Event Essentials Blog: Custom Invitations for Stylish Celebrations

Website Under Construction

2010-11-20T20:28:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed we have gone under the knife. We appreciate your patience while our new website is currently under construction! Meanwhile, please take a moment to browse around and click on the tabs above to see stationery and monogram samples. Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions. Even though our site is temporarily down, our services are not! Set your stationery appointment today!!

Thank you kindly,

the Event Essentials

dir | 602 . 330 . 9505

info@theEventEssentials.com

The Wedding Salon - Miami

2010-06-04T09:30:00.001-07:00

Returning Soon

2010-05-13T17:47:00.000-07:00

Hi All!

Just thought I would drop a quick note to say that our blog will return to its regularly scheduled postings soon. Our little princess was welcomed into the world on April 16th and we are taking a few more weeks of snuggle time with her before we start back up again with all the wonderful stationery design work. Look forward to some exciting blogs to come on the essential elements you need to make your events fabulous! :)

Champagne and Pink Baby Shower

2010-03-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

I thought I would include some more pictures of my above and beyond incredibly wonderful baby shower last month. I just couldn't resist bragging a little about how wonderful it was to spend the day with my amazing family and friends!! :)

And once again - photography by the uber talented Shelly Ivy from Ivy Studios!

Party and Bridal Experience

2010-03-18T14:49:00.001-07:00

www.PartyBridalExperience.com

{Ask a ??} Invitation Calligraphy

2010-03-06T09:20:00.002-07:00

Dear Miss Kim
At our last meeting you mentioned to my mother and I that you would recommend us to use calligraphy on our envelopes instead of labels. So I decided to do a little research and found so many different styles online. I'm confused exactly what calligraphy is. Can you help me?
Laura

Great question!! You are absolutely right ... there are many styles of calligraphy by many different artist. Calligraphy basically means - "Beautiful handwriting." What I would recommend is to show your calligrapher your invitation design and have them create a complimentary style that matches your fonts. If your invitation is modern, they will bring in a modern style. If your invitation is very classic with script fonts, most of the time a calligrapher can create their penmanship to look very similar. Just like each different invitation designer has their own signature style, each calligrapher has their own unique talent, so check out their portfolio first to see it's the style you are looking for.

Hope this helps!! If you are interested in reading more about calligraphy, this is the defination I pulled up from http://en.wikipedia.org

Calligraphy (from Greek κάλλος kallos "beauty" + γραφή graphẽ "writing") is a type of visual art. It is often called the art of fancy lettering (Mediavilla 1996: 17). A contemporary definition of calligraphic practice is "the art of giving form to signs in an expressive, harmonious and skillful manner" (Mediavilla 1996: 18). The story of writing is one of aesthetic evolution framed within the technical skills, transmission speed(s) and materials limitations of a person, time and place (Diringer 1968: 441). A style of writing is described as a script, hand or alphabet (Fraser and Kwiatkowski 2006; Johnston 1909: Plate 6).

Modern calligraphy ranges from functional hand-lettered inscriptions and designs to fine-art pieces where the abstract expression of the handwritten mark may or may not compromise the legibility of the letters (Mediavilla 1996). Classical calligraphy differs from typography and non-classical hand-lettering, though a calligrapher may create all of these; characters are historically disciplined yet fluid and spontaneous, improvised at the moment of writing (Pott 2006 and 2005; Zapf 2007 and 2006).

Calligraphy continues to flourish in the forms of wedding and event invitations, font design/typography, original hand-lettered logo design, religious art, announcements/graphic design/commissioned calligraphic art, cut stone inscriptions and memorial documents. It is also used for props and moving images for film and television, testimonials, birth and death certificates, maps, and other works involving writing (see for example Letter Arts Review; Propfe 2005; Geddes and Dion 2004).

Envelope Calligraphy by Roxanne at www.AZPenGraphics.com (she's awesome!!)

My Baby Shower Sneak Peek

2010-03-01T09:14:00.001-07:00

The decor and room were more amazing than ever!!

Look at the most amazing group of friends and family!

Of course I had to have a little fun while it showed at my shower!

My shower invitations :) :) :)

All I can say is "WOW!" Yesterday was one above and beyond the most amazing baby shower celebrations a new mom-to-be could have ever asked for. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of my friends and family. Just sharing the time with them was incredibly amazing to me!! I'm actually speechless at the moment for what to say because it was better than I could have ever imagined!! So as I take the next few days to pack her room away, I'll just leave you with these few teaser pictures that I received last night from the Rockstar Shelly Ivy from Ivy Studios Photography !!!!! More to come on my wonderful details and a super funny story that put me in tears at my shower :) Good tears :) Funny tears!!

But first, I must thank the amazing vendors who participated in making this day sooooooo beautiful!!

Miss spectacular Lynn at the wonderful Firesky Resort and Spa

Miss Shawna and her amazingly talented husband Kevin at Your Event Florist

Miss creative planner Regina at Meant2Be Events

Miss glamorous Ginia with Y-Knot Party Rentals

Miss fabulous Laurie with Southwick Linens

Miss oh-so-sweet and Carol from Sugar Buzz Cakes

Miss fantastic PJ with La Dolce Pesca

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! And THANK YOU!!!!!

{Paper Love Crafts} Vellum Candle Covers

2010-02-26T09:11:00.002-07:00

This candle cover project can take any plain candle, votive, and make it work for any season, no need to buy expensive candles for each and every occasion. This project even works as a luminary. All it takes is some basic supplies and some vellum.

Materials needed:

• Vellum paper
• Dye ink pads in two or three different coordinating colors
• Pigment Ink
• Chalk Ink
• Rubber stamps
• Embossing Powders in coordinating colors
• Double sided adhesive
• Candle or votive to be covered
• Flame Free
• Ranger Blending Tool
• Heat Gun

Assembly instructions found on BellaOnline.com - Check them out :)
Thanks for the adorable article and photos!!

{Paper Love Crafts} Fake Mustache & Lips

2010-02-25T09:38:00.000-07:00

Michelle at My Personal Artist posted this fantastic blog today ..."Fake Moustaches are they Hair to Stay?" ... which instantly reminded me that I wanted some fake mustaches and smiles for my celebration this weekend. Ever since I fell in love with Smitten Sticks, I knew I had to find the perfect opportunity to showcase these fun lil fellas!! What's more perfect than a baby shower :) Thanks Michelle for the friendly reminder. I must try to make these beauties now. Will post pictures soon!

If you want to make your own, there are some awesome DIY Instructions on the fabulous Simply Modern Mom blog!!

Supplies:

paper
pencil
scissors
black felt (I used a large sheet of stiff felt)
glue gun
thin dowels (1/4″ or thinner)
black permanent marker

Pictures from Smitten Sticks - check them out :)

{Paper Love Crafts} Pinwheel Project

2010-02-22T08:47:00.002-07:00

Pinwheels made from scrapbook papers can be arranged in a large vase as a whimsical "bouquet" for a party or wedding. Or use as separate escort cards for your guests of honor.

What You Need:

Newspaper
12 x 12-inch sheet each of two coordinating patterned scrapbook papers
Multipurpose spray adhesive (we used 3M Super 77)
Ruler and pencil
Scissors: large scallop-edge, wavy-edge, and small scallop-edge
1/4-inch hole punch
19-inch length of 1/4-inch-diameter wooden dowel
White florist's tape
1/4-inch nylon clamp
1-1/2-inch threaded aluminum screw post that fits clamp
1-1/2 x 4-inch rectangle of coordinating scrapbook paper
String
Crafts glue
Silver glitter

For assembly instructions and templates, please visit BHG.com

{Paper Love} Di-Cut Place Cards

2010-02-21T16:39:00.000-07:00

Aren't these the cutest little di-cut place cards. I think they would be so fun at your next dinner party or grand celebration. Check out Cuddle Creatures design shop on etsy. They are absolutely fabulous!

{Paper Love Crafts} Mardi Gras Masks

2010-02-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

Mardi Gras is an exciting time to celebrate with friends and family. It's one of the most colorful times of the year with the richest foods, drinks, and gorgeous costumes. If you are celebrating today, don't forget to spice up your outfit with a beautiful mask.

What You'll Need:

Paper
Pencil
Shiny or colored plastic-coated paper party plates
Scissors
Glitter glue
Shiny stickers
Hole punch
Curling ribbon
Beads
Elastic thread
Needle
Wooden dowel
Paint
Paintbrushes

Use our pattern as a starting point for making your own mask. Draw your pattern, and lay it on the paper plate. Trace around the pattern, and cut it out.

Carefully cut out the eye holes. Use glitter glue to draw lines around the eye holes. Let glue dry.

Paste shiny stickers onto your mask.

Punch holes at the bottom corners of your mask, and thread strands of curling ribbon through the holes. String beads on the ends of the ribbons.

If you want to wear your mask, poke small holes on either side of the mask and thread a loop of elastic string long enough to stretch around your head.

If you'd like to hold the mask in front of your face, paint a wooden dowel. Glue it to the bottom corner of the mask.

Make lots of different masks, and switch identities all through Mardi Gras. Keep everyone guessing who you are.

Mardi Gras is a great holiday for making noise and celebrating, and noisemakers are the perfect way to join in the fun. Continue to the next page to learn how to create your own Mardi Gras clink-clank noisemaker in just a few simple steps.

Thank you - HowStuffWorks.com - for the great Party Plate Mask Craft
* Picture does not represent craft

{Paper Love Crafts} Love Notes

2010-02-12T09:06:00.000-07:00

Hang handmade valentines with secret love messages in a doorway for a heart-stopping display of affection. Here's how to create some of these special notes:

Fortune Hearts
1. Cut out a heart using the template (see above), but don't punch any holes. Start from the heart's top center and measure down 1 inch. With an X-Acto knife, cut a 1-inch vertical slit.
2. Write a message on a 4-inch strip of patterned paper, fold it in half, and notch the ends. Insert folded edge into the slit.
3. Punch a hole in top center of heart and attach a silver cord for hanging.

Pocket Hearts
1. Cut a heart out of a 4x4-inch square of craft paper.
2. Punch holes evenly around sides. Using this template, trace more hearts (you'll need two hearts for each pocket).
3. Place two hearts together; cut a 24-inch length of embroidery thread or baker's twine. Thread twine through the top hole of both hearts with an embroidery needle; make a double knot. Whipstitch hearts closed: Thread twine around edge of hearts and then up through the hole below. Finish with another double knot.
4.Write a message on the back of a square of patterned paper and insert inside heart pocket.
5. To hang, punch one hole in top center of heart in the back panel only. Insert silver cord and double-knot end.

Hearts and Confetti in Envelopes
1. Cut a small heart out of a 1 3/4; x 1 3/4-inch square of craft paper. Use this heart as a template to cut out more hearts. Write messages on the backs.
2. To make confetti, cut small circles out of doilies.>
3. Place heart on its side inside a small glassine envelope so the heart's point fits into one of the envelope's bottom corners. Add confetti.
4. Punch a hole with a screw punch (Martha Stewart Crafts, $25) in one of the top corners of the envelope (so it will hang like a diamond). Insert silver hanging cord. Double-knot end.

Super cute idea and article found in Red Book Mag

{Paper Love Crafts} Perfect Paper Daisies

2010-02-10T09:52:00.001-07:00

Supplies

1. Paper (I used pieces from my paper scraps pile: textured and smooth pink and white-on-white, as well as long, narrow, strips for the flower centers)

2. Hot glue gun with glue sticks

3. A craft knife

4. A circle template (I used an upside-down drinking glass)

5. Floral wire and green floral tape for making the daisy stems

For instructions on how to create these fabulously cute flowers, check out craftstylish.com.

{Paper Love Crafts} Sweet Pea Planter

2010-02-09T09:49:00.002-07:00

Here is a child’s Valentine gift that does not include candy.

(found on funinthemaking.net)

Isn't this absolutely adorable?! I would love for one to sit in my window at home just getting some nice afternoon sunshine. What a great way to reuse those funny milk or orange juice boxes. I even love how the little straw was used to hold up the little plant. Sooo clever!!

Is there a trick to opening these boxes right? Even as a child, I could never get them to open all pretty.

How To:

Collect empty milk or juice cartons; the kind kids get at school with their lunches. Then wash them out.

Cut out pictures of pea plants from old seed catalogs and paste them onto the outside of the milk carton/pot.

Add dry potting soil and drop in two pea seeds. Alternatively you can place the pea seeds in a mini envelope/ Valentine card.

Staple the top closed.

Save straws (optional) if doing this project for home. Don’t waste a new straw; reuse a straw that would otherwise be on its way to a landfill. The straw becomes a support as the pea plant grows taller.

Print Valentines or design your own.

Valentines for juice cartons

Valentines for milk cartons or seed envelopes

Thank you - http://www.funinthemaking.net/category/valentines-day/ - for this absolutely adorable project!

{Paper Love Crafts} Cute Paper Flowers

2010-02-07T13:18:00.003-07:00

{DETAILS}

1. Draw a spiral on a 4x4" square sheet of paper

2. Cut out spiral along the lines you have drawn

3. Begin rolling up the spiral from the outside

4. Keep on rolling until there is no more left to roll

5. You're done.

Thank you - Creature Comforts Blog

{Paper Love Crafts} Matchbox Candy Holders

2010-02-03T08:35:00.003-07:00

You can find little packs of matchboxes at the grocery store, I found mine near the cigarettes. They usually come in packs of 10 and shouldn't run you more than $1.50 or so. (Dump the matches out and save them for your next blackout.) Cut a piece of paper 2" high (or the height of your matchbox) and about 4" long (enough to wrap all the way around). I used a bit of tape to secure it on the back.

You can do these anyway you like. I love the portraits C drew of his friends at school (his idea).. They may all look the same at first glance, but he can tell you who each one is. I cut the paper down to the right size first, then wrapped it around the box after he was finished. For other matchboxes I used a little heart punch and glued a little bit of paper underneath. And some got a simple little band.

Fill with candy (regular m and ms and candy corn will fit nicely), tuck in a little note, wrap with string if desired, and add a name tag or first initial.

Thank you inchmark.squarespace.com for this fabulous idea!!

{Paper Love Crafts} Coming Soon

2010-02-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

| FEBRUARY BLOG SERIES |

Paper Sweet Paper - How We Love You!

February is a month of love and if there is one thing we love, it's paper!
This month on our blog we will be featuring some super fun, super creative paper crafts that are sure to make you fall in love.

Follow us every week as we bring you creative and useful ideas for:

~ Homemade Paper Gifts
~ Decorative Paper Goods
~ Creative Paper Cards
~ Pretty Paper Packaging
~ How To Tips

So spread the love and don't miss out! You know you are just dying to learn how to make those fabulous tissue pom poms, crepe paper flowers, or lace luminaries!!

www.theEventEssentials.net

HAPPY 20TEN!!

2010-01-01T08:27:00.005-07:00

HAPPY - SUCCESSFUL - LOVING - WONDERFUL - FANTASTIC

What do you look forward to the most?

What will you miss in 2009?

What is one goal you must conquer this new year?

What new thing are you going to try?

What is your favorite memory from 2009?

{Holiday Crafts} Candy Cane Vase

2009-12-03T08:01:00.001-07:00

I am always looking for great affordable way to incorporate the holiday into my dinner table. I love this project because candy canes just scream Christmas. This vase is perfect for slipping fresh cut flowers or even a potted amaryllis into. You can make it to any size you want. I used

those regular size candy canes in my vase craft project, but if you needed a really big pot or vase you could use those great big candy can sticks that are about a foot tall.

You should be able to make this beautiful centerpiece for less than $10. You can really vase money buy using an existing glass jar or terra cotta pot instead of running out and buying one. You can easily pop the hot glue of when Christmas is over and use your vase again!

My favorite part about this craft project is that once the Christmas Holiday so over you can pop the candy canes off and eat them since they’re never taken out of their clear plastic wrappers!

To Make a Candy Cane Vase For Christmas You Will Need:

A Couple Boxes of Candy Canes (Leave them in their Plastic Wrappers)
A Glass Jar or Plant Pot (Whatever size you need)
Hot Glue
Large Red velvet Ribbon (You can use any color you want!)

Now, to save money I used an empty spaghetti jar. It was the perfect size for my cut flowers. You could easily make this with a small terra cotta pot or an empty glass vase as well.

Start by running a bead of hot glue along the stem of your candy cane. Place it onto the glass jar. I like to place mine so that the hook of the candy cane is at the top of the glass jar and facing out. You can change that up if you want. This craft project would look really neat with the candy canes upside down with the hooks facing out. It would make the bottom look more substantial.

Work your way around the glass jar attaching each candy cane as close to the next one as possible. Once you have finished you can move on to the next step.

Cut your Christmas themed ribbon to size. I like to cut the ends at and angle so that they look finished and professional. Tie the ribbon around the glass jar covered in candy canes. Now that was simple!

Instructions found on: www.associatedcontent.com

{Holiday Crafts} Silverware Stocking

2009-12-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

Materials
Scissors
Felt
Patterned fabric
Hot glue or fabric glue
Rickrack
Beads
Beading cord (we used clear plastic cord)

Instructions
- Use the template to cut two stocking shapes from the felt, then cut the cuff and toe shapes from the patterned fabric. The cuff is a long rectangle with the two long edges folded under and ironed for a clean look.

- Glue the two stocking shapes together at the edges, leaving the top of the stocking open. Fold a 6-inch length of rickrack in half and glue the ends just inside the stocking's top. Glue the cuff and toe in place.

- String beads onto the cord. When the string of beads is long enough to form your letter, knot both ends. Draw your letter onto the stocking with glue, then press the string of beads onto it.

Craft project from FamilyFun.go.com

{Holiday Crafts} Countdown Chain

2009-12-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

Today marks the first day of December which means it's time to start counting down to your favorite end of the year holidays. What could be a cuter way then with this adorable cookie countdown chain? And the best part is you get a delicious little snack each day.

Have fun and write on each cookie wrapper the date and the fun holiday

December 1st - World Aids Day
December 2nd - National Fritters Day
December 3rd - International Day of the Disabled Person
December 4th - National Cookie Day
December 5th - Walt Disney's Birthday

December 6th - St. Nicholas Day
December 7th - Pearl Harbor Day
December 8th - National Brownie Day
December 9th - First Christmas Seals Created
December 10th - Human Rights Day
December 11th - Hanukkah Begins
December 12th - Poinsettia Day

December 13th - National Cocoa Day
December 14th - South Pole Discovered
December 15th - Phonograph Patented

December 16th - Boston Tea Party Anniversary
December 17th - National Maple Syrup Day
December 18th - Muharram 1 (Islamic New Year)
December 19th - Oatmeal Muffin Day

December 20th - Games Day
December 21st - First Day of Winter
December 22nd - First Christmas Lights for Sale (1882)
December 23rd - Festivus
December 24th - National Egg Nog Day
December 25th - Christmas
December 26th - Boxing Day / Kwanzaa Begins

December 27th - Visit the Zoo Day
December 28th - National Chocolate Day (Celebrate BIG!)
December 29th - Saint Thomas of Canterbury Feast Day
December 30th - Oh My! Day
December 31st - New Years Eve

HAPPY NEW YEAR

I found this adorable gingerbread chain on HomemadebyJill.blogspot.com

{Holiday Crafts} Gifts in a Jar

2009-11-30T08:26:00.000-07:00

Homemade gifts in a jar are a fun, frugal, and easy holiday gift to share with loved ones.
There are endless possibilities with what can be placed in a jar. Soup mixes are super for those who like savory ingredients. Jars containing layered mixes for cookies, muffins, and brownies are yummy for those with a sweet tooth.

Gifts in a jar are easy to make. Just take a glass jar (canning jars, mason jars, or even recycled mustard jars), layer with ingredients, and then top with a gift tag. Combine a bunch of jars together to make your own gift baskets. How’s that for a frugal gift idea?

1. S’mores in a Jar

Layer in a large wide mouthed 1 quart mason jar:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (one sleeve of crackers, crushed)
1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows.
Or substitute with 8 Peeps and 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows for seasonal fun. Line the jar with Peeps facing out.
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips or mini Hershey Kisses or M&M’s
1/3 cup brown sugar

2. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies in a Jar
This recipe makes about 36 cookies.

Layer in a large wide mouthed 1 quart mason jar:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/4 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Mix flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Pour mixture into a 1 quart (1 liter) mason jar and pack down. Mix oatmeal in a blender. Pack on top of flour in mason jar. Add white sugar and pack down. Add brown sugar and pack down. Layer chopped nuts on top of brown sugar. Finish layering jar with mini or regular chocolate chips.

3. Chai Tea Mix in a Jar
This recipe makes 2, 6 ounce jars.

Ingredients:

Layer in 2, 6 ounce jars:

1 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1/4 cup black tea leaves
12 cardamom pods
4 2 inch pieces of cinnamon stick
2 tsp dried lemon peel
Divide all ingredients and layer equally between 2, 6 ounce jars

More recipes can be found on this website and jar labels to download!! Thank you

{Holiday Entertaining} Tree of Thanks

2009-11-23T17:08:00.000-07:00

What you need:

Tree branch
Handheld hedge clippers
Butter tub
Cement
Water
Disposable container
Hot-glue gun and glue sticks
Chickpeas or dried beans
Spray primer
Orange spray paint
Clear spray sealer
Orange glitter
Scissors
Decorative container
Decorative rocks and silk leaves
Papers in green and gold
Paper trimmer
Glue
Marking pen
Shower curtain clips

How to Make It:

Trim a dry dead branch to the desired size and shape using hedge clippers. If needed, combine several small branches.

Choose a container, such as a butter tub, that can be hidden in a decorative container and filled with cement.

Following the instructions on the cement package, mix cement in a separate disposable container. Pour the cement into the butter tub.

Insert the branch base into the center of the cement-filled tub. Tap the sides of the tub until the branch sits firmly in cement. Allow cement to dry.

Use a hot-glue gun to adhere chickpeas or dried beans randomly to the branch, using as many as desired.

In an outdoor area, spray the branch with primer. Spread extra chickpeas on newspaper and spray them with primer. Let the primer dry.

Spray-paint the branch and chickpeas with orange; let dry.

Spray one section at a time with clear sealer. Quickly sprinkle orange glitter onto wet sealer; let dry. Repeat this process until entire branch and chickpeas are glittered. Place the weighted tree into decorative container.

Place decorative rocks around the branch base until the cement is covered. Sprinkle extra chickpeas onto the rocks.

Trim silk leaves from stems. Coil the wired ends and hang on the tree.

Trim 2-inch squares of green paper and 13D4-inch squares of gold paper. Center and glue the gold paper onto the green paper. Ask family members to use a marking pen to write meaningful messages on the squares. Use shower curtain clips to hang the messages from the branches.

Leave extra colored squares around the tree base for guests to add more messages to the tree.

Thank you Better Homes and Garden for this wonderful idea!

{Holiday Entertaining} Thanksgiving Tablescape

2009-11-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

As I was sitting here today preparing my menu for Thanksgiving next week, I was also thinking about how I was going to tablescape our dining and buffet tables. So I went out on the search for some inspiration and ran across these beautiful pictures found on the Dining Delight blog. They are absolutely stunning! And the blog has many, many more fantastic decorating and tablescape ideas. I think I'm going to try the popcorn candles! What do you think? How are you decorating your tables?

{Holiday Entertaining} Thanksgiving Cocktails

2009-11-16T12:07:00.001-07:00

Whether this is your first Thanksgiving with your sweetie’s family or you’re coming back from college and want to find a new way to pitch in, a cocktail is always a safe way of contributing without that pesky risk of mucking up longstanding family traditions.

Don’t risk messing up grandma’s traditional mashed potatoes or being called out for passing off another Sarah Lee pie as your own. Instead, bring along supplies for one of these conversation starters. Even the non-drinkers will be impressed by your skill and originality.

Pumpkin Pie

1 part kahlua
1 part spiced pumpkin pie filling
2 parts coconut rum
4 parts cold milk
6 ice cubes
Garnish with cinnamon

Put everything but the cinnamon in a blender. Mix on high. Serve in graham cracker crust highball glasses and sprinkle the top with cinnamon.

Smashing Pumpkin Spice

1 part Goldschlager
1 part Irish Crème
1 part Kahlua
Cinnamon candies
Sprinkle pumpkin pie spice

Drop 3-4 cinnamon candies in the bottom of a martini glass. Mix the Goldschlager, Irish Crème, and Kahlua in a martini shaker with ice. Strain into a martini glass and sprinkle pumpkin pie spice on top.

Gingersnap

½ part ginger brandy
1 part spiced rum
4 parts eggnog
Crumbled gingersnaps

Put your gingersnaps in a blender and grind until you have cookie crumbs. Use the cookies to rim highball glasses. Mix the eggnog, rum, and brandy in your glasses. Serve with an intact gingersnap for dunking.

Royal Cider Grog

6 parts apple cider
1 part Crown Royal
Cinnamon sticks

Warm the apple cider in a mug. Top it with the Crown Royal and stir with a cinnamon stick.

Malibu Baked Apple

2 parts coconut rum
2 parts cranberry juice
3 parts apple juice
Dried apple rings

Mix all 3 in a microwave safe glass and heat until toasty warm. Garnish with a dried apple ring.

Rock Gobbler

1 part Wild Turkey
2 parts Cranberry Juice
2 parts Chambord
2 parts Amaretto

Mix everything in a cocktail shaker full of ice then strain into a highball glass. Garnish with a wedge of lime.

Caramel Apple Martini

1 part vodka
2 parts sour apple liquor
2 parts butterscotch liquor
Caramel candy

Drop a small caramel candy into a martini glass. Mix everything else in a cocktail shaker full of ice then strain into the martini glass.

Turkey Shooter

3 parts Wild Turkey
1 part crème de methe

Chill both ingredients. Pour the Wild Turkey into a brandy snifter then carefully float the crème de methe on top. The whiskey will warm you up while the mint flavor keeps you cool.

Turkey Trot

1 part bourbon
2 parts 7-Up
2 parts cranberry juice

Mix everything in a highball glass and drink on the rocks.

Butterball

1 part amaretto
1 part butterscotch schnapps
Whipped cream

Pour amaretto into a shot glass and layer the schnapps on top. Top with a dash of whipped cream. Throw it back as a single shot.

Recipes found on Foodvu.com

{Holiday Entertaining} Serve in Style

2009-11-12T08:57:00.001-07:00

Beautifully display 3 colorful beverages of your choice in our elegant contemporary Trio Beverage Dispenser. Perfect for entertaining. Self-service through the spigot. Dispenser is made of glass. Exclusive to Z Gallerie. Glasses sold separately.

And who can't have glassware that is just to die for gorgeous from ZGallerie.com.

This Majestic glassware has a beautiful amber luster with exquisite detail painted on the stem. Its grand size and height makes an impressive statement for your table setting. $51.80 (set of 4)

Brighten up those dark and stormy holiday evenings with our dazzling Puccini glassware. The most common libations are transformed into festive drinks in these bright reflective metallic glasses. The intricately etched gold exterior is cleverly paired with a Silver interior, supported on a clear glass stem. $31.80 - 51.80 (sold in set of 4)

Beautiful amber colored glass interlaced with white gives this glassware collection unique character. $31.80 - 39.80 (sold in set of 4)

{Holiday Entertaining} Pumpkin Hummus

2009-11-11T10:32:00.000-07:00

PUMPKIN HUMMUS
www.RecipeGirl.com

Four 6 inch pitas, each cut into 8 wedges
cooking spray
2 Tbs tahini (sesame seed paste)
2 Tbs fresh lemon juice
1 tsp ground cumin seed
1 tsp olive oil
¾ tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground red pepper
One 15oz. can pure pumpkin
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 Tbs chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 Tbs pumpkinseed kernels, toasted (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Place pita wedges on baking sheets; coat with cooking spray. Bake for 6 minutes, or until toasted.
3. Place tahini and next 7 ingredients (through garlic) in a food processor, and process until smooth. Add parsley; pulse until blended. Spoon hummus into a serving bowl; sprinkle with pumpkinseed kernels, if desired. Serve with pita wedges.
Servings: 10

{Holiday Entertaining} Gift Wrap Table Runner

2009-11-10T11:35:00.000-07:00

Looking for fun and affordable ways to decorate your holiday tables? Try this fabulous idea found on Hostess with the Mostess blog to use gift wrap as your table runners. Or if you are setting up a nice buffet for your food display, you can use it on the entire top of your table. There are so many wonderful colors, designs, and patterns out there, you can do this for any occasion. Plus, it's so easy to clean up and can be recycled!

Great places for holiday wrapping paper, boxes, bags and bows -
Nashville Wraps
Bags and Bows
Olive Paper
Papyrus

{Holiday Entertaining} Molasses Cookie Recipe

2009-11-06T08:45:00.002-07:00

We top our moist Molasses Cookies with a light layer of lemony frosting.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup(s) (2 sticks) butter, room temperature
2 tablespoon(s) butter, warm
1 cup(s) granulated sugar
1 cup(s) molasses
1 cup(s) sour cream
2 teaspoon(s) ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
3 teaspoon(s) baking soda
3 tablespoon(s) white vinegar
3 eggs, beaten
4 cup(s) sifted flour
2 cup(s) (packed) confectioners' sugar, sifted
5 1/2 tablespoon(s) milk, warm
3 tablespoon(s) milk, very hot
1 teaspoon(s) lemon extract

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses, sour cream, ginger, and salt. Combine the baking soda and vinegar in a small bowl, and add to butter mixture. Beat in the eggs until combined. Stir in flour. Place a heaping tablespoonful of dough per cookie, 2 inches apart, onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean--about 15 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

3. Beat confectioners' sugar, 5 1/2 tablespoons warm milk, and remaining 2 tablespoons warm butter together using a wooden spoon. Stir in lemon extract. Add remaining 3 tablespoons hot milk and beat until smooth. Use immediately to frost cookie. Spread 1 teaspoon frosting on top of each cookie. Let frosting set before serving.

Thank you CountryLiving.com for this great recipe and pictures!

{Holiday Entertaining} Hot Chocolate Bar

2009-11-05T11:27:00.004-07:00

Candy buffets and sweets stations are really popular now days, but why not spice it up for the holidays with a "Build Your Own Hot Chocolate Bar." Your guests will be sure to enjoy this wonderful heart-warming treat!

Hot Cocoa Bar How-To’s

Use fancy mugs. This can be an fun, attractive way to tie in your colors.
Have a few assortments of flavored hot cocoa. Some favorites that would also act as a perfect base for your guests’ creations would be peppermint, white chocolate, and dark chocolate. Make sure the liquid starts out HOT. The room temperature add-ins will cool the cocoa quickly.
Finely chop your chunky add-ins so they will melt well.
Have both liquid and dry options for add-ins.

Hot Cocoa Bar Add-Ins

Marshmallows (what hot cocoa isn’t complete without this staple?)
Peppermint sticks
Flavored syrups
Flavored whipped cream
Cinnamon sticks
Orange twists or rinds
Chopped up candy bar
Chocolate chips
Chocolate truffles
Caramel squares
Candied ginger

If hot cocoa isn’t your style, but you’re still looking for that exclusive, unique touch you may want to opt for a caramel apple bar or even a s’mores bar. Both have the same idea as the hot cocoa bar - You start with the base and add toppings or mix-ins to personalize. The options are limitless. Whatever your preference, a creative food bar can be a great tool to give your reception that extra “it” factor you’ve been looking for.

Thank you for this wonderful information - blog.thebrideandgroom.com

{Holiday Entertaining} Thanksgiving Place Cards

2009-11-04T12:22:00.004-07:00

Delightful Place Cards

Tip your hat to the occasion by making these delightful personalized place cards from miniature flowerpots

You can also make a large version of this Pilgrim hat for a complementary centerpiece.

What You Need:

3-inch terra-cotta flowerpots
Acrylic paints in black, white, red, and blue
Paintbrush
Crafting foam in black, yellow, green, and purple
Scissors
Thick white crafts glue
Black fabric paint pen

Instructions:

1. Decorate the pots. Paint each pot black and allow it to dry. Choose a color to paint the band around the top of each pot. Let it dry. Make white dots on the rest of each pot by dipping the handle end of a paintbrush in white paint and dotting onto the surface.

2. Add brims. Trace a circle from black foam about 1/2 inch wider all around than the pot opening, using an appropriate size dish, cup, or lid. Cut out.

3. Make the buckles. For each pot, measure the width of the band (the portion painted a different color). Cut a rectangle from foam that measures about 1/8 inch deeper than the band. Cut out a smaller rectangle from the center. Glue the buckle to the band. Let the glue dry.

4. Personalize for each guest. Use a black paint pen to write a name on each colored band. Allow the paint to dry before using.

Article found on BHG.com

{Holiday Entertaining} Tantalizing Baked Brie Recipe

2009-11-03T13:33:00.003-07:00

Cranberry-Apricot Baked Brie with Honey

From Country Living

This recipe has been tested by Country Living

Straight from your grocer's freezer, the dough baked around a cranberry, apricot, and almond topped Brie rises to the occasion — no flour, food processor, or kneading required.

Ingredients

1/3 cup(s)
chopped dried cranberries
1/3 cup(s)
chopped dried apricots
1/4 cup(s)
sliced almonds
1/4 cup(s)
honey
1 1/2 teaspoon(s)
chopped fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon(s)
salt, divided
1/8 teaspoon(s)
freshly ground pepper
1
sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 wheel(s)
(8-ounce) Brie
1
egg white

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Combine cranberries, apricots, almonds, honey, thyme, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Roll puff pastry to 12-inch square. Trim top rind off Brie and center cheese on pastry. Top with fruit mixture.

Beat egg white and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a small bowl and brush some egg wash along pastry edges.

Gather dough up around Brie, twisting into a topknot. Chill in freezer for 15 minutes.

Brush pastry lightly with egg wash and place on a parchment-lined baking pan. Bake for 35 minutes.

{Pro in the Know} Addressing an Invitation

2009-10-26T19:52:00.002-07:00

There are several ways to address your invitations, but it all depends on the degree of formality desired, who is being invited, how modern do you want your piece to be, and of course cost. Your envelopes are the beginning of the first impression for your event, so its important to choose wisely on how you are presenting your gorgeous invitation pieces.

Below are several options on how to address your envelopes on your invitation. To figure out the option that is best for you, take the number of invitations being mailed out and multiply it by 3 or 4. That's how many steps each piece is going to take.

Outer envelope main address
Outer envelope return address
Reply card return address
Inner envelope name (if you choose to have one)

Handwritten Address - This is the most cost effective option, but can become very time consuming depending on how many envelopes you have to address. If you give yourself a goal of 10 - 20 pieces per day or per person, your handwriting will stay beautiful on all of the pieces. You can ask friends, your bridal party, or family to assist you. Also try your writing pens out on paper before you use them to make sure they don't smudge or smear. You don't want a messy envelope!

Calligraphy - For many years calligraphy has been considered one of the most popular ways to address a wedding invitation. This art form creates a beautiful elegance to your envelope and can save your schedule if you don't have time to hand write them yourself or don't have legible penmanship. When choosing a calligrapher that is right for you, make sure to ask for samples of their work. Often times, a calligrapher will have several font styles to choose from and can match the style of your invitation.

{photo by AZPenGraphics.com}

Computerized Calligraphy - Computer calligraphy is a beautiful alternative to hand calligraphy for the cost conscious busy individual. It offers sophistication and elegance, but can often times come at a fraction of the cost. There are several beautiful calligraphy style fonts that you can give your printer to use when they are printing your envelopes for you. Or check with your stationer to see if they can do it for you and match the same font on your invitation. Often times you may even be able to incorporate the invitation design and a flourish of your choice.

Envelope Wrap w/ Address - Envelope wraps are a new trendy way to incorporate the design of your stationery into the design of your envelope. They start on the front of the envelope and wrap all the way around to the back with the return address printed directly on them. It's definitely not standard etiquette to have them, but they sure make a wonderful first impression and carry a cohesive look for your design. You then either hand address, calligrapher or even use computerized calligraphy to do the main guest address on them.

Address Labels - Labels are a quick alternative to hand writing and computer calligraphy. You can find them in all different colors - white, silver, gold, and even clear. If you are going to use labels, try the clear ones so they don't look so odd against the background of the envelope. Or try to incorporate a design into your label rather than just text. This would be my least recommended way of addressing an envelope unless its the only way you can get them out in time.

{Pro in the Know} Invitation Terms

2009-10-21T11:46:00.005-07:00

Everybody talks about wedding invitations, but there are actually many more terms that are associated with them and items that might accompany them. Below are explanations of some of the more common terms and items that you are likely to encounter while shopping for your invitations.

Seal and Send Invitations: This all-in-one wedding invitation style folds up and seals into its own self-mailing piece. Attached to the invitation by a perforation is the response postcard which is easily removed by the guests. Since the response piece is a postcard, you will save on postage for the return mailing and the envelope is eliminated. Pricing for this type of invitation usually includes decorative seals along with a printed return address on both the back flap when initially mailing the invitation and on the response postcard.

Layered Invitations: This term pertains to invitations that have layers of paper tied or glued together. Many times the top layer is translucent which means that through the top layer you will see a muted version of the decorative paper that lies underneath.

Pocket Wedding Invitations: This style of invitation includes a pocket wrap that holds the invitation card and has a pocket to hold any separate card enclosures. The wrap then folds up into one piece for enclosing in the mailing envelope.

Announcements: For those whom you would like to inform of your recent marriage but will not be invited to your wedding, you can choose to mail them an announcement card. They can be printed on paper that matches your wedding invitation with the verse reading that your wedding has already taken place. Suggested mailing is on the day of your wedding or immediately after.

Reception Cards: An insert card that contains all the details of your wedding reception. Reception cards can be used in place of having this information printed on your invitation or if only certain guests might be invited to this portion of your celebration. They can be ordered to match your invitations and then be included as a separate insert. Please keep in mind that including this card could possibly add to your mailing cost since postage is based on weight.

Response Cards: Guests are asked to return this card indicating whether they will be able to attend your wedding. Response cards provide you with the accurate guest count you will need to properly plan for your dinner/reception. The response card along with its return mailing envelope will be inserted with your wedding invitation. Remember to include a postage stamp on this small return envelope which will also have a mailing address pre-printed so your guests can easily return it by the date you have requested.

Map/Direction Cards: Guests will appreciate direction cards as a convenience if they are not familiar with the location of the church and/or reception.

Double Envelopes: Traditionally, formal wedding invitations come with a set of two envelopes. The outer envelope is actually the mailing envelope containing the name and address of the guests. The inner envelope holds the invitation along with any insert pieces and is addressed with only the guests' names. This envelope is left unsealed and placed inside the outer envelope.

Printed Envelope Flaps: Having your return address printed on the flap of the outside envelope can save you time and ensure that undeliverable wedding invitations are promptly returned to you. A return address also provides an address to any guests who might not be able to attend but still wish to send a card or gift. There is usually a small charge for this option.

Lined Inner Envelopes: For a small fee, you can request a colored lining on the inside of your inner envelopes to add a special touch to your wedding invitation ensemble. Color choices will vary depending on the invitation style you choose.

Envelope Seals: Optional, decorative self-adhesive seals can add the finishing touch to the outside of your mailing envelope. They are available in many styles and are used to give the illusion that they are holding the flap down even though the envelope has already been sealed.

Informal Notes: These are typically used as your thank you notes but it is a good idea to order them when you order your wedding invitations since they can be printed on matching paper and this will save you on shipping costs. Informal notes are personalized with either your monogram or first names on the front with the inside left blank for you to write your personal message. Any extras can be used long after the wedding for other purposes. Blank mailing envelopes are included.

Engraving: This is a time-honored process of raising ink on paper through a process of etching metal plates, filling the etches with ink, then pressing paper into the plates.

Thermography: A printing process whereby wedding invitations are printed in ink and a special powder is sprinkled over the wet ink. Then the invitation is sent through a heater which melts the powder and "raises" the ink. Thermography is more cost effective than engraving.

Many of the above items are not essential to making your wedding invitations complete but now you know some of the options that are available. Remember, this is your special day, so it’s your decision as to which invitation style you choose and which pieces or special touches to include as part of your entire stationery ensemble.

Article by Knol

{Pro in the Know} Place Card vs. Escort Card

2009-10-08T09:34:00.002-07:00

A frequent question that comes up often is ...
what is the difference between an escort card and a place card? ... and do I really need menus?

Escort Card: These lovely cards are used to tell guests which table they are assigned to for the main reception. Typically they are displayed in an area just outside or close to where the guests will be entering in and done in alphabetical order. They should be alphabetically arranged in an area and could carry a cohesive theme with the rest of the decor. For example, a beautiful floral centerpiece may sit in the center of the table and tent folded cards in color or theme matching cardstock will align around the arrangement. The card usually states the guests name and "Table number ____ has been reserved in your honor." Then the guests pick up this card and carry it with them to their assigned seats.

Get as creative as you wish when displaying the escort cards. You can use fascinating ribbons and fabrics, mini picture frames, river rocks with calligraphy, miniature flower pots and more. Think outside of the box on how to "wow" your guests by incorporating your personality.

Place Card: These beauties are actually displayed at the seat to where the guest is assigned and typically done when you have given your guest a meal option on your invitation reply card. You also would have a seating chart available for your guests to note which table they are assigned to. The place card is a bit more time consuming; however, it's very important for the catering staff to know which entree is being served to which guests. It also can indicate if there is a food allergy or specific need for the guest such as a vegetarian meal.

Another opportunity for you to showcase your personality and flair. Have fun matching your place cards to your decor and theme. You can still use beautiful folded table tent style cards that match your stationery, but you can also get creative. Color code them with big rhinestones for the staff to clearly see and don't forget you may be in a darker room. Or you can find fun shapes of animals to indicate chicken, beef, fish or veggie options.

Menus: Menu cards are a fantastic way to personalize your celebration dinner and add to the decor elements. Your guest feel as though they are sitting down at a private dinner in honor of the guests. Even if the meal is pre-chosen for your guests, its a nice way to inform them of what is best yet to come. Better yet, if you are using food stations, it allows your guest to pre-plan ahead for what they will choose when they go to serve themselves.

Photography by: April Green Photography (rock place card), BQ Photography (blue escort cards), Ivy Studios (pink escort card and menus), Weddings by Us (Tuscan place card)

{Pro in the Know} Table Linen Terms

2009-10-07T10:51:00.003-07:00

When it comes to planning the details for your grand celebration, you should always consider the scheme of things and truly think about the big picture. Linens can truly bring a room to life. A lot of facilities already provide basic linens in typically white, ivory, black and some times brown.

Here are some terms that will help you when looking into which linen option is right for you:

Classic Standard - This line offers the largest selection of colors and sizes and is the most economically priced it is the perfect solution for cost conscious budgets or, as coordinating linen to an overlay. If you are looking to add dramatic color and flair to your special event this is the way to go!

Lamours - Lamour is a smooth matte- satin fabric that lends a luxurious and polished appearance to you table. When you are the event planner, remember Lamour is the special event linen with a myriad of colors to reflect the feelings you are trying to reveal. From wedding linen to any party linen you can imagine, Lamours will present the sentiment you want the guests to experience.

Bichons and Bengalines - With the crinkled silk feel of Bichons and the luxuriously ribbed texture of Bengalines, these tablecloths, napkins and chair ties offer unusually rich color palettes to your table fashions and effortlessly become the party linens to have and showcase your special events!

Damasks and Brocades - Elegantly textured Damask and Brocades are sure to set your special event apart from the others, as you showcase that a tablecloth is not just a tablecloth, it’s a statement!

Pintuck - A very rich and elegant linen with a diamond shape grid pattern and gorgeous sheen. Dresses up any table to an elegant, yet modern level.

Glitz and Glamour - With its wide array of fabrics that glisten and sparkle, this line will add sizzle to table linen and excitement to any event décor. Add that perfect party linen that will set your special event apart by adding that exceptional twinkle.

And one of the most important questions I get:

Lap Length Linen - If you are sitting at a table, this linen drapes over the top and comes down to just sit above your lap. This is a great linen to use as an overlay over top of a floor length linen. I don't recommend using it alone as you will see the table legs.

Floor Length Linen - If you are sitting at a table, this linen drapes over the top and comes all the way down to meet the floor.

Linen descriptions and pictures provided by www.BBJLinen.com

{Pro in the Know} Seasonal Fall Flowers

2009-10-03T09:34:00.001-07:00

When you trying to figure out the flowers you want for your next event, it's often helpful to consider which flowers are in season. They either may not be available or if they are, they will be way more expensive. Plus, you can also create a look or feel once you know what is available to you.

Autumn is the season of the primary harvest. Autumn falls during september - november in the Northern hemisphere, and during september - november in the Southern hemisphere.Crops are harvested during Autumn. Leaves change color are at their beautiful best.

Flowers Blooming in Autumn are:

Acashia, Allium, Alstromeria, Amaranthus, Anemone

Baby's Breath, Bittersweet

Carnation, China berry, Chrysanthemum, Cockscomb, Cosmos

Echinops

Freesia

Gerbera Daisy, Gladiolus, Gloriosa

Hypericum

Iris

Juniper

Kangaroo paw

Kalancheo

Liatrus, Lily, Asiatic Lily

Misty Blue

Orchid

Pepper berry, Protea

Queen Ann's Lace, Quince

Rover, Roses, Rowen berry

Salvia, Solidago, Statice, Star of Bethlehem, Sunflower

Yarrow

Zinnia

Information provided by www.theFlowerExpert.com

{Pro in the Know} Common Invitation Questions

2009-10-01T17:34:00.001-07:00

Some times it feels like we answer the same questions time and time again, but of course we never mind one bit. Anything to help out our clients, we are happy to do so! Even though the answers can actually vary based on your circumstances, these are some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive. Hope they are of some assistance when you are working on sending our your fabulous invitations and announcements.

1.} Where can I find wording for my invitation pieces?
We recommend www.verseit.com.

2.} What should I set for my RSVP date on the response card?
First and foremost, find out what timeframe your caterer or venue requires and then add on a little extra padding. We recommend no less than two weeks prior to your event date, but often times like to set it around three weeks prior. That way it gives you enough time to call any guests who didn't respond or to let your planner / coordinator know as well. Plus, some invites always trickle in last minute.

3.} When should I start addressing my envelopes?
There are a few good answers to this. If you receive your envelopes ahead of time, we always recommend for you to start addressing them while your stationery is on order or being assembled by your stationer. If you are having calligraphy work, you may want to allow for extra time based on their schedule. You want your envelopes to be ready as soon as your invitations are ready, so you can stuff them and put them right in the mail.

4.} How much should I budget for postage?
At minimum, I would estimate around $1.50 per piece. (Invitation and reply card postage). However, the best way to know exactly what you need is to take a completed set to the post office and have it weighed. It's better to be safe than sorry!

5.} How soon should I mail out my wedding invitations?
The rule of thumb states:
4-6 weeks prior for in state guests
6-8 weeks prior for in and some out of state guests
8-10 weeks prior for a mix of in state and out of state guests
10 - 12 weeks prior for a destination wedding

We personally always recommend to send out your invitations around 8 weeks prior or earlier to give yourself time for them to go through the mailing process as well as time to receive your response cards.

6.} Do we have to Save the Date announcements?
Save the Dates really help your guests plan ahead and are a wonderful way to let your them know to mark your event on their calendar. Although they aren't necessary, we do believe they are very important if you have a large amount of out of town guests attending, a destination wedding, or getting married during a busy holiday.

7.} How do I inform my guests of the dress code?
First of all, it's not proper etiquette to put anything about attire on your invitations. The best way to inform your guests is by the style of invitation you choose and the amount of information you include. A swirly spring flower invitation is going to send a completely different message than one done with gold and black metallic materials. Also, the facility should be key to how they dress as well. For example, a golf course wedding will speak differently than a grande ballroom at a large resort.

If it's really important to you that you do directly let your guests know and choose to forgo etiquette, some options are to write on the information card "black tie affair" or "black tie optional" or "Formal reception to follow." Which is completely up to you.

8.} Where do I put our registry information?
You don't put it anywhere on your stationery. Traditionally it's considered very inappropriate because it puts more emphasis on your gifts and less on the importance of your guest joining you on your big day. Old fashioned word of mouth is the best way to announce this or if you have a wedding website, that's a great place to share the information as well.

9.} Do I have to follow etiquette?

Times have definitely changed and all of these are just traditional standard answers. We always inform our clients of what is traditional and what is considered etiquette, but allow them to choose what is best for them and their families. As only they know what truly works, doesn't work and offends them. If something doesn't feel normal or natural to you, find an alternative way to make it feel right. You don't have to do anything that doesn't feel right to you, however, do think twice about how your recipients will interoperate the message.

Follow Us on Facebook

2009-09-30T12:22:00.002-07:00

Proud to announce that The Event Essentials now has a FAN PAGE ----

Hurry Hurry and become a fan :)

http://tinyurl.com/yaqknxg

While We Were Away

2009-09-26T09:18:00.002-07:00

It's been a month since our last post, but we have been absent with good reason! Back in August we found out that we have a little one on the way and couldn't be more excited, nervous, scared, thrilled, over the moon .... :) But it did set us back for a few weeks and now the energy is finally returning. Yes, I am definitely feeling MUCH better and ready to kick some creativity into high gear. Unfortunately, I wont be able to do much event planning this spring, however, I will still be able to create some awesome stationery pieces! So don't be scared to call any time with any questions!

Haute & Tantalizing 3D Tablescape | Modern Autumn

2009-08-24T09:58:00.002-07:00

This tablescape is a beautiful mixture of modern meets autumn. Yes, fall is quickly approaching, which so happens to be my favorite time of the year. With fall comes wonderful parties celebrating many occasions. This year, I want a fall table that is a bit more modern than the traditional coppers, browns, deep purples, so I created a concept utilizing beautiful black elements such a black and white satin linens and black glassware including the centerpieces and wine glasses. The centerpiece brings in the eye candy colors of plums and copper flowers, while the copper chargers tie it all nicely together. The floral vine invitation and stationery carries on the same floral element as the dinner plates.

Haute & Tantalizing 3D Tablescape | Garden Whimsey

2009-08-17T09:21:00.005-07:00

Hosting a fun and whimsical garden theme party? This tablescape will be perfect for you. Invite your guests to your garden bash with beautiful lime and floral inspired invitations.

Create a beautiful centerpiece with carnation pomanders, drizzling crystals, and swirly candleholders sitting atop a bed of wheat grass. Your guests will enjoy the texture of the luxurious grasslike green linens. Personalize clear green plates with these adorable topiary name holders. And don't forget the oh so chic chameleon chairs that are sure to bring a smile to anyones face.

Haute & Tantalizing 3D Tablescape | Christmas Pine

2009-08-12T12:54:00.004-07:00

We are actually really excited about this tablescape because we get to bring it to life come this December. One of our clients came to us in search of the perfect decor for her Christmas wedding. Her mandatory element was that we used pine that carried a very strong smell. So we designed this gorgeous kings table for her that brought in the natural pine trees through a long table garland and the various centerpieces. She also wanted it to feel very rich and elegant and that's where we brought in the gold elements like the chivari chairs, gold boxes, gold brooch napkin enhancements, and gold dinnerware. The deep red velvet linens will be exquisite to the touch and the candles will add romance to their evening. To start off this entire celebration, guests will receive gold boxes in the mail with a beautiful red ornament and letterpress invitation enclosed with a small twig of pine.

Watch for this post coming early next year as we showcase this glamorous Christmas wedding. You may even see snow, a hot cocoa bar, and many more surprise elements! (Snow is a big deal to us Phoenicians! LOL)

Haute & Tantalizing 3D Tablescape | Charcoal Trend

2009-08-11T11:40:00.002-07:00

Charcoal and golden yellow bring the spin on the perfect modern celebration. It's hip, it's vibrant, and it's oh so modern! Tablescape your table with silver pintuck linens, white square china, blue cobalt glassware, and stainless napkin rings. Set your centerpiece with single yellow flowers of one kind like sunflowers, yellow carnations, or even tulips. Or use multiple yellow buds. Make a dramatic statement with matching yellow and grey metallic menu cards, invitations, and table numbers or place cards.

Haute & Tantalizing 3D Tablescape | Berry Chic Party

2009-08-06T11:05:00.005-07:00

A beautiful zebra theme inspired tablescape that is rich in color and uber fun. Perfect for a sweet 16 party, bridal shower, or even super chic wedding reception. Introduce your guests to this fabulous theme with zebra and berry pink invitations. Once they arrive they will know they are in for a good time!

Haute & Tantalizing 3D Tablescape | Rustic Elegance

2009-08-04T12:02:00.005-07:00

If there is one thing we love to do with our clients, it's to bring their thoughts and visions to life. Often times it's a challenge to sit down and pull everything from their minds and get it into raw, touchable form. But once you figure it out, it's a very rewarding challenge that we absolutely thrive off of.

However, in return, we are very creative visionaries ourselves with tend setting, creative, and innovative design concepts that live deep in mental libraries. Many times we can tell our visions to clients and the look on their face is priceless .... on one hand they have no clue what we just said, but on the other hand they are absolutely excited and love what we just said.

So we have to do is pull from within our minds to put them out onto paper and we do that through a simple 3D photo-realistic rendering. It's not always perfect and never the exact product, but it gives people a vision to enhance upon so they can give their feedback (good or bad). The end product comes out absolutely amazing because together our ideas, thoughts, likes and dislikes come together cohesively.

3D mock-ups are inspiring --- and you will get to spend this entire month watching many of them come to life through our "Haute & Tantalizing 3D Tablescape" series! Enjoy :)

Bride Featured in Redbook

2009-08-01T08:31:00.005-07:00

One of our glamorous New York City brides was recently featured in Redbook {Slide 4 of 27} and I just had to share. Christie was an absolutely adorable and was super gorgeous bride that we were honored to work with last November. {Beyond gorgeous, if I do say so myself!!}

Keep your eyes open because pretty soon she's going to be featured here on our very own blog as an associate blogger..... and we have dear husband is even excited to join us. There are many fun things in the works for this couple. And we have to wish Nick a VERY VERY Happy Birthday :)

Enjoying the NACE conference!

2009-07-28T19:27:00.002-07:00

After an overnight flight, we arrived in Charlotte on Sunday for the NACE conference. (National Association of Catering Executives). It kicked off yesterday morning with this over the top breakfast and key note speaker Rocco Dispirito. We then broke out into various educational seminars by leading industry experts. The food has been amazing and I have met some very inspirational people. As soon as we return, I'll post pictures of some amazing tablescape designs and the good times had by all. Hope everyone is having a wonderful week :) We will return soon!

EE Celebration | Tuscan Wedding {part 2}

2009-07-24T07:47:00.007-07:00

A Very Talented Vendor Team:

Photography - One Fine Day

Venue - Villa Siena

Planner - Meant2Be Events

Stationery / Details - The Event Essentials

Entertainment - SKM Entertainment

Flowers: Blume Events

Cake: Piece of Cake

Linens: BBJ Linen

EE Celebration | Tuscan Wedding {part 1}

2009-07-23T08:41:00.003-07:00

Back in May, I was truly honored to be share collaborative design talents along side of a wonderful friend and very gifted planner, Regina from Meant2Be Events. For this elegant and regal wedding, the bride, Candice, was very much into personalizing her details to showcase their personality as a couple. (So many details, it will take 2 days of posts) Nothing was left untouched or didn't go unnoticed. At times, I even caught guests making comments about their excitement to see what element will come to life next. It was a very warm, inviting, and eye appealing celebration filled with an over abundance of love (and rhinestones!) Candice and Kevin didn't stop smiling, laughing, dancing, and kissing all night. As a vendor, it was a magical experience that will never be forgotten and their pure happiness was very contagious!

Until tomorrow ... there will be more beautiful shots of this glamorous couple, their orchid chandelier ceremony, choreographed confetti filled first dance, blinged out cake, and more ... stay tuned!!

EE Celebration | Automotive Grand Opening

2009-07-22T07:58:00.004-07:00

In March, we spent an 5 incredibly long days designing, planning, and coordinating a "Sandsational Grand Opening" celebration for an Sands Chevrolet in Arizona. Amidst the trying economy, the 12 acre 95,000 square foot dealership opened in late December 2008 with a huge success. The March celebration started off with a 450 person dignitaries group for a red ribbon cutting ceremony with local city officials and the chamber of commerce. The show room was filled with vintage cars, the new 2010 Camaro, inspirational speakers, divine food, custom house wine and the melodies of an amazing string quartet. In case you are wondering, yes, the orange buzzard is a cake. It was a surprise for the owner of the dealership as his name is Buzz and their mascot is this adorable Buzzard, also named Buzz ---- "Have you Heard the Buzz?!"

Following Friday evening was a 2 day public open house which brought in more than 4,000 people from surrounding neighborhoods. The kids immensely enjoyed the huge bounce slide, rock climbing walls, sports bounce, smoked bbq and all the raffle prizes that were given away by 2 local radio stations. And finally, come Monday, there was a beautiful luncheon hosted for the GM Retirees where more than 500 people enjoyed the afternoon reminiscing about past sales days and learning about the new products. In all, it truly was a Sandsational Grand Opening and we wish many successes to this dealership!!

Once again - amazing photography by the awesome Ivy Studios - THANKS Brandon and Shelly! You are my rockstar photographers!

Mad Hatter Tea Party | Tokyo

2009-07-20T07:29:00.008-07:00

The 3rd Annual NACE "Event Elements" competition was held on June 22nd at the Arizona Grand Resort. It was an awesome opportunity to see a room filled with some of the most creative minded individual's work brought to life. The tablescapes were out of this world! Its truly incredible to see how each person interoperates their category. This year it was Tokyo, Paris, Rio, and Cairo. We teetered between Tokyo and Paris, but in the end we chose to bring Tokyo to life.

By the order of the Queen of Hearts,
You are hereby invited to a very merry unbirthday party

Now, statistics prove that you’ve one birthday.
Imagine, just one birthday every year!

Ah, but there are three hundred and sixty four unbirthdays
Precisely why we are gathered here

Because it’s a very merry unbirthday to you!
To me! Yes, you! …. Oh Me!
Lets all congratulate with another cup of tea!

Find your Queen’s Men and take a seat
Enjoy a light snack and a sweet sushi treat.

A Garden with confections, characters and chatter
Don’t miss this fabulous tea party, hosted by the Mad Hatter!

For being our guests, we have a small favor
That is taken with you to later savor!

Eat Me! Drink Me! And don’t be late!
Join us as we celebrate

And down the rabbit hole we shall go
To Disneyland in Tokyo

Photography rocked out by the AMAZING Ben Quillinan of BQ Photography (shots 1-3, 7-11) and Stuart Thurlkill of Eyes 2 See Photography (shots 4 - 6). THANK you for your talented work!!

Over the top florals provided by the ingenious husband and wife team, Kevin and Shauna, from Your Event Florist. Thank you for listening to my concepts then rocking the design out of the ball park!

Stunning linens provided by the ever-so-wonderful Laurie Southwick from Southwick Linens! Thank you for going above and beyond for me at all times!

Rentals provided by the simply talented Ginia from Y-Knot Party Rentals. Thank you for always being there to help me, even why my creative ideas go crazy!

And I can't go without a HUGE HUGE HUGE THANK YOU to my loving and hard working husband and amazing friends Regina from Meant2Be Events and Anthony from Kool Party Rentals for helping me set up, telling me when things didn't flow right, and creative talents for this amazing table!! Your work, time, effort and positive energy was sincerely appreciated!! I couldn't have won without you! THANK YOU!

I'm honored to work with such amazing people!!

Tablescape | Tokyo Theme Dinner Party

2009-07-18T07:20:00.006-07:00

Phoenix NACE hosted their 3rd Annual Elements tabletop decor competition a few weeks ago and we were honored to be a part of it. One of the greatest parts is enjoying the time you spend joking around with old friends, getting to know new friends, and just being a part of an eclectic, creative environment.

I was truly honored when Lorraine from Brady's Floral asked me to design her stationery elements for their "Toyko" table. At first, it was quite humorous because we were competing in the same category and I joked with her that I was going to design her pieces by scribbling on notebook paper with crayons! Then she couldn't win :) However, their work is way too amazing to do something like that, so I had to create a piece to compliment it. I wish I had a full picture of her entire booth - it was AMAZING!! Dripping orchids, rich golds and orange linens, and a centerpiece that screamed creative!! Their work is impeccable!

... and the best part .... a few days after the show I received an email with these amazing photos taken by Ben Quillinan of BQ Photography. Even though he said he wasn't feeling well that day, he still showed up as promised and ROCKED out some amazing photos!! His work inspires me!! Just wait and see our table pictures! Thank you BQ - you know I'm one of your biggest fans!!

There is a reason why we call this Off Season!

2009-07-17T17:33:00.002-07:00

Yep, that's a picture taken from my car -- don't worry, I was stopped at stop sign when I whipped out my trusty camera. There's a reason why we call this off season!

EE Celebration | Designer Damask Wedding

2009-07-16T06:58:00.005-07:00

March makes for some of the most beautiful weddings here in Arizona and this one is no exception. Jenni was an absolutely radiant bride even though her entire bridal party was sick. Yes, her entire bridal party! But she's such a tough cookie that nothing took her smile away that day. It was an amazing celebration where her guests just didn't want to leave at the end of the night. Congratulations Jenni and John -- and Baby Tristan!! It was an honor to be a part of your incredible day! Thank you and many blessings your way. Oh and Happy first Birthday Baby T!!

Photography by the very talented Shelly Ivy Studios team

and photographer friends Bret Siegel and Lis Thurston

EE Celebration | Posh Pink Wedding

2009-07-14T10:02:00.009-07:00

Often times I am asked what came of the couple whose engagement was caught on film. You can catch me in a reply that they truly had their perfect wedding that she had dreamed of for years, and now I have pictures to prove it. Congratulations Alicia and Nick!! Your affair was amazing, elegant, and sincerely filled with many tears of joy. I am forever thankful to be a part of your love filled affair and will forever treasure the memories -- and look forward to many more!! Can't wait to celebrate with your brand new home that you get to move into tomorrow!

For those of you who would like to revisit the engagement story - click here!

Photography by the very talented Shelly Ivy Studios team

and family photographer friends - Bret Siegel and Lis Thurston

We Are Back | The Event Essentials New Blog |

2009-07-07T07:50:00.003-07:00

You may have noticed some cosmetic changes around here lately. After 6 long months of weddings, parties, and re-branding - our blog is finally back in action. The new website is coming soon (much easier to navigate). We would love to know what you think of the new look and please do share any ideas you would like to read about in the future. We are always open for suggestions and constructive criticism.

The next six months are going to bring some very exciting series posts. Ones you definitely wont want to miss out on! So sit back, relax and enjoy your morning cup of coffee or your delicious afternoon sip of tea. Have fun diving into all of our previous posts and enjoy the new inspiration that is on it's way. We love catering to all our house guests and don't mind if you stick around for a while! You can even bring some friends along!

{Super Cool Rococo Candelabra}

2009-02-02T08:48:00.005-07:00

I have been searching like crazy for these super cool acrylic candelabras. They had the beautiful mirror ones on display at a hotel that I toured a few weeks back and I absolutely fell in love with these playful pieces. Instead of using the stems for candle holders, they took one and added the votive cups with the feet extensions on them. Then filled it with colored water and added some flower heads. It was GORGEOUS and completely different. I feel lin love with them instantly.

16" tall. Holds 5 standard taper candles. Metal cups hold candles into acrylic pieces. Ships flat. Assembles in a jiffy. They can be purchased through the DailyBird.com

{Suckered by a Girl Scout}

2009-01-17T13:02:00.003-07:00

I just had to take 2 seconds to post this today because it was too funny not to share!!

*{DING DONG} goes the door bell

* {BARK BARK} goes the three chihuahuas protecting my door

{me} "Hi Sweetie, may I help you"

{cute little Girl Scout} "Yes, I'm selling Girl Scout Cookies and wanted to know if you would like to buy some."

{me} "They are really yummy, but I am on a diet"

{cute little Girl Scout} "We have sugar free ones"

I got suckered! She was too cute for words:) I think mommy was in on a little scheming, but I adored it and bought a few boxes! ha ha

{Your Opinion Matters}

2009-01-05T09:55:00.003-07:00

Hi my blogger friends. Sorry for the lack of posts recently. I was buried alive with some great new projects, but also needed some holiday time with the family. We have a really exciting New Year ahead of us as we just hit our 1 year anniversary for the launch of The Event Essentials. We couldn't be more excited!! There will be a new blog in the works, 2 great new websites ... 1 for event planning and 1 for our stationery services ... and a couple of other fun ideas that we are currently under construction. I hope you stay tuned. It's going to be an adventure!

Meanwhile, we have this great little poll that we put out because we would love to hear your advice and opinions on what you would like to see more of on our new blog. THANKS friends and keep in touch. Let the blogging '09 roll out!

Your Opinion Matters
Which topic would you like to see more of on our new blog?

Fashion Trends and Accessories
Event Design and Decor
Invitations Designs and Paper Goods
DIY Craft Projects
Fabulous Foods and Recipes for Parties

Check it Out

2009-01-04T08:44:00.000-07:00

What a great idea from LillianVernon.com! A small candle carver that carves out this perfect spot for a tealight. It's a definite must have on my list.

Stainless-steel candle carver is designed to carve tealight-sized holes into fruits and vegetables, creating beautiful holiday buffet displays and table centerpieces. Easy to use — just twist and turn, then fill with a tealight (not incl.). 3 1/2 x 1 3/8 x 3 1/2"H.

{Pinky Promise - We Will Return}

2008-12-22T08:54:00.004-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I promise, after the first of the year, we will return to our regular posting. Time has slipped by and our days have been very long lately. We are also making some changes to the business website and blog look. As we have had many challenges with our site running too slow. Silly java coding that I don't know much about.

Thanks for your support and patience! Happy Holidays to everyone!!

XOXOXO

Kim

{Meatloaf Cupcakes w/ Potato Frosting}

2008-12-09T13:08:00.004-07:00

Thanks Fine Furious Life for confusing me. Cupcakes are suppose to be deliciously sweet and call my name when I'm in a room near them. However, this is such a creative concept, and I love it because I'm all about cool ways to display normal every day food. What do you think?

INGREDIENTS

For the “cupcake”:

1/3 lb. ground veal

1/3 lb. ground chuck

1/3 lb. ground pork

1 small carrot, roughly chopped

1 small onion, roughly diced

2 stalks celery, roughly diced

3/4 cup breadcrumbs

1/3 cup milk

1/4 cup chopped parsley

1/4 cup shredded parmesan

2 eggs

Salt and pepper

For the “frosting”:

7.2oz box instant mashed potatoes

Milk, per package instructions

Butter, per package instructions

Beet juice from canned beets

To garnish:

Green pepper, very finely diced

METHOD
For the “cupcake”:

Preheat oven to 350F.
Soak the breadcrumbs in the milk and set aside.
Sweat the vegetables in olive oil until softened. Transfer to a deep bowl and use an immersion blender to puree; alternatively, puree in food processor.
Mix the three meats, eggs, breadcrumbs, parmesan, parsley and vegetable puree in a large bowl until an even consistency is reached.
Place meat mixture in greased muffin tins and bake until brown and shrunken away from the sides, about 20-25 minutes. Remove from tin and cool on rack.

For the “frosting”:
Prepare one sachet of instant mashed potatoes according to package instructions. To prepare the other, substitute beet juice from canned beets for the water called for in the instructions. Allow to cool.
Transfer each batch of mashed potato into a separate pastry bag (or Ziploc bag with a snipped-off corner) with your favourite pastry tip. Pipe onto cupcakes and decorate with diced green pepper.
Reheat in oven or microwave before serving.

{DIY: W is for Wedding Card Box}

2008-12-08T09:16:00.003-07:00

Supplies:

Three round boxes (a small, medium and large)
One roll of paper gift wrap
Mod Podge Glue
Four yards of ribbon
An assortment of trims (artificial flowers, velvet leaves, etc)

Tools:

Small foam paint brush
Pencil
Ruler
Exacto Knife
Scissors
Glue Gun

Directions:

Lay a sheet of your wrapping paper print side down. Place your boxes on the paper (bottom side down) and trace around each box using a pencil. (see figure one) Carefully cut out each circle.

Measure the height of each box, and cut a strip of paper as wide as the height of your box and long enough to wrap completely around the circumference.

Turn all three boxes over, so the bottom of box becomes the top of your “cake tier”. You won’t be needing the lids to the two smaller boxes, just the lid for the largest box which will be the bottom tier of your paper cake.

Before you begin gluing, be sure to protect your work surface. Mod Podge can be messy.

Apply an even layer of Mod Podge to the top of one your cake tiers using a small sponge brush. (see figure two) Carefully place your paper circle on the top of the box (in the glue) (see figure three). Smooth out any air bubbles. Don’t worry about small wrinkles. They should flatten out as the glue dries.

Glue the paper circles on the tops of the two remaining cake tiers.

Use the same gluing technique to adhere the paper to the sides of each cake tier. As you wrap the paper around, it’s more important that the paper lines up with the top of the tier rather than the bottom. The bottom edge will be concealed with ribbon later.

When all three tiers are covered in paper, brush a thin layer of Mod Podge on each tier’s papered surface. This will give the cake a subtle luster and smooth down any edges you may have missed. If you would like a richer surface, apply several coats of Mod Podge. Be sure allow at least fifteen minutes for the Mod Podge to dry between coats.

On the top of the largest tier, as close as you can get to the edge, use a Sharpie Marker to draw a “slot” large enough for a card to drop through. (see figure four) CAREFULLY cut out the slot using an exacto knife. It can be helpful to use a small metal cork-backed ruler as a guide when you cut.

Decide how you would like to have each cake tier positioned, then use your hot glue gun to glue them into place. ( Be very careful not to burn yourself when handling your glue gun.)

At the bottom of each tier, wrap and glue down a length of ribbon. (see figure five)

Glue a ribbon along the edge of bottom cake tier’s lid. This lid becomes the bottom of your paper cake and makes the deposited cards accessible.

Decorate your cake ! (see figure six) Select your flowers, leaves and trims, and use your hot glue gun to glue them into place. You can place a traditional cake topper on the top of your cake, or create your own.

As a variation on the idea, I collaged old book pages on the surface of this cake. (see figure seven). You could decoupage anything. The sky’s the limit!

Article and Photos from OnceWed.com {Thank You!!}

{Congratulations Melissa and Seth}

2008-12-03T08:37:00.005-07:00

Congratulations Melissa and Seth! You two were absolutely breathtaking and thank you for including us in such an amazing event milestone in your life. We are forever grateful! Other than the mouse crawling up my pant leg, I can say this grande affair was as close to perfect as possible! We wish nothing but the best for your journey of marriage together! XoXo!

Photography by the amazingly talented Jane Zarzynski!!! Thank You!

{DIY: V is for Veil - Birdcage}

2008-12-01T07:53:00.004-07:00

SUPPLIES REQUIRED

3/4 yd. 18" veiling
embellishments that you desire
Tissue Paper
Steam Iron

1.} Gather ends of veiling together, starting 3" from each end at top of veil and slant shirring to other end of veil.

2.} Bottom of veil will be 27" and top of veil will be 21". Gather top of veil to fit around front of crown and adjust ends of veil on hat and tack

3.} Crush tissue paper up under front of veil and pass through steam, pushing paper against veil as you steam

4.} For a veil with tab ends, use 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 yds. of veiling. After veil is adjusted on hat, gather in ends of veil and sew beads, buttons, rhinestones, feathers or some other trim to veil ends, lapping veil ends at back of hat.

Don't want to DIY? Order one from one of these great sites:

UnveiledBridalDesigns.com

BirdcageVeils.com

Etsy Shop: Brenda's Bridal Veils

Information found on vintagesewing.info through aisledash.com

Photos from UnveiledBridalDesigns.com {Thank You!!}

{DIY: U is for Unity Candles}

2008-11-26T07:26:00.004-07:00

Materials:

1 pillar candle (whichever size you wish)
Elmer’s Glue
Ribbon (thickness and color depending on you, of course)
Straight pins, cut to about ¼”
Thimble
Wired edge ribbon for tapers

Instructions:

For the unity candle- (this is to make the design above)

1. Measure 8 pieces of ribbon in the length of the candle.

2. Take one piece of ribbon and use a pin to secure it to the bottom of the candle.

3. After securing the ribbon, bring the ribbon up diagonally across the candle.

4. When you are happy with your line, secure the top with another pin – but don’t push the pin all the way in. (I suggest pinning it on the “flat” part of the candle, not the rounded top.)

5. Follow this process with three more ribbons, evenly spacing them out.

6. Next, you’ll want to secure ribbons going the opposite direction to create your diamond shape. To do this, carefully remove a pin from the top and attach your “new” ribbon to the pin as well. Now push the pin all the way in to the candle.

7. In the same manner as you attached the first ribbons, bring the ribbon down and across to the bottom, securing with a pin. Continue this with three more ribbons.

8. Now take pins and place them at each intersection of ribbon. This will prevent your ribbon from sliding out of place during transport.

9. Using Elmer’s glue, attach a decoration to hide the pins. (I used rhinestones. Small flowers would work as well.)

*If you misplace a pin, it is easy to remove it and place it elsewhere. Chances are the mark that’s left will be covered up by ribbon. I also suggest using a thimble to push the pins in…your thumb tends to get a little sore after awhile!

For the tapers

1. Using wired edge ribbon, create two bows.

2. Take a small piece of the wire edged ribbon and wrap around the tapers where you’d like the bows located – secure in the front with pins.

3. Attach bows (over the crease of the wrapped ribbon) with pins.

4. Hide pins with decorations such as rhinestones or small flowers.

Instructions and Blue photo found on PashWeddings.com

Additional Photos provided by WeddingMountain.com {Thank You!!}

{DIY: T is for Turkey}

2008-11-25T08:09:00.005-07:00

In honor of Thanksgiving for those of you who need a little extra help :)

Maple Roasted Turkey from the Food Network

{DIY: S is for Striped-Paper Cone}

2008-11-24T08:28:00.003-07:00

What You Need:

12 x 12-inch sheet of scrapbook paper
Pinking shears
Crafts glue
8-inch length each of 1-5/8-inch-wide white and colored crepe paper
Decorative-edge scissors
Sewing thread and needle
16-inch length of 1-1/2-inch-wide satin ribbon
1/4-inch hole punch
1 45-inch length each of three shades of silk ribbon

Instructions:

1.} Use a pencil to draw a curved line on the wrong side of the scrapbook paper from the top right corner to the bottom left corner. Make a mark on the curved line every 3-3/4 inches. Use the pinking shears to cut a straight line from the corners to the nearest mark and from mark to mark. Fold from each mark to the bottom corner of the paper. Overlap the small section with the section from the opposite edge of the cone; glue.

2.} Using decorative-edge scissors, trim one long edge of the white crepe paper, and trim 1/4 inch from one long edge of the colored crepe paper. Layer the crepe paper lengths and sew them together into a fan shape. Glue to the front of the cone.

3.} Tie a loose knot in the center of the satin ribbon. Trim each ribbon end into a V. Glue the knot to the bottom edge of the crepe paper.

4.} Punch a hole into each side of the cone. Insert the ends of each silk ribbon length through the holes. Tie a knot to secure the ribbon ends on the outside of the cone.

Instructions found on BHG.com and cone diagram found on PastryWiz.com

{Will Return Monday}

2008-11-21T08:10:00.002-07:00

Hi Friends - Sorry for the lack of posts these past few days. Even though it's still in the 80's in Phoenix, I have some how managed to catch a nasty cold. {Weird huh!?} Which makes it difficult to be creative or sit on the computer and surf. Thanks for understanding!! Come Monday, I'll continue with the DIY's of ABC's with S, T, U, & V --- and another great author interview :)

Happy weekend to everyone --- and take LOTS of good vitamins!

XOXO
Mrs. Kim

{Q&A's with Authors: Nicholas Kniel & Timothy Wright}

2008-11-14T10:39:00.006-07:00

Book: Ribbon {The Art of Adornment}

Authors: Nicholas Kniel & Timothy Wright

Published by: Gibbs-Smith Publishing

What inspired you to create this book?

{Nicholas}: My clients have always asked for ideas and ways in which they could use ribbons and trims from Nicholas Kniel. It turns out that there has never been a truly inspiring coffee table book written about ribbon, and I thought-now is the time!

Do you have a favorite kind of ribbon?

{Nicholas}: Vintage! The colors, patterns, widths, and pure luxe of them—they don’t make them like they used too.

{Timothy}: I love Japanese ribbons. They make some of the finest in my opinion, with supple, rich colors, and beautiful patterns.

What are the most popular must-know terms for ribbon?

{Nicholas} : The two most important terms concern quality. There are fine ribbons and craft ribbons. Fine ribbons are mid-ranged to expensively priced, and are made of higher quality fibers such as silk and rayon, used for keepsakes or heirloom –quality projects. Craft ribbons are made of less expensive fibers like polyester and nylon, and are for budget projects.

What are 3 ways to use ribbon to embellish a tablescape?

{Nicholas}: Ribbons are perfect for napkin rings, on place cards, and as an embellishment on menus. The wider ribbons make great runners.

{Timothy}: I love to see ribbons tied around candelabras for a lush setting, or woven into floral centerpieces.

What are some popular places for readers to purchase beautiful, unique, or vintage-style ribbons?

{Nicholas}: It’s getting harder to fins vintage ribbons, but fine heirloom-quality ribbons are still found in fine fabric and millinery shops, or stores that specialize in ribbon. For vintage ribbons, look on Ebay and at local flea markets.

{Timothy}: Another source might be antique stores that specialize in textiles, and I have found some great vintage ribbons at tag sales where someone who has sewn is clearing out old items.

What did you learn about yourself while writing this book?

{Nicholas}: That I could run my store, as well as visualize, plan, and produce things for the book all at once. And have a great time in the process.

Timothy: I learned that in creating a book like this the whole process is one of brainstorming along the way. Even with an outline and set ideas for images, we were flexible with what we produced. Trying new ideas in the mix gives you a lot more in the end to work with.
About the Authors

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

{Nicholas}: A flight attendant. I wanted to travel the world, but I found out in the 5th or 6th grade I was too tall, so then I wanted to be a fashion designer.

{Timothy}: I have always wanted to be a writer and an artist, from early on I was writing and drawing on everything!

When did you first realize you had a passion for ribbon and adornments?

{Nicholas}: Subconsciously: all my life, I have always loved old movies with beautifully dressed women and 18th century clothing with all the trim and ribbon details. Consciously: when I was getting my degree in fashion design.

{Timothy}: I have always found any type of embellishment wonderful, kind of like the crowning touch to anything. That’s why I love finely packaged things, like gorgeously wrapped and tied presents, luxury goods presented in fantastic boxes, even a parcel tied up with butcher’s twine! As a child I remember helping my grandmother make Christmas ornanments . She always had the most wonderful ribbons and crystals and trims.

Who inspires you the most?

{Nicholas}: Many people, my friends, family, artists, designers, celebs, musicians, and so on.

{Timothy}: I am inspired by a wide range of creative people such as Piero Fornasetti, Christian Lacroix, Alan Ginsberg, Duane Michals, Jim Thompson, Jonathan Adler, Annie Lennox, and the many finely talented people I have had the pleasure to work with and befriend.

What is the greatest aspect of your career?

{Nicholas}: I love what I do. I can earn a living at something I love to do. And I get to meet and work with great people from all around the world to help find and create something for them.

{Timothy}: That I get to be creative, express myself, and create things. I love interacting with other creative people and seeing things through their eyes too.

List a fun random fact about you that not everyone knows.

{Nicholas}: I was born in Las Vegas and yes, it’s true. Also that I am 6’4” and when people meet me they’re like, “wow, you’re tall!”

{Timothy}: I love origami. I am a bit shorter than Nick at 6’3”!

{Kim's Book Review}

When I first saw the cover of this book, I thought it was beautiful, but a little weary because I have two left thumbs when it comes to tying bows. Then I quickly realized that it said "Ribbons" not "Bows" and engagingly opened the cover. Actually, I quickly became infatuated with the absolutely gorgeous photos and the amazing work that was put into each creation. I think I may have a slight crush on page 88 - 95. The way the tables are set enamor my senses. Truly, this book was a pleasure to review and I can guarantee that I will reference it often. It has made me realize how much I actually use ribbon in my life ... wrapping invitations, making gifts more eye appealing, and wrapping the napkins, votive candles, and centerpieces on my tablescapes. Thanks Nicholas and Tim. You did a fabulous job!! Every planner or designer should pick up this book for their library collection!! Hurry!

{DIY: R is for Ring Bearers Pillow}

2008-11-12T07:34:00.003-07:00

Your ring pillow will be a treasured keepsake so use the highest quality fabric you can find.

Materials and Tools:

Pillow form 9x9
1 yard of satin
needle & thread
2 tassels
1-2 yds satin ribbon (2" wide to 2-3/4" wide)
1 yd ribbon 7/8" wide
1-1/2 yd satin cording
Scissors

1. Start with the smallest square pillow form your fabric store has in stock. This project gives instructions for a 9X9 pillow form.

2. Use the most beautiful white silk or satin you can find to cover your pillow

3. Cut 2 squares of fabric measuring 10" x 10" and pin the right sides together. The fabric you want to show on the finished pillow should be facing each other.

4. Stitch together, remove the pins. When you are finished sewing remove the pins turn it right side out - making sure to push your corners out

5. Insert the pillow form into the fabric. Close the opening by hand or machine.

6. Use 1 1/2 yards of wide satin ribbon to tie a bow around the pillow. Pin back the loops in the bow with straight pins hidden under the top loops.

7. Add another small bow made with narrow satin ribbon that will hold the rings (don't attach the real rings -use imitation metal ones available in favor supplies) and secure it down with a few stitches.

8. Sew a 2" tassel onto 1 1/2 yards of satin cording.

9. Fold the tassels and cording in half and tie them around the bow on the pillow.

Don't want to DIY? Check out these fabulous shops online:

Joyfulbrideonline.com

Beaucoup.com

WeddingDepot.com

Article found on Save-on-Crafts.com

Photos courtesy of HBHWedding.com

{Q&A's with Author: Kimberly Schlegel Whitman}

2008-11-07T11:38:00.005-07:00

Tablescapes and The Wedding Workbook

Author: Kimberly Schlegel Whitman

Published by: Gibbs Smith Publishing

Tablescapes {Setting the Table with Style}

Define the word “Tablescape”

A Tablescape is a table setting with style! I am a frustrated artist who can not paint or draw so I express myself thru creative tablescapes. The empty table is my blank canvas and I create my works of art (some are better than others!) by preparing the table for a meal.

Where do you find your influences for your tablescape projects?

I am influenced by things all around me all of the time. Sometimes my inspiration is found in a certain flower that has caught my eye. Sometimes by a centerpiece or container for those flowers. Other times I am inspired by a garden I have visited or a photo that I have seen or fashion. We should all keep our eyes open all of the time because there is inspiration everywhere around us!

Name 3-5 places you love to shop for fabulous tablescape pieces.

Antique Stores, Auctions and Garage Sales are really my favorite resources. I also love Madison, Porthault and At My Table (all in Dallas). My mother's china cabinet is not a bad resource either!!!

What, in your opinion, are the 3 most important elements to a good tablescape?

I don't think that there are really 3 essential elements for every table but I do think that careful and thoughtful consideration should be put into each one. Really think thru your meal and consider what will be needed. What plates will you need, silver, glasses, etc. Once you have the essentials taken care of you can play and have fun with the rest. I think that color schemes should be playful and fun. Not everything needs to be perfectly matched either. Use your imagination!

Why is it important to create a theme for your event?

I love themes because they help me make decisions. I have very eclectic taste had love so many looks and styles so a theme is a helpful tool to keep my look cohesive. Your theme can be as simple as a color or two colors or it could be as imaginative as a Winter Wonderland.

What did you learn about yourself, while writing and creating this beautiful book?

I learned that I have an even more wonderful husband than I realized! We were having a blast working on all of these tables together because I was pregnant and could not life anything heavy! He did so much work! It was a great reminder to really put your heart into the things you do for your family and friends, even setting the table.

As a design expert, what advice would you give to someone just starting out in the event
design business?

Work hard and be organized. It is important to get as much experience as you can. Help other professionals who you admire and learn from them. But...above all...don't be competitive with your peers in the industry. Putting together a great event takes teamwork!

The Wedding Workbook {A Time-Saving Guide for the Busy Bride}

Why should The Wedding Workbook be a must-have for every bride?

It is a great tool for staying organized and it is pretty enough that you can pull it out in years to come and browse thru it...almost like a scrapbook.

Besides being organized, what is the best piece of advice you could offer to a newly
engaged couple?

Stay calm and have fun. Remember that the wedding day is not only about you but also about your family and friends. Also...make a pact to hold hands and not separate at the reception. I am so sad when I see a Bride on one side of the room and the Groom on the other. They always say..."I hardly got to see you or dance with you!"

What would you recommend a bride to splurge on and where to scrimp back?

This is different for every bride. You should always select one area that is especially important and splurge there. Be dramatic with this one area and spend an extra special amount of time on it's preparations. For a foodie, this might be the meal. For a more visual person this might be the flowers. For a person with a passion for music, it might be the dj or band. Let your own personality and passions shine thru.

How can a bride create a luxury look without the luxury price tag?

Keep your eyes open for great values. Getting married can be very expensive so always look for bargains from the location to the dj... You can always ask for a better price too! Do not ask your guests to pay for anything more though. A Cash Bar is a no no! Your guests have already purchased you a gift and possibly travelled to celebrate with you.

What style trends do you predict will be popular in 2009?

I love color and would love to see the popular lavenders and plums that are so prevalent in our fashion choices show up at Weddings.

About the Author {Kimberly Schlegal Whitman}

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a "hair cutter." I still think that would be fun!

When did you first realize you had a passion for parties?

When I was planning my Idlewild Debutant party I fell in love with the process of planning a party. It satisfies my Type-A desire to organize things and my creative side too.

Who inspires you?

My parents are a great inspiration. They love to celebrate in style and love to socialize. They get great satisfaction out of spending time with their friends and meeting new people when they are attending or hosting events. My mother-in-law lives in Paris and has great style. She is always telling me about the next big trend or the most fantastic party idea.

What is the greatest aspect about your career?

I love the idea that I am helping create memories for people and celebrate the special moments in life.

How do you stay organized in your busy life?

I am a Virgo...super organized! I am also a "do-er" and I love to just dive in and organize. Being bossy doesn't hurt when it comes to organizing either! I love to organize and can't stand it when things are out of place so it comes very natural to me. Don't get me wrong though...there are many days when I am a mess and I will just stay up until three in the morning until I can get my act together and organized!

Does Lola keep you company during the day?

Sweet Little Lola follows me everywhere. She is ten years old now though so I don't travel with her as often as I used to. She gets uncomfortable sitting in the little bag on the plane for too long.

{Kim's Book Reviews}

I was truly honored to not only receive these absolutely gorgeous and extremely inspiring books, but to receive the time for this gracious Q&A session with Kimberly.

Tablescape: From the moment I laid my eyes on the front cover, I knew I would fall in love. The pictures in this book are so rich and the writing style is so eloquent. It's definitely a must have book for every event planner, designer, stylist, florist, etc who truly enjoy being inspired by beautiful pictures and intimate details. Every time I open up the pages, I see something new that I keep in my "some day to do list" for a client. There are so many wonderful features, beautiful pages, and great inspirational pieces. I know I'll use this book at many future appointments with clients when they are looking for design and color help! The things that are showcased are also very practical and not super over the top to where it can be recreated affordably. I adore it!! As a matter of fact, it's going back on my coffee table right now!!

The Wedding Workbook: I was really excited to see why this book was unique in comparison to the other "planner" books out there. Once I popped it open, I quickly figured it out. It's beautiful, it's practical, and it allows for expansion of more, more and more! The three ring binder part makes it very efficient in the fact that other pages, documents, or folders can be added to this book. We all know, brides need the room for their own thoughts and organizational tools and this book allows for that necessary expansion. The checklists and timelines are very helpful, but most importantly, I adore the pocket that accommodate each section. It's the perfect resource as well as organizer to help a bride feel less overwhelmed! Again, a must have!!

Next Must Haves on my list:

The Pleasure of Your Company

Dog Parties
The Art of the Party {by Renny Reynolds and Elaine Louie}

{Bloggers to the Rescue}

2008-11-06T09:41:00.008-07:00

Dear Mrs. DesignHer,

The reason for this email is due to my lack of creativity. I follow your blog daily and love to read all of your fun articles about DIY crafting projects. My fiance laughs that I don't have a creative bone in my body. Ok, maybe a small one is somewhere (or so I keep hoping). So, on to my point. We are getting married in this lush outdoor venue next spring and I'm stumped for colors, wondering if you could help. I like the really rich vibrant tones, but there is not one definite color I'm stuck on. My fiance wants something more masculine and dark. We want it really classy, no pastels and no black. How do we compromise? Your help is much needed!

Hopeful to have colors soon,

Krystal L.

Hi Krystal,

Thanks for your email! We appreciate our wonderful readers looking to our expert help on color concepts and theme design. If you don't mind, I thought we could share this with the readers to see if they would like to put together any inspiration boards for you or have any other color palette ideas. Below are four of our favorite suggestions, when it comes to garden style venues with lots of greenery, that we pulled from BBJLinen.com.

My best advice is to pull in something along the lines of blues, silvers, or browns for your fiance and then add in the rich vibrant colors for yourself. Then choose one to two additional accent colors to tie in subtly. Don't forget to mix up and use rich patterns to add dimension and depth to break up the flatness. Also, adding in the metallic family like gold, silver or copper will deliver a very classy, upscale quality.

{Raspberry, Blueberry, and Platinum}

In this palette, I would predominately use the blueberry throughout in your linens, stationery pieces, and attire to keep a very rich, but elegant look and feel. The raspberry would be an highlight color used through your flowers, embellishments, girls shoes, ribbons, etc to add pop and a feminine touch. The platinum would be utilized as an accent through the flatware on the tables, men's vests, flower vases, chivari chairs, and as a secondary linen.

{Antique Gold, Red, Aqua}

In this palette, I would predominately use the antique gold through the linens, china, chivari chairs, and even through the attire to add a very rich feeling. The red would would be a complimentary accent through flowers, embellishments, and enhancing the feminine qualities. Bringing in the aqua through the small embellishments like cake details, stationery items, and ribbon wrapped flowers will add pop and zest to your elements. Adding in the floral like pattern gives this also a very garden feel with a twist of whimsy.

{Eggplant, Gunslate, and Buttercreme Yellow}

In this palette, you can use either eggplant or platinum to be your majority color. Both colors create a very strong visual that can be masculine as well as femanine at the same time. Deep eggplant linens with silver chivari's, silver chargers, silver flatware, and silver flower vase could be exquisite. The yellow brings in light and brightness through flowers, embellishments and accent pieces. While the baroque swirl adds in the garden and romantic element.

{Chocolate, Sunflower Yellow, and Lime Green}

Chocolate would be the prodominate color in this palette used in most of the linens, stationery pieces and attire to add warmth and richness. The sunflower yellow would be a beautiful accent in the flowers and through the details like ribbon sashes, yellow shoes, and even the squash on the dinner plates. Green comes in in small details as well through floral pieces and stationery elements. I can just see a beautiful sunflower centerpiece with little green button flowers as napkin embellishments.

Good luck Krystal!! If you like any of these selections, please feel free to let us know and we are more than happy to help you with all the beautiful decor elements and stationery pieces to create a cohesive theme for your grande affair!

{DIY: P is for Placecard Tree}

2008-11-05T09:04:00.003-07:00

{As Seen on StyleMePretty.com}

These place card trees are jaw-droppingly gorgeous. The best part though, is that they are made using really accessible materials and supplies. Too cute for words…

How to make the Placecard Tree…

For the placecards:
I used Stardream metallic cover stock in quartz that I purchased from Paper-Papers.com. I designed a simple layout on MS Word, and used the font Murray Hill to write each person’s name on the placecard. I then printed them on a Dell Laser printer (printing on Stardream cover stock can be tricky!). I made them so they would fold over, so we could glue the fringe and ribbon inside without it looking ugly on the back.

I used a bone folder to fold my printed placecards in half, so I could cut two slits in the top folded area, to slip my ribbon through and glued it to the inside of the card. I used beaded fringe for the dangling crystals, it was easier to work with than individual crystals and you couldn’t tell once you glued it inside. It looked like this but I purchased it at Home Fabrics in Downtown Los Angeles. I cut the fringe so it had 5 crystals and then glued it to the inside bottom and then pressed the folded placecard shut to hold the fringe in place.

For the actual trees:
We bought manzanita branches at a place called Wasabi Green in downtown LA, but I know you can order them online at: Nettletonhollow.com

We created some bases out of wood, in a trapezoid shape, which we then covered with the light shantung fabric, adding the fabric was a little hard, we started off by using fabric glue and then also cutting and sewing parts of it, so that the ends would sit taut on the trapezoidal base. We the glued on a 1 1/2 inch brown satin ribbon and the rhinestone buckle. We secured the branches in the tree with expanding foam and anchored them with some heavier rocks, so they wouldn’t topple over. We then covered the top of all that mess with some moss so it would look pretty on top.

Article and photos found on StyleMePretty.com blog! Check them out for more fabulous ideas!

{DIY: O is for Out of Town Welcome Baskets}

2008-11-03T08:07:00.004-07:00

What goes inside of an "OOT" box, bag, or hotel welcome basket for your out-of-town guests?

Article and three top photos by: Bliss! Wedding Market

{Check out their fab"Bride Ideas" blog}

Three bottom photos provided by: Kate Parker Weddings

REQUIRED: First and foremost, a thank-you note from you and your fiance. Even if you compose a blanket thank-you letter on your computer, at least handwrite the guest’s name on the front of the note and have both of you personally sign the note or letter at the bottom.

REQUIRED (if applicable): A weekend itinerary. If your wedding celebration will span a couple of days, it will be nice for you to compose a detailed itinerary of the weekend’s events. The itinerary should include the order of events, day-by-day. Also, include the list of venues, directions, and phone numbers. Contact information for key family members or friends guests can contact in case of an emergency.

OPTIONAL BUT WOULD BE NICE: Alternatively, expand the day-by-day agenda into a full-blown newsletter. Compose a brief story of how you two met and how you got engaged. Explain why this locale is important for you to exchange your vows. List the city’s tourists spots and other points of interests. That way, your guest will have something to do during a break in the bridal festivities. List your favorite restaurants. List the bridal party members and their connections to you both (for example: “Lisa is the MOH and the bride’s sister” or “Matt is a groomsman and was the groom’s college roommate”).

LOCAL SOUVENIRS: If you’re getting married in a town that is known for it’s local faire, include it into the basket. Beignette mix or pralines if you’re getting married in New Orleans. “Don’t Mess with Texas” t-shirts for a Lone Star affair. “I *heart* NY” for a NYC-hosted celebration. Maple syrup for a Vermont event. You see where I’m going with this?

FILLERS: Bags of candy, chips, breath mints, and/or chocolates. A couple of bottles of water or cans of soda. Tabloid magazine (nice for when the guest is lounging poolside at the hotel during a “break” from the bridal festivities). Many couples are dumping the traditional wedding favor in favor of the OOT bag. This is especially true for destination weddings where guests have travelled internationally.

Choosing the right packaging is important and can be fun to embellish! I sell several unique bags and boxes perfect for your guest’s OOT box!

{Kim's Food For Thought}

Don't forget to coordinate the theme of your grande event

on all of the stationery items in your OOT kits!

Guests also appreciate those little packets of headache medicine,

upset stomach pills, and / or allergy tabs.

Surprise your family and friends any time they fly into town

for a visit, with these clever little baskets.

Don't want to DIY? Check out these great sites for already made OOT kits:

Bliss Wedding Market (for chic bags}

Kate Parker Weddings

Elegantly Expressed

Minimus

{Designer Damask Invitations Suite}

2008-11-01T10:44:00.004-07:00

Just a quick sneak peak of one of our new invitation suites that will launch in the new year. Be on the look out for some new items, updated website, and new services. It's going to be an exciting 2009 and we look forward to sharing it with you!! Happy November 1st! Hope everyone had a safe Halloween!

{Books, Books and More Books}

2008-10-31T08:56:00.005-07:00

Yesterday was such an exciting day. I walked up to my front door to see a couple of boxes just hanging out. Not thinking much of it, I picked them up and just put them in my office thinking it was just a stack of paper that had arrived for an invitation order. When I got around to opening them, I realized that one was a box of books sent to me from Jennifer King at Gibbs Smith Publishing! I quickly ripped the box open and felt like a kid at Christmas. My eyes were the size of saucers as to my surprise there were 5 books just looking at me saying "You know you want to curl up in your reading chair with us!" They were sooooo right!! I was sooooooooo excited. Just flipping through them, I was sucked in by the luscious pictures!

I can't wait to dig into these fabulous books and share what's inside with my blog readers!! For the next few weeks I'll give you reviews on each book, share some pictures, and even include my mini interviews with the authors. You must stay tuned!! It's going to be awesome!

THANKS THANKS THANKS Jennifer!! These books are AMAZING! :)

{Next Blog} DIY: O is for ....

{DIY: N is for Necklace}

2008-10-30T10:44:00.006-07:00

This delicate necklace is the perfect thing for a bride who wants a classic design with a modern twist. Modify it with your bridal colors for the bridesmaids to wear!

Supplies:

24x12mm Swarovski faceted teardrop pendant crystal AB (6100-CAB24, qty 1)
9x6mm Swarovski indicolite teardrop (5500-IND9X6, qty 4)
11x10mm Swarovski flat briolette crystal AB (6012-CRYSAB11, qty 2)
4mm sterling round multi V-cut bead (SS-RND4-MVC, qty 20)
Toho bead round 8/0 frosted trans-rainbow soft gray (TBRD8-176AF, qty 1 pack)
Sterling granulated diamond curb chain (925CH104, qty 2 feet)
Sterling silver elegant hook and eye clasp (ISCL-0041, qty 1)
1 1/2-inch sterling silver head pin 24 gauge (SS-HP4X, qty 4)
Sterling silver open jump ring (SS-OJR30-H, qty 1)
Sterling silver open jump ring (SS-OJR30-D, qty 4)
Sterling wire round 22 gauge half hard (SSWR22HH1)
Beadalon 19 strand .018 jewelry wire (B19-30F-018)

{Supplies can be purchased at Artbeads.com}

Tools used:

Nipper tool (TOOL-101)
Crimper tool (TOOL-100)
Side cutter, semi-flush (TOOL-131)
Chain nose pliers (TOOL-106)
Round nose pliers (TOOL-108)

Step one: Cut approximately 19 inches of Beadalon .018 jewelry wire. Using a 2x2mm crimp tube, crimp it to an open jump ring and cover with a crimp cover. For instructions on how to use crimp tubes and covers, please visit the Handy Tips section of the Learning Center.

Step two: String approximately 5 ¼ inches of Toho round 8/0 transparent rainbow light grey beads. Add a sterling silver multi-V cut bead, and then alternate between one Toho and one V-cut bead until you have 20 V-cut beads. Follow with 5 ¼ more inches of the Tohos, and crimp the remainder of the wire to another open jump ring. Cover the tube with a crimp cover then attach one jump ring to each side of the clasp.

Step three: Cut a length of sterling silver granulated diamond curb chain to approximately 20 inches. Center the chain in a Chain Sta. Find the center of the chain and using a large open jump ring, attach the Swarovski faceted teardrop pendant to the center link. Move past the first diamonds in the chain and skip the next segment of links, in the center of the second segment on each side attach a Swarovski indicolite teardrop bead on a head pin and finish with a simple loop. For instructions on how to make a simple loop, please visit the Handy Tips section of the Learning Center.

Step four: Move out two more segments on each side, and add Swarovski flat briolette pendants using wrapped loop bails. There are also instructions for this technique in the Learning Center. Move out two segments again and center two more indicolite teardrops.

Step five: Attach the chain to the clasp alongside the beaded strand using sterling silver open jump rings.

Approximate length: Short strand: 16 ½ inches, Long strand: 21 inches
Approximate cost: Under $55.00
Estimated time: Under two hours

Don't want to DIY? Check out these great custom jewelry sites:

Custom Jewelry By Lani

Kai Creations {Glamour This! Blog}

Leah Jewelry

Claudia's Custom Jewelry

Article found on ArtBeads.com - supplies can be purchased there as well

{DIY: M is for Mini Caramel Apples}

2008-10-27T08:16:00.003-07:00

Ingredients

4 granny smith apples
1 (16 ounce) package butterscotch chips
1 (16 ounce) package peanut butter chips
1 (16 ounce) package milk chocolate pieces
1 (8 ounce) container candy sprinkles
1 (12 ounce) package coconut

Directions

1.} Cut the lollipop sticks at an angle on one end to create a small point to insert into the mini apple.

2.} With the melon baller, scoop little balls out of the apple making sure to have a section of apple peel on each ball.

3.} Push half the lollipop stick into the peel of each ball and pat the apple dry.

4.} Melt the butterscotch, peanut butter and chocolate pieces according to the package directions.

5.} Dip and swirl the mini-apples in the melted chips, then roll them into the sprinkles, coconut or chopped nuts if desired.

6.} Place the mini apples in paper candy cups to set.

Recipe provided by: Recipe Zaar

Photo's courtesy of: TargetMommy Diaries, Kids Kuisine, and Island Packet

{DIY: L is for Lacy Luminarias}

2008-10-23T07:58:00.004-07:00

Give the decorations at your wedding reception the romantic look of lace. The intricate patterns shining through these luminarias (paper-bag lanterns illuminated by votive candles) are courtesy of doilies glued inside. Place a grouping of the lanterns in different sizes on the guest-book table or dinner tables for a beautiful, glowing display. We chose ivory paper bags for an understated look, but you can use thin paper bags in any light color. Set the candles in heavy-glass votive holders to help anchor the bags.

Tools and Materials

Light-colored paper lunch bags in various sizes
Ruler
Scalloped rotary cutter
12-inch gold-colored doilies (white ones won't show through as well)
Utility knife
Scissors
Glue stick or Xyron sticker-making machine
Votive candles in glass holders
Utility lighter

Luminarias How-To

1. Lay each bag flat; use a ruler to guide the scalloped rotary cutter as you cut a new top edge 1 inch below the bag's original edge.

2. To cut doilies to fit the bag, lay a bag flat on the work surface. Lay a doily on the bag, and determine where to cut in order to create a pleasing design. Cut straight lines with a ruler and a utility knife; use scissors to snip along curves. The final size of the doily should be 1/8 inch narrower than the width of the bag so the doily will lay flat inside.

3. Coat the gold side of the doily generously with glue from the glue stick, or coat it with self-adhesive using the Xyron machine. Attach doily to the inside of the front of the bag, positioning it as desired. After gluing, close the bag, and run your hand firmly over the design to seal. Open the bag, and let dry at least 1 hour.

4. Set the bag in desired location, and then put the votive candle, in its holder, inside. Light the wick once the candle holder has been securely placed; do not carry the lit luminaria.

Instructions provided by MarthaStewart.com

{DIY: K is for Kissing Balls a.k.a. Pomanders}

2008-10-22T08:45:00.004-07:00

Use these wonderful balls for decorating, as bouquets or favors. Easy and inexpensive to make. Try using dahlias or carnations for a different look. The trick is get the flowers as close together as possible when you are placing them into the ball. Use fresh or silk flowers.

Supplies:

Styrofoam Ball
2 dozen stems of silk rose buds
Low Temp Glue Gun and Glue Sticks

Ribbon

Directions for making with silk flowers:

Pull the roses off the stems or use a wire cutter to remove -leaving a 1/4" on each. Using a toothpick make a hole in the Styrofoam ball for each rose bud you are attaching. Then fill with a dot of hot glue - place the rose in hole. Let dry. Continue adding roses until the ball is filled.
You can insert a few leaves between the roses for added color.

Directions for fresh flowers

You will doing the same as above but instead of a Styrofoam ball use an Oasis foam ball for fresh flowers. Also instead of using hot glue to hold your flowers in place use greening pins instead.

To make a handle

If you want to carry your rose ball you can easily make a handle. Use ribbons or jute. Measure desired length x 2 and add 3 inches for the knot. Tie into a loop (double knot). Hold in place with greening pin. Then hot glue another greening pin over the top.

Or prior to starting with your flowers, take a long stitch needed and pierce it through the center of the foam ball with a ribbon attached. Make a big knot at one end and let some ribbon hang. You now have a very sturdy handle.

{Kim's Food for Thought}

Drizzle a few dangling crystals from the bottom of the ball to give it some glamour.

Add pearl pins or rhinestones to the center of the flowers to give it sparkle.

Make three small ones and hang them on a continuous row.

Instructions provide by Save-On-Crafts.com

{DIY: J is for Jeweled Monogram Cake Topper}

2008-10-20T05:23:00.001-07:00

Supplies:

Jewelry and Metal Glue {E6000}
1/8" Aluminum or Mirrored Letter/s with Spikes
Flatback Rhinestones {in any color}
Toothpick
Beeswax
Wax Paper

Directions:

Spread out a piece of wax paper so you don't get glue on anything
Roll up a little piece of beeswax into a small ball and place it on the end of a toothpick. This will create a nice adheasive tool for you to be able to pick up your rhinestones.
Gently spread out rhinestones on the wax paper next to your custom cut letter
Place dots of small amounts of glue on your letter in little sections at a time. I can dry fairly quickly, so just work in small sections and don't use too much. It can get messy.
Pick up your rhinestones with the toothpick and beeswax and place them on the glue spots. Gently press down, but not too hard.
Let it sit for a few hours to dry.

BLING it up!

Don't want to DIY, check out these great sites:

ToppersWithGlitz.com {photos above provide from this site}
CoutureCakeJewelry.com

WeddingCuts.com

{The Worst Best Man Ever}

2008-10-19T16:19:00.005-07:00

{Tomorrow - DIY: J is for .....}

{DIY: I is for Iced Branches}

2008-10-16T08:35:00.002-07:00

Save-On-Crafts, a wonderful wedding planning resource has a great idea for cutting costs and making your own iced branches using tacky glue and Colorfill Diamond Vase Filler.

You can create incredible iced branch displays for weddings, receptions, windows and home decorating by using branches, Colorfill vase filler diamonds and Aleene's Tacky Glue. Add lights if you want. They will twinkle in the candlelight.

Materials

Tree branches
Aleenes Tacky Glue
Colorfill Diamond Vase Filler by Garden Splendor

Step 1. - Place a sheet of newspaper down for a work area. Pour a pile of Colorfill Diamonds in the center.

Step 2. - Place tacky glue on the branches and roll in the Diamonds. Let set 1 hour and you have ice covered branches. Easy as that!

Variations: Add some artificial moss or red berries to some of the branches.

And Voila!

{The Glamorous Wedding Salon}

2008-10-15T05:23:00.001-07:00

The Wedding Salon has its annual luxury bridal show approaching November 10th in Miami at The Biltmore Hotel. This is a "million dollar wedding" showcase and in the past they have worked with over 50 of the countries high-end bridal vendors - David Tutera, Sylvia Weinstock Cakes, Tiffany & Co. jewelry, and Oscar de la Renta just to name a few.

Monday November 10, 2008

From 4pm -9pm

The Biltmore Hotel

1200 Anastasia Avenue

Miami, FL 33134

You don't want to miss out on this opportunity to see the best of the best showcase! Leave us a comment and one lucky winner will receive a bridal show ticket for this glamorous show!

{Minted.com - Voting is Open}

2008-10-14T11:58:00.003-07:00

Voting is Open!!

The Spring Green Wedding Invitation Challenge by Minted.com. Designers were asked to create fresh wedding invitations that use a spring color palette of green and white.

We are honored to have the five designs above showcased in this competition and appreciate all your support as there is so much great talent. Check it out and don't forget to vote for us! Constructive comments are encouraged and welcomed for us!! Be careful - there are so many fabulous designs that you might just be inspired!! :)

Happy voting!

{Tomorrow - DIY: I is for .....}

{DIY: H is for Hot Cocoa Cone Favors}

2008-10-13T08:12:00.004-07:00

With the temperature drop, nothing sounds better right now then a delicious cup of hot cocoa. I found this fabulous recipe on FamilyFun.com for Hot Cocoa Cones. A perennial winter favorite, hot cocoa with all the trimmings (mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and a cherry-red gumdrop) sports an even sweeter look packaged as a cone. This makes a great gift for weddings, showers, or even holiday parties. Be sure to add a tag letting your recipients know the cone contains enough for four servings.

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cup cocoa mix
2 (6- by 12-inch) cone-shaped cellophane bags (available at party stores)
2 clear rubber bands (we used ponytail holders)
Scissors
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
3/4 cup mini marshmallows
1 large red gumdrop

1. Pour the cocoa mix into one of the bags. Close the bag with a clear rubber band, then trim the end of the bag 1 inch above the band.

2. Place the cocoa-filled bag into the second bag and flatten its top so the end doesn't stick up.

3. Layer the chocolate chips and the marshmallows, then top with the gumdrop. Secure the bag with the other rubber band.

{Kim's Food For Thought}

Bag up your favorite soup, cookie, or cake recipes in these cones as well.

Decorate them to match the theme of your party or wedding.

Add little pipe cleaners and a red pom to make a Rudolph.

Don't want to DIY? Check out these great sites.
NewYorkChocoaltes.com
FavorStudio.com{Photo provided above}
MyWeddingFavors.com{Photo provided above}

{DIY: G is for Grass Centerpiece}

2008-10-10T15:05:00.002-07:00

Wheat grass is extremely easy and inexpensive to grow. It looks great alone or with some added flowers creatively tucked in here and there. It makes a great living centerpiece for a spring or summer wedding, especially if you are going for a garden wedding theme..or simply going green!

To make your own centerpieces, you’ll only need a few things..and a 2-4 weeks of time!

Pretty containers for planing the grass in
Wheat grass seeds (found in health food stores or online at wheatgrasskits.com)
Soil
Flower Tubes (if you are adding flowers)

Note: 10 pounds of seed should make 25 small centerpieces

1.} Wheat grass seeds are sometimes prone to mold, so some choose to soak their seeds in water and mold control solution for no more than eight hours before planting. Mold control solution can be found at most garden centers or nurseries. (This is however optional, your seeds may not mold at all!) If you do soak your seeds, be sure to rinse them well before planting or the solution may stop your seeds from sprouting.

2.} Fill your container(s) with soil until the soil is about 2 inches from the top of the container and moisten well.

3.} Scatter your wheat grass seeds evenly across the moist soil all the way to the edges. Press the seeds down firmly, and then mist the seeds with a fine spray of water.

4.} Now just wait! Within a couple of days to a week and a half your grass seeds will begin to sprout. Once the sprouts have grown an inch or two, move your containers to a bright spot, such as a south facing window.

5.} Within 2-3 weeks your beautiful centerpieces will be thick with bright green wheat grass(4 inches tall!) and ready for your big day! If you need to trim the grass, that’s fine! Just grab some sharp scissors and give it a haircut.

6.} If you decide you want to further your centerpieces with flowers you will now need your fresh cut flowers (tulips, roses, daisies, lilacs for example), and flower tubes. Cut your fresh flowers with a sharp clean knife or pruners at a height that would allow them to peek out of the grass.

7.} Slide them into your flower tubes (filled with premixed water and flower preservative) and place them in your centerpiece(s).

Need cute containers? Check out:

JamaliGarden.com

Article found on DIY.wed-central.com

{BQ Photography - Portrait Session Fundraiser}

2008-10-08T13:12:00.004-07:00

A great photographer friend of mine, Ben Quillinan from BQ Photography, sent out a postcard for a photography fundraiser in the Phoenix area. I think it's a fabulous cause and would be the perfect time for someone to get started on their holiday portraits, baby photos, or even quick engagement pics for a super cool save the date card. Check him out. His work is utterly AMAZING!!

From Ben - Hello, I recently mailed a card for a portrait fundraiser I'm currently doing. Through November, my regular session fee is discounted to $150 and all of those session proceeds will be donated to Childhelp, an organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse. They're a wonderful group and I'm very excited to be contributing to their cause this year. Hopefully you received that card and have passed on the details to everyone you know. Please call me with any questions and to schedule your portraits soon.

Don't forget to tell him Kim sent you and he will take extra special care for me!!

{Tomorrow -- DIY: G is for .......}

{DIY: F is for Fortune Cookie Favors}

2008-10-07T09:21:00.003-07:00

Fortune cookies can be tricky to make - it's important to make sure that the cookie batter is spread out evenly on the baking sheet. Instead of using the back of a wooden spoon to spread the batter, it's better to gently tilt the baking sheet back and forth as needed. Wearing cotton gloves makes it easier to handle and shape the hot cookies. This fortune cookie recipe makes about 10 cookies.

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

2 large egg whites
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
8 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 teaspoons water

Preparation:

1. Write fortunes on pieces of paper that are 3 1/2 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease 2 9-X-13 inch baking sheets.

2. In a medium bowl, lightly beat the egg white, vanilla extract, almond extract and vegetable oil until frothy, but not stiff.

3. Sift the flour, cornstarch, salt and sugar into a separate bowl. Stir the water into the flour mixture.

4. Add the flour into the egg white mixture and stir until you have a smooth batter. The batter should not be runny, but should drop easily off a wooden spoon.
Note: if you want to dye the fortune cookies, add the food coloring at this point, stirring it into the batter. For example, I used 1/2 teaspoon green food coloring to make green fortune cookies.

5. Place level tablespoons of batter onto the cookie sheet, spacing them at least 3 inches apart. Gently tilt the baking sheet back and forth and from side to side so that each tablespoon of batter forms into a circle 4 inches in diameter.

6. Bake until the outer 1/2-inch of each cookie turns golden brown and they are easy to remove from the baking sheet with a spatula (14 - 15 minutes).

7. Working quickly, remove the cookie with a spatula and flip it over in your hand. Place a fortune in the middle of a cookie. To form the fortune cookie shape, fold the cookie in half, then gently pull the edges downward over the rim of a glass, wooden spoon or the edge of a muffin tin. Place the finished cookie in the cup of the muffin tin so that it keeps its shape. Continue with the rest of the cookies.

Note: If you haven't made this recipe before, you might want to check out my Top 9 Tips for Making Fortune Cookies.

{Kim's Food for Thought}

Don't have time to make your own fortune cookie?

Purchase a box of already made cookies and dip them in any way you want.

Dark chocolate drizzled with white chocolate, regular chocolate covered in sprinkles,

or even white chocolate with an assortment of nuts.

There are many ways to package your fortune cookies.

Boxes, bags, bows, ribbon, etc.

Don't forget the cute thank you tag!

Write cute poems in your cookie or say nice things about friends attending the party.

Fortune cookies are always a great conversation piece.

Don't want to DIY? Check out these great sites.

CustomFortuneCookies.com

FancyFortuneCookies.com

ExpressiveFortunes.com

Fortune Cookie recipe found on About.com by Rhonda Parkinson

{DIY: E is for Emergency Kit}

2008-10-06T05:23:00.001-07:00

Pink Lady Kathleen from thePinkBookBlog posted this very helpful blog to make your own emergency kit for the big day.

For extreme klutzs like me, attending a wedding with out some sort of back up plan is asking for cake on the dress and a bloody nose. And while some accidents are going to happen, and emergency kit could be that photo-saving grace. Here are 20 of the essentials I could think of, if you have any others, let us know!

1. Pain Reliever 2. Makeup – for touch-ups 3. Deodorant 4. Baby Wipes 5. Clear nail polish – stocking runs 6. Miniature sewing kits – for that broken strap or loose bustle 7. Comb/brush, bobby pins, hair bands 8. Tissues 9. Eye-drops/contact lens solution 10. To-go fabric stain removers 11. Antacids 12. Breath mints 13. Tampons and pads 14. Band Aids 15. Double Sided tape 16. Safety Pins 17. Lint Roller 18. Snacks 19. Earring Backs 20. Corsage Pins

We have created this post before with a much more extensive list. Click HERE for a full list with many more ideas on what to add to your kit. Pick and choose as necessary.

{KIM'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT}

Use a nice large hat box or big plastic container for your Emergency Kit items.

Then after the big day, store this in an easy to access cabinet or closet of your home.

It will be very handy for other occasions or emergencies that may arise.

Just make sure to check the expiration dates!

Seperate your items into large Ziplock plastic bags and label them according to use.

It will be much easier to find your items, the more items you have.

{i.e. - medical, bathroom, beauty, etc.}

1/3 cup(s)	chopped dried cranberries
1/3 cup(s)	chopped dried apricots
1/4 cup(s)	sliced almonds
1/4 cup(s)	honey
1 1/2 teaspoon(s)	chopped fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon(s)	salt, divided
1/8 teaspoon(s)	freshly ground pepper
1	sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 wheel(s)	(8-ounce) Brie
1	egg white