Bouquets abound

Here is some bouquet inspiration courtesy of our friends at Photos Edge.  A bouquet is one of those wedding accessories that truly speaks to the bride's personality and every bouquet we craft is one-of-a-kind.

Holiday Savings!

Don't get overwhelmed by hectic holiday shopping.  Find just the right gift from our selection of carefully chosen, unique items.  

 Shop and save big on all Studio Dan Meiners holiday gifts and decor!  

Also, find our great selection of luxe, designer candles at 30% off!

Eat, Drink, and be Merry

The holidays are in full swing at Studio Dan Meiners and thanks to Dan and our special guests from 

last week's Holiday Soiree, we have some great new ideas for holiday entertaining.  Ryan Maybee  whipped up a couple festive refreshments and Debbie Gold put together some tasty party treats.  Dan showed our guests how to create three different holiday party looks. 

For those of you who weren't able to make it, we have a special treat.  See below for a couple of stellar party recipes from Ryan Maybee and Debbie Gold. 

Ryan Maybee's Hot Gin Punch 

Inspired by Charles Dickens' recipe, this warm and cozy cocktail was a major crowd pleaser.  Even people for whom gin does not appeal will appreciated Ryan's flavorful concoction.

16oz Hendrick’s Gin

16oz Madeira (medium dry)

1 cup sugar

Zest of 3 lemons

4oz lemon juice

3 cups hot water

2 clove studded lemons

1 whole nutmeg

1-2 hours prior to serving, peel 3 lemons and combine with sugar, stirring together to create oleosacchrum.  Add 2 cups hot water and stir.  Add Gin and Madeira, 1 more cup of hot water and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg and clove-studded lemon slices.

Debbie Gold's Porcini Shooter with Sarsaparilla Kettle Corn


This delicious soup achieves its velvety consistency without a drop of heavy creme and it highlights a truly uniqe garnish in the form of sarsaparilla kettle corn.

Porcini Mushroom Soup

1 pound fresh button mushrooms, chopped

6 pieces dried porcini

¼ cup olive oil

1 ½ quarts vegetable stock

In a sauté pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add dried porcini, and toast for 2-3 minutes. Add chopped mushrooms. Sauté for 8 minutes or until mushrooms begin to get a bit of color and soften. Add stock and simmer until reduced by half. Puree soup. 

Season with salt and pepper.

Kettle corn

1tablespoon butter

2 ounces sugar

1tablespoon water

Pinch of Salt

1t sarsaparilla powder

As Needed Popcorn, popped (2-3 cups) 

Gently melt butter in saucepan.

Add remaining ingredients and cook until sugar dissolves.

Drizzle syrup over popcorn and toss to coat.  Do not add all syrup at once or you will deflate the popcorn.

Spread on greased baking sheet and place in over for 3-5 minutes until syrup dries and crystallizes.

Remove from oven and stir to loosen from pan. Allow to cool.

The Holiday Soiree wraps up our 2011workshop series and we are so thankful to Debbie and Ryan for helping us end the year with a bang.  Keep checking the blog for updates on our upcoming 2012 workshops featuring some old favorites like "Terrariums 101," and some new additions you won't want to miss!

Party like a pro

The season is upon us and here at Studio Dan Meiners we love a good holiday party.  This year we want you to be the host or hostess with the most or mostess.  Come eat, drink and be merry with us and a couple of special guests while you get some great new ideas to spruce up that old holiday party repertoire.

Thursday, December 1, from 5:30 - 7:30 pm, Studio Dan Meiners will host Holiday Soiree, a Happy Hour Workshop.  


Join Dan Meiners, owner and principal designer of Studio Dan Meiners, Debbie Gold, executive chef of the American Restaurant, and Ryan Maybee, the master mixologist behind Manifesto, for some bright new party ideas.  

Debbie Gold will offer a tasty twist on holiday hors d'oeuvres while Ryan Maybee whips up a few festive cocktails. Later, Dan Meiners will show you how to bring a party to life with some quick decorating tips. Stick around after the class to browse the shop’s unique selection of holiday gift and decor items. Snacks, drinks, and tasting portions are included in the price of a ticket.  Attendees will also receive a “Holiday Soiree” booklet, with recipes and tips from our party experts. 

Whether you’re a host, guest or makeshift bartender, this workshop is sure to make you the life of any party.  Tickets are $50 for one and $90 for a pair.  

To purchase tickets to Holiday Soiree Happy Hour Workshop, call 816.842.7244 or email shop@danmeiners.com. 

(The pictures above are of 2010 holiday party decor by Studio Dan Meiners, photos are courtesy of Leigh Miller Photography) 

Ashley and Mike - Real Big Days

Back in early October, Studio Dan Meiners had the pleasure of designing an elegant affair for Ashley and Mike at the beautiful Indian Hills Country Club.  This couple, together with their wedding planner Diane Boone, envisioned a traditional reception with a modern twist.




The most prominent design elements in the room were the unique glass candle sticks.  Their classic silhouettes juxtaposed with their modern material made a bold statement.   Vibrant blue and violet lights (courtesy of Innovative Lighting) splashed the walls while candle light warmed the room.   The flowers; roses, lilies, and hydrangea sat perched high on pedestals and clustered in low vases.  Rich, black ti leaves added a touch of drama.

Congratulations to Ashley and Mark, thanks for letting us be a part of your special day!

Good Cause, Good Fun

There's nothing better and a great party for a great cause.  Just before Halloween, we had the honor of working with the First Hand Foundation on their 6th annual Masquerade Ball at the Midland Theater.  The First Hand Foundation is a non-profit that provides funding so that children may have access to healthcare services. This year's theme was "Night of the Titans" and we a great time designing some truly unique greek mythology inspired decor for the evening.  Check out the pictures above and THIS VIDEO by our friend Jenny Wheat of Wheat Photography.

If you want to find our more about the First Hand Foundation and all the great work they do, visit www.firsthandfoundation.com

Holiday Shopping!

s'more fun than you can handle

We are just two days away from our Julia v. Martha S'more Smack-down and we couldn't be more excited!  We hope you'll join us for a night of s'more drinks, s'more snacks, and s'more fun than you can handle. Kansas City's very own Daisy Buket and Loretta Martin, stars of the Girly Show, will give a lesson in s'mores as Martha Stewart and Julia Child.  This is not you average cooking class! Just call the shop to reserve your tickets today! 816.842.7244

Real Big Days - Ashley & Mark

A few weeks ago, Ashley and Mark tied the knot and celebrated at Pennway Place.  Ashley and Mark's reception style was a perfect mix of modern and classic.  Deep plum, lavender and soft pink created a romantic color palette.  Clean lined cylinders and plexiglass boxes gave way to elegant cascading florals.  Custom design elements appeared throughout the room, including a place-card display which showcased a few of the couple's beautiful engagement photos (taken by our friends over at Lemon Lime Photography).

we love workshops

We had a fabulous time at our terrarium Happy Hour Workshop last Thursday and were so impressed by everyone's fabulous creations! Hope you can join us for our next workshop.  Stay tuned to our blog for updates!

Check the right hand column for our new "follow by email feature" and sign up to get Studio blog posts in your inbox.

a day in design

Its only the first day of fall, but we're already excited about holiday arrangements around here.  Check out this gorgeous wintery orchid bowl designed by Dan earlier this week.  It definitely has a frosty feel, but its clean, modern elegance makes it relevant in any season.  Look for a picture of this beauty and an interview with Dan in an upcoming issue of Kansas City Homes and Gardens.

(This is available in the shop!) 

Scenes from the Studio : Red seemed to be the color of the day as our designers put together some seriously cool arrangements on Thursday.

P.S. Don't forget to sign up for Terrariums 101, there are just a couple of seats left!

Q&A

Check out this article in the KC Star about our very own Christopher West!

Owls, sophisticated chickens for urbanites.  Who knew?  We love you Christopher.

terrariums 101

Terrariums have seen a major resurgence in the past few years, and the terrariums of today aren’t the boxy aquarium varieties of the 1970’s.  These days, terrariums come in a host of unique forms and are as much about aesthetics as they are about botanics.

Thursday, September 29, from 5:30 - 6:30 pm, Studio Dan Meiners will host Terrariums 101 as the first class in our 2011 Fall Happy Hour Workshop Series. Dan Meiners will provide instruction while participants partake in light snacks and cocktails and create their own terrariums.  The cost of the workshop is $35 and participants can choose from a variety of containers available in the shop.  Seats will fill quickly, reserve you spot today!  Call 816.824.7244 or email shop@danmeiners.com.  

falling for fall

The Shop at Studio Dan Meiners Has the Best Medicine for the "end of summer blues"! Perk yourself up with at great selection of fall items.

Shopping is the best elixir!

Bring your office to life

We spend so much time at our jobs these days, and if you're working in a sea of gray, it's safe to say you could use a little color. Why are we so consumed with dressing our homes when we're spending most of our day at work? Couldn't your work space use some TLC? When it comes to an office, a little can go a long way. Fresh flowers and plants from Studio Dan Meiners can take your work place from ordinary to extraordinary!

You know what they say, you only have one chance to make a first impression. You want your clients to feel happy and comfortable, we can help. Make an impact with living works of art around the office and leave a lasting impression of professionalism and sophistication in their minds and inspire your employee's creativity!

We offer free on-site consultations and can accommodate any budget. Plus, we'll deliver on the day of your choice.

Just call 816-842-7244 or email julia@danmeiners.com for more information and pricing.

meet Julia

We have such a great team working here at the Studio and thought we might make introductions through a little recurring series of employee bio posts. First up Julia Paugh, our business development go-to-girl. Julia tours and books our event space Pennway Place, and also does sales and marketing. Besides being an employee, Julia is a Studio Dan Meiners bride-to-be. She and her fiance will tie the knot this November at Pennway Place.

What is your hometown?
I was born outside of Chicago, but KC!

How long have you been working at the Studio?
It will be two years in October (Dan will probably throw me a party)

What is your favorite part of your job?
I like to meet and help newly engaged couples.

What is your favorite flower or plant?
I love dahlias, cox comb, protea, anything with texture.

What is something you always have in your fridge?
Sriracha Sauce and protein shakes.

Name one thing on your bucket list.
I'd like to visit every continent

Name one thing you would never want to try.
I would not like to try animal intestines... I watch the food network a lot.

Name one thing about you that would surprise people.
I have over 20 nicknames given to me by friends and family

Bling!

every little thing - new custom design services

Planning a big event is no easy feat and here at the Studio we know that the devil is in the details.  There is so much more to a party than food on the table. You want your guests to feel special and experience an unforgettable evening.

In our quest to offer clients the best, most comprehensive assistance, we are now providing in house design services.  In addition to doing your floral and decor, we want to work with you to customize every aspect of your soiree; from place-cards and table numbers, to congratulatory banners and favors.  Custom pieces can take your party to the next level. When you take care of all your event design needs in one place, the outcome is as beautifully coordinated as it is hassle free.

 Let us sweat the small stuff, we live for it.

(Above:  A large rustic seating chart welcomes party-goers to a tuscan inspired dinner.  Guests find a playful surprise at each seat in the form of a miniature olive oil bottle place-card holder. )

Hey Kansas City, Flower Power Happy Hour is back by popular demand!

Tips for a bridal show pro

So, you just got engaged, now what? Need a great event space, stunning flowers? We've got you covered. But you're not done yet... oh no. You're only just beginning... caterer, dress, cake, tux, photographer, invitations, honeymoon ... your head is spinning, we know. Take a deep breath, here's a start.

We'll be there and we'd love to meet you. If you've never been to a bridal show, it can be a bit overwhelming. Here are a few tips to make the most out of your visit.

1. Take a camera and a notepad
Describing the dream gown you saw at the bridal show as "the fluffy one, with the stuff on it" is not going to cut it. Whip out your iPhone with a pic or a note with the name of the designer so the sales girl will know just the one you're talking about.

2. Don't travel with an entourage

We know you want to hang with every single bridesmaid, but a pack is easily distracted and separated. Also, you might run into a few unwanted opinions. A mother or a maid of honor will do just fine.

3. Make address labels ahead of time with the date of your wedding
You are probably going to sign up for a ton of drawings and freebies. Spending five minutes at each booth filling out a form is going to seriously cut into your cake tasting time.

4. Know your budget

Having a rough idea of what your budget is can really help narrow down your selections. You might not be able to afford six hummer limmos for your bridal party, but your wedding can still be fantastic.

5. Do not drag you fiancé along
If he wants to go, fine. But, if you're trying to convince him that he'll like it, do yourself a favor, don't. He will probably just slow you down and he will definitely whine. Plus, there are things there that you might not want him to see, i.e. pictures from a nintendo themed wedding, or a tux with racing stripes. He does not need to know these things exist.

Ryan and Katie's Rehearsal Dinner

This past Friday, Dan and the team had a great time transforming our event space, Pennway Place, into a sleek beacon of summer style with a SOHO inspired rehearsal dinner for Katie Hammer and Ryan Gound. The couple and their wedding planner Patti Gehring envisioned a fresh, modern affair.

Terrariums in a variety of forms, filled with flowers, moss, and succulents, dripped from the ceiling and sprinkled across table tops.  Our new lighted bar back served as a dramatic focal point while an oversized lounge invited guests to curl up with a cocktail.

Rehearsal dinners often give couples, friends, and family members a time and place to gather and celebrate before the whirlwind of the actual wedding.  We hope Katie and Ryan were able to relax and enjoy good company before their big day. 

Greetings!

Hello and welcome! We are Studio Dan Meiners, a Kansas City floral and event design company. Floral and event design is our passion, but these days, we are so much more. With the recent additions of a 6,000 square foot event space, retail store, and offices housing a number of local creative professionals, we stay pretty busy. We are so excited to share the things we love and do with you, right here on our new blog. Below is a little run-down of what you can expect to find.

INSPIRATION. We are all about unique, innovative design and hope to inspire you with images and ideas. You'll find the people and things that inspire us here too.

BEHIND THE SCENES. Our fabulous designers are more than florists, they're artists. We want to give you a sneak peak into what they do and how they do it, with a few tips and tricks along the way.

RETAIL THERAPY. Have you been to The Shop? We don't like to brag, but... its pretty fantastic. Here on our blog, you'll be the first to hear about our sales and featured products.

REAL BIG DAYS. We have the chance to share in our clients' most memorable, special days and each person we work with has a style all their own. We love to showcase their unique personalities and want to give you a glimpse.

YOU'RE INVITED. There is so much going on at the Studio and we want you here! Look for information on upcoming events and workshops that should not be missed.

Thanks for taking little time to check out the new blog. We welcome any and all of your comments. Share your thoughts or questions and let us know if there is anything you'd like to see us cover. We hope to see or hear from you soon!