Holiday cheer was in the air as local families came together to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season at the 3rd Annual Sips and Sweets with Santa!
A special thank you to all of the sponsors who helped make this year’s event a success.
Our venue host Hotel Karlan graciously provided their delicious Karlan chocolate chip cookie and hot chocolate station. The Bloody Marys and Mimosas at the Karlan cash bar was certainly a hit.
Hotel Karlan is a beautiful location for any event, and they offer a range of indoor and outdoor venues for you to choose from. The event was held in the elegant Carmel Highlands Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 450 guests.
Our friends Gymboree of Poway and Gymboree of Solana Beach paired up to sponsor the sugar cookie decorating station.
Rise Buddy participated as our Gold Sponsor. Rise Buddy rice crisps are the next best thing since potato chips, and an alternative snack that makes for “healthy” junk food. You can find them on Amazon!
We were enchanted by The Storybook Characters Company. The Snow Sisters entertained with an interactive story and a meet ‘n greet with photo ops.
Make sure to check out San Diego’s best character entertainment company, providing the most authentic and experienced singing princess party characters for birthday and special events!
Dance to Evolve had the little ones wiggling in a dance demo. Their talented teacher Kate had the children moving laughing and giggling! They also provided a gingerbread craft at their table.
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum graciously sponsored a mobile exhibit for our guests in attendance to enjoy. It was amazing to watch the kiddo’s imaginations go wild.
If you needed a quiet moment, Renee Book Corner had us covered with a cozy corner and the most amazing children’s books.
Karen of Paper and Paste Design Co., our favorite party design sisters, sponsored a gingerbread house station with a no-mess twist. That’s right, no graham crackers and frosting here–these houses are made of paper.
The softzone play area was sponsored by Baby Quip. The softzone play area came equipped with a ball pit, two bouncy horses, soft climbers, a tunnel and blocks, perfect for crawlers to 3-year-olds.
Happy Family Organics graciously provided samples of their new infant and toddler line of foods and snacks.
The SDMB Letters to Santa station was a popular place to stop, look at SDMB gear, and enjoy some free swag. There were also samples of Sugar Mamma’s Pumpkin Spice Caramels, that taste just like homemade pie.
SDMB team photographer and owner of Jessica Raymond Photography was onsite focusing on the photos with Santa.
As a mom herself, Jessica knows the importance of capturing your family and children through each stage of life. Jessica’s goal is to capture your children’s blossoming personalities and turn it into beautiful art.
If you don’t already, like her on FB and follow her on Instagram.
Bite Sized Bakery and Cafe brought an assortment of their chocolate dipped pretzels, cake pops and mini donuts.
That bubbly girl with a camera taking candid shoots of the event was the newest member of the SDMB photography team and owner of Iliana Ingram Photography.
Iliana is a lover of coffee, leggings, and above all, her son. She loves to laugh and spread joy to all those she encounters.
Check her out on Facebook or Instagram.
Santa Larry and his elf helper Marilyn happily spend time during their holiday season spreading love and joy. They are dedicated members of the Poway Elks (one of 10 locations in the area) which serves local communities, veterans, and children with fundraisers, community projects and other charitable endeavors. To learn more about the Elks or find a lodge near you, go to www.elks.org.
Snack sponsors included Chef Joann and her delicious homemade pesto hummus and pickled veggies, with gourmet cheeses and gluten free crackers.
Jimbos Naturally and Barons Market graciously contributed fruit platters.
Giveaway and swag sponsors from some of our favorite local brands.
Thank you to everyone who came out.
We hope to see you again next year!
