ESTATE VENUE: CASA ESPLENDIDO

I recently had the opportunity to tour two estate properties in Santa Barbara for weddings and corporate or private parties. The first I'm sharing with you is a home in Hope Ranch called Casa Esplendido - and Splendid it is! Hope Ranch gives you the feeling of a tropical oasis ... lush green lawns and big swaying palm trees.

This secluded lawn would be beautiful for an intimate ceremony!

Beautiful patio is perfect for cocktails and hors d'ouevres

Great cabana for a feasting table or to display the cake!

The skinny on Casa Esplendido:
- Available for events >50-150 (events 100-150 would need to consider covering the pool)
- Full Catering Kitchens need to be brought in (>50 MAY be able to use the house kitchen, TBD)
- Bathrooms need be brought in
- A Bridal suite is available for getting ready
- Power is available, but might need a generator
- Extra lighting is necessary
- Venue fee includes a Friday set-up and Sunday removal for rentals
- Parking is available for the wedding party; street parking for guests (shuttles are advised)

Contact me at (805) 286-6505 or donna@donnaromanievents.com for more information on Casa Esplendido, or about Estate weddings in Santa Barbara.

Later this week I'll be sharing a second Estate property with you that just last week became available as a venue. Sweeping lawns and panoramic views of the mountains and harbor below. It is stunning, and you won't want to miss it. Check back!

HOLIDAY FETE AT PRIVATE ESTATE

Last week I had the extraordinary pleasure of planning a holiday dinner party at a private Santa Barbara estate. It was right up my alley; very organic and simple. Lots of personal touches with a DIY flair that made it feel very homey and intimate. So fun!

Planning and Coordination by Donna Romani Events. Photos by Donna Romani. Menus and Invitations by Bella Copia Calligraphy.

ULTIMATE GROOMING EXPERIENCE

Women are fairly straight forward. Men, my husband included, believe that we are mysterious and complicated; that it's impossible to figure out what we like and want. But we're quite easy. We like to be pampered and cherished and feel special. We like spas and indulgences, ritual. And truth be told, men do too.

The pre-wedding spa ritual is not just for the ladies. I love the barbershop experience for guys ... Indulge in a hot towel shave with a straight razor given by a professional, a massage and a manicure. Share the experience with your groomsmen, your best man, or take your dad and future father-in-law. Share a cigar and a scotch while getting groomed and enjoy a timeless ritual.

Barbershop spas are available throughout Southern California and many can be rented for private events. Or, if you're interested in hiring a barber to bring their own chair and tools and travel to you for in-suite service, contact me at donna@donnaromanievents.com for more information. How fabulous is that!

What ritual will you indulge in before your wedding?

FOODIES ARE LOVING ... BEER?

I've been to a lot of wine and cheese parties in my day. I love wine and I love cheese, so this is fabulous by me. But sometimes these shindigs can be a little stuffy, or a little ... "been there, tasted that." Let's just say, I haven't been to one of these in awhile where I was surprised by anything that was paired together. That's why I love the newest trend taking over restaurants and private parties - Beer and cheese tastings. Beer, really? Yes!

The October issue of Food & Wine featured Andrew Myers of Washington, DC's CityZen and cites a few of his favorite pairings:
1. Hefeweizen and Goat Cheese - light German wheat beer complements soft, tangy cheeses
2. Brown Ale with Spanish Mahon - nuttiness and hoppiness works well with mild cow's milk cheeses
3. Imperial Stout with Blue Cheese - stouts that are chocolaty and hearty are perfect for stinky cheeses

Myers biggest tip for a beer and cheese tasting: It's the fizziness that makes beer good with cheese.

I love this for holiday cocktail parties or a fun station during cocktails at a wedding. I love this period. Bottoms up! xo

Casa Das Palmas and Villa de Camino Cielo

July 20th, 2009

Last week I had the pleasure of visiting two more fabulous Santa Barbara Estates, Casa das Palmas in the exclusive neighborhood of Hope Ranch and Villa de Camino Cielo.

Casa das Palmas is a Spanish style hacienda that lives up to it name, nestled at the base of dozens of towering Palm trees. The Palms provide a sense of privacy and seclusion that makes this property a quiet little oasis. It’s available as a vacation rental with its 4 bedrooms that sleep up to 10 guests or as an event venue for weddings, corporate receptions or private parties up to 200 guests. The site for a wedding starts at $8,000. For an amazing weekend long affair or corporate retreat, you can even rent the property for the entire weekend! There is a 10pm curfew for amplified music, but the party can go on until midnight. Bathrooms will need to be brought in and a professional coordinator is required. Following are some photos for you. Enjoy!

Front Entrance of the gorgeous hacienda-style Casa das Palmas

From the air you can see the fabulous tennis courts,

lawns and pool of the Estate

A beautiful pool and patio make as stunning backdrop

Villa de Camino Cielo boasts unparalleled views from its perch above Santa Barbara. The gorgeous property is over 26 acres, providing complete privacy. The property’s exterior is available for weddings, private parties and corporate events for up to 300 guests. The site fee for a wedding starts at $8,000 and includes the use of the pool house for the bridal party to get ready. The Estate can also be rented for the weekend if you would like use of the house. There is a 3 night minimum and it can sleep up to 10 guests comfortably. Bathrooms need to be brought in and a professional coordinator is required. Enjoy the photos and the views!

The Front Entrance of Villa de Camino Cielo

Every area of the sprawling lawn provides amazing views over Santa Barbara

This arch could make a dramatic grand entrance!

The bath house/ cabana available for brides

The stunning infinity pool would be even more amazing with some dramtic lighting, or it could even be covered and lit to make an unforgettable dance floor

Hope you enjoyed. Stay tuned for more upcoming Estates. Contact me for more details on Estate events at donna@donnaromanievents.com or 805-286-6505.