Here's the Scoop on a Fabulous Bridal Shower Idea...

ice cream sundae dishes
As the winter months drag on, shift your mind to warmer thoughts. Are you searching for a unique idea for that spring or summer bridal shower? How about an Ice Cream Social theme? For all you girls out there who can recall spending more than one evening of their lives curled up with a pint of Ben and Jerry's, this bridal shower is right up your ally. Follow this recipe for a sweet shower that you and your guests will surely enjoy.

ice cream cone balloons, garland, invitations
Kick off your ice cream themed bridal shower with do-it-yourself invitations shown at right. Use card stock and bakers twine to create adorable ice cream cone invites. If you can, throw your party outside and decorate your venue with whimsical ice cream cone garlands, balloons and centerpieces made from balls of yarn and sugar cones, as seen below.

Start your shower off with a light and tasty lunch with a 50's diner feel. Mini slider burgers and mini grilled cheese sandwiches are perfect paired with an ice cream treat to follow. Include appetizers like French fries and onion rings served in cone-shaped holders.
mini slider burgers, french fry cones
Your Ice Cream Social shower would not be complete without a self-service ice cream sundae bar. Your bar should include ice cream, of course, stick to the basic flavors like vanilla and chocolate and let your guests go crazy with the toppings. Place containers of ice cream in galvanized steel tubs filled with ice.

Ask each of your guests to bring in their favorite sundae topping, be sure to provide the essentials like chocolate syrup, caramel, chopped nuts, sprinkles and whipped cream. Other great toppings like Oreos, crushed candy bars, marshmallows, brownies and fruit will surely be appreciated. Don't forget the cherries! Place toppings in old fashioned glass jars or waffle cone bowls for a nice presentation. Have your guests create their sundaes in old fashioned, tulip sundae glasses for a retro touch, or waffle cone bowls for a less expensive option. Because nothing goes better with ice cream than cake, include in your menu cupcakes made in sugar cones, frosted like ice cream.

 yarn cone centerpieces, ice cream flavors, cone cupcakes, waffle cone bowls

What would a bridal shower be without games? Keep your theme going with an ice cream sundae building contest, blindfold optional! Pair guests up and blindfold one, the blindfold-free partner will direct the other in building their sundae. Pair this game with other traditional bridal shower games. Give out ice cream themed party favors and prizes like neat ice cream scoops or collectible ice cream dishes or bowls.

You don't have to wait until spring or summer to celebrate with an Ice Cream Social Bridal Shower, ice cream is appreciated year round. Throw your party indoors and you will have your guests looking forward to warmer weather. This Ice Cream Social theme would also work well for engagement parties, couples showers, afternoon wedding receptions, and weekend wedding festivities.

So grab a spoon, you might need to start practicing for that sundae building contest!

Mandy

Take a Cue from These Wedding Hues

The shiny New Year is right around the corner and with it brings a whole new gamut of fresh and innovative weddings.  I personally can't wait to see what all our brides will come up with.  It is sure to be an exciting 2011 full of creativity and personal touches.

Before all the ribbon and decorations, of course comes an inspiration.  Whether it's pulled from your grandmother's vintage brooch or your favorite handbag, brides seem to be inspired by color early in their wedding planning stage.  To help with your wedding color hunt, we've pulled out all the stops, taking a cue from all our brides, Facebook fans, wedding industry giants, and fashion gurus, to bring you our top wedding color palettes for 2011 weddings.  Broken down by season, these colors are dramatic, romantic, and perfectly fabulous.

Spring - A freshing mix of fuschia and sunny yellow
Spring color paletteSpring color palette

Summer - Exciting palette of cobalt blue paired with tangerine
Summer wedding color paletteSummer wedding color palette

Fall - Deep plum, orange, and earthtones make this palette a fall hit
Fall wedding color paletteFall wedding color palette

Winter - Wine, icy pink, and navy blue create a warm and inviting winter mix
Winter wedding color paletteWinter wedding color palette


Happy Planning!

How to Plan a Fairy Tale Wedding

Fairy Tale Wedding Carriage

The headlines are booming with tales of Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton. What Bride doesn’t fantasize about having her own Fairy Tale Wedding? This could be easier than you think. Here are some tips for planning your own Fairy Tale Wedding.

What to Wear: Choose a ball gown style dress for your wedding. A fairy tale bride should be ready to go all out. Also select a beautiful tiara with a floor length view. The shoes of course must be gorgeous. Look for something with rhinestones to give your look that Cinderella feel. Don’t hold back on the accessories either, you should consider gloves and lots of bling.

Invitations: When I think ‘Fairy Tale’, I think royal scrolls. How lovely your invitations will be presented to your future guests in a scroll. Another great idea is using a wax seal for your invitations. This will also give your invitation that whimsical fairy tale feel.

Cinderella Theme Wedding Accessories CollectionLocation: The best place to hold your wedding would be in a castle but we don’t all live near castles. Do your research. A lovely ball room will be appropriate and can be transferred into a fairy tale scene easily by adding a lot of draped fabric, flowers, candles and glitter.


Decor: Dress up your wedding with Fairy Tale accessories. A lovely guest book and pen set. You can also find carriage shaped card holders for your reception and castle shaped place card holders. Don’t hold back, this is a fairy tale wedding.

Royal Coach Design Mint Tin Favors
Favors: Who could resist a beautiful carriage shaped candle favor or a castle shaped book mark. I also love the glass slipper favors, though they my not be appropriate for your gentlemen guests. You could also use the Royal Coach Design Mint Tin Favors which would be practical for everyone.

Now that your head is spinning with fun ideas, get our there and start planning. Don’t forget ladies that when you wish upon a star, your dreams do come true!


Royal Coach Design Mint Tin Favors

Blushing Brides think Honeysuckle Pink - 2011 Color of the Year

Pantone Color Institute, the leader in color, has announced that of their spring line up, Honeysuckle Pink will be the color of the year. This is an exciting prediction. This shade of pink is bright and cheerful but is a more natural, calming tone than shocking hot pink. Pantone calls it "a brave new color," so hopefully some brave brides will be inspired to use it!
I love this color paired with softer hues. A palette made of pale pink, ecru, and honeysuckle creates a sweet, romantic look. Peonies and roses (and yes, honeysuckle too) go perfectly with this color scheme. Create the centerpieces shown below but submerging flowers in water filled cylinders.

Honeysuckle pink also looks as soft and cozy as a kitten when paired with gray. Grey is a popular accent color in weddings for 2011, giving them a modern look without appearing harsh.  Silver can be interchanged with gray, making it easy to find favors for your guests. I am in love with the silver tone teaspoons shown below that feature sayings on each handle like "a pinch of joy."
If you don't see what you like but love the idea of a honeysuckle pink wedding, you can always pair it with neutrals like white, ivory, and tan. You could also create a more dramatic look by using black with your pink and another accent color like lime green. If you are thinking spring, consider a brightly colored wedding made up pink and celery green or soft pastels. For summer or destination weddings on the beach, use coral reefs to inspire your color scheme and bring orange, yellow, and honeysuckle pink together to make a splash!

~ Jenna
Photo credit for Honeysuckle and Ecru Inspiration Board: Honeysuckle and ecru invites from Tiny Prints, Centerpieces from MayWeddingFlowers.com,Cake from The Knot, Bridesmaid dress from Dessy, handbag from Prepare to Wed.
Photo Credit for Honeysuckle and Grey Inspiration Board: Teaspoons and Sprinkle image from We Heart It, Silver Wedding Gown from Weddings on the French Riviera, Table Setting from Ghana Bride, Boutonniere from Flower Designs Tannes

Time for a Tea Party Wedding!

 Little girls have always loved playing dress up and usually they are dressing up for either a wedding or a tea party. Now, as grown ups we know sometimes we have to choose, but sometimes we get to have it all! Your wedding day is one of those times. A tea party wedding theme is a dream come true. Draw your inspiration from those childhood dress up days, a little Alice in Wonderland whimsy, a dash of vintage and Victorian refinement, and the lovely wedding dress designs by Carolina Herrera (shown left) to create a tea party fit for a queen.
This theme is wonderful for breezy spring and summer outdoor weddings, but could also be set indoors at a bed and breakfast or some other intimate venue. A tea party theme wedding can also be incredibly budget friendly. Your guests will simply think you are 'in the know' with the 2011 wedding trends, where smaller weddings and inventive seating will play a huge role. Keeping the guest list small will keep your wedding cozy and let you play around with the seating. Your wedding and reception could be in the same venue (think garden), with guests taking their seats at the tea tables for the entire event. Consider a ceremony in the center of a circle of seats or tables that will keep guests feeling like more than just observers on your day. 
Food and favors can help you set the tone for your day. With Alice inspired favors and small "drink me" and "eat me" signs on cups and plates you can create a wonderland. With tea tin favors, posh cucumber sandwiches, and antique tea cups you can have a Victorian atmosphere. To create the feeling of little girls playing dress up, choose overlarge decor to create the feeling of a child playing in an adult world. Provide guests with costume jewelry, hats, and gloves or invite them to come in their own. One of my favorite ideas is to serve your wedding cake as cupcakes in antique inspired tea cups that guests can take home. Other tea themed favors are tea caddies, tea cup candles, and  tea infusers. As always, be creative and don't be afraid to try new things. It is your day, so what you (as a couple) like is what counts the most!
Happy Spring! (yes, I know it is December... but let's think warm thoughts!)
-Jenna
Photo Credit: Caroline Herrera gown courtesy of Coutorture. Teacups courtesy of Bride. Tea Party sandwiches courtesy of Intimate Weddings.

2011 Spring Color Trends

The 2011 spring fashion report is in and Pantone LLC, the global authority on color, has pulled out all the stops to unveil their detailed fashion forecast.  Featuring the top 10 colors for women's fashion, Pantone cites some of today's top designers along with sketches, headshots, and commentary from other fashion insiders.
2011 Spring Color Trends courtesy of Pantone
"The colors designers have chosen for the spring season present an interesting marriage of unexpected warm and cool tones," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.  The top 10 colors selected for the season include Honeysuckle, Coral Rose, Beeswax, Regatta, Lavender, Blue Curacao, Peapod, Silver Peony, Russet, and Silver Cloud (see below).  For 17 years, Pantone has surveyed the designers of New York Fashion Week and beyond to bring the season's most color trends.  To read more, check out Pantones detailed forecast here.

2011 Spring Color Trends courtesy of Pantone
What does this mean for weddings?  The colors that Pantone has selected for the spring season pair together an interesting mix of vibrant hues and cooler, neutral tones.  I feel that this marriage of colors will undoubtedly carry through to weddings.  Look for colors that pair contrasting, complementary hues together, as well as, palettes that include warmer softer hues paired with vibrant contrasting colors.  By combining complementary colors (colors that are opposites on the color wheel), brides will be creating a striking wedding palette that demands attention.  Flirtatious Honeysuckle is a feel-good hue that brings a sense of playfulness.  Pair with silver cloud for a mix of warm tones and cool neutrals for the perfect post-winter pick-me-up.  Spicy Coral Rose and honey-yellow Beeswax evoke a sophisticated feel.  Combine either one of these colors with Regatta for a striking, vibrant color contrast or Lavender for a unique color combination.
Happy Planning!

Fig and Platinum New Year

Eggplant (or rich purple) is proving to be one of 2011's up and coming wedding colors among brides. Rich, dramatic, and gorgeous....can I please just say, I love this color!!  With the right New Year around the corner, I couldn't help but think how perfect this dramatic shade would be for a New Years Eve wedding.  The drama of this deep purplish shade would look stunning paired with a sparkling, contrasting hue like silver and white.  For this inspiration board, I pulled my color palette from the fig fruit.  Deep purple on the outside and pink on the inside, pair with sparkling accents and you will have yourself a fabulous wedding color combo.

Fig and Platinum New Year Inspiration Board
Fig and Platinum New Year Inspiration Board
Fig and Platinum New Year Inspiration Board

Happy Planning!



Image Credits: 1st Row: Blackberry and fruit centerpiece via Martha Stewart Weddings, Eggplant chair sashes from theknot.com, diamond band and scattered diamonds via White Flash Diamonds.  2nd Row: Figs via Thayer Photo, Chandelier wedding invitations from Wedding Paper Divas, Peonies from The Laurel Hedge, Hanging chandelier from Sheri Crystal Designs. 3rd Row: Love sparklers via weddingbee.com. 4th Row: Blackberry cocktails via Matt Armendariz Photography, Bride and groom toasting from Melissa Mize Photography, Plum ring bearer pillow, pink dress via Etsy. 5th Row: Sparklers via Adrienne Page

How to Dress Up Your Holiday Drinks

If you’re like me and you are always trying to think of new and fun way to spice up your holiday parties, think drinks. Here are some great tips for dressing up your holiday drinks at your next get together.

Accessorize: By adding a candy cane to a cup of hot chocolate or some cranberries to a glass of champagne you have added a truly festive feel to your beverages. Colored sugar is another great decoration for your glasses. Add red sugar to the rim of a green apple martini to give your drink a little pizzazz.

Personalized Cups: What better way is there to say Happy Holiday but by saying it right on the cup. Order personalized cups with a holiday message for your friends and family. This is fun way to spread the holiday cheer and your eggnog will never look better.

Ice Cubes: My favorite way to dress up your holiday drink would be with ice cubes. Try freezing some mint or cranberries inside the ice to add color to your drinks. Another fun idea is to freeze colored water in holiday candy molds. You can pick up some Christmas tree candy molds at your local craft store and fill them with green water. Once they freeze you will have Christmas tree ice to add to your holiday drinks.

These are just a few easy ways to add holiday cheer and impress your guests!

Carrie

Creating A Classic Christmas


The Holiday season is a time to reflect on the events of the year and reminisce about holiday seasons past. It is a time for comfort foods and traditions, a time when the faintest scent of baking cookies and the twinkling of lights can send you back to the magical time of childhood. This year take advantage of the stage the season has set for you and give your guests a truly classic Christmas.
Your party decorations will be essential in creating the mood for your party. Bring everyone back to a simpler time by using as much natural or homemade decor as possible. Make planning for the party a family adventure by venturing into the woods for pine cones and evergreen branches. These will look beautiful on a colorful table cloth surrounding adorable cabin centerpieces made from lincoln logs. Add chalkboard place mats and decorate with non-toxic chalk in a holiday theme with your guest's name to keep with this fun and innocent theme. Because this is the time of year where childishness is actually a good thing, get crafty with paper snowflakes and colorful paper chains. In the days leading up to the party you can cozy up on the couch and watch some holiday movies while stringing popcorn and cranberry garland. This natural garland will look fabulous on your tree, mantle, or draped strategically around the room.
As your guests arrive and throughout the evening, have classic Christmas music playing quietly in the back ground to keep everyone in the spirit. Play up this "Christmas Magic" theme by encouraging everyone to bring a gift for a white elephant exchange that is inspired by their most treasured childhood Christmas gifts. Later everyone can play vintage games like Twister, Password, and Pictionary. Choose games that keep the conversation flowing and encourage everyone to participate. When our family does this the laughter is contagious and we come away feeling like we bonded a little bit more with the family members that we don't get to see as often as we would like.
Consider the traditions from your own childhood and ask your guests what traditions mean the most to them. Use these as inspiration to make one more memorable holiday for old and young!

Happy Holidays!




 
Photo Credit:Popcorn garland from A Very Country Christmas, Cabin Centerpiece courtesy of Real Simple.com , Chalkboard Placemat from Live Simply Live Pure.com, Pine Chair Sashes from Pink Frosting.com, Paper Snowflakes from Good Housekeeping.com, Night Before Christmas Paper Chains from Ormolu
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