holiday party ideas (and hot chocolate cupcakes)

casasugar.com
Love these hanging glass lanterns. How beautiful would these look inside or outside hanging above your reception table. 

Greenweddingshoes.com
Love all this red and green holiday party decor. 

Marthastewartwedding.com
More hanging lanterns.

Greenweddingshoes.com
An adaption to the traditional holiday or Christmas party table decor. Dare to be different?

Greenweddingshoes.com
Edible ornaments and hot chocolate flavored cupcakes. YUM!

Fun creative ways to spice up your holiday party. I would love to try one of those hot chocolate flavored cupcakes. I bet they are delightful. I also just adore the lanterns, they are so elegant and charming. The would make any space come to life as they would add light as well as height to the room. But make sure you use battery powered candles because re-lighting those at a party would be a pain.  I'm headed to Sun Valley Idaho and Park City Utah at the end of the week to celebrate the Christmas season. Hopefully I'll gain inspiration from all the snow covered trees and Christmas spirit! Merry Christmas and God Bless. 

Merry Christmas

Red Glass Delish.com. table knot.com

bride and groom jaredwilsonphotography.com

roses bhg.com, dresses detailswedidng.com

Here are a few of my favorite holiday and winter party/wedding ideas. Enjoy!  Short and sweet today friends!

Add A Little Color...

Style Unveiled.com

Style Unveiled.com

Style Unveiled.com

Style Unveiled.com

Style Unveiled.com

Now everyone has their own style, but I've been seeing recent weddings where no color is present. It's a simple white table cloth, no flowers, no candles, the only color on the table is the spilled red wine stains left on the tablecloth.  Some may say extravagant flowers or decor isn't in their budget, but I'm here to tell you that it is possible on a budget. Lets look at the examples above....

Look how colorful those tables make such a statement and when you look closer you see that the flowers sit in simple mason jars, El Pato tomato sauce cans, and even empty Cholula hot sauce bottles. Also note that there isn't alot of flowers, each arrangement only has 3 flowers and they are very inexpensive flowers. However at least having some color on the tables transform the simple white table cloths into a colorful reception.

The second example is a bit extravagant, but look at all the colors the florist adds together to make this arrangement truly unique, I'm not staying this has to be on every table, maybe it is a arrangement that sits are the entrance of your event.  The third example is from the same wedding what I wanted to focus on instead of having pedals sprinkled all over the aisle, try putting them into a unique design, or have them be in the initials of the couple.

The fourth example I love, what a simple touch that is so memorable. A old suit case filled with with crayons and a wedding color book. Let me tell you this is VERY inexpensive, it provides color and adds to the decor and it will help entertain the kids for awhile.

Lastly the fifth example, look at all the colors that combined. Wine colored table cloths, green chair bows, pink flowers, simple tall vases with sticks, as well as white plates and green napkins. I love how they weren't afraid to use multiple colors, they broke the idea that you have to use white table cloths. I also love the sticks in the tall vases, yes I'd be cool if those vases were filled with colorful flower arrangements, however the sticks provide height to the tables, they are unique and most of all inexpensive and add to the rustic outdoor decor.

No more excuses for no flowers or decorations at your event, cause I'm hear to help you with suggestions that are cost friendly and unique.

wedding book alternatives

Wish Tree
My 10Kwedding

Forumwedding.com

Knot.com

offbeatbride.com

PictureThatPhotography

So I've been asked a lot lately about wedding books, people tend to be getting away from having guests sign a wedding book. So I decided to find some ideas.  I'd also like to share a few other ideas I've seen.  First I'll talk about the ideas on the blog, the wish tree I think is a great idea and it adds to the reception decorations. Just have guest place their tag on the tree after writing the couple some well wishes. 

Another fun idea for a outdoor is for guest to sign rocks, then place the rocks in a clear vase, this can be something to then decorate your home with. It is something significant and meaningful that also adds decoration to your reception as well as something to put in a living room or kitchen in your home.

The wine bottles are fun. If it is large wedding you could have a few bottles, then have it to be a tradition to open a bottle on each anniversary.  I'd be worth investing in good bottles of wine to open over the next 5 years of marriage, not only would the bottle be a special treat but looking over all the names would be a great way to remember your special day.

Lastly, a few ideas I've seen that are fun are coffee table books. Simply buy a coffee table book of a place that's special to the couple, like where they are honeymooning, where they got engaged, their favorite sports team, etc. Place the coffee table book at the reception and have guest sign away, then it is something you can always display at your home.

Another idea I think was great was from my friend Kari and Cam's wedding, they had lived in a ski town and they got old wooden skis and had guest sign the wooden skis, that can then be displayed in their home. They are meaningful to them as well as something they will always hold on to.

Who needs the traditional wedding book, when you can created other fun ideas.

Venue Pick: Kiona Winery

Outside photo of Kiona Winery

Awesome deck, amazing view, and a great place for a dance floor!

Look at that view, wouldn't you love to have dinner in this room looking out over the vineyards?
Photos: Mark Haffner

Last Friday I went out to tour Kiona Winery,  I had been in contact with Jeri out there and was so excited to take a tour. I must say I was impressed, not only was the view amazing, but the building is pretty amazing. Not to mention the downstairs barrel room (to die for).  The large patio would be perfect for a a band to set up and for guest to dance their night away.  They welcome any catering and have a large kitchen that can accommodate a catering company perfectly. The tasting area can be transformed with bistro tables for the perfect area for dinner.  The best part is the price range, their price point is one of the best in the area. Why get married at a hotel when you could have this view to look out at and have a unique winery wedding? (and I guarantee you Kiona's cheaper than most hotels)

Not to mention at the end of our hour long tour Jeri let me do a tasting, I fell in love with their 2006 Lemberger wine, when I looked up the cost online this week I found out it was only $12 a bottle when buying directly from the winery. Such a smooth tasting wine with such a great price.

All in all I was so impressed by Kiona Winery and mostly with their customer service that Jeri provided. I really hope to do an event there in the future, feel free to check out their website

http://www.kionawine.com/

as well as find them on facebook
http://www.facebook.com/kionawine

Traditional Chair Covers, NO WAY!

The Classic Chair Cover.
chairishtheoccasion.com

Garden chairs with rented cushions.
Mulberry Photography via Polka Dot Bride

Buy some tulle, but don't tie the tradition bow, spice it up by weaving it in and out of the chair.
The Knot.

Tulle in another nontraditional way, instead of the giant bows simply lay it over the back and play with it to create a unique look.
bridalpartytees.com

Or get away for the whole chair idea and rent big lounge sofas.
Cachicdesigns.com

My blog post was inspired by this weekend at the bridal show in the Tri-Cities.  I saw a lot of rental companies offering chair covers and sashes, but they all had them tied traditionally in a formal setting. I agree sometimes traditional chair covers in a ballroom can look stunning, but for an outdoor wedding or a fun summer weddings, why not try something different. Above are some different ideas instead of the traditional white chair cover and colored sash. I found two ways to take tulle and create your own idea with either twisting the tulle through the chair or simply laying the tulle over the chair then adding a few knots.

The other cool things I found was why not rent some cool metal garden chairs and add brightly colored chair cushions, I think it makes a garden party look so elegant. Or splurge for your guest to sit in style on some outdoor furniture.

I am so glad to be back in the Tri-Cities but get frustrated with some of the ideas we are caught up in, it's ok to break tradition, to try something new and fun.  I had a great conversation with the owners of Moore Mansion they have invested in some awesome plastic (stone looking) outdoor furniture, it is modern and elegant.  It's just nice seeing someone try something different and breaking from the expected. That is what I'm trying to do with these blog post, is try and give you some ideas to think about, ideas to make your event stand out, and for your event to look unique for all your guests to remember.

bright ideas!

Love the green and purple together 

Unique Cake, simple yet stunning. 

Candy Buffet. Good for a bridal shower, birthday party, or wedding. 

Any kid or adult would go nuts for the brightly colored dessert table 

LOVE, great idea for a center piece if you didn't want to use all fresh flowers

This is really a do it yourself idea. 

The past few days have been a bit crazy and to be honest dark. After a death in the family and planning a funeral I decided to do a post that was fun, bright, and cheerful.  I got most of the ideas from hostesswiththemostess.com. Whoever runs this website does a awesome job with really creative ideas, that are easy to do and some are fairly inexpensive. I adore the candy buffets, they give a dull room some pop. Have a great week friends, it's a busy one for me, but I wanted to do at least one blog post this week.

Cheers

Jessica!

Fun Party Treats and Ideas

Pashmina baskets.... GENIUS!

As we should know flip flop baskets are a must for tired dancing feet, however so are pashmina baskets. For those evening events or fall weddings this is the perfect way to keep guests cozy on the dance floor.
Photo credit: Heidi Ryder

I love the lounge idea, I was at a wedding in Seattle that had a lounge area next to the dance floor it was a perfect place to grab a seat and enjoy your drink while chatting with friends. Then be rested up to hit the dance floor for the next song. There is also so much you can do with the lounge areas, decorating them with unique lighting throw pillows etc. This will turn any event into looking like guests just walked into a New York City club.
Photo Credit: Altamodabridal

I also love the lounge areas during cocktail hour. If you are having an outdoor event or cocktail hour this is great way to go instead of using high bistro/ cocktail tables. This makes guest feel comfortable and tends to get people to sit around and chat with other guests. 

Street vendors are a great idea for late night food. Taco trucks and hot dog stands will surprise guest and give them extra fuel to keep dancing the entire night.
Photo Credit: flickr

So when I was living in Sun Valley I became obsessed with Sofia Champagne cans, the perfect drink after you've been skiing all day or the perfect chairlift drink (since it comes with a straw). I was searching the Internet for these cans and I came upon this photo. This couple used the mini champagne cans as place card and as a cocktail guests could enjoy while finding their tables to sit at. Great idea in my eyes.
Via Knot

This last photo uses the Sofia cans in a different way, who needs to rent champagne flute for a toast when you can have mini champagne cans with straws.  A slight twist on elegance, but I just love how this photos captures these little cans being served on a silver platter by a waiter in a tux. And off the record, they taste delicious so don't be throw off because of the cans.
Photo credit: Bride Guide

Today I decided to do a post which gave viewers some new ideas that haven't been seen before.  This is what I love about my job, finding new creative ideas that will WOW guests. Some yes are expensive however if you rent outdoor lounge furniture you won't need cocktail tables, a taco truck here in eastern Washington is very inexpensive, and the mini champagne cans run about $2.50 a can (whole sale), but honestly they are just so great it could be something you splurge on.

Go Huskies (tailgating fun)

Purple and Gold Baby

Loved this Iris and Yellow Tulip Bouquet
From arenaflowers.com

Football cookies a MUST at any football event

Purple and Gold Candy love how they make the table look so festive.
sweetchicevents.com

Make your own bloody mary, DUH!
joshthomsen.com

I just wanted to do a fun tailgating post in honor of husky football (sorry cougs). I love the iris bouquet, they are such beautiful flowers.  However my favorite favorite thing is the make your own bloody mary bar, I had one this past weekend in Park City Utah and I thought what a fun idea for not only for tailgating, but also for a sunday brunch or post wedding breakfast.  Enjoy your weekend and lets cheer on those Washington Football Teams. (even the cougs I guess)

Fall is Here!

Row 1: popcorn balls blisstree.com. table setting hostesswiththemostess.com
Row 2: sticks and flowers hostesswiththemostess.com, cran apple cobbler hostesswiththemostess.com, autumn centerpieces country living.
Row 3: wheat country living, invites hostesswiththemostess.com, apples liweddings.com

I just love everything about fall since orange is one of my favorite colors. My inspiration board today is a fall party board. The colors are muted, yet beautiful when they all come together. I also loved using wheat as a centerpiece, being a farmers daughter and being raised around wheat, I never saw it's potential and beauty, but add a ribbon and you have yourself a simple yet elegant centerpiece. Hope everyone had a great labor day weekend.  

Brittney and Bret

I tried to snap a few shots before we began.

Loved the white chairs with the orange bows!

Awesome chandelier. I'm a huge fan of using chandeliers outside. However no where really rents them in the Tri-Cities

Mother of the Bride did a WONDERFUL job decorating the gazebo. 

The most wonderful Bride, so calm and collected.
BRET AND BRITTNEY

I had a wonderful time doing day of coordinating for Bret and Brittney's wedding. Everything went perfect despite all the fair traffic that delayed some of the guests.  Overall, it was a blast, even though I don't think I sat down for 10 hours, but hey that's how weddings go! My favorite part of the wedding was the gazebo that Brittney's mom Janae decorated, it was stunning how she transformed it.  I also loved the chandelier that hung at the front alter, if I decide to ever get into rentals, the first thing I'm buying are some cool chandeliers, they totally transform at wedding. 

Logos

Sara Nelson Design has finished my logos and here they are. I'm so very pleased and excited. Just wanted to share with you! Enjoy your weekend.
-Jessica