I have known Debbie and Gary Chervitz for a long time. Years ago when I designed Maddy’s Bat Mitzvah, we thought we had set the bar…dramatic fushia and pink tones that celebrated love eternal. The heart was our symbol and it was a night that made my heart overflow. And then along came Lindsey…

Lindsey was a 12 year old going on 24 when I really started working with her. I will save you the drama, as every teen event has a little, and just tell you that defining the look was not the easiest decision in our process. OY! Finally inspiration took hold and she embraced not only a fabulous concept but a stunning look. I think Debbie and I cried but I can’t be sure. Add one part Tiffany blue to two parts Rob and the combination was “Lindsey and Co.”.

Diamonds truly were a girl’s best friend on this glittering night filled with sparkle and world famous signature colors. From the moment that guests walked into the Lobby, the tone was set for a dazzling evening. The Lobby Attendant was decked out as a Grand Dame and dripped in ropes of pearls and costume jewelry. Escort cards were lined up on sterling silver holders designed to look like high-end earrings. Placed on black velvet linens, they had the look and feel of a jewelry case. A huge ice sculpture dominated the bar bearing the guest of honors name in the signature “Tiffany” font of her favorite store. Decadent signature drinks were at every bar. “The Silver Sensation” was a Tiffany blue hypnotic martini served in a glass with a thin film of edible silver leaf and the “Lindsey Frenzy” was garnished with silver sugar. A tiny piece of dry ice in the drink caused it to fog. Hors D’oeuvre trays with real lights, black and white feathers and cut crystals glittered as servers walked about the room.

When guests entered the young adult dining area, they were stunned by the dramatic Tiffany blue and black color story which was reversed in the adult area. From the chandeliers, multiple strands of black diamond beads hung above the young adult’s heads and sparkled brilliantly. A towering display of chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese icing was prominently displayed with a white chocolate garnish featuring the letter “L”. A spun sugar diamond from France adorned the top of each cupcake. Black feather strands ran down the length of each table and hung from each wall sconce to the floor.

The adult dining room was resplendent with black on black linens sprayed with loose rhinestones, black satin chair covers with Tiffany blue sahes, silver chargers and a Tiffany boxed favor at each placesetting. However, instead of the ribbon stating Tiffany and Co., it bore Linsey’s name in the same font! Tiffany blue sashes were woven through all the sconces around the ballroom and giant silver art deco vases held masses of white calla lilies and greenery. The entire ballroom had a glamorous art deco feel!

I of course looked stunning with my black suit and shirt and my Tiffany blue tie and SHOES. Yes…it is a long story that I’ll save for another time. Lindsey was in a gorgeous silver and Tiffany blue party dress and we looked like runway models as we compared our good jewelry. Feasting and merriment continued throughout the evening and the night concluded with Marilyn Monroe’s song, “Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend”.

So am I.

Rob Schaefer

There is just nothing quite like it! The Easter Brunch at the Coronado is truly spectacular!! Reserve your table today for one of the most decadent brunches in St. Louis!

When I think of Bill Donius, I always think of the Salt-N-Pepa song “What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man”.

Yes he is…

And of course he would have the most talented and charming Executive Assistant in the world, Miss Helen Liu. From the first moment that I met Helen, I adored her and am proud to say that she will be a cherished friend for life. Helen is the total package…beauty, brains and style. My kind of woman! Helen and I first worked together for a United Way Event and it was hosted by Bill in his home. I could write an entire blog about Bill’s home and art collection but I will just sum up by saying that Bill is a rare person with an incredible appreciation for beauty.

Helen and the planning committee really created a special evening for the guests. With a “fish” theme in mind, nautical blue was chosen as the linen color and centerpieces of fish bowls, floating plants and real fish decorated every table. Bars, placecard tables and tall cab tables were drenched in real fishing nets and I loved the way they puddled over the tables. Shells, coral, glass floats and faux crabs accented everything and really enhanced our theme.

From the hors d’oeuvre trays with fish sculptures and lights… to the blue “Hooked on Pulaski” martini with an edible “sand” rim, all of the special touches made this a company party of company parties. It was a real example of how to think outside the box and make your employees feel special and pampered (in Bill Donius style with a little Rob magic thrown in for good measure). The vanilla bean cheesecake with pate sucre crust garnished with a wave made out of blue chocolate might have helped too…

Helen, you did an amazing job and it was an honor working with you. Despite my torn Achilles Tendon, I had a toe-tapping time…someone told me I looked distinguished with my cane. “Distinguished” was not quite the word I was looking for but I’ll take what I can get. And you looked amazing!

And to Bill Donius, Salt-N-Pepa says it best,

“He dresses like a dapper don, but even in jeans…He’s a God-sent original…”

Rob Schaefer

It was right after my big Seminar at Neiman Marcus that inspiration struck. Steve, Kathy, Lisa, Debbie, Gary and myself were seated around the Becker’s kitchen table eating pasta (Steve makes delicious pasta).  Lisa Cohen started telling me about Abby and Andrew’s B’nai Mitzvah in February of 2007. So I took it upon myself to plan it on the spot and help create an event appropriate for both a boy and a girl…”The Cohen Family B’nai Mitzvah…A Magical Moment Frozen In Time”.

Abby is 13 going on 23 and Mr. Andrew is a very gifted young man with an old soul. We all agreed that we wanted the ultimate black and white party…modern and starkly beautiful. Abby and Andrew came in to visit and we chose black velvet overlays with a silver “diamond” effect. To me it looked like the winter night sky. For the adult tables we went with stark white overlays over black floorlength cloths. Dazzling white bengaline chair covers with crisp black satin sashes accented each adult table and complimented the glossy black chargers. The young adult chairs also had white covers but were sashed with a beautiful red and black knit scarf. Each young adult could take home their scarf and wear it all winter long. The scarves were embroidered with the monogram snowflake created out of the letter “A” with my tag line…”The Cohen Family B’nai Mitzvah…A Magical Moment Frozen In Time”. Too cute! I was fine till one little brat tried to take my scarf but I tossed a cookie at him and he ran away.

The adult tables featured amazing centerpieces created by Randy Felkey. Giant glass vases held masses of white, frosted branches. Snow filled the vases to the rim and hanging votives and icicles hung from the branches filling the air with twinkling light. Snow was drifted onto the center of each table and accented cut glass bowls frosted with white sugar. The bowls held assorted candy in black, white and red for guests to nibble. Silver vases were hanging from each wall sconce by white satin ribbons and held giant snowballs of white baby’s breath. GORGEOUS!

Abby was determined to out DIVA me and although the invitation said “Black and White Dress Only”, she wore a stunning red dress and looked like a star. I appropriately named her signature mock-tail “The Abbalicious”. It was brilliant red and quite delicious. I was quite fetching in my black suit, black and white chalk striped shirt and shiny white satin evening tie and so was Andrew. We toasted our good looks with his brilliant blue drink…”The Andrew Igloo”.

Dr. Billy Cohen came through for me and suprised the family with one of the coolest special effect machines on the market…the snow machine. When guests walked into the Coronado lobby, real snow was falling from the ceiling. It was damp and real and gathered into drifts on the floor. Guests were speechless and the children loved it! What an amazing gift to the family. I will never forget how the lobby looked with snow falling in it.

Lisa Cohen decided to really treat her guests and we created an old-fashioned cookie and cocoa station. I decorated the table to look like one massive snow drift using cotton batting and tons of artifical snow. White frosted trays of cookies were at different elevations and featured gingerbread men with little iced scarves, double fudge cookies dusted in powdered sugar and mexican wedding cake cookies… to name a few. Silver urns held piping hot cocoa and was complimented by bowls of marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, chocolate shavings, etc. It was amazing and very different.
I could go on and tell you about the giant icicles and snowflakes suspended above the young adult tables, the delectable “Chilly Billy” peppermint martinis or giant black and white portraits of Abby and Andrew but I won’t. Let’s just say that a little pasta dinner started the snowball rolling and became a vision of beauty and sophistication.

To Lisa and Billy, thank you for your faith in my vision and creative freedom to make things beautiful. I enjoyed this event as much as I did making your birthday parties so special. And to Abby and Andrew, I thank you for inspiring me. Uncle Rob is always available for Sweet 16 Parties, Graduations and LAVISH Weddings.

Just leave Dr. Billy and the martinis to me…

Rob Schaefer

As most people know, I love to entertain. I have had a knack for it my entire life and much to my father’s horror, I traded my G.I. Joe with my sister for her Easy Bake oven. While she went off to combat, I made us a lovely lunch. I can still see our little play house with its blue siding and yellow window boxes. I could set a mean table in those days with my little plastic plates and glasses. Now when I am asked to do a seminar on entertaining or a television appearance, I always try to incorporate something for children.

This past May, I was honored when St. Louis Magazine At Home and Neiman Marcus asked me to conduct a seminar on Contemporary Entertaining. It really allowed me to get out of the box and show ideas that work in the modern, urban home. It was standing room only and I had a blast! I have had so much fun hearing from various guests and getting their fun e-mails. I am glad that so many ideas have worked out for so many people.

AND I AM DOING IT AGAIN!

On October 26, 2006, I will be conducting the “Holiday Entertaining with Rob Schaefer” Seminar. Once again, it will be held at Neiman Marcus starting at 5:30PM. I hope many of you can attend. Steve and Kathy Becker will be providing more yummy, exciting hors d’oeuvres and specialty holiday drinks for your enjoyment.  Please RSVP by calling Neiman Marcus at 994-5022.
Fall and Holiday time is my favorite time of year. I love the holidays! I get to use all the decorative “goo” that I have amassed through the year and bring out all my beloved entertaining pieces. Now is the time for everyone to decide on dates for their holiday parties and call us to cater them!  314-367-6050.

I’m sure that I will be on most of your guest lists again this year and I hope you won’t be crushed if I happen to be working that night and unable to attend. I do add a certain glamour to any event with my sparkling personality and kicky outfits. With or without me, planning and booking your caterer now will ensure an effortless party for you in December.

And if you need a little Rob inspiration, I hope you can stop in and see me on October 26th.  Please RSVP so everyone will have a seat!
As Kathy Becker always says, “It’s not the steak, it’s the sizzle!” .

And I sizzle.

Rob

There is something about the “The Wizard of Oz” that touches a soft spot in my heart.  I think the biggest connection I have with Dorothy, other than wanting the ruby slippers, is that I too grew up on a huge farm and longed for my somewhere over the rainbow.  In fact, any place filled with beauty and glamour, sparkles and enchantment, would have suited me just fine.  I think that life, home and celebrating can all start to look gray and dreary when we never think outside the box (Kansas).

Part 1 – The Tornado

When I first met Steve Becker, I was setting up a presentation for a Special Event Expo.  It was an amazing event and I had gone overboard with an Italian/Tuscan theme.  I had created a centerpiece with 5 dozen sunflowers and was busy preparing mussels when he walked up and told me how great everything looked.  We chatted and I later went to visit the Starlight Roof which Steve and Kathy had recreated atop the Chase.  I remember thinking how amazing it was and that I had met someone with real passion about this industry!  Who knew that I would come to work for the man I admired. 

Steve is a Caterer first and foremost.  His passion to create a total dining experience in your home or office is endless.  Although we produce the most breathtaking social events in St. Louis, there is still the need to entertain at home.  When was the last time that you entertained and used a caterer?  Is the art of entertaining a thing of the past?

Part 2 – The Witch…this is where I come in…

I see client’s struggle with home entertaining every day.  What do I serve?  Who is allergic to what?  Why is this so costly?  First, pick a theme or culinary story for your party.  Tapas and Sangria!  Sushi and Saki!  BBQ and Bourbon! Create a simple, pure menu with really fantastic items.  Offer your guests only the finest liquors and limit the bar if you have to.  Beer, wine and soda with some specialty cocktails can be a great choice if a full premium bar is out of the question.  Highlight the best features of your home and set the mood with music indoors and out and PROPER lighting.  Everbody knows how I love to change the lightbulbs in my client’s homes to amber or pink to set a mood!  Establish a relationship with a caterer and have a comfort level with them.  Allow them to incorporate your beautiful accessories into the mix and make everything personal.  Be a guest in your own home and relax and enjoy.  The host or hostess that spends the evening in the kitchen is not a host or hostess, they are a servant. 

Pamper yourself and let the caterer clean up! 

Part 3 – The Ruby Slippers

When was the last time you had a party?  When was the last time you used your formal living or dining room…your wedding china?  Are holidays the only time you entertain? 

Isn’t everyday a day to celebrate?

When you add up your gas, time, food costs and labor, calling a caterer is the route to go.  Call us.

Just click your heels together and say, “There is no place like home.”

We will do the rest.

Rob