Activities Coordination at Big Cedar Lodge

In case some of you don't know, I am the Assistant Activities Manager for Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri (right outside of Branson). I deal with corporate groups, children, families, several resorts, and outside tourists on a daily basis. To get a better idea of what makes me who I am and to give you a better idea of my qualifications, I wanted to give you a peak through photos of what I do as part of the Activities Team for Big Cedar Lodge and neighboring properties. Have fun getting to know me a little better!

Layla Crouch, CWP

Events By Layla

Twelve Days of Christmas: Two Turtle Doves Presentation

Candy vendor making chocolate turtle candies for guests

Gingerbread House Making

Interactive Bell Choir

Tree Lighting Ceremony: Entertainer with children

Santa helping the children build toys in his toy workshop

Haunted Tram Tour at Dogwood Canyon

Casting & Cocktails Game For Corporate Groups

Ozark Olympics: Group Team-building Activity

The Newlywed Game

Science Day on the Lawn

Kids' Fishing

Nature Day: Catching Bugs

Candy Bar BINGO

Kids' Kamp at Dogwood Canyon

Holiday Picnics and Seasonal Festivals

Pirate Scavenger Hunts on the lake

Private Corporate Kids' Clubs

Kids' Club Stables Day

Big Cedar volunteers employees to give back to the community

Kids' Club Cooking Day

Holiday Traditions: HOSTING THANKSGIVING

SO YOU VOLUNTEERED TO HOST

THANKSGIVING THIS YEAR???

With all the hustle of shopping for presents and scheduling every moment of your life to get everything done, someone has to volunteer to host Thanksgiving. No need to fear though. When that time comes, raise your hand and volunteer to do the honors with pride. Pay attention to this post and get a lot of great information to help you make it through TURKEY DAY or any day that calls for a great dinner party!

TIP #1

Think VERSATILITY

• If you know you'll be hosting lots of holiday parties, invest in one good set of dishes that can go with everything.

My dish of choice: a nice, classic white square plate. Simple colors like white are good because you can virtually pair them with any other dishes in any other color and get a completely new look.

• If you must buy a tablecloth, buy one that can be used during different times of the year.

I chose a muted green that will work great for fall and the holiday season.

• Folding chairs are a good investment if you entertain often. Buy them if you can and you will save yourself money for future events. If buying isn't an option, I am willing to bet you have some friends who would be willing to let you borrow theirs.

TIP #2

Do-It-Yourself Traditions

• Color the mashed potatoes every year in a different hue.
• Start the Christmas season with a bang by having your own "tree-lighting" ceremony at home. (I wrap Santa Hats for my guests in some brown wrapping paper and tie it with raffia ribbon. Then, I use their place card as their entry ticket to see which lucky guest will get to light the tree this year.)

TIP #3

Save Time and Save Your Sanity

• Set the table ahead of time. I'm starting mine a few days before Thanksgiving.
• Put the bowls, plates, and containers for all the foods you plan to serve on the table in advance. Then, put a label on them to show what food you plan to serve from that container.
• Next, make sure you have enough serving utensils for all the food you will be serving. This may seem to be a silly reminder but I promise you will thank me for this one.
• Make the place cards in advance.
• Make sure you get an R.S.V.P. with at least 3-5 days notice so you can make all the proper accommodations for each guest.

TIP #4

Don't Sweat It!

• Remind yourself that you are also allowed to enjoy the party. Planning ahead helps make sure you can have fun too!
• In the end, it isn't about the pretty decorations or the way you cooked "The Bird." It is all about the way you make your guests feel. Remember that and you'll be golden!

All it takes is a little planning to turn to-do into to-the-table.

Above all else, Thanksgiving is the time of year when we start the holiday season and spend more time with our loved ones... at least I hope you do.

Do a few things I have mentioned to help you relax at your next Thanksgiving dinner, or use these tips to help you plan for any dinner party you are hosting. Planning makes perfect and although we can't always be perfect, we can try to come close. Good luck to you in all your holiday meal planning. We wish you a very Happy Holidays from the Events By Layla team.

Layla Crouch, CWP

Events By Layla

Holiday Traditions: INTRO

Fall is the time of year when I feel the need to pull out all the cranberry and vanilla scented candles and deck every inch of my home in decorations nothing short of warm and inviting. The holiday season is finally upon us and the crisp, cold chill in the air has made its appearance and finally decided to stay. With all the changes that happen in every fall season, I have been inspired to create new traditions this year for Thanksgiving.

You see, this will be my first time to actually cook a Thanksgiving dinner. Most memories I have of Thanksgiving include the years I traveled to New York with my high school drama department. To me, Thanksgiving was always about putting on the warmest tights, bundling up in several scarfs and a heavy coat, and walking several blocks to a chic French restaurant with several of my closest pals and about a hundred other strangers, not to mention catching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade next to Times Square. There is something very cool about New York City during the holidays. It simply transforms before your very eyes and becomes a magical playland for holiday shoppers and sight-seeing tourists. Ahhhh New York... such an amazing city. But alas, this Thanksgiving will be one of only a few I remember spending close to home, and this year I am starting my own traditions which I hope I can carry on for years to come.

With a cup of something warm in my hand at all times, I am beginning my quest to finding the perfect traditions and whimsy to add to this special holiday. Throughout my journey, I will share some of the ideas and tips I find so you can make your holiday season special, too.

Happy Planning!

L.C.

September 18, 2010: Neda + Alex - Garden Wedding

It is amazing how time can fly by. I remember the first time I met Neda. She was head over heals about Alex and I had just gotten married myself. Both of us were students in the hospitality department at Arkansas Tech and we realized we had a lot in common.

Soon after we met, my new and very dear friend had been popped the ultimate question. I remember her sharing every detail of their sweet engagement - how he proposed and the party awaiting them with their families. From the moment I met Neda two years ago to the moment before her walk down the aisle, I saw a woman who had such a beautiful love for Alex and I could tell how much he loved her too.

After such a long, but worthwhile engagement, Neda and Alex were ready to say "I-DO!" Their ceremony was held at Creekwood Gardens, a gorgeous outdoor venue with a total intimate and garden feel. Melissa McCrotty was the photographer, and was one of the first vendor choices Neda made. I, personally, have decided it is impossible for Melissa to take a bad picture. The DJ that kept our party going was DJ Connection and the cake was provided by Carbajal Bakery. Thanks to all the vendors!

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Davitt!!!! My husband and I were so glad to have shared in your celebration.

Southern Charm & Vintage Flair

What a relief it was to do this photo shoot! This summer has been filled with long days of activities coordinating at Big Cedar Lodge and has involved less time planning and designing weddings than what I would have liked to do.


When Melissa McCrotty, of Melissa McCrotty Photography, contacted me to design this photo shoot, I jumped on the opportunity.

What Melissa wanted most from this shoot was for real world brides to see some ideas that could be replicated. I loved the idea of helping brides get that magazine worthy look for less than platinum wedding prices, and so our Southern Charm & Vintage Flair photo shoot was born. I hope you find things that inspire you to think outside the box... and if you would like my assistance in planning, designing, and coordinating your next event, just give me a call or shoot me an email. *Enjoy*
















There really was no better couple for this occassion than Jeremy & Jennifer. What a gorgeous and sweet couple they are!!!

Weddings: Pre-Consultation Form

In case you didn't know...

It is very helpful to fill out what we call a PRE-CONSULTATION FORM before your initial consultation with us. This will help us get to know you and your wishes before we have our first meeting. You can find the form by clicking HERE. Follow the instructions on the front page of the document. You can always call us or email us if you have any questions about your paperwork or if you just want to chat.

We love hearing from clients and take pride in making your dreams come to life.

Happy Planning!

Layla Crouch, CWP

Events By Layla

A graduation and a new life...

There are moments in life when we all make big changes... for some of us, those changes come with an addition to our family or a celebration of some major accomplishment or committment in our lives. In May, my husband and I encountered one of those major changes when he graduated from Arkansas Tech University with a degree in Secondary English Education. With such a great honor came many changes in our lives like moving to a new town, me starting a fun and demanding summer internship, and us getting ready to start our lives together as a married couple without the words "in college" attached to the end.

To celebrate such a precious moment in our lives, I threw my husband an intimate party after his graduation. With all the craziness in our lives, I am just now posting photos from two months ago. But it is better late than never... well, that's what I've heard anyway. ENJOY and bear with the "construction dust" you will inevitably find throughout my blog and website as they are ever changing...

LOVE always,

EBL