Winter in July (well June) :: Rustic + Cranberries

Although it is only June, we are already starting to plan parties and weddings for the winter season. I absolutly love the use of cranberries! A lot of these items are DIY and you can make as a centerpiece at home or at your wedding or event. What a great way to decorate your office for the holiday season then with some fresh cranberries and some birch? Here is a taste of some of the great winter inspiration coming your way as summer winds down... Enjoy!

{ I don't know where the pics are from since it was made at work. Credit due to anyone who took this great photos }

One For The History Books

As the new year begins and I start thinking about my past year and the year to come, I cannot stop thinking about how far America has come since its inception. In the events world so many people use historical places for receptions and parties. Being in Washington DC there are so many historical places with great stories and beautiful views. I want to share some of my favorite historical places for events in DC... please let me know some of your favorite historical places from your town!

George Washington's Mount Vernon: I used to love to go to Mount Vernon as a child and see the amazing rooms and run through the green grass. Located 16 miles from Washington DC, Mount Vernon is a popular location all year. The east lawn can be rented for events, as well as the educational center. I love the amazing view of the Potomac River from the lawn and the great history of the location. You can also have private tours for events or outings. Unfortunately, you can not have an event for political, fund-raising or personal (weddings), but you can for an organizational  get together. Also take a picnic and some friends and family and enjoy the day! visit http://www.mountvernon.org/ for more information and to speak with someone at the estate.

Thomas Birkby House: I have been to a couple of events at this location and I absolutely love it. This quaint house in Leesburg, VA has an amazing outdoor patio for all sorts of events. "The Carriage House, built in 1814, is a two-story brick building. It is where Thomas Birkby and his family, perhaps one of the last coach makers on the East Coast, practiced their trade until 1903. The Birkby's manufactured carriages, coaches and buggies on the second floor and kept their horses on the ground level." What great history that is quite uncommon in the DC area. There are so many different places on the property that you can host an event, from an inside business meeting to an outdoor garden wedding. Visit http://www.birkbyhouse.com/ for more information!  

Raspberry Plains: Although farther out in Leesburg, VA Raspberry Plains has a great location with a great view, great gardens and a great reception site. I am in love with their Grand conservatory and their gardens. The house was built in the colonial era and has stood the test of time. The location has picturesque views of rolling hills and brings the outdoors in. Definitely one of my favorite places just for the view. Visit http://www.raspberryplain.com/ for more information and pictures. 

I hope you enjoy the history lesson and some great ideas for an event or just a day out! Let me know some of your favorite historical places! 

Donut is the New Cupcake

Recently I saw a post about having donuts at your wedding for dessert. I absolutely love this idea since it is cheaper and more fun than the trend of cupcakes. Don’t get me wrong I love cupcakes and could eat them everyday if given the chance, but donuts are way more fun! You can either talk to your caterer about having the company make he donuts or just pay a ton the morning of your event from Krispy Kreme or another donut store. You can have different toppings for your donuts laid out, such as different sauces and some candies and nuts. Guests can have a customizable desert and have fun eating it as well. You can make donuts as classy or as down to earth as you want… making them a great versatile food item! If at all possible to get warm donuts that would be best! You can also get a variety of donuts with toppings on it already for guests to just choose from! If you caterer can make donuts have small appetizer size donuts with a variety of toppings and flavors for guests to choose from! I also started thinking about having donuts as the dessert at your rehearsal dinner if you want to have a traditional cake on the day of your wedding. You will save money and all your guests will enjoy the treat.

This idea is great if you are having an office meeting or a corporate event. How great to have warm donuts and different toppings before a long office meeting, not just a plain box of donuts. Or if you are having a small reception during the day, have donuts. Everyone loves something sweet during the day, and your guests will be surprised by something new and different.

Donuts don’t have to just be sitting in a box! You can get great plates or serving trays to have your donuts on! Or take the donut box to new heights by using a box in your event or wedding colors to display the donuts. Be creative with it and have fun as well. There are also some great companies in areas that make outlandish donuts with crazy toppings! These might be a little expensive to order, but look at their sites to get topping ideas!

Photos From:

http://my-wedding-concierge.com/bridal-fascinations/files/2010/09/The-Board-575x575.jpg

http://www.primadonnabride.co.za/

http://daily.wedshare.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/goumet_designer_wedding_donuts.jpg

http://www.dognbird.com/

http://bios.weddingbee.com/pics/27589/donuts.jpg

The Top 10 Things You Don’t Want Your Photographer to Miss

I have found this new profound love for photography and am working on shooting and light techniques. Although I may not be a super pro yet, there are many things during a wedding or event that you do not want your photographer to miss. Even the best photographer loses some points when not remembering to take these photos. Make sure you tell your photographer that you want these things to be captured, as well as make sure you have them available for them. Make sure your photographer captures all the important moments of you two together… but done forget these important mementos!

For a Wedding:

1. Picture of the Rings
2. Picture of the Brides Dress and Brides Maid Dresses
3. Picture of the Brides bouquet and Brides Maids bouquet and reception floral
4. Picture of the Brides shoes and Grooms shoes (separate and together)
5. Picture of the grooms/grooms men boutonniere
6. Picture of the Ceremony space (pulled back)
7. Picture of the Reception space (pulled back)
8. Picture of the reception table/menu cards
9. Picture of the escort cards
10. Picture of the wedding favors
11. Picture of the Wedding cake (and cake cutting of course)
12. Picture of the brides hair
13. Cocktail hour space (pulled back)

Last But Not Least… ask for some photos taken before getting ready of both men and women and get some quirky candid photos of the bridal party throughout the day.

{thanks to TheKnot.com for some quick inspiration}
{Photos from http://goslingphotographyblog.com/ }

For an Event:

1. Picture of the Event location (pulled back)
2. Picture of the Tables
3. Picture of the Escort cards (if any)
4. Picture of the Gifts (if any)
5. Picture of the Food and/or dessert/cake
6. Picture of the Important guests/speakers
7. Picture of sponsors information (if any)
8. Picture of the floral
9. Candid pictures during the final set-up/of workers during the event
10. Picture of any important locations during the event… bar area, any special tables or rooms
11. Lastly make sure you get pictures of signage and the invitation/thank you’s

Of course there are many great photographers all over the country, but people always forget some things. By talking to your photographer before the wedding or event and telling them specific things you ABSOLUTLY want pictures of you will get them and the photographer will make sure you get the best shot possible. Hopefully taking some great photos soon and posting them…keep an eye out!

Crazy Cakes

Have you been so consumed with your wedding planning you forgot about a gift for your new husband? Or have you planned your whole event and then forgot about doing something personalized and unique? Fears no longer… get a cake! I do not mean go to Costco and put your face on a cake… but get a unique 3-D cake that will blow your groom and/or guests away. I bet you have seen Cake Boss on TLC or Charm City Cakes on the Food Network; those are the type of cakes I am talking about! If you are really on a budget then it might not be the best idea to purchase a cake, but enlist the help of your baker friends and make it yourself.

If you are getting the cake as a grooms cake and gift, make it something that he loves or a place he enjoys. My friend had a cake for her groom who went to Ohio State as the Stadium! It was amazing and they used it at their rehearsal dinner. It is always a great surprise for a groom since most of the wedding focuses on the bride; he finally is the one getting a great gift! Being creative when it comes to a groom cake is the name of the game. Think hard about what he would like and what you would like. Don’t get him something you want and say “he always loves this.”

For an event, go big or go home! If you have the budget to spend why not! It can really make a huge difference and be the talk of the event. A grand cake can be used as the centerpiece for the event and can tie all of the different aspects together. If it is for a huge birthday, bridal shower or baby shower there are so many cute and semi cheap things you can do that will surprise the guest of honor and not your bank account.

Regardless of what the purpose of the cake is for it is a great idea. It is special and unique and will be the talk of your wedding or event! Talk to your catering company about doing a specialty cake, they may be able to make one themselves or know a good company.

Photos From:

www.charmcitycakes.com/gallery

http://carlosbakery.com/

http://www.nollycakes.co.uk/

Trick or Treat Smell My Feet

Halloween is a day to get dressed up and be someone else! From kids to adults, Halloween is always a fun time and allows you to decorate using scary and wild things. Here is an inspiration board for Halloween parties! I love how excited kids get about being able to walk around and show off their costumes and get candy! But seriously, who does not love candy? Weather you are throwing a party for your neighborhood, your work or a wedding, here are some great ideas! I love using the colors orange (obviously), black, purple and green. There is a way to make this Halloween colors less harsh, yet still get the same vibe! This holiday, especially if having a wedding or large event, allows you to be really creative and use things that are not traditional. Think about bring in some Halloween traditions such as carving pumpkins, trick or treating, spiders/spider webs, ghosts and black cats. You can even make the event more “fall” themed than Halloween themed. Bring in natural fall colors, as well as some Halloween colors and mix the two themes. I love the use of pumpkins, apples, treat bags and leaves. I hope you can incorporate some ideas into either your wedding or event! Happy Halloween!

www.potterybarn.com

http://www.polyvore.com/

http://projectbride.com/2009/10/31/halloween-isnt-for-a-wedding/ http://projectbride.comwww.projectbride.com

http://hubpages.com/hub/Halloween-Weddinghubpages.com/hub/Halloween-Wedding

mustloveweddings.blogspot.com

http://www.brendasweddingblog.com/

http://www.mygrafico.com/images/uploads/_iha107_/TShalloween2.jpg

ninareneedesigns.blogspot.com

http://www.thesweetestoccasion.com/

Gone Missing {Creative Table Numbers}

So even if people know what table they are supposed to be at, that does not mean they can find the table. Table numbers are a great way to add some individuality and creativity into your wedding in an inexpensive way. Sure you can go with the basic paper number and metal holder, which is not bad, but why not incorporate your theme or something you and your fiance love into the numbering. This goes for events as well, make the table numbers stand out and a conversation piece, not something bland and boring.
Choosing what you want to do for your table numbers can be a little daunting, but take it slowly and start thinking of any and every idea possible. Write them all down then go through your list and figure out what fits into your theme, what fits into your budget, if it can be made yourself or not. If you are between a few, try them out and see which on looks the best!
Here are some great ideas to start with:

1. For a rustic down-to-earth wedding/event: Use an old piece of wood, or a new piece you beat up, and paint the number on the wood. Easy and cheap, yet still fits into the theme.
2. A winery wedding: use wine bottles and stick the number where the label is
3. Don't number the tables at all, but call each table something different based on your theme. For example, a wedding based around music had the tables labeled by different artists names and used their album covers.
4. Use Mason Jars filled with sand, seashells, other items related to your wedding/event and either have the number on the jar or sticking out of the jar.
5. Use a nice designed paper for the numbers and have them framed on the table to add a little more glam and elegance on a budget.
6. Use old newspaper or photos and paint the number on. Either back it with cardboard or put it in a frame.
7. Use Pictures of you as a couple holding up the number of the table and put it in frames.
8. Use  book and have the number on the front of the book.
9. Get some large rocks and either use paint pen or hot glue on the table number
10. Use Letters instead of numbers or words and use either wood letters that you can find at a craft store or metal letters...may take a little digging around
11. Use a mirror or glass and paint the number onto it
12. Use a small cake with the number on it... this is great as well because every table as their own personal cake to eat!
13. Find cheap cute plates and put the number on them... then just stand them up using a plate holder
14. Put the number on the flower vase
15. Use a chalk board

This is just me rambling on with ideas! So do the same thing! Think about items in your home or in the world that you could use! Be creative and have fun doing it

Pictures from:
blog.indevents.com
http://www.oncewed.com/
gatorbride.com
TheKnot.com
http://inappropriatehappiness.blogspot.com/
http://www.jessicaclaire.net/
http://noteworthydesigns.blogspot.com/2009/03/unique-table-numbers.html http://www.katbramanphotography.com/
http://www.forgetmeknotweddingsblog.com/2010/04/rustic-diy-table-decor.html

Candy is Dandy

As promised I am letting you all know about another favorite reception food idea at weddings and any event. This one I have loved for a long time and even seen it done at some weddings, but TheKnot.com article reiterated my love...for CANDY! Can't think of a great guest favor? A Candy Bar is a great, easy, cheap and cute way to keep every guest satisfied. Just provide your guests with cute bag or boxes that have your wedding date or something about the wedding on them and have the guests fill them up with their favorite candy. You can have as many or as little variety due to your budget and want. Most caterers will supply you with jars and/or scoops for the candy. You can also find great jars and use ribbon in your wedding colors to tie around the jars. Make cute signs with each candy name and a sign telling your guests what to do. I also love this idea for a child's birthday party or even a corporate event... everyone goes giddy over candy!

Make the experience as if your guests are walking into a candy store where they can pick whatever they want! Find some great penny candy like pop rocks, candy rocks, button candy, Swedish fish, candy necklaces, etc. You can add in some of your favorite candy as well... like I love raisinets, sour patch kids and hot tamales. Plus, always have some of the classic candy choices: M&M's, skittles, starbursts. It is also a great way to incorporate some cultural candy if you or your fiance are from another country.

A lot of this candy can be bought in bulk and at wholesale prices. Plus, having some candy left over is NEVER a bad thing. You can always give the candy to other families in the neighborhood or donate it to a local troop or teacher. Or eat it all yourself : )

** Look at craft stores and online for bags. This is a great opportunity to save some money and just purchase personalized stickers and cheap candy bags and do yourself. Candy bags can be paper or plastic, but choose what you like and is easiest to fit your budget!

Pictures from: GetMarried.com (Ashley’s Bride Guide, Brideandgroom.com, Amy Atlas Old Fashion Candy Bar, Hannah Elaine Photography)

A Room With a View

On Tuesday, I worked an event at 101 Constitution Ave. in Washington, D.C. I have worked at this venue before and am just amazed by the view the rooftop terrace has. In D.C., and probably many other large cities, there are rooftop spaces for rent. I love being able to see a town from above and see sites you normally would not see anywhere else. Most place that have a rooftop view allow outside vendors and usually just rent the space out without dealing with tons of specifics. Depending on the place this may not be true, so always double check with a place. Washington, D.C. has a great skyline and great monuments to see from above. Places like Chicago, New York, Philly, San Diego, L.A., Miami, etc. would be great to have a rooftop corporate party or wedding.

I especially love using the rooftop terrace and view when having a corporate event. I believe it allows people who work in the area and live around the area to see a skyline not typically seen on a commute home. A corporate party with international or non-residence guests allows you to show off your city with pride and give them a view they will never forget. It is also great for a wedding, especially if it is a city you have lived in forever or grown up in. You will see the city in a whole new light, and a great skyline makes for great pictures.

If you are scared of heights, a rooftop terrace might not be for you, but otherwise it is a great way to still have a more formal reception or party while being outside and enjoying a sunset. A word of warning... these rooftop parties can become a little hectic if there is a large storm or if it is super super hot. The heat can be solved with lots of fans, but a storm will push everything inside. Talk to the venue and see if there is an area that the party can be moved if a storm hits.

There are so many options when it comes to choosing a venue. Make sure the venue has all the element you want in your event/wedding and that you can choose certain aspects yourself. Always visit a venue to see it in person if you like what it looks like in pictures (some pictures can make a place look really great when it is not). And always love whatever you choose to do...

Here is so venues with Terraces:

NYC: http://hudsonterracenyc.com/events/ ; http://www.abigailkirsch.com/Locations.htm

Chicago: http://www.millenniumpark.org/privaterentals/rooftop/index.html ; http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/meetings/index.html?propertyID=2005

Philly: http://topofthetower.com/

Washington DC: http://www.hayadams.com/rooftop-terrace-meetings.php ; http://topofthetown.net/ ; http://www.101constitution.com/About.aspx

L.A: http://www.chamberlainwesthollywood.com/meetings-events/rooftop.html ; http://www.hiltoncheckers.com/meetings_roof.php