Time Out

I hope you enjoyed the holidays and are gearing up for 2010! I'm taking some time to reorganize my life and recover missing files (eek!). I'll be back in a few days with great advice and inspiration for all you newly engaged couples out there! Congratulations!

{photo via Martha Stewart Weddings}

simple D.I.Y. gift ideas

This is such a simple, go-to gift for the holiday season. And the beauty of it is that you can take the basic idea and run with it. Get creative.

Here are the basic materials you'll need:


You can use store bought gift tags or make your own out of cardstock. I used craft brown and traced a snowflake cookie cutter to achieve a handmade, unique gift tag.


Fill the Mason jar with anything, really. Nuts, pretzels, cookies, ingredients for cookies, hot chocolate mix, homemade eggnog, dry beans, popcorn--the sky is the limit. I used holiday potpourri I had laying around the house. See? Perfect for a last minute gift!

Screw the lid on (for potpourri leave the lid off for a slowly diffused scent!) and place the cut fabric of your choice over the lid and tie with pretty, festive ribbon.



String the homemade gift tag on the ribbon for a personalized touch!

Voila! Simple and perfect for the last minute, forgetful or holiday-stressed gift giver!

Do you have go-to gifts for the holidays? What are your last minute tricks for gift needs?

Silver + Cranberry

When planning or designing an event I start with one particular item that has given me inspiration. For this cranberry and silver holiday inspiration board, my design palette came from a white cosmopolitan cocktail I recently had at a local Richmond restaurant. It came in a frosty martini glass with soaked cranberries. The lights in the restaurant made the cocktail almost sparkle. Herein, the inspiration for my holiday party was born.

Once I have the item of influence, I design an inspiration board. Tada! The perfect blend of silvery metallics and deep, bold burgundy. This palette can be used everywhere from a gorgeous winter wedding or elegant cocktail party!

{From top to bottom: gift wrap via Confetti, silver mirror via Country Living, pomander balls via Wedding Bee, cocktail via Lazy Bride, calla lily via Country Living, cranberries via Wellsphere, napkin pyramid via Country Living, ornaments via Country Living, bouquet via Fleurs, stationery via Invitesite}

Dress Digs

Dress Digs is a wee bit different today. I came across this incredibly adorable flower girl tutu dress on Etsy and almost died. Look at the boots!!!


Bella's Boutique is the styles behind this hand-sewn tutu. Just precious.

What will your flower girls wear? Are you even having children in your wedding? Let us know!

Southern Derby Soiree

In the midst of all the winter inspiration out there, I thought I'd change gears for all the recently or potentially engaged couples over this holiday season looking for spring inspiration! LK Events & Design designed and coordinated this Southern Derby Soiree birthday party over the summer.

Birthday girl, London Ray, is here to spill the beans:
"I wanted something southern and girly--think Steel Magnolias. I wanted to be transported to the Old South with sun hats and tea dresses."

"Mini ham biscuits and potato salad were served in clay flower pots and the signature cocktail in old Mason canning jars."


London's baby and childhood pictures were framed with textured, antique paper and strung from jute twine.
"We sat under a canopy of twinkle lights, surrounded by Mason jars with tea lights and sipped wine from glass jars. There was even a cupcake and champagne toast" said London.

Cupcake adornments were made from green gingham ribbon and tied in bows.



Thanks so much for sharing with us, London! Stay tuned for more inspiration!

A New Twist on Poinsettia's

Poinsettias are holiday staples. They are everywhere this time of year, so I thought I'd collect some images that take this classic look and spin it with a modern twist.

Use cut flowers to help develop this new style. Layer them in trifles, candy dishes, or petite vases.Stack them with pedestal bowls to add height or even a pop of color.


Poinsettias come in a variety of colors. Again, it's a way to use a classic holiday flower in a not-so-classic way! Try soda or vintage milk bottles.

{all images above: Southern Living}

{Domino's via The Hostess Blog}

Gorgeous cupcake wrappers!

{Paper Orchid Stationery}

Stack cake stands and trim with cut flowers, votives, festive cookies, or ornaments. Simple, easy holiday centerpiece!

{Rachel Ray}

Get rid of the cheesy tinfoil and branch out of the potted poinsettias. This is a gorgeous, quick go-to recipe for holiday decor.

Have any new ideas for poinsettias? How will you decorate your home and dining table for the holidays? Any other new takes on old classics?

Dress Digs

I am loving this short, flirty dress from Sarah Seven via Etsy. Couldn't you just see it with an out-of-the-box pair of shoes? Country, farm wedding or blissful, tropical affair?

Jackie + Forrest, Charles City, Virginia {Part 2}

Jackie and Forrest's waterfront reception was timed perfectly with the setting sun. Not only did they have breathtaking views, their wedding day was full of laughter, tears and utter romance.

"We wanted the wedding to be clean, classic and have kind of a vintage feel to it. I used creams and muted pink tones for the colors with silver accents like the centerpiece vases and lattice design in the linens. We wanted to capture great memories that would stand the test of time and never be outdated. We had to incorporate the bagpipes since I'm Scots-Irish and it echoed through the river valley in such a breath taking way. I'm glad I listened to my Mom on that one."

"I thought the day was amazing. Now, it seems like a blur but there wasn't a single beat missed. I wasn't worried about anything being out of place or not what I had pictured. Forrest and I couldn't have asked for a more memorable way to start our lives together."

Venue: Berkeley Plantation
Event Planning: LK Events & Design
Catering: Williamsburg Catering Co
Photography: Digital Dreammakers
Entertainment: Astro Entertainment Inc
Flowers: The Flower Cupboard
Rentals: Williamsburg Event Rentals
Cake: The Desserterie
Gown: Maggie Sottero from Happy Bride

Thanks to Digital Dreammakers for sending these beautiful photos and thank you to Jackie and Forrest for sharing!

Jackie + Forrest, Charles City, Virginia

College sweethearts Jackie and Forrest were married September 5, 2009 at the gorgeous Berkeley Plantation in Charles City, Virginia.

Jackie's here to tell us a bit about their story and wedding:

"I've always loved outdoor events. It's really something to be able to associate an amazing atmosphere and wonderful views with a day of such great importance like your wedding day. We chose the Berkeley for many reasons. I zeroed in on it because it was on the James River and we both wanted to get married on a Plantation. After researching it, we found out that the Berkeley has a lot of history. It was the site of the first Thanksgiving, home to three different presidents, and has played a pivotal role in almost every American war. I didn't mention that Forrest hadn't even proposed yet, talk about putting the horse before the cart."

"One day he asked me if I wanted to go visit the plantation with him. Down by the river, under one of the willow trees he bent on one knee and said, "I don't care if this is where we get married or not, All I know is that I want to spend the rest of my life with you." That's where our history started, under a willow tree at Berkeley Plantation. Fate lead us to the Berkeley which has seen many beginnings for this country and many ends. We were honored to be a small part of it's history."

More of this gorgeous plantation wedding to come!

Sneak Peek: Jackie + Forrest

Can't wait to share this gorgeous plantation wedding with you! Details and stylings to come...

Ice + Metallic

This whimsical winter inspiration board from Snippet & Ink is perfect for today. It's a week into December and absolutely frigged outside. The icy blues and subtle metallics would be a perfect color palette for a winter wonderland wedding.

Top row from left: blue and white Christmas tree via This is Glamorous; Tiffany jingle bell, Oscar de la Renta dress and centerpiece (with table number by May-Bell) all from Martha Stewart Weddings Row 2: ranunculus via Decorology, cupcakes from Cannelle et Vanille, ring pillow from Martha Stewart Weddings, numbered table runner Row 3: photo via Design Editor, monogram neckties from Martha Stewart, bouquet by Mindy Rice from InStyle, aquamarine ring from Twist Row 4: knit shell from J.Crew, ornaments via Lily G, invitation via Once Wed, cheese buffet from Martha Stewart Weddings

What gave you inspiration for your gorgeous winter wedding? What color palette will you be using this winter?

Dress Digs

Winter is here and this is a gorgeous Ines Di Santo gown fit for a perfect cold and snowy wedding. The floral features are absolutely divine and so perfect for a winter wonderland wedding!
Style: Francine
Fabric: Silk Taffeta
www.inesdisanto.com

Holiday Wreaths

Apparently when you turn 25 the frontal cortex of your brain becomes fully developed. So this means I'm finally able to make mature, educated decisions. Hmm...that explains a lot in the past. But maybe this is why my personal style has changed so much. I grew up with the standard green, red and gold holiday decor. Don't get me wrong, it was gorgeous. But when you see the evergreen wreath with a bright red ribbon on your windows for over 20 years, it becomes a wee bit monotonous.

These holiday wreaths sway just slightly from the traditional holiday decor I've known. They are gorgeous, simple and unique. And when I see holiday decor and wreaths like these when I'm out, it just makes me love this season even more!

{from top to bottom: Woman's Day, Southern Living,
the remainder from Martha Stewart}

What are you using to spice up your home or office for the holidays? Does red, green and gold still make you smile with cheer? Or are you swaying a bit from tradition?