Mason Madness

One of the newest decorative trends is the use of mason jars at various events and as gifts! You can find numerous mason jar ideas on Pinterest. Here are five of my favorites!

A gift everyone can enjoy, cookie mix in a mason jar! Creative and delicious.

 

 http://putitinajar.com/2013/11/19/10-christmas-cookies-mixes-mason-jars/

 

Another great gift idea, for the children in your life who still believe, a little something sweet from Santa! Make sure to use red candies in the jar to make it look like Santa's suit.

 

http://www.according-to-kelly.com/2013/11/mason-jar-christmas-giftsfrom-polka-dot-chair-blog/

 

This beautifully wrapped mason jar can be used as a candle holder. When the lights are dim, the music notes will shine onto the surrounding area. Very sweet and romantic.

 

http://justimagine-ddoc.com/crafts/crafty-finds-inspiration-6-2/gallery/image/sheet-music-on-mason-jars/

I think this one is my absolute favorite. Use mason jars as picture frames! It will play into any rustic home décor and is a fun way to display photos at any event; engagement parties, birthdays, etc.

 

http://www.hometalk.com/2532922/the-mason-jar-project/photo/414562

 

Last but not least, these awesome chalkboard mason jars can be filled with anything and labeled so everyone will know what they contain. These can also be used to drink from and the person using the jar can write their name on the front. Very fun and easy to create!

 

www.etsy.com

 

 Make your way through the madness and devour the details!

Creative Advent Calendars

It's about that time to start breaking out your advent calendars! Advent calendars were one of our favorite things to have in college because who doesn't love a piece of chocolate at the end of every day? Haha! So the inspiration for today's second blog (since I didn't post one on Monday) comes from these super creative advent calendars from Pinterest. Here are five of my favorites!

First up, this cute stack of Chinese takeout boxes. If you want it to feel more festive, use holiday colors or prints!

 

http://www.netvibes.com/en

Simple and cheap, this advent calendar can be made with things around the house. Paper bags, clothespins, and string, put together giving a rustic holiday feel. I love this one!

 

http://mostlovelythings.blogspot.com/2011/12/advent-calendar-decorating-with-old.html

I wish I knew about this one in college. Not only is it a really easy calendar to make but by putting it in the shape of a Christmas Tree you're able to create extra wall decorations. Simply amazing.

 

http://www.marthastewart.com/857740/handmade-advent-calendars/@center/307034/christmas-workshop

This is a great recyclable calendar. You can use empty toilet paper rolls to create this cabin-esque decoration. It would be very fun to rip through these numbers and find out what's on the other side!

 

http://www.bostonmamas.com/blog/2013/11/20/10-clever-advent-calendars.html

Last but not least, for the people in your life who enjoy cooking, this converted cupcake tray makes the perfect advent calendar. Fill each cutout and cover with different colored and patterned paper for a festive feel. Super easy and a fun holiday kitchen adornment!

 

http://mindful-shopper.com/mindful-lifestyle/fun-diy-projects/holiday-diy/

These details can easily be devoured so show me what you got! Get to creating some awesome calendars!

Event Planner Feature: Every Little Moment

This week I want to give a special shout out to Every Little Moment Lifestyle & Event Design, event planning services. Their desire is to ensure that “every little moment” of your celebration encompasses your dreams and makes them a reality for you to treasure. Wedding planning, proposal planning, nonprofit planning, corporate production and private events, ELM handles it all. Erin McEvoy and Mallory Quinn founders of ELM have brought their extensive backgrounds together to provide clients with knowledge and guidance when planning their special day.

Erin has a true passion for creative design, events and fundraising for a cause. Completing her higher education in North Carolina, she has developed a sense of "southern hospitality" and compassion that she uses when planning events. Her background in event planning for non-profits, professional sports team events, and weddings, has given Erin the ability to use creativity with all couples, venues and corporate groups to showcase a client’s personality to not only make your event memorable but unique to who or what the event represents. She was recently awarded the title of “2011 Readers’ Choice BizBash Association/Nonprofit Planner of the Year" and spends most of her time volunteering and serving on the Leadership Committee of the Friends Council for the Boys and Girls Club.

Mallory takes great pride in perfectly executing events for her clients. Also an Endicott College alumnae, she gained valuable experience there that allows her to bring creativity to ELM weddings, social events, and nonprofit functions. Her rich background is filled with experience from formally running the fundraising events program for a major academic Medical Center in Boston, producing for a national firm specializing in luxury events, as well as executing client service events in a professional sports setting.

They've put together some beautiful events and are an inspiration to me. Be sure to check out their Facebook page and website so you can be ELMspired as well.

 

 

Keep on devouring the details ELM!

Kristin Banta Events

I remember watching Kristin Banta's show on Bravo a few years ago and thinking what I would give to move out to LA and work for her. The episode I vividly remember was how she ordered what seemed like a million origami swans for a wedding that were hung from the ceiling but were pulled back and then released once the ceremony was over. A truly unique feature to an unforgettable wedding. Kristin has such an extensive background in what she does because of her additional experience with catering, interior design, fashion, and entertainment. It is no wonder she is one of the most sought after event producers around.

Kristin creates truly memorable celebrations while bringing a fresh perspective to the mix. Known within her community as a long-standing advocate for marriage equality, she is passionate about helping her clients find their own voice for their wedding day. It is about exceeding her client's expectations and making their wildest visions come to life for a day that will go down in history as being absolutely perfect.

Kristin was nominated for the National BizBash Event Style Awards in 2013 and was featured as one of Los Angeles’ top event designers in the book “The Art of Celebration” (November 2010) along with the recently released “Southern California Weddings". In addition to that, she's been featured in countless publications including InStyle Weddings, Modele Magazine, California Wedding Day, Frontiers Magazine, Los Angeles Weddings Magazine, The Knot, Modern Bride Southern California, Southern Living, Your Wedding Day Magazine, LA Times, Real Simple Weddings, Inside Weddings, Life & Style, Style Me Pretty, Junebug, Green Wedding Shoes, Bride Finds, AOL and Punk Rock Confidential. I draw many style and design ideas from her work in these publications. She is definitely an inspiration for what I want to produce with events.

Be sure to follow her on twitter for constant updates on her wonderful events and advice on the latest industry trends @KristinBanta and check out her website KristinBanta.com.

Devour on Kristin!

Vera, Vera, Vera

As soon as you hear her name, gorgeous bridal gowns start swirling around your head; fashion designer Vera Wang couldn't encompass the word 'couture' any better. Born and raised in New York City, Vera has had the opportunity to flourish in one of the world's fashion meccas. Beginning in 1970, Wang was a senior fashion editor for Vogue. She later joined Ralph Lauren as a design director for two years then created her own brand. Prior to designing dresses, Vera was a well-known figure skater. Once she became a fashion designer, she began creating figure skating costumes for the elite competitors she kept in touch with.

On October 23, 2001, her book, Vera Wang on Weddings, was released. In June 2005, she won the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Womenswear Designer of the Year. On May 27, 2006, Wang was awarded the André Leon Talley Lifetime Achievement Award from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Vera was inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2009, and was honored for her contribution to the sport as a costume designer.

Twenty years after opening her first bridal boutique, Vera was awarded the Leadership in the Arts Award by the Harvard-Radcliffe Asian American Association.

You can check out her designs at the Vera Wang website.

The inspiration for this post truly came from the new Zales commercial for the Vera Wang LOVE collection. You can check out the commercial here.

Vera, I envy your hunger for devouring the details in each and every design you make and thank you for being a wedding inspiration!

Being Unique: Part Four

One of my favorite venues on the North Shore is Willowdale Estate in Topsfield, MA. This gorgeous property is part of Bradley Palmer State Park. The estate was built in 1901 and originally the summer retreat of prominent Boston businessman Mr. Bradley Palmer. Palmer was involved with the creation and growth of multiple Boston-based corporations including the United Fruit Company, Gillette Safety Razor Corporation, and International Telephone & Telegraph Corporation. From 1937 to 1944, Palmer donated all of his land holdings "to the people of Massachusetts as a place to enjoy the peace and beauty of river, woods, fields and hills"; transferring all ownership of his properties to the State.

Under the leadership of Miss Briar Rose Forsythe in 2007, Willowdale Estate opened as an elegant event venue with full service party planning and catering. Forsythe is building a company that utilizes the beauty of this historic residence as backdrop for wonderful party experiences. Willowdale hosts all types of events including weddings, private parties, and company events. All of their food is prepared on site by the Willowdale Estate culinary team using only wholesome ingredients that are locally sourced whenever possible.

May through October Willowdale offers tent weddings. Their tent pavilion includes a beautiful garden, perfect for taking wedding photos and having an outdoor cocktail hour. This space combines the comfort of indoor dining with the experience of an outdoor, open air venue. The rest of the year Willowdale is able to host weddings in-house. They can plan your event with simple elegance for up to 240 guests. For private parties and company events, Willowdale can customize proposals to suit your every need. Their primary purpose is for guests to enjoy the unique estate atmosphere, beautiful park and river, easy planning, complete privacy for peace of mind and restaurant quality food.

Willowdale Estate is also a truly unique venue in the sense that they offer specials and discounts year round. Be sure to check them out when planning your next event!

Let Willowdale devour the details for you!

Thanksgiving Tablescape

I am so looking forward to decorating my family's kitchen table for Thanksgiving this year. Since we painted our kitchen red, holiday décor has really started to pop. When browsing Pinterest and Google Images I was able to pull a lot of tablescape ideas.

If you host a Thanksgiving dinner where it is necessary to have place-cards, these little Mayflower boats are absolutely adorable. Fill them with your favorite holiday candies.


 

http://www.blissfulroots.com/

 

This awesome maize inspired centerpiece is super creative and really easy to make.

 



 

http://www.pinterest.com/hornie01/

 

I love the height variations and use of different colored baby pumpkins in this tablescape. The neutral colors encompass Fall beautifully. I also love how the bigger pumpkin is spruced up by tying ribbon to its stem. The blog this setup is from also shares other tablescape tips and tricks. Be sure to check out Material Girls Blog.

 

 

If you're looking to do something completely different for your tablescape, something very unique, this gorgeous design is for you. The use of the silver vase with autumn colored feathers is beautiful in a medieval sort of way. The accent candles lead your eyes to the centerpiece and the smaller candles light up the stone-colored table-runner. This tablescape is definitely my style.

 

 

http://carla-cosmogirl.blogspot.com/2011/11/thanksgiving-tablescape-inspiration.html

Here are some other awesome ideas that may inspire you to create a dramatic tablescape with height, pops of color, and various décor your guests will remember for years to come.

 

http://www.countryliving.com/cooking/entertaining/thanksgiving-table-settings-1108

 

 

http://www.livelaughrowe.com/thanksgiving-tablescape-2011/

 

 

http://serenitycove2.blogspot.com/2012/11/inspiring-christmas-tablescapes.html

 

 

http://www.domesticfashionista.com/2012/11/thanksgiving-tablescape-use-what-you.html

 

 

http://veryrosenberry.com/2012/11/how-to-spruce-up-the-kids-table-at-thanksgiving/

 

 

Keep devouring those details!

Creative Holiday Card Displays

The holidays are such a busy time and I know the cards always come pouring in to my house. Here are some creative ways to use your holiday cards on display as décor!

Punch holes in your cards, string some ribbon through them, and hang them from any garland you have set up around the house. Using the railing, similar to the photo below, is a unique way to show off the beautiful cards you receive this time of year!

 

http://browzer.net/diy-christmas-cards-holiday-crafts/

These rustic picture frames lined with wire and clothespins are a beautiful way to display holiday cards. The variations in size and color give a uniqueness to this festive décor.

 

http://www.pinterest.com/cvillestroh9/

Lastly, these super easy DIY wreaths are creative décor that can really be displayed all winter. Grab some large snowflake decorations, add some small clothespins, glue, string, and you have yourself a very fast and fun way to display all the holiday cards from your friends and family.

Glue the clothespins onto the back of the snowflake so they are not visible. Add string to the top of the snowflake so it can be hung on a wall. You can get a better idea of what to do from the photos below.

 

http://ideallyspeaking.ca/2013/11/easy-diy-christmas-card-wreath/

 



The holidays are a sure way to devour a lot of details!

DIY: Holiday Snow Globes

Sunday night special coming at you! Sorry for the inconvenience, this past week was quite busy and I was only able to get three posts up.. But, better late than never!

We all love taking memorable pictures with our families during holiday parties so here's a creative idea that will bring joy for years to come.

Head over to your local crafts store and pick up some different color foam paper. Cut out your favorite holiday props and glue them to some extra-long skewers. Use these props to take funny family photos.

 

etsy.com 

 

http://www.brightsettings.com/BrightIdeas/create-halloween-photo-booth/

Print these photos right away to make these awesome take-home snow globes for your family.  These are really easy to make in a short amount of time. I have included the supplies needed and directions from Pop Sugar Mom & Kids below.

 

What You'll Need

• Mason jar (or any clear jar with a tight lid, large enough to fit your picture once cut out)
• Glue gun and hot-glue sticks
• Scissors
• Picture
• Laminate paper (can purchase at any craft or office supply store)
• Mini-styrofoam balls
• Embellishment pieces (suggested embellishments: mini Christmas trees, fake berries, mini-pinecones, mini-bells)
• Glycerin
• Glitter
• Water

Directions

1. Take your pictures and cut out each person.
2. Use your laminate paper pouch, and laminate your cut out picture.
3. Once you laminate, cut out your person again, but make sure to leave an edge around the picture so it stays sealed.
4. Then you want to unscrew the lid to your jar. With the mini-styrofoam balls (they can be painted and then glittered first or left white), slide the picture into the ball so they can be glued and stand straight. Once you do this, seal the picture into the slit of the ball with some hot glue.
5. Next, glue the ball onto the lid of the jar, making sure the front of the picture will face the smooth part of the jar.
6. Take your embellishments and glue them around your picture to make a nice background scene. During this step, make sure to leave enough room around the edge of the lid so you can screw it back onto the jar.
7. Now you can fill your jar up, almost to the top with water. Then add your glitter. Then add glycerin to the water, which will help the glitter float a little bit slower (usually about 2-3 teaspoons per cup of water). Now your design attached to the lid can be screwed into the jar.
8. If you want, you can put some hot glue on the lid to seal it closed, but it's best to wait to seal it just in case you need to make any adjustments after you place it in the water.

Silly, simple, and surely to make your family smile. Enjoy devouring those holiday details with these festive snow globes!

Party Favors

'Tis the season for holiday parties! Here are some great craft ideas you can give out to your party guests or bring as a gift to any party.

Paper flowers for presents are super easy to make and really add a personal touch to any giftwrap.

 

http://www.minhacasaminhacara.com.br/page/24/

 

If you're really eco-friendly, this has got to be the best holiday craft ever. Take a clear ornament and fill it with old Christmas string lights that don't work anymore! Including a personal note like the one in the picture below can make this craft even more special. This gift is sure to impress and shine in any light.

 

 

pinterestcloset.com

 

For all of the wine lovers in your life, this idea is awesome! These cork snowflake ornaments are very unique and easy to make. Cut the corks down, shape out the snowflake, hot glue the corks together, then run any kind of ribbon with hot glue along the outside to create a hook and give the shape extra support.

 

 

etsy.com

 

Last but not least, transform a shadow box into gorgeous holiday décor. Here are the directions provided by The Periwinkle Pixies blog:

 

1. Gather Supplies:

• Shadow Box frame  - $10 at ikea, comes in black or white
• Your choice of scrapbook paper - trimmed to 9" square
• Vinyl Lettering
• Merry and Bright Box; 1 large box of multicolored mini ornaments, 1 small box of striped/dotted ornaments, (more if you want)

2. Apply Vinyl lettering to outside of shadow box. (If you apply the lettering right after opening the box packaging, you don't need to clean it, otherwise wipe with Windex)

3. Place box upside down and fill with desired amount of trinkets. 

4. Trim paper to appropriate 9" size, (closer to 9.25" so it fits firmly in the shadow box) Place behind  the trinkets and close up your box!

There are other variations of this gift that can be found on The Periwinkle Pixies blog as well.

 

http://periwinklepixies.blogspot.ca/2012/11/the-shado-box-tutorial-only-4-steps.html

 

Good luck devouring the details on these holly jolly holiday crafts!

Being Unique: Part Three

Welcome again to another eye opening post on a really unique venue!

Wentworth by the Sea in New Castle, NH is a lovely hotel and spa located on Great Island surrounded by the waters of Portsmouth. They have three gorgeous ballrooms available for hosting events; specifically weddings. The Wentworth Ballroom holds up to 250 guests. The formal décor combined with a private area for a romantic cocktail reception is the perfect setting for your next event.

Their Grand Ballroom dates back to 1874 and has been elegantly restored including the original stage, chandeliers, and woodwork. It offers an intimate feel of early New England and Victorian charm. The Grand Ballroom and attached bridal suite with its own private formal staircase is a perfect setting for up to 144 guests.

Most popular in the spring and summer months, the Garden Ballroom offers its own beautiful private event space. The doors open directly onto the veranda where you can enjoy a cocktail reception outside with breathtaking water views of the bay while overlooking areas of the Wentworth gardens. The Garden Ballroom is the perfect setting for smaller weddings or cocktail receptions for up to 80 guests.

 

 

If you're looking for a beautiful space, this venue is quite the hidden gem. They offer a variety of amenities and packages for private events.

I chose this venue not just because of it's beauty but because one of my good friends from high school recently got married there. She had a nautical wedding theme that was carried throughout her engagement photos to her wedding day. Check out this blushing bride's journey below.

 

Dive in and devour the details at this deep sea hidden gem.

Have A 'Glowing' Sweet 16

I have a couple younger cousins who have yet to turn sixteen so I decided to start pulling together some ideas for their parties. I have a feeling this is one they will love. Ready? Set? Let's Glow!

First up, the invitations.. Personalize your neon invite by including the glowstick bracelet to express the theme!

http://www.pinterest.com/leyley313/

Next, get glowing. You can hold this party at most indoor venues where you can hit the lights and cover the windows. Glowsticks, glow paint, glow everything, can basically be found at your local party stores, dollar stores, and craft stores.

 

 

http://www.glowsource.com/glow-party-pack-12.html

 

http://partymakers.com/post_categories/index/9/tags:Ages+9+and+Up/post:105

 

Have this neon and black glow arch at the entrance to the party so your guests know where to go!

 

 

Carry the glowing balloon theme into the party as well. These awesome balloons really create a glow in the dark ambiance.

 

 

http://weheartit.com/entry/52556261

 

Create inexpensive décor by attaching glowstick bracelets together, making hanging chains around the party venue.

 

 

 

These glowstick centerpieces are fun and creative for this theme. They add to the glow ambiance and are also a cool way to display them for guests to take.

 

 

Use a large poster board and glow paint to create a unique guestbook and something for the sweet sixteener to keep to remember the night.

 

 

http://moderndayproverbswife.wordpress.com/2013/08/01/gavins-glow-in-the-dark-10th-birthday-party/

 

Glow in the dark hula-hoops, sunglasses, and personalized bracelets are all awesome party favors for this party theme. Your guests will be glowing all night!

 

 

 

http://www.mazelmoments.com/blog/15165/glow-in-the-dark-theme-ideas-party-mitzvah/

 

 

https://www.wristbands.net/

 

Surprisingly enough, there are some sweet treats you can really make glow. Cotton candy, cupcakes, and birthday cake are the way to glow for feeding your guests.

 

 

http://www.pinterest.com/vanahdarling/

 

http://www.womens9.com/view/9660/Glow+in+the+Dark+Cupcakes

 

http://roxanascakes.blogspot.com/2011/08/sweet-16-glow-in-dark-themed.html

 

Hope these ideas can sweeten any sixteenth birthday. Now glow and devour those details!