Something Blue.

My Mom forwarded me this blog post from a website in Scottsdale. I just loved this take on a party, the blue tones are so fun. I love the milkshakes that were served, that's such a fun idea. How cool would it be to serve your wedding cake or cupcakes with a mini milkshake. YUMMY! Enjoy the blue touches. I'm off to Arizona today to celebrate my Dad's birthday, hopefully I'll find some more inspiration when I'm there. Have a wonderful weekend folks.

All photos courtesy of azcentral.com

http://www.azcentral.com/style/hfe/entertain/articles/2010/04/07/20100407blue-bridal-shower-ideas.html?page=6

Hanging decorations

harvey designs

one source weddings

on sugar

I saw an article in Town and Country Wedding magazine that had the most beautiful hanging decorations. I decided to go on the quest to look for new and exciting things to hang from the ceiling or a tent. The top photo is a chandelier covered in flowers, it is stunning.

The second photo is the  first letter of the last name of the new couple. You can get these letters at michaels craft store and you can covered them flowers (ordered from costco). It really adds something to the reception area, you can have it hanging from the ceiling or even in the front of the head table.

The third photo is a beautiful table setting, love the metal candle holder covered with white orchids the only thing that would make this perfect would be some purple or blue uplighting (which platinum DJ services here in the Tri Cities offers)

The last photo I'm obsessed with, this looks like a New York party, notice the blue uplighting, the LACK of chair covers (thank you) they instead opted to rent nicer chairs, the chandelier with elegant candles that hangs from the ceilings.  And of coarse the amazing flowers that are perched high on each table, this is my ideal reception or party.

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