HoneeBee Gifts Displays: Have one at your next event!

For special occasions events I have created unique gift displays that help businesses celebrate their anniversaries, launches and more.  It's been fun to get creative in a totally different way! These displays go beyond simply having a table with materials and a candy dish—my displays have included 5 ft. Christmas trees and 15 lb. televisions, along with gifts for guests, of course. These displays allow businesses to stand out among the crowd and are  a great conversation starter for guests and/or potential clients. In addition, I’ve noticed that HoneeBee Gifts displays have been used as a beautiful backdrop to many photo ops. So far, my displays have been three-dimensional and the theme is usually a direct correlation to the event.  I work directly with the event planner, share sketches (I’m not much of a sketch artist though) and/or ideas until we get the best concept for the event. Next I research and gather all the materials to make a one-of-a-kind display for the client. Here are a few photos of some of the displays I have done:

Harris & Barnes 10 year Anniversary Party at Kanvas, photo courtesy of Bluesol Photography

Pret a Portea, high fashion and tea event at Duke Mansion, photo courtesy of Green Valley Photography



Life During the Commercial Break Blog Launch Party, 10 Park Lanes, photo courtesy of my friend, Ang

If you are interested in having a gift display done for your event. Please email me at simonemcdowell@gmail.com.

For more photos of my gift displays and the events I have been a part of, go here. This page is overflowing with pics!

Experience: Party in the Park at The Mint Museum

 

Picnic in the Park is a family friendly event that takes place on the grounds of the Mint Museum-Randolph.  Couples, friends and kids can lounge out on the lawn, watch a movie (this year’s flick is Top Gun) and eat food from local food trucks including Roaming Fork, Southern Cake Queen and Papi Queso.

Guests are encouraged to participate in outdoor games, relax to “celebrate the Summer” tunes and check out the latest exhibits inside the museum.  The evening will also feature a silent auction which will benefit the Mint Annual Fund.  There will be a cash bar. Be sure to bring blankets & chairs.

 

Bzzz: Cost details: Mint Members $10, Non-Members $20, Children under 18: Free You can pre-register at here or call 704-337-2000. mintmuseum.org/happenings

(Super) Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Ideas

 Sooo, you meant to get your Mom's gift like last week, right? I 'm sure you are not alone. Here are a few items that can be picked up as late as, well tomorrow. Talk about the 11th hour....
         

                   

Below are five items that you can pick up on Mother's Day. I have  included prices but check your local stores for hours, as they may vary...but are definitely open on Sunday! Good luck!


                                                        Patterned Jewelry Boxes: West Elm $49-79

                                                                 Ivory Marble Wine Cooler: Crate & Barrel $29.99

Kate Spade Grove Court Maise Satchel Bag: Neiman Marcus $298

Keurig Special Edition Home Brewing System: Target $149.99

Only Hearts Organic Cotton Pajamas: Nordstrom $128

Out the Box: Michelle Boudin

Out the Box is a series on HoneeBee Gifts that focuses on local community notables who share a bit about their gifting life...and a little more. I am excited to share this feature with you and I hope you enjoy this up and personal look at gifting. It's kind of like peeking into someone's closet...but much more fun!

The Gift: Michelle Boudin
Today we are featuring Michelle Boudin, NBC Charlotte Reporter and Magazine Contributor.  Michelle is a straight forward, entertaining conversationalist. While we've never actually partied together, she is one that I think would bring "life" to any dinner party. You know, one of those active participants that every party needs! Now, bringing back to her reporter side...I actually went to dinner  (no party) with her and one of my good friends...and found out stuff about my friend that I didn't even know--now THAT's a good reporter! Michelle loves the people she gets to meet while working and enjoys telling their stories. "Everyone has a story. I'm lucky enough to hear a lot of good ones. Occasionally I even get to make a difference and on those days I go home really happy" said Boudin when asked what she loves most about her job. 

The Wrapping:  Michelle shares just a bit of her gifting life...
Best gift received: We just lost my grandmother--one of the most stylish women I'll ever know. My mom gave me a gorgeous ring that she used to wear. It's kind of big and hard to miss and it makes me smile every time I look at it. 
Best gift given:  When my sister graduated college I took her on a trip to California. We drove the Pacific Coast Highway in a convertible, stopping at lots of cool places along the way. 
My "go-to" gift: I love giving truffles from Whole Foods. The box is pretty and the truffles are delicious--and it's only $5.99! 
What's on your wish list: Um...so much! I love getting gifts as much as I love giving them. I love surprises. I'm a product junkie so anything that smells good (candles, lotions, lip gloss, etc). I love jewelry--from statement necklaces to the special stuff from Tiffany's. And I love gift cards because not everyone can know exactly what you're dying for...although I am always up for a spa day!
Your most recent shopping splurge: I love shopping Tory Burch. I got a great deal at 3am on Black Friday at the outlet in South Florida on a fun tote. 

The Bow: Let's peek into the life of Michelle, out of reporter mode...
On a Saturday afternoon you'd most likely find me...in puppy obedience school. We're a work in progress. (Note: Michelle has a cutie patootie doggy)
Favorite quote...It's never too late to become what you might have been--George Eliot
I am most inspired by...the people I meet on the stories I'm covering
I'd love to meet...Mr. Right 

Bzzz...Michelle told me that she is always on the lookout for great human interest stories. She encourages HoneeBee readers to email great ideas to her at: mboudin@wcnc.com. In addition, to reporting for NBC Charlotte, Michelle writes for People magazine, Charlotte Magazine and more.