Unexpected Idea: Under Entree Cards

Renny and I (and our clients) can't get enough of the cutie little details that, of course, couple with the larger, more impressive and notable elements of a wedding.  A current favorite would have to be the Under Entree Cards...

Have darling, petite cards printed by your stationer to cue guests into a new or interesting piece of information:  Perhaps there is a beautiful sweets table yet to be unveiled and you hope guests save room after their duet entree, or a bit about the history of the setting that you have selected to host your celebration, or a ditty about how you and your man actually (gulp) met.

Have the coaster-sized cards mixed well and distributed by hand to waiters as they are leaving the kitchen with guests' entrees.  Request that the waitstaff place them discretely under the entree platters so that when the plates are removed, guests are delighted by a charming little note.

  

Surprise!

(image credit)  photo taken by studio this is.  stationer cheree berry paper

Words to Live By

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Make it happen.

Sweet Inspirations

Unsure about whether to offer a wedding cake or dessert display to your guests?  Perhaps these artful beauties can help with your quandary.

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My love for metallics and desserts collide!  

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I want to snuggle up to this piqué-inspired cake.

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I can't contain my adoration for this charmer.  Stripes?  Bows?  Come ON!
(Sure wish I had a better photo to it justice!)

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The thin rope detail adds a nautical nuance.  

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Love this peachy petal ombré cake.

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Glittery scallops!

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Unexpected use of truffles.

And have no fear, here is the perfect way to make sure nary a single slice goes unappreciated!

Photo Shoot: Pullman Barn Autumn Engagement Party

I'm thrilled to finally share the gorgeous pictures of the photo shoot Renny and I designed this fall.  It was featured on Style Me Pretty's national site yesterday, but here are some of the pretty pic's for your viewing pleasure, all shot by Stevi and Matt of Averyhouse.

With the idea of producing a fanciful collection of parties that follow the progression of wedding-related celebrations a couple encounters throughout their engagement, Renny and I decided to take readers on a year-long journey with a dreamy faux couple, we're calling Charlotte and William, joining them from fete to fete.

And so, we start with the engagement party thrown by our couple's best friend.  And here's our story...

 After getting engaged at the end of summer, the couple's friends decided to plan the engagement party for late fall and hosted it at a charming new venue on the property of the Chicago Botanic Garden:  Pullman Barn.

 Set-up just outside of the barn was a darling (and delicious) muddling bar, featuring all sorts of goodies  for a one of a kind concoction, upon guests arrival. 

Muddle while you cuddle

 Inside the intimate barn, guests found their seats with the aid of individually labeled gift baskets, doubling as place cards.

 The gift baskets were themed "For a Lazy Sunday Morning" and included items intended to be much appreciated after a late night of celebration.  Each was packed with a thermos ready for hot cider (just add water), fresh scones and apple-honey butter, super strong coffee, a seriously cozy blanket and crisp,  fresh apples.

 The rustic picnic tables were dressed with comfy cushions and a beautiful tablescape of silver, gold and amber vessels hosting bold pops of coral, peach and navy.

 A garland of golden foliage hung overhead, while candles danced below.

Heirloom flatware and lace-cut dinner plates were used for the family-style feast.

 A new obsession of mine...custom placemats were paired with napkin rings printed with the parties' date, all designed by Cheree Berry Paper.

  Fluffy peonies, open roses, seasonal ilex berries, concord grapes and autumn foliage were artfully arranged by floral goddess, Cornelia McNamara.

After dinner, guests were encouraged to relax and enjoy the setting.  Whimsical games included golden apple croquet...

Customized mad-libs about the couple later read around the fire.

Talk about indulgent!

And what outdoor party is complete without s'mores!

The beautiful spread included sweet items like cider-spiced donuts, gourmet grahams, home made marshmallows and salted caramels, fresh herbs and savory items like cheeses paired with delicious crackers and fresh honeycomb.  Guests paired their treats with cider or cordials.

The firepit was enhanced with cushions, pillows and throws for a cozy, lazy evening.

The coral, camel/gold and navy palette was seasonally appropriate, while proving to be unexpected and fresh.

For all photos, click here.

We'll be glad to share more of Charlotte and William's parties throughout the year!

(dreamy vendor credits:)  concept, color, prop and set design by bliss.  all photography by averyhouse.  floral styling by cornelia mcnamara.  printables by cheree berry.  setting and tables compliments of the chicago botanic garden.  Rentals provided by tablescapes.

Red Carpet Review - Golden Globes 2012

After being slammed with solid meetings last week and all day Saturday, yesterday was quite lovely.  I spent the day with fabulous industry friends at a dual baby shower and then had a relaxing evening parked in front of the TV.  

I always love the Golden Globes because it is the first real awards show, giving me the opportunity to undeservedly judge celebrities on their hits and misses.  The red carpet this year was, sadly, a bit of a bore.  I am not sure I have a clear favorite and thought most everyone played it perfectly safe.  

Here goes!

Sophisticated Simplicity in Black

Claire Danes looked beautiful in J Mendel and always seems to prefer slim cut dresses that highlight her teeny-tiny waist.

Kate Winslet's Jenny Packham dress was also simple and understated, but was very elegant and age appropriate.  

I did love Selma Hayek's Gucci gown - a fabulous shimmering slip of armor.

Pale Passed

Elle Macpherson looks seriously insane sporting two trends of the evening:  A nude hue and mermaid silhouette.  Elle is forty-freaking-seven years old.  Geeze.

Ack.  Angelina Jolie.  I'm not obsessed with her look and absolutely can't stand her condescending glares, but she certainly looked every bit the part of Hollywood royalty.  Her MASSIVE Lorraine Schwartz earrings were the most amazing solitaire studs I've ever seen and her bold lips worked well with her Atelier Versace dress.  

Diane Lane's beautiful Reem Acra dress was stunning on her.  I loved the nude hue paired with the flattering spindles of gold woven throughout.  Her hair and make-up were spot on.

I am always a fan of Calvin Klein Collections' simplicity and therefore really loved Heidi Klums' dress.  The necklace was pretty fantastic and paired perfectly with the dress, but  do think her hair was a bit too every-day and didn't like the matchy-matchy feel of the necklace and the ring.  

Kate Beckinsale looked absolutely STUNNING.  I have such a crush on her.  While the Roberto Cavalli dress was super safe, it did look smashing on her.  Hair, make-up and earrings looked beauteous.

Katharine McPhee also looked beautiful in her flesh-colored Donna Karan dress.

Charlize Theron's origami Dior Couture gown was a bit more daring, and I totally appreciated it.  I thought the dress looked even more beautiful in person (and by in person, I mean on TV...)  She has laryngitis and sounded adorable and was a serious trooper.  

Jessica Biel.  For some reason, I'm not a huge fan.  This Ellie Saab dress is putting me to sleep.

Color Can Cure!

My love of yellow continues and Paula Patton looked fabulous in her big bird-hued Monique Lhullier gown.

While her hair and make-up were completely underwhelming...I am In Love with Kelly MacDonald's Lorena Sabu glittery gown!

The ravishing Revenge star, Madaline Stowe looked STUNNING in Vera Wang. 

The Decidedly Disappointing 

You could call it daring, and call my bluff, but to me this looked a bit more like an Ed Hardy design rather than the Giles Deacon winner she was hoping for.

Oh my.  Madonna:  Ew.

Meryl Streep is SUCH a fabulous actress, but this gown reminds me of a bad western button down, and her hair was truly fashioned in a banana clip.  I'm not kidding.

Boring.  Too old.  Think how great this would look on someone like Meryl or Helen Mirren...now that would be darling!

I don't hate it from the waist down, but I can't get over how ridiculous the top of Nicole Kidman's Versace gown looks.  

Yes, Piper, the joke is on you.

Michael Kors should have put Mary J Blige in the next size up.  Not flattering.

Sarah Michelle Geller's dress was certainly not boring...but it was something...

 I actually didn't mind the dress itself...but it was just not right on Julie Bowen.  The dress seemed much too feminine and almost reminiscent of something Grace Kelly would have worn:

Hopefully the gang can step it up as the season continues!!

(image credits) all golden globes photos taken from in style.  grace kelly found in google images.