Lemon Aid
Download Lemon, a free app compatible with any smartphone, to organize receipts for easy expense reporting. Just snap a quick picture of the receipt, and the app securely stores them online. Lemon will even create graphs showing where you're spending your money. Lemon.com
Polished Cocktail
The Barclay Bar at the InterContinental New York Barclay turned a classic summer cocktail, the mojito, into something more seasonally appropriate just by swapping out a few ingredients. The Apple Mojo (recipe below), created by mixologist Jose Torrella, uses apple juice, apple butter jam and Daron Fine Calvados -- a brandy with a subtle hint of apple -- for a sweet taste of fall. intercontinentalnybarclay.com
The Apple Mojo
1) Mix 1.5 oz. Daron Calvados, 1 oz. fresh apple juice and 1 tbsp apple butter jam
2) Muddle eight mint leaves, a fresh squeezed lime, two tbsp sugar
3) Add crushed ice and shake mixture
4) Top with club soda
5) Pour into a Tom Collins glass, garnish with mint sprig and apple slice.
Less Talking, More Doing
LessMeeting, a new online tool, is designed to make those small, internal meetings more efficient. The software works with Outlook or can be accessed from any web browser to let users track and organize meetings from start to finish, and do everything from send out meeting invites to create progress reports that track projects discussed in the session. Cost: approximately $10/month per user, depending on the number of users and length of contract. lessmeeting.com
Dessert, Deconstructed
Ice sculptures, grand as they are, can feel a bit passé. We love this decadent alternative from pastry chef Daniel Keadle of the Grand Hyatt San Antonio, who molded the Picasso-esque sculpture from white and dark Belgian chocolate for a recent event. The property also offers mini versions of the sculptures for pillow gifts. Priced from $50 to $1,000 and up, depending on the size and ingredients. (210) 224-1234; grandsanantonio.hyatt.com
Cash 'n' Splash
The Autoseal Kangaroo water bottle features a nifty exterior pouch that holds credit cards, cash and a key, perfect for runs or roaming the trade show floor. Cost, $10 per 24-oz bottle; customization and bulk discounts available. gocontigo.com
Lustrous Linens
These exquisite braided silk linens will add a festive touch
to any gala or special event. The 90 x 90-inch tablecloths are available
in nine colors, including silver and gold (shown). For information on
rental cloths, contact Cloth Connection at (212) 585-1284; clothconnection.com
Edible Business Cards
Make a tasteful impression with these edible business cards. The cookie cards come in tins that can be customized with a logo or image. Cost, tin of six business card cookies, $24.99, and for tins of 12, $34.99. (973) 379-0740; splurgebakery.com
Charitable Carry-Alls
These messenger bags from Township Patterns make practical and stylish conference giveaways that you can feel good about. The fair trade carryalls are crafted by women's sewing cooperatives in South Africa's economically challenged townships. Cost, $3.10 -$25, based on size of order, type of bag and customization requirements. www.township.co.za
Seasonal Sweets
Godiva's pumpkin ganache-filled milk-chocolate truffles make decadent party treats for office Halloween parties or fabulous event favors for the rest of the season. Cost, $13 for five pieces. (800) 946-3482; Godiva.com
Pack Smart
Instead of folding clothes, tightly roll them up to double the space as well as keep wrinkles at bay. Travel writer Kristin Luna of camelsandchocolate.com demonstrates this method perfectly in her how-to video here.
Plume Perfect
For a big visual impact, ostrich feather centerpieces add height and unexpected flair to a sit-down reception. Plus, they're easy to craft yourself. Start with 24-inch "Eiffel tower" vases (about $7 each) and add 20 ostrich plumes (about 15 to 20 inches long, $2 each). Use a foam bouquet holder (about $4) to keep the feathers upright in the vase. Cost: about $55 per centerpiece. Feathers: (818) 528-7431; fabulousfeathers.net; vases and foam bouquet holders: (888) 985-6925; koyalwholesale.com
All Together Now
A gift perfect for both sexes, the soft, leather Düller Travel Organizer is as functional as it is sleek. Features include compartments for bills, coins, seven cards, plane tickets, a passport, plus a back that allows for a note pad to be attached. Cost: $135. (718) 360-5320; vettedshop.com