Rants & Raves
Profile: Rhonda Caldwell By Jo Anne Triplett Rhonda Caldwell, 36, calls herself “The Graphic Design Girl.” It simplifies things. Her business name and logo “simply reflect who I am and what I love doing,” she says. What she loves doing is expressive design with a touch of whimsy, personality and individuality. I saw her company logo over a year ago and it has been stuck in my mind ever since. Any marketing person can tell you that has to be one good logo.
“A strong identity design can be the needed edge to push a company to its fullest potential,” Caldwell explains. “Quality graphic design is the hidden reason for the success of many companies and the downfall of companies that do not take advantage of the experience and expertise of a graphic designer.”
Getting the message across is more enjoyable if encased in eye-catching, creative visuals. Just ask The Graphic Design Girl.
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By Angie Fenton | April 4, 2008 | The Courier-Journal
How do some of the best-known women in the city entertain at Kentucky Derby time? We asked Tricia Barnstable Brown, Lori Kommor and Yolanda Buford Demaree to share their tried 'n' true tips.
While the scopes of their parties vary vastly, all three hostesses have a similar strategy: Invite an eclectic list of guests and let the magic happen organically.
Here, these notable women share their formulas for putting on the perfect Derby fêtes.
Yolanda Buford Demaree
Whether she's entertaining 100 women for her annual Valentine party or welcoming a handful of couples into her home, Yolanda Buford Demaree pays close attention to getting every detail just right.
"I'm just hoping that everybody walks away having had a memorable time," she says.
Demaree is aiming to do the same when she throws a pre-Derby brunch for 40 to 50 of her gal pals. "It's always good to get together with my sister girls," she says.
Invites: Demaree goes to Rhonda Caldwell, owner of The Graphic Design Girl, for her invitations because of Caldwell's whimsical designs. "She's very creative, and they're always really fun. I like my invitation to set the tone."
Guests: Demaree includes on her guest list people she's just met so she can introduce them to her friends. "I'm happy to say that all of my friends are just really fun people."
Menu: "I always eat with the eye first. So everything has to be appetizing and appealing to the eye," says Demaree. Chef Kimberly Jenkins-Milton of Indulge Catering serves up just such dishes. "I can always count on Kim for serving something fun -- like crabcake Hot Browns," says Demaree. "But she's also receptive when I come to her with ideas."
Drinks: Mimosas are on the menu. Non-imbibing guests will enjoy a "special fruit tea."
Décor: Demaree doesn't have to worry about setting out the good linens and china for her parties. She believes in integrating beautiful items into her everyday life anyway. Like the late humorist Erma Bombeck, she says, "I use everything" -- though not many disposable items "because I'm getting into the green movement and want to do my part. I'm very concerned about the planet." Demaree has quite a collection of Derby paraphernalia and scatters it throughout her home, including a Derby-themed wreath that she made.
Music: "Usually we have some type of jazz in the background. I think it's soothing," says Demaree.
Good works: At many of Demaree's parties, she asks guests to bring items for local charity organizations or to give cash gifts to the Harriett B. Porter Cancer Education & Prevention Program. "I do like the idea of a party with a purpose, but this (Derby brunch) is all about fun. I'm asking guests to bring their smiles -- and maybe a Derby hat," she says.