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Santa-Approved Recipes for Christmas Morning

Despite being 24-years-old, I still act like a child on Christmas morning. I wake up first and impatiently twiddle my thumbs until the rest of my family is up and it’s time to open presents. But instead of twiddling my thumbs this year, I’m going to keep myself busy cooking up one of these delicious breakfast recipes. From gingerbread cinnamon rolls to eggnog donuts, these yummy treats will definitely be in the running for best present!

Ricotta Pancakes with Maple-Bourbon Whipped Cream

You can never go wrong with pancakes, but pancakes on Christmas should be special! These festive alternative ads some extra flavors to your merry morning

Get the recipe here!

Healthy Orange, Almond + Cocoa Nib Muffins

Christmas season sends to send your eating habits overboard, and if you’re avoiding starting the day off with a sugar comma these muffins definitely don’t skip out on festive flavor! You’ll feel good and fueled with what you ate, but with a tasty treat.

Get the recipe from our friends at Lark & Linen here!

Gingerbread Yogurt Waffles with Powdered Sugar Glaze

An alternative, merrier version of the OG waffle, these Gingerbread waffles are a win-win Christmas morning.

Get the recipe from our friends at Melanie Makes here!

Cranberry Orange Whole Wheat English Muffin Bread

This is what we like to call a “hand-held” breakfast that can be consumed **while opening presents.

Get the recipe from our friends at With Salt & Whit here!

Eggnog Donuts with Bourbon Butter + Spiced Sugar

Just reading the flavor profiles of these donuts is making our mouths water. Seriously, you could not imagine a more festive way to start the day.

Get the recipe from our friends at Lark & Linen here!

Cream Cheese Swirled Gingerbread Loaf

If you’re looking for a pattern here, take an everyday breakfast option, add ginger to it and we’re sold. This loaf is no exception.

Get the recipe from our friends at A Happy Food Dance here!

Gluten-free Spiced Cranberry Orange Scones

A little GF intolerance should in no way take away from your festivities, and these delicious spiced orange scones prove just that.

Get the recipe here!

French Toast in a Mug

This recipe is not only “hand-held” but it’s brilliantly mobile.

Get the recipe here!

Eggnog Bread with Rum Glaze

Eggnog is a secret powerhouse flavor of the Christmas season, and when you put it in pillowy bread form and top it with a Rum Glaze, it’ll knock your socks off.

Get the recipe from our friends at Well Plated by Erin here!

Classic Cinnamon Rolls

There nothing more classic than an ooey-gooey fresh hot cinnamon roll on Christmas morning. So when in doubt, go for the classic!
Get the recipe here!

Christmas Morning Recipes
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Christmas Morning Recipes
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More Holiday Recipes

Christmas Cocktails | Delicious Peppermint Recipes | Hot Cocoa Cupcakes

Laine & Layne Holiday Home Tour

If ever there was a home that embraced the idea of an intentional design, of carefully curated and thoughtfully planned decor, Laine & Layne’s gorgeous Wintry home does to a T. And we couldn’t be more excited that they are opening their doors to SMP and giving you guys a little glimpse into their beautiful, family first world. Oh and if you aren’t already stalking them on insta … you should definitely start now. It’s pic after pic of the most lovely life (and home) ever.

From Laine & Layne…When decorating our home for the holidays, Justin and I really try and stick to our simple design aesthetic by incorporating natural elements and staying true to our neutral color palette. This year, we used fresh cut Cyprus branches from our yard, eucalyptus, cedar garland, fern and olive branches throughout to add a little fresh greenery to each room. 

ENTRY

Stacks of firewood, wisps of greenery, gorgeous well worn textiles all set the tone from the moment you arrive, to the moment you sink into their perfect sofa.

MANTLE

The fireplace is the natural focal point for Laine & Layne’s holiday decor and to showcase it, they stuck with natural elements like fallen chestnuts in the bowl on the hearth, freshly cut Cyprus branches from their own trees and for a touch of handmade whimsy, they hand strung popcorn against their fresh Fraser Fir.

The gorgeous candlesticks and tone on tone striped stockings are from @mcgeeandco and add an element of all out luxe to the otherwise casual vibe. Love, love, love.

LIVING ROOM

In the history of SMP Living, there has never been a living room that we wanted to sink into more – a great book, a glass of wine and a pretty fire? Heaven. Right here on earth. While Laine & Layne are continually awe and inspiring us, their holiday living room – filled with warmth and goodness – totally wins the prize for most beautiful room ever.

The Loloi Rugs, the Elizabeth Hale throw blanket, the white on white on white …well, they are everything.

But perhaps the most notable element of this space, is the restraint and exquisitely curated design. From the delicate frame to the elegant pedestal table, from the greenery to the subtlety of the barn doors – every last detail seems thoughtful and intentional.

BEDROOM

Simplicity reigns Queen in the L & L household. Where good design is married with quality finishing and nothing more is needed than a few happy people. Which they seem to have in fours. Love, loving the delicate greenery framing the bedroom window.

“We incorporated beautiful wool pillows to our bed and living room for added texture and coziness this winter season. No matter your design aesthetic, it really is easy to stay true to it and to keep your home cohesive and comfortable even during the holidays with the added decor.”

Mixing wood tones helped to add dimension to all of the L & L spaces – which isn’t an easy feat! Sticking to raw, natural tones with cool hues meant that the varying wood colorings all worked cohesively together in a way that feels warm and inviting and begs you to stomp around in the coziest of socks.

KITCHEN

The most beautiful kitchen ever. With nods to rustic and whispers of industrial, this space is a study in neutral perfection.

Open air shelving gives the space room to breath while simultaneously showcasing perfectly curated housewares and books that the family uses. Proof that keeping a tight color palette and really knowing your style is the key to nailing the “open” shelf vibe.

“We asked Marble & Pine to create a beautiful arrangement inside a vintage dough bowl for a casual but statement centerpiece.”

Thank you so very much to Laine & Layne for opening their holiday doors to us! We are more inspired than ever (maybe a little frantic) to design our home with intention. To be thoughtful about what we bring in our doors. To build a space that is as beautiful as it is meaningful.

Happiest of holidays to everyone!

Design: Laine Layne | Florals: Marble Pine | Holiday Decorations: Studio McGee | Rugs: Loloi Rugs | Wool Pillows: Territory Design

5 Delicious + Gorgeous Cakes That Are Perfect For Christmas Dessert

We’re not here to protest Christmas cookies by any means. Who doesn’t love Christmas cookies?! We all do! In fact, because so many people love them, they are everywhere during the holidays. While no one would complain if you brought extra cookies to a party, we thought that it might be nice to mix it up with a Christmas cake this year.

These cakes are the perfect dessert to bring to a holiday party or Christmas dinner! They look pretty and taste delicious, so what more could anyone really ask for? If you’re hosting a gathering this holiday season, your guests will be so impressed when they walk in and see one of these pretty cakes sitting on a cake plate. It’s the little touches that make this season feel so festive and special. The little, delicious touches!

5 Cakes That Are Perfect For Christmas
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5 Cakes That Are Perfect For Christmas
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Style Me Pretty Contributor – Carly Robinson is a freelance writer and the gal behind The Cozy Curator, a blog that features all things life+ style. She lives in Hoboken, NJ with her husband. She considers herself a ‘modern hostess’ because she loves entertaining but doesn’t like all of the old school pressure that comes with it. Carly is a rookie wife, an ‘attainable fashion’ fan and a lover of food.


App CTA

App CTA


Photography: Carly Johnson

A Heritage-Infused Hygge Wedding at Holman Ranch

What do you get when you mix Thai culture and Peruvian influence with Danish style? THIS WEDDING. Natalie Choi Events set out to create an event experience that joined the couple’s unique backgrounds and love for Danish design – and boy did she nail it. From a zen garden hanging installation at their indoor ceremony dreamed up by Lambert Floral Studio, to a minimalistic tented reception that was the definition of hygge. See all the details at the full gallery – captured by Amanda Crean!

Inspired by Stephanie & Calvin’s families and heritage, we pulled from Stephanie’s Peruvian background and Calvin’s Thai culture to frame our design for their wedding. Having also spent time living in Cophenhagen, they wanted their wedding to be influenced by the minimalistic, clean lines that characterize Danish design. We set out to create an event experience that would celebrate the joining of their beautiful cultures and backgrounds. We carried this theme of “east meets west” throughout their entire day, beginning with the hanging zen garden installation – an idea that was actually birthed by our florist, Lambert Floral Studio, when brainstorming alternative ideas over the phone together the week of Stephanie & Calvin’s wedding once we realized our original plan would have to be scrapped due to rainy weather. 

The mossy, hellebore-adorned “kokedama” balls were designed to float around our bride and groom as they exchanged their vows. Following the ceremony, guests sipped on cocktails designed to reflect their Peruvian-Thai and Danish inspiration, with fun names such as the “Hygge Old Fashioned” and “Muay Thai Punch”. Guests were invited to find their seating assignments at our tabletop zen garden escort display, and were greeted with champagne as they entered the Rose Patio for dinner. 

Inspired by Stephanie & Calvin’s love of sailing and the ocean, a pale blue linen was selected for their table, which was also reflected in the cake designed by Jasmine Rae that depicted blooms tossed in the ocean waves. Our floral palette was bursting with color – electric purples, zany greens, moody hellebores, and luscious garden roses which danced on the table, set in handmade ceramic vessels. We kept the rest of our tablescape minimal, with sleek gold flatware and matte grey plates, to let our florals be the star of the show. 

Danish wishbone chairs were selected as an organic finishing touch to our tablescape. As a nod to Calvin’s Thai heritage, a lotus flower motif was incorporated into all of their paper goods, from their invitation suites to their menus. Guests were treated to a multi-course meal selected by the bride & groom to reflect their cultures, featuring dishes seasoned with Peruvian and Thai spices. Before the sun set (and during a moment when the sun came out!), our photographer Amanda Crean whisked Stephanie & Calvin away to capture romantic portraits as husband and wife. 

Photography: Amanda Crean | Videography: Patrick Ang | Floral Design: Lambert Floral Studio | Cake: Jasmine Rae Cakes | Catering: Paradise Catering | DJ: Sound In Motion | String quartet: Bellarosa String Quartet | Wedding Venue: Holman Ranch | Bartending: Pour Girl | Design & Planning: Natalie Choi Events | HMUA: Makeup By Quis | Linen: BBJ La Tavola | Paper Goods: Gatherie Creative | Photobooth: Chroma Photobooth | Rentals: The Chiavari Guys | Signage: Ettie Kim Calligraphy + Design

Family Traditions You Can Start this Holiday Season

The holidays are always packed with parties and outings but sometimes the best memories are made right at home. Get inspired to add a few family traditions to your itinerary this Holiday season. From perfecting your sugar cookie game to indulging in a day of holiday movies, let Sassy Soirees’ adorable family inspire you to add some special treats to your festivities with photos by Daniel Kim.

I absolutely loved the idea of capturing my family during the holidays in our home. Often times I sit back and try to remember what my tree looked like growing up or I would give anything to have non-posed pictures of my siblings and I decorating Christmas cookies.

Daniel and I were working a wedding together when I told him this, and he LOVED the idea of doing a Christmas lifestyle shoot. What better way to capture your family’s decor and traditions. I hope my kids will treasure these pictures forever because I know I will!

Fun Traditions to Add to Your Holiday Festivities

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1. Have a Christmas Cookie Baking Session

Sugar cookies, gingerbread men… we’re talking the whole shebang. And if you are on the hunt for a few good recipes, this round-up of holiday cookies is a must read.

2. Gift matching PJs for the whole fam.

It doesn’t get much cuter than the whole clan in matching pajamas. Find a whole slew of Family Holiday PJs right here.

3. Host a Holiday Movie Marathon

From the Holiday to Elf and Christmas Vacation, gather your favorites and prepare for a festive movie day in.

4. Create a Gourmet Hot Cocoa Bar

Kick your standard hot cocoa up a few gourmet notches with fun additions and toppings. Find our favorite Hot Cocoa combos here!

5. Add a little Holiday Cheer to Your Go-to Cocktail

From decorating your bar cart with holiday cheer to whipping up a seasonal sip, nothing says Merry, Merry quite like a signature cocktail. We’ve rounded up a whole bevy of ideas if you’re on the hunt. Peruse our Holiday Cocktails here.

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Hot Chocolate Recipes
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Hot Chocolate Recipes
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Photography: Daniel Kim Photography | Cake: Ruze Cake House | Makeup: Stephanie Neiheisel | hair: Mohawks & Messy Buns | Calligraphy: Tenn Letters | Interiod Design: Sassy Soirees

The Cutest Ways to Count Down to St. Nick’s Arrival

Advent Calendars have come such a long way since the mini drug store versions of my youth. Which I loved by the way. Poke a hole, grab a chocolate and you’re that much closer to the Santa Clause party. What’s not to love about that? If you’re on the hunt for something a bit more hand crafted and personalized, look no further than these 16 DIY versions for counting down to St. Nick.

DIY Advent Calendars
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DIY Advent Calendars
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Speaking of St.Nick, check out more Holiday inspired goodies…

Beautiful DIY Gift Wrap
Essentials for the Ultimate Holiday Survival Guide
11 Easy Ways to Save + Budget for Holiday Shopping

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Up Your Cold Weather Curb Appeal with this DIY Winter Wreath

Wreaths aren’t just for the holidays. We come from the camp that wreaths can adorn your door all year long if styled right. This pretty DIY from AvaFlora + Cadence Kennedy  is super easy to recreate and bonus, it’s adorned with the loveliest velvet ribbon.  So go ahead and get your wreath on with this winter version that will take your cold weather curb appeal to the next level.

Materials

Floral Clippers
Ribbon Shears
Wire
Green Floral Sticks
Grape Vine Wreath
2-3 Varieties of greens (either evergreens and eucalyptus or both!)
Pine Cones
Tallow Berries
Velvet Ribbon

instructions


Determine the shape of your design. Decide if you prefer a traditionally styled wreath or a design that is more organic and whimsical. The possibilities are endless so try to envision the direction of your design first. We love to create wreaths that are natural with an asymmetrical shape and using grape vine as a frame easily helps achieve that look.


Select your greens. We recommend mixing it up with different varieties of both evergreens and eucalyptus. Not only do they dry well they also have delicious fragrances. In this wreath we used a combination of coned cedar, shore pine, and eucalyptus with pods.


Select your embellishments. Elements such as pine cones, silver bell pods and tallow berries are some of our top favorites! They are seasonal, enhancing a natural, wintery look. If you are using pine cones it is helpful to wrap wire around the bottom of the pine cone, twist the wire tight, and then wrapping the wire to a green floral stick to create a stem.


Starting with your greens, insert 4-5″ worth of stem length into the weaving of the grape vines. Be sure to insert your greens on an angle so that the stems are secure. Once all of your greens are in place add your embellishments in groupings or clusters in a few spots throughout the wreath.


The last step is to finish off your design with some beautiful ribbon. Velvet ribbons are our go-to for the holiday season. We love to either tie the ribbons from the top or the bottom of the wreath with a simple knot, letting the streamers hang.

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Colorful Front Door Inspo
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Colorful Front Door Inspo
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Photography: Cadence Kennedy Photography Collection | Floral Design: AvaFlora

Proof That Embracing Your Natural Beauty on Your Wedding Day Is Key

When it comes to wedding day beauty, one things for sure… you’ll never regret going natural. Today’s gorgeous bride embraced her natural locks and kept her makeup look minimal – completely taking our breath away with her timeless style. It’s so important to be able to look back on your wedding photos in 30+ years and see, well… YOU! For tons of inspiration, including a fine art palette and floral magic from Esther Lamarche Design Floral, don’t miss the full gallery of imagery  – all taken by Daria Lorman Photography!

From Daria Lorman PhotographyThis wedding inspiration was planned and designed by Daria Lorman and Esther Lamarche to inspire the couples thinking about a small private-estate wedding. Two gorgeous designer gowns with a touch of color and stunning embroidery, a modern and fresh make up and natural hair look are aimed to inspire future brides to add more fashion into their bridal looks and embrace their natural beauty. Isabelle Boireau created for our bride a look that was inspired by black royalty. Our bride is a modern woman proud of her African heritage, boldly sporting her natural hair, and wearing a natural skinlike makeup. She is the Queen of the day and we wanted to let her shine. 

The first bridal morning look features a blush pink dress from a talented French designer – Geraldine Daulon. It was completed with handmade hairpins and a mono-earring with flowers that look like if they were made of glass. Tatiana Ashakova, the creator of Beretk! Ah combines her work as bridal stylist and incorporates most fashionable features into her collections. They all differ and you will find many unconventional techniques and materials. The second bridal look features an exquisite Myoo Couture designer dress with a touch of yellow color, which perfectly complemented our bride’s skin color. The look was completed with beautiful crystal earring from a Swiss designer – Della Bella Gioielli and a gorgeous crown by Beretk! Ah. 

Our bride wore a pair of Belle Belle shoes, which were her “something blue”. Esther Lamarche, the floral designer, worked with a fine art color palette: cream lemon, champagne, blush, cappuccino and soft green. She created a fine art bridal bouquet. The Belle Époque vintage Parisian kiosk in the garden was perfect for the ceremony. Esther enhanced the look and transformed into the most dreamy ceremony setup with beautiful assimetric flower frame and aisle floral arrangements. The dinner table was placed in front of the main staircase, decorated with florals for the occasion. It featured linens and vintage rentals from Madame de la Maison and stationery by Atelier Preszburger. Meri from Cakes by Meri surprised us with the cake inspired by our bride’s wedding dress. 

She used a concentration of techniques to recreate couture elements of the dress on the wedding cake. It was definitely worth it’s own floral decoration. Esther Lamarche and her team created a wild floral frame for the cake on a fireplace. It’s mango and passion fruit flavor was the perfect sweet note to end the day! Daria Lorman perfectly captured all the details of the day in her romantic style and Cedric Durand created the beautiful video. The wedding day usually passes so quickly that we are sure the newlyweds would be delighted to relax and enjoy some quality time by the pool on the Day-after. Our couple took a moment of relaxation for two in the swimming pool, which was captured by Daria Lorman. And Esther Lamarche enhanced the romantic atmosphere by adding a few flowers in the pool.

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Photography: Daria Lorman | Cinematography: Cedric Durand Film | Floral Design: Esther Lamarche | Wedding Dress: GERALDINE DAULON | Wedding Dress: Myoo Couture | Cake: Cakes by Meri | Invitations: Atelier Preszburger | Shoes: Bella Belle | Accessoiries: Beretkah | Earrings: DellaBellaGioielli | Muah: Isabelle Boireau Beauty | Rentals: Madame de la Maison | Ring box: Voeu Du Coeur | Veil: GERALDINE DAULON

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
A Pastel Farm Wedding With Whimsical Details and Mini Horses

It’s official, garland-adorned miniature ponies are the most adorable wedding guest we’ve ever laid on eyes on. If you’re in need of a major mood booster, today’s whimsical affair from Charmed Events Group is it. From Tango and Foxtrot’s colorful pastel floral arrangements to a “happily ever after” escort card display we’ll be obsessing over for weeks to come. For all the inspiration this day has to offer, don’t miss out on the full gallery – taken by the always lovely Jen Huang Photography.

From Charmed Events Group… Because we all need a little sunshine and happiness in our lives, what’s not to love about having the most adorable mini horses at a colorful and modern, farm wedding? 

From the beginning, L+J wanted to have their wedding exude in color and happiness, with all details chosen to evoke just that. 

They chose a color palette of sherbert hues accented by a dusty blue that brought just the right amount of whimsy to their day.

They chose a modern, equestrian farm as their venue and their ceremony took place in front of the pond that was on site, surrounded by olive trees.

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Photography: Jen Huang Photography | Cinematography: Owl & Tree Films | Floral Design: Tango And Foxtrot | Cake: A Spoonful Of Sugar Cakes | Invitations: Aerialist Press | Hair and Make Up: Chiali Meng | Farm: Distinct Locations | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Planning and Design: Charmed Events Group, LLC | Rentals: Standard Party Rentals

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
Deck the Halls With Style Me Pretty’s 2020 Holiday Guide for Him, Her, and Everyone Else on Your List

As we head into the most ‘wonderful time’ of the year, we’re feeling like it hits very differently this time around. Social distancing and winter season worries exacerbated by a global pandemic don’t exactly bode well for the kind of merry we’re used to, but gift giving can help bring out the good vibes. If you got engaged and started planning a wedding this year, stepped into newlywedhood with your quarantine partner for life, vowed to your nearest and dearest that you’d be there for them forever and always and made a pact to [bridal] party with them in good times and in bad, or became friends with a whole new crew that will help you say ‘I Do,’ you’ll want to go about your presents a little more thoughtfully this holiday season. After all, a bride’s splash of sparkle can’t be touched…  

We’ve poured over the must-have lists and checked them way more than twice, to curate lots of favorites that we hope you’ll find SO nice. From sweet buys for your bridesmaids to gifts your mom will love, a couple things to hype up your hubby and not one single pair of gloves #notthisyearthankunext. And don’t forget to browse our Shop, for a double dose of [wedding] pretty, the finds are cute and creative, timeless and trendy, and quite a few are witty!

Start shopping for your squad right now, and take advantage of all the Black Friday and Cyber Monday savings on site! Your wedding will thank you 😉.

Photo by D’Arcy Benincosa

(Oh! And if you’re not the bride, but buying for one, we’ve got lots of ideas for you, too!) 

In fact, that’s exactly where we’ll start…

 

For the bride who has just gotten her ring   

Once the dust has settled and your friend, daughter, sister, cousin, etc. has come down from cloud nine, firmly planting her feet into the role of the bride, she’ll want to get a taste for planning. It’s not great to overwhelm her, of course, but helping her start her bridal journey with a mix of things that are fun and functional is very #bestbridesmaidever-ish. 

Trinket Dish

It’s not often that a newly-minted bride-to-be will want to take off her ring, BUT when she does, make sure the place she puts her bling is beautiful. This Molly Hatch daisy trinket dish is so pretty and it doesn’t scream ‘bride’ either, so she can use it well beyond her engagement.

Wedding Planner

Our bliss-ensuring blush bridal planner kit comes with a TON of checklists, timelines, and worksheets to help brides stay buttoned up with all their I Do to-dos. We’ve made sure to include everything that couples need to get hitched without a hitch, with enough room for notes that might even make meaningful keepsakes for future brides.

Guides to Plan Like a Pro

Want to sweeten things up a little more? Fill her planner with ALL of the Style Me Pretty Ultimate Planning Guides. If you don’t already know about our wedding planning guides, they’re the digital resource for everything your bestie bride needs to know in order to plan like a pro.

Tissues to Dry Her Tears

There will be so many emotionally-charged occasions for your bride-to-be (happy, sad, good, and bad), but ensuring her bag is always stacked with tear-worthy tissues is the trademark of a true best friend. We like how ours are both encouraging and entrancing!

A Cute Tumbler for Everywhere She Goes

Engagement season coinciding with the winter/holiday season is sweet, but a new ring and the flu aren’t exactly the best combo (and either is all the abovementioned crying). Hydration is key, but make it fashion with a tumbler that says it all. We love the confetti and the gold calligraphed “Bride,” not to mention, just seeing that word on the regular is enough to incite smiles and consequent wellness (a happy bride is a healthy bride, after all).

A Coloring Book for Brides

And yes, she needs it. Adult coloring books are total stress and sanity savers, and we can absolutely envision her breaking out this bundle when she feels her [bride]zilla coming in HOT. Now granted, a wedding coloring book on its own probably doesn’t sound like a Christmas miracle, but when you package it with a festive bottle of ONEHOPE bubbly etched with a ‘Cheers to You!’ message for the happy couple, it’s gold.    

For the bride who is starting to imagine her day 

Once your bride-to-be has all of the big-ticket things on her tying-the-knot to-do list checked off, she’ll definitely start thinking about her unique day and all of the details she’ll want to come together. So, in addition to offering your time (which will no doubt be cherished), you can get gifts that turn her aisle style-aspirations into reality. Details matter and these gifts deliver big on that end… 

A Box That Brings All of Her Day-Of Detail Shots to Life 

Details can be overlooked when planning a wedding, and just saying that makes our hearts sad, because we can’t get enough of them. That’s why we’re ecstatic that something like this heirloom embellishments box exists for brides who want to level up their wedding details photography. From vintage French laces and ribbons, to silk flowers and hand-made appliques, these treasured and exclusive heirlooms from the Claire Pettibone Atelier have been carefully arranged into inspiring assortments that make flat lays infinitely more magical. If you’re a Maid of Honor or even a wedding photographer or planner who is close friends with the bride, this gift is all kinds of amazing.

A stunning Guipure lace mask is a wonderful idea, too, especially if your bride is getting married sometime soon. If she needs to wear a mask, it might as well be beautiful.

Some Signage to Make Their Suites Even Sweeter

Her dress isn’t the biggest part of her day, but it’s still super important. She’ll need to keep it protected, clean, primped and polished, so gift her a hanger that will let her dress or gown shine in all those detail shots. Our simple wooden hangers aren’t overwhelming, they aren’t pretentious, they’re just oh-so cute, especially the silhouetted white dress! And even if her guy won’t be getting ready with a whole lot of fanfare (maybe just some bourbon with his bests), he still deserves to have his suite feel special. His entourage is high key important, too. Really, they can hang…

A Lovely Piece of Decor That Will Look Great Above Their Sweetheart Table

Engagement gifts that start with ‘LOVE’ will always go over well, and any bride-to-be would be thrilled to have something like this to hang above her sweetheart table – especially if it will be positioned near a wall and not freestanding. The hoop design is larger than life and really puts things into perspective about why you are all there: love, of course. We’d file this away for micro wedding decor ideas that make a major difference, plus once the wedding day is done, your newlyweds can save this for home decor (we’re imagining this hung in a baby girl’s boho nursery, with pretty greenery and silk blooms… but that’s just us!) 

Photo by Sarah & Ben Photography

If you’d classify yourself as more sass and snark than sentimental and sweet, then you can instead opt for something a little more lit. Our modern neon ‘don’t go thirsty’ sign is on-point for anywhere a bride and her girls are getting ready the morning of the wedding. And afterwards, it can shine in her home office, right above that gold metallic bar cart… 

For the bride who is prepping her pretty for that perfect day 

A Clean New Skincare Routine

For a bride who will be getting married some time next year, waking up on January 1st will feel like day one on her ‘countdown to bride.’ With a fresh start ahead, it’s kind of the best time to jumpstart a healthier beauty routine, because #resolutions and because minimalism and natural beauty are so important to a modern bride. We’ve fallen in love with the brand-new Lauren Conrad Beauty skincare line which includes cleansers, toners, oils, and creams designed to nourish the skin and keep both body and face hydrated, balanced, and refreshed. Like the rest of LC’s beauty collection, the formulas are vegan, cruelty-free, ethically-sourced, certified-Clean and Peta-approved, that way a bride can feel good about what she’s putting on her skin. And since a fresh and flawless face will be her ultimate canvas on her wedding day, starting the prepwork early will pay off gorgeously when she glams up or keeps things simple on game day (nope, vows day!) 

… Also, the bottles and cream jars are beyond pretty, which, going back to that earlier point about styling for the wedding morning, makes them both a useful and phenomenally photogenic gift!

The Secret Weapon to Beyond-Wow Brows 

A fresh face can only be made better by one thing: perfect brows. Every bride wants them and, to be quite honest, she should have them! If you’ll be buying for your best friend, sister, sister-in-law, get her something that seriously can’t be topped (it’s luxe at $225, but consider this a holiday, birthday, and engagement gift all in one). When we say that, we’re talking about LA-based, celebrity eyebrow artist Kristie Streicher’s Essentials Grooming Kit. Made with Kristie’s tried and true tools that she’s been using for over 20 years to create her trademarked Feathered Brow™ all over the world, the kit contains her favorite Rubis Classic Gold Slant Tweezers, Rubis Classic Gold Scissors and a custom Kristie Streicher Spoolie Eyebrow Brush all housed in a leather case hand-stitched and made in Los Angeles. It was inspired by a vintage manicure set from the 1930’s and it’s literally to die for. 

For the newlyweds who just got married 

Things to give each other: 

For her:
Any bride who might have just gotten married could be feeling some twinges of the post-wedding blues this holiday season. That’s why we love a gift idea that celebrates her new status and comes from the person she loves most. The Alex and Ani New Beginnings Necklace is the perfect thing to say ‘I love you, babe, here’s to us and a very happy future.’

For him:
Meaningful things will always matter to men, of course they will, but they also love things that indulge their own obsessions. Like sneakers. Hey, IYKYK. The Essential Shoe & Sneaker Cleaning Kit is a sleek, minimal, and affordable ($39.99) gift option from RESHOEVN8R, the go-to sneaker brand for hypebeasts and stylish sneaker owners. Safe on most materials and free from dye, the kit includes an all-natural solution, a microfiber towel, and 3 different bristle brushes in a 100% reusable and/or recyclable package. It’s very sexy, in our opinion, and also reminds us of something David Rose would stock in his Schitt’s Creek apothecary. #obsessed.

A Stylish and Trendy Herb + Oil Infuser

Hear us out: In years past, cool pour-over appliances and fancy espresso machines were among the ‘IT’ things to get a newly-married couple. Nowadays, the mood is all about infusion (food and beauty).  LĒVO II ($199 on Amazon) is the first infuser to streamline herbal infusion from start to finish, meaning you don’t need to be a trained chef, beautician, or chemist to enjoy the benefits of herbal infusion. From salad dressings to scented candles, there’s no limit to what you can create!

For the bridal party: everyone who’s special in the couple’s life 

This year, we’ve probably all seen our favorite people way less than we hoped we would. It’s been a real bummer, but TG technology exists to keep us connected and close. What we love about our Style Me Pretty Collection is that there are so many little things (let’s also commit to adding “something little” to the old, new, borrowed, and blue adage) that you can gift to your guys and girls WHENEVER you feel like it. You don’t have to wait for the holidays to send a card or a travel tumbler that says ‘You’re my bridesmaid and I FN love you!!’ That being said, you can give ‘traditional’ bridal party gifts, like personalized flasks or etched glasses to the group if you see anyone this winter. If you couple the presents with a request for photos of them using their gifts IRL,  you can collect and compile all of the clips into a video that you can stream the morning of your wedding…

And a few things that every wedding gift guide can’t go without… 

Pajamas
One of our favorite fashion and loungewear brands for brides and bridesmaids, Plum Pretty Sugar, just dropped their latest print collection – Encanto Coast – and we are absolutely ADORING it. The mint, cream, and nude palette is so relaxing and transportive, and even if physically we’re all still chilling in PJs on our couches, we can be virtually and emotionally somewhere else. We’re going going, back back, to Cali Cali… just sayin!

Photo by Jon Cu Photography

And stuffed animals 

If you’ve got a cutie cohort on board for your wedding, you’ll also definitely want to show them some love. 

For the girls: 

Style Me Pretty flower girl baskets ensure your littlest ladies have the prettiest place to put their petals. Imagine all the tulle, sparkle, and sass shimmying down that aisle and try not to smile. Spoiler alert: it can’t be done! 

For the boys: 

And for the boys, Style Me Pretty ring bearer pillows give your mini misters a really beautiful platform for two of the shiniest parts of your special day. Ring security reporting for duty!  

And we love the idea of teaming your mini squad’s things with something plush. The Little Market’s plush stuffed animals will entertain toddlers and tinies all winter long AND provide them with comfort and cuddles just in case they get nervous for their big trip down the aisle. Each of their pieces is hand-knit and hand-sewn by artisan women in rural communities of Peru using locally sourced materials. The best!

For the wedding superheroes that they are

If you’re really feeling generous (and thoughtful), this ‘Thank You So Much’ curated gift tote says it all. We love this as a wonderful token of appreciation for your vendors for their endless support, advice, and direction when it pertains to your best day ever.

Soft & Romantic Vibes For This Couple’s ‘Second Wedding’ At Lairmont Manor in Washington!

College sweethearts, Sam and Evelyn tied the knot before they graduated college when they eloped, so on their 5th anniversary they decided to do it again, but this time in front of their friends and family at Lairmont Manor. With soft florals crafted by Gather Design Company and gorgeous signage by The Fancy Cat Studio, the couples event planner Simply by Tamara Nicole put together their fabulous fete and Kerry Jeanne Photography captured all of the romantic details, love and the brides insanely beautiful wedding gown with cascading pearl buttons (insert heart eye emoji.) Check it out below….and the shoes…I promise you they’re that good.

From Kerry Jeanne PhotographySam and Evelyn met at the first week of their freshman year in college and have been together ever since. Five years ago, in “the most rebellious decision we have ever made,” they got married before they graduated from college. Though the little elopement was perfect in every way for Sam and Evelyn, they always felt like something was missing, having not shared their joy with the important people in their lives. On their five year anniversary, they hosted an intimate vow renewal ceremony at Lairmont Manor to gather with family and friends and celebrate their marriage.

Sam and Evelyn hired Gather Design Company to bring their vision for their marriage celebration to life. In a warm yet soft color palette of amber, mustard, tan, peach, warm blush, rosy brown, honey, deep gold, soft taupe, and warm cream, the design was floral heavy and featured upscale details. With the lush gardens and old-world charm of Lairmont Manor as their backdrop, Gather designed a floral-lined ceremony aisle and accent arrangements around the stately fountain.

Dinner was set on one long table under an outdoor glass pergola with subtle rose-colored linens, modern stoneware plates and delicate glassware, and contemporary flatware. Menus were designed on handmade paper by August and White Designs, in a nod to the historical Lairmont Manor, and acrylic signage and place cards by The Fancy Cat Studio brought a modern touch to the tables. The cake was made by Saltadena and adorned with complementary flowers. Rentals from St. James Specialty Rentals, BBJ Linen, CORT Party Rental, and Pedersen’s Event Rentals completed the reception design.

Evelyn wore a striking off-the-shoulder Danielle Frankel Studio gown with large pearls and Aquazzura pumps. Her look was completed with beauty by Yessie Libby Makeup Artistry.

Photography: Kerry Jeanne Photography | Event Planning: Simply By Tamara Nicole | Floral Design: Gather Design Company | Gown: Danielle Frankel | Cake: Saltadena | Stationery: August + White | Catering: Foodz Catering | String Quartet: Puget Sound Strings | Wedding Venue: Lairmont Manor | Getaway car: British Motor Coach | H&MU: Yessie Libby | Linen: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Cort Party Rentals | Rentals: Pedersen's Rentals | Rentals: St James Specialty Rentals | Signage: The Fancy Cat Studio

Classic Architecture Meets Modern Fine Art Elegance at The Hartwood Stables

Who else is spending many nights staying up too late binging The Crown right now? We can’t help it – we’re obsessed. Anything to relive that royal wedding. Today’s stunning editorial from Exhale Events is giving us major english countryside stone castle vibes. Muted moody hues set the tone while unexpected textures and patterns throughout the design allowed for an element of surprise. Our favorite part? The lighting. Edison bulbs were strung together and hung from arched metal structures over the reception table creating an ultra-romantic display. See it all at the full gallery – captured by Lauren Renee Photography!

From Lauren Renee PhotographyThere is so much beauty in old venues and the history behind them. The Hartwood Stables belonged to a prominent family in Pittsburgh for several years before it was turned over to the county. It is truly a hidden gem and one of the few places that remain in the area that maintain classic architectural lines and building elements of classic stone. The charm of the location takes you to another time and place. When we (Lauren and Nicole) saw the venue, we knew we needed to showcase the beauty of the property, but we wanted to take a refined romantic approach to the shoot with modern touches that showcases how today’s bride can take an old location and infuse it with new trends. 

Our color palette focused on muted tones of traditionally bold colors and a blend of darker and light hues for a modern approach. Our table settings also pulled in more patterns and tones that couples might not think to put together, however fused seamlessly in the setting. The softer elements came into place with a romantic stationery suite and designer gown from Galia Lahav. The raw edged stationery and scenic envelope liners weaved in such delicacy while the flowing tulle fabric on the wedding dress added a dreamy ethereal touch. Nestled beneath the trees of the venue, we set up the ceremony. 

To not take away from the beauty of the area itself, we kept the decor minimal; utilizing black mid modern chairs and florals which really were a focal point. Our vision for the floral designs was brought alive through wild, organic structures including an elevated overflowing vase as the backdrop of the ceremony and a blossoming archway entrance. In keeping with the feminine florals and architectural details, Alex Robba Cake hand-painted blue flowers along with tile that mimicked stone in a modern, yet timeless cake design. The look was topped off with the prettiest sugar flowers that added such grace. Not far from the cake display was the family style tablescape. Each place setting had a classic set up, but it was each piece that put a fresh spin to a rather timeless approach. Saffron watercolor patterned plates sat atop one another with stiletto shaped black horned flatware gently placed beside them. Wooden and ceramic textures also appeared throughout the table design to provide an earthy depth and dimension to the details. However the lighting is easily the trendiest and most unique part of the aesthetic. Edison bulbs were strung together and hung from arched metal structures over the table. EF Lighting worked their magic and it really provided the perfect glow! With the quaint setting, stylish details, and classic elegance, this old-meets-new wedding inspiration offers a little something for every bride and groom!

Floral Design: Green Sinner | Wedding Dress: Galia Lahav | Cake: Alex Robba Cake | Invitations: Every Little Something | Makeup: See Jane Blush | Hair: Courtney Benedetti | Men's Attire: Surmesur | Wedding Venue: Hartwood Acres | Bridal Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Bride's Ring Box: esselle SF | Design & Planning: Exhale Events | Female Model: Kaitlyn Sapp | Danijel Trifkovic | Groom's Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Groom's Shoes: Karl Lagerfeld | Jewelry Designer: Octavia Elizabeth | Jewelry Store: Orr's Jewelers | Light Design: EF Lighting | Linens: Lendable Linens | Photography & Design: Lauren Renee Photography | Tabletop Rentals & Flatware: Artisan Tableware Co.

A Wedding Planner’s 3 Simple Ways to Notify Your Guests of Your New Wedding Date

It seems nowadays we start a lot of conversations by “what a year this has been” or “I hope you’re well in these unprecedented times”. Twenty-twenty has been a whirlwind to say the least. Along with the wedding industry, 2020 couples have really weathered the storm. We’re at the point where some may have postponed their wedding not once, some twice and even thrice. Like what I did there? 

To make the postponement process easier I wanted to provide you with some easy ways you can keep your guests abreast of all changes to your wedding date, whether you’ve set a new one, or not.

Sarah Shuttle Creative

 

1. Wedding Website Updates

At one point wedding websites were super trendy and allowed you to tell your love story as well as post cute pictures of you and your spouse-to-be for all your guests to see. The great thing about websites is they can be updated quickly and once your guests have the link they can bookmark and visit the website as often as necessary. Create a section called “wedding updates”, and as the date for your big day changes or any details need to be tweaked, update the page and also send out a quick email to your guest list letting them know new information is available. Some wedding websites also have an app where you can push notifications to your guests phones, pretty cool, right?

Rebecca Yale Photography

 

2. An Un-save the Date Card

While this may be a little more costly, many couples prefer to use traditional methods to advise guests of any changes to their weddings dates. Wording on an un-save the date card could include:

“Ooops, COVID changed our plans but stay tuned for our new date”,

“Same wedding, same guests, different date” or;

“ Save our new date, the party’s going to be great”

Work with your stationer to create unique wording for your specific situation, you can also give your guests a heads up that they’ll be receiving a wedding update via the mail.

 

3. Email Blasts

While normally email marketing software is used for businesses, a great way to keep everyone on top of your wedding changes is sending out an email blast. The benefit of using software is you can track who has read the email, use templates as well as store the email list so that if you need to send further updates it’s all easily accessible. Be sure to always collect email addresses from your guests when compiling their information and this will make it easier to get your lists setup for future use.

With all the uncertainty regarding gatherings across the globe, these tips should provide you with a quick and easy way to keep loved ones up to date and in the know when it comes to your big day. Hopefully, changing your date more than once won’t be necessary, but if it is, these methods of updating your guests should have you covered!

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The Perfect Setting for a Modern Thanksgiving…or Friendsgiving

Whether celebrating Thanksgiving with friends, family or both, this holiday inspiration will give your festivities a fresh, modern kick. The ladies of Beijos Events know how to set the perfect tablescape and it shines through with this outdoor affair loaded with steal-worthy details like a moody, autumnal color palette, pops of copper and bohemian textiles. Even if you’re not lucky enough to do thanksgiving alfresco, you can pull this inspiration indoors for an equally lovely gathering. See the full shindig captured by Riley Starr right here.

From Beijos Events…One of the best things about living in California is the fact that we get to be outside all year round. Including the special days like Thanksgiving and Christmas! Often times you can find us barbecuing on these holidays! Each year my friends and I like to get together and have a Friendsgiving, it’s such a great kick off to the holiday season. This year we took advantage of the great weather and my friend’s newly renovated backyard! It was the perfect setting to gather us all and enjoy some delicious food and drinks.

One of the things we don’t like about these get togethers is the clean up. I came across L’Entramise, a beautiful disposable line that was perfect for our table setting. Their pieces have a sleek and pretty look and are so well crafted. The best part was at the end of the night we could just toss everything away and not worry about the dishes!

Our friends at Colette’s Catering designed a menu with a modern take on Thanksgiving dinner. We had a delicious salad, roasted veggies and squab instead of turkey. They also put together a killer cheese plate, which every party needs in my opinion! And a delicious dessert that had us all happy at the end of the. night. One Hope wine helped us pair each course with the perfect wine as well!

For the details we turned to Olive & Blooms for florals and Miss Multee for the invite, menus and place cards. We used the colors of the tabletop and added in some deep berries and copper to finish it off. The beautiful florals lined the table and really brought a fall feel to the event, with a fresh and modern take. And everybody kept talking about the beautiful hand written menus, they were an ombre gold to copper that perfectly shined all night.

Each year at this time I get a bit sentimental, it means another year is coming to an end. But ending it with great friends is always a good idea, and that’s why Friendsgiving is so special.

MustWatch_swash-01

Photographer: Riley Starr | Event Planning: Beijos Events | Floral Design: Olive & Blooms | Catering: Colette’s Catering & Events | Calligrapher: Miss Multee | Pillows/Blankets: The Garage Collective | Tabletop: L'entramise | Wine: One Hope Wine

Modern Farmhouse Wedding Inspiration Complete With a Vintage Truck Abounding in Blooms

“Neutral, organic, with a touch of whimsy”… a few words to describe today’s wedding inspiration planned by E Events Co. perfectly defined by Carlie Statsky. If you’re looking for a modern farmhouse venue for your microwedding – look no further than Seascape Flowers’ brand new property in sunny California. The surrounding nature makes for the perfect backdrop for your ceremony while the all-white barn serves as the most insta-worthy reception spot! To see all the inspiration from this day, including custom wooden arches made by Statsky Design, don’t miss out on the full gallery!

From Carlie StatskyOur team drew inspiration from Seascape Flowers’ new modern farmhouse venue for intimate, outdoor events, as well as the surrounding nature, so everything was kept neutral and organic with a touch of masculine whimsy for our two handsome grooms. 

Some of the special features included a bold and dramatic ombre boutonniere to compliment the dusty rose tuxedo jacket from The Black Tux, vintage Rolex watches from Fourtane, custom wooden arches made by Statsky Design that were beautifully covered in floral by Seascape Flowers, an eclectic yet cohesive mix of rentals from Revival Rentals, (including a leather lounge set up for enjoying some whiskey cocktails) a vintage yellow pickup truck filled and overflowing with floral and greenery, and a beautiful tables cape designed by E Events Co with amazing cane black chairs and earthy place settings from Theoni, complimented by more organic floral. 

It was such a fun day spent celebrating these two grooms in love and the beauty of nature, and good design!

Photography: Carlie Statsky | Event Design: E Events Co. | Event Planning: E Events Co. | Floral Design: Seascape Flowers | Cake: Tart And Tin | Invitations: Bourne Paper Co | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Men's accessories: Fourtane | Rentals: Revival Vintage Rentals | Rentals: Theoni Collection | Rentals: RJ Vintage Trucks | ceremony & reception: Seascape Flowers | craft Cocktails: Bar Cart Cocktail Co

Abby Larson’s Playbook for Easy, Effortless Gatherings

Here’s the deal. It doesn’t matter if you are entertaining indoors or out, in a pandemic or in the blissful time before, with 25 people or with 5. The foundation of a successful gathering is always the same. So, as we enter a holiday season that looks and feels so very different from years past, it’s comforting to know that the basic rules of entertaining will always stay essentially the same. You might need to invest in a heater or package up your desserts individually, but for better or worse, a successful get together is one that looks pretty, celebrates something delicious, invites coziness and requires little to no stress.

photo: white loft studio

Get Organized Ahead of Time. This is the numero uno, baby. The guests, the menu, the timing, the serve ware. I write everything down and pull all supplies + decor out ahead of time. Sounds labor intensive but it really only takes a few minutes and will save you a lot of stress on the day of. If you are hosting Thanksgiving or a holiday dinner, this rule is the end all be all of rules. Channel your inner Type-A friend and just do it. The more detailed, the better. I usually work backwards from 1. how many my table will seat and 2. what time I want dinner to be served. It all falls into place once I determine those two things.

photo: leila brewster

Use What You Have. First and foremost, the frantic purchases in the days before a party are what usually send both pre and post party stress over the edge. While you have seen or used your own plates and napkins and flatware a million times, and might have serveware-fatigue, your guests haven’t. So take a solid inventory. Think about what you can highlight (your favorite wine glasses), what you can repurpose (a cake stand makes for a great platform for candles or appetizers) and what you can dust off (those throw pillows that haven’t seen the light of day since last Fall).

photo: white loft studio

Transform (or Make) What You Need. Look both outdoors and in for little moments that you can transform to keep your costs down. I regularly spray paint wispy leaves from our yard in a pretty copper color. I almost always use ribbon to wrap the flatware atop the napkins. Pretty baguettes in baskets make for gorgeous centerpieces or favors placed on each place setting. Coasters can turn into bases for candles that line the table. Ribbon can be puddled down the center of the table to create a faux runner. The ideas and options are endless.

photo: leila brewster

Consider the Elements. I promise you, if you don’t consider the elements – the weather, the lighting, the environment – the party won’t be nearly as successful. I have a little stockpile of candles + a few lanterns that I always pull out for outdoor entertaining. I have tiny bug sprays for the summer months and pillows/blankets for the colder months. Really think about how the general elements will play into your guests’ experience and plan for everything.

photo: leila brewster

Practicalities Matter. We’re talking where your guests will put any trash or disposables, who will refill drinks and appetizer trays, who will welcome the guests in, who will make sure the music stays on and at the right volume. All of this can and should be planned ahead and while it sounds like a lot, it totally isn’t. I tuck a little trash can behind a brick wall in our yard. I keep a pitcher of wine + water outside so guests can refill themselves. I ask my husband or daughter to greet guests. It can be simple but making sure these little details are cared for, will 100% turn a clunky party into a perfect party.

Make Some, Buy Some. If you try to make every last element of the dinner, you will go insane. Your stress level will be hard core and you won’t enjoy the party. My general rule is the make one super-star dish and either cheat the rest or buy the rest. By cheating, I simply mean buying pre-made pie dough for handpies with a gourmet ice cream, doing a super simple app like baked cream cheese + goat cheese with crackers, piling a bunch of pretty branches from my yard in a pitcher instead of doing florals. A good rule of thumb? Cheat your way through the beginning and end, and create a star in the middle. It’s the Jan to your Marcia.

photo: leila brewster

Have a Focal Point. For me, it’s usually a pretty centerpiece. Something lovely that distracts from the simplicity of the table settings. It could also be a beautiful charcuterie board or adorable pillows set on every chair, a firepit with s’more ingredients, fun lawn games. Anything that your guests’ eyes immediately go to means that they likely won’t notice the more understated moments throughout the rest of the party.

photo: white loft studio

Keep the Kids Entertained. If you are having kids, this is a BIG DEAL. Kids – and I have three so I’m not talking smack – can make it impossible for 1. you to keep the party going smoothly and 2. allow any guests that don’t have children to really have solid conversation. So having a few activities is always a good idea. Even just setting out coloring pages and crayons goes a long, long way.

photo: leila brewster

Make it Cozy. I have this annoying tendency to look for a place to sit no matter where I am. The DMV. My kids’ school. In line at the grocery. I’m always looking for a place to rest my rear. So I have made it a rule to make sure there are always plenty and more chairs to go around and that each chair feels soft and inviting. Even if it’s one of my wooden adirondack chairs. A pillow and a cozy throw go a long way for upping the comfort factor. But more than that, bringing in great music, pretty candles, curating your guest list to include only lovely people…these are all apart of the cozy factor for a party.

Try to Charm Them. Learned from grandmothers past and present, adding a little something fun or whimsical to your gathering is so so important. It makes people laugh, it becomes a conversation piece. At my in law’s anniversary dinner, we had little cuddling flamingo salt and pepper shakers on the table. I often put little bowls of curled paper conversation starters out for people to share. Sometimes, my kids will create place cards for everyone complete with silly pictures. A party that doesn’t take itself too seriously is a party that I want to attend.

A Monogrammed Floral Arbor That’s About to Go Viral on Pinterest

Today’s styled shoot planned by The Design Agency at Magnolia Way brings wedding personalization to a whole new level. The darling couple exchanged vows under a custom-built arch that emulates the grand doorway framing the venue, adorned with a gorgeous wedding monogram created by Inquisited. After the “I do’s”, guests enjoyed an intimate candle-lit reception beneath cascading florals by Violet Rose Floral as a harpist played in the background… I mean, how dreamy is that?! To see all the inspiration this day has to offer – check out the full gallery of details captured by Lynn Dunston.

From The Design AgencyInspired by wanting to tell the story of black love, I designed this event to showcase the truth and beauty of black people. A simple and elegant color palette of charcoal grey, cream and taupe with accents of gold. The ceremony features a modern arch backdropped by the beautiful lake at Magnolia Way. The custom-built arch mimics the grand doorway framing the venue. Guests were treated with a stunning waterfront view as the ceremony took place, with the arch perfectly surrounding the couple. 

Cherry blossoms adorned the sides of the arch, which represent a time for renewal. They were accompanied by the most stunning roses from Grace Rose Farm. The custom monogram designed by Inquisited sat atop the arch, an element that appears throughout the event. Cocktail hour, to me, is the optimal time to entertain the guests. The highlight of the cocktail hour was the custom-built bar, backdropped by a stunning Van Gogh cherry blossom wallpaper that added depth and texture to the structure. The cast iron bar features the monogram designed by Inquisited accented by more cherry blossoms and cream florals. The backdrop and the bar together created an interesting three dimensional focal point to the cocktail hour. 

A full-floral arbor arch over the table design created a romantic and luxe focal point for guests to enjoy. The cascading florals above the guests as well as the large floral centerpieces created stunning environment for the reception. The table design was a mix of modern and classic, with airy floral designs by Violet Rose Floral and slender tapered candles. Guests were greeted to menu cards that doubled as placecards inside of a custom velvet slip case designed by Inquisited, letterpressed with the wedding monogram. 

Throughout the event, a harpist played beautiful classical music that tied the atmosphere together. The bride and groom, both engineers, wore classic pieces. The groom wore a custom tuxedo, and the bride’s stunning beaded gown by Jude Jowilson featured light shoulder draping. Her hair flowed in gentle waves down her back, leaving her face bright and open. Her overall look was soft with clean lines. 

Photography: Lynn Dunston Photography | Event Planning: The Design Agency | Floral Design: Violet Rose Floral | Wedding Dress: London and Lace Bridal | Wedding Dress: Jude Jowilson | Cake: Ally And Eloise Bake Shop | Invitations: Inquisited | Shoes: Bella Belle | Rings: Erstwhile Jewelry | Catering: The Millstone At Adams Pond | Groom's Attire: Imperial Custom Clothiers | Harpist: HM Harp | Wedding Venue: Magnolia Way | Earrings: Twigs & Honey | HMUA: Kimberly Mocks | Rentals: Crisp Event Rentals | Woodwork: SC Woodwork Art

The Most Romantic Inspiration Shoot At The Park Chateau Estate With An Overflowing Floral Champagne Wall!

Our inspiration shoot today, hosted by Styled Shoots Across America takes you to The Park Chateau Estate in New Jersey where a mix of romance and florals stole the show! From stunning centerpieces to the floral champagne wall, Rosaspina Floral hit it out of the park with their romantic installations. Idalia Photography captured every special detail from the elegant invitation suite by Invitations by Whitney to the beautiful couple. Take a look below to see all of the absolutely gorgeous photos!

From Idalia PhotographySince March of 2020, weddings have been reimagined. Cramped banquet hall gatherings are now replaced by intimate ceremonies under lush trees, where the sky is big, but the celebrations are small. With outdoor micro-weddings, nature becomes the canvas, and couples have the freedom and creativity to paint their wedding with personal touches. 

An inspiration shoot for a micro wedding at a French chateau right in NJ. Hosted by Styled Shoots Across America at the elegant Park Chateau Estate, this shoot had a truly romantic atmosphere. Our bride and groom were surrounded by lavish florals by Rosaspina Floral and beautiful Parisian architecture – a perfect combination for a truly romantic atmosphere.

Photography: Idalia Photography | Event Design: Heather Benge Events | Event Planning: Styled Shoots Across America | Floral Design: Rosaspina Floral | Cake: Duchess of Desserts | Stationery: Invitations by Whitney | Reception Venue: Park Chateau Estate | Shoes: Bella Belle | Make-up: Sunkissed And Made Up | Accessories: Etoile | Bridal Salon: Solutions Bridal | Bride Model: Brena D | Gown Designer: Netta Benshabu | Groom Model: Alan Hepner | Linens: Nuage Designs | Menswear: Generation Tux | Ring Box: Lovely Ring Boxes | Tabletop Rentals: Lovely Luxe Rentals

Common Thanksgiving Mistakes…and How to Fix Them!

It’s inevitable. Mistakes WILL happen. There has actually never been a single perfect Thanksgiving in the history of the world. Or at least the Larson household. While sometimes we can easily laugh off the imperfections (because we’ve had a lot of wine), usually there is at the very least a whisper of frustration that sneaks into the day. And by whisper, we mean a screaming match. Well not this year. Nope. We’re crossing our T’s and dotting our I’s with a comprehensive Oh Shit Field Guild to a Perfectly Imperfect Thanksgiving Dinner. Consider it your no-sweat manual to rescuing Turkey Day, one soggy crust at a time.

TURKEY PROBLEMS

YOU FORGOT TO THAW THE TURKEY. Friends, turkeys take a LONG time to thaw. Like 3-4 days. Good news though. And it doesn’t include thawing your turkey in the toilet by flushing it repeatedly like my uncle tried to do (true story that I still don’t understand). You can thaw a turkey by giving it a cold water bath, draining the new water every 15 minutes or so and adding fresh water. This still takes a while so you might want to consider cooking it frozen (totally frozen, not partially frozen)…but you’ll need to get it in the oven nice and early!

THE TURKEY IS DONE WAY TOO EARLY. This is a non-problem. The turkey is big. And big things retain heat for longer than you might think. Just cover it with foil and set it in a nice, warm (but not hot) spot until it’s ready to carve. It will be just fine.

YOUR TURKEY IS COOKING UNEVENLY. If your turkey is cooking unevenly, don’t sweat it. I have actually started cooking my bird breast side down for the first half which distributes the juices and allows the breasts to retain that moisture. If that isn’t your schtick, just make sure you truss (or tie up) your bird so that the wings and the legs are tucked in to prevent overcooking. And make lots of gravy so that if worst comes to worst and you have a dried out bird – you can cover it up with gravy goodness. And don’t forget, you can always pop portions of it back in the oven after you’ve carved it if there are parts that are not cooked thru properly.

EVERYTHING IS DONE…EXCEPT THE TURKEY. Make sure you brush up on cooking times per pound (usually 13 minutes per pound at 350 if you’re cooking it the trad way) before you start to freak out. But, if something still went wonky and your bird just won’t cook, double check that you are checking the temp in the right spot (this can GREATLY effect your reading). If your reading is accurate and it’s still too low, up your temp by 50 degrees, cover your bird with foil and check it again every 30 minutes. Feed your guests wine, snacks and fun music to distract them. Grandpa in a turkey costume also does wonders.

YOU DON’T KNOW HOW TO CARVE A TURKEY. Well, for one…read up! Secondly, there are many ways to carve a turkey and if you just pretend like you are hip to all of them, guests will hardly know the difference. But the most important thing to remember is that while tableside carving is certainly exciting, it’s not pretty. Carve it in the kitchen away from judgey eyes. You could also pass the buck entirely and earmark someone else to do it, making it their problem and not yours. Big win.

LOGISTICAL PROBLEMS

YOU DON’T HAVE A ROASTING PAN.  Don’t worry, most newbies in the kitchen aren’t fully stocked. And if you don’t have time to borrow one, well, you’ll just have to make one. You can use a large casserole dish OR you can use a cookie sheet (the one with higher sides) fitted with either a handful of cut potatoes + carrots OR foil ropes. This gives the juices somewhere to collect. Just make sure that the sides are high enough so that you don’t have an overflow situation. You can build higher sides with a few layers of foil.

YOU’VE DON’T HAVE ENOUGH OVEN/STOVE SPACE. There are two easy plan-ahead fixes for this: have friends bring side dishes OR plan to serve a few dishes at room temp that you can totally make ahead. If neither of those is an option, you’ll need to stagger your cooking + have vessels to keep things warm. Another alternative would be to employ other equipment to help carry the load…a smoker for the turkey, a crockpot for the mashed potatoes, a microwave or a toaster oven for re-heating.

YOU RUN OUT OF PLATES / FLATWARE / CUPS. Whether those pesky unexpected guests arrived or you just didn’t think about the plate part of planning, get yourself some insurance and buy really sturdy white disposables. Don’t skimp on the sturdy factor. We like Chinet. If you still forgot, it’s time to send your mother home for hers. And if that isn’t going to work – place your shame on the shelf and pull out pie dishes, casserole plates, large bowls, trays and anything else that will contain the food so your guest isn’t eating like a caveman off the table.

YOU DON’T HAVE ENOUGH FOOD. This probably won’t happen. But just in case, there are a few tricks to solving this dreaded dilemma. Slice the turkey thin, guests usually only take a couple of slices whether it’s cut thick or thin and thin goes a lot further than thick. Fill the table with snack-type food: leftover apps, nuts, fruits. This will do 2 things: 1. Extra food for plates and 2. the appearance of abundance. Pour sparkling water into the water glasses. It’s super filling. Place rolls on plates so everyone has one and is peer pressured into eating it. Give a gentle reminder to your guests to not to fill up too much to save room for dessert! And if you are super duper nervous, just serve everyone yourself or pre-mark the “servings” for each dish (making cuts into things like stuffing etc). Whatever you do, remember: flaws are often funny and if you admit that you might not have enough, your guests might all laugh and then go easy on the portion size!

YOU RUN OUT OF WINE. Now this might be the worst problem of all. Families + high stress cooking + hunger = NEED plenty of wine. Plan for at least 1 bottle per person. Then, if you notice wine is get low, consider either moving everyone to spritzers (1/2 seltzer and 1/2 wine), making a big batch of sangria or pulling out another form of cocktail so that you can save the wine for dinner.

TIMING PROBLEMS

THE FOOD IS READY…AND GETTING COLD. Whether it’s pokey guests or you just didn’t time everything up right, cold food that tastes best warm is a no fun side effect. Wrap hot foods entirely (base too) in aluminum foil, then cover with a dish cloth to help that insulation even more. Alternatively, put your oven at 200 or on its lowest setting and keep covered inside OR put the dish in your microwave and run it for 30 seconds to get the heat circulating. Don’t open the door, just leave the dish in the warmed mirco until you are ready. Sidenote, this is where crockpots and casserole dishes with a lid come in very handy.

DINNER IS TAKING TOO LONG (AND EVERYONE IS HANGRY). Thanksgiving Dinner is not usually dinner. It’s usually linner or lupper, that sweet spot between lunch and dinner. Which means that your guests are down a meal and they are going to be hungry. Hungry guests = cranky guests which is the fastest way to spoilsville. Make sure you put out snacks. 1-2 hearty ones and a handful of room temp, no cook options like nuts, dips and cured meats should do the trick. We always do a baked bree with caramelized bacon on top, served with bread. Very very filling and very pretty to boot!

COOKING PROBLEMS

OOPS. YOU FORGOT A MAJOR INGREDIENT FROM THE GROCERY. Didn’t your mother teach you that when you run out of flour, just pop over to your neighbor’s house? Well, what if your neighbor is out of town? And the store is closed? And dinner is almost ready? Brush up on substitutions (I use mayo in place of eggs all the time with great success) and/or figure out if it’s a make or break scenario. If not, choose to go in the way of Frozen and Let it Go.

THE STUFFING ISN’T REACHING THE RIGHT TEMP. First of all, I’m a stuffing outside of the bird kind of girl. It’s a constant battle in our house actually, so now we end up stuffing the bird and the casserole dish and having two options. #familyproblems. But if you’re an in-bird stuffing kind of gal, and it’s not reaching the appropriate temperature for safe eating, just remove it from the bird, cover it with foil so that it doesn’t crisp up (something us out of the bird people love) and bake it for about 20 minutes. Recheck the temp and either remove from the oven or let it go a little longer.

ALL THE GRAVY DRAMA. Why is gravy so very finicky?? Finding those brown bits amidst the oils, making sure that it’s thick without being goupy, making sure flavor is on point…all tricky. Here are some quick rescue remedies.

  • Lumps: pour it through a fine mesh strainer then add thickener or reduce on the stove until you reach desired consistency.
  • Too Thin: Either reduce over medium heat on the stove OR blend 1/4 cup of gravy with 2 Tbs of flour, stirring until the flour has completely mixed in then add back to your gravy a little bit at a time. Alternatively, you can mix flour with softened butter to create the same effect.
  • Its Bland: Add salt. Duh. You can also add a bit of browned butter or worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor.

SOMETHING IS TOO SALTY. This is a tough one because you will never be able to remove the salt. So you only have three real options:

  • Dilute it by adding more of all of the other ingredients including the main event (potatoes, bread, etc).
  • Add acid. Lemon juice or vinegar (try apple cider) will help mask the flavor. But it won’t fix the problem.
  • Turn it into something else. Green beans can get added to your stuffing or turned into a casserole. Same with roasted veggies. This takes some creative thinking but it’s definitely on the menu of possibility.

YOUR PIES ARE FLOPPING. Pie is probably what people look forward to the most at Thanksgiving, so if yours fall short, the whole day will most likely be ruined. Juuuust kidding. Here are a few quickie pie fixes…

  • Soggy crust: First read tips on preventing. If that isn’t an option, serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream in a bowl. It will taste more like a cobbler and it will be DELISH.
  • Cracked: Again with the tips on preventing. Or, just cover the top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon, apple pie spice or grated chocolate and no one will know the difference.
  • Burnt Crust + Uncooked Filling: First and foremost, don’t overwork your dough. Next, cut a piece of foil into a square large enough to cover your pie. Then cut a round circle out of the top. Leave it on for the first half of your cook time, then remove it at the end. Foolproof.

GUEST PROBLEMS

AN UNEXPECTED GUEST SHOWS UP. A plus one is usually no biggie. A few plus ones are what can derail a Turkey Day in no time flat. Always plan a meal that includes leftovers – that way, you’re sure to have enough. Forgot to do that? Man the portions. Cut the turkey thinner, make sure to include some bread in the offerings, scoop the mashed potatoes and doll out the gravy yourself – that way, you graze right over Uncle Dave’s heavy hand that leaves everyone else without.

THERE ARE TOO MANY COOKS IN THE KITCHEN. Give everyone a job from the moment that arrive – and plan plenty of jobs outside of the kitchen. So when Grandma Ruth insists on stirring the gravy, you can redirect her with the equally important job of lighting the candles or reading a book to the little ones.

YOU FORGOT TO INVITE SOMEONE. An elderly neighbor who is home alone, a family member that had a change in plans. Reach out, always reach out. Apologize for the oversight and invite them over. Before they get there, whip up a place card and make room for them at the table so that they don’t feel awkward watching you try to squeeze in another chair.

YOUR GUESTS WANTS LEFTOVERS. And you secretly want them all to yourself! First, make sure to buy containers to send home with people. Here’s a cute DIY one. Next, divvy up the portions on each of the platters so that you have equal amounts or small enough portions to fit in said containers. Give everyone the same thing and don’t divvy up in front of anyone. Then sing the ditty, “you get what you get and you don’t get upset” as you hand each package over.

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DON’T FORGET THESE THANKSGIVING MUSTS!

THE ART OF THANKSGIVING CONVERSATION

LITTLE TURKEY DAY DETAILS THAT MAKE A HUGE IMPRESSION

Where Opulence and Beauty Collide: A Wedding Editorial Inspired by the Pages of Vogue

To say this unique editorial took our breath away would be the understatement of the century. From the bride’s knockout Dana Harel gown complete with a cascading train and floral appliqué, to the untamed floral magic created by Jana Brown Design Co. in an ultra feminine color palette. To the bride who spends most of her spare time flipping through the pages of Vogue, this inspiration is perfect for you. Head on over to the full gallery of details, all captured by Lost Coast Photography!

From Janna Brown Design“The Swan,” where opulence and wild beauty collide, in this ultra romantic editorial hosted by Janna Brown Design.

Inspired by the juxtaposition of fierceness and femininity found spilling out of the pages of Vogue, our editorial balanced delicate, wild blooms and ethereal fabrics with immense architecture, powerful posing, and the intensity between our couple and the lens. 

Our bride donned an impressive gown by Dana Harel Design, with a cascading train and a sheer bustier, adorned with a plethora of delicate hand-sewn flower petals. She carried a bouquet composed of wild jasmine, elaeagnus, and garden roses, finished with trailing silk ribbon. 

Our table details mimicked the bride and her bouquet: soft cream fabrics paired with untamed florals. Tara Spencer created vellum menus which sat atop each place setting, while the flowers nestled into a bed of cream fabrics…

Photography: Lost Coast Photography | Design: Janna Brown Design Co. | Floral Design: Janna Brown Design Co. | Wedding Dress: Dana Harel | Invitations: Idyll Paper | Hair & Makeup: Katie Gurley Artistry | Groom's Attire: Street Tuxedo | Accessories: BHLDN | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Location: http://www.aAtlanta History Center: Swan House & Grand Overlook Ballroomtlantahistorycenter.com/ | Rentals: Peachtree Tents | Veil: Lauren Leshansky

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