Welcome Fall

I can't believe today is the first day of Fall.

Enjoy some fall centerpiece decor ideas:

The classic pumpkin vase - its easy to do and will last- just buy a mum and put in pumpkin then adorn with fresh flowers. pic from MarthaStewart


or something more simple- just fill a vase with acorns. from Pottery Barn

















Here is a large vases filled with apples with a large chunky candle. from BHG

Kid's Table Decor

Are you having a 'Kids Only' table at your wedding?
If so -don't put a floral centerpiece on the table - think of something interactive for the kids.

Simple would be butcher paper with a bucket of crayons and markers in the center tied with some balloons.

or more elaborate - a lollipop cone! Saw this at Martha Stewart.com - would be easy to recreate with a cone shape, paint, glue and some ribbon. There are instructions here.

This would also be great for a candy table at a wedding or at a Kids birthday party.
You could use rice krispie treats on a stick or chocolate covered strawberries or something not edible - think of the theme of your party.

Maybe I will try this for Gavin's 1st Birthday party - I am still dreaming up the perfect theme!!

Stamped Jewelry

I am searching for a Father's Day gift. Its my husbands first and I want a good gift.
I came across TJandCo.com
They have these neat cuff links - Put your wedding date and names of them for your wedding day or your baby's stats on them for Father's Day.
They also have something for the bride:
Remember someone special on your wedding day by tying this charm onto your bridal bouquet.

Use a photo of your grandparents on their wedding day on one side and your wedding date on the other side - be creative, this is YOUR day!!!

What is an Escort Card?

I am reposting this because I think its important.

An escort card is a card that the guests pick up during cocktail hour and it then directs them to their dinner table. A place card sits at the dinner table and tells guests what specific seat is theirs. With place cards you have to figure out who is sitting next to whom and that can be time consuming. I hear place card used all the time but remember place card and escort card are used for different things.

Typically the guests name goes on the front and the table name or number goes on the inside or bottom corner. You can use either to carry out your theme. Attach the card to a bottle of champagne, a candied apple, a candle or just adorn the card with your monogram, a flower, a knot or just your themes motif.

If you are doing only escort cards but are offering your guests a choice of entree you must put something on the card that subtly says beef, fish or chicken. I have seen different colored cards for different food choices or different adornments added to each card.

I always recommend doing escort cards over not doing anything. Guests need to be guided into the reception and feel better if escorted where to go.

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?

Wrap it Up

As you know I love everything that can be personalized. Well have you seen NameMaker?
You can personalize wrapping paper, gift bags, ribbon, clothing tags, stickers etc.

How about nice wrapping paper for your bridal party gifts?
or your holiday presents?
or nice gift bags to wrap up homemade goodies?
I just don't know which one to order for my holiday gifts.
What is your favorite product?

Something Different

Here is a unique holiday gift idea (or even a yummy favor for a wedding!)

Have you heard of Dale and Thomas Popcorn?
They offer so many flavors to suit everyone.

Try the new gingerbread (pictured)
or chocolate peanut butter, cheddar or how about chili and sour cream?

They come in classic tins or boxes suitable to send to a college student, your nephew, wrap up for hostess gifts or offer inside your out of towners bags.

Spooky Icey Hand Punch

This is a simple punch where the ice is the center piece. Not only is the icy hand super spooky, but it keeps things cool as well.

To make the Icy Hand

Take 2 (always good to have an extra hand) latex gloves, put them on and wash your hands with dish soap. Rinse well and turn the glove inside out so the just washed side is on the inside. Next, fill the gloves with water, tie the end and freeze. Once frozen remove the glove and you are good to go.

To make the Punch

1 750 ml bottle premium Vodka or White Rum
2 2 liter bottles of Lemon Lime Soda - make sure to get a clear brand
red food coloring
marshmallows (optional)

Chill the Vodka (in the freezer) and Soda (in the fridge) for at least 24 hours. Just before the party combine the two liquids in a large punch bowl. Add a few drops of the red food coloring to make it blood red, well maybe more than a few drops. Add one of your icy hands in the center of the bowl, throw in the marshmallows and squirt some more food coloring over all of it for extra bloodiness.

Thanks to drink of the week for the recipe

You've Been Ghosted

I know I posted this last year but wanted to encourage more Ghosting by my readers.
My neighborhood does this and it is so fun! who doesn't love Halloween Candy.

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 - Great for your neighborhood or coworkers.

So go have a spooktacular Halloween!

Carving Pumpkins

Put your personal stamp on your pumpkins this year - Create a monogram or initial and carve on to a pumpkin! Great 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.

Many craft stores have the carvable pumpkins that you can keep year to year. You can't use real candles inside but you could put battery operated ones in there!

Polka Dot Baby Shower

I wanted to share pictures with all of you about my Polka Dot Pram Baby Shower this past Sat. Hosted by my mom but some of my special touches added in.

Welcome!
Hydrangeas in the prams and mums in the mini vases.


Thanks to my dad for cutting perfect fuzzy squares to make the diapers.
I had to explain to my dad why I had to have circular menus - its a theme dad!
Parenting advice or wish bowl. Felt wrapped votive holder.
Decorate at Onsie for Baby T.
I just love these drinks! such a colorful detail.

And a very special Diaper Cake made by my mom (its a side biz of hers if anyone is interested)
Thanks Mom!
and the event wouldn't be complete without cupcakes in cute baby wrappers.
The Shower was held at Jasper Restaurant in Downingtown, PA.
Thanks to Select Event Rentals for donating the linens.

Labor Day BBQ

If you plan on having some friends over this weekend for a end of the summer get together - here are some tips and menu to get you thinking.

Drinks - in addition to some beer and wine, do something special - how about Frozen Hurricanes!

12 oz of frozen mixed fruit punch concentrate
1 1/2 cups dark rum
1 tray of ice cubes

Blend together until smooth, pour into tall glass and garnish with lime slices.

Menu - put some barbecued baby ribs on the grill and serve with a salad:

Chopped Farmstand Salad
Romaine lettuce chopped
3 large tomatoes seeded and diced
3 ears of fresh corn, off the cobb
1 zucchini
1 squash
2 celery ribs
thinly sliced radishes

-mix together in large bowl.

1 garlic clove, crushed
1/2 basil leaves
3 tbl red wine vinegar
1 cup olive oil
s and p to taste

Use food processor to blend dressing. Add garlic, basil until chopped then add vinegar and oil.

Enjoy!

Perfect Pear

Yummy Cocktail Idea for your wedding reception:

750 ml extra-dry champagne
8 oz pear schnapps
8 oz pear nectar
2 limes
350 ml apple seltzer
pear slices

Chill all ingredients. Combine schnapps and nectar in large bowl. Squeeze in juice from two limes and stir. Add seltzer and champagne just before serving. Garnish with pear slices..

More Martha Inspiration

Martha Stewart has lots and lots of templates online for you to use.
If you want to be a DIYer but just aren't sure where to start, she has some great inspiration and easy to use templates.

For example her swirl place cards, menus and programs:



Download the template, put in your own information, hit print and voila!
You have custom items for your wedding or party!

A Little Different Song Suggestions

Here are some Song Suggestions to get those unique ideas flowing...

Wedding Party Processional:
Led Zeppelin - Stairway to Heaven
Chris Botti - The Way You Look Tonight
Norah Jones - Sunrise

First Dance:
Queen - You're My Best Friend
Frankie Valli - Can't Take My Eyes Off You
Maroon 5 - Sunday Morning

Cake Cutting:
Peter Gabriel - In Your Eyes
Sarah McLachlan - Ice Cream
Christina Aguilera - Candyman

Add a little Pazazz!

ICE is so HOT right now!

Consider using some ice for your next event - I love the new ice balls from Icecaters.

Make your favorite martini and have it poured over an ice ball.

Or try this recipe:
Something Blue
1 1/2 oz Hpnotiq
1 oz Dry Champagne
1/2 oz Grand Marnier
Combine and pour over ice and garnish if needed.

(thanks to Maria McBride)

Chocolate

As you may know I love Wonderful Graffiti.

They have just come out with a new chocolate line of accessories for your wedding.
Everything from banners, coasters, hanging place cards, bottle wraps and tented place cards. I could go on - You have to check it out.

They are chocolate brown with polka dots and would look amazing with sage green or blue linens.

You can start off with the invitation, have a beautiful banner at your ceremony, bottle wrappers at the reception and finish it off with favor suckers as the guests leave.

For an additional charge other colors are available.

A little Pizazz!

I came across this adorable website with matching stationary. Carrot and Stick Press
Beautiful fold over notes - perfect for bridal shower thank yous!




Or what about escort/name cards?


They will also make custom maps and invitations for you.
check them out!

You Top The Cake

I have noticed more and more couples are starting to use bride and groom cake toppers. Not the flimsy plastic ones your mom used or the gazebo with birds on it. A few years ago they were showing off their hobbies and being fun on a grooms cake but now I am seeing a switch to the wedding cake itself.

Something more stylish and more personal.

Like this from You Top The Cake
Very personal - you can add in dogs, kids or a theme.


Hand Sculpted & Hand Painted Figurine made to Look Like YOU !!

and the most expensive and very quirky from PatchNYC



or this company will add in a sport or hobby Custom Toppers

thanks to bff bridal, brides for some links.

Could I offer you some Tea?

I know everyone is always looking for a unique favor for their wedding or shower - or even to go in the out of towners gift bag.

Look what I found at Crate and Barrel -

5 sachets for $3.95.
Very elegant!