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?