Thursday, December 9, 2010









We were requested to quote for this project in August 2010 and after 2 months of anticipation, we were called to meet with the client from AGFund to pitch our ideas and fine tune our ideas. They wanted the tiniest details discussed and they did this with all the event planners they met here during their first short 2-day visit to Kuala Lumpur. All we knew then was that most hotels were fully booked and we only one venue left that fit the bill- the KL Convention Centre

When they left for Riyadh, we were then asked to give several more ideas before they would make their decision two weeks later. Needless to say, our suppliers were on their wits end trying to get a confirmation before starting on the project.

Finally, we received the much awaited green light and before we knew it we had only two weeks left to complete staging, negotiations with the venue and other vendors. We worked with designers to come up with new stage and backdrop designs and we only got the go ahead 3 days before the 3-day event when the AGFund arrived from Riyadh!

Needless to say, all other projects took a temporary back seat while we dived headfirst into this one. We spent many anxious filled nights at the Secretariat room at The Traders Hotel going over programmes, artwork, event crew schedules, logistics making sure nothing was left out. After all, HRH Prince Talal Bin Abdul Aziz, the President of AGFund and our own PM, YAB Dato' Sri Najib Bin Abdul Razak were going to grace the event!

At last, the first day of the event started off with the Briefing and Press Conference and the journalists found out that HRH Prince Talal was unwell and had sent his son, HRH Prince Turky Bin Talal instead. Ah, but a Prince is still a Prince!

The Briefing and Press Conference covered the AGFund concept specifically targetted for the knowledge of our local NGOs who turned up in droves.

The second day was more for the 12th Prize Committee and more foreign journalists who were specially flown in to cover the event. This is when the 2010 project winners are announced.

And the third day, the grandest of them all, was the AGFund Award Ceremony dinner where the three 2009 prize winners were given awards. The AGFUND Prize is given annually in a city selected as per specific criteria approved by the Prize Committee which includes high-profile personalities representing the various regions of the world. So far, the Prize award ceremony was held in Geneva, Paris, New Delhi, Tunis, Cape Town, Warsaw, Buenos Aires and Istanbul. Kuala Lumpur will be the ninth station within 11 years ever since the Prize has been launched on 1999. The "Prize Station" is selected as per specific criteria approved by the Prize Committee.

The Prize of the Arab Gulf Program for United Nations Development Organizations is an extension of AGFUND approach in concentrating developmental performance and supporting the cornerstones of development in order to realize the target of sustainability and investment in man.

We are happy to report that despite undergoing a challenging two weeks, the event went on without any untoward incident and was even praised as the best award ceremony AGFund has ever had!
byBest Events
in
12:18 AM

Event Report: AGFund Award Ceremony Dinner

We were requested to quote for this project in August 2010 and after 2 months of anticipation, we were called to meet with the client from A...
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What are the major trends in the world of corporate events?

Deborah Elias, CSEP, CMP
What corporate events are growing in importance--marketing events? Branding? Employee appreciation? Sales training? Client appreciation? Which do you see fading back?

"Events are that are aimed at marketing/branding to new clients, whether by product launches or trade shows, seem to be the primary focus of corporations." – Deborah Elias, CSEP, CMP, Elias Events, Houston

"In 2008-09, corporate marketing and employee appreciation events were fading, but recently there has been a resurgence. Branding is very important, and brand loyalty is a large focus of clients." --Jocelyn Flanagan, CSEP, E=MC2 Event Management, Calgary, Alberta

"Employee appreciation events have been on the decline for years. That said, events focusing on training and rewarding salespeople are still important to the corporations." – Janet Elkins, EventWorks, Los Angeles

"I don't see as much fading. In fact, we were so faded, particularly in employee appreciation, that all areas you note are making a comeback--including that one!" –- Joann Roth-Oseary, Someone's in the Kitchen, Tarzana, Calif.

How have your responses to Request for Proposal (RFPs) changed in the last 12 months? Do you stress some elements more now? Is it just a question of price nowadays?

"Last year it was all about price and pretty much getting everything they got in 2008 but with 2009 prices. This year seems to be more about the quality but with more realistic budget expectations." -- Elias

Jocelyn Flanagan, CSEP
"Firstly, the amount of RFPs has increased in the past year, with procurement departments having more control over decision-making. Event elements such as safety standards and environmentally friendly event initiatives influence the outcome of the RFP; however, fiscal responsibility and cost controls are usually at the forefront." -- Flanagan

"There is definitely a focus on ROI--and has been for several years. We often encourage clients [to provide] a retainer so there is a win-win for both the corporation and us as a vendor. We are guaranteed business, and the corporation receives discounted pricing." -- Elkins

"Price remains a primary driver with RFPs although we do see a lot of upgrades, so we are taking the minimalist approach primarily and showing room for upgrades and choices. It seems to be working." --Roth-Oseary

Do you see the market for corporate events looking better in 2011?

"Looking better--thank God. I think people are becoming more optimistic about the shift in focus to the economy--where it should have always been, frankly, for the past two years." --Elias

"Yes, corporations are adjusting to the new mindset of controlled optimism and realize that they need to continue to move forward—'Business as usual.'"—Flanagan

Joann Roth-Oseary
"We definitely see an increase in business in 2011--and even a return for some 'themed' events." --Elkins

"I see it looking better. There is just so long they can lay down and play dead before the market thinks they are dead. I see the noses poking out of the foxholes, getting ready to shoot." --Roth-Oseary

What are the trends to watch?

"In our city, philanthropy is a major component in designing events. Whether it is a corporate employee Christmas party with guests donating gifts to a children's charity or a social event with the host encouraging donations to their chosen charity, the idea of giving is the a common thread through our events."-- Flanagan
byBest Events
in
12:01 AM

Event planners speak about Corporate Event Trends

What are the major trends in the world of corporate events? Deborah Elias, CSEP, CMP What corporate events are growing in importance--market...
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Wednesday, December 8, 2010



Increasingly tech-savvy and eco-conscious clients will drive continued change in meetings and events management in the year ahead. Technological advances are expected to be at the core of several trends in the meeting industry in 2011.

Customizable mobile apps

One trend is the use of mobile devices and customized applications to promote audience engagement, interactivity and networking. Mobile apps are now being developed for individual events and programs, allowing organizers to communicate with attendees before and during the meeting, especially regarding time-sensitive subjects like changes of itinerary, maps and other announcements.

There are several devices and services currently on the market that help to increase the technological and interactive aspects of a meeting. These include audience response and networking apps such as VisionTree, Spotme and others. VisionTree utilizes proprietary software on either existing client phones or rentable equipment and is useful for tracking audience responses, while Spotme uses proprietary software and equipment for messaging, customized agendas and audience response.

Expect customized lead generation and comprehensive registration tracking and reporting to become more prevalent through the use of barcode scanning and RFID.

Hybrid meetings
In today's cost-conscious business environment, PMUSA forecasts that new technologies will also drive continued growth in hybrid meetings. By incorporating hybrid components into their meetings, clients are saving money, achieving higher attendance rates and promoting sustainability. Incorporating technology, such as live broadcasts and video streaming, allows clients to conduct and attend meetings from a remote location. PMUSA believes that the cost savings is a major factor in this trend, along with the importance of a meeting's environmental responsibility."

Comprehensive "green" meetings
Meeting clients have increasingly been requesting "green" events, but it's the comprehensive nature of these requests that PMUSA sees as the most important trend for the coming year. Increasingly, clients are expecting every aspect of a meeting to include an environmental component, from biodiesel vehicles and biodegradable materials to the use of locally sourced food and reusable plants for centerpieces in lieu of cut flowers."
Among other green-friendly options, PMUSA has managed several events where attendees are encouraged to pre-print their name badges in order to reduce on-site waste, and where water refill stations replace bottled water.

Social media interaction
As companies become more aware of the power of social media tools, PMUSA expects clients to request more use of social networking websites like Twitter and LinkedIn to communicate with attendees before and during meetings. Requests for interactive meetings have increased exponentially, and PMUSA expects this trend to continue well into 2011.
Examples of this trend include the increasing popularity of computer kiosks that provide meeting-goers the opportunity to tweet during events and Twitter boards that stream live updates for all attendees to see.

It is also forecasted that 2011 will bring greater use of technology to connect clients and meeting managers during the planning stages of events. Expect extensive use of Skype to provide immediate assistance and allow for "face to face" client interaction no matter where the meeting manager might be.

Corporate social responsibility
The company continues to see an increase in customers requiring Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) components in their meetings, looking to have an impact on the local communities in which they meet. Another popular trend is incorporating CSR into a team-building event at the meeting location, from building bikes and stocking children's backpacks to assembling oyster mats to help with oyster reef restoration.
Aditionally, "Donation Stations" are also becoming more popular in trade shows, allowing attendees and exhibitors to donate their leftover trade show bags and giveaway items for donation to local organizations.

Luxury meetings recover
While 2009 and 2010 have clearly seen less focus on high-end resorts, Best Events management team is beginning to see a change that bodes well for five-star and five-star properties.

Over the last half of 2010, we began receiving increasing client requests for high-end properties, something we expect to continue if the economy continues trending upward in 2011.
byBest Events
in
11:53 PM

Event Trends 2011

Increasingly tech-savvy and eco-conscious clients will drive continued change in meetings and events management in the year ahead. Technolog...
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Melvin Gilbert, a Destination Engagement & Wedding Photographer based in Los Angeles - USA will be in Kuala Lumpur on 26 January 2011 and from 12-14 February 2011 so if you haven't booked your potraiture photographer, this is the time to do so!

You can check out his portfolio at:

http://www.melvingilbert.com/

http://bit.ly/bCBPqr

http://www.bit.ly/melvingilbertphotography

We're offering an exclusive offer for you this month:

Couple/Engagement Session (Engagement Casual Portrait)
MYR1500.00nett

-Up to 2-4 hours Photo-shoot session
-Unlimited Locations
-Unlimited Outfits (Makeup & Outfits provided by clients)
-Two photographers
-Photo Editing
-Picture proofs posted online
-Video montage online (youtube.com, vimeo.com & blip.tv see sample : http://bit.ly/jade_rob, http://bit.ly/ag6UEg & http://bit.ly/cRw5wx)
-High-resolution photos on DVD
-Medium-resolution photos on DVD as well (for facebook or online websites)

For more info, do drop Melvin a line or two at info@melvingilbert.com .

Remember to mention the Promo code:POSE121BESTEVENTS

Have you met our lovely wedding planner yet? Talk over your plans with by dropping her a line at bestevents88@gmail.com. We've hot new packages for 2011, you don't wanna miss it!
byBest Events
in
11:15 PM

December Promo: Wedding Photography

Melvin Gilbert, a Destination Engagement & Wedding Photographer based in Los Angeles - USA will be in Kuala Lumpur on 26 January 2011 an...
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Tuesday, December 7, 2010


Yes, the new year's coming and despite us being busy preparing for the year end parties, we have not forgotten that some of you are already planning your wedding in 2011!

So here are Mandi de Lude's predictions for the new year:

The Dress

Everyone’s favorite part of a wedding is seeing what the bride wore as she walked down the aisle. 2010 paved the way for more and more ruffles, as we saw elegantly structured, layered, avant-garde tiers.

In 2011, you can expect feminine romance to continue, but in softer, more subtle ways. Expect more floral appliqué, sequins, and beading on thinly streamed trumpet and mermaid gowns.

Expect fuller-length gowns to have demure chiffon layers, with the flower appliqué and sequins.











The Invitations

In 2011, expect more contemporary and personalized wedding invitations-Mod, Nature, Vegas!-nothing is off limits. Expect the couple’s personality to really shine through.

OUT: Boring white

STILL IN: Damask (try paisley for a new-but-old twist)

IN: Go green with soy ink, recycled paper, and online save-the-dates!








The Cake

Like invitations, expect cakes to be brightly colored, lots of fondant, and lots of flowers! Goodbye traditional white butter cream. Also look for more creative wedding toppers.






The Colors

Expect lots of reds and yellows. Gray is the hottest new “color” and a nice alternative to brown. Try gray and blush or gray and yellow.

OUT: Brown and pink ,Most Pastels

STILL IN: Black and white (And always will be.) Add a nice pop of unexpected color to a B &W wedding like teal or yellow (no more red with this color combo, please!). Light green with any color, also not going anywhere.

IN: red, yellow, teal.

The Decor

Wedding centerpieces will continue to be more contemporary than traditional bouquet centerpieces. Anticipate fish and floating flowers and candles and branches. Think outside the box to make your wedding centerpiece one-of-a-kind.

Also look for other pops of color in hanging lanterns, table covers, and clothing accents (sashes, flowers pins, shoes, etc.)














SUMMARY: This is not your mother’s wedding. Out with everything white; in with bright, unexpected pops of color, modern cakes, invitations, and centerpieces. Be creative and have fun!

These are just speculations from a 2011 Bride and Maid of Honor, who has done her fair share of wedding research and planning. Of course, the most important thing is to stay true to yourself and your tastes. If you like a nice, old fashioned sort of wedding, don’t create a brightly colored circus wedding theme because those colors are in! Go with white if you want –it's YOUR wedding day!
byBest Events
in , ,
7:55 PM

Wedding Trends 2011

Yes, the new year's coming and despite us being busy preparing for the year end parties, we have not forgotten that some of you are alre...
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Thursday, October 28, 2010

As there are prizes for Best Chef and Best reviewer every month, we would like to seek sponsorship from hotels (Best Chef of the Month to have a culinary lesson with the hotel chef)and restaurants (Best Reviewer of the month gets to dine at your restaurant)

What's in it for sponsors? Why, an editorial piece on your venue under our Fabulous Finds section of course!

Sponsors should have the "Halal" certificate or at least be pork-free.
byBest Events
in
8:50 PM

Dining Open House Sponsors

As there are prizes for Best Chef and Best reviewer every month, we would like to seek sponsorship from hotels (Best Chef of the Month to ha...
Read More
MENUS
byBest Events
in
8:46 PM

Dining Open House Menus

MENUS
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You've seen all those TV programmes featuring guests going to eat at strangers homes and wonder what it's like. Well, wonder no more! We're now introducing this sort of "match-making" service for you adventurous gourmet food junkies out there! (you get to eat in comfort as there won't be any cameras sneaking up on you!)

Here's how:

You pick the menu or menus you like, pay your money to us, and we'll give you the details to head to a host’s house to enjoy a fantastic meal, with a bunch of new friends.

Simply browse the menus on the Open House Dining Menus post (which we hope we'll be getting soon from budding chefs!), pick the one you want, making sure the date suits you too. When you’ve decided which menu gives you hunger pangs, send us an email with your contact details on our website's contact page (www.bestevents-asia.com). We will contact you, you send us the ticket fee, and we'll give you the details!

Wine is not included, and as diners you are requested to ‘bring a bottle’ as with most dinner parties (for those who don't consume alcohol, bring along sparkling grape juice if you like)

You will enjoy a three course meal supplied by the chef, cooked with loving care and attention (we hope!). We believe RM40 is a pretty good rate for that.

Please also state in your mail if you have allergies, or if you have specific dietary requirements. We can’t promise that everyone’s needs are covered as this is a public event, but we’ll do our utmost to try and encourage the options to be as varied and inclusive as possible.
byBest Events
in
8:22 PM

Calling all Diners for an Open House Dining experience

You've seen all those TV programmes featuring guests going to eat at strangers homes and wonder what it's like. Well, wonder no more...
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Alright! So you see yourself as a budding chef and would like to prove it! Here's how:

You should present a three course menu – how you choose to do this is down to your creativity, and you may choose to spend more or less than the sum paid to you by the organisers.

The dinner parties will be for groups of four or six (or any higher multiple of two but not including yourself or your partner), so please state how many you are able to cater for. As a chef you are not required to provide wine and diners are asked to bring that themselves if they like.

Here's your chance to show off your culinary skills (and be ready for criticism!) while making new friends!

WHAT TO DO:

You should start by registering with on our website's contact page (www.bestevents-asia.com), and we will contact you to let you know what to do next. Once registered we will publish your menu and street location, but not your name. Please give yourself a pseudonym – whatever you like but no smut please!

Diners will select their chosen Open House Dining experience by menu, to help make sure you meet new people, not just your pals!

We are keen to ensure allergy awareness and safety for all hosts and guests, so please when submitting your registration, let us know if you have pets, whether you are likely to use nuts etc. We are particularly interested in hosts who wish to offer nut-free, wheat-free, kosher, halal, vegan or vegetarian menus… There are plenty of guests who will appreciate that. Also please state if you can offer disabled access to your home.

There is a one-off RM25 registration for all chefs and you will receive a contribution of RM25 per guest for the dinner.

Once we receive your registration form we’ll be in touch to wrestle your registration fee out of you and publish your dinner dates and menus. You may throw as many parties as you like, and you may vary the menus or create a different one each time. You mad fool.

All guests are subject to Terms & Conditions

Please include these details in the contact form message box:

Your name
Your email
Your special secret chef's name
Your phone number
Do you have pets
Do you have disabled access
Will you offer a specialist menu ie kosher, halal, vegan, nut free
Your 3 course menu (with short description)
What dates can you offer
How many guests will you have

Simple eh? Well, good luck then!
byBest Events
in
8:13 PM

Calling all chefs for a new Open House Dining Experience

Alright! So you see yourself as a budding chef and would like to prove it! Here's how: You should present a three course menu – how you ...
Read More

Monday, October 18, 2010


Are you getting ready to throw a party and beginning to feel the pressure? If you are, you’re not alone, as many people turn into a ball of nerves pre-event. Organising a party takes planning, planning and more planning! There are many important factors to consider and it’s important you get it right

Don’t worry though; with a little bit of thought and a lot of preparation you’ll be able to ‘WOW!’ your guests. We’ve put together a few great tips and guidelines to get you through the party planning process with your sanity and a smile! And this one goes to eleven…

Step 1 – Decide what kind of party it’s going to be

Be realistic about what is achievable with the time and resources you have. Does it need to be informal or formal? Large or small? Inside or outside? A reception or a seated dinner? What do you need to achieve from the event?

Step 2 – Determine your budget

The budget needs to be specific so you know what you can and can’t achieve. For some there might be revenue opportunities (ticket sales, sponsorship and donations, etc.) but one thing’s for sure – for all of us there will be expenses from catering to entertainment and staffing to printing costs, to name but a few. If you keep good records and plan ahead you will be halfway there – don’t be caught out though, expect the unexpected!

Step 3 – Guest list

Think about who you need to invite, not just who you want to invite! If you’re organising a corporate party make sure you include all the necessary people from all the relevant departments. It could be devastating for the individual missed off the list, so save yourself the embarrassment and double, triple check in advance!

Step 4 – Location, location, location

Selecting a suitable site is more than just finding out what rooms the venue has available. Think carefully about where you want the party to be. Where will the guests be travelling from? Is the venue easily accessible and is there any nearby public transport or parking facilities, it all makes a difference to your guests.

Step 5 – It’s all about the venue


Hotel, restaurant or boat? Is there enough space for your guests and are there any noise restrictions? After all, we all like a good party and if you’re having a good time nobody likes to be told to ‘pipe down!’ Do you need disabled access, do you require a stage, dance floor or special equipment and if so is there enough room? And finally will you need any overnight accommodation?

Step 6 – Catering

Food and drink at your event is crucial. Think carefully about what style of food you want to serve; will it be buffet, bowl food, sit down, food stalls or canapés? What beverages will be available too – if you’re having a reception will you be having cocktails and canapés or some fizz, wine and soft drinks? How do you want things served, and who do you want to serve them? Who clears up afterwards?!

Step 7 – Pick a theme

I know themes aren’t everyone’s cup of tea but for most they can be really good fun! A year end party doesn’t have be just a colour themed party – we’ve done all sorts over the years from Winter Wonderland to a recent 1920’s Prohibition themed Murder Mystery, the Seven Deadly Sins to an outrageous Electric Eighties party. Entertainment, performers, table centres and full room décor really compliment a theme as well and really bring a party to life.

Step 8 – Entertainment

I can’t stress enough how important ‘good’ entertainment is. Research your performers, ask for testimonials and make sure they are reliable. A lot of entertainers and bands have footage or MP3 files online these days which help. Also think carefully about what type of entertainment you want; would you like something interactive like a game show or murder mystery or would you prefer a cabaret or solo artists such as stilt walkers

Step 9 – Itinerary

Make sure you have one, without one you are destined for failure. I have been a party planner for years and believe me when I tell you that there is no way you can retain all that information in your head at a live event. You need a detailed itinerary and all the necessary contacts numbers at your finger tips.

Step 10 – Inspired Invitations

The invitation is your guests first impression of what the party will be like and should include the correct information – your guests will need to know what the dress code is, the date, what time the party starts and finishes, if there is any food and drink available, the address, who to RSVP to and if you are having a cash bar later pop it on the invite as not everyone will think about bringing a pocket full of cash! You can also use chosen party theme to inspire your creation.

Step 11 – If in doubt, call us!

Make no mistake, organising parties and events takes MASSES of time! So why not call in the experts? Best Events doesn’t do this just for fun; we do it because we’re extremely good at it! From free venue finding service, entertainment, venue dressing and theming, bar hire, catering and staffing solutions – you can take advantage of all or part of these services http://www.bestevents-asia.com/
byBest Events
in ,
10:42 AM

11 tips to get your Year End Party right

Are you getting ready to throw a party and beginning to feel the pressure? If you are, you’re not alone, as many people turn into a ball of ...
Read More

Saturday, October 9, 2010


Your friends come to your house and are led to your private lounge where they are served welcome drinks and desserts. The Image Consultant will impart her knowledge on how to pick up cuts and styles of clothes that would suit you not just at work, but even at home.

The bra expert then arrives and teaches you how to find the right bra to result in instant cleavage. Your friends get excited over the line of sexy lingerie which is then revealed. But that's not all, they then each get a manicure and hand massage while exchanging gossip.

Ahh..but a party is not complete without photos and a goody bag. The photographer takes group potraiture shots and the party wraps up with a lush goody bag consisting of a night robe and a voucher to enjoy a spa treatment at a later date.

Sounds like a party you would like to have? Good news! Best Events is now offering this Pampering Party package perfect for Hen Nights or Birthdays. Call us to ask for more information.
byBest Events
in
12:54 AM

Host a Pampering Party

Your friends come to your house and are led to your private lounge where they are served welcome drinks and desserts. The Image Consultant w...
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Tuesday, October 5, 2010


A Halloween party isn't complete without creepy bites!

SWEET BONES (by Martha Stewart)



These meringues can be baked three days ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Make meringue bones using one continuous motion: Begin by piping a horizontal S shape at top. Continue piping meringue downward in a straight line to form the middle of the bone. Finish by making another horizontal S shape at the bottom. Repeat until all of the meringue is used up.

Ingredients

Makes about 18

6 large egg whites
1 1/2 cups sugar

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Put egg whites and sugar in the heatproof bowl of an electric mixer. Set bowl over a pan of simmering water; whisk constantly until sugar is dissolved and mixture feels warm to the touch, about 5 minutes.

2.Return bowl to mixer, and fit mixer with the whisk attachment.Beat on high speed until very stiff peaks form, about 8 minutes.

3.Transfer meringue to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch plain round tip, such as a Wilton #1A. Pipe bone shapes, each 5 to 6 inches long, onto two baking sheets lined with parchment paper (as shown below). Bake until crisp throughout, about 1 hour. Let cool completely on a wire rack.




GRAVEYARD CAKE (by Martha Stewart)

A pumpkin spice cake with bleeding chocolate glaze -- is the pumpkin pie of a spectral Halloween menu. Espresso shortbread headstones mark each slice. This spiced pumpkin cake can be made one day ahead and refrigerated, without the glaze. Several hours before serving, make the glaze and finish the cake.

Ingredients

Makes one 9-by-13-inch cake

8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pan
4 cups cake flour, plus more for dusting
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
2 1/2 cups packed light-brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cups canned solid-pack pumpkin
Bleeding Chocolate Glaze
Espresso Shortbread Headstones
1 tablespoon ground ginger

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Generously butter a 9-by-13-inch cake pan. Line with parchment paper; butter lining. Dust with flour; tap out excess. Set pan aside.

2.Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in a large bowl; set aside. Put butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; beat on medium-high speed until pale and f luffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Reduce speed to low; alternate between adding flour mixture and buttermilk, beginning and ending with f lour. Add pumpkin, and beat until completely combined.

3.Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake until golden and a cake tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Let cool in pan on a wire rack 15 minutes. Unmold; peel off parchment. Let cool completely on rack, top side up.

4.Set cake and rack on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pour warm chocolate glaze over cake. Using a small offset spatula, gently smooth glaze over top of cake, letting it drip down sides. Let stand at room temperature, or refrigerate until set. Arrange 6 headstones on top; serve with the remaining.

WITCH FINGER COOKIES (by Jeanne Benedict)



Halloween party finger food, literally. Form zesty cookie dough into creepy witch fingers and use a blanched almond for the fingernail (recipe below).Makes about 48 cookies

Ingredients

•1 Cup butter, softened
•1 Cup(s) powdered sugar
•1 egg, lightly beaten
•2 Tsp lemon juice
•2 2/3 Cup(s) all-purpose flour
•1 Tsp baking soda
•1 Pinch of salt
•1 Cup whole, blanched almonds

Directions

•Add butter and powdered sugar into a mixing bowl and beat until smooth. Beat in egg and lemon juice. Sift together flour, baking soda and salt and stir into mixture until combined. Cover and chill for 1 hour.

•Preheat oven to 325F. Spray baking sheets with light coat of nonstick cooking spray.

•Form fingers from 1 tablespoon of dough, by rolling dough with clean hands. Use a knife to score lines for the fingers knuckle. Press an almond firmly into the dough for a fingernail.

•Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and cook for 20 minutes until golden brown. Cool for five minutes and place cookies on a rack to cool completely. Arrange on a spooky platter and serve.



MUMMY DOGS

Ingredients:

1 (11 oz) can refrigerated breadstick dough
2 slices cheddar cheese, quartered (optional)
8 hot dogs
black mustard seeds

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. If desired, place one cheddar cheese slice on your hot dog. Then wrap each dog to look like a mummy, leaving a open area for the eyes.

3. Cut two tiny slits in the exposed hot dog and insert two black mustard seeds for eyes. If you'd like to give your mummies entire faces, you can cut a little slit for a mouth, which will gape open a bit during cooking.

4. Place mummy dogs on an ungreased baking sheet and bake around 15 minutes, until golden.

5. Serve with plenty of ketchup and mustard and listen to the kids rave about having such Halloween recipes fun.

byBest Events
in
6:34 PM

Creepy Recipes

A Halloween party isn't complete without creepy bites! SWEET BONES (by Martha Stewart) These meringues can be baked three days ahead. St...
Read More
Decorating the home for Halloween can be great fun for both adults and kids. Here are our fave picks from Martha Stewart:


PAPER MICE

These creepy, crawly paper mice are not so nice. Stick these unsavory critters on stair risers, baseboards, or any spot where they might give unsuspecting passersby a little jump.



CREEPY SILHOUETTES

As day turns to night, call on candles to cast an eerie glow throughout your home. When fierce silhouettes are propped above them, spectacular shadows dance across the walls.


CLOTHES PEG BATS

Spine-chilling as it sounds, a colony of bats hanging from the highest reaches of your house serve as the perfect welcome for guests -- if you're throwing a Halloween party. You can also clip these clothespin bats onto tree branches or bushes outdoors to greet trick-or-treaters.


BATTY LAMPSHADES


Your visitors will shudder when they spot a bat-lined lampshade as part of your decor. Some of the paper cutouts are suspended from threads, while others are stuck inside the shade.


BALLOON HEADS

Draw simple features onto inflated balloons with permanent marker; choose an assortment of geometric shapes that are easy to create freehand.



CATTY SILHOUETTES

Use double-sided tape to place these cats where guests might least expect to find them -- whether they're ready to jump out of two framed prints or hiding in the window



PRESERVED SPECIMENS

Clear cookie jars can filled with food colouring to achieve the look of formaldehyde. Fill the jars up with lotus plants or even fake limbs and insects. Do note that some fake limbs are filled with cotton so do pick something durable and cheap.
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4:33 PM

Halloween Decor Ideas

Decorating the home for Halloween can be great fun for both adults and kids. Here are our fave picks from Martha Stewart: PAPER MICE These c...
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We know you can make lanterns from pumpkins but what local fruits can you use to make scary table centrepieces?

Here, we've used two easy-to-get local Malaysian fruits the Papaya and the Watermelon.


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3:49 PM

Making your own scary head centrepiece

We know you can make lanterns from pumpkins but what local fruits can you use to make scary table centrepieces? Here, we've used two eas...
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Best Events worked with Ravissante Beauty Shop, Pharmanex, Bu Ra Girls, Joe Low of Photics Production and Cerise Rouge Collection to throw a Pamper Party exclusively for ladies last Saturday and we have to say the ladies walked home happy and why not? With tickets priced at just RM150 each, they were not only treated to manicures, hand massages and desserts but they also received free personalized health and beauty consultations. Oh and not forgetting getting fabulous goody bags which included a free Spa or Facial Treatment voucher worth RM180++, gift vouchers from the organizers and a yummy cupcake!



The party started at 11am and guests were then individually given consultations on how to find the right bra for instant cleavage, how to zap unwanted fat with a free slimming treatment, and how to reduce face wrinkles with a galvanic spa treatment trial.





For the adventurous in the bedroom, Cerise Rouge Collection displayed their premier lingerie collection for purchase at affordable prices. Their collection can be viewed at http://www.ceriserougecollection.blogspot.com

Nothing completes a pampering session more than having a free portraiture taken either alone or with friends to remember the event by. Even camera-shy guests poised and posed for Joe Low of Photics Production with his gentle and patient guidance.

Want a private Pampering Party for you and your friends? You know how to reach us!
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1:08 PM

Event Report: Pamper Party

Best Events worked with Ravissante Beauty Shop, Pharmanex , Bu Ra Girls, Joe Low of Photics Production and Cerise Rouge Collection to thro...
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