Illuminate the Harbor: Boston Labor Day Fireworks 2017

Boston Harbor Now in partnership with the Office of Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the City of Boston is proud to announce the return of Labor Day Weekend fireworks over Boston Harbor for the 5th year in a row, today, Thursday August 31, 2017 at sunset. Once again, fireworks launched from barges anchored off the North End and Seaport will light up the sky over Boston Harbor to celebrate Labor Day Weekend and the beginning of fall. The show begins at 8:15pm!

You'll find the best viewing locations along Christopher Columbus Park and Long Wharf in the North End, the South Boston Waterfront (especially around Fan Pier/Seaport), the Downtown Waterfront, and Piers Park in East Boston.

Even better - watch the show over dinner or drinks at Pier 6 in Charlestown or any of the Seaport waterfront restaurants. You won't be the only one with this idea so be sure to make reservations!

For hotels with views, consider South Boston waterfront hotels, downtown waterfront hotels, and North End hotels. Compare prices online if you like but call the hotel of your choice to book a room with a view or ask if they have a rooftop deck  where they can be seen!

The Soundtrack of the Fireworks will be broadcasted LIVE on MAGIC 106.7 the evening of the show beginning at 8:00pm. Be sure to tune in for the full effect!

If you want to do some additional celebrating, you can also enjoy these concurrent Boston happenings:

Fireworks Cruise and Cocktails
Boston Harbor Cruises
Tickets: $50 – $75
6:30 – 10:00pm

The end of summer is easier to take with a cruise like this. Snack on a delicious selection of passed hors d’oeuvres, cheeses and charcuterie favorites, expertly paired with refreshing summer cocktails, wines and local brews as you dance the night away.

Marketplace Movie Night
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Tickets: FREE
7:00 – 10:00pm

Faneuil Hall Marketplace has been transformed into an outdoor movie theatre for the months of August and September with FREE movies on the West End of the property. “Movie Musicals at the Marketplace” takes place every Thursday evening. This evenings movie is La La Land featuring pre-show music by Swing 17 Jazz Band. The Quincy Market food court will be open late for post-fireworks bites and is conveniently located just across from Christopher Columbus Park.

Celebrate the Boston Harbor Fireworks from Nantucket Lightship
Nantucket Lightship Museum
Tickets: $25
7:00 – 10:00pm

Have some fun on the historic Nantucket Lightship/LV-112’s weather deck with friends and family to watch the spectacular fireworks display in Boston’s inner harbor. What better way to kick off the celebration of Labor Day weekend.

Celebrate with the city of Boston and devour the details of illuminating the harbor for another great Labor Day Weekend!

Wedding Wednesdays: Three Key Appointments to Make Before Your Big Day

Taking care of yourself is extremely important, mentally and physically. The months before your wedding can be a whirlwind of emotions. Don't forget to take some time to take care of your personal needs throughout the planning process. Be the best you on your big day by making time for these three key appointments!

1. Dermatologist
No matter what your skin issues, visiting your dermatologist will help get your skin on track and glowing before your wedding. If adult acne is a big concern, your doctor can work with you to determine the best skincare routine for your skin type. They can also be the ones you call to zap the zit with a cortisone shot if an unexpected blemish pops up the day before your wedding.

2. Dentist
It sounds cliche, but your smile really is your best accessory on your wedding day. Schedule an appointment with your dentist for a quick teeth whitening and smile deep-clean. With the amount of smiling you'll be doing in photos, you'll be happy you did!

3. Hair Colorist
If you're highlighting or coloring your hair before your wedding, it's important to start early. Book a hair consultation three to six months before your wedding to talk to your colorist about your vision. It's also a good idea to bring any examples of hair accessories you plan on wearing so your colorist can determine the best spot to place highlights.

Be prepared and devour the details of your most beautiful-self by taking care of you, mentally and physically, prior to your big day!

For the Love of Lobster

We feel that all of our recent posts have been about summer coming to an end. It's a sad reality...but it's the truth. For the love of lobster, it's time to treat yourself before we run out of warm days! Savor summer a little longer with this Spicy Lobster Roll recipe!

Serves 4 - Ingredients:

4 brioche french rolls (hot dog buns work too)
1/8 stick unsalted butter
½ pound lobster tail meat (or two large live lobsters)
2 scallions, chopped
1 ½ tablespoon Primal Kitchens mayo (veganaise or mayonnaise works)
2 teaspoons Sriracha (more or less depending on your spicy preference)
Juice of ½ fresh lemon
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper to taste
1 large stalk celery, diced
3 sprigs fresh parsley, diced

Instructions: 

1. First, you’ll want to cook your lobster. Simply plunge two lobsters headfirst into a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook partially covered on medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, then remove with tongs and transfer to an ice bath. Let sit until cooled.

2. While your lobster is cooling, mix together your mayo, Sriracha diced celery, scallions, pepper and lemon juice. Taste-test as you mix to decide how spicy you’d like your lobster rolls, and add more Sriracha as needed.

3. After your lobster has cooled, remove the shell and break apart lobster meat into bite-sized pieces. Add the lobster pieces to your spicy mayo mixture, and gently toss until lobster meat is fully coated.

4. Open your rolls or hot dog buns and place face-down on a hot buttered grill or stove pan. Let toast until golden brown (or even a little crispy).

5. Once your buns are toasted, fill each one with lobster and top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, pepper and a squeeze of lemon.

We're on a roll! A Lobster Roll that is. And with the added sriracha, we can't stop devouring the details of this spicy recipe. Try it before summer ends!

Monday Mashups: An Instastory-Worthy Summer Camp

Happy #MondayMashup! Are you a small business owner, entrepreneur, or creator? Then you'll love this BizBash event report. More than 200 small business owners and entrepreneurs gathered for the first-ever School of Hustle on August 14 in Los Angeles, CA. The daylong conference, which was presented by Instagram for Business and trendy apron company Hedley & Bennett, allowed attendees to swap insights and advice on navigating the small business world, as well as learn lessons on using social media effectively.

The event, held at Hedley & Bennett’s Los Angeles headquarters, was the brainchild of Ellen Bennett, founder of the five-year-old apron start-up. For the summer-camp-inspired summit, she teamed up with Instagram for Business, a division of the social media company that works with entrepreneurs to help them use the app to grow their businesses. Both Instagram and Hedley & Bennett wanted to continue fostering the sense of community that's building among entrepreneurs on the platform. They also wanted to help business owners to not only feel at ease using Instagram for their businesses but also get practical tips on topics like negotiation, best practices for creating successful collaborations, and creativity in the retail space.

Through panel discussions and networking activities, attendees received a mini MBA worth of knowledge from a roster of big-name moderators and panelists, including Instagram C.O.O. Marne Levine, DryBar founder Alli Webb, restaurateur Roy Choi, and Vans director of lifestyle sales Laura Stauth. Plus, during Speed Hustlin' roundtables, experts discussed a range of topics such as content, human resources, and e-commerce—not just Instagram; broadening their overall business background.

Attendees of the free event were hand-selected through an application process. It was Instagram and Heldey & Bennett's way of ensuring they were selecting business owners who had the most hunger to learn and continue to improve and grow their businesses. Additionally, they wanted to show the diversity that exists on the platform, so they highlighted SMBs from different business areas, with different profiles and different stories.

We hope both companies consider putting something similar together on the East Coast so we, and other entrepreneurs alike, can devour the details of this immensely beneficial training!

Bar Golf Brunch with GrandTen Distilling & Moonshine 152

We were quite intrigued when we saw this event floating around our social media accounts. Definitely one we had to share! This Saturday, August 26, GrandTen Distilling and Moonshine 152 are teaming up to throw you an epic afternoon of Bar Golf Brunch! What is a 'Bar Golf Brunch' exactly? Read on to find out!

GrandTen's mission is to create distinctive products that will satisfy you, the growing number of savvy New England cocktail drinkers. They are inspired by new and interesting flavors, but also take pride in producing high quality classic spirits. GrandTen's flagship product, Wire Works American Gin (which you may have heard of), celebrates the history of the famous South Boston iron foundry that occupied the space where they now distill. Fascinating! All of GrandTen's products are produced in very small batches and distilled in copper. Every step, from choosing the raw ingredients to bottling and labeling, is done by hand.

A lot of what Chef Asia Mei of Moonshine 152 does is done by hand too! Her first solo chef-owned venture focuses on maintaining a fun, sustainable, delicious take on bar and kitchen offerings late into the night. Entrusted with the legacy and soul of the space, Chef Mei and the Moonshine crew couldn’t be more excited to be a real fixture in the community, and continue to draw inspiration from it for everything from the spirit of the food to the drinks and warm, inviting atmosphere; including partnering with other local small business like GrandTen Distilling.

And thus, Bar Golf Brunch was born! Grab some friends, throw on your best golfing attire, and come PAR-TEE with GrandTen Distilling and Moonshine 152 this Saturday afternoon. Chef Asia Mei will be whipping up fun and funky brunch specials from 11:00am-3:00pm and GrandTen will be taking over the cocktail menu to bring you some shack-tastic beverages! Guests can play games and compete in different challenges (and shenanigans) for some sweet prizes. It's gonna be a HOLE lot of fun you guys!

Don't make your Saturday a mulligan, join GrandTen and Moonshine 152 for an epic brunch and devour the details of a birdie good time!

Wedding Wednesdays: A Watermelon Wedding

In the summer months, we all love to chomp on a refreshing piece of watermelon. At the beach, poolside, or even at work--it always hits the spot! So why not serve it up at your June, July or August wedding? Here's six sensational ways to incorporate watermelon during your reception! Yum!

Thyme and Lemon Watermelon

Served up on a cracker for the perfect bite. Get the recipe here!

Prosciutto and Feta Watermelon

The dynamic sweet and salty duo. Add a mint leaf for that extra freshness! Check out the recipe here.

Watermelon Bruschetta

The creamy whipped feta and chilled watermelon accompanied by the savory balsamic glaze outshines any regular old bruschetta. Don't believe us? Try it out yourself! Get the recipe here.

Spicy Grilled Shrimp & Watermelon Skewers

Beat the heat of the spicy grilled shrimp with the help of some watermelon! Check out this recipe here.

Watermelon Coconut Shooters

Cleanse your guests' palettes before dinner with this chilled shooter! Get the recipe here.

Watermelon & Cucumber Mojitos

Consider this your specialty drink for the entire reception. Your guests won't be able to put this refreshing cocktail down! Check out the recipe here.

Whoa, watermelon overload! But honestly, what could be better? Choose one way or all six and devour the details of a refreshing reception!

Take On Taco Tuesday!

Let's taco-bout it...we all love a good Taco Tuesday! But sometimes this reoccurring meal can get a little boring. If you celebrate every week like we do and want to spice things up a bit, you're in for a real treat! Reclaim your favorite night of the week with this fresh take on Taco Tuesday!

Start the night off right with a Honey Paloma:

Ingredients
1 1/2 oz tequila
3 oz fresh grapefruit juice
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
1 1/2 tsp honey syrup
Grapefruit soda, to top
Salt
Garnish: Flower or grapefruit wedge

Instructions
Rim a stemless wine glass with salt. Add all the ingredients except the soda to a shaker with ice and shake for 20 seconds.  Pour into the prepared glass. Top with the soda. Garnish with a flower or grapefruit wedge.

Switch up the Ground Beef for Barbacoa Short Ribs:

Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
6 pounds beef short ribs (fat trimmed)
4 chiptole peppers in adobo sauce, chopped (plus the adobo sauce)
1 white onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic (or 4 cloves garlic, minced)
1/3 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 cup beef broth / stock
Warm corn tortillas

Instructions
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Trim as much visible fat as possible from each rib (optional but helps lessen the fat content). Brown the ribs in batches until browned on both sides (about 3-4 minutes each side, per batch). Transfer the browned ribs to a 6 litre slow cooker. In a large jug, combine the chipotles, chipotle sauce, onion, garlic, barbecue sauce, lime juice, vinegar, bay leaves, cumin, salt, and broth together. Whisk well and pour over the ribs. Cover and cook for 6 hours on high or 10-12 hours on low, until the meat is falling off the bone. Allow the ribs to cool slightly in the sauce.

Remove the ribs from the sauce. Remove any excess fat from the ribs; discard the bones and shred the meat. Using a metal spoon, skim the fat from the surface of the sauce in the slow cooker and discard. Mix the sauce into the meat and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Spoon the meat and sauce into warm corn tortillas and serve with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, the avocado slices and sour cream (or Crema).

Don't forget dessert! Set the churros aside, we're going for a refreshing after dinner treat; Chili Lime Fruit Salad!

Ingredients
1 whole pineapple
½ watermelon
1 mango
1 papaya
2 limes
Jicama
Chili powder

Instructions
Slice all of your fruits into bite-sized, 1-inch by 1-inch pieces. Add to a bowl, then squeeze the juice of your two limes all over the fruit, mixing as you squeeze. Sprinkle with chili powder, and serve chilled.

Taco-bout a good time! Devour the details of a fresh take on Taco Tuesday and enjoy a delicious dinner week after week!

Set Your Sights on the Solar Eclipse

Stock up on Sun Chips and Moon Pies, it's time to set your sights on the solar eclipse! If those treats don't satisfy your out-of-this-world cravings, maybe some Starbursts or a MilkyWay will. Most importantly, don't forget your wireless speakers because listening to Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart" is a must. Here are four fun and fabulous places to catch a glimpse of the 2017 solar eclipse in Boston!

Spectacle Island Eclipse Party
Learn about eclipses from Spectacle Island park rangers and, if you’re 18 and under, get ranger booklets to commemorate this epic outing. While all are welcome, the recommended 11:30 a.m. ferry from Rowes Wharf may sell out, and you only get free eclipse glasses if you register in advance. If you're a boater, we suggest heading that way and anchoring right around the island as well. It's the perfect place to be!

Solar Eclipse Lunch Party at Henrietta’s Table
If you work in the Cambridge area and only have a lunch break to sneak away, Henrietta’s will offer eclipse glasses with the purchase of a Total Eclipse cocktail or mocktail. We'll take two please! \plus who could pass up lunch at this fine establishment? What a way to celebrate!

Bar Louie’s “Total Eclipse of the Bar”
The Foxborough location will have free eclipse glasses; use them to take in the show from the rooftop while you sip on the libation of your choice. While you're there, you may as well stop by the pro-shop and pick up some new Pats gear. Let football season begin!

Cohasset Paddling Eclipse Party
If you want to do your eclipse viewing at sea, Cohasset Paddle Sports will take a group of paddlers out into the Atlantic Ocean to find a great vantage point as the moon goes by. Make a real day out of it! The $135 registration fee covers an instructional class, hours of paddling, and snacks on shore. There really is no better place to watch the eclipse than right out on the water!

Get your glasses and galaxy snacks packed and devour the details of the total solar eclipse at one of these four fun and fabulous places to see it around Boston!

Ipswich On D This Sunday!

Join Ipswich Ale Brewery at The Lawn On D this Sunday, August 20th, for a day of family-friendly activities, live music by Closing Time, lawn games, and great food and drinks available for purchase! Kids can touch, sit in, and take pictures with the Ipswich Ale Brewery’s antique tapmobiles and other Touch-a-Trucks, and play in the New England Aquarium mobile touch tank featuring live, local tidepool animals (sea stars, moon snails, periwinkles, whelks, hermit crabs, mussels, clams, scallops, urchins, rock grabs, spider crabs, etc.). Is that not the coolest thing you've ever heard?

Residents of Boston’s North Shore were first introduced to Ipswich Ale during the spring of 1991. With 25 years of history behind it, Ipswich Ale has been in existence longer than nearly every other craft brewer in New England. Since that time, the Ipswich Ale portfolio of brands have developed into a tradition shared by not only the residents of eastern Massachusetts, but across New England. In January of 2016, the Ipswich Ale Brewery also opened their onsite restaurant the Ipswich Ale Brewer’s Table, which features 15 tap lines and a diverse menu with a mix of tastes ranging from brewpub to New American cuisine.

If you're like us, you're still probably wondering what a "tapmobile" is, right? Well, it's basically what it sounds like. Ipswich Ale Brewery has built four different vehicles, with a range of the number of beer taps in each, that can be utilized at any event. Perfect for a wedding, birthday celebration or corporate event! Bring on the tapmobiles!

Big Red

Shag

Thing

Wallace

We're not sure which one will be cruising to Lawn on D but we're excited to find out! Join us this Sunday as we devour the details of a brew-filled afternoon thanks to Ipswich Ale Brewery!

Wedding Wednesdays: The Art of Thank You Notes

When the wedding fun is said and done, and the gifts have all been opened, it's time to thank your guests for their kind contribution. These notes will remind your family and friends just how much you appreciate their love and support. Penning your gratitude isn't always easy but we're lucky enough to live in a world where "there's an app for that". No, but really, there is! Check out these thank-you note tech tools that make expressing gratitude as easy as saying "I do."

1. Start With Managing Your Address Book 
Between save-the-dates, invites and thank-yous, you'll be sending a lot of mail. With The Knot wedding guest list manager, you can upload addresses, even grouping them by occasion. You can also track gifts received and thank-yous sent. No need to use any other platform! The Knot can do it all.

2. Personalize Your Paper 
Don't just buy in bulk...customize your thank-yous! Artifact Uprising lets you keep it classic with a paper card, but allows the option to tranform your notes with Insta-snaps from the wedding or your favorite honeymoon selflies. Each set is a mix of 10 pics, making an utterly amazing keepsake!

3. Say It With a Video 
Create and send customized video messages in minutes with ThankView. Choose from unique "card" designs complete with envelope and music choices. You can even add photos to your note. We recommend uploading the video to your wedding site and social media accounts as well!

4. There's an App for That (we weren't joking)
Pen thank-you notes while waiting for your flight to the Amalfi Coast. The RedStamp app allows you to create and send digital and paper cards (they even mail them for you) to loved ones with just a few clicks. This is a great tool to use, especially if you're planning on a month-long honeymoon!

5. Send Gratitude From Afar
Send your thank-you notes directly from your honeymoon. Postography allows you to upload your favorite shots, type a quick message and add the recipient's mailing address. Within a week, a postcard will show up in their mailbox. Viola! It's like magic.

Put the pen and paper away for now and devour the details of a new thank-you note era! Seriously, what would we do without modern technology. Cheers to you, Internet!

Five Winesicles to Try Before the End of Summer

Some people say there's nothing more refreshing than a Popsicle on a hot summer's day Other people say there's nothing more refreshing than a nice glass of wine. We like having both. So why not combine the two? Check out these five winesicles you have to try before the end of the summer!

Frosé Ice Pops

What you’ll need:
½ cup sugar
¼ cup water
1 lemon
1 bottle of Cupcake Rosé
Plastic ice pop pouches

What you’ll do:
Combine sugar, water, and lemon juice in small pot over medium heat. Once sugar is fully dissolved, remove and cool to room temp. Mix cooled syrup with rosé, then slowly pour into plastic pouches. Leave some room at top of pouch because mixture may expand while in freezer. Freeze for about 6 hours, then enjoy!

Makes approximately 12 pops.

Strawberry Mango Prosecco Pops

What you’ll need:
Strawberry layer:
1 cup frozen strawberries
2 tablespoons sugar
⅓ cup Cupcake Prosecco

Mango layer:
16 ounces frozen mango
¼ cup sugar
1 cup Cupcake Prosecco
Popsicle mold, sticks

What you’ll do:
First, create strawberry layer by puréeing berries, sugar, and prosecco until smooth. Use mixture to fill about one-third of popsicle mold and freeze. Next, purée mango, sugar, and prosecco and fill popsicle molds to top. Insert stick and freeze for at least 4 hours.

Makes approximately 6 pops.

Fruity Sangria Pops

What you’ll need:
1 cup lemonade
2 cups Cupcake Sauvignon Blanc
2 cups fruit (we used kiwi, blueberries, and strawberries)
3-ounce paper cups, sticks

What you’ll do:
Stir together lemonade and wine, then pour ⅓ of liquid into small paper cups and allow to freeze slightly. Remove mold from freezer, add your favorite fruits (and sticks!), then freeze again partially. Repeat this step until molds are full and fruit is evenly distributed. Finally, freeze popsicles for at least 6 hours. Peel away paper cups and enjoy!

Makes approximately 6 pops.

Pinot Plum Pops

What you’ll need:
½ cup sugar
½ cup water
16 ounces fresh plums (sliced and peeled)
1 cup Cupcake Pinot Noir
Popsicle mold, sticks

What you’ll do:
Put sugar and ¼ cup of water in small pot over medium heat. When sugar dissolves, add plums and cook until softened. Once mixture has partially cooled, purée it until smooth, then blend in remaining water and wine. Pour into popsicle molds, add sticks, and freeze for at least 6 hours or until frozen.

Makes approximately 6 pops.

Peach Bellini Pops

What you’ll need:
16 ounces frozen peaches
¼ cup sugar
1 cup Cupcake Prosecco
3-ounce paper cups
1 cup blueberries
Popsicle sticks

What you’ll do:
Purée peaches, sugar, and prosecco. Once mixture is smooth, pour into small paper cups, add blueberries, and insert sticks. Freeze for 5–6 hours or until frozen, then carefully tear away cups when ready to serve!

Makes approximately 6 pops.

Get your freezers ready and devour the details of staying cool these last few weeks of summer!

Monday Mashups: Alice's Table

We recently stumbled across Alice's Table on Instagram (@alicestable) and knew it was a must-share for our readers. Alice's Table brings women together to learn new skills, and live a social and creative lifestyle. Their goal is to be the bright spot in the modern busy woman’s life - the thing she looks forward to at home and on the town. Their motto: "modern women don’t have time to be Martha, they need lifestyle delivered".

Recently named Improper Bostonian’s 2016 Best Boozy Class and one of Boston Globe’s best new services in 2016, Alice's Table prides themselves on creating a one-of-a-kind Girls Night Out experience!

They host regular events at restaurants, bars, and other partner locations across the country. Alice's Table events start off with a mixology demonstration and are followed by a class where you learn the art of flower arranging. Each guest takes home a beautiful arrangement of their own creation. Their events are open to the public. You can search for an event near you on their website, Upon request, Alice's Table also does private parties for all types of occasions: bridal showers, corporate and charitable events, and so much more!

What makes Alice's Table unique? Their Event Exec program! The program is dedicated to empowering women to build their own business through the art of flower design. Whether you already have a 9-5 job or you're just looking for a simple way to make some extra cash, the Event Exec program is a great way to transform your love of flowers into an income, a way to meet new people or to simply do something creative. To find out more, check out their FAQs page and contact Alice's Table today.

Devour the details of a Girls Night Out, corporate event, or new career path with the help of Alice's Table. We can't wait to attend an event near us!

Saturdays are for...

Sox fans! That's right. This Saturday isn't just for the boys! It's for all those who enjoy watching America's favorite pastime. Thanks to the City of Boston, Highland Street Foundation, and team, you can watch the Sox take on the Yankees this Saturday, August 12th right on the Boston Common!

The organizations are partnering up to host the fourth annual “Out of the Park” party! This event is a free, family-friendly program that transforms a busy corner of the Boston Common into Fenway Park. While a Red Sox game is presented live on a big screen, the event aims to recreate the excitement of Yawkey Way and Fenway Park with ballpark food classics and fun activities.

"Out of the Park" attendees will have a chance to meet Red Sox mascot Wally, savor Fenway Franks and other ballpark treats, hear from the Hot Tamales Brass Band, and enjoy activities like face painting, caricatures, balloon art, and baseball-themed games. A perfect Saturday for the kids!

The Highland Street Foundation has also teamed up with the Parks and Recreation Department and the Red Sox to renovate youth baseball fields throughout Boston with help from the proceeds of this event. Fields receive improvements including fresh clay, privacy screens on backdrops, sod cutting, new grass, and lining. A few of the parks even receive replica Green Monster walls. How amazing is that?

The "Out of the Park" Party kicks-off at 2:30PM with the first pitch scheduled for 4PM. Don't miss out on this fun free event. Take yourself out to the ball game this weekend and devour the details of a Saturday just for Sox fans!

Wedding Wednesdays: Five of our Favorite Trends to Closeout 2017

We're already more than half way through the year—but that doesn't stop new trends from popping up! There are a number of ways to pull inspiration from this year’s trend report and add your own personal touch to match your celebration style and budget. If you're planning a fall or winter wedding for 2017, it's not too late to sneak these details in. Here are our five favorites from The Knot that we hope you consider incorporating!

Double-the-Fun Escort Cards

Escort cards are like the save-the-dates of your wedding day—they don’t have to match your theme or wedding style. They’re the perfect segue to be playful and incorporate your personalities or favorite things as part of your celebration. Create a dramatic escort card display that can double as a photo booth backdrop or playing cards, like these Apples-to-Apples ones, that double as party favors.

Image Mapping

Turn your indoor reception space into an enchanted forest without uprooting a single tree or surpassing your flower budget. Image mapping is a projection technology that allows you to transform a space with lighting and moving pictures (and is much more environmentally-friendly). You can change scenes too, giving your ceremony and reception each its own special vibe. In a time crunch and not much wiggle room left in your budget? Use the technology on just your wedding cake instead, creating the ultimate focal point!

"This Swing is a Symbol of Our Love"

The latest in reception lounge seating is swings. This playground classic promises to be a big hit with wedding guests both young and old. Great for photo opps but also the perfect way to stay in motion when your feet need a break from tearing up the dance floor. Seating in general is trending, with couples opting for “king” and “queen” chairs at a sweetheart table, or mix-and-match options for outdoor ceremonies. But you can take it to the next level with his and her swings at your reception or after-party!

Grand Getaways

Think of this exit as a fresh take on the classic car with streamers and cans dragging behind it. Surprise your guests with an unexpected getaway on the back of a motorcycle, in a horse-drawn carriage or by helicopter. For a twist on the trend, have a really exciting entrance with one of these modes of transport instead.

The Gift Lounge

This deconstructed welcome bag is perfect for destination weddings. Instead of stuffing and delivering a gift for your guests, let them do the work. Trust us, they'll be happy you did! Set up a room full of swag (snacks, drinks, local sweet treats) where guests can come and choose their favorite things. Best of all, you (or your family or wedding party) can greet guests in person when they arrive. A thoughtful component to any celebration!

There's so much you can do to transform any idea, whether from Pinterest or a bridal blog, and make it your own. Get inspired and devour the details of these 2017 trends just in time for your fall or winter wedding!