EventTagious Daily Inspiration Blog

Confetti-Inspired Wedding Ideas

2012-02-10T14:00:00.000-05:00

Colorful Cake

Nothing says "Let's celebrate" like candy confetti, especially when it's overflowing from a swanky Champagne coupe and cascading down the side of a pure white fondant-wrapped cake. It's a spontaneous statement that couldn't be easier to make.

Cake, Cakegirls, thecakegirls.com.

Vibrant Bouquet

Bursting with peonies and roses, this vibrant magenta bouquet gets the party started before the first cork is popped. It makes a bold statement, so stick to natural makeup -- and score extra points by working in an accessory, such as these multi-hued diamond earrings, that nods to the confetti theme.

"Sunday Rose" gown, $9,500, Monique Lhuillier, moniquelhuillier.com. Earrings, $275,000, Neil Lane for De Beers, debeers.com. 3.01-carat diamond ring, cartier.com.

Invitation Suite

With its perfectly round silhouette, the circle is as fundamental to graphic design as flour is to cake batter. Enter our spirited stationery collection, which puts confetti on display in all its roly-poly glory. To make the motif your own, download the free clip art here, hit print, cut, and mail (in navy envelopes lined in hot pink, of course). The celebration will begin at the moment your loved ones open their mail.

Escort Card Display

What appears to be colorful confetti at first glance is actually a jaunty take on place cards. Tossed out on a table, a smattering of color-coordinated circles announces guests' names and table numbers with flair. To ensure that your palette is as elegant as it is effervescent, make sure to mix in muted shades with neon brights. Or just follow our lead and temper tangerine and shocking pink with moody midnight blue, gold, and bright white.

Decorative Garland

A simply sewn garland made from oversize foil confetti in hot pink and gold is the perfect finishing touch for this confetti-themed wedding's table decorations.

Garland confetti, Artistry In Motion, 818-994-7388 or artistryinmotion.com. Table confetti, Confetti.com.

Sweet Treat

Late-night snacks can feel as tired as the wedding guests who devour them. These doughnut holes, however, are a wake-up call in the form of a sugar rush. Simply ask your caterer to whip up a big batch in a variety of sugar-coated hues, and serve them to your (grateful) guests in metallic gold paper cones.

Get the Doughnut Holes Recipe

Edible Drink Stirrers

Shaken, not stirred? Nope -- in the case of these homemade liqueur lollipops, the catchphrase is "stirred, not sucked." Meant to be swirled into a glass of Champagne until they dissolve and infuse the bubbly with flavor, these playful pops (in black currant, raspberry, and peach) are a grown-ups-only take on the tried-and-true childhood treat.

Get the Liqueur Lollipops Recipe

With a Twist

Cocktail hour has never looked so good! Give lemon peel a backseat and punch up your signature drinks with candy garnishes that match your palette (in both color and theme) instead. Not only are the splashy swizzles fun to look at, but the jolt of sugary flavor they leave behind turns standard-issue libations into bona fide guilty pleasures.

Custom candy curls, Papabubble, 212-966-2599.

Favors

These tubes of chocolates are as irresistible as gumball machines -- only they're sleeker and don't require a quarter.

Candies, Dylan's Candy Bar. Clear tower, 2 by 5 1/2 inch, B-T104, Spectrum Ascona, 1-800-356-1473. Gold label, 1 2/3 inch round, MLR10, Paper Presentation.

courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Sweet “Love Birds” Valentine Brunch

2012-02-09T11:30:00.000-05:00

We usually think of celebrating Valentine’s Day over a lovely dinner, but Andressa of Twinkle Twinkle Little Party thought it would be nice to create a Valentine’s brunch. I love that idea and think it would be so sweet to surprise your husband or family with a special set-up like this on February 14th, before everyone heads off to work and school.

This is a simple but stylish display that offers muffins, donuts, yogurt parfaits, and fruit, along with milk, coffee, and water. There’s also a “love birds” component to the decor and could easily translate to a bridal shower brunch.

Andressa and her husband hosted this brunch for some friends, and while he worked his magic in the kitchen preparing hearty savory dishes, she set up this sweet table {or continental-style breakfast}. These items were purchase from the grocer and dressed up with printables she designed.

At the end of the gathering guests took home bakery boxes filled with jars of cinnamon raisin granola, candies, and a cute heart ornament from IKEA.

This is a fine example of designing a party on a budget and taking things from simple to fabulous with a few ‘tricks of the trade.’ We love that!

courtesy of Celebrations at Home

Vintage-Style Dessert Table

2012-02-08T13:00:00.000-05:00

This lovely, VINTAGE-STYLE DESSERT TABLE by Katie and Alice from KaLice Events was originally created for a wedding, but would be beautiful for an engagement party or vintage-inspired bridal shower as well!

50 handmade paper rosettes made for a stunning backdrop (great DIY idea for any theme!), and pretty accents like shimmery butterflies, lace doilies, love birds, and hanging crystals looked stylish & romantic in a palette of yellow, white and warm gray.

Read on for more lovely photos and all the creative details…

*****

PARTY DETAILS, as told by Alice…

“The bride approached KaLice Events about designing a dessert table for her wedding {in Georgia}. She’s a big fan of doilies and wanted us to create a vintage-style dessert table in the colors of yellow, grey and white.

In order to incorporate the bride’s favorite dolies into our design, we decided to go with paper rosettes (aka lollies) as the backdrop for this dessert table. We did a mix & match using dollies and vintage looking paper and handmade over 50 paper rosettes in various sizes!

To go along with the Butterfly theme that the bride had used for her table number design and wedding favors, we added some “butterflies” as accent decor on a few of the paper rosettes, and also on the mini cups that held our homemade desserts. The handmade brownie flags are made out of Japanese Washi masking tape, which we adore! The white dessert stands with hanging crystals – together with the miniature wooden chairs & bird cage – added a distinctive vintage feeling to the entire design, and a doily-adorned banner reading “The Sweet Bar” tied all the details together!

Since there was already a 3-tiered wedding cake at the reception, we focused on an assortment of delicious treats to compliment the cake. The homemade desserts included white/yellow chocolate dipped pretzels, mini red velvet cupcakes, mini brownies with personalized flags, marshmallow pops, macaroons, etc.”

*****

VENDOR CREDITS:
– Dessert Table Design & Concept: Katie & Alice of KaLice Events
– Photography: KaLice Events
– Homemade Sweets: KaLice Events
– Miniature Wooden Chairs: JoAnn’s
– Mini Bird Cage: World Market
– Grey & Yellow Floral Table Cloth: Target
– Craft Paper: Michael’s & JoAnn’s
– Dessert Stands: Various local storeS

“Tres Shabby Chic” Baby Shower Brunch

2012-02-07T13:30:00.000-05:00

There’s so much pretty eye candy to share in this gorgeous “Tres Shabby Chic” Baby Shower Brunch for the sweet & talented Andrea from ~~Dolce Drive~~! I love how incredibly soft and romantic this celebration feels (which is why I’m filing it under Bridal Shower inspiration too) – from the beautiful cakes embellished with fondant peonies & lace to the crystal-adorned branches and candlesticks and paper flower-topped party favors.

Andrea’s sisters and closest friends hosted the brunch and served up all her favorite foods, and several talented treat vendors that she works with created the most beautiful array of sweets – including lace-covered milk chocolate letters and Oreos! Being an event planner herself – Andrea couldn’t resist having a big hand in the design & styling of the party, so everything you see here bares her signature touch as well. Read on for lots more lovely imagery + all the pretty party details…

*****

PARTY DETAILS, as told by Andrea…

“The shower was a Tres Shabby Chic Brunch with about 19 family and friends hosted by my best friend of 20 years, Lisa. I enjoyed preparing for the brunch and setting up with the help of Lisa, my other best friends and my sisters.

Designing the look: I have had a serious crush on coral for some time now and I knew I wanted to use it. I also love lace and thanks to my mom who used to sew lots of cloth for us, I have a big box full of vintage lace in different patterns and colors from peach, blue, white and ivory. I also own lots of burlap from prior events I’ve styled and knew the burlap material would also be a nice touch. I love bling but not too much bling so a little sparkle is always a must in almost everything I create which is how I came up with the Tres Shabby Chic look.

I have been wanting to incorporate a hand drawn image in my paper goods for some time now and it was perfect to do so with my own brunch. I worked with Michelle from Intrigue Design Studio and her husband and sent them my ideas, they were able to draw out exactly what I wanted and envisioned. I then designed some coordinating patterns with lace, damask and coral. I also picked out some scrapbook paper from our local Michael’s and made a few paper details using a variety of different patterns and colors. I wanted the tables for guests to be dressed nicely with real glass and dinnerware and lots of florals. I used my favorite hydrangeas, some movie star coral colored roses and baby’s breath to create little bunches of floral arrangements. Again, I didn’t keep things too uniformed in order to incorporate the shabby feel.

The tables were very chic, dressed in beautiful linen with chargers, platters, glassware and even a sweet note I designed to welcome the guests. I often style with Chiavari chairs and I know they make a big difference in creating an elegant atmosphere.

The sweets table was quiet easy to put together. I work with so many wonderful vendors in styling events and they always blow me away with their creations. They were all so wonderful and excited to finally create something for my own personal use. =) I really appreciate how genuinely sweet and giving these women are and I am honored to consistently work with them in creating gorgeous events. I always say, I am as good as the team I work with and I have one heck of a team!!! Thank you all so much!

These ladies all spent so much time working with me to design the prettiest treats. From milk chocolate lace covered oreos to gorgeous coral colored rose sugar cookies to three delicious cakes, cake pops, brownies and sugary meringues, I was one spoiled momma. I was supposed to bake my own cupcakes because I do enjoy baking for myself and I love my guava cupcakes but I didn’t make it. Once I saw the incredible display of sweets I had for a small amount of guests I decided to turn down the guava cupcakes for some much needed shut eye. So for once I actually went to bed at a decent time which left me feeling fully rested for my special brunch.

I gave out a few different favors to thank my sweet family and friends for sharing the special day with me. I purchased little white boxes and had parchment paper white bags so guests were able to take home lots of sweets after we had enjoyed dessert. I also gave pearl earrings in paper bag envelopes tied with a thank you note. And lastly, my sweet cousin Barbie and her sweet business partner, Ana, made the most delicious and beautiful chocolate chip cake pops which I dropped in a small clear cake pop box and added a coordinating thank you tag to some and others also had soft teal blue flower I made by hand using paper and some water.

The day of the shower I arrived at Lisa’s with just a small amount of last minute details to set up. My incredible sisters and three best friends created a delicious menu of all my favorite foods and surprised me with a yummy brunch. Priscilla from Pretty and Pristine styled my hair beautifully and applied the perfect make up. If there is one thing I learned was that hiring a hair and make up artist is a must. All I had to do was slip on my party dress (she actually helped me with this too) and I was ready to greet my guests feeling like a super star. Lucky for me, my sweet and very talented sister in law, Heather of Heather Renee Photographie captured it all behind her magical lens. I have such beautiful pictures to remind me of this special day.

It was the perfect afternoon and I enjoyed it so very much. I felt so lucky to have such a loving thoughtful circle of family and friends to celebrate the upcoming arrival of my second child with.

A huge thank you to all of the women who helped, participated and attended the brunch.”

*****

VENDOR CREDITS:

– Peach/Coral Colored Rose Buttercream Cake: My Sweet Lady
– Flower & Maternity Silhouette Sugar Cookies: ~~Sweet Dough~~
– Ivory Fondant Cake & Soft Blue Cake: ~~Sugar and Spice Cake Miami~~
– Lace Covered Oreos & Tres Chic Milk Chocolate Lace Covered Letters: Sweeties
– Cake Pops in Clear Boxes & Peach Colored Merengues: ~~Two Sweet Cakery~~
– Linen, Glassware & Dinnerware Rentals: ~~Party Details~~
– Chiavari Chairs: ~~Bouncing Parties Express~~
– Photography: Heather Renee Photographie
– Make up & Hair: Pretty and Pristine
– Paper Goods & Styling: ~~Dolce Drive~~
– Hand Drawn Pregnant Woman: Intrigue Design Studio

*****

I Heart Valentine's Party Theme

2012-02-06T11:30:00.000-05:00

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By Lockerz

If you're hosting a Valentine themed party, here is a great party set up found over at Hostess with the Mostess

This adorable new “I Heart Valentine’s Day” party by Maureen and Adria from Anders Ruff Custom Designs makes me so very happy! Don’t you just want to jump right into the pictures?!

In addition to the fabulous printables they designed and used throughout the party (available in their etsy shop), there’s so much great DIY inspiration to be found throughout this party – a few of my personal favorites being the fabulous pink paper plate polyhedrons hanging above the dessert table, the smart use of wrapped/decorated boxes to act as serving trays for some of the treats, and the fantastic “stacked paper flowers” blooming from candy-filled vases!

“We designed this Valentine’s Day theme with the kids in mind! The style of the printable collection is fun, festive and perfect for both the young and young-at-heart.

We used mixed glassware for our main serving and display pieces. Apothecary jars of varying heights and styles were displayed at the back of the table, along with a large, glass beverage-dispensing jar. Wrapped boxes with ribbon wraps were used to plate some of the small finger desserts.

Fabric from Ikea was used as the table backdrop, and we made some Pink Paper Plate polyhedrons (DIY tutorial here) and hung 3 (equally spaced) above the dessert table. These look great and are a fun project for kids to help with too!

DIY Stacked Fabric Flowers were put in a glass vase and displayed on the dessert table, and a heart garland was hung in a scallop shape from the front of the table. We punched the hearts out of the printable papers from our collection.

The children’s table was covered with a solid pink fabric and the chairs were covered with the Ikea fabric and tied with Red Grosgrain ribbon. Heart Favor Boxes were created from the template in our printable collection and displayed on the kids’ plates.

Printable “cootie catchers/fortune tellers” were assembled and placed on the children’s table (The kids loved this!)

We used printable food labels from our design collection to customize the dessert table items. Cupcakes were topped with fondant hearts and sparkling sugar, and heart shaped and circular lollipops were stuck into a paper wrapped styrofoam box.

White, Pink and Red Chocolate Truffle Pops were placed in cute linersand embellished with hearts from our printable collection. We set these on a tray of heart shaped sprinkles.

Pink and red heart shaped fondant toppers were used to decorate a simple white cake, and pink and red macaroons were displayed on the low wrapped boxes.

We made red & white layered desserts served them in mini trifle cups. Red Soda Bottles were decorated with the water bottle wraps & striped paper straws embellished with party flags, and bright red punch was displayed in the center of the table.

For more grown-up parties: try embellishing mini wine bottles with paper instead of red soda! Looks adorable too…

We baked swirly pink meringue hearts and displayed them on short wrapped boxes alongside fabulous sugar cookies from Allyson Jane. We embellished the cookies with big pink satin ribbon. (The cookies were designed with a hole at the top to add ribbon – so cute!)

Hershey Kisses were labeled with circular stickers on the bottom, and mini Hershey Chocolate Bars were customized with printable candy bar wrappers.

Red and pink candies were displayed throughout the table in table in apothecary jars embellished with party logos hung from satin ribbon. For party favors, miniature glass candy jars were filled with red candies and decorated with a circular logo on the lid!

We layered the large apothecary jars with pink and white cotton candy (a cheap filler that looks cute!) and hung red heart sugar cookies from the jars with pink satin ribbon.

*****

VENDOR CREDITS & RESOURCES
- Styling and Printable Graphic Design Package: Anders Ruff Custom Designs
- Photography: Becca Bond Photography

Other Contributors:
– Handmade Dresses and Bow Ties: Mini Mooh
– Cupcakes: Cupcrazed Cakery
– Lollipops: This Charming Candy
– Fondant Decor: Sweet Petal Bakery
– Macarons: Sparkles Kitchen
– Sugar Cookies: Allyson Jane
– Cupcake Liners: The Cupcake Social
– Paper Straws: Bake It Pretty

*****

The Printable “I Heart Valentine’s Day” Collection can be purchased at our etsy shop. The collection includes loads of designs to make your Valentine’s Day a special one, whether you are celebrating with your sweet heart or making it special for the kids and is suitable for everyone from the first-time hostess to the advanced crafter. We are offering 50% off the printable DIY collection until January 25th! ($10 instead of $20!)

*****

Set Up A Chili Bar + All-Purpose Chili Recipe!

2012-02-04T11:00:00.000-05:00

Today I’m sharing an idea that you can use for Fall or Winter entertaining, as well as a timely idea for Super Bowl & other Football gatherings. I thought, what could be more hearty, manly, and versatile than a chili bar? I didn’t want to do a chili tasting or cook-off because I think most people have seen that already. Instead I thought about the many ways you can serve the chili using one all-purpose recipe – this is how we usually eat chili at my house! First round is chili & tortillas, next day leftovers are served over pasta, at a fast food restaurant we order chili & baked potato, or chili cheese fries, etc.

This is a fun way to set up a buffet for friends and even the kids loved making their own variations. Using some printable tags from Party Box Designs I set up and labeled lots of chili toppers + root beer. You can see my list of options below, plus the delicious recipe I used that goes with everything!

Base items available for topping with the chili:

Pasta
Tortillas
Hot Dogs
Crinkle cut french fries
Small bags of Fritos corn chips
Baked Potatoes

Toppings:

Shredded cheese
Sour Cream
Diced Onion
Sliced Jalapenos
Diced Tomatoes
other condiments like ketchup & mustard for the hot dogs

Combine the base items with the chili and select toppings and you have a great meal. I suggest small servings so you can have more than one combo – you may even want to cut the hot dogs in half. One of my personal favorites is the Fritos bags that you can just grab and go. You fill the bag with the chili and toppings and eat right out of the bag!

To hide the not-so-attractive crock pot, I wrapped it with burlap. I served root beer from a large urn, which you could also fill with beer of course.

This chili bar was a huge hit with the family. The husband loved it, the kids loved it, and it could even be used for a tween or teen birthday buffet.

{all photos from Celebrations At Home}

All Purpose Chili Recipe

1 1/2 pounds ground beef, browned

Chili Seasoning Packet – “Original” flavor

1 can tomato sauce

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can red kidney beans, drained & rinsed

1 small onion, diced

1 Tablespoon sugar

1 can water

Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on high for 6 hours.

To get the printable party set we used in this party, just follow the link.

Which combination would you choose?

Tate’s Amazing Tailg8 Football Party

2012-02-02T14:24:00.000-05:00

If you’re a football fan (or maybe planning to host a Super Bowl party next weekend!), then get ready to feast your eyes on this incredible party… Brittany of GreyGrey Designs appropriately titled it “Tate’s Tailg8 Party,” since the birthday boy was turning eight. How clever is that? As a Mom of three little boys myself (Jessica Wilcox, Modern Moments Designs), I can totally appreciate a well styled boys birthday party!

There’s such a classic game-day feel to every detail in this bright football party – from the mini football penalty flag pie pops and the Coach’s cake pops to the creative chenille letterman’s jacket letters that spelled out the birthday boy’s name. I’m especially loving the amazing spread of cleverly titled football foods, complete with it’s own goal post, not to mention the classic color palette, astroturf, cones, and penalty flags used throughout. And the favor table – WOW! There’s so much great football inspiration here that can be tailored to your own favorite team…

PARTY DETAILS, as told by Brittany…

::
“Last month, my one of my favorite clients threw her son an 8th birthday party. This year she decided on a football theme because Tate loves football. When I realized that he was turning 8 this year, I thought a “Tailg8″ party was the PERFECT THEME!

My inspiration for the party was classic, vintage football, with a varsity feel. I didn’t want to focus on a particular team or league. I thought it was way more kid-friendly to go retro and classic. We started off with the invitations. Doodlez Designs on Etsy customized these lanyard invitations for us. What a cute, fun detail to send kids a lanyard to wear, so that they feel like they are getting invited to something really special!

The dessert table was inspired by chenille letter jacket letters. I was obsessed with spelling out his name in chenille letters. Who didn’t love their letter jacket? Confession: (I wanted one of the fancy script names to go on mine.) I found a fabulous vendor who custom made them for me! These are also something he can keep forever in his room. Wendy always uses her pristine garage for Tate’s parties. So, we made several stations. One for dessert, one for favors, one for food, and one for beverages.

The backdrop for the dessert table was simply a large piece of astroturf taped onto some foamboard. Of course everyone has seen this look on the actual table, but I wanted to take it up to the backdrop. The fun chenille letters are definitely the focal point. My friend Melissa cut out the numbers for me on her Cricut. The adorable cake was made by Mad Lily Cakery, who is a new vendor for me. It turned out absolutely precious and was just perfect! So, if you are local in Memphis, check her out! I got that “football” sign at Hobby Lobby. It was black, but that was nothing a little spray paint can’t fix. I liked the idea of using those crates for a cake stand because they reminded me of old school bleachers. The vintage trophy cup is from an antique mall. The dessert station included the cake, Penalty Flag Pie Pops, Coin Toss Chocolates, Coach’s Cake Pops, and Sideline Sugar Cookies. We also used one of my favorite vendors, Mom’s Killer Cakes. Sarah knocked it out of the park (or scored a touchdown, I should say) with these helmet and football cake pops. They were absolutely perfect!

Everything was displayed on the cake table in grass mats. I covered styrofoam in grass printed scrapbook paper and then used my grass mats from Easter to provide some texture on top. The papers for these cones and the printables are from the wonderful Gwynn Wasson Designs , who did all the fabulous printables for me! Gywnn is a DREAM to work with and she bent over backwards to make my vision of a vintage tailgate party come true. The pom pom garland is from PomFlair. I actually WON this as a prize on a Children’s Party Network chat! So, ladies, next time we have a chat, you might get some good prizes! Carmen, I love this garland, it was the perfect addition!

For the savory food, I once again had help from the wonderful Karen at Simple Done Catering and Cupcakes . We focused on “football” food with a build-your-own Noseguard Nacho Bar, “Pigskins”-in-blanket, “Tate-r” Chips, Timeout Twice Baked Potatoes, Wide Receiver Wings, Shotgun Sausage and Cheese, Off Sides Sliders, Hail Mary Hot Bacon Dip, Quarterback Sack Sausage Dip, Chicken Con-Tenders, and a Field Goal Fruit Tray. The adorable goal post was made by the The Hip Hostess , my Memphis girls! I wrapped it with yellow duct tape to complete the look. That banner is from Shindigz. I reused the same letters from Tate’s Mario party last year and painted them the colors to match this scheme. For the favors, I wanted to do a “favor bar.” I have seen this done at several parties and I think that is perfect for this theme. The kids could take home their own mix of football themed goodies like koozies, football Mardi Gras beads, pencils, suckers, hacky sacks, and noisemakers.

I handmade the backdrop using butcher paper. The letters are from the teacher department at Hobby Lobby. They are reusable and super convenient. For the numbers, I had to hand cut and measure out everything. It was time consuming, but totally worth it. Most all the little favors are from Oriental Trading or Shindigz. I had these little muslin bags hand-stamped by Jennifer’s Cookies and Gwynn designed these adorable favor tags for me to use. I love the feel of the vintage football player that she used! In the driveway, I set up the guest tables with runners of astroturf, cones, and penalty flags. I punched a hole in the top of these cones from Target and stuck a dowel rod down into them to display these large printable party circles from Gwynn. And since this was a real party for really cute little guys, here is a precious picture of Tate getting serenaded by his buddies!”

*****

VENDOR CREDITS:

– All styling and custom work: GreyGrey Designs
– Catering: Simple Done Catering and Cupcakes
– Photography: J. Herndon Photography
– Cake Pops: Mom’s Killer Cakes
– Pie Pops: Old Time Favorites
– Sugar Cookies: All Things Exquisite
– Cake: Mad Lily Cakery
– Chenille Letters: Susie’s Letter Jackets
– Favors: Oriental Trading
– Printables: Gwynn Wasson Designs
– Small Favor Bags: Jennifer’s Cookies
– Larger Favor Bags and Helmets: Mini Me Crafts
– Banner and Large Football Helmet: Shindigz
– Pom Garland: Pom Flair
– Vinyl Numbers for Field Backdrop: Rich Creations
– Football Goalpost: The Hip Hostess
– Rentals: Affordable Party Rentals
– Invitation: Doodlez Designs

courtesy of Hostess with the Mostess

Kids Birthday Party Ideas

2012-02-01T14:05:00.000-05:00

Bandanna Birthday Party

Creating a theme from scratch can be as simple as selecting fun paper and rubber stamps. Martha used bandanna and dot patterns to create a festive celebration that's perfect for children of all ages.

Throw a Bandanna Party

Tea Party Birthday

Cherry blossoms, finger foods, puppets, and, of course, tea create a room steeped in charm that little girls will love.

Throw a Tea Party

Tiny Birthday Party

The big idea here is that it's a small world after all. At this charming party, girls will feel like Alice after she goes tumbling down the rabbit hole.

Throw a Tiny Party

Polka-Dot Birthday Party

What little girl doesn't have a soft spot for polka dots? They're colorful and playful -- and most of all, they're fun! With that in mind, celebrate a birthday by having everyone see spots.

Throw a Polka-Dot Party

Bouncy Birthday Party

For this party, clear out a room, fill it with orbs of all sizes, and let toddlers at 'em. You can also decorate a cake with a bouncing-ball icing pattern.

Throw a Bouncy Party

Animal-Themed Birthday Party

What's a bash without a few party animals? Select your child's favorite -- we monkeyed around.

Throw an Animal-Themed Party

Pink Birthday Party

Surround your birthday girl in her all-time favorite color (of the moment).

Throw a Pink Party

Spa-Themed Sleepover Birthday Party

What do you get when you combine pajamas, facials, manicures, and fun? The perfect menu for a spa-themed sleepover birthday party.

Throw a Spa-Themed Sleepover

courtesy of Martha Stewart

Hot Wedding Color Combinations

2012-01-31T13:00:00.000-05:00

Aqua + Chartreuse

Cool Breeze striped votive favors, $8 for a set of three, PlumParty.com; jelly beans, $7.99 per pound, Jelly Belly (800) 522-2367, Jellybelly.com; ribbon, Midoriribbon.com; green plate, Michael C. Fina, (212) 557-2500, MichaelCFina.com

Individual two-tiered German chocolate cake with toasted coconut filling covered in white fondant, $30 each, Colette Peters for Colette’s Cakes (212) 366-6530, ColetteCakes.com; cake stand, Lunares, (415) 621-0764, Lunares.net

Blush & Mauve

Gillian & Joshua invitation, $1,975 for a 5-piece set of 100, Ceci New York, (212) 989-0695, CeciNewYork.com

"Cameo" French milled favor soaps, $12 for a set of six, Plumparty.com; shell dish, Two’s Company, (914) 664-2277, TwosCompany.com

Champagne intermezzo with a pink sugar rim, Christine Coppinger and Charles Hervish for Swank Productions, (212) 643-3211, SwankProductions.com; Edge champagne flutes from Crate & Barrel, CrateandBarrel.com; Vera Wang Challis tray, Michael C. Fina (212)557-2500, MichaelCFina.com

Four-tiered cake with dusty rose and white rolled fondant, $10-$14 per slice, Cheryl Kleinman Cakes, (718) 237-2271

Bouquet of Blue Bird roses, sweet pea, mini calla lilies, and cymbidium orchids finished with Ombre Cotton Candy ribbon, Jorge Cazzorla/Celebrate Flowers for Swank Productions, (212) 643-3211, Swankproductions.com

garnet + tangerine
Hand-tied bouquet of deep red and orange dahlias, $175, Jeffrey Marcus for JM Visuals (212) 929-1686, Jmvisuals.com; ribbon, MidoriRibbon.com

Mumbai three-panel pocket invite tied with satin grosgrain ribbon, starting at $1,450 for 100, Kenzie Kate Invitations, (718) 928-3946, KenzieKate.com

Swarovski crystal and 22K gold plated earrings, $176, RobertaChiarella.com

Ruby dupioni silk tossing cone embellished with beaded trim, starting at $15 per cone, by Karen Bartolomei for Grapevine, (800) 994-3799, GrapevinePaperie.com

Hand-painted three-tiered cake with rolled fondant, $12 per slice, by Ruth Seidler for JollyBe Bakery, (718) 965-1651, JollyBeBakery.com

Table set up and napkin decorated with a corsage of dahlias and wrapped in gold ribbon, $30, Jeffrey Marcus for JM Visuals, (212) 929-1686, JMVisuals.com

lavender + cream + chocolateHarris bands (shown on ring pillow) in pure platinum, $1,400 women's and $2,400 men's, MaeVona, (212) 557-7300 for retailers

Swarovski crystal and platinum plated earrings, $176, RobertaChiarella.com; lavender ribbon, Midoriribbons.com

Purple silk clutch with embroidery and sequins, $189, Moyna, (212) 967-0760, MoynaBags.com

Victoria embellished satin, open-toed sandal, $128, Ann Taylor Celebrations, (800) 342-5266

Adriana & Tony programs and invitations, $2,475 for a 6-piece set of 100, Ceci New York, (212) 989-0695, CeciNewYork.com

Centerpieces in rectangular wooden containers covered in burlap and a ribbon sash and filled with manzanita branches, golden centre tail feathers, hydrangeas, and sweet pea; small wooden container filled with eryngium thistle, sweet pea, and fiddlehead, Jorge Cazzorla/Celebrate Flowers with Charles Hervish and Christine Coppinger of Swank Productions, (212) 643-3211, SwankProductions.com

fuchsia + navy
"Oriana" satin pleated peep-toe shoes with bow, $69.95, Nina, NinaShoes.com

"Kat" engraved square wedding invitation in Azalea with white ink; Midnight blue reception card engraved with Azalea ink , Mia Carta, approximately $27 per invited based on quantity of 100, $2700 for 100 (888) 541-0501, MiaCarta.com

Silvertone with blue checkerboard two-tone, square cuff links, $55, Jos. A. Bank (800) 285-2265, JosBank.com

Extra-long navy and pink bar-striped tie, $59.50, Brooks Brothers, (800) 274-1815, BrooksBrothers.com

Custom-designed pink and blue cake with buttercream, price upon request, Sylvia Weinstock Cakes, (212) 925-6698, SylviaWeinstockCakes.com

Pink and navy escort card display, starting at $300, Jung Lee for Fete Design (212) 725-7268, FeteNY.com; Azalea and Midnight blue square escort cards, $32 for a set of 25, Mia Carta, (888) 541-0501, Miacarta.com; escort card calligraphy, starting at $2.50 each, Nancy Howell Calligraphy, NancyHowell.com

Flower girl kissing ball with pink and navy ribbon, starting at $125, Jung Lee for Fete Design, (212) 725-7268, FeteNY.com

lemon + celadon
Hibiscus save-the-date, $692 for 150; wedding invitation, $678 for 150, printed in palm green and limeade inks, available in letterpress, by Delphine through Union Street Papery, (415) 563-0200, Unionstreetpapery.com

Classic petit fours with sugar hibiscus decorations, $3 each, Ellen Baumwoll for Bijoux Doux Specialty Cakes, (212) 226-0948, BijouxDoux.com

boutonniere, starting at $15, by Jung Lee for Fete Design (212) 726-7268, FeteNY.com

Table set with centerpiece, starting at $350, by Jung Lee for Fete Design, (212) 725-7268, FeteNY.com; calligraphy for table card, Anne Robin Calligraphy (917) 863-0899, AnneRobin.com

Bouquet, starting at $175, by Jung Lee for Fete Design (212) 726-7268, FeteNY.com

Hibiscus cake covered in buttery yellow fondant with each tier wrapped in Mokuba satin ribbon and decorated with a handmade hibiscus flower, $1,600 serves 150, April Reed for April Reed Cake Design, (212)358-7071, AprilReed.com

courtesy of The Knot

Creative Dessert Table Ideas

2012-01-30T12:09:00.000-05:00

We love creating dessert tables and here are som fab ideas we'd like to share with you courtesy of Real Simple, enjoy!

Pink and Orange Jubilee

Even the most upbeat bash needs a sugar coating. Create your base by covering a table with a solid-colored linen in a soft shade of blush. Stack cupcakes on cake stands, and fill apothecary and cookie jars with assorted colored candy. Add interest to the background by hanging oversized tissue fans in coordinating hues. For unexpected flair, work in subtle pops of turquoise into the set-up like on cupcake flags, treat seals, and satin ribbon wrapped around the dessert display.

Pink gumballs, candywarehouse.com. Orange pearl gumballs, gumballs.com; Pearlescent orange gumballs, candywarehouse.com. Tissue fans, shopsweetlulu.com. Cosmo Jelly Belly jelly beans, jellybelly.com. Orange Crush Jelly Belly jelly beans, jellybelly.com. Bubblegum lollipop, hammondscandies.com. Pink cherry rock candy, hammondscandies.com. PB classic glass apothecary jars, potterybarn.com. PB classic glass canister, potterybarn.com.

The Treats

When it comes to dessert, cupcakes can't be topped. Stick to your palette when it comes time to frosting the mini cakes and finish them off with multicolored sprinkles. For an easy and budget-friendly trick, create your own flags from toothpicks and washi tape.

Washi tape, happytape.com.

The Perfect Packaging

For a fuss-free idea, wrap flavored sodas with decorative paper (wrapping paper or scrapbook paper works) that coordinates with your theme. As much as guests love digging into the display (it is why it’s there, right?), it's quite a treat to have bags packed and ready for the road.

Pink chevy chic treat bags, shopsweetlulu.com. Norsa poppy dots wrapping paper, paper-source.com.

The Sweet Takeaways

Chocolate lovers, rejoice. Instantly transform ordinary bars by replacing the typical wrappers with pretty patterned paper that coordinates with your palette and theme.

Wintry Mix

When candy arrives to a celebration in shades of pearly whites and metallic silvers, it becomes an elegant feast for the tastebuds. Soften up the background by dangling crystal ornaments, clear glass balls, and silver–coated branches. The white linen gets an extra hint of sparkle from the glitter–covered branch that gently hugs the edge of the table.

Francesca jar, zgallerie.com. Delfina covered jar, crateandbarrel.com. White pearl gumballs, gumballs.com. Silver gumballs, gumballs.com. French vanilla Jelly Belly jelly beans, jellybelly.com.

The Treats

Both the sweet and the savory make a showing at this celebration. Fill jars with silver wrapped chocolates and assorted candies. Glass compotes and cake stands are perfect for holding delicate treats like yogurt covered pretzels and white powdered donuts.

The Signature Cocktail

Mimosas and martinis aren’t the only party–worthy cocktails. Stick to your palette and fill glasses with rich and creamy eggnog. Spiked—or not—this is sure to be a chilly winter hit

One-Pot Meals

2012-01-28T13:00:00.000-05:00

We are huge fans of cooking meals in our crock pots; Martha Stewart has some fab one-pot meal recipes that sound yummy, here are some of our faves:

Chicken with Tomatoes and Mushrooms

Use a sturdy pot, skillet, or slow cooker to prepare complete hearty meals, including beef stew, chicken and dumplings, chili, vegetarian curry, gumbo, shrimp jambalaya, paella, arroz con pollo, and much more.

Also known as chicken cacciatore, this rustic stew cooks in a rich tomato-mushroom sauce. Serve over rice or with a thick slice of crusty bread.

Get the Chicken with Tomatoes and Mushrooms Recipe

Chicken and Dumplings

Steam dill-flecked dumplings over a stew of chicken thighs, carrots, and peas. No need to spend all day in the kitchen -- this down-home favorite is ready in an hour.

Get the Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Turkey and Bean Chili

Bacon, jalapenos, and lots of garlic amp up the flavor in this pot of chili. Cumin, cocoa powder, and molasses add depth. Feel free to substitute lean ground beef for the turkey.

Get the Turkey and Bean Chili Recipe

Half-Hour Chicken Gumbo

Rotisserie chicken, precooked andouille sausage, and frozen okra are the secret shortcuts that get this stew on the table in 30 minutes. Bake a batch of cornbread while the gumbo simmers.

Get the Half-Hour Chicken Gumbo Recipe

Chicken and Rice with Corn and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes, lemon zest, and frozen corn add a summery zing to chicken and rice any time of year. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your family's tastes.

Get the Chicken and Rice with Corn and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

For more view HERE

Perfect Wedding Color Palette: Sheer Citrus and Pink

2012-01-27T14:30:00.000-05:00

Watercolor Windows

All you need is love -- and a sheer, pretty palette. Here, shades of citrus and pink illuminate centerpieces, escort cards, cocktails, and even a cake. It's a celebration that requires just your favorite hues and a few transparent materials to make a splash.

To create a contemporary stained-glass effect, cut tinted photography gels (available at photo-supply stores) to fit each bare pane. Press them against the glass -- they'll cling to the smooth surface. It's a stunning idea for a ceremony marker or backdrop for dinner.

Rosco gel photo filters, bhphotovideo.com.

Enchanting Escort Cards

Guide guests to their tables with a vibrant display of jewels. Have gem shapes cut from clear Lucite (I Love Lucite made these, 310-966-0740), then cover them with calligraphed photography gels cut to fit. Hang them with fishing line from a rod near your reception space -- the closer the better, so loved ones don't forget where to sit.

All calligraphy by Gail Brill Design using a Sharpie paint marker davinciartistsupply.com.

See-Through Stationery

This unique suite makes one thing clear: Your event will be positively jubilant. Have save-the-date, invitation, and response-card designs printed on frosted plastic (Wren Press has our design on file), then wrap them in coordinating vellum envelopes. At the ceremony, pass out packets of homemade vellum confetti for tossing.

A Blushing Bouquet

Balance the more angular facets of your decor with soft, organic notes: tree peonies and sweet peas, tied together with a flowing piece of diaphanous silk chiffon.

Mokuba New York 150mm silk georgette ribbon #4472, color 31, on bouquet; 212-869-8900. Selia Yang gown, seliayang.com; Harry Winston ring, harrywinston.com; and Paolo Costagli bracelets, paolocostagli.com.

A Tinted Tablescape

See the world through rose-colored glasses. Here, sweet peas are arranged in simple glass containers and multifaceted vases filled with subtly dyed water (just add organic food coloring) to create a vivid centerpiece.

Perfect Place Setting

The theme continues at each seat, where gem-shaped pieces of photography gels are placed beneath glass chargers. Even the cranberry-pomegranate dessert gelee, topped with a slice of clementine, is clearly related.

Planters Resource tall tapered square vases #829, 212-206-7687. Jamali Garden square bud vases. Homart "Gem" vases, 212-539-0200. India Tree food coloring, cheftools.com. Crate & Barrel "Circle" plates, crateandbarrel.com. Nouvel Studio "Apollo" tumblers, barneys.com. Georg Jensen sterling silver "Pyramid" flatware, georgjensenstore.com.

Get the Recipe

courtesy of Martha Stewart weddings

Perfect Wedding Color Palette: Black, White, and Gold

2012-01-26T12:30:00.000-05:00

Radiant Vessels

It’s a snap to boost the wow factor of basic white vases -- just add gold. Transform Jamali Floral & Garden Supplies’ ceramic containers ($5, jamaligarden.com) with an easy Old World Art Composition gold-leafing kit #831 (dickblick.com). Then fill them with white roses, orchids, Queen Anne’s lace, black scabiosa, viburnum berries, and alocasia leaves.

Table Setting

You don’t have to be a card shark to appreciate the 007 charm of this letterpress design, which sports a black diamond. It sits in a name card holder that was silver -- that is, until we went all King Midas on it with the same gold-leaf kit mentioned earlier. To prevent a game of musical chairs, glue calligraphed name tags to lengths of ribbon and wrap one around each napkin.

Printing by Print Icon (printicon.com). Crate & Barrel place-card holders (crateandbarrel.com). Calligraphy by Jane Labanz of The Delicate Pen (delicatepen.com). Mokuba New York lace ribbon #65305 (212-869-8900). Royal Limoges “Black Diamond” plates (michaelcfina.com). Noritake “Palais Black” goblet and wine glass (noritake.com).

How to Make These Table Numbers

Stylize Your Suite

Start spreading the news with invitations that put a fun spin on Art Deco design. Debut your colors on letterpress stationery that’s dressed up for the occasion with a subtle bow-tie illustration (a cheeky wink at the formality of your day). Even the envelope liners sport the motif.

Mr. Boddington’s Studio “Mr. Poitier” suite (mrboddington.com).

Thanks in Spades

Whether their game is Go Fish or Texas Hold ’Em, guests will dig customized cards -- everyone loves a favor they’ll actually use. Use our design, swap in your details, and send the file to Monogrammatiks (monogrammatiks.com). Then box them up and add a bow.

The Box Depot clear box BC-BX95 (theboxdepot.com). Mokuba New York fashion cord #0957 (212-869-8900).

How to Make These Playing Cards

Glam It Up

Pair your gown with graphic accessories and hit the aisle red carpet-style. Best-dressed lists, here you come.

Stuart Weitzman pumps (212-759-1570). Loeffler Randall “Winifred” flats (endless.com). Marchesa box clutch (Bergdorf Goodman, 212-753-7300). Brian Atwood “Lee” feathered boots (brianatwood.com). Christian Louboutin “Big Dorcet” heels with elastic straps (christianlouboutin.com). Jennifer Behr “Orchid” headband (jenniferbehr.com). Moyna “Chevrib” beaded clutch (moynabags.com). Kate Spade New York “Garb” shoes (couture.zappos.com). Jimmy Choo “Private” sandals (jimmychoo.com). Kotur “Breen” minaudiere (from Shirise, 847-835-2595). Bulgari “Serpenti” clutch (bulgari.com).

Go for Bold

Get your hands on a big black-and-white bouquet tied with two dramatic ribbons. This clutch of creamy orchids, ranunculus, and Queen Anne’s lace, peppered with black calla lilies and chocolate cosmos, is eccentric and stunning. A gold-trim collar and striped bow add volume to the posy.

The Details: Tinsel Trading Co. metal trim (tinseltrading.com). Hyman Hendler & Sons vintage ribbon (212-840-8393). Junko Yoshioka ”Poppy” gown (Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, 212-319-6778). Anna Sheffield ring (annasheffield.com).

courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Valentine's Day Cocktails

2012-01-25T14:00:00.000-05:00

Looking for some fun cocktails for Valentine's day, here are just a few of our faves from Martha Stewart:

Raspberry Chocolate Kiss Martini

Sweeten up your sweetheart with our champagne, raspberry, and nonalcoholic Valentine's Day cocktails.

Crushed raspberries and mint syrup are shaken up with vodka and a splash of cranberry juice to make this red-hot cocktail.

Get the Raspberry Chocolate Kiss Martini Recipe

Rasmopolitan

Say "I love you" with a fruity cocktail that combines raspberry with the traditional flavors of a cosmopolitan.

Get the Rasmopolitan Recipe

Pomegranate-Champagne Punch

Mix pear nectar and orange liqueur with pomegranate juice and a bottle of Champagne to create a love-filled punch.

Get the Pomegranate-Champagne Punch Recipe

Sorbet and Champagne Cocktail

Surprise your valentine with a one-of-a-kind cocktail. Scoop raspberry or passion fruit sorbet into a Champagne flute and fill with chilled Champagne or Prosecco.

Get the Sorbet and Champagne Cocktail Recipe

Raspberry Coolers

Make a refreshing sip for your valentine with raspberries and seltzer. A few tablespoons of the mixture also enlivens white wine, vodka, and iced or hot tea.

Get the Raspberry Coolers Recipe

Savvy Ways to Save on Your Wedding- Floral

2012-01-24T19:57:00.000-05:00

Learn how to cash in on luxe-looking blooms while saving on green.

Stay in Season

"An experienced florist knows that the most beautiful, cost-effective flowers are whatever's currently available," says Rebecca Feeney of Custom Event Group in Napa, California. "Otherwise, they have to be flown in from far away." Think tulips and daffodils in the spring, roses and peonies in summer, hydrangeas in the fall, and amaryllis in winter. But there is one catch. "You may have to wait to see a sample bouquet until just before the wedding," says Xochitl Gonzalez, an event planner at Always a Bridesmaid in New York City.

Keep the Best for Yourself

If you're dying to use a particularly pricey variety, go for it -- in moderation. "Cabbage roses are the flower of the moment, but one stem can be as much as $5 wholesale," says Holly Heider Chapple, owner of Holly Heider Chapple Flowers in Leesburg, Virginia. "I often tell clients to include it only in their bouquets, since it's the one piece they hold and interact with."

Fake Fancy Blossoms

"Carnations and mums cost a quarter as much as other flowers, and it's easy to make them appear high-end," Chapple says. When grouped in bunches of four or five, for example, they masquerade as peonies or dahlias.

Work in Plants

Love the lushness of greenery? Use flowers sparingly, and fill out your arrangements with herbs, evergreen, lamb's ear, and ferns. "They're very inexpensive but look incredibly elegant," says Chapple.

Create Focal Points

It's a sneaky trick often used by florists: "Place one large arrangement on the bar and another at a centrally located table," says Gonzalez. "By designing two impressive points of interest, you can get away with using small, simple centerpieces everywhere else."

Upcycle the Bouquets

Rather than tossing your bridesmaids' posies after the ceremony, put them to work as reception centerpieces. The secret is to choose opaque vases -- or wrap clear ones in sheet moss or wide ribbon -- so that the water tubes aren't visible, and ask your florist to precut the stems to the right length.

Savvy Ways to Save on Your Wedding-Food & Drink

2012-01-23T14:00:00.000-05:00

Save on Food and Drink

These stealth cash-saving strategies don't involve sending guests home hungry.

Do Lunch or Brunch

"It's unexpected, the food costs less, and guests don't drink as much midday," says Melina Glavas, director of catering and events at The Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado.

Skip the Buffet

"Plated or family-style dinners can be more affordable," says Glavas. "Buffets and stations create waste, and you need to pay people to man them." Try this hybrid: Have waiters serve a first course, like soup or salad; then, pass around family-style entrees and sides at each table. The shared platters double as decor and create a communal atmosphere.

Go for Quality Stemware

Remember these words: Riedel Bordeaux glasses. "Your caterer can rent them for about $1.50 a stem," says Feeney. "They make everything taste better, which frees you up to spend less on wine. Plus, they feel fancy."

Fake the Cake

Have your baker decorate a Styrofoam cake form with one real tier that you can cut into, then serve your guests sheet cake -- they'll be none the wiser, says Wendy Kromer, owner of Wendy Kromer Confections in Sandusky, Ohio, and a Martha Stewart Weddings contributing editor.

Do the Math

Considering serving wine and beer instead of an open bar? Calculate the difference first. "A bottle of wine contains five drinks, whereas a liter of vodka has 25," says Richard Nix Jr. of Butler's Pantry in Saint Louis.

Chocolate Desserts for Valentine's Day

2012-01-22T16:34:00.001-05:00

Brownie Hearts

Get the Brownie Hearts Recipe

Molten Mocha Cakes

Get the Molten Mocha Cakes Recipe

Spicy Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

Get the Spicy Chocolate Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Mini Chocolate Cupcakes with Multicolored Frosting

Get the Mini Chocolate Cupcakes with Multicolored Frosting Recipe

White-Chocolate Spheres Filled with Chocolate Mousse

Get the White-Chocolate Spheres Filled with Chocolate Mousse Recipe

Darkest Chocolate Crepe Cake

Get the Darkest Chocolate Crepe Cake Recipe

Chocolate Mint Torte

Get the Chocolate Mint Torte Recipe

View more here

Savvy Ways to Save on Your Wedding- Dress

2012-01-20T13:00:00.000-05:00

Scoring your dream dress at a price that makes you proud requires just one thing: creativity.

Be an Early Bird

We probably won't have to twist your arm on this one. "Begin shopping for your gown about eight months in advance," says Amy Kuschel of Amy Kuschel Bride in San Francisco. Aim to order it at least three months ahead of time for off-the-rack, more for couture. By cutting it any closer, you may run into complicated ordering snafus.

Work the Trunk Show Circuit

They're a great opportunity to score a dress at a moderate discount, and "some designers throw in a free customization, like a neckline change or an embellishment," says Kuschel.

Show Up for Sales

"In January, many shop owners retire certain gowns to make space for new designs, so the older ones are often discounted," says Kuschel. Keep an eye out for sample sales in November and December, and check out our online event calendar and Bride's Guide Blog on marthastewartweddings.com. And before you plunk down your card, find out whether alterations and dry cleaning (a must for shopworn samples) are included, as some dresses come with vouchers. If not, the savings may not be that impressive.

Alter Elsewhere

Research local seamstresses in addition to your bridal shop, says Xochitl Gonzalez, an event planner at Always a Bridesmaid in New York City. They may offer better prices (and more personalized service) than the salon, and they can also make you a veil -- which could cost upward of $300 retail.

Think Outside the Box

Bridal salons offer the best selection and real deals. If you still can't find a dress, look for white evening gowns at department stores -- you might even save a few bucks.

Give Your Favorite Shoes a Makeover

Instead of splurging on new ones, wear a pair of metallic heels that you already own. Bonus: You don't have to break them in! To make them feel fresh, have them polished and add removable shoe clips. Jacqueline Weppner, bridal stylist and owner of Merci New York, recently sourced a chic pair from Chloe and Maddie for about $50 (etsy.com).

Borrow Baubles

If you're dreaming of wearing diamonds but can't fit them into your budget, rent insured jewelry from a site like adorn.com. They loan gorgeous pieces for a low fee plus a 5 percent deposit, which you get back when you return them.

Waist Not!

If you'd like to add a fabric sash to your gown, buy it at a trimmings store. Wide satin ribbon has a similar look for a fraction of the price.

Savvy Ways to Save on Your Wedding - Venue

2012-01-19T11:00:00.000-05:00

Save on the Venue

It’s your first big decision -- and with these sneaky tips under your belt, the first opportunity to save a pretty penny

Be Flexible

Dead set on an October date? What if waiting until January could leave thousands in your pocket? "Nearly every location has a high and low season," says Mark Maynard-Parisi, managing director of operations at Union Square Events in New York City. Fall and spring tend to be more expensive (September and June are peak wedding months), whereas winter and late summer are often much less. Of course, in certain destinations, like Mexico, the opposite is true.

Consider a Weekday

We know what you're thinking (never!), but we're not talking Tuesday here. More couples are opting for Thursday or Friday evening celebrations (which can be just as fun as a Saturday), and for good reason. "You can get about 20 percent off the site fee," says Lisa Johnson, marketing coordinator of RockResorts Mountain Collection in Vail, Colorado. And don't be afraid to bargain. "If they don't offer a discount, ask for one," she says. The only rule: Don't make your infatuation with the place obvious. Stay cool and tell them they're your second choice, but the price might sway you. Ultimately, venues just want to fill their calendars.

Stay in One Place

"Look for a spot that can accommodate both your ceremony and reception," says Bernadette Coveney Smith, owner of 14 Stories, an event company in New York City. "By doing so, you'll save on decorations and guest transportation costs, not to mention a second venue-rental fee."

Go for the All-In

Booking a place that already owns the equipment you'll need -- from flatware to tables -- can knock off up to $35 per guest from your bill, says Rebecca Feeney of Custom Event Group in Napa, California. One idea: your favorite restaurant (even better if they have a private room you can take over). "Not only does it completely eliminate the need for rentals, but once you meet the food and beverage minimum, there typically isn't a room fee," says Coveney Smith.

Look Past the Loft

Though they make a stunning first impression -- those windows! that skyline! -- they're essentially blank canvases that require lots of rentals, decor, and styling to turn wedding-worthy. Sites like libraries, art museums, and galleries come predecorated and can be just as striking.

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

When it comes to linens, your first instinct may be to splurge on the tablecloths (they take up the most space, after all), but don't. "Your guests will have much more contact with the napkins. As long as they feel luxurious, that's what matters," says Heather Barrie of Gathering Floral and Event Design in Charleston, South Carolina.

Hire Students

Rather than going with a pricey string quartet for your ceremony, call a music school and have them recommend an experienced student group.

Break up the Band

If you're set on a reception group that's out of your price range, ask them if they'll downsize. "Large bands with lots of members often offer a condensed version at a smaller price tag," says Barrie.

Say "I Do" to a Backyard

If you or a close friend or family member has an amazing lawn or garden, think about hosting your event there. You'll need rentals, bathrooms, and a backup plan, but Mother Nature can handle the decorating.

Easy Centerpieces

2012-01-18T12:30:00.000-05:00

Looking for easy to make centerpieces for your special occasion, here are some our faves from Martha Stewart

Fire and Water

More than 15 ideas for effortless yet elegant table arrangements using flowers, candles, fruit, and more.

Get the How-To

Floating Flowers Platter

Get the How-To

Easy Sand Candles

Get the How-To

Hors d'Oeuvre Centerpiece

Get the How-To

Cake Stand Centerpiece

Get the How-To

Candle Garden

Get the How-To

Floating Candles

Get the How-To

Heart-Shaped Crafts

2012-01-17T12:30:00.000-05:00

Heartstrings Valentine's Day Card

With patterned paper, our heart-shaped template, a sewing needle, and embroidery floss, you can make a card that reveals a message when your valentine pulls the string.

How to Make the Heartstrings Valentine's Day Card

Heart-Shaped Soap

Inspired by candy conversation hearts, these handmade soaps stamped with a special message make a meaningful gift.

How to Make Heart-Shaped Soap

Paper Heart Wrappings

Create beautiful hearts for your Valentine using decorative paper, a bone folder, and our heart template.

How to Make Paper Heart Wrappings

Heart Envelope Card

Enclose a thoughtful gift in a charming envelope made from wrapping or origami paper. It doubles as a card when you write a note inside.

How to Make the Heart Envelope Card

Crayon Hearts

These translucent hanging hearts are easy to make from waxed paper and crayons. In return, sunbeams will color your room with cheer.

How to Make Crayon Hearts

Heart-Felt Bag

Use wool felt, decorative quilting cotton, and our heart templates to give her a Valentine's Day accessory she'll adore.

How to Make the Heart-Felt Bag

Lemon Yellow Tea Party Bridal Shower

2012-01-13T13:30:00.000-05:00

View all of the deets HERE

Champagne-Themed Wedding Decor Ideas

2012-01-12T12:00:00.000-05:00

A Grand Entrance

Let guests know they’re walking into a good time by filling the foyer of your reception space with balloons reminiscent of the fizz in sparkling vino. Ask your photographer to hang out in the wings and capture everyone’s arrival on film.

Shindigz latex balloons (amazon.com). The bride is wearing a Monique Lhuillier “Flutter” gown (moniquelhuillier.com). The flower girls are wearing (from far left) a Marie-Chantal “Princess” dress (mariechantal.com) and Nellystella “Mimi” dresses (Yoya, yoyanyc.com).

Fanciful Invitations

If Dom Perignon is the king of Champagne, then our suite is the king of stationery. Its crest motif and calligraphy pay homage to his majesty’s label, and the cheerful fonts and phrasing will get friends in the party spirit.

Have our design printed by Spark Letterpress (letterpresslove.com). Calligraphy here and throughout by Nancy Howell (nancyhowell.com).

A Refreshing Tablescape

Elegant and indulgent, these Champagne towers only look expensive. When constructed with rental coupes (these are from Party Rental Ltd., partyrentalltd.com) and filled with one of our tasty, reasonably priced suggestions, they cost less than many floral centerpieces. Or, use flickering candles in place of Champagne. Plus, with this clever tablescape, you don’t need waiters to descend with glasses before the toast -- and there’s plenty for seconds.

Delicious Bites

Let’s face it, even grilled cheese tastes ah-may-zing when paired with Champagne. But certain culinary flavors really play up the wine’s crispness, so consider working one of these delicacies into your menu. For example, celery root custard, served in repurposed caviar jars topped with our labels, is crowned with -- what else? -- caviar (try tasty and affordable American sturgeon).

Get the Celery Root Custard Recipe

Get the Label Template

Festive Favors

While you could have everyone spray you with Champers as you make your way up the aisle as newlyweds, that might get messy -- and a little too World Series locker room. Instead, invite friends to uncork Champagne-confetti cannons and shower the air with paper as you pass by. Leave one between each ceremony seat (save-on-crafts.com).

Get the Bottle Label Template

Take-Home Treats

Send each couple home with a customized goody box bearing a split for two, flutes, and Champagne-flavored candies.

The Details: Dufeck double wine box (dufeckwood.com) stamped with a Stampworx-2000 custom stamp (stampworx2000.biz). CB2 “Simplicity” flutes (cb2.com). Piper-Heidsieck Brut (astorwines.com). Goelitz “Champagne Bubbles” candies (groovycandies.com).

Crisp Cocktails

Make no mistake, this is not your mom’s mimosa. Or your nonna’s Bellini. These four signature drinks highlight sparkling wine’s versatility, whether it’s a citrus and Thai-chile sparkler, brandied cherry rose, a tarragon-Prosecco cocktail mildly flavored with licorice, or Champagne-Apple Punch.

An Ebullient Bar

To designate party central, hang candlelit glass globes as an ode to the lively climb of Champagne bubbles. It’s easy -- just suspend them from the ceiling with thumbtacks and clear thread.

CB2 “Whirly” candleholders, “Bubble” balls, and candles (all at cb2.com). Champagne flutes from Party Rental Ltd. (partyrentalltd.com).

A Luxurious Bouquet

Carry a clutch of pale garden roses, orchids, gomphrena, Champagne grapes, and flowing passion vine (it’s less brittle than grapevine but looks similar) down the aisle. At the reception, display it in an ice bucket in lieu of a vase.

Love this one? Add William Yeoward’s crystal “Karen” version to your registry (williamyeowardcrystal.com).

Baby Shower Favors

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Flower Power Favor

Shower favors can complete a party theme or stand on their own. These fun favors and creative packaging ideas ensure the new mom and her guests will remember the joyous event -- and perhaps start a tradition of their own.

Flowery favors are easy to make by piling candy into colorful mini pails (available at party-supply stores). Insert a paper daisy with a lollipop poked through its center into each pail.

Takeaway Bouquet Favor

These bouquets serve as centerpieces and decorations during the shower, and become pretty party favors when the guests depart. Choose flowers that match the shower theme, and tie the juice-glass vases with ribbons if you like.

How to Make the Takeaway Bouquet Favor

Tree Cups Favor

Pick up teacups and saucers at a thrift shop to pot miniature myrtle trees for baby shower guests to take home. Include a tag with care instructions on each favor.

How To Make the Tree Cups Favor

Daisy Favor

For daisy-themed favors, customize bubble containers in a matching yellow color; their paper bands with the mom-to-be's name and due date or delivery date are affixed with double-sided tape. You can also give yellow-and-white favors -- lollipops, rubber ducks, and paper cones holding penny candy.

Brunch Favor

For a potluck brunch featuring favorite breakfast and brunch dishes from the guests, recipes can be transferred onto keepsake recipe cards for the mother-to-be and all of the guests to take home.

Favor Bags with Paper Flowers

Dress up plain paper lunch bags with colorful, origami-style flowers, and fill them with whatever you like.

How to Make Favor Bags with Paper Flowers

courtesy of Martha Stewart

Wedding Cakes Inspired by China Patterns

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Classic Gold Wedding Cake

Nothing says marriage like Robert Haviland and C. Parlon's "Arc en Ciel" china pattern, the French Limoges company's new take on its original wedding-band motif. And nothing says delicious like this four-tier interpretation. Its tinted sugar-paste bands were painted in edible gold by Ron Ben-Israel, owner of Ron Ben-Israel Cakes in New York City. Inside, a molasses spice cake with orange-blossom and hazelnut filling complements the elegant exterior.

Dessert plates and bread and butter plates (mottahedeh.com).

Botanical Wedding Cake

Among china collectors, Anna Weatherley's "Amber Leaf" pattern is a coveted botanical print. For dessert aficionados, this two-layer masterpiece will delight on sight. Ben-Israel created the three-dimensional leaves and butterflies from sugar paste and attached them to the ivory-colored fondant with royal icing. The result is perfect for an outdoor fete or nature-themed wedding.

Hand-painted plate (devinecorp.net).

Modern Silver Wedding Cake

Modern brides with an appreciation for all things Art Deco will be drawn to this design, which uses Martha Stewart Collection's "Hightown" pattern as muse. To make it, Ben-Israel turned the horizontal motif on its head and used silicone molds to form sugar-paste "towers" that were affixed with a dab of water. The finishing touch? Hand-painted edible silver details that prime it for a big-city celebration or sleek gallery-space soiree.

Five-piece place setting and platter (both at (macys.com).

Tea Party Mini Wedding Cakes

Whether you're hosting a five-course meal at an old estate or midday brunch in a ballroom, these miniature cakes, modeled after Nymphenburg's "Pearl" tea service, are as pretty and delicate as they come. Ben-Israel covered each one with pastel fondant, then attached molded sugar paste and piped on royal icing. Present three different colors per table, he suggests, as each cake satisfies the sweet tooth of about four people.

Dessert plates, cups and saucers, and coffee pot (all at kneenandco.com).

Floral Wedding Cake

Calling all spring and summer brides! This five-tier cake takes Bernardaud's "Pensees" pattern -- and your wedding -- to soaring new heights. It's abloom with hand-painted sugar pansies "planted" into fondant. To wow your crowd, Ben-Israel suggests asking your baker for extra blossoms so that one can be served with each slice.

Bowls (bernardaud.com).

Shape-Shifter

To play up the geometric designs on Juliska's "Jardins du Monde" and "Heligan" stoneware, which were inspired by the layouts of historic English gardens, Ben-Israel constructed hexagonal tiers of white fondant, then attached pieces of ecru-tinted sugar-paste "rope" with piping gel. Let it set the scene at an outdoor or rustic barn wedding.

"Jardins du Monde" platter as cake stand and round cocktail plates, and "Heligan" dessert plate (all at juliska.com).

Modern Art Hermes-Inspired Cake

Tiny tiles make up the Hermes "Mosaique au 24" pattern -- and this detail-minded cake. After cutting squares from sheets of sugar paste, Ben-Israel laid out a design that's as interesting to look at as a work of modern art. And with a few strokes of edible gold, it's all set to be displayed at a loft, museum, or gallery wedding.

Clockwise from top left: Plate #4, plate #3, plate #2, and plate #5 (all at hermes.com).

Transferware Wedding Cake

The nineteenth-century English pottery that inspired this cake (top left) was known for intricate scenes and border patterns. Here, a border detail is repeatedly piped in chocolate.

Lustreware Wedding Cake

The sweet, shimmery details of lustreware plates -- often used to serve dessert in the nineteenth century -- were typically painted in silver, copper, and pink. The playful motifs encircling the tops of the four tiers of this cake were created with powdered food colorings and a sable paintbrush -- the best tool to match the brush strokes of the originals.

Wedding Band Cake

In the nineteenth century, this fine white china was shipped plain from France and trimmed with gold paint once it reached the United States. These white tiers were dressed with metallic ribbons; sprigs of olive branches symbolize fertility.

Creamware Wedding Cake

The reticulated pattern of this eighteenth-century English china is emulated in the multitiered cake by rolled fondant cut with aspic and eyelet-embroidery cutters. Sugar paste was used for the "embroidered" flowers on top and base.

Ironstone Wedding Cake

The subtle aesthetic of ironstone made it popular in nineteenth-century England. This confection takes on the quietly raised pattern and charm of the original.

Wedgwood Wedding Cake

The icinglike trim on jasperware, developed in England in 1775, translates well to a wedding cake -- piped here in royal icing. This cake and base were covered with fondant; gum-paste leaves adorn the base and top.

courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings