Check it out!

Do you need extra ribbon, paper lanterns, eco friendly confetti, grapevine Christmas trees or battery operated candles? How about some led lights for your mantle or brown wire Christmas lights to go on your grapevine reindeer?

Don't forget Save On Crafts

They have everything you could want for a wedding, shower or just to add some touches for your holiday decorating!

Falling Flakes

Snowflakes!
I saw this cute idea from Martha of course -

They are made with durable material to withstand the weather.
you can use templates or have the kids make their own!
Here are directions on how to make them from Marthastewart.com

Design Your Mantel

It's time to decorate your house! What are you doing for your mantel? Here are some inspiration pictures. Message me and let me know what you like or what you plan to do?










This was my mantel last year:

Christmas Time

It's my favorite time of the year!! Time to decorate, listen to Christmas songs, go shopping, bake cookies and did I mention decorate!

Stay tuned over the next few weeks for ideas on decorating, cookie exchange, tree toppers, shopping tips and maybe even some entertaining ideas.

:)

Pumpkin Carving Tips

I thought this was worth a repost:

Once cut, a pumpkin lasts about four to five days, then starts to rot.
You can rub Vaseline on the cut parts to help with deterioration.

And a tip I read from Real Simple:

Think about cutting out the bottom of the pumpkin instead of around the stem - place your candle on the porch or walkway then place the pumpkin on top. This will prevent the cut out stem section from falling in when rotted.

Pumpkins are a great way to show some creativity - will you make a scary face, write your initials, a jack o lanturn or maybe turn it on its side and make a candy container?

What will you do?

Door Decor

I know how much thought goes into planning a party - the invitations, the food, the decor. You think about the drinks, the guests and of course the setup and breakdown. Lets take it one step further - think first impressions.
As your guests walk towards the door how are you greeting them? I came across Door Decor and they have some great examples to pretty up that front door. Its a way to bring the theme one step further. This is good for your home, a restaurant, country club etc.

For a bridal shower:

First Day of School:

Are you hosting the next book club, your childs first birthday celebration or how about to surprise your neighbor for her birthday. Think layering of your theme. Why not start at the beginning!

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Married to my wonderful husband for 3 years!
Here are some pics from my wedding-enjoy!

Table Runner DIY

I love Ballard Designs!
They have so many great home decorating ideas and this month some great tips.

On their website I came across directions on how to make your own table runner. These would be great for a baby or bridal shower.

How to Make a Table Runner

The Easy Way!

A table runner can add life and personality to your table. It can also protect it from warm serving dishes and fresh arrangements filled with water.

So how can you make one? It really is a simple, no sew project. And we will be happy to walk you through the process.

• Choose a fabric that is relatively thick – cotton or cotton/poly blends (for a relaxed look) or a satin or brocade (for a more formal look).
• Measure the width of your table – your finished table runner should be about one third the width of your table. Add one and one half inches to all sides to allow for hemming.
• Measure the length of your table – your finished length should be the length of the table plus twelve inches on both ends for the overhang. Again, make sure you add an additional one and one half inches to allow for hemming.
• When cutting the fabric make sure you allow one and one half inches along all edges for seams. If your want your finished runner to be 18” wide and 90” in length, then you would cut your fabric 21” wide and 93” in length.
• Measure one half inch all around the edges folding and pressing the raw edges onto the wrong side of your fabric.
• Now fold the seam over again - one inch to create the hem and press into place.
• Place the No-Sew Hemming Tape inside the one inch seam that you just pressed – use the directions on the No Sew Tape to seal the hem.
• You can keep the corners square or if you wish or if you want pointed edges on either end, just fold the corners to meet in the center of the fabric attaching the ends with No-Sew Tape.

There are many options for embellishing a runner. If you choose a plain cotton fabric, try using a rubber stamp and fabric paint stamping a design along the border or creating an allover print by randomly stamping the fabric. Try using a feather or a leaf dipped in paint and pressed onto the fabric for an organic, outdoor look. If you have a beach theme, try pressing the outline of some different sized shells in a random pattern. Instead of a tassel at the end on your runner, why not attach shells tied with raffia? Or if you have a more formal look, purchase some crystal drops at your local craft store to hook onto the ends. Whatever your table theme, making a table runner can customize your look and your guests will be amazed!

Black & White Filigree

Black and White with a touch of Red - Wedding Inspiration

Save the Date from Wedding Paper Divas
Alvina Valenta Bridesmaids Dress
Chole B Invitations
Place Card Options from Beaucoup

Entrance Sign from Wonderful Graffiti

Select Event Rentals Charger Plate


Votive Favors from Beaucoup

Wildflower Linens

More Easter Ideas

Are you still working on your table decor for your Easter meal?

How about this adorable Bunny Fold Napkin from Martha Stewart.

HAPPY
EASTER!

Birthday Parties

I really enjoy throwing a party - I love the prep, the menu planning, picking out the dishes and serving ware, thinking of creative add ons, decor and little favors. It doesn't matter how big or how small, offsite location or my own dining room - I love it.

So yesterday I threw my mom a surprise spa soiree for her 60th birthday. I had some of her girl friends over to my place and they enjoyed a chair massage and a satin hands treatment followed by lunch.

When thinking of details for any event think of the guest of honor. I pulled out my mom's mom's china and crystal, served her favorites like chicken salad and chocolate chip scones. I served her favorite white wine and hot tea. The centerpiece was pink sweetheart roses and tulips, her favorite because it reminds her of springtime.

I tried to make my living room 'spa like' with candles, music, and cucumber water. I also listed things that happened in 1949 on mini place cards and placed them around the room near the candles.

So don't underestimate what you can do, even for a small home party. Just remember who your guest of honor is, who will be attending and the reason for the celebration.

Party Decor

So you know I love Wonderful Graffiti but I recently found a similar product that you can remove and reuse.

"Décor-A-Peel. These removable, reusable, peel and stick design elements give you the freedom to decorate any smooth surface in seconds. With hundreds of designs—from florals to comic art—you’ll find exactly what you need to put your party theme over the top! Great on painted walls, glass, ceramic, tile, most furniture and much more. Removes effortlessly without any messy residue...and they’re completely reusable."

Check it out
Decor a Peel

Wouldn't this look cute in near your Guest Book or Escort Card Table?

Flowers Galore

The Flower Show was last week here in Philadelphia. We have the largest in the country. Of course I went - with my mom! The theme this year was Italy.
Enjoy some pictures.
Huge flowers as you entered:




Fashion Shoes

Fashion Purses
Fashion Dress - all made with hydrangea and butterflies

How about this for a statement - use on a smaller scale as your escort card table - I love the different containers - glass, pottery etc.

Extra Ornaments Turned Great Decor

Take your extra ornaments or buy some in colors to match your room and add to a big glass bowl. Try some solid colors, patterns, big and small.

Great inexpensive decorating idea.

Purely Ornamental - pull out the hangers from mercury ball ornaments, place on painted pots or glass bowl.

Add water then add tulips or other flowers.

Voila - instant vase!

Cake Inspiration

Coming soon:

Sylvia Weinstock's Sensational Cakes

New coffee table book filled with lots of oversized pictures and inspiration. Preorder now with Amazon.com

Dessert Tables

You have to go check out Style Me Pretty and Amy Atlas' Beautiful and Colorful Dessert Tables.
Check out the whole blog here.

Her tips include thinking about the whole picture - the linens, the containers, the lables, the goodie bags and of course the color.

If you are a bride - let me know if you did or are going to do a candy and/or dessert bar at your wedding.

VIP Rock and Roll Table Top

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile I was busy preparing for a Table Top Competition. It was held last night at the Villanova Conference Center and put on by the Society of Wedding Planners.

Here are some pictures of my table - I decided to do a Rock and Roll Theme - VIP Bar Mitzvah actually!

I used stanchions to separate off my table, my husbands guitar was the centerpiece with carnation balls and glitter candles. The table was lucite with a metal frame base uplit with red lights.

Silver snakeskin chargers with black plates, black silverware and soho glassware.
Menu cards were also Back Stage passes, complete with lanyards. The menu was appropriately named after rock songs. (Welcome to the Jungle - mixed green salad)

Place cards were cd's and Rock Stars were the guests. Every guest also received a rock candy treat.
Take home favors were custom made tshirts - just like a rock concert. The shirt said VIP Tour of a Lifetime - Sept 3, 2008.

Thanks to Irene at Party Rental for generously lending me the rental items for this display.