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Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Detailed Table Decor


For a festive look, make your holiday table truly memorable by adding personalized details that are sure to surprise and delight your family and friends.

A complete table is more than just a beautiful dinnerware pattern, which included flatware, drinkware, silverware and accessories that complement the pattern and theme.

Here are some unique ideas for your table:
Tablecloths:
Tablecloths are the foundation of your table setting; use them to help create the ambiance for your event. Do you want a formal feeling or more casual? Perhaps playful or festive would better describe the gathering you are planning. The colors and materials you choose for your tablecloth, napkins, runners and accessories can set the tone.

One way to change the look of a plain tablecloth is to add a transparent, shimmering organza overlay; or sprinkle an assortment of sequences or glitter on top of the cloth. The idea is to make it special and different from what you would normally do.

Place Cards:
Make specialized place cards for each guest to set the holiday tone throughout the room. For instance you can download holiday graphics like snowman, fairies or snowflakes from your computer and type each of your guest names in a cursive style font and print out the place card using thick paper giving a rich feel to it.

Get the china out:
Dinnerware adds another element to the holiday dinner decorating. If you are hosting an upscale holiday dinner party with mainly adults, then you may wish to set the table with formal dinnerware. But if your dinner is semi-formal you may want to use a modern flatware; this may give a twist to your table décor that’ll make your guest s go “Oooooh”

Napkins rings:
Napkin rings sound like an insignificant item, but it does make a difference when it comes to your table setting. Napkin rings make the table look polished. What type of napkin ring is appropriate depends on what type of dinner party you are throwing. A set of napkin rings with sparkle will add another dimension to a formal style. If you doubt a napkin ring is necessary, then ponder about your personal preference: A folded napkin laying flat or a napkin wrapped around a precious napkin ring?

Create a Centerpiece:
You do not have to be Martha Stewart to achieve this goal. Do not be intimidated by the idea of a centerpiece. There are several ways to create a gorgeous centerpiece without spending a lot of time and money. Gather together a group of round ornaments; choose colors complimentary to the napkin rings, china, and place cards. Next, place the ornaments in a large over sized bowl in the center of the dining room table and in moments you have a beautiful holiday setting. If flowers are your thing, get roses, red or white roses will make your table look stunning. Another option is to use pine cones and branches for a rustic look. Creating a centerpiece allows you to be as creative as you wish.

This is your holiday table, so make it your own. Your guests will appreciate the efforts put into designing a signature holiday style throughout your entire home.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Your Bridal Bouquet

It’s time to get ready for the big day, with lots of things to think about like your dress, your maids and of course the bridal bouquet. You want everything to reflect your sense of style, your life and your love for each other and your bouquet is just one of the many ways that you can incorporate these symbols into your life. You will have the pictures from your wedding forever so you want to be sure that everything from the dress to the flowers comes out perfectly and that means making a choice that reflects you and your mate completely.

Whether you choose fresh flowers or silk, if you keep them seasonal, the colors will be more harmonious. Choose softer colors and shapes for daytime weddings and keep the dramatic blooms for late afternoon or evenings.

For a more formal affair, try roses, ranunculus, all varieties of lilies (calla, etc), orchids, stephanotis, sweet peas, gardenias and peonies. Hydrangea also looks very nice as its size makes bouquets and arrangements fuller.

Keep in mind the size of your bridal bouquet and bridesmaids. A petite bride could carry a delicate posy of small flowers while a taller bride might have a regal calla lily bouquet trailing ivy. The same goes for bridesmaids of all ages. Smaller girls carry smaller flowers.

Choose Color!
Don’t be afraid to show bright colors in your bouquet, more brides are choosing colorful bouquets than the traditional white bouquet. Choose the flowers that make you happiest and make you think of your husband to be and you will enjoy the flowers on your special day and perhaps even afterward if you have them dried to save.

I have a total respect for floral designers. So make sure you find a floral designer who has the ability to work with lots of budgets. I say this lightly; most designers I know work on the same principle, the more you get, the more you pay. The less you get, the less you pay. You have to be realistic. Flowers are expensive but much of the expense comes in the design and handling. The additional cost is worth it!


Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Outrageous Shoes!


Sure, your wedding gown is white or ivory, but how about fuschia, hot pink, blue, red or polka dot shoes???
Show your colors by wearing nontraditional shoes!
Pick your favorite color or a color from your wedding palette and show off your style...
The best part is you can wear them again!