Inspire The bride

Christmas Themed Wedding Inspiration Board

InspiredGal — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:00:00 PST

Elie Tahari 'Malia' Stretch Charmeuse Sheath Dress $398 - Nordstrom

Kenneth Jay Lane Necklace $132

Charles David Frilly $104

Vivianne Jewel Earrings $5

J. Mendel Gown $1918 @ Neiman Marcus

Here is a great example of how you can pull off a Christmas Wedding, while still keeping the look Très Chic! So many times Brides can go over board when sticking with a "theme" and if they decide to have a Christmas wedding, sometimes you'll see bridesmaids in Green and Red, with matchy matchy shoes and jewelry, garland down the wedding aisle, and you wouldn't be shocked if Santa was at the reception.... Here is my vision on keeping a Christmas Wedding theme classy! Warm reds make create a rich look, incorporating a hint of both red and green in the flowers needs to be done just right (going more red helps)... Using crystals and golds can make it feel more elegant. Remember to put elegance before cheesyness and you should be just fine in pulling off an elegant Christmas Themed Wedding~

Free Download: Fabulous Jam Wedding Favor Labels

InspiredGal — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 06:00:00 PDT

I stumbled upon these adorable Jam Labels over at Intimate Weddings (labels made by Brittany of Pink Peackock Paperie) and had to share with you Summer Brides... These Jam Labels would be so fabulous for a summer backyard Wedding Favor for your gifts to take home with them on your Big Day!

Click to DOWNLOAD

Cherry Themed Bridal Shower (with all the stops!)

InspiredGal — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 06:00:00 PDT

Photo Credits: Cherry Cupcake Photos, Cherry Apron, Center Cherry Image, Cherry Beverages, Martha Stewart Red/White Table Scape

When planning a Bridal Shower, I recommend choosing a color palette or subtle theme to carry throughout your invitations, to your party decor and refreshments (this is the key to throwing ANY memorable party)! This will keep you focused and have your guests leaving your event having a memorable time. For this color palette and inspiration board, Red Cherries are the main focus.

Invitations: Choosing elements with a vintage style incorporating a cherry design will give your guests a sneak peak to your shower! I was so inspired myself when creating this inspiration board, i decided to create a Bridal Shower Invitation set just for you Brides to bring this inspiration to life :) If you decide to go with a different invitation design, you can always do something simple with red and white colors as well. Download our DIY Printable Invitation and Download our Free Cherry Thank You Cards Here!

Party Decor: When going with cherry decor, you have many versitile options for decor... Red and White, Red/White/Green, Red with Black and white polka dots, Red/White/Tan, Red/White/Green/Yellow, or All Red. Choosing bold Centerpieces that match your theme as the focal point for your special event will be what your guests should be "Oooing" and "AHhing" at most. Stick with either all round plates in one color, all round with a few mixed colors, or go all square in one color such as white. Using a mixed variety of napkins is always a fun idea (but make sure you stick with your colors and the theme). If you decide to go with a bold printed linen, I recommend going with more subtle decor for tabletop and choosing solid color for the napkins so you don't overdue it. Placecards with each guests name and a one line story of how the bride knows them or how they are related is a nice touch (i.e. "Liz Shopshire - Cousin of The Bride"). Download our Printable Place Cards Here

Games: One of my favorite games for Bridal Showers is doing a simple Fill In The Blank BINGO (I should probably mention that I am not a fan of cheesy shower games, such as dumping your purse contents out on the table!)... Each guests gets a bingo card and a pen, guests then fill in the blank bingo tiles with gifts they think the Bride will open, as the Bride opens her gifts the guests cross off the matching gift that is opened, the first one to get BINGO wins! Download our BINGO Template Here

Gifts: Whoever is hosting the party should have a table designated for gifts, here is our DIY Printable Gift Table Template we made to place on your gift table (this way your guests know where to place the gifts and you don't have to stand there to instruct your guests). A fun idea is for the host and the Bridal party to wrap their gifts for the bride in cherry wrapping paper - what better way to be more personalized for a cherry shower!

Favors: Sending your guests off with a sweet Thank You, is always a proper gesture. I just love the idea of Cherry Jam, topped with a pretty red bow and "Thank You" Tag. Be sure to download Download Our Custom Cherry Favor Tags, print, cut, and share at your shower! Also, we have created Free Printable Beverage Tags (made to fit around the stem of wine or champagne glasses, and can also be used for drinks with straws (print, cut, hole-punch, and write guest's names on beverage name tags so you don't mix up whose drink is whose)! Download our Beverage Name Tag Template Here

Food: Check out these fantastic recipe's below that sure will make your Bridal Shower flow just right... For example, you don't have to be completely literall in using just cherries, but you can also include cherry tomatoes in your appetizers and fresh salads. For Summertime Showers, you will want to keep your guests refreshed with cool drinks (always have lots of ice ready), and keep the foods fresh, light, but not too light (you don't want your guests to leave your party feeling like they need to stop and jack in the box!). Remember, have fun with it and enjoy the Cherry On Top~ Download our Cake/Sweets Table Template Here

Avacado Pesto-Stuffed Tomatoes
Recipe Credit: Better Homes and Gardens 2010
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 30

Ingredients:
30 cherry tomatoes (about 1-1/4 pints)
1/2 medium avocado, pitted, peeled, and cut up
2 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp. homemade or purchased basil pesto
1 tsp. lemon juice
Snipped fresh basil (optional)

Directions:
1. Cut a thin slice from the top of each tomato. (If desired, cut a thin slice from bottoms of tomatoes so they stand upright.) With a small spoon or small lemon baller carefully hollow out the tomatoes. Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Invert tomatoes on the towels. Let stand 30 minutes to drain.
2. Meanwhile, for filling, in a food processor bowl combine avocado, cream cheese, pesto, and lemon juice. Cover; process until smooth. Spoon filling into a pastry bag fitted with a large plain round or open star tip.
3. Place tomatoes, open sides up, on a serving platter. Pipe filling into the tomato cups. Serve immediately or cover loosely and refrigerate up to 4 hours before serving. Sprinkle with snipped basil before serving.

Cherry Baby Cakes Recipe
Recipe Credit: Better Homes and Gardens
Serves: About 30
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Bake Time: 12 minutes
Oven Temp: 350 degrees

Ingredients:
1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup cherry marmalade or cherry preserves, large pieces snipped if necessary
30 maraschino cherries with stems, drained
1 recipe Powdered Sugar Icing*

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F. Line thirty 1 3/4-inch muffin cups with miniature paper bake cups;* set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, butter, egg, and vanilla. Beat on low speed until combined. Beat on medium speed for 1 minute. Spoon 1 scant teaspoon of batter into each muffin cup. Add 1/2 teaspoon of cherry marmalade and top with 1/2 teaspoon additional batter.
3. Bake cupcakes about 12 min or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pans on a wire rack for 5 min. Remove from pans; cool completely on wire rack.
4. Pat cherries dry with clean paper toweling. Frost each cupcake with about 1/2 teaspoon icing. Dip half of each cherry into remaining icing; place on top of baby cakes.

*Test Kitchen Tip:If you dont have 1 3/4-inch muffin cups, line sixteen 2 1/2-inch muffin cups with paper bake cups. Prepare batter as directed. Spoon 1 tablespoon batter into each prepared muffin cup. Add 1 teaspoon of marmalade and another tablespoon of batter. (You will only use about 1/3 cup marmalade.) Bake about 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Frost with Powdered Sugar Icing. Add a cherry as directed above. (You will only need 16 cherries.)

*Powdered Sugar Icing: In a small bowl combine 2 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 2 tablespoons milk. Stir in additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until icing reaches drizzling consistency.

Beach Paradise Cherry Cocktail
Recipe Credit: Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Yields: 1 drink

Ingredients:
•    1 part dark rum
•    1 part guava juice
•    1/2 lime, juiced
•    1/2 orange, juiced
•    1 teaspoon sugar
•    Dash grenadine
•    Slice mango
•    Maraschino cherry

Directions:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add ingredients and shake well. Pour into a highball glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Great Find: Unique "Enjoy" Napkins

InspiredGal — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 06:00:00 PST

I just love these fabulous Napkins from Plum Party that allow you to tuck your silverwear inside in such a cute way! What a great decor element to stand out at any Bridal Shower, Engagement Party, Backyard BBQ, Wedding, Baby Shower, Birthday Party, or pretty much any special event (can you tell we love them?)~

Pack of 50 Napkins from PlumParty = $16.00

Valentine Bridal Shower Ideas

InspiredGal — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:00:00 PST

image by shannonblue

image by such pretty things

Valentine's Heart Petit Fours $29 - Williams-Sonoma

Valentine's Day Cupcake Stencils Set of Six $5 - Crate & Barrel

Michael Kors Very Hollywood Valentine's Day Set $65 - Zappos Couture

Bcbgeneration "lisa" $118 - Dillard's

Chloe & Reese Strapless Silk Faille Cocktail Dress $498 - Saks Fifth Avenue

DIY: Free Wedding Favor Bag Template

InspiredGal — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:29:08 PST

Hello to my dedicated Brides... I have a sweet treat for you today :)
As I know many of you get so excited over free DIY Template Downloads, here is one for you to enjoy! I have made a few different versions of Custom Wedding Favor Bags for you to Download and print. Hope you enjoy them~

Click to DOWNLOAD BAG TEMPLATE

What you will need:
- A Printer that feeds from the top
- Thin Paper Bags (for mine I used size: 4 5/8w x 8 5/8h in. bags from Michael's that are by "Celebrate It")

Instructions:
- Place the paper bag in the printer with the bottom of the bag facing upward
- The bags frontside should be facing you
- Make sure you create a custom paper size (should match same size as bag listed above) before you press print

Rainy Days of Inspiration

InspiredGal — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 06:00:00 PST

photo by: sgoralnick

Totes Stick Umbrella - Crimson Red $12 - Target

Chooka Hello Kitty Crest Rain Boot $80 - DSW

It's Raining Love!

Totes Elements Clear Bubble Umbrella - Pink Trim $16 - Target

Remember: If it's Raining on your wedding day... don't fret (it's supposed to be Good Luck)! If you experience rain on either the day of your Engagement Photo Shoot or on your Wedding day, turn it into a fun and creative photo opportunity! Sometimes its those unexpected and spontaneous things that turn out to be most memorable; you and your guests will love looking at pictures of the happy couple having the time of your lives no matter where it is, so embrace it and show off your personality with cute props like these above. Using a cute umbrella will not only save your hair-do, but will also be awesome for pix! Also, if your extra girl and don't want to ruin your favorite heels, then cute rain boots may be just what you need (just not down the aisle please ;)

Inspiration Board: Shades of Red & Bridal Blues

InspiredGal — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:36:00 PST

Blue Jeweled Drape Gown $209.00 by Xscape Evenings at eDressMe

Faux Rose Arrangement $350.00 by John-Richard Collection at Horchow

Feather Chandelier Earrings** $40.00$20.00 at Topshop

NARS Nail Polish $16.00 by NARS at Neiman Marcus
As seen in InStyle Makeover magazine (Fall 2009 issue). Introducing a brand new formula with new technology designed to improve flexibility, durability, wear & gloss properties.

Four Midnight Balloon Wine Glasses $36.00 at Horchow
Colored glassware brightens up the table with Blue or Red. Choose color below. Imported.

Recipe ♥: Holiday Wedding Cocktails

InspiredGal — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 06:00:00 PST

Peppermintinis
Serves: 4
Yields: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 min
Source: Quick & Simple/Delish

Ingredients:
4 teaspoon(s) crushed candy canes
1/4 cup(s) chocolate syrup
4 large (scoops) peppermint ice cream
4 ounce(s) white crème de cacao, chilled
4 ounce(s) gin or vodka, chilled

Directions:
1). Moisten the rims of four chilled martini glasses with water. Press the rims into the crushed candy. Next, draw a spiral around the inside of each glass using the chocolate syrup.
2.) Combine the ice cream, crème de cacao and gin or vodka in a blender and pour the mixture carefully into the candy-rimmed glasses. Sprinkle a few pinches of crushed candy on top of each peppermintini as a garnish.

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Pomegranate Margaritas
Serves: 18
Yields: 8 1/2 cups margarita mixture
Total Time: 5 min
Source: Better Homes & Garden

Ingredients:
1 can(s) (12-ounce) frozen limeade concentrate, thawed
2 cup(s) water
3 1/2 cup(s) gold tequila
2 cup(s) pomegranate juice
1 cup(s) triple sec
5 limes
Ice cubes for serving
1 cup fresh pomegranate seeds (from 1 pomegranate)

Directions:
1. In large pitcher, combine limeade and water until well blended. Stir in tequila, pomegranate juice, and triple sec.
2. Cut each lime crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick wheels; cut a slit in each wheel, from center to edge. To serve, place ice cubes and a few pomegranate seeds in each glass; place a lime wheel on rim.

Tips & Techniques:
1.) Intense lime flavor comes from a budget-friendly can of concentrate. Mix and refrigerate the margaritas up to a day ahead.
2.) To make Virgin Pomegranate Margaritas instead: Substitute 2 cups lemon-lime seltzer for tequila and triple sec. Substitute pomegranate-cranberry juice for pomegranate juice. Proceed as above.

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Holiday thyme
Photo By: Antonis Achilleos
Source: TheNest

Ingredients:
1 oz. Dubonnet Rouge (you can find it at liquor stores for about $13)
2 oz. vodka
Sprig of fresh thyme
Squeeze of lemon juice
Lemon slice, for garnish

Directions:
1.) In a cocktail shaker, combine Dubonnet, vodka, thyme sprig and fresh lemon juice.
2.) Shake vigorously. Pour into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
3.) Garnish with a lemon slice.

DIY: Unique & Modern Designs with Carnations

InspiredGal — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:00:00 PST

There are so many unique ways to create fabulous flower decor on a budget for your dream wedding and allow you to make it more "your own". Take a look at these DIY arrangements, all made with fresh carnation flowers (carnations are on the very low end of the price scale when it comes to flowers, but the way these arrangements were done sure make it very tough to tell the cost as they give a more glamorous and modern vibe):

Here are some vaces that would work really great in achieving unique looks:

Square Vases $12.00 at Pottery Barn

Hanging Bud Vase Ornament, Set of 4 $34.00 at Pottery Barn

Persika Vase $2.99 at Ikea

Silver Tall Vase $19.00 at Pottery Barn

3-Piece Mercury Vase Set $15.85 at CB2

Iittala/Hackman/Rorstrand - 'savoy' vases by alvar aalto- 20% off list $20.00 at Unica Home

Art Glass Vase Collection $12.00$3.99 at west elm

Etched Mercury Vases $12.00 at Pottery Barn