Blessings, gratitude, family, friends and lots of TURKEY! Yes folks, Thanksgiving is tomorrow! Are you ready? Whether your hosting or a guest at a gathering, here are some last minute tips for great decor, recipes and fun cocktails!
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It's time to celebrate.....celebrate your family, friends, employees, co-workers, or just celebrate life itself! Host & Toast has teamed up with Emily Shepherd Photography to offer 20 event planning + photography packages to individuals and businesses. With the holiday season fast approaching, let our teams help plan, execute and capture your client appreciation, office holiday party or social event of choice. Offer is limited to 20 packages and the last day to book a package for the 2016 holiday season is October 17th. Restrictions apply. Contact us today for more information and to book your package: hello@hostandtoast.com. Let's celebrate!
Mandy & Emily
Pools are opening, BBQ's are happening and it's the 'unofficial' kickoff of summer! Can you believe we are half way through the year already?! If your not traveling out of town this weekend, there is plenty to do in the DC Metro area to celebrate Memorial Day. From baseball to strawberry picking and several festivals, we've put our top picks together of local events for you and your families to enjoy this holiday weekend!
Photo courtesy of Alex Brandon/Associated Press.
Washington Nationals vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Friday-Sunday: As they continue their fast start to the season, the Washington Nationals play host to the St. Louis Cardinals at Nationals Park for a four game series over the holiday weekend {with a W that started out the series last night!} Friday is "Pups in the Park" day and Saturday is "Taste of the World" event {which requires a special ticket be purchased}. The games start at 7:05pm Friday, 7:15 pm on Saturday and 1:35 pm on Sunday. For tickets and more information, go here.
Jazz in the Garden
Friday: The National Gallery of Art kicks off its 16th season of Jazz in the Garden, the popular outdoor jazz concert series, which showcases local musicians in a unique, beautiful setting. The 19th Street Band, a folk music trio from DC, plays the first show of the season. Get to the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden early to grab a good seat and to purchase a snack and drink from the Pavilion Cafe. {Tip: Lines get long for food and drink, so we highly recommend you bring your own--however alcoholic beverages are NOT allowed}. The event starts at 5 pm and admission is FREE. More information here.
The giant octopus displayed at the "Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea" Exhibit. Photo courtesy of The National Zoo.
The National Zoo's "Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea" Exhibit
Friday-Monday: "Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea" at the National Zoo is putting trash on display. The 17 sculptures placed throughout the zoo are made from plastic pollution gathered from beaches around the world. The large sculptures represent some of the sea creatures most affected by plastic pollution, including a 12 foot shark, a 16 foot parrot fish and an 8 foot octopus. These massive sculptures represent the more than 315 billion pounds of plastic in oceans, illustrating the devastating effects of the ocean's deadliest predator—trash. If you can't make it out this holiday weekend, not to worry! The exhibit runs through Sept. 5, 2016. Admission to the National Zoo is FREE. More information here.
The DC Capital Fair
Friday-Monday: The fair is a summer carnival featuring dozens of rides, games and attractions to bring family fun to the nation's capital. The event includes rides, games, live entertainment and the Great American Wolf Show, traditional fair foods such as funnel cakes, candy apples, cotton candy, pizza, popcorn and special treats such as fried Oreos and fried candy bars. The fair takes place at RFK Stadium, 2400 East Capitol Street, SE. Washington DC. On-site parking is available in Lot 7 for $5.
Admission: Ride passes give you access to 35 rides all day. Friday, May 27: $20; Saturday, May 28 - Monday, May 30: $25. Single ride tickets are also available. More information here.
Photo courtesy of Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery.
Blue Valley Vineyard & Winery's 'Eat, Drink and Remember' Event
Saturday- Monday: Located in Delaplane, VA, the gorgeous mountain views are just the beginning when you arrive at Blue Valley Vineyard. The modern and spacious indoors is home to their fantastic wines. This Memorial Day weekend, Blue Valley will be hosting the 'Eat, Drink and Remember' event, honoring those who have fought for our country with the release of their new red blend appropriately called, Remembrance! Military members get 15% off all bottles. {A Valid ID is required to receive discount}. Remembrance is a sweet red blend of Chambourcin and Vidal Blanc, 2.4% residual sugar, served chilled. Here is the holiday weekend schedule of entertainment and food trucks at the vineyard:
Saturday, May 28
Eddies Moms Band
1:30-5:30 pm
Sunday, May 29
Leon Rector
The Bone BBQ Truck
1:30-5:30 pm
Monday, May 30
The Electeds
Black Fig Pizza Company
1:30-5:30 pm
More information about Blue Valley here.
Viva Vienna Festival
Saturday-Monday: This family friendly community event has three days worth of activities and entertainment on three different stages, featuring magicians, dance performances, and live music of all genres. And that’s just the beginning! There will be handmade crafts, several vendors and amusement park rides! There is no admission fee but, ride tickets will cost you $1. You can also purchase a sheet of 24 tickets for $20 or a sheet of 48 for $40. $35 will get you a wristband with all day access to rides. All the festival fun starts at 10 am each day at 245 Maple Ave. W, Vienna, VA 22180. More details here.
The Delaplane Strawberry Festival
Saturday-Sunday: Thousands of people drive out each year to visit beautiful Sky Meadows State Park for the annual Delaplane Strawberry Festival which features hayrides, old fashioned field games, dancing, music, magic, storytelling, crafts, a petting farm, an antique car show, bake sale, hikes on the Appalachian Trail, face painting, a Corn Hole Tournament and much more! Pack your own picnic or snack on pizza, fresh wraps, hot dogs and other festival fare like funnel cake and strawberry shortcakes and sundaes. Make a whole day of it and don't forget to take home a flat of delicious fresh strawberries! Gates open at 10 am each day and admission is $20 per car in advance, $25 per car at the gate. More details here.
Photo courtesy of www.cookologyonline.com blog.
Great Country Farm's Strawberry Jubilee
Saturday-Sunday: The longest running strawberry festival in Loudoun County, the Jubilee will have live music, wagon rides, family games, and a pie eating contest, Great Country Farms’ festival also hosts an adorable Diaper Derby for 7-12 month-olds and an appearance from the Royal Strawberry Princess! Their Roosteraunt will feature donut strawberry shortcake, chocolate dipped strawberries and hand-dipped ice cream from Trickling Springs Creamery as well as pizza flatbreads, pecan wood smoked BBQ sandwiches with classic coleslaw, kettle corn, and baked goods including strawberry and strawberry rhubarb pies. Great Country Farms is located at 18780 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont, VA 20135. Purchase discounted $10 a guest {kids and adults} tickets today and skip the long admission line! Tickets at the gate will be $10 for kids and $12 for adults. More details here.
Photo courtesy of www.dodlive.mil
The Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally
Sunday: We often think of Memorial Day as the unofficial kickoff to summer, but the Rolling Thunder Run serves as a reminder of this holiday’s true meaning-- to honor those who’ve given their lives in service to our country. And every year, that rolling thunder of motorcycles can be heard reminding us never to forget those left behind. This spectacular sight takes place on Sunday at noon, however, you'll want to get there early. Bring some snacks, pick a spot, and enjoy the motorcycles as they 'roll' by. Riders leave the Pentagon parking lot via Washington Boulevard and cross the Memorial Bridge onto Constitution Avenue, heading east to Pennsylvania Avenue. They’ll then turn right on 3rd Street and head west on Independence Avenue to West Potomac Park. More details here.
Falls Church Memorial Day Festival & Parade
Monday: Observe Memorial Day this year with the City of Falls Church! Hosting its 35th Annual Memorial Day Parade and Festival, the city offers a wonderful place to spend the day and remember those who gave their lives in military service. Enjoy a parade, pony rides, arts and crafts, food, and local vendors along with the Don Beyer Fun Run, veterans ceremony, and live music! More information here.
The National Memorial Day Parade
Monday: The National Memorial Day Parade on Constitution Avenue is commemorating the 15th anniversary of the attacks of September 11th and the 75th anniversary of the United States involvement in World War II. In addition to soldiers, veterans, marching bands and local organizations, it will feature musical performances by John Michael Montgomery, American Idol winner Trent Harmon and country singer Phil Vassar, among others. The parade, which runs between seventh and 17th streets NW, starts at 2 pm and is FREE to attend. More information here.
Steve Aoki's BBQ at Soundcheck
Monday: One of the biggest names in electronic music is kicking off summer with Steve Aoki's BBQ at Soundcheck. The acclaimed international DJ and producer will be spinning while guests chow down on barbecue {the first 150 people get sliders, mac and cheese and hush puppies}. Doors open at 4pm and admission is $30. Soundcheck is located at 1420 K St NW Washington, DC. More information and purchase tickets here.
Whatever your plans, we hope you have a fun and safe weekend! Host & Toast salutes, thanks and honors those that have given their lives to protect our country and freedom!
Photo credit: Baltimore Sun
Peeps grow on trees? Paper boats can float in the Inner Harbor? A pillow fight on The National Mall? No, its not an April Fools prank. These are actual events happening this weekend. Check out our top picks of things to do in the DC Metro area April 2-3, 2016.
Blossom Kite Festival
Where: Grounds of the Washington Monument near 17th St NW & Constitution
When: Saturday April 2, 2016, 10am-4:30pm
Admission: FREE
The National Cherry Blossom Festival organizers are calling the Blossom Kite Festival on the Mall a celebration of “50 years of kite flying," dating back to the first Smithsonian Kite Festival in 1967. But an event like this doesn’t need a bigger hook: Seeing colorful kites take over the sky over America’s Front Yard as families take part in the fun is incentive enough to make it to the Mall for this one. The event runs from 10 am to 4:30 pm {with a rain date of Sunday at noon}. Event details here.
Light City Baltimore Festival
Where: Baltimore Inner Harbor
When: Friday-Sunday April 1-3, 2016
Admission: FREE for everything except the conferences
Calling itself the first U.S. large-scale light festival, Light City will illuminate Baltimore throughout this weekend with colorful, glowing art installations, musical performances, theater and more. The action is focused around Baltimore's Inner Harbor and the surrounding areas, including the "Voyage" installation: 300 floating "paper boats" encasing colored LED lights on the Inner Harbor water. For a complete schedule, visit: Event details here.
Photo credit: www.somewhereluxurious.com
International Pillow Fight Day
Where: The National Mall, Washington Monument Grounds
When: Saturday April 2, 2016, 3pm
Admission: FREE for all ages
The rules for the International Pillow Fight Day gathering near the Washington Monument are pretty simple: no down pillows, swing lightly and don’t take out any photographers. Other than that, the pillow fight staged on the Mall resembles the same thing you did with your siblings, cousins and friends as a kid, just on a much larger scale, with a more scenic backdrop. Starts at 3 pm. Event details here.
Photo credit: www.bestevents.us
Great Country Farms Egg Hunt and Marshmallow Harvest
Where: Great Country Farms, 18780 Foggy Bottom Rd, Bluemont VA 20135 When: Saturday & Sunday April 2-3, 2016
Admission: Purchase tickets at the gate for $10/child and $12/adult
We realize Easter was last weekend but hey, why not go a second round of egg hunts?? Find out if marshmallow peeps really grow on trees at the Great Country Farms Egg Hunt and Marshmallow Harvest, April 2-3! Visit the farm, peek at the new baby animals, and let the little ones “harvest” some marshmallows to roast with Farmer Bob! This fun event will also include wagon rides and egg hunts {included with paid admission}, with over 18,000 filled eggs waiting to be found! Be sure to find the age-appropriate egg hunt for your little one in our event details link below. Enjoy playing on rope swings or a giant jumping pillow, zooming down 80-foot slides, playing a round of putt-putt, enjoying a country hayride, and much more! Event details here.
Go Colonial!
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm, 6310 Georgetown Pike McLean VA
When: Saturday & Sunday April 2-3, 2016 10am - 4:30pm
Admission: $3/adults, $2/ages 3 and up, FREE for 2 and under
The Claude Moore Colonial Farm opens for the first weekend of its 2016 season, welcoming visitors to explore family life on a pre-Revolutionary War working farm. There is a tobacco barn, farm house, garden, orchard, and animals. Guests can also interact with a family portraying life as it was back then. Event details here.
Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Where: Verizon Center, Washington DC
When: Saturday & Sunday April 2-3, 2016
Admission: Check participating ticket vendors for ticket prices.
Prepare to witness amazing circus feats and spectacles of strength so grand you once thought them to be unbelievable. Ringling Bros has combed the globe to find the most skilled circus masters for their show, LEGENDS. Be it the most majestic animals you’ve ever seen, the most exotic performers from faraway lands, or the most fearless daredevils that take danger to unheard of levels, this show has no equal anywhere. Event details here.
Whatever your plans are this weekend, enjoy them to the fullest and be safe!
Photo credit: coolprogeny.com
It's officially Spring! The Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom, the store sleeves are lined with pastel colored candies for the upcoming Easter weekend and the weather is going to be fabulous. Could we ask for anything more? Get out and enjoy yourselves with your family and friends at these local events celebrating the Cherry Blossoms and Easter.
Opening Ceremony
Kick-off the 2016 National Cherry Blossom Festival and watch world renowned performers as they welcome spring time to Washington, DC and celebrate the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States. Enjoy traditional and contemporary performances in the historic Warner Theatre from 5-6:30pm on Saturday March 26, 2016. The trees, both in Japan and the U.S., always have symbolized birth and renewal. The Opening Ceremony celebrates the season through a showcase of great American and Japanese talent. Tickets were originally sold out however, additional tickets have been released. Registration and event details here.
National Cherry Blossom Festival Family Day
Come learn about landscape architecture as you help transform the National Building Museum’s Great Hall into a life size plant drawing. Using elements from the New American Garden exhibition, you’ll collaboratively build a 2D garden on the enormous floor. Kiddos will learn about scale and architectural drawing in a fun and unique way. Additional activities include: folding origami masterpieces, designing a memorial for the National Mall, trying on traditional Japanese clothing and learning more about the National Park Service’s Centennial celebration. Saturday March 26, 2016, 9 am-5 pm. Free. All ages. Event detail here.
Photo credit: cntraveler.com
Dinosaur Egg Hunt
Mini paleontologists will be digging up more than Easter eggs at this exciting event running Friday - Sunday, March 25-27, 2016, at Hidden Oaks Nature Center! This dinosaur themed event will feature an outdoor egg hunt at Dinoland in Nature Place {Hidden Oak’s 1/3-acre unstructured woodland play area}, followed by the opportunity to make a dino craft. The event is open to all ages with multiple times available for different age groups. The cost is $7 for Fairfax County residents and $9 for non-residents. Registration is required. Hidden Oaks Nature Center is located at 7701 Royce St., Annandale, VA 22003. Registation and event details here.
Lovettsville Eggstravaganza
This event is close to our founder's heart as it is hosted on the Town Green named after her husband's family who has roots in Lovettsville for over 70 years! The Eggstravaganza will be held Saturday March 26, 2016. Get the kids ready as there will be over 2,500 eggs to hunt for! Enjoy a petting zoo, pictures with the Easter Bunny, pony rides, food and much more. This event is hosted on the Lovettsville Town Green at 11 Spring Farm Dr, Lovettsville, VA 20180. Event details here.
Ticonderoga Farms Easter Egg Hunts
Running every weekend until April 3, 2016, the farm is hosting Easter egg hunts at 11am and 2pm {Farm is open 10am-5pm}. There will also be an opportunity to meet the Easter bunny! While there, don't forget to enjoy the farms other activities! Attractions include jumping pillows, giant slides, play structures, and it is also home to Virginia’s largest swinging bridge! With seasonal events and activities including hayrides and s’mores making, visitors big and small will find something to enjoy. {Note: This event is subject to cancelation due to inclement weather. Please call their facility to confirm events.} Ticonderoga Farms is located at 26469 Ticonderoga Rd., Chantilly, VA 20152. Tickets are required. Event details here.
Egg Hunt at Clemyjontri Park
Clemyjontri Park is hosting a day of Easter fun on Saturday March 26, 2016! Enjoy egg hunts, crafts, photo ops with the Easter Bunny, and more! Egg hunts are split by age and run every thirty minutes. Plus, weather permitting, the carousel will be open. Registration is required. Clemyjontri Park boasts over 2-acres of fun. This all-inclusive, adaptive playground consists of 4 outdoor “rooms” surrounding a centerpiece carousel: The Rainbow Room, The Schoolhouse & Maze, The Movin’ and Groovin’ Transportation Area, and Fitness & Fun. In addition to a ton of climb on structures for all ages, the rubber surfacing is stroller and wagon friendly, there are plenty of shaded areas to sit, picnic tables, on-site bathrooms, vending machines with drinks, and much more. Clemyiontri Park is located at 6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA. Pre-register and event details here.
Photo credit: metrofamilymagazine.com
Madame Tussauds Easter Celebration
In celebration of Easter and a White House tradition started by the 19th US President, Rutherford B. Hayes, Madame Tussauds Washington D.C. is hosting its fifth annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday March 26, 2016! A bounty of eggs will be hidden throughout Madame Tussauds’ President’s Gallery, waiting to be discovered by guests as they interact with and enjoy wax figures of all 44 US Presidents. Once children have collected all the empty eggs, they can trade them in at the end for an Easter Gift Bag full of fun treats!
The price of admission includes full access to Madame Tussauds Washington, DC, an Easter egg hunt through the Presidents Gallery, one gift bag per child, a meet and greet with the Easter Bunny, access to an onsite petting zoo, face painting and crafts! Three half-hour sessions available, including 8 am, 8:30 am, and 9 am. Madame Tussauds is located at 1001 F St. NW, Washington, DC. Tickets and event details here.
West Belmont Place Easter Eggstravaganza
The Easter Bunny is coming to West Belmont Place at The National Conference Center (NCC) in Leesburg on Sunday March 27, 2016, at 11 am, 12 pm, and 1 pm! Your family’s special morning with the Easter Bunny features a buffet brunch, a keepsake family photo with the Easter Bunny, and an Easter egg scavenger hunt for children 6-12 and a Baby Bunny Easter Egg Hunt for children 5 and under, on the West Lawn of The NCC’s 65-acre campus! Plus, a non-denominational church service will be held at 9 am for guests and members of the community who would like to attend. Tickets for the Easter Egg-Stravaganza are $52 for adults and children 13 and over; $25 for children ages 3- 12. Children 2 years old and younger may attend at no cost when accompanied by a paid adult. West Belmont Place Event Center at The National Conference Center is located at 18980 Upper Belmont Pl., Leesburg, VA 20176. Purchase tickets and event details here.
Easter Brunch with the Little Ones
If a family brunch on Easter morning is more your speed, there are plenty of options that also include a little fun for the kids. CoCo Sala’s Easter Chocolate Brunch includes a chocolate surprise for the kids. And at the Ritz Carlton in Pentagon City, the Easter Bunny Corner offers a full brunch of kid-friendly options plus a kite station, a chance to decorate Easter Eggs and a visit from the bunny himself.
CoCo Sala
929 F St., NW
Online: cocosala.com
Ritz Carlton Pentagon City
1250 S Hayes St. (Arlington, Va)
Online: ritzcarlton.com
The National Zoo Easter Celebration
Although this is not a weekend event, many families still enjoy it yearly. Visit the National Zoo on Monday March 28, 2016, for their Easter celebration! This family friendly event will feature live entertainment and activities for the everyone, including a traditional Easter egg hunt for kids, with prizes, and field games for older children. Special animal demonstrations are planned as well as visits from the Easter Panda! It is on rain or shine and FREE to all ages! The National Zoo is located at 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008. Event details.
Please share your photos with us in the comments below and let us know which events you enjoyed! Wishing everyone a safe and 'hoppy' Easter weekend!
