27 April, 2010

Plantable Parties?

So, as part of my personal crusade for 2010, I'm focusing on ways to make my parties more eco-friendly and sustainable. I am quite the digi-gal, the perfect little consumer, you might say so this eco-friendly-ing of my events has been quite the challenge. But, I'm excited to say, things just got a little easier!

I found this wonderful little Etsy shop and I am in heaven! Green Things That Grow is based in Lake Erie NY. Look there and you'll find greeting cards and party accessories that are completely green. Her {clever} slogan is, "Keep the print, plant the paper." Her products are made with "with 100% recycled post consumer waste, upcycled tools, and organic seeds". Love. It.

So, my obsession with plantable paper started when I worked with these lovely people. We had big, beautiful sheets of it in the paper drawers in the back of the store. I used to ogle them and dream of all the things I could do. I was always a big fan of using it on greeting cards.

Well, that's enough babbling! Look what I found!

This:

Plantable confetti! Yay! Coming in an array of colors, this confetti is the perfect addition to any party. Stuff it in favor boxes, drop it in your centerpieces..what CAN'T you do with this stuff?

And this:



How flippin' adorable are these favor tags? I love them. They come with convenient and easy to read planting instructions, so even those with the least green of thumbs can rock these seeds!

Well, if you don't love this shop yet, you can also go to the Facebook profile and blog. I suggest checking them out. I can't wait to see what's next from this charming company! Enjoy!

09 April, 2010

New Love {Online}



I'm absolutely LOVING this!

Lonny Magazine

It's so cute! I'm really appreciating the amount of online publications creeping up these days. I've only read the latest issue, but I am already getting tons of inspiration from their dreamy color palettes and luxurious home furnishings. And you better believe I'm going to go back and read the first two issues! I almost feel like the Domino Magazine shaped hole in my heart has been repaired.

I'm going to enjoy making sweet sweet magazine with Lonny. I think we all will.

Photo credits: In order- www dot luxuryliving dot com, seebelow dot net and
blog dot shopdirtylaundry dot com

08 April, 2010

Bat Mitzvah Fun

Aren't these invites adorable??



Another perfect 10 from Milwaukee design dynamo, Allison C. Beilke. I've really been loving purple lately and these cute Bat Mitzvah invites are no exception. I'm seeing personalized cookies, like these, but with two or three coordinating designs...

I was so excited looking at these, I just had to pop them into a quick mood board! Nothing fancypants, mind you, just a quick little thing...


What fun! I really love kids' parties. Mostly, because I love letting myself remember what is was like anticipating something really spectacular, the days when life was full of whimsy and wonder!

Photo Credits:
1. Dessert Cluster
2. Macaroons
3. Table Arrangement
4. Sweets Table

02 April, 2010

From the Trenches: Registry Etiquette




Hey Erin!
My SO and I are about to start registering for gifts. We have decidedly different ideas on how it should be done...any tips?

Hey yourself! Thanks for reading.

Registering for gifts was my second favorite part of the wedding planning hoopla. (Can you guess what my favorite part was?) Incidentally, registry planning is one of my favorite things to do with my couples as well. I was such a lucky gal because The Hubbs was totally into helping out. {Although I did have to keep steering him away from the electronics...and when my back was turned, he registered us for a Nintendo Wii et al.) Nevertheless I have definitely developed a strategy that I would love to share with you!

1. Don't spread yourselves to thinly. Stick to two or three of your favorite stores. Although the beauty of online shopping is so alluring, try to choose at least one national department chain with locations in most regions with a great selection of housewares. You may also want to choose a local specialty store for those quirkier items.

2. Think of your guests. When registering for gifts, try to choose items that span the spectrum of price ranges. Be sure to balance big ticket items with equally wonderful budget-friendly choices.

3. Give yourself the gift of time. You should complete your registry(ies) between 4 and 6 months before the big day. This gives your guests time to shop, wrap and ship to their heart's desire. A generous time frame will also cover any showers you may have.

4. Make sure to register for enough gifts. I know this may sound a wee bit strange, but trust me (!) this is important. You want to register for more gifts than there are guests. Choosy gift givers (like me) will appreciate the plethora of items to browse. Keep in mind, you'll most likely have a shower or two in there somewhere and you'll need to allow for those as well. After all, "variety is the spice of life", no?

5. Don't be afraid to spread the registry word! I know that etiquette (and Martha Stewart) says, "Don't tell your guests where your registered in the invitation". For me, the jury's still out. While I agree such info should never EVER be located on the invitation card itself, I have seen a number of tasteful and gorgeous registry cards. In my humble opinion, the job of the invitation suite is to provide your guests with all the info they'll need to successfully attend your wedding. The registry info is part of that information. However, if you should want to follow etiquette, you and your SO should tell only immediate family and the bridal party. Have them spread the word throughout the wedding guests. It is totally appropriate to include registry info with shower invites.

6. It's okay to register for gift cards! While it is still taboo to ask for money {as it should be}, most registry programs will ask you if you'd like to receive gift cards. Go ahead and check "yes"! We all know these things are great for traveling guests. Just slip them into the card, slip the card in your carry on and away you go! It's also super great to use your gift cards to complete your registry after the wedding!

7. When registering, think of your "happily ever after" not just your "happily ever now". Registry expert Mary Rose Gearon said it best, "Don't just think about your lifestyle as it is now. You'll be entertaining more in the years to come, so create a wish list of items: a platter for your first Thanksgiving dinner or champagne flutes for a New Year's toast. Keep those special occasions in mind; it's a wonderful way to include loved ones in those important milestones." I couldn't have said it better myself.

8. Keep up on those thank you cards. As soon as gifts come in, write that thank you note. To add a more personal touch to the often-arduous task of thank-you notes, try short, personalized messages written by hand. If time is what you lack most, printed stock greetings are acceptable as long as you add a thoughtful, personal "PS" section. Your guests love you, so don't be afraid to show them a little love in return. Your friends and family will appreciate the time you took to make them feel special.

9. Don't fret if you don't get everything you registered for. Most registry programs have fantastic completion programs. Ask your registry consultant for details...most programs offer discounts, incentive programs and will keep your info online for awhile.

So there you have it. A few {well, more than a few} words on registries. I should mention that you should, most importantly, have fun! You should get to laugh and dream together as you pick out your fabulous gifts. So get out there, grab a scanner and have at it!