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 }

Think Ahead of Time

I hope everyone is having a great holiday season and enjoying eating all the yummy treats and cookies! I know I am! This winter season you may be sick of shopping and spending money, but give it a week and go shopping with all the sales! If you know you are planning on having a huge personal holiday party or a winter party in January and February or a winter wedding, took advantage of all the post-holiday sales! Some places don't have a large large selection but always look for items that you know you will want to purchase. It is also a great idea to purchase items for the next year if you know you were missing a certain piece! Stores and online also have great sales on other items as well. Going to a wedding in the next couple of months and know what the couple wants or what you want to give them... don't procrastinate and get it while it is on sale.
When the time comes that you need to purchase items for a party or gifts and you have already done so, you will be relaxed and happy (Also know you have a birthday coming up, get their gift on sale).
I know many of you might be saying... well duh! of course I want to get things on sale and early, but not everyone actually does it! Take advantage of everything and get ahead of the game! You will be happy when your event or wedding comes around and you cannot find that item you loved, but since you already bought it, no worries!

I hope everyone has a Happy Holidays!

Picture: http://styletips101.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/xmas-shopping-girl.gif

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

With some places in the United States already receiving snow... it only seemed necessary to begin looking at the wonder that is a winter wedding. Just because it is snowy and cold outside does not mean you need to sacrifice your creativity or love for the outdoors. I love the softness and innocence of winter... the crisp whites, browns and greens of the evergreen tress. If you have ever seen the show "friends" you know about the amazing winter wedding of Phoebe (I watched that episode last night... no wonder i cannot get it off my mind). If you don't want to have an outdoor wedding and reception do you wedding pictures or engagement pictures outside in the snow. They look gorgeous! Engagement pictures by Alyssa Ann Photography.

If you are thinking about having an outdoor winter snowy wedding you can really use any kind of colors you want. Go for softer colors for a more romantic and soft feel or bold colors that pop. Make sure you and all your guests have good coats and use heaters around the tent our ceremony location. Also have fun... Use the snow in creative ways and don't let it damper the wedding but make it more lively and interesting. Here are some great pictures I love of winter weddings... Also don't plan a winter snowy wedding in a place you know will probably not have snow. These types of weddings make better sense in an area that gets a lot of snow and knows how to effectively deal with it!

Photos From:

http://www.jessicaclaire.net/

http://www.charlottegeary.com/

http://robinroemer.com/

http://grazierphotography.blogspot.com/

http://www.oncewed.com/7754/diy-wedding/reception-tables/diy-kitschy-winter-table/

http://frostyweddings.blogspot.com/

http://www.mydreamwedding.ca/

http://www.tristalerit.com/

http://www.thingsfestive.com/