How To Wrap A Perfect Present

'Tis the season of gift-giving and Lauren Conrad can give you some tips on wrapping! She takes to a Pinterest-esque way of wrapping by using materials such as butcher paper and baker’s twine along with some pom poms or tinsel, and she even includes a handmade gift tag. She also loves to use newspaper (pages with words only though) with brightly colored ribbon for a really unique look. It's easy to put something into a gift-bag with tissue paper but get old-fashioned this holiday season and show your thoughtfulness by wrapping it up!

 

http://laurenconrad.com/blog/2012/12/how-to-wrap-a-perfect-present/

You can even turn this into a get together with friends. Have everyone over to wrap their family's gifts. Grab some wine, share wrapping paper, ribbons, and decorations because you may get some creative inspiration from one another. That being said, regardless of the materials you decide to use, what really counts is the fact that you were thoughtful enough to take the time to wrap the present yourself. So take some help from Lauren and devour the details of gift wrapping this year!

Fashion Project

A few girlfriends told me about the Fashion Project so I of course checked them out on social media. Once I liked their Facebook page, I really started to see all the good they do. Their mission is to raise as much money as possible for charity by creating a community where their members can donate clothing and shop for causes they care about. Every sweater, handbag, or designer shoe donated, starts a movement that impacts the lives of others around the world.

This Thanksgiving, they're doing a campaign called #FashionFightsHunger. They're asking people to submit a catchy phrase that ties donating clothing to providing food for hungry families. They will then feature their favorites Thanksgiving week and if featured, you will be one of four to also win a $50 Fashion Project gift card. It's a great way to get some marketing via social media and spread the word about a great cause.

If you're interested in donating, here's how it works. Clean out your closet and donate your apparel, handbags, shoes and accessories in like-new or gently-used, clean condition.Order a free donation bag or print a free pre-paid label at home. Fill your bag and give it to USPS. The Fashion Project will email you when your items arrive. Once your items sell on Fashion Project, 55% of the net proceeds will go to support an amazing charity of your choice. Be sure to check out the Fashion Project and help them devour the details of fashion fighting hunger!

To Have and To Hold, Your Cards That Is!

One main component to any party or reception is the gift table. It is often overlooked even though it is usually visited by every guest in attendance. Why not make it a main feature? Get creative with these awesomely unique cardholder ideas!

A Pinata

http://www.theknot.com/weddings/album/a-kimmel-center-wedding-in-philadelphia-pennsylvania-160432

A Lego Box

http://www.theknot.com/weddings/album/132959

Stacked Boxes

http://www.do-it-yourself-weddings.com/wedding-card-box.html

A Mailbox

www.etsy.com

A Lobster Trap

http://www.unitedwithlove.com/2011/05/25/carrie-matts-elegant-nautical-wedding-in-baltimore/

Cinderella's Carriage

www.etsy.com

A Gift Box

http://daisy-days.com/gold-reception-gift-card-holder.html

A Vintage Suitcase

http://www.pinterest.com/crowder1057/

 

A Photo Box

 

http://daisy-days.com/black-photo-box-reception-card-holder.html

A Birdcage

https://www.etsy.com/listing/95202065/ivory-birdcagewedding-card-holdershower

Whatever you may choose, make sure that it is something that represents you! Devour the details of your cardholder and get creative with your 'Thank Yous' too!

The Beer Summit

Love a good beer? Well we've got a great event for you to check out this weekend in Boston! The Beer Summit Harvest Fest is a craft beer tasting, with over 60 brewers and 200+ beers to sample. It has been happening in Boston since 2009, and gets bigger and better every year. This event will have many of the best local, regional, national and international brewers in the world represented--bringing both their known and less common Autumn brews. Don't worry, there are ciders too!

You can plan on seeing and sampling brews from 3 Beards, Allagash, Anderson Valley, Angry Orchard, Backlash, Banner, Battle Road, Bay State, Blue Hills, Boulder, Brasserie De St Sylvestre, Brooklyn, Cape Ann, Carlsberg, Central City, Cisco, Clown Shoes, Crabbie's, Downeast Cider. Duvel. Finch, Foolproof, Grey Sail of RI, Harpoon, Hofbrau, Ipswich, Ireland on the Road, Kronenbourg, Lagunitas, Left Hand, Lexington, McAuslan, McKenzie's Cider, Moa, Mont des Cats, Narragansett, Naukabout, Newport Storm, Opa Opa, Oskar Blues, Peak Organic, Portico, Pretty Things, Rince Cochon, Sam Adams, Shmaltz Brewing, Sixpoint, Staropramen, Stiegl, Thatcher's, Traveler Beer, Trinity Brewhouse, Tuckerman, Two Roads, Uinta, Victory, Vt Hard Cider, Wasatch Brewing, Woodstock Inn, and Wychwood.

This event is being held at the Park Plaza Castle in Boston. There will be three sessions for this event, Friday Night, and two on Saturday. Tickets are on sale now.

• 11/21 Friday Night Fundraiser 6 - 9:30pm. $45
• 11/22 Saturday Afternoon 12:30 - 4pm. $55
• 11/22 Saturday Night 5:30 - 9pm. $55

Friday Night is Fundraiser Night so you can feel great about feeling good at the Beer Summit! The Greg Hill Foundation and Beer Summit are teaming up to give you a discounted ticket while also donating a portion of the proceeds from the fundraiser ticket to the foundation. Learn more about the great work this foundation does to devour the details and pregame your weekend while supporting an awesome cause!

Christmas Mug Swap

Tired of the same old Christmas Cookie Swaps? Why not switch it up this year by having a Christmas Mug Swap! What's a Mug Swap you ask? Well everyone brings a wrapped mug, doesn't necessarily have to be a Christmas mug, and then you Yankee Swap them! This puts a lot less pressure on everyone; instead of having to make dozens and dozens of cookies they can just bring a mug! Invite your family and friends to get in the Christmas spirit at your mug swap!

First off, here are the official rules to a Yankee Swap provided by YankeeSwap.com:

The minimum number of participants should be at least six or else the game is not much fun. Each participant is asked to bring along a gift worth no more than a pre-agreed amount or item.

Participants draw numbers from a hat to determine their swap order from one up to the total number of participants.

Each person gets a crack at choosing a gift. The person who picks the first gift opens it and shows it to the rest of the company. Then the number two participant picks a gift and chooses to either unwrap it or swap it for an unwrapped gift. If the gift is swapped, the person who had their gift taken from them gets to unwrap the chosen gift and the turn passes.

When all the gifts have been opened, the game is over. Afterward, some trading should be expected and is perfectly acceptable so that, as much as possible, everyone goes home with a gift they are happy with.

Next, here are some fun mug ideas for the occasion:

A Santa Mug

 

http://www.potterybarn.com/

A Santa Boot Mug

 

http://www.orientaltrading.com/santa-boot-mugs-a2-13615717.fltr?cm_mmc=social-_-product-_-pinterest-_-pinterest

Something for the New Year, a Cheers Mug

http://accordingtokali.com/2013/12/16/diy-hot-chocolate-bar/

Maybe give a mug with a koozie

 

http://pixforpinterest.blogspot.com.au/

A Not-A-Morning-Person Mug

www.etsy.com

Disney Princess illustrated Mugs

 

http://www.pinterest.com/sjosiek/

Paisley Mugs

http://stilesstyles.com/2012/12/27/sip-in-style-with-the-akaya-mug-from-anthropologie/

You might be wondering how exactly you can turn this Christmas Mug Swap into a party? Well, just add a hot cocoa bar and it will all come together!

After your swap, have all your guests use their mugs to fill up on some hot cocoa and treats. You can't go wrong with an assortment of toppings, so let your kid at heart shine through, and add an extra marshmallows or two! For adults, you can even add some Bailey's to get extra warm.

http://itsy-bits-and-pieces.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-bachmans-2013-holiday-ideas-house.html

http://welcometosandyland.wordpress.com/tag/the-walking-dead/

http://betweennapsontheporch.net/my-winter-survival-list-for-winter-2014/

Tell your guests they can bring a dessert if they'd like but keep a couple of tricks up your sleeve. They will be impressed when they see what you can do with some candy canes and rice krispie treats!

Chocolate Covered Candy Canes

Ingredients
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips or white vanilla baking chips
2 teaspoons shortening
16 candy canes or peppermint sticks, about 6 inches long
Crushed hard peppermint candies, miniature chocolate chips, candy decorations, colored glitter sugars or coarse sugar crystals (decorating sugar), if desired

Directions
Line jelly roll pan, 15 1/2x10 1/2x1 inch, with waxed paper. In 1-quart saucepan, heat 1/2 cup chocolate chips and the shortening over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted.
Tip saucepan so chocolate runs to one side. Dip 1 candy cane at a time into chocolate, coating about half of each cane. Place on waxed paper in pan. Let stand about 2 minutes or until chocolate is partially dry.
Roll chocolate-dipped ends in candies. Place on waxed paper in pan. Let stand about 10 minutes or until chocolate is dry. Store loosely covered at room temperature up to 2 weeks.

Peppermint Bark Rice Krispie Treats

Ingredients
One 10.5 ounce bag peppermint mini marshmallows*
4 tablespoons real butter, plus extra to butter pan
5-6 cups rice krispie style cereal (I like mine a little more marshmallowy)
3 tablespoons semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
3 tablespoons white chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil, divided
a few drops (about 1/8 teaspoon) peppermint extract
2-3 medium sized candycanes, crushed
*If interested, inn place of the peppermint marshmallows, use regular marshmallows and add about 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract to melted marshmallow mixture.

Directions
Line a 9×13 pan with foil and lightly butter bottom and about 1 inch up sides.
Melt butter in a very large bowl in the microwave or stove-top.
Add marshmallows and stir to coat. Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
Add rice krispie cereal and stir to evenly combine.
With buttered hands, press mixture into prepared pan.
Place white chocolate chips and 1/4 teaspoon oil in a small bowl.
Heat in microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
Repeat same process with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips and add a few drops of peppermint extract.
Drizzle both chocolates on top of rice krispie treats and sprinkle candy canes on top.
Let sit until chocolate is set, place pan in fridge to speed process along.
Cut into squares and eat up.

This will be a night everyone can enjoy! Just one of the great ways to devour the details of the holidays!

Vowing to Wow!

EIntroducing Style My Bridal, a personalized service that's basically like having a stylist who will beautify and simplify your bridal party! This company was started by three sisters from Boston, Amanda, Brittany, and Amy Loring. There goal is to make the process easier for the bride and to make sure everyone looks and feels their best on this special day. How does it work? Step 1: tell them about your big day! Step 2: their styling team handpicks three full looks for your bridal party! Step 3: love it? Purchase the final look! It's that easy!

Get started by filling out their questionnaire and pay a $75 styling fee. The styling team then takes your information and puts together custom looks that will make your bridesmaids gorgeous. Once you receive your samples, have all of your ladies over for a try-on day in the comfort of your own home. No pressure from sales people can be a beautiful thing! Your $75 styling fee will be credited back once your bridesmaids purchase their dresses and/or accessories. Not only will they help you with your bridesmaid dresses but they'll also help with jewelry gifts for the entire party, and give you shoe options for the look. It's truly a one-stop-shop!

Check Style My Bridal out before you start devouring the details of your bridal party!

My Big, Fat, Indian Wedding

Was reading some blog posts on SpecialEvents.com when I came across this awesome one regarding trends for Indian Weddings in 2015. Writer, Preeti Moberg, runs the South Asian wedding inspiration resource The Big Fat Indian Wedding, designed to put everything that the modern South Asian bride needs to plan a wedding at her fingertips. Preeti shares tips on Indian and desi wedding design and catering trends for 2015 as part of the Special Events Blog.

I love the cultural take on this and it is something to keep an eye out for as it may extend to other cultures. Indian weddings are often multi-day affairs encompassing dozens of rituals, gatherings and events. With the ability to have a wedding several days long, the couple is not tied down to just one theme, color palette or style.

They really have an opportunity to take their weddings to the next level. That being said, over the past five years in the United States and elsewhere, we’ve seen fusion and customization become the top trends for event professionals to be mindful of when planning their client's wedding day. But 2014 has been a year of change as this notion has evolved even further, with the following trends leading the pack into 2015 for Indian weddings: heavy customization, multiple themes, Western colors and Eastern traditions, and from buffet to table.

Heavy Customization
From the cocktail napkins to parasols, Indian couples are opting to have everything customized for their wedding. Monogrammed pillows, ornate glassware, unique flora, down to the very pebbles that lay in the area; the smallest details have now become a customizable choice in 2015. Event professionals can continue to stay competitive in this market by offering customized packages to their prospective clients, as well as spending time with them to understand their goals.

 
Multiple Themes
Couples might want to have a modern theme and smoky color palette for the reception, while having a classical warm color theme for the wedding. Or they may opt for a Gatsby-inspired dance party paired with a Bohemian reception. Event professionals now have the opportunity to pull together all their favorites, rather than being limited to select just one. It is an extremely exciting time to be planning events like these where creativity is really optimized.

Western Colors and Eastern Traditions
It will be essential for event professionals to find the balance between tradition and modern, as Indian brides often hope to achieve both within their wedding. Indians tend to incorporate bright and bold hues, however, Western wedding colors are more subtle and soft: peaches, creams, pastels, with accents of bright colors. In 2015, Indian weddings will start leaning toward incorporating cream pinks, dusky oranges and luxury creams in their canopy and aisle decoration, programs and chair draping and Western weddings will start embracing a bolder color palette. The influence of each of these cultures will become apparent this coming year.

 

From Buffet to Table
Since buffets are informal compared to sit-down dinners, Indians have found the sweet spot: serving several dishes at each table along with a select variety of chutneys and breads. Dessert service would be buffet-style, but dinner would be at the table. It is the responsibility of the event professionals to maintain the elegant atmosphere without completely removing normal Indian tradition which is where the compromise of buffet-style desserts comes in.

These tips are a great source for devouring the details in 2015. Culture is going to play a role in any wedding, so as an event professional your job will be to execute your client's vision by working with them to understand their goals. The final product is something you and your client will remember for a lifetime.

Flourishing Florals

Are you a bride-to-be following the latest wedding trends? Want to do something unique? Something Unexpected? Have a love for floral design and want to create stunning, unforgettable, and truly beautiful arrangements? Then read up on what The Knot says is the next natural element to flourish!

This trend has us seeing paisley!  There are literally millions of ways to arrange flowers at your wedding reception, but these trendy creations make a huge statement in endless arrays of colors and styles. You can start with 3D artful arrangements of colorful blooms popping out of gilded, ornate frames. Go formal, surrounding a golden menu card with white hydrangeas in a baroque frame or go rustic with a row of lilies and succulents lining the bottom of your wooden, framed escort card display. Check out these awesome ideas below on how to incorporate this trend at your ceremony or reception!

1. 3D Framed Flowers

This stunning purple and pink arrangement played with mixing 3D and 2D textures. It is one piece of décor that cannot be ignored!
Photo: Jennifer Lindberg Weddings

2. Hydrangea Frame

Highlight formality by framing your menu signage with white hydrangeas in an ornate, gold frame. Your guests won't be able to resist reading it!
Photo: Lissa Anglin Photography; From the album: A Legacy Event Center Wedding in Lubbock, Texas

3. Appetizing Arrangement

Make your cocktail hour artful by arranging your hors d'oeuvres or small bites s on a bed of long green grass.
Photo: The Wedding Artists Collective;  From the album: An At-Home Wedding in Orient, New York

4. Votive and Flower Mixture

Looking for a way to make your low centerpieces more creative? Lay various large-headed blooms on a photo frame or mirror and add in a few votive candles. This centerpiece shines a romantic light on any table!
Photo: Jenny DeMarco Photography; From the album: A Romantic and Elegant Wedding in Austin, TX

5. Artful Escort Cards

Guide guests to their seats with an extra-large frame filled with moss, then attach your escort cards in an artful arrangement. It is a fun and floral way to interact with your guests.
Photo: Chelsea Nicole; From the album: A Greystone Mansion Wedding in Beverley Hills, California

6. Rustic Succulent Display

Even a bare wooden frame can add impact when paired with textured flowers, like these succulents and calla lilies. This gives a natural element to the event.
Photo: Stacey Pentland Photography; From the album: A Rustic Vineyard Wedding at Solage Calistoga in Calistoga, California

 

http://blog.theknot.com/2014/11/12/the-latest-wedding-flower-trend-framed-florals/

Don't waste time! Find your flourishing florals and devour the trending details while you can!

10 Thanksgiving Dessert Tables You'll Want To Gobble

Gobble gobble, Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it's time to devour the dessert table details! Check out these sweet setups that put your delightful desserts on display. Your guests will have only one complaint: being too full!

 

http://blog.hwtm.com/2012/11/whimsical-woodland-thanksgiving/

 

 

http://blog.amyatlas.com/2010/11/22/harvest-guest-dessert-feature/

 

 

http://thenaturalweddingcompany.co.uk/blog/2012/11/rustic-festive-dessert-tables-from-and-the-dish-ran-away-with-the-spoon-for-a-cosy-winter-wedding/

 

 

http://catchmyparty.com/photos/392523

 

 

http://lover.ly/planning/

 

 

http://blog.hwtm.com/2012/11/rustic-backyard-kids-thanksgiving/

 

 

http://www.paisleypetalevents.com/2012/11/10-diy-thanksgiving-banners/

 

 

http://www.inspirebohemia.com/2009/11/thanksgiving-oh-thanksgiving-turkey.html

 

http://thecakeblog.com/category/dessert-bar/page/5

Veterans Week Activities

Today is Veterans Day, a truly honorable United States holiday. It is a time to reflect and remember all of those brave souls who've fought for this country we call home. These heroes deserve more than just one day, they deserve a lifetime of appreciation! That being said, places around Boston are joining in on the holiday week by offering free activities for all Veterans. Boston Duck Tours, Sturbridge Village, Franklin Park Zoo, Museum of Science, and Fenway Park will all be contributing this year. Read about what they have to offer at Boston.com and devour the details for a Veteran today!

Free Tattoo Removal Day

You make think this is a funny day to be celebrated but thanks to Tataway, we are happy to spread the word about their cause. Beginning at 9a.m today, Tataway will offer complementary tattoo removal treatments in exchange for a monetary donation to Cell Phones For Soldiers. The average price of a single tattoo removal treatment runs from $50 to $500. Tataway is asking their customers to consider donating 25 to 50 percent of their treatment price to help our troops call home. Learn more about tattoo removal on the Tataway website. A big thanks to Tataway for supporting our troops and devouring the details!

Mr. Bright Signs

Came across an awesome article by BizBash author Marth C. White, explaining some bright ideas for better event signage. Event signage can be a huge part of your venue. It is technically a main attraction - attendees are always looking for signage so they know where to go or what they should be doing. It is also a huge revenue source if you're advertising for vendors and supporters; making attractive signage a priority. Look no further because these ideas will have attendees gawking in a good way!

1. Turn unlikely elements into signage
One example is printing sponsors’ names on helium-filled Zygote balls that change color when touched. This gives attendees a hands-on experience they're likely to remember!

2. Combine fabric and LEDs for a chameleon display
Fabric is stretched into a frame lined with remote-controlled LED lights that change color. The fabric diffuses the light for a subtle effect, and the planner can change the brightness or color depending on what else is taking place in the space. Take it from bright and eye-popping when attendees first arrive, to dimly lit when speeches or presentations are going on.

3. Decide if you really need 4K
New 4K monitors (which double standard 1,920- by 1,080-pixel resolution both vertically and horizontally to 3,840 by 2,160, quadrupling the pixels) are just coming into rental use, but since the most cutting-edge technology is always more expensive at first, evaluate the content you plan to broadcast before committing. If there is enough money to fund this cost, why not be one of the first events to create an experience with 4k monitors? Innovation is always awesome.

4. Create logos with products
One example mentioned was creating a client logo using different colored apples that were mounted on an angled board as you walked into the space. Other than produce, items ranging from electronics to consumer packaged goods, such as cell phones or cereal boxes, could be pressed into service the same way. An unusual display will stick with attendees and become something they will talk about with others, whether good or bad, after the event, creating a desire to hopefully test the product.

5. Mix up your video feed
A wall of LED panels can deliver a great visual statement, but it’s a significant investment, so you don’t want attendees to tune it out. Since just a scroll of sponsor or donor names can get monotonous, mix it up with a montage of photographs that tie into the group or event’s theme, quotes from the group’s leaders or beneficiaries, or other visually stimulating imagery.

6. Use themed “human arrows” to guide attendees
Instead of having staff members or arrows on easels pointing the way to a nearby off-site venue, incorporate something extremely unique like acrobats, jugglers, or stilt walkers holding arrows to direct attendees from one space to the other. Based on your theme, you can get really creative with selecting something that stands out for this job.

7. Build fabric walls
Print and layer fabric panels for a visually arresting effect. For a trade show exhibit booth, illuminated fabric walls that were printed with the company name can be created to construct the booth’s sides. Inside, curved, semi-sheer fabric “walls” can offer buyers a more private space to meet with sales reps without cutting off light or sight lines.

8. Make a logo come to life by adding animation
Once you have your animated logo, based on your event or client, etc., you can hang flat draping all the way around the room and use moving projectors to display the animation, pausing the visuals during speeches and presentations, for a dramatic and memorable effect.

Get creative and focus on what will stick in attendees' heads when being visually engaged at your event. Now, devour the signage details with these bright ideas when planning your next event!

 

http://www.bizbash.com/8-bright-ideas-for-better-event-signage/boston/story/29529#.VFtzFvnF-k0

Wedding Day Gift Exchange

An old tradition amongst couples getting married is to exchange gifts the morning of their wedding. This is a special time for the bride and the groom to express their love for one another with a meaningful gift. Let your choice represent the importance of the day while speaking to your fiancé's style and personality. Your thoughtfulness will capture the start of a lifetime together in the most memorable way. Here are some sweet gift ideas!

For your bride..

A sweet love note

 

http://www.thebellacottage.com/antique-style-silver-tray.html

A personalized bottle of wine

 

http://www.pinterest.com/mamagoose914/

A Cartier 'Love' bracelet

 

http://keep.com/most-expensive-items-on-keep-by-courtneyharwood/c/g1mlYiAAYn/?medium=HardPin&source=Pinterest&campaign=type400

A personalized picture with the date and location of your wedding

http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/littlebirddesigns/product/personalised-map-picture

A Bride and Groom first name initial necklace

http://www.stylemepretty.com/2013/03/01/saratoga-wedding-from-zoom-photography-razor-byrne-video-productions/

For your groom..

An aged bottle of scotch

http://www.theknot.com/submit-your-wedding/photo/f22cc0a5-cf00-4b70-9765-e2392db8ea55/Katie-Paul

Boudoir photos

 

http://www.bridalguide.com/planning/wedding-reception/unique-wedding-ideas

The year you met and the year you got married, lucky key chain

http://ablessedandblissfullife.blogspot.com/2012/06/fathers-day-fun.html

A nice watch

 

http://bridalguide.com/photo-of-the-day/cute-grooms-gift-idea

Personalized cufflinks

 

http://emmalinebride.com/marketplace/marry-me-tonight-cufflinks/

Just make sure it is from the heart when devouring the details of your wedding day gift exchange!