Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Holiday Decor: Part 2

I'm back! So sorry for the delay in getting you the rest of the decor tips. I've been so busy preparing for the holidays. I'm hitting the road bright and early in the morning for NC, my hometown. I wanted to get this information to you before I left. So here it goes!

Table Decor Tips:

Mix Up Your Dishes
Using different patterned dishes will add character and a bit of style to your table. Just envision piecing an outfit together. You don't want everything to be "matchy matchy".

Let Nature Inspire You
One way to add decor to your table is to use leaves and twigs from your own back yard! Magnolia leaves work great.

Use Spray Paint
Want to spice things up? Use spray paint! Add a silver shimmer to those magnolia leaves and your table will go from drab to fab!

Invest in Dripless Candles 
This is simple. You don't want to set a beautiful buffet table only to have wax all over the place.

Decorative Balls
You can find these at any decor store. Or use Christmas ornaments. These items will look great on your table.

Gift Ideas:

The Entertainer - Give the gift that will be the talk of the party!
Ideal Choices: Enamel Holiday Trays, Ice Buckets, Wine Decanters, Cheese Trays and Knife Serving Sets.

The Stylista - Always ahead of the trends - surprise her with something she won't find anywhere else.
Ideal Choices: Pendant Jewelry, Knit Circle Scarf, Totes, Jewelry Boxes, Throws.

The Man in Your Life - Guys love their toys! Surprise him with golf club bottle openers or something for his office.
Ideal Choices: Desk Sets, Paperweights, Business Card Holders, Wallets, Books.

The Pet Lover - Give your animal lover something that is perfect for their pet and their home.
Ideal Choices: Dog Beds and Duvet Covers, Pet Frames, Pet Ornaments, Books and Collars


Hopefully these tips will help you as you prepare for Thanksgiving! I know I will be using some because I'm planning an engagement party on Friday. I plan on creating a fall themed buffet table using the couples wedding colors of indigo blue and fuchsia. This should be interesting. I'll definitely post pictures when I return. If I don't get a chance to get back on here again before Thursday, have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!
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Sunday, November 21, 2010

Etiquette: Table Setting Guide

Just in time for the holidays! Click here to view the table setting guide.
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Thursday, November 18, 2010

Holiday Decor: Part 1

Are you excited about decorating for the holidays, but want a way to spice it up? Well I have some tips to help you through the process. I attended Wine and Design at Nandina Home in Inman Park last night. One of the owners, Susan Victor did some awesome table displays and gave some great suggestions along the way. Her tips are below:

Choose A Color Scheme:
You can base your color palette on decorations you already have, or on the colors in your home. If you have primarily gold, keep it, but add a punch of pink and orange. If you are a traditionalist and love green and red, add touches of black for impact.

Decide On A Theme:
Do you want a glitzy high style look? Or a traditional rustic look? Both are beautiful, just don't mix themes in the same room.

Achieve Symmetry, Repetition & Proportion:
Symmetry is a great way to add a focal point to a fireplace, entrance, or staircase. Flanking a fireplace or entrance with poinsettias or topiaries makes these architectural details of your home a real focal point.

Repetition is key! Make sure you have enough of something to make a statement. If you use huge sliver ornaments on your tree, add them to the garland on your fireplace, put them in crystal containers on your table, and put them in the wreath on your door. Try to use the same ribbon throughout a room or area, and when displaying a collection keep them within one area so that it makes an impact.

With proportion the key is to vary the size and texture of all of your elements. Use large and small ornaments on the tree, or group a set of odd numbered candle sticks that are the same substance (crystal or silver) but vary in size. Mix textures to add interest to your decorations - bring in soft velvet tree skirts, sparking crystal, glittering twigs, rough baskets, and fresh greens.

Make A Statement:
For holiday decorating there is no easier or cheaper way to make a statement than with a can of spray paint. Use silver or gold to spray paint twigs, bamboo, ivy, or holly. If you are really daring, take an assortment of gourds or fruits, spray them all a deep chocolate or copper, and once dry give a second coat of high gloss lacquer. Can you imagine that mixed with votives and placed strategically down the center of your dining table?

Below are pictures I took from the event.

Thanksgiving table scape. That is actually a throw on the table!




Did you really think I would take all these pictures with not being in at least one?? Child please!


Glitzy table scape. This design would be for a buffet table because it would obstruct the view for people sitting across from each other. To flip this for a dining table, simple remove the wide pieces and keep the candles. Add some low vases with hydrangea and viola! Notice that the leaves are spray painted.

I took this pic because I love the set-up. What a perfect combination of modern (table) and traditional (sofa)


This is a good set-up for an entrance or as a focal point. Notice the varying height and textures?


That runner going down the table is actually left over curtain fabric. Use what you already have in your home!


Christmas theme with a playful touch. Yes people, that is real cotton.

That's a throw on the mantle. Just add height.


What a nice way to decorate your chairs. Just tie some fabric around them.

A large suction cup is used to stick the display on the mirror

Whew! This is a lot of information! I have to run, but check back later for more tips.

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Wednesday, November 17, 2010

DESSERT HEAVEN!

Ok, I am absolutely in LOVE with Amy Atlas's dessert tables. Her work is FANTABULOUS!! Please click here to see for yourself. You will see so many dessert table ideas for weddings, birthday parties, holiday parties, bar and bat mitzvahs... the list goes on! I think I've discovered a new found passion. I WILL make dessert tables!!!! I'm convincing my next client to do this!



Bobbette and Belle submitted the pictures below to Amy's website. This dessert table was prepared for a charity event. This is just down right gorgeous!






The decor for this event was classic, fresh, contemporary... just beautiful! Talk about inspiration. I can see myself sitting on the sofa in the living room, holding my tea cup while nibbling on a macaroon. I'm daydreaming now... ttyl!
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A Royal Wedding

I'm sure you all know by now that Prince William and Kate Middleton are finally engaged! Their wedding will take place next year and designers have already started creating sketches for her wedding dress! Click on the link below to view the sketches the designers submitted. Maybe you can show them to your local seamstress to have your very own Royal Wedding Gown made! HAHA!
http://bit.ly/aqINua

The Royal Couple

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Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Bridal Help!

Are you a Broke Ass Bride? Did I catch you off guard? Well... answer the question! If you are, visit Broke-Ass-Bride for creative out-of-the box ideas for your wedding. Dana and her team write about inspiring ways to save on those fancy things you want for your wedding. You will get a kick out of her website!

A new wedding site is coming to town and it's predicted to be some serious competition for MYOOX and Guilt Group. It's called THE AISLE NEW YORK, and it will service the $47 billion dollar wedding industry! The Aisle is a members only site and will offer one stop shopping for brides from every aspect of their outfit, to every aspect of their wedding. The Aisle has already established exclusive deals with luxury designers in the wedding industry. Can you say SALE!!! Go to their website and pre-register today! I'm excited about this site and I'm already married! To find out more, click here:
http://bit.ly/9axXFL
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How To Not Stress Over Your Wedding

I decided to blog about this topic based on experiences from my own wedding and comments I've heard from other brides. Planning a wedding can be so much fun yet sooo stressful at the same time! So many details are involved and I've realized, as brides, we sweat the small stuff! Take note of these tips:
  1. The Infamous Guest List: A wedding is about sharing YOUR day with your friends and family, not with random people you just met or people you haven't talked to in years... facebook does not count! Most of the random people who want to come to your wedding don't even want to be there for you. They are only interested in free food, drinks, and a good party! You should not feel bad for not inviting someone that you do not want to be there. Remember, it is your day. Plus everyone will not bring a gift anyway! I digress...
  2. You Cannot Please Everybody: Let me tell you, a wedding brings out the true colors and emotions in everybody! I'm talking about friends and family. Everyone wants to be involved in some way or another and they want to tell you how your wedding should be! You just have to brush this stuff off and try not to lose focus of why you are getting married.
  3. Details: A lot of brides stress over small details that no one will notice anyway. Seriously, who keeps wedding favors? No one noticed your personalized matches at your wedding... get my drift?!
  4. Wedding Theme: Your wedding is not a circus. I prefer to say wedding style than theme. Keep it simple and sweet and do not go overboard. Note: do not have more than 3 colors in your wedding decor. Any more will start looking tacky.
  5. KIDS: You do not have to have kids at your wedding if you do not want to. If the parents get offended, they should get over it. No one wants babies crying out during their ceremony!
  6. Do It Yourself: Have you found some hot new decor item that you want at your wedding but can't afford it? Try making it yourself! There are so many tutorial videos on the Internet, that you will find anything you want!
  7. Get The Groom Involved: I was fortunate enough to have a fiance who was interested in our wedding planning. Ask the groom what he likes. Make sure the wedding reflects his style as well so that he will want to help out. Remember, it's not just about the bride. Also, assign him some tasks so he can help you!
  8. Process of Elimination: Once you figure out your wedding style, start eliminating anything that doesn't reflect that. This will save your time and your sanity! When my husband and I were searching for a wedding venue, we already knew we wanted a modern wedding in the city. We did not visit venues outside of the city because that wasn't what we wanted. This saved us, what could have been, a huge headache in the long run.
  9. Stick To Your Budget: Develop a budget and stick to it! There are so many ideas for weddings, that it is easy to go over budget, but it's not worth it. Try to negotiate with your vendors as well. Most are willing to work with you to get your business. Plus, your guests will not even notice those random things you splurged on.
Just remember, do not lose focus of what's most important, your marriage! The wedding is one day. Do not put more energy into your wedding planning than you do your relationship during your engagement. Once the wedding is over and everyone is gone, it will be just you and your husband... the love of your life!
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Sunday, November 14, 2010

Cocktail Cupcakes!

My husband and I attended the 1 year anniversary for Cocktail Cupcakes last night at Buckhead Bottle Bar and we had a great time! These cupcakes are infused with your favorite cocktails, I'm talking real liquor people! Boy are they good! My favorite flavor is champagne. OMG Booth was in the house taking crazy pictures of anyone who dared to step in. OMG Booth is such a fun element to add to any party! Take a look at the pics below.

Me and my hubby


Brittany Elaine... The mastermind behind Cocktail Cupcakes

Candy Couture was also on the scene with a sweet display of their candy bar! More pics to come...
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Fall Weddings: 11 Glam Fall Wedding Ideas

Fall Weddings: 11 Glam Fall Wedding Ideas

http://www.theknot.com/

http://www.swsmag.net/


http://www.brides.com/

http://www.brides.com/

http://www.brides.com/

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Friday, November 12, 2010

Venue Spotlight

What a way to say "I do"! The Mansion on Peachtree is absolutely fabulous! It's an ultra-luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Buckhead. Lord knows I love anything with the word boutique! I'll let the pictures do the talking...








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Stylish Floral Design

Now this is what I call stylish! Check out the pictures below from SHOSHO DESIGNS. Shoshona, the owner, is a good friend of mine who does contemporary floral design and event decor. Her work is fabulous!

Photography: Blue World Studios



SHOSHO Designs Signature Cake Decor. The beautiful wedding cake is by Sweet Sensations.
Photography: Robin Gaucher Photography.
Photography by: WilGrant Weddings
 


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Thursday, November 11, 2010

Chaviano Couture

Need a custom gown? Contact Annette, the owner of Chaviano Couture http://www.chavianocouture.com/. Below is just a sample of her dresses that were debuted at Bridal Market in NYC October 15-18, 2010. Annette makes gorgeous gowns and has a beautiful spirit, you will enjoy working with her! Her work has been featured in Southern Weddings Magazine and Martha Stewart Weddings.



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Breakfast with a Twist!

Want to have a morning wedding with a breakfast reception but with a twist? How about having breakfast, tapas style! It will spice up your morning reception and will allow for major guest interaction. Just add a juice bar and you are all set! Aren't the pictures below just delish and of course stylish?!

Photo credits: http://www.swsmag.net/
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Babycakes

Would you reveal your baby's sex in a cake?? Well that's the new trend going on at baby showers and it's catching on pretty quickly. Here is how it works:

"The parents-to-be ask their doctor to write the baby's gender on a slip of paper and seal it in an envelope. Then they drop off the envelope at a bakery and ask the baker to whip up a pink or blue cake depending on the gender. The icing is white, so no one knows the secret — not even the parents — until the cake is cut." 
-Abigail Pesta (http://www.marieclaire.com/)

The cakes are causing a lot of controversy, but personally I love the idea! What a way to surprise everyone, and oh the anticipation! Some people think that it's going overboard to assume that everyone cares that much about the baby's sex. But who cares about what they think! I would do it, but I'm too nosey and would not be able to carry that envelope around without looking in it. But that's just me...

Hugs!
Rena
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Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Just having fun...

I heart these boutonnieres soooo much! They are so stylish and contemporary. If you want one, contact http://www.thesavagegarden.net/


These cupcakes look so good, I just had to post them. What a way to sweeten up any event!


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Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Bouquets with BLING!

Who needs a bouquet of flowers when you can carry a bouquet of bling?! Check out the Brooch Bouquets below from Etsy. These are for the brides who do not want to carry the traditional flowers down the aisle. These are some of my favs!


EmiciBridal
 

Inspirations by Ingrid
 

Inspirations by Ingrid



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Wednesday, November 3, 2010

CHUNK-A-LICIOUS!

Check out these chunky finds from Banana Republic. These bold pieces would go great with a simple dress for a holiday party or your wedding! http://www.bananarepublic.com/





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Roses and Tulips and Lilies! OH MY!

Brides, do you want flowers for your wedding but have no clue about the different varieties? Most brides think of their wedding and the only flowers that come to mind are roses and tulips! Some brides don't even want flowers at their wedding because of the expense and they feel like there are no flowers that reflect their style. YOU ARE WRONG! Flowers add a beautiful touch to any party. From simple to elaborate, you can find flowers that reflect your style and that are in your budget. When choosing flowers for your event, pick the flowers that are in season. Your florist can help you with this and you will save money.

Take a peak at this site to assist you with your flower selection, http://www.cutflower.com/. You can search for flowers by color, month, and category. Cut Flower is a wholesale company located in Atlanta, GA.

XO, Rena
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Tuesday, November 2, 2010

What a STATEMENT!

I love seeing a simple silhouette paired with a DRAMATIC statement piece. Check these out!
 

This model was featured in The Atlantan Magazine
 



Check out these sites for some Haute Bridal Fashions!







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