

Source:  www.wedding.theknot.com
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September 6 — Harvest Stomp
Celebration,   For the first time in its 33-year history, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers proudly announces the inauguration of their signature fundraising event, the Harvest STOMP. Admirers of Napa Valley wines now have a chance to deepen their understanding of the growers’ role in the creation of these fine wines during an authentic harvest celebration on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008 from 5-9 p.m. at the Round Pond Estate in Rutherford. Guests will enjoy local, exhibition-style cuisine and have the opportunity to meet Napa Valley’s most notable grapegrowers, many of whom will be pouring wines made from grapes grown in their vineyards. Dancing to great bands, an instant cellar raffle, and a live auction filled with one of a kind Napa Valley experiences ensure this celebration will be truly exceptional. Earlier in the day guests can enjoy private and exclusive luncheons hosted by pioneering grapegrowing families at six estate vineyards not typically open to the public. Guests will dine in the midst of the vines, while drinking wines made from those vineyards. Tickets for the Harvest STOMP evening celebration are $100 per person. The Harvest STOMP Grower Luncheon tickets are $300 per person, which includes entrance to the evening celebration. For ticket information visit www.harveststomp.com or call 707.944.8311 for more information.

Source: www.roundpond.com

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September 1 — Labor Day BBQ Festival
Festival, Benefit: Oxbow Public Market & Napa Valley Opera House present: Labor Day BBQ Festival. $60 (food, beverages & entertainment) $100 (indoor seating & wine pairing by Oxbow Wine Merchant) A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Napa Valley Opera House. Oxbow Public Market, 610 First Street, Napa, CA
Fee: See DescriptionTime: 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. Phone Number: (707) 226.7372

September 2 — Napa Farmers Market Tour & Cooking Class
Food Education: The day begins at the farmers market selecting farm fresh produce our lunch. A private tasting at the Oxbow Wine & Cheese Merchant followed by a hands-on cooking class. Includes breakfast at market, tastings, recipes, 3 course lunch & wine. Zucchini Carpaccio, Napa Steak, Panzamella, Fall Fruit Crisp
Fee: $185Time: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Phone Number: (707) 227.5036

September 4 — Michael “The Great Pretender’s” Tribute to Roy Orbison & Johnny Cash.
Performing Arts, Live Music: After having performed their popular “Images of Elvis” show last year, Michael & Blue Suede are returning to COPIA to present fully costumed tributes to the legendary Roy Orbison and the “Man In Black”, Johnny Cash. Copia , 500 First St., Napa
Fee: $25 general/$22.50 members/$10 12 & undeTime: 7:30 p.m. Phone Number: (888) 51.COPIA

September 5 — Merlove at Copia
Performing Arts: With the message that no single varietal should be singled out and crushed, the film interweaves documentary-style filmmaking with an animated bottle of wine named “Merlove” who must find a way to fill himself with love when tossed aimlessly into an ocean of mediocre Merlot wines. 500 First St., Napa
Fee: $7 General / $6 MembersTime: 8 p.m. Phone Number: (888) 51.COPIA

Source:  www.napavalley.com

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How much importance is placed on the  wedding vows in the wedding ceremony?  The wedding vows are actually the heart of this ceremony. Any other celebrating element can be removed but without these vows, wedding ceremony can not be completed. These wedding vows are a way to pledge your love and devotion to your partner. You express the depth of your feeling for your partner through these vows. Thus, this is very much important to choose best vows that completely and openly tell your companion that what you think about him/her. These vows are an important part of the wedding ceremony whether it is religious or non-religious. The words in traditional wedding vows are same and we normally find these words in movies, books and songs. These traditional vows perfectly articulate the sanctity of wedding. Traditional wedding vows provide a time honored and revered way to exchange vows. These traditional vows are an integral part of wedding and the same wedding vows were used by your parents, grandparents and other ancestors.

The variations of these vows are used in different cultures. But the underlying theme is same that is to have commitment to one another throughout the life (all the good times and bad times). If you want to change the traditional way of saying wedding vows, then you can write these vows in your own words that meet your taste but essence of these vows should not be changed. Can’t find the right words to say on your wedding day here is a great tip, go to www.myweddingvows.com.  Writing your vows, however, can be harder than it seems. That is why we have collected an assortment of both traditional and contemporary wedding vows on this site for you to use as a source of inspiration. As an added reference we have also included sample wedding ceremonies, prayers and poems.

Source:  www.myweddingvows.com
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