Rented Bliss

Fall inspired weddings

2012-10-05T17:43:00.001-07:00

Fall is slightly appearing in a city nestled right in the heart of the dessert. I keep ordering salted caramel mocha's and unpacking sweatshirts in hopes of willing fall to show up. So far no such luck. So I am living vicariously through these beautiful fall inspired images of past events. Hope the inspiring colors inspires you too.

Love the simplicity of using over sized tall cylinders to create dramatic centerpieces.

A great pop of color in a lounge can be off set with a simple bloom to coordinate.

Stuffing in martini glasses. Who says Thanksgiving dinner can't be wedding food.

Dahlias are in season and so very vibrant with their jewel toned shades.

Lighting can add so much ambiance to decor areas like specialty drinks or a cake table. Inexpensive way to create great atmosphere and have some home decor later.

More dahlias, 1 bloom per vase paired with the right linen can be simple and beautiful.

Fall bridal bouquets can be full of textured flowers like green goddess calla Lillie's and star of Bethlehem. Use fresh herbs like mint or lavender and mix it up with twine or double wide satin ribbons in jewel tones.

A fun accent for lounges or food stations. These fun containers are actually white boards with small test tubes. Fill each tube with a variety of blooms like bear grass and fern curls.

A fun yet masculine boutonniere. Orange ranunculus, chocolate leaves, fern curl, star of Bethlehem and tied with chocolate brown satin ribbon and twine.

Flower credits:

www.nouveauflowers.com

www.gatheringpartydesign.com

white vase with test tubes available from

www.chive.com

Photography credits

www.pauljohnsonphotography.com

Vintage Glitter Any Occasion Girl Party

2012-09-13T15:22:00.001-07:00

I am a firm believer in creating original themes. No need to do what has already been done or even worse, what happens to be on the shelf at the discount party store.
That may be the quickest route, but you can create a beautiful styled party within budget (and I mean dollar store-crafts store budget) with a little imagination.

This post is a complete start to finish party idea with affordable and easy ways to accomplish it. I have included all the sources with links to the actual products or recipes.

This party is great for a young girl, teen, friend, mom, twenty something, bridal shower, adoption party, garden party, baby shower.....you get it.

Start with creating the birthday girl a beautiful headpiece. You can buy a wide headband from Claire's or any accessory store in a light blue, pink or white tone.

Next you want to gather embelishments. A great place is a fabric/sewing shop. Look in the applique department to find interesting pieces (don't worry, you only need a handful to cover the headband). Old jewelry or costume pieces from accessory shops are great too.

The little bird and flowers can be found at Michaels or other craft stores. You can spray glitter to give it that vintage feel. Fake flowers can be fun too. If you do shop at Michael's be sure to print out the 40% off 1 item coupon on their website.

For the Happy Birthday wording, find a birthday card and simply cut it out and roll it up so the paper will bend a bit. Simply hot glue everything to the headpiece and have the birthday girl wear something to coordinate.

Create fun birthday hats and use them as part of the decor. Create the hats using heavy white card stock paper by cutting out a cone shape and gluing them together. You can buy individual pieces of decorative paper at Michael's for as low as .29 cents a sheet. Instead of trying to cover the hats entirely, using craft scissor cut out zig zags or lines and glue them onto the hats for patterns and colors.

Glittery paper can also be a fund addition too. Tissue paper from the dollar store is also a great way to add pops of color especially at the tops of the hats. Pom poms and other embelishments can be found at fabric stores, look for trims and buy in 1 yard incriments.

The invite.

I love this idea since I really think the invite sets the stage and gets everyone excited. This idea requires 10 white boxes, the size of a cake. Check here, with a bakery or at a box store. You can have the invite printed on a small 3x5 card - front and back to give details about the party. These fun baby shower invites give double meaning to the word pop. You can find them here.

The day you plan to pass out the invites you can go to party city or a local flower shop with the invites printed. You will purchase balloons and before they blow them up insert the invite by rolling it up and sticking it inside. Once the ballon is inflated tie it off and place inside the box.

You can use some of the leftover cardstock from the party hats to make small inserts with a needle attached and a cut saying like "pop me" and place them inside the box.

If you don't want to use the box you can also order custom printed balloons and adhere them to colorful cardstock paper layered in fun colors. The balloons are about $50 for 50. You can find them here or look online.

So, what to do about food? I love a sweets station and it really doubles as decor too. How to create one of those stunning dessert stations we see everywhere? Keep going.

You want to create a backdrop so the sweets station doesn't appear to be just a cluster of plates.

A background can be sheets of wrapping paper, fabric, and even a shower curtain.

. A great source for unique wrapping paper if Paper Source. You can also find fabric or even decorative panels from places like Target. You can drop a shower rod from the ceiling with fishing line to hang it. If using fabric no need to sew, just buy hem tape from Target and iron on a hem creating a rod pocket. If using paper add tacky glue that rubs off when done. Be sure to keep the mechanics clean and neat.

Now that you have a background you want to be sure to use the colors in the theme as often as possible. A fun thing is plastic spoons filled with chocolate and decorated with candies and sprinkles. Get the detailed instructions and supplies needed here. Arrange these on the sweets bar in front of higher pieces.

Fill cute little glass bottles and striped straws with things like lemonade or strawberry milk. You can buy frapachino bottles in 6 packs from the grocery store and empty the coffee into ice trays for iced coffee later on. Soak the bottles in hot water to get the adhesive labels off. You can find 25 straws for $6.00 here or on Amazon in a variety of colors. Since this is a cheap way to have some repetition, consider framing the back or sides of the table.

Petit fors are beautiful to have on a dessert station. You can stack them high in pyramid formations. Be sure to mirror things on the station to really frame it in. Consider doing two cake plates with petit fors on each side with the birthday cake as the center. No need to spend tons of money at a bakery. You can make petit fors at home using pound cake. Find the recipe here.

Look for interesting cake plates at thrift stores or hot glue a candlestick to a plate from the dollar store and spray paint. To get the wider base look you can use glasses or vases.

This is a great mess free way to spray paint.

As for a cake I love the idea of a rainbow cake. This is by far the greatest tasting cake on earth. It can seem a bit daunting to make but trust me, you will be so happy you did. You can find the recipe here. You must buy gel food coloring and not the typical store bought liquid type. Experiment with color combo's to make different shades and colors.

To make the flag bunting simply cut out small diamonds from left over craft paper from the party hats. Using bakers twine or even yarn, fold each diamond over the paper and add a glue drop. Be sure to arrange a pattern before you start. You can find adhesive letters in the scrapbook section at any craft store.

For added decor these paper pin wheels are a fun and cheap way to bring in some color.

Available in all sorts of colors from TomCat Studios, each just $2.50. Be sure to check size when ordering hanging decor. These pinwheels are 14" and will take up some space so you don't need too many.

And last but not least are favor bags. I know this is the area you are most likely to cut out since it is after all a fair well gift. I am a firm believer in favor bags. It sends a message to the guest that you value their time and friendship. And how many chances do we get in life to really say that? Parties are about celebrating life with people you care about so why not make the final step by sending them home with something thoughtful. Notice I did not say expensive. These paper chevron bags are $3.50 for 12 from TomCat Studios and come in tons of colors. You can fill them homemade cookies and a simple note saying "thanks for make my day even sweeter". Or anything else you can dream up.

So now you have no excuse not have a magazine worthy party. If you need any more sources please don't hesitate to contact me. Good luck and let the planning begin.

Green weddings - not what you think

2011-08-04T07:20:00.000-07:00

Going green takes on a whole new meaning withe this awesome cake table display. Organic, simple and stunning. 3 of my favorite things when it comes to wedding design.

I have been working with a bride on her fall wedding in Kingston and using tons of succulents. Loved this idea for her ring bearer. Natural and unique.

Flowers don't always have to be the focal point in a centerpiece. This is a great way to have tons of texture, layers and interest without over kill.

Outdoor Wooded Wedding offers magical insight

2011-08-01T19:22:00.000-07:00

There is something magical about getting married in the woods. This is a great wedding that blends well with nature while keeping the aesthetic personal and sunny. I love the vintage piano (but feel horrible for who was in charge of moving it). The brides sparkly shoes looked great with her knee length dress and provided a little glamour. Great outdoor woodsy magical wedding with tons of details. I found some amazing places while driving around Back Mountain where I would love to design a wedding. Complete with the sound of running streams and green trees.

succulents thrive in wedded bliss

2011-08-01T18:08:00.000-07:00

Oh Succulents, how I adore thee. I began to admire you from the Florida coast when a cute little old lady ordered hundreds of you to cover her beach side cottage front yard. I am amazed at your versatility to be both plant and flower. You are tough and fragile and so very interesting to gaze upon. I hope more brides follow suit and swap out your beautiful buds for those overly feminine rose boutonnieres.

I hope to see the local NEPA brides start using something as natural as these tiny gems. I visited my new favorite store this weekend outside of Philadelphia, Terrain. This former nursery turned ultra chic garden, farm to table cafe and lifestyle store had succulents bursting at the seams. I loved the tones of deep purple, great for an outdoor Hillside Farm wedding.

thanks for greylikeswedding for the great pics.

Farm Touring

2011-07-12T08:25:00.000-07:00

We have been touring through Pennsylvania seeking some farm land to both live on & open a wedding venue for all the city girls looking for some natural charm. I am in love with the back roads of PA - someone recently told me that Pennsylvania is known as "God's Country" & after miles of seeing it, I couldn't agree more.

beach blues

2011-05-16T06:53:00.000-07:00

I am missing the coast today. The East Coast is getting drenched in rain all week & my mind keeps wondering to the beautiful white sand beaches of 30A. Nestled along the coastal highway between Panama City & Destin, Florida is the most eclectic mix of beach cool & small town ease. An artist colony filled with boutique shops, raw oyster bars & the most amazing coastlines. I have to stop before I go insane & start calling the airlines. I will settle for these phenomenal photos captured by my all time photographer, Paul Johnson.

If Vera was a brit.....

2011-05-15T19:57:00.000-07:00

I adore Vera Wang. Even though she does that whole mattress thing, she is still a phenomenal designer. These gowns are from her Spring 2012 line. The hats have always been a fascination of mine. I sometimes wish I was British just to have a reason to wear something so divine. This post is an eclectic mix of high fashion, spring & great head pieces.

Conservatory Chic

2011-05-10T08:33:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's the beautiful weather outside or the rolling hills of farmland, but I am loving this whole conservatory chic look. It's a blend of earth, paris & vinatge all thrown together. Here are a few of my favorite wedding decor looks to pull this off.

Great way to do a seating chart - use a white craft marker on the mirror. Hang it outside from a tree paired with some vintage crystal chandeliers or clusters of old mason jars with candles hanging from twine.

A coffee & tea station can be a great & cheap way to give some layers to an outdoor event. Find old porcelian coffee cups or glass and place them on this vintage french cup stand. Terrain, the amazing Anthropolgy owned shop outside of Philadelphia bakes their bread in terracotta pots.
Fun way to serve bread at the reception.

A cheese station with herb encrusted gourmet chesse would be a fun appetizer.

Love the use of flowing white fabric paired with the wooden tables. Great wedding courtesy of Elizabeth Anne Designs.

Bouquet with my all time favorite flower, peonies. Herbs look great too.

Wreaths made of herbs or paper & can be brought home to use.

Perhaps a guest book concept??? hmmm. Have to think about that.

Favor ideas.

Saw this fun concept while visiting my mom in LA. This picturre was taken from a shop on Abbott Kinney in Venice. Great display or favor idea.

feeling circus-y

2011-05-09T20:08:00.000-07:00

I saw water for elephants. It's suprisingly hard to find anything a ten year old can watch that won't give me a migraine. I adored the costumes, the headpieces, the era. It had all the ingredients of great design. In honor of everyone who ever dreamed of running away with the circus, this is for your viewing pleasure

Would love to do a sweet 16 or bachelorette party with a vintage circus theme. my visual thoughts below.

Macaroons & Magic found in the heart of Hollywood

2011-04-26T19:44:00.000-07:00

Macaroons + good design = extraordinary visual pleasantries.

I recently discovered Botega Louie while visiting my mom in LA.

Love the European inspired case work & the white walls. No art in the whole place. Just tons of white space.

Mini macaroons on top of the gold sleeved, colored crystal sprinkled gourmet cupcakes.

There is a whole gourmet to go station with wine, cheese & pre packaged gourmet salads.

Our Bergdorf Goodman Party Recap

2011-04-26T19:28:00.000-07:00

The cake was intended to look like layers of fabric & lace. I used a local cake designer & she did an amazing job. The top tier was vanilla & the bottom chocolate. It tasted as good as it looked!

The invites were delivered in plain white envelopes sealed with vintage jewels adhered with white wax I found at Paper Source in Georgetown a few months back.

I made the banners & all the food labels using white card stock, craft scissors, textured silver paper from Michael's & black satin ribbon.

the hats were my favorite thing. I think Winonna Ryder inspired me with that film she did years back where she was a hat maker in NYC.

She had a great time & all the girls that came got really into the whole thing. The best quote came from a little girl trying to convince her team to put back some accessories. She rolled her eyes & said, "My mother says less is more." I love that kid!

The windows that inspired it all. We framed photos of Bergdorf with the same textrual silver craft paper & taped them to the wall.

This moment was worth all the time & energy her father & I spent putting it together. She had a great time! Thank goodness Hudson's first birthday is not until November.

Designer birthday hats

2011-03-23T15:54:00.001-07:00

I have been designing couture birthday hats for my daughters upcoming 10th birthday party. We visited Bergdorf Goodman this Christmas & thus began the concpet of our party. My daughter loves fashion, design, creativity & all the other craziness her mothers introduces her to. When she saw the famous store front windows at BG she was amazed & has not stopped talking about it ever since. The party is next Saturday & I plan on hand making all the decor. First up - party hats....

This is the birthday girl hat - a tad more embelished.

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Cheap & Easy DIY wedding stationary

2011-03-08T08:12:00.000-08:00

I love wedding stationary - actually I love all stationary. I have an entire closet in my house filled with it. I can actually spend a whole afternoon in a good stationary store, like Paper Source in Georgetown! When it comes to weddings, paper sets the tone. The very first thing you see about an upcoming wedding is the save the date cards. These small somewhat glossed over pieces of paper are your weddings first impression. So how does one budget minded bride create something amazing? In comes MOO.

No Moo has no farm/cow affiliation. They are online graphic/print company.You simply design your cards, upload images (up to 100) add whatever text you want like date, (registered at / wedding website) and they ship them over. Whats the catch? There is'nt one. You can get 100 mini cards full color with up to 100 various images of whatever you want for $20.00. The quality is superb. The paper is the weight of card stock with a slight gloss and the printing is as clear as a photographers art exhibit.

This is a great cost effective way to accomplish the good design & good budgeting. They also make stickers (for calenders) postcards (rehearsal dinner invite) & greeting cards (thank you cards).
Get creating today by heading over to their website - click here to see it now. Good Luck!

Washington DC

2011-02-12T19:41:00.001-08:00

We took a weekend trip to DC to do some sight seeing & get inspired. For me DC is this great blend of New Orleans & New York. It's such a beautiful city with crisp colors of grey, navy, black, white. The architecture is so detailed and looks so similar to the French Quarter. We stopped at the Musuem of American History & saw a few great things. We head home Sunday & back to work! Look for our DC inspired lifestyle package online soon!

Jackie Kennedys inagural gown.

Laura Bush inagural gown

Outside the American flag that inspired the star spangled banner

Georgetown

Hotel

Frosted glass barn doors printed with black and white cityscape scenes

Awesome light fixtures

Great art!

Jfk eternal flame at Arlington

The capital via the car

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Trends from NYIGF

2011-01-29T16:28:00.001-08:00

Finding all kinds of great stuff - the look of market can be described as industrial chic - everything is metal & in tones of charcoal. Very vintage & very Parisian. Seeing lots of repurosed things. Great show thus far!

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New York Market!

2011-01-29T06:44:00.001-08:00

I am headed into the city this very cold January morning for a little event called market. I love New York market - it is so unique & I cant help but be inspired by the volume of talent on display. There is definately this creative edge in NYC, this unexplainable feeling of being part of some greater group of artists. I read 2 books when I was right out of high school that took place in New York. One was about a girl who lives out her rebelious stage in Greenich Village with other starving artists. The other was about a well known teen flunkie on an adventure. Holden made New York seem sophisticated & lively. I am remembering both perspectives as I catch my first glimps of the NYC skyline. I can't wait to see all the new products, designers & company launches. It's going to be a very long day but well worth it.

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Cobweb, Rubber & Lace

2011-01-28T18:13:00.000-08:00

How great is this?At the Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS Gala Dinner hosted by Cindy Crawford.

Razortoothdesign developed this silicone rubber material called cobweb lace table cloth. Table setting Designed by Jeri Su and Kiril Kirov

Food Lovers Gift Ideas

2010-12-01T06:28:00.000-08:00

I love these seasonings from Terrain. Check out the descriptions and flavoring ideas below.

This versatile salt has a rich history as the principal source of income in remote Himalayan regions. Each year, the salt is harvested high in the Himalayan Mountains before being transported to Nepalese valleys for trade. Its flavor is a compliment to any dish, and the beautiful pink color and simple packaging are a lovely addition to your countertop or table, particularly when displayed with our Black Hawaiian Salt and Organic Grey Salt. 160ml $12

Evaporated from above-ground pools formed from centuries of lava flow, this Pacific sea salt is mixed with activated charcoal for a soft, smoky flavor. Charcoal is added for the health benefit of its natural detoxifying effects. A nice addition to salads, vegetables, and meats, this deep black salt and simple packaging are a striking accent for your table or countertop, particularly when displayed with our Pink Himalayan Salt and Organic Grey Salt. 160ml $12

This petite, reusable jar includes an essential blend of organic herbs: thyme, rosemary, basil, tarragon, and lavender. A great marinade for meats, fish, or vegetables, these savory herbs also make a delicious drizzle when mixed with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. 5.4 oz. $8

Urban Decay Paint Colors

2010-12-01T05:50:00.000-08:00

This collection of paint colors from Farrow & Ball is stunning. I am loving the tones and drama of the deep colors. They also have really great wallpaper selection.

insert laughter here

2010-11-30T13:54:00.000-08:00

Catalina has become obsessed with the show Cake Boss, making one of our past times finding and critiquing cakes. We stumbled upon this gem of a site, Cake Wrecks where Catalina was horrified.

nothing says classy like chocolate covered strawberries and shell casings. I love the little ducks.

awkward..... you can tell his kids from the first marriage paid for this cake.

In case any of you kids were dreaming about , your future sports career, you need to knock it off.

Don't worry kids, Dora is expected to make a full recovery from her recent house fiire.

How exactly did this idea happen? And how was it explained to the local bakery? "So, I need a sheet cake, maybe chocolate with butter creame icing and a raw steak, with some smeared blood. And we were thinking a butcher knife beside some other raw meat. What would that run us"?

Toasted Marshmallow Milkshakes

2010-11-27T20:03:00.000-08:00

Hot cocoa is great. My daughter has been ordering it at Starbucks since she was 3. But this year I want more than cocoa. I want to make all sorts of Martha Stewartish winter wonderland treats. The kind she serves from a vintage thermos in coordinated cups to ice skaters prancing around a perfect pond. Crazy, I know. I may be able to pull off some Stewartish magic with these adorable roasted marshmallow milkshakes from Joy the Baker.

Now I just need mini mason jars, red polka dot linens and some peppermint looking straws.

Aside from the "cuteness" of these little guys, I hear they taste amazing. You can put a milkshake in a baby bottle right? At least for the photos I can.

The How To:

8-10 large marshmallows

3 large scoops vanilla ice cream or a heaping 1-cup of vanilla ice cream

1/2 cup of milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Place marshmallows on skewer and toast until slightly charred over a gas flame. If you don’t have skewers or a gas range, you can toast the marshmallows on a sheet tray in the broiler for 2 or 3 minutes. Keep an eye on the marshmallows as they’re in the oven. They’re liable to burst into marshmallow flames pretty quick. Place on a plate to cool slightly.

In a blender mix together ice cream, milk, vanilla extract and toasted marshmallows. Save one or two toasted marshmallows to top the milkshake(s). Blend well. For a thinner milkshake add more milk. If you’d like it a bit thicker… add more ice cream. Pour into glasses and top with toasted marshmallows. Enjoy on the quick.

White House Christmas Tree Tradition

2010-11-27T19:47:00.000-08:00

I never knew how the White House got their Christmas tree. This year I was interested and soon discovered that there is a whole ordeal about the tree, not much different than the turkey thing.

So, The National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) holds a contest each year to find the grand champion. This started back in 1966 when Lady Bird was in the white house. The tree is driven to the white house in horse drawn carriage where the first lady looks it over.

It is the offical tree of the white house and placed on display in the Blue Room. The floral department of the white house (yes it does exist) is responsible for decorating the tree. It's not the only tree in the house, over 20 are on display throughout the house.

This years winner was selected back in September when nobody was even thinking about Christmas. Tree farmer Christopher Botek from Winston-Salem, N.C won. Here are a few trees from years before.

Chocolate making Brooklyn Brother

2010-11-26T21:01:00.000-08:00

I am on a NYC kick for sure. It's all the food network/travel shows that keep me company at 3 am while feeding the Hudsonater. My mother in law gets the credit for finding the Mast Brothers though. They have a 3 room chocolate factory in Brooklyn where they make their very own chocolate from the bean!

As if that wasn't impressive enough, they actually hand package each bar.

The old saying of "Do one thing really well" comes to mind. At least I think that's how it goes.... Can't wait to visit them in person and taste what all the fuss is about. They do sale online of course.

Urban Market NYC

2010-11-26T20:45:00.000-08:00

2 more reasons why I will be spending lots of gas money along the Pennsylvania to NYC roadways.