Every bride should feel amazing on her Wedding Day – and if you’re like most women, nothing makes you strut your stuff quite like a great pair of shoes. Your bridal footwear offers the perfect… More
5 Makeup Tips for Summer Brides
Summer wedding season will soon be in full swing. If you’re one of the lucky ladies who will be tying the knot this summer, you’ve probably already picked out your dress, sent out the invitations, decided on your wedding theme, and finalized your menu. You may even have had a trial run with your hair stylist.
But what about your bridal makeup?
Whether you never leave home without your lipstick or prefer a more natural approach, you probably want your wedding day makeup to differ from your everyday look – without being so different that you no longer look like yourself.
The hot, humid weather in southwestern Ontario can also make achieving a flawless face a challenge. But if you follow these few tips, you can achieve and maintain a picture-perfect face, even as the temperatures rise:
A makeup trial is a must
Always, always have a makeup trial before your wedding. This is your day, and you don’t want any unexpected surprises!
Your makeup should reflect your personality, and your wedding theme. Going gothic? Then you’ll want darker shades with metallics. Planning a country celebration? Lighter shades will give you the natural glow you’re after.
Sit down with your makeup artists and discuss how you would like to look. Bring pictures and examples. Have a favourite lip colour? Bring that too!
Bridal skin boot camp
The estheticians at Elm Hurst Inn & Spa and Idlewyld Inn & Spa recommend that you start any facial treatments at least four to five months before your wedding day. Why so far in advance? Your skin takes about two months to adjust to new facial products – this way you will avoid any redness or breakouts on your big day.
Begin with a basic facial, such as our Balancing Facial from Eminence Organics Skin Care. This 60-minute treatment is customized for your skin type and begins with a consultation with your spa therapist – a great time to discuss any concerns that you have with your skin.
At the end of your treatment, your therapist will recommend products for home use.
We recommend having a facial every six to eight weeks prior to your wedding date. The night before the big day, have a relaxing cooling facial to help reduce any redness and relieve stress.
Sparkles. Foundation. Mascara.
Just say ‘no’ to sparkles. They look pretty, but they reflect light in photographs meaning you’ll shine in the wrong way!
Avoid using heavy, caked-on foundations or your face will be melting by mid-day. Stick to something light, especially during the summer months.
Waterproof mascara and eyeliner are a must! You don’t want streaks down your cheeks when you shed a few tears of joy.
2017 summer makeup trends
In the past, we’ve seen lots of smokey eyes in neutral shades of brown and grey, paired with nude lips. This year, many brides are returning to a more natural look, with various shades of pink a popular choice for both lips and eyes.
Brides who want to add a bit of drama to their look are pairing neutral eyes and cheeks with a pop of colour on their lips – think corals, plums, and even red.
And of course, the trend for full, natural brows continues. So brides, put down those tweezers and let your brows grow in before your big day!
Don’t forget to use a primer and fixative spray
Using a primer underneath your makeup is an absolute must. Primers fill in any skin imperfections, such as fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a soft, perfectly-smooth look for your makeup application.
Fixative sprays are an essential step for any bride during the summer months. Eminence Organic’s Stone Crop Hydrating Mist is a great choice, and doubles as a refreshing toner. A light spritz over your makeup application will set it for a longer-lasting look. Then freshen up again between the ceremony and reception.
The trained spa therapists and estheticians at Elm Hurst Inn & Spa and Idlewyld Inn & Spa would be delighted to help you put your best face forward on your wedding day.
Warm Chorizo Sausage and Medjool Dates with Heirloom Baby Spinach Salad
Spring has finally arrived in southwestern Ontario, and our thoughts are already turning to summer dining.
We are blessed to be located in one of Canada’s most bountiful regions, where an abundance of locally-grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and legumes are readily available throughout the growing season.
It’s one of the reasons why Elm Hurst Inn & Spa and Idlewyld Inn & Spa are famous for offering an inspired selection of fresh-from-the-farm salads.
This Warm Chorizo Sausage and Medjool Dates with Heirloom Baby Spinach salad is always a guest favourite.
Combining the spicy piquancy of Chorizo Sausage with the unexpected sweetness of Medjol dates and sun-dried apricots makes for an exotic combination that is hard to resist….
Try it for lunch, or a light dinner, and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Chorizo Sausage Salad
(Serves 4)
Ingredients:
2 Chorizo sausages cut into ½ pieces
8 Medjol dates, cut in half
3 oz. Heirloom baby spinach, red & green
4 tbsp. Sun-dried apricots cut in half
2 whole roasted red pepper, cut into spears
¼ sliced red onion
8 slices English cucumbers
8 baby tomatoes cut in half
Mix micro sprouts for garnish
Sherry-basil vinaigrette (recipe to follow) drizzled
Directions:
In a skillet sauté chorizo sausage, golden brown, finish in oven; add Medjol dates, roasted red peppers. Set aside; toss spinach with dressing, season with salt and pepper. Arrange spinach in centre of plate, garnish with sliced cucumber, baby tomatoes, Chorizo sausage mixture, red onions, purple radish sprouts.
Basil-sherry Vinaigrette:
(Makes ½ cup)
¼ c. extra-virgin olive oil
3 tbsp. sweet sherry
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil
2 tbsp. shallot minced
¼ tsp. salt, or to taste
¼ tsp. ground pepper or to taste
Directions:
Whisk together oil, sherry, lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning. Cover and refrigerate. Whisk or shake before serving.
What is your favourite summer salad?
The patios at Elm Hurst Inn & Spa and Idlewyld Inn & Spa are open for alfresco dining all summer long!
3 steps to holding an eco-friendly meeting or conference
Business conferences and meetings are a great opportunity to showcase your company brand – and your commitment to sustainable practices.
Hosting an eco-friendly meeting demonstrates the values of your business, and can make a lasting positive impression on your employees and customers. And that just makes good business sense.
Here are a few simple suggestions to add some green to your next meeting or conference:
Book a green venue
Reduce carbon emissions by choosing a venue that is close to home, or in a central location with easy access to public transit.
You can also encourage your team to go green by offering incentives for ride-sharing. Or, provide a shuttle service to and from your venue so people can leave their cars at home.
Look for conference venues that integrate environmentally-sustainable elements into their day-to-day operations through recycling and composting, the use of water-saving equipment and techniques, and through the use of pourers for sugar and cream and small serving dishes for butter and jams.
Eat local and drink from a glass
Choose a venue or caterer committed to cooking with local, seasonal products. Then, cut down on your food waste by taking a close look at consumption at past events. Arrange to have any leftover food donated to a local shelter or food bank, and consider providing a compost receptacle next to the traditional recycling and waste cans.
Don’t be afraid to ask your venue to provide pitchers of water instead of bottled water to help eliminate plastic waste.
Go paperless (as much as possible)
With online registration and promotional tools like Facebook and LinkedIn, it’s easy to get the word out without using paper invitations and registration forms.
Create an event website – or mobile app – instead of a printed program. This is also a great (and green) way to provide attendees with any last-minute updates.
Choose recycled paper and environmentally-friendly inks for any printed materials you just can’t do without – and don’t forget to collect lanyards for use at future events.
The corporate sales team at Elm Hurst Inn & Spa and Idlewyld Inn & Spa can help you ‘green your meetings’ in style.
Wedding Planning – Where to Start
The holidays are a popular time for couples to get engaged. And if you were lucky enough to find an engagement ring under the Christmas tree, you may be starting the New Year with visions of wedding planning dancing in your head.
Although you may have been dreaming about your big day for years, organizing such an important celebration can seem like a daunting task.
At Elm Hurst Inn & Spa, and Idlewyld Inn & Spa, our wedding coordinators have helped thousands of Brides plan their dream wedding.
So if wedding plans have you feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath, and read our advice on where to start:
Set the date(ish)
There’s nothing like having a deadline to make you focus! Choosing a date will help you build a wedding planning timeline, and will make it easier to make concrete plans like choosing a venue, booking a photographer, and buying your dress.
Of course, it’s not as easy as simply picking a day out of thin air.
Is your heart set on an outdoor ceremony? Then you’ll probably want a summer wedding. Are you working with a tight budget? Then you may want to consider a winter wedding to take advantage of off-season pricing.
If you’re planning a large event, you’ll need to leave ample time for preparation – and you may want to check with important out-of-town guests to see what dates might work best for any travel plans.
Remember, no matter how hard you try to choose a date that will be convenient for family and friends, it may be impossible to please everyone. In the end, remember that it’s your day so choose a date that works best for you.
Make your guest list
Many of your most important planning decisions will be influenced by the size of your guest list. You can’t host 120 people in a venue that only holds 60!
The number of guests will also be the most important factor in setting your budget.
And even though not everyone who receives an invitation will be able to attend, we recommend choosing a venue that can comfortably accommodated most of your guest list.
Book your venue
Once you know when you’d like to get married, and how many people you’d like to invite, it’s time to start looking for a suitable venue. More than any other decision, your choice of venue will set the tone for the big day.
A formal ballroom will create a different atmosphere than a rustic barn, urban restaurant, or chic wine cellar.
Save time by doing preliminary research online.
You should be able to narrow down your choices based on location, venue size, food and beverage options, and price. Then, it’s time to contact your top picks to find out about availability and to book a tour.
Once the date is set, the guest list is determined, and the venue is booked, other details – like the style of your dress, flowers, venue decor, and menu selection – should start falling into place.
Happy planning!
At Elm Hurst Inn & Spa and Idlewyld Inn & Spa, we are pleased to offer all-inclusive Wedding Packages to suit any budget.
10 tips for a stress-free dinner party
Hosting a dinner party is a great way to build relationships and create a circle of friends that will last a life time.
And since December is such a busy month for social occasions, we thought it would be the perfect time to ask Elm Hurst Inn & Spa’s executive chef, Michael Davies, for some tips to help you make your evening a night to remember – minus the stress!
Plan ahead
Create a menu, write a grocery list, and make sure you are well organized. Prepare a familiar recipe, perhaps with a new twist. If a dish can be made a day ahead, save yourself some last minute stress. If you’re hosting as a couple, divide the duties beforehand, to avoid any last minute arguments.
Use your best
Why wait to use your best china, cutlery and linens? Seize the moment and enjoy the occasion!
Decorate your table
Fresh flowers or candles make an instant impression. But make sure people can see over them.
Start on empty
Always start the night with an empty dishwasher and bin. It will make clean-up so much easier!
Get yourself ready first
This way you simply have to slip off your apron to greet your guests.
Break the ice with some cocktails
When guests arrive, offer them something special to drink. This will set the tone and get conversation flowing. It’s also a great opportunity to discuss who will be the designated drivers.
Skip the appetizer
Instead of serving a formal appetizer, offer stationed or butlered hors d’oeuvres. This gives you and your guests more time to mingle.
Have a seating plan
To keep things interesting, guests should be seated boy/girl/boy/girl, and couples should not be seated next to one another.
Stick to two courses
A soup or salad followed by a main course is plenty, takes less time in the kitchen (both to prepare and clean up) and will give you more time to sit down and enjoy the meal.
Keep dessert simple
Choose a dessert that can be prepared ahead of time, or that only requires some last minute assembly. Try a delicious scoop of ice cream served with some fresh fruit, or an assortment of pastries from your favourite local bakery.
Remember – it’s about fun, not perfection. And if you simply don’t have time to do it all yourself, book a table at the Elm Hurst or Idlewyld for some delicious holiday dining.
From all of us at the Elm Hurst Inn & Spa and Idlewyld Inn & Spa – Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for 2017!
Harvest Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
When Chef Michael Davies first shared his Harvest Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe a few years ago it received rave reviews!
We’ve recently had several requests for a repeat…so here it is again – just in time for Halloween….
Harvest Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Makes 35 large cookies
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup white sugar
– 1 cup golden yellow sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup fresh pumpkin puree (canned will do in a pinch!)
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp. baking soda
– ½ tsp salt
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– ½ tsp ground ginger
– ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
– ¼ tsp ground cloves
– 2 cups milk chocolate chips
Directions:
– Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray cookie sheets with non-stick spray or line them with parchment paper.
– Using a mixer, beat butter until smooth. Beat in white and brown sugars, a little at a time, until mixture is light and fluffy.
– Beat in eggs one at a time; add vanilla extract and pumpkin puree gently mix.
– Mix together all dry ingredients and add to the wet mixture slowly until all mixed. Add chocolate chips.
– Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until cookies are browned around the edges.
– Remove cookie sheets from the oven, allow to cool and rest for 2 minutes. Remove from tray with spatula, cool on baking wire racks.
– Cover with your favourite icing [optional]. We used buttercream and grated pumpkin.
These make a delicious after school snack paired with a glass of milk. Or enjoy with a cup of coffee, your favourite tea, or even hot apple cider.
Chef Michael Davies has been the Executive Chef at Elm Hurst Inn & Spa in Ingersoll, Ontario since 1996. His stepson, Chef Trevor Stephens is the Chef de Cuisine at Idlewyld Inn & Spa in London, Ontario.
Make the most of wedding show season
If you’re planning a wedding, you probably already know that wedding show season is in full swing. And with so many vendors under one roof, attending a bridal show can be a great place to look for new ideas, scout out the latest trends, and meet local wedding professionals. But it can also be a bit overwhelming.
So here are five tips to help you get the most out of the experience:
Do some homework
How many vendors will be in attendance? Some shows are held in large convention halls with hundreds of booths. Others are more exclusive ‘boutique’ affairs.
Most will have a website where vendors are listed. Take some time to check it out to get a sense of the size of the event, and to identify vendors – florists, photographers, deejays, venues – that you don’t want to miss.
Many events also allow you to register in advance, offering ticket discounts and other incentives.
Don’t be shy
After you’ve decided which vendors catch your eye, the best way to see if this is someone you’d really like to work with is to strike up a conversation. Bring a list of questions, but don’t be pushed into making an on-the-spot decision. Most vendors will be happy to set up an appointment at a later date to discuss details in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Bring business cards or labels with your contact information, wedding date, phone number and email address to leave behind. Many vendors offer draws for prizes. You may be the lucky one!
Don’t miss the fashion show
Everyone loves the glamour and excitement of a fashion show, and they are a big part of most bridal events. Check the times to make sure you get a front row seat!
Bring a tote bag
Most vendors have brochures or other information to take home with you. Some even offer swag! Come prepared – your arms will thank you.
Bring a friend
Bridal shows are supposed to be fun, so make it a social event and bring a friend, your mom, or even your fiancée. Give yourself plenty of time to visit each vendor, enjoy the free samples, have some refreshments, and socialize. And don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes!
If you’re planning a wedding in southwestern Ontario, come and meet our Wedding Coordinator and her team at the London Fall Bridal Show (London Convention Centre, September 17 & 18) or the London Bridal Expo (Western Fairgrounds, September 24 & 25).
Or visit the Elm Hurst Inn & Spa and Idlewyld Inn & Spa online!
Build your own Charcuterie Board
The Charcuterie Board is one of the most popular summer dishes available at the Elm Hurst Inn & Spa and Idlewyld Inn & Spa.
Our Charcuterie Boards feature delicacies like thinly sliced prosciutto, Bresaola, Capicola, Gorgonzola cheese, mixed grilled Caponata, glazed balsamic Cipollini onions, pickled vegetables, heirloom tomatoes and Kalamata olives, served with artisan mustard and grain harvest bread.
Our Chef Davies explains that the word charcuterie comes from the French terms ‘chair’ (flesh) and ‘cuit’ (cooked). It refers to the art of making preserved, cured, and smoked meats, as well as sausages, terrines, and pâtés – usually from pork – and is one of the classical cooking techniques used to preserve food before the era of refrigeration.
Today, this culinary specialty is enjoying a resurgence as people rediscover traditional methods and local foods.
But you don’t need to have access to a gourmet deli to enjoy your own Charcuterie Board at home. Just follow these simple tips:
Start with a beautiful board
An eye-pleasing presentation will give your spread some extra appeal, so start with a wooden board or formal serving platter, a selection of mini serving bowls or dishes, cheese & pate knifes, and mini forks.
Include a variety of tastes and textures
When it comes to assembling your Charcuterie Board, anything goes!
Most boards include a selection of cured meats like salami, prosciutto, chorizo and sausage. Add some creamy pâtés or a terrine and a selection of your favourite cheeses. This is a great opportunity to try something local!
Pickled vegetables are a wonderful complement to meat and cheese. Go beyond olives and gherkins and try some marinated artichoke hearts, pickled green beans or cocktail onions!
Add something sweet
Yes, you’ll want some mustard on your board, but apricot jam, fig jam or even honey offer a sweet surprise.
You’ll also want to include some fresh and dried fruit and nuts!
Go for gourmet bread & crackers
You can’t go wrong with a fresh, sliced baguette. But this is a great opportunity to try some of the delicious artisan crackers and flat breads available at most grocery stores. Don’t forget to include some gluten-free rice crackers!
Gather your friends…and enjoy alongside your favourite wine, beer or cocktails….
What is your favourite way to entertain in the summer?
Visiting southwestern Ontario? Discover our historic Inns in Ingersoll, Ontario (Elm Hurst Inn & Spa) and London, Ontario (Idlewyld Inn & Spa).
Dining Etiquette 101: Ten tips to surviving your next business meal
If you think people don’t care about your table manners, think again. Whether you’re dining with a potential employer, your boss, or colleagues, dining etiquette counts. How you conduct yourself before, during, and after a meal can reveal a lot about your professionalism and character.
When it comes to business dining, there can be a lot to remember. Which glass is yours? What should you drink? Who picks up the tab?
It can get complicated, especially if you travel to countries with unfamiliar customs. But if you follow these ten basic business etiquette tips you’ll be well on your way to making the right impression at your next business dinner.
Do your homework
Before you arrive, do some homework. Who will be joining you? What business are they in, and what is the company culture?
Then look up the venue. Is it a fine dining restaurant, or a casual pub?
A little bit of background research can go a long way in helping you feel confident, and in making sure you are dressed appropriately for the occasion. When in doubt, it is always better to be overdressed than too casual.
Arrive on time
By on time, we mean try to be a few minutes early. If your host has not yet arrived, wait in the lobby. If you will be paying the bill, this is a great time to let the wait staff know and to give them your credit card.
Shake hands
Greet everyone with a handshake and a smile, and introduce yourself to anyone you don’t already know. Repeating someone’s name in conversation will help you remember it!
Keep the table clear
Do not place your handbag, briefcase, sunglasses or phone on the table. Bags can be placed under your chair, or between your back and the back of your chair. Coats should be hung on a coat hook, or over your chair back. Don’t forget to turn off your cell phone!
Napkin in your lap / Solids to your left / Liquids to your right
Place your napkin on your lap as soon as you are seated.
Then, familiarize yourself with the place setting. If it’s more complicated than the basic fork, knife and spoon remember – the general rule is that utensils are placed in the order of their use. So start on the outside and work your way in.
Your bread is to the left, while your water, wine and coffee cups are on your right.
When in doubt, watch your host!
Drink with discretion
In general, it’s best not to drink alcohol at a business meal. Club soda with lemon is always a good option.
If you do decide to drink, moderation is key. Limit yourself to a glass of wine or one beer, and pace yourself.
Be ready to order
The host usually orders first, and it’s a good idea to follow their lead. Don’t choose the most expensive item on the menu. And don’t ask your server to explain the menu or make substitutions – unless you have a food allergy. You don’t want to come across as difficult or indecisive.
Stay away from trouble
Try to avoid foods that can be messy or difficult to eat. These include finger foods, spaghetti, tacos or hamburgers, dishes with a lot of sauce, or lobster.
Don’t just dig in
Wait for everyone at the table to get their meal before you start eating. Then, take small bites, and don’t talk with your mouth full. Cut your salad into small pieces if needed, break bread / rolls and butter each piece individually, and try to finish at the same time as the rest of your party.
To pay, or not to pay
Usually, the host pays. And while it is always polite to offer to pick up the check, don’t argue or offer to pay the tip.
Thank your host
Don’t forget to thank your host at the end of the meal. You may also want to thank them again later, with an email or handwritten note.
We’ve hosted thousands of business dinners at the Elm Hurst Inn and Idlewyld Inn, and hope these tips take the stress out of your next formal meal.
Share your business dining etiquette tips in our comments!
8 tips for a perfect outdoor wedding
Summer wedding season is almost here, which means many Brides are busy putting the final touches on their upcoming outdoor ceremony.
While blue skies and Mother Nature provide a magical backdrop for any wedding, we asked our Wedding Coordinator, Erin Lister, for some professional advice on how to ensure the day goes smoothly for you and your guests:
Let guests know they’ll be outside
Friends and family will appreciate being able to plan for the occasion with appropriate clothing, sunscreen, hats, and even insect repellent.
Power up
The great outdoors doesn’t always have the best acoustics. Rent audio equipment to ensure that your vows will be heard. Don’t forget to ask if your site has access to power!
Banish the bugs
Did you know that some flowers actually attract insects? Your florist should know which blooms won’t be a fragrant invitation for every bug in the area.
Consider an aisle runner
If you want to keep your dress absolutely pristine, consider using an aisle runner.
Know the area
Is there an airport nearby? Or a busy soccer field? You don’t want your ceremony disturbed by surprise interruptions, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Keep them cool
It’s especially important to be on time for an outdoor ceremony, as nobody likes to be kept waiting in the hot summer sun.If your celebration is mid-summer, supply water, fans, and / or sun umbrellas. Get creative and use your fan as a program!
Keep your cool
Summer weddings call for summer wedding gowns. Think light and airy! Your Bridesmaids will also appreciate dresses that are wind and weather appropriate.
Remember that stiletto heels can sink into the grass. And waterproof make-up should be a must.
Have a Plan B
Mother Nature won’t always cooperate with your outdoor wedding dreams. Have a Plan B in place in case of bad weather, and decide in advance who will make the final decision about moving your ceremony indoors. Then relax, and enjoy your day regardless!
Learn more about the all-inclusive Wedding Packages at Elm Hurst Inn & Spa and Idlewyld Inn & Spa – designed to suit any wedding and any budget.
Do you have any tips for an outdoor wedding?
The Innkeeper's Notebook 