Monday 31 October 2011

Frighteningly Fabulous

"Studio 54 made Halloween in Hollywood look like a PTA meeting. " - Lorna Luft


I think themed events are absolutely awesome. Whether it’s a Parisian brunch or a costume gala, I'm always down for an inspired soiree.

That being said (and this is not to offend anyone), I am NOT a big fan of a Halloween themed wedding. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Halloween; an excuse to dress up as ANYTHING and no matter what it be deemed acceptable, while shoving my face with chocolate and candy, is not a holiday to be missed. BUT, that’s best suited for a haunted bash and not holy matrimony.

So in honour of All Hallows Eve, I’d like to share with you some of my fave sweet 'n' spooky spreads;

Love at First Bite - Sweets Indeed



Halloween Glam Collection - Tom Kat Studio

Bat & Bones - Sandra Dowie Event Designs

Decorated Cookies - Sweetopia
Jolly Jack 'O' Lantern Cake Pops - Bakerella

Pumpkin Cheesecake - Pass the Sushi
Happy Halloween!

Sincerely,

S

Sunday 30 October 2011

Tea Time


“A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water”Eleanor Roosevelt

Recently, I have had family and friends offer to throw me a 'tea' (aka a bridal shower) to celebrate my upcoming nuptials.  I am beyond excited for the events as my sister's tea was one to remember.  Thinking about that day a couple of years ago brings back such wonderful memories. My fabulous Aunt Candy, whom unfortunately passed away last year and I miss dearly, planned the most beautiful afternoon in honour of my sister. I think any bride-to-be would be lucky to have a day just like it.  When the ladies entered the house they were offered a glass of iced tea (how perfect!), wine or a smoothie.  Although it was called a tea, I think most people opted for the wine (after all it was after noon).  There was a tea bar set up in the kitchen with an assortment of teas, each labelled, and displayed in my aunt's stunning tea pots.  There was a large table of scones, canapes, wraps, party sandwiches and really any cute hor d'oeuvres you can think of!  She also prepared mini cupcakes which had a chocolate photo of the bride and groom.  They were so cute!!!  We laughed, we cried and the bride opened some beautiful, and also scandalous, gifts.  No detail went unnoticed on this afternoon and everyone seemed to have a wonderful day.  My sister was thrilled!  As each guest left, they were given a cookie in the shape of a tea pot with the bride's name on it and a bag of loose leaf tea.  These parting gifts were the perfect added touch.

Check out the pictures below:
My Aunt Candy displaying the tea!

The yumminess!


Dessert!!


Cupcakes (courtesy of Lollicakes)


Below are fabulous finds from Etsy for your tea parties:

Quaint Collector - English Tea Pot - $26 USD

Fabricated Family - Vintage Tea Set - $250 USD


High Tea for Alice - Two Tier Cake Cupcake Stand - $68 USD
High Tea for Alice - Four-Tier Cupcake Stand - $250 USD
Vessels and Wares - Cake Stand Tier Set - $146 USD
The Roche Studio - Cake Stand Pedistal - $40 USD

It is so special to gather a group of ladies for an afternoon and I know that everyone that attended my sister's tea will always remember it.  It was a beautiful day and she felt honoured to have my aunt plan it.  I speak for many people when I say we miss you.

Yours truly,

A


Friday 28 October 2011

Petite Sweets

“Life is uncertain.  Eat dessert first.” – Ernestine Ulmer

We love dessert and more importantly, we looove the new fad with dessert bars.  Gone are the days of your traditional plated dessert and in are the days of themed and colour coordinated dessert displays.  The biggest craze is sweet tables filled with miniature versions of your favourite dessert. Besides being innovative and cute, they photograph beautifully.  The best way to display your mini desserts is to have them on assorted trays and tiers of different sizes and heights. It also creates a beautiful look to display your wedding cake in the middle of all your favourite minis.  You could also have servers handing out different desserts as they are easy to eat ‘on the go’.  By the time dessert is served the party is usually in full swing so these mini desserts will allow your guests to sample many sweets without leaving the dance floor or even sitting back down.  Your guests are also more likely to indulge because they will feel like they are having ‘just a taste’ rather than a full piece of cake.  These bite-sized treats will have everyone talking!

Check out below some beautifully displayed 'mini' dessert tables:

Photo taken from My Sweet and Saucy
Photo taken from Pinterest (these balloons are my obsession!)

Photo taken from Pinterest

Photo taken from The White Library (stunning sweet table for a shower)


Photo taken from Pinterest

Photo taken from My Sweet and Saucy

And now for some scrumptious looking mini desserts to serve at your affair:

Mini Tiramisu

Mini Apple Pies - how cute??


Mini Ice Cream Cones


Mini Nutella Cupcakes (I need these!!)


Mini Chocolate Pies with Meringue



Mini Brownies with Spoons and Mini Cheesecakes


Mini Whoopie Pies

After all, you know what they say...good things come in small packages.


Your truly,


A

Wednesday 26 October 2011

WTB Hearts: Bragging Bags

Rustic is IN and this Etsy shop is a haven for all things shabby chic. Whether it’s a beach cottage theme, or vintage-romance in an abandoned barn, original Morgann Hill designs are featured in BraggingBags – your one stop shop for an array of wooden treasures and personalized touches for your special day. They take the Y out of DIY!

We’ve narrowed in on some fabulous finds not to be missed;

25 Rustic and Distressed Wood Heart Favor Charms or Escort Tags - $25 USD
Engraved Heart Personalized Wood Cake Stand - $59 USD
Personalized Wood Tree Candle Stand - $19.99 USD
Rustic Table Numbers - $49.99 USD
Set of 3 Personalized Cake Toppers - $32.50 USD
Set of 6 Personalized Tall Birch Bark Wood Vases - $115 USD
Wedding Card Box - $85 USD
all photos taken from Etsy

We don't mean to brag, but we're totally inspired by these crafty creations! How about you?  

Until next time,

A & S


Tuesday 25 October 2011

Fancy Footwork

Oh yes, I love to do shoes. I'm not a fetishist but I love to do shoes.” – Karl Lagerfeld

It would be an understatement to say that I love my shoe collection. I truly cherish it. Shoes (along with handbags) are the ultimate purchase because, if well taken care of, they can be treasured forever. Sure, trends come and go, but they almost always make a comeback (1970’s revival of the platform pump ringing any bells?).

When our mothers’ got married, they typically bought a pair of satin, white pumps, most likely at the boutique in which they got their gown. But these days we’re faced with a bevy of choices for our walk down the aisle.

Whether it’s a crystal clad statement shoe, a traditional ivory pump, or something practical that can be worn to any formal event thereafter, the options seem endless.

Shoes can change an entire look, or in Cinderella's case, an entire life :)

Some top picks for first steps as a Mrs.:
Alexander McQueen laser cut bootie - $1870 - shop.nordstrom.com

Bourne 'Vivienne' satin sandal - $270 - shop.nordstrom.com

Christian Louboutin Volpi 150 satin covered leather sandal - $945 - net-a-porter.com

Guiseppe Zanotti jeweled suede platform slingback pump - $1,080 - saksfifthavenue.com

Jimmy Choo 'Clue' glitter slingback pump - $720 - shop.nordstrom.com

Kate Spade New York 'Charm' slingback pump - $350 - shop.nordstrom.com

Pour La Victoire Cristella 2 open toe pump - $120 - endless.com

Valentino couture patent leather bow platform peep toe pump - $840 - saksfifthavenue.com

Vince Camuto 'Crane' pump - $160 - shop.nordstrom.com

Too tough on your tootsies? A quick change to comfy kicks does the trick: 

Steve Madden 'Karisma' flat - $99 - stevemadden.com

Toms classic glitter slip on - $58 - shop.nordstrom.com
Dolce Vita 'Felice' leather flower sandal - $162 - saksfifthavenue.com

Marc Jacobs knot-detailed suede ballerina flat - $590 - net-a-porter.com
Converse 'All Star' Candy Metallic - $60 - converse.com

Havaianas Limited Edition slim crystal mesh flip flop -$150 - shop.havaianascanada.com

Which is your glass slipper of choice?

Sincerely,

S