Valentine’s Day Weddings

Getting married in late winter, early spring is the most perfect time of the year. This is because we associate this time with new life, new love and happiness. This year Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday and I am expecting many Valentine Day Weddings.

February is the month most associated with romance and naturally lends itself to a Valentines style wedding. No doubt your theme will be teaming with romance and the color red! Think white, pink, and of course–red. White flowers represent purity. Pink flowers represent passion. Red represents everlasting love. Put the three colors together and you have a powerful combination that expresses your sweetest sentiments to your spouse and all of your guests.

You don’t want your wedding to look commercialized like the window display at a card store. Avoid large cupid cut-outs and gigantic teddy bears. Of course it’s a themed wedding, but you still want to capture intimacy and elegance. For creating your centerpieces, you can consider large frosted bowls filled with water, lit floating votives, and red rose petals. The table can be accented with red silky fabric tablecloths, which can be cut from a fabric store.

It’s quite easy to accommodate a Valentine’s Day themed wedding with favors. You can give your guests Hershey kisses in an organza bag. Heart shaped wedding favors of any kind would be a big hit. Also the word LOVE would be a great theme for wedding favors. Go all out when it comes to this theme. This is the most romantic day of the year to get married.

Carrie

Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Men

Swelling with the holiday spirit, we are so happy to present to you some fabulous personalized stocking stuffer ideas for men.  I always loved waking up on Christmas morning to an overstuffed stocking hanging on the mantel.  Who doesn't love getting a sock full of surprises, no matter what you're age?  It's a tradition that is sure to always be a staple of any Christmas morning.  The great thing about a personalized stocking stuffer is the meaning the custom detailing brings to the gift.  By having a message printed or engraved, you can really speak to his personality.

Is your guy a sports enthusiast?  A hunter?  A businessman?  For the man who loves his sports, have a beer koozie custom made with his favorite NFL team.  Have his name or quirky phrase engraved on the back.  For other NFL inspired stocking stuffers, wrap up personalized NFL team shot glasses, money clips, or beer mugs.  For the golf lover, have a terry cloth golf towel or divot tool monogrammed with his initials.  Is your man a hunter?  Have a premium lockback knife or camo flask engraved with his name or monogram.  For the businessman in your life, have a business card case personalized with his company name.

For even more gift ideas to fill his stockings, visit our stocking stuffer ideas for men.

Allie

Irish Themed Wedding Favor and Accessory Ideas

Honoring the Irish heritage at your wedding can be interesting to research and fun to put together. As you set out on one of life's greatest journeys, the important thing is to show family and friends how much you appreciate their support and the effort made in sharing your special day.

The Claddagh has been in the Celtic culture as a symbol of the heart, friendship and loyalty. You can easily incorporate the sentiment 'With my hands I give you my heart and crown it with my love' that the Claddagh symbolizes as your Irish wedding theme.

Another popular and long standing Irish symbol is the shamrock that is considered a sign of good luck and can also be added throughout your wedding decor and into the favors. For a little flair and inexpensive creativity, place individual terra-cotta pots of clover at each table setting to carry the shamrock theme and add color to the reception tables.

Tradition is very important to the Irish and will undoubtedly be for many generations to come. Enjoy planning your Irish themed wedding with accessories and favors that will keep your guests feeling lucky and as blessed as you.

Renee

How to Set a Beautiful Christmas Dinner Table

Christmas dinner is the time to bring your loved ones together and create memories that will last a lifetime. One of the easiest ways that you can create a special meal is by creating a beautiful table to serve your meal on.

Start with a tablecloth. It doesn’t have to be expensive but a nice Holiday color that will match the rest of your décor. China is not always a must, especially when you will have a house full of guests and children. Using a simple color palette is the way to go. You can use an inexpensive red charger plate with a green plate on top or vise versa.

Another great way to set a beautiful Christmas table is to create a special centerpiece for your table. This too can be simple and affordable. Simply fill a glass bowl with Christmas bulbs or pine cones. You don’t have to be a designer to create a beautiful table.

For a fun and whimsical touch, add personalized holiday napkins. They come in several different holiday designs with many different colors to choose from. It will also give your table that personalized touch that will make your guest feel at home, not to mention save you from washing a ton of linen napkins.

By following these easy tips, you will be able to make a beautiful table while also getting your creative juices flowing. And as you sit down to your holiday meal, your heart will be filled with Holiday cheer to see how beautiful everything looks!

Carrie

Brooch Bridal Bouquets by Fantasy Floral Designs

This week we want to pay tribute to the exquisite bridal bouquet designs from fantasyfloraldesigns.com.  Amanda Heer of Fantasy Floral Designs creates the unexpected by fashioning mini brooches and the accents of your choice into one-of-a-kind bridal brooch bouquets.  We love her use of vintage inspired accents and unique materials.  Why brooches?  Besides being completely unique, your custom bouquet will never wilt or die and can be kept for years as a gorgeous keepsake of your special day.

Amanda takes great pride in giving brides her undivided attention, working one-on-one with clients to make their vision become a reality.  During your personal interview with Amanda, she will take notes on your likes and dislikes.  You will go through pictures and portfolios to find the look your after.

To contact Amanda, visit fantasyfloraldesigns.com; 949.240.3571.  Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA.  Consultations scheduled on Mon., Tues., and Wed. only.

Allie