The Art of Thank You

So now that Santa was good to you you need to say thanks to everyone on the list!

A thank you note is always welcome and should be sent. Your friend or family member spent time picking out your gift - show the same with a thoughtful handwritten note.

Here are some pointers if you get stuck.
1- everyone should have nice personal note cards, not necessarily ones that say Thank You on the front.
2- open with enthusiasm
3- think about starting with how lucky you are for being their friends or family
4- mention the effort they made to attend the event or party
5- highlight something you remember about them from that day (special red santa hat or black sequined shoes)
6- specify how or where you will use their gift
and don't repeat 'thank you' over and over again

This is the same advice for sending thank yous after the wedding or shower. Since you have lot to write make a template and stick with it.

If you are looking for a unique card check out Shutterfly.com for their picture cards.
Pick a style, upload a pic of you and the gift giver and send them a note through Shutterfly or any other picture website.

Now get to it....

Merry Christmas!

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season - whatever you were doing!
I enjoyed spending time with my entire family in NC.
The little kids just made it very special. My cousins knew the words to all the holiday songs and wanted to sing them all night long - here is a pic of the girls playing their instruments!

Holiday Fun Facts Part 2

6-The first candy cane dates back to 1670 in Germany. A choir director distributed the sugar sticks to young singers during a Christmas services to keep them quite.

7- More then 1.7 billion candy canes are made every year.

8- Charles Dickens write 'A Christmas Carol' between Oct and November of 1843. The story was a hit, selling 6,000 copies by Christmas Day.

9- Mele Kalikimaka (Hawaiian for Merry Christmas) is actually phonetic. When Westerners brought the tradition to Hawaii the locals were having trouble pronouncing Merry Christmas so turned it into words more easy to roll off their tongue.

10- Santa arrives to Hawaii in a bright red outrigger canoe, it carries him across the sea right onto the beach. Sleighs aren't much use so the reindeer can take a little rest while deliveries are made on the islands!

Holiday Fun Facts Part 1

1-Because of the different time zones Santa actually has 31 hours to deliver gifts. The reindeer have to fly very fast to get to 823 homes per second.

2- USPS delivers 20 billion cards and packages between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.

3- Rudolph first came on the scene in 1939 when Montgomery Ward Dept stores distributed 2.4 million copies of the booklet "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' by the stores copywriter Robert May.

4- Executives from Montgomery Ward vetoed the original name Rollo so Robert went to his daughter - she suggested Rudolph!

5- Merry Christmas in Italian is Buon Natale!



thank you to Real Simple for this info.

Tagged - I am it Again

So I have been tagged again by quite a few wonderful wedding planners -
first was Linnyette confessionsoftheweddingdiva.blogspot.com/
Deidra alwaysapositiveimage.blogspot.com
Isis posheventsllc.blogspot.com/

Rules for playing "tag":
1. Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog
2. Share 7 random and/or weird things about yourself
3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs
4. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Seven More Things About Me:
1-I was born in Roanoke, VA and consider myself a southern gal.
2-I can't wait to become a mother.
3-I have a very small foot so I can't really wear womens' shoes. Kids shoes are cheaper though!
4-I love Bombay Gin and Tonics.
5-When I was 6 I told my mom I didn't like to hold my arms out in Ballet class so she switched me to gymnastics.
6-I love candlelight - must have candles lit around the house - makes a warm glow.
7- For 8 other facts click here: elegantengagements.blogspot.com/2007/10/i-have-been-tagged.html


now tagging....
www.amberevents.blogspot.com/
ocsfinestweddings.blogspot.com/
www.feteperfection.com/blog/
www.emilieduncan.com/pblog/
delightyoursenses.blogspot.com/
perfectbound.blogspot.com/

My Favorite Thing

So Oprah has her favorite things and now thanks to my KD sorority sister I do to! ~SIGG Water bottles~

Have you heard about how you shouldn't reuse your plastic water bottles because of bacteria and toxins? I have been doing this for years - just filling up the bottle with my filtered refrigerator water. Well now I use SIGG Water bottles (20 or 33 oz).

www.mysigg.com


They are made of aluminum, hardy, doesn't hold the flavor, cleans up nicely, fun to carry and easy to use!

What a great stocking stuffer!

Last minute gift ideas

For your concert going buddy- I got this idea from Uncommon Goods - they are sold out but you can make your own version. Ticket Stub Frame - Buy a frame and put pictures of you and your friend at the event with a space for him/her to add the tix stub.

For your movie loving buddy-
Popcorn Goodies - Run out to the nearest Target and get the Whirly Pop popcorn kit for $27 and then stop by Blockbuster for a gift card for movie rentals.

One more thing to add to your aunts present - how about a chocolate brown faux fur throw - also from Target $19.99
Looking for something a little extra to add to anyones gift - check out Blue Tulip.
Online orders must be received by Wed but there are various stores around the area. Red velvet picture frames or even a chip and dip bowl.

And if you really don't know what to get for your godparents - glass snowflake ornaments. www.gumps.com

Happy Shopping!

Cookie Exchange

Last night I hosted the first annual neighborhood cookie exchange with my book club ladies!

It was so great - everyone had to bake 7 doz cookies, packaged in 14 bags of 6 AND if that wasn't enough they had to make the packaging display beautiful! for prizes of course!

When we talked about this 1/2 the ladies were all for it and the other 1/2 weren't so sure they could do the baking, shop for presents, work and be a mom. One lady in particular said there was no way and that I was crazy - although the last the respond she made yummy butterscotch rice krispie treats and I really think she enjoyed herself.

Another neighbor said that this was one of the first times she ever baked! I checked my email this am and she has already responded YES to the Second Annual cookie exchange - how great is that.

Well thanks ladies - it was a lovely evening. I enjoyed hosting and can't wait to break into some of these cookies - now which one to try first?

I do and the Internet!

The Internet and the Modern day Bride!

A few months ago I was interviewed by Northern Virginia Magazine - the article just came out and I was quoted numerous times! DIY I-Do's, December 2007

Here is a snippet!

"The best thing about the internet is that they get to see all of the ideas and concepts online," she said. But brides actually can get really overwhelmed with all of the options that they need a planner ot help them hold it all together."

"The dress tool is very beneficial for brides, especially because brides are so internet-savvy these days. They can go online and try different things out instead of having to go to a store and pick Dress A off of the shelf for their bridesmaids."

"Photographers putting the wedding photos online is very popular these days; it's an easy way for friends and family members to see the pictures and order them, which they never really had the opportunity to do in the past."

Tomasulo said that although printing invitations up for showerse and bridal parties is popular, she has noticed that most brides still don't mind paying extra for their wedding invitations. "They want to touch and feel the paper; they don't want a cheap invitation to go out for their special day."

Wedding planners, too are creating websites that detail their services, as well as their own blogs. Tomasulo started a wedding blog on her company's website to keep clients up to date on trends in the planning business. "Blogs are huge right now; its a personal way to connect with their brides. They want to read something more personal rather than articles that are up on websites for the general public."

Show and Tell

Show me your decorated Christmas trees!!

I have had so much fun decorating my house, especially my two very different trees and now I want to showcase your talents too!

Do you do theme, traditional, filled with children's ornaments, what?
How many Christmas trees are in your house?
What inspired you?
Email me at mas@elegantengagements.com your pics and story and I will post them over the next few days(please put tree in the subject line).

No contest just show and tell!
Here is a pic of my family room tree - basically gold and red with ornaments I have collected over the years and an angle on top that reminds me of my grandmother.

Trees, Trees, Trees

As you know I am in a new house this holiday season and I am having so much fun decorating! I am putting garland all the way up my staircase and over the landing and I have decided to decorate 2 trees. For my living room I am doing teal and brown to match the rooms decor (walls are chocolate) with handmade ornaments and eucalyptus and for the family room I am doing red and gold with traditional every day ornaments.

My mom is the bow making queen so she came up yesterday and helped make bows for my garland and bows for my glitter ornaments. I got 2 great ideas out of Better Homes and Gardens Holiday magazine, using glass and styrofoam balls, paint and glitter!
Enjoy the pictures.



I am using fuzzy chocolate brown fabric draped around the base as my tree skirt.

My husband doesn't get my addiction to decorating but he didn't seem to mind me wanting to do two trees. This tree sure looks gorgeous!

Peppermint Martini

For a yummy drink at your next Holiday Open House - Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 ounces high quality vodka
• 1 ounces of white crème de menthe
• splash of peppermint schnapps
• Mini candy canes

Instructions

1. Pour ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously.
2. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish each with a candy cane or crush candy canes and rim glass.

Joy of Giving

I was thinking that there are so many similarities to wedding ideas/favors and Christmas presents!
Last year when I was at The Special Event Conference in LA I met the people at Dale and Thomas Popcorn. I would love to do a popcorn station at an event (a twist on candy and sundae stations). But popcorn is also a great Christmas gift to send to someone that you won't see for the holidays.

Samplers from $28-72 and a tin of popcorn for about $45.
Flavors are so yummy! how about Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Drizzle corn or Cinnamon Creme Drizzle corn.

For the holidays they are wrapping every tin in a canvas duck bag - holiday themed of course.
Its also one of Oprah's favorite things!

If you are interested in doing this for your wedding or next big part let me know!

Open House/Party Gift Ideas

Are you going to lots of Holiday Parties this year?

Do you need a few simple gift ideas to take to the Hostess?

I put together some of my favorites:
Obviously wine is a good option - Crate and Barrel has these cute Bell or CHEERS! charms to add to the bottle.

Pepermint Bark from Williams Sonoma

Ornaments from Restoration Hardware


If you are a baker - how about making some chocolate bread and use Pampered Chef's mini loaf pan. That's an easy way to get 4 gifts.


Another great option - If you have a HomeGoods near you - pop in and get some nice Holiday hand towels or a cute Santa figure.

Happy Partying!

Grooms Guide 2

So you have just spent weeks planning an engagement and finding a ring, you have proposed and now you think there isn't much to do. Well here are a few hints to keep you a little involved in the planning - I promise you it will make your future wife SOOO happy.

-Make a list of people you would like to invite. Start a spreadsheet with names, and addresses of guests. Talk to your parents and get their list.

-Talk about money - work out a wedding budget together.

-Choose your Groomsmen and pick a BM.

-Talk Honeymoon - nothing gets her away from the stress then talking about the honeymoon!
discuss options, plan a budget, research and then Book It!

-Research the route from the hotel to the church and to the reception site. Put this together to add to your wedding website. Create a map.

-Listen to your beloved when she talks about crazy bridesmaids, colored linens and styles of china - sometimes she just needs an ear - you don't have to fix it just LISTEN!

and 3 very important things
-Think of something special to do for your bride the morning of the wedding; deliver a handwritten love note, breakfast in bed, send flowers, etc.

-Tell her over and over again how you love her, how beautiful she looks and how amazing that dress is (remember she spent a lot of time on that 'look')!

-Thank your in laws a lot for the wedding (if appropriate) and for raising an amazing woman.

Loving Ballard Again!

There is not much I don't love from Ballard Designs.

How about a Fresh Cedar Alphabet Wreath for your front door or for the doors of your church - what a nice way to welcome your guests.

Now if you want to keep it year after year you should look at the PVC Spruce wreath they also sell.

Love this idea now I just wish I had a winter wedding to plan.

Lilly Lovers Beware

Its time for another warehouse sale!

Lilly Pulitzer Holiday and Resort 2007 - Valley Forge Convention Center

Friday November 30th - 7am - 8pm
Saturday December 1 - 8am - 4pm

Get some of your Holiday shopping done now!

ps- if your wondering....I would love a green cashmere sweater!

Happy Turkey Day!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Enjoy your friends and family and eat lots of turkey!

poll - do you like pumpkin pie, apple pie or pecan pie for dessert? Post a comment and let me know!

Oprah's Favorite Things

So who watched Oprah yesterday?
They were in Macon, GA and surprised the guests by having the Oprah's Favorite Things show!
I sooo wish I could go to one of those shows - the guests get ALL her favorite things - unbelievable!

My favorites:
Make sure you register for the Kitchen Aid Artisan Mixer (a must have and there are so many colors to pick from)and the Samsung Progressive HD Camcorder - perfect to record your honeymoon memories!

as a gift for your maid of honor: KAI BODY BUTTER and BODY BUFFER

as a thank you to your favorite wedding professional:
PERFECT ENDINGS CUPCAKES FROM WILLIAMS-SONOMA - They come in three fabulous flavors: red velvet with white icing, chocolate with chocolate sprinkles and coconut. $59 (set of 9)

how about the new LG refrigerator that has a TV in the door?!?!?!?!?
and of course an easy stocking stuffer is the Josh Groban Noel CD!
anyone reading this that wants to get me something....Crochet Uggs(kids size of course)!!!
Love it!

if you missed it check it out on Oprah.com

The Moshulu

I had a wonderful lunch today on the moshulu. The food was delicious, the presentation beautiful and what a cool space for an event. Thanks Amy!

I had butternut squash soup and then a Cesar salad with shrimp that was wrapped in prosciutto for presentation, then pumpkin cheesecake with Cabernet sorbet on the side!
Yum!

Although it was raining we enjoyed sitting by the window enjoying our food then she gave me a tour. There are many different rooms and great outside spaces for a wedding or special event. Picture this - ceremony on the outside upper deck, move inside for dinner and toasts then back outside for dancing and dessert.

They can accommodate large or small groups. They are also open for lunch or dinner and have a great outdoor bar from Memorial Day to Labor Day!

so go check it out

Lets Talk Invitations

I work with Carlson Craft stationary and invitations.
Starting the beginning of December my clients and anyone else will be able to view and order directly from my website. More info on that coming soon....

but in the meantime I am offering a deal:
Order any invitation (shower, baby, announcement, note cards, holiday etc) and I will give you 25% off retail price. If you order from the 'Blue' book you will receive 100 free personalized napkins. Stand by for a whole new 'Blue' book from Carlson Craft.

So contact me today to place your order.

-Don't forget your holiday cards, business or personal-

Another Kid of Pumpkin Pie

So its Friday - thought I would pass along a fun drink to start off the weekend or go buy the ingredients to serve next Thursday with the family.

Pumpkin Pie Martini
2 oz of Absolut Vanilla Vodka
1 oz of pumpkin schnapps
splash of cream or milk

shake all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice, strain into martini glass, garnish with nutmeg and a cherry.

Enjoy!

Mysteries of Fashion

Did you ever wonder why we do what we do, wear what we wear or where something got its name? well I have solved some of the mysteries!

Purse - Women used to stow their essentials in a mini waist pack tied under their clothing. When fashions changed and the fabrics wouldn't conceal this bulge women started carrying a pocketbook.

French Cuffs - French royalty invented the style in the 1500's when flowing sleeves were all the rage, nobles would tie their sleeves back with fasteners.

Blue Jeans - Levi Strauss made the first blue jeans in 1873 and used denim fabric because it was sturdier.

Shoes - called a Pump for the pumping noise it made when male servants wore them in 1550.
Sneakers were rubber soled shoes that were quiet or 'sneaky'. Stiletto is an Italian word for an assassin's narrow bladed knife made its debut in 1953, the pointed heels were murder on wood floors(and on most women's feet).
Cardigan - button front sweater was invented by the Earl of Cardigan to keep his troops warm.

Lilly Pulitzer Dresses -Inspired after a juice stand uniform to camouflage the citrus stains. People started ordering dresses and not the juice.

and Abercrombie and Fitch began as a camping supply store in 1892. They equipped Lindbergh for his historic flight across the Atlantic.

Colin Cowie on HSN

Colin Cowie has partnered with HSN on fabulous gifts, gorgeous holiday decorations and 6 exclusive tabletop collections.

Holidays are approaching so if you need some ideas check him out today Tuesday Nov 13th at 11am, 5pm and 6pm or tomorrow the 14th at 1pm and 9pm.

Cowie on HSN

Grooms Guide

Most of the time we talk about the bride, her dress, her bridesmaids and other decisions about her...well what about the groom? I am going to do a series on the groom and/or the guys in the wedding.

I found this article in Mens Health Magazine - great suggestions.
Guys Guide to Surviving Your Buddies Big Day

My favorites are:

Toasting-the ideal speech lasts 3 minutes or less. Segue from humorous, PG-rated stories into tender moments. "Now that's what I call love," or "And yet, she still said yes." Remember, it's not a roast or a bachelor party. Keep it clean. "Don't say anything you wouldn't be comfortable whispering into the bride's mother's ear," says Roney.

(I just wish the BM at our wedding listened to this advice - we still aren't speaking...)

or

Dancing-It's your best chance of wooing a bridesmaid, so ease on out there, Astaire. If your proficiency peaked in junior high, embrace slow songs or ones that revolve around jumping ("Shout"), simple hand movements ("YMCA"), headbanging ("You Shook Me All Night Long"), and hand grabbing ("We Are Family"), suggests Craig Michaels, author of Thirty to Wife: The Tell-All Groom's Guide to Weddings. And know your own limitations. "Never slide across the dance floor like you're stealing third," he says.

Lets Talk Bustles

Ok ladies you have searched high and low for THE dress, tired on so many styles and then you put it on, you feel your eyes tear up and then you walk out to show your mom or maid of honor the dress; Speechless says a thousand words. You have spent hundreds maybe thousands of dollars on your dress and now its time to get alterations so you look perfect in it on your wedding day.

So Don't forget your Bustle!

Please Please Please make sure that you encourage your seamstresses to reinforce your bustles - if at all possible get a French bustle made, it is tied underneath instead of on top. 99 out of 100 times a hook and eye or a loop over a button DOES NOT hold.

I have seen it many times. Your first dance, the last twirl the dip and your new hubby steps on the back of your dress and the 'loop' loosens....the more you dance and walk around the more it comes loose then it breaks all together - only a reinforced diaper pin could hold it now. (something your wedding planner swears by) The problem with that is it might rip your dress.

Reminder - Please ask your seamstress to double and triple check your bustles to make them secure.

Then dance the night away!

Illumination!

CB2 has these great clear taper candle holders.
Perfect for your mantle, sideboard table, holiday table, wedding ceremony, reception tables, birthday or cocktail party.

Imagine creating an alter of candles for your ceremony or creating a unique element to your cocktail hour.

Between $4 and $13 you can afford to add that little extra.

I think CB2 has a lot of unique items to spruce up your next event - check them out.

Favorite Things

I came across Stephannie Barba's Couture maps - they are amazing and beautiful.She has created very unique hand painted maps of certain cities in the US and abroad, Philly happens to be one of them. When used as a save the date or even enclosed in your invites it definitely sets the tone for event. She will customize to match your wedding theme and invitation. She does research on the city of your choice and includes where your wedding will be to make it unique to you.

Pricing is $400 for design and about $140 for 100 cards to be printed. This is very custom though - you can pick any paper or size and even add color. If you use artwork she has already created the costs could be a little lower.

Williamsburg

My hubby had a work trip to Williamsburg and I got to take along!
so while he sat in a seminar all day Friday I got to visit a friend and shop!

how great is that?

Thanks Shayna (Williamsburg Wedding Design) for letting me visit your office. Its great to see you and can't wait for The Special Event Conference in January.

Also I discovered a Yankee Candle Store - not what you think of as the mall store. This was as big as a Dept store - had a 'street', fountain and lots of mini shops. I went crazy and bought lots of holiday candles.

:) then went back to the resort to have dinner with my hubby!

Martha Watch Out

Wine glass lamps you say?
why yes - this is a fabo idea to use at a dinner party or perhaps on an escort card table or near the guest book at your next wedding. Think of all the options!
I love it!!
Found on Charles and Marie to purchase for $20.

Made out of fragile parchment, each set contains 3 different shades with cute and whimsical designs that are printed in a faint white. All you need to do is take them out of the package, roll them up, drop a candle into a wine glass and add the lampshade. That's it. Instantly the white pattern is transformed to a darker shade (as if it were a shadow) and a wine glass is turned into a sweet miniature lamp.

or as a DIYer try this:
Materials
8-1/2″ x 11″ sheets of vellum (one per lamp)
Scissors
Scissors with decorative blades
Decorative paper punch in desired shape
Glue pen
Wineglass
Votive candle or a LED Battery Operated Tea Light

1.Lampshade Pattern (PDF file click here)

2. Trace the lampshade pattern onto the sheet of vellum. Cut the straight ends and the inner curve using plain scissors with decorative blades.

2. Punch designs about 1″ from the lower edge, spacing the designs evenly.

3. Apply a thin line of glue (a glue pen works well for this) to one straight end. Lap the other end over the glued end, forming the shade.

4. Drop the candle in the glass and set the lampshade on top. Voila!


Thank you to Jane and The Event Essentials for showing pictures and instructions on how to do this.

SPANX

How many of you love SPANX??

Sometimes I don't know how I lived with out them - I wear them with skirts, pants, dresses, anything I want to feel good or better in.

Body shaping tights, body smoothers and power panties. These are also perfect for under your wedding dress.

From now till tomorrow they are offering free ground shipping.
Use code:
SPX071CATE

and get slimming....

Never be boring again!

Here is another very cool bridesmaids gift (or heck since the holidays are coming up - a general great gift idea)!!

Check out www.maxsui.com

They are colorful belts, about 1 1/2 inches. Sarah will customize one just for you in your theme, colors and fabric. Cute inner labels with your name or event on it can be added for more customization.

She also has some standard belts available pre made for $45.

Are you Delighted?

So I have been blogging for a few months now and I was just curious to see if I am writing about what you want to hear or read about. Am I touching on good ideas and helpful hints?

Do you have any suggestions on other topics?

I encourage you to leave comments and let me know how I am doing.

thanks

Will You Be My Bridesmaid?

Putting some thought into how you ask your bridesmaids to stand up for you at your wedding will really let them know how much they mean to you. It will also set an example of how fun and unique your event will be.

Something simple:
A small note card that asks the question - this gives you a good opportunity to write a few personal words.

Toast to your friendship - buy a bottle of champagne for each lady, attach a little note to each that 'pops' the question.

Customized cookies that asks the question with icing - Check out the new look from Weddingish $8.50 eachHow about a Maids Mix - a custom cd that has lots of your favorite songs on it - have the label say 'will you be my bridesmaid?'


Something a little more extravagant and in lieu of a bridesmaids gift given closer to the wedding.
Put together a little gift bag and enclose some spa items, a journal or maybe a beach towel and flops. Invite all the ladies to dinner and present them with their gift that will surely get them excited.

Order the Lands End canvas bag $15.50 or 19.50 or even a cute colorful bag from Beau-Coup $25.


You don't have to give the ladies all the same thing - how about customize with a monogrammed bracelet, a small purse or cosmetic bag.

Monogrammed purse from Ballard Designs $19.50 for petite size
Cosmetic bag from Pottery Barn - only $25

Speciality Drinks

So I just love having some sort of specialty or signature drink available at a party, let it be a Halloween Party, book club or even a wedding.

If your ceremony is taking place outside in mid Oct - try offering this to your guests as they enter, it will keep them warm during your vows:

Spiced Apple Cider (16 cups)
32 whole allspice berries
24 cinnamon sticks
24 cardamom pods
12 whole cloves
12 strips of orange zest (about 3 oranges)
1 gallon apple cider

Combine all ingredients in a pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, and cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Cider can be kept warm over a low heat. Strain before serving, reserving cinnamon sticks for garnish.

Enjoy

New Halloween Tradition

So last night I was Ghosted!
My neighborhood is the best - I heard a knock at the door and when I opened it there was a bucket of candy and a ghost sign.

Here is what it said -

You've Been Ghosted

-Now it's your turn to 'ghost' one other house in our neighborhood
-You should 'ghost' this house within in 2 days of receiving your treat
-Hang the ghost on your front door so that everyone can see that you have been 'ghosted' and will not ghost you again. This will also let you know who you can ghost
-Fill 1 bag with candy and treats. Copy this letter and the ghost. Include treats, letter and ghost in your bag of goodies for the neighbor that you choose
-After dark, and only with an adult, 'ghost' your neighbor. Do not let the person that you are 'ghosting' see you, for it adds to the fun of it all. Place the treat bag on the doorstep, ring the doorbell and run!
-It will be fun to see how many ghosts will appear in our neighborhood by Hall0ween.

This is soo cool - What a great way to encourage a cozy fun neighborhood.

Now when I went to Target to get candy today I noticed that Hershey's is promoting this same thing - calling it Booed. They even had ready made containers to give out and encouraged this with your coworkers, neighbors or friends at school.

So go have a spooktacular Halloween!

Your Senses to Create a Memory

You want to have an elegant and sensational wedding??

In order to set the mood and wow your guests you picked brown velvet linens(touch), hired a lighting company(sight), tasted chocolate ganache for your cake(taste) and taken dance lessons to your favorite song(hear). Well what about smell?? Lets knock the socks off your guests - literally!

David Tutera is big on this - he is always offering suggestions on using all 5 of your senses to create your event or wedding.

Start with a smell you want to remind you of your wedding day, does it match your colors, your theme, your food? As Reece said in Legally Blond with her pink scented resume - you want to 'give it that extra something'' You want to subtly have this scent everywhere - from the Save the date cards to the favors.

There aren't great places to get scented paper but in making your save the date cards or invitations, you could spray the paper lightly with room spray before stuffing envelopes. Or use drawer liners from Crabtree and Evelyn. Another way to introduce that scent is to enclose an item; a sprig of rosemary or eucalyptus, rose petals, mint, a leaf or cinnamon sticks.

Add it to a signature drink; lavender lemonade, mojito, cinnamon cider, a licorice stick in a martini. Have your florist add something to your flowers; fruit etc. This may not work for centerpieces because you don't want to take away from the food smells but any aisle decor or even a wreath on the church doors.

If you do want something in your reception you could look for a scent machine. www.scentevents.com and about $300 for a small discreet devise that would work for hours in a hotel ballroom.

Other ways to make your wedding scent-sational:
Enclose a candle or other scented item in the out of town gift bags, use reed difusers in the restrooms, put candles everywhere. If your scent is food related, incorporate it in the favor; cinnamon snicker doodle cookies, olive oil infused with rosemary or caramel apples.


Scents bring back memories -Now every time someone smells cinnamon or lemon verbena - they will think of you, your wedding and be reminded of the love you showed that day.

Environment Friendly Parties

Today is Blog Action Day so I thought I would write a little about ways to have an environmentally friendly party. Millions of bloggers will write today in hopes of making a difference.

The easiest things to do start at home - change out your light bulbs to be more efficient, use more soy candles, put dimmers in most rooms and turn the lights out when you leave the room. This also translates to your parties:
For your dinner parties set the mood with candle light, for weddings dim the big ballroom chandelier lights. Want flowers down the aisle of your outdoor wedding: use potted plants that you can replant at home. Centerpiece ideas- mix flowers and locally grown produce. Put small containers of herbs that your guests can then take home - double duty as favors. Reuse items you have around the house instead of buying new. Take roses from your rose garden to set at the place settings during your intimate dinner party.

Enjoy the great outdoors and the perfect weather - have a spring or early fall wedding so you cut down on air conditioning. If you have your ceremony and reception at the same venue - this cuts down on the carbon emissions from cars.

And a few other things: Consider using recycled paper for your invitations. Consider wearing your mothers dress or using her veil as part of your wedding day attire. Reuse items, borrow from a friend.

If this whole making your wedding green thing overwhelms you more then regular wedding planning, its ok, just do what you can. Think of some of the little ways you can make a difference.

Pumpkin Carving Ideas

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS IDEA - Create a monogram or initial on a pumpkin! Use this idea for your doorstep to greet trick or treaters, have it line the aisle at your next outdoor wedding ceremony or even use the smaller size as a centerpiece.

Click here for instructions from www.marthastewart.com

Right now Michaels and AC Moore have carvable pumpkins that you can keep year to year. You can't use real candles inside but you could put battery operated white lights. I am making mine today!

little girls

So what do you dress your little flower girl in?? I often get asked this question - my advice is to make sure the dress suits the girls style and age and also the time of year and formality of the wedding.

I was doing some research for a client and came across some beautiful dresses.
Joan Calabrese available in Philadelphia, Ardmore and Malvern. She uses great fabric combinations and beautiful trims.
How about this for Fall (a joan calabrese)
Or something more formal (a joan calabrese)

US Angels available all across PA including Philadelphia, Wayne, Ambler and Bensalem. A little more traditional but perfect for the young flower girl. This dress comes in chocolate for a fall wedding or lighter colors for that perfect outdoor affair.

and I just love this pink and brown dress as seen in the latest Martha Stewart Magazine.
Lady Bug Collection

I have been Tagged!

I was just tagged by my friend Shayna with Weddings by Shayna in Williamsburg, VA. The deal is I am supposed to write 8 interesting things about me then tag someone else!
so here goes:

1- I used to dress the dining table and set up the napkins in interesting ways when my parents had dinner parties. One year I even bought everyone green St. Patty's hats, my mom thought I was taking it a little far.

2- I met my husband at a wedding - yep I was working as the wedding planner and he was a groomsmen!

3- I was an All American Cheerleader in HS and cheered at the 1992 Aloha Bowl in Hawaii.

4- I have spent every Christmas at my grandparents in NC, never at the home I grew up in. It was a good time to get ALL the family together.

5- I have an obsession with taking clippings from plants, rooting and making baby plants from them. Especially with aloe.

6- Every year I make my own Christmas cards. I love going to the craft stores and looking through magazines to get ideas and design my own card to send to family and friends.

7- This may not be all that interesting but I absolutely love the beach, any beach - I love listening to the waves, the seagulls and the kids playing in the waves.

8- I have 4 sets of everyday dishes. Brown for fall, Green swirl for spring, snowflakes for winter and white with fish design for summer. I even have glasses and place mats to match. My husband thinks I am weird, but I must change things up a little.


Ok now its your turn - You've been tagged:
Romanza Events

Fete Perfection

A Friend of the Bride

NBC & Martha Stewart do it again!

Jessica and Cody are married!! A beautiful wedding on the plaza then they headed of to Tiffany and Co for their reception.

I just watched the coverage - what a beautiful ceremony - pinks and yellows. Then then reception set up; all the Tiffany inspired details- the long tables, the rose topiaries, the ghost chairs, champagne ice bar, the saltwater taffies at each place setting, the mini pancakes and other yummy breakfast foods. Wow!! Darcy really did an awesome job. Did you see the fabric flowers? I am sure her blog will have more pictures as the day goes on.

Click here to see more pictures and full coverage.
Today Throws a Martha Stewart Wedding