Our Romantic Holiday Field Guide

I cannot wait to share these tips and ideas with you! 25 days, and 25 ways to enjoy your holiday season with your loved one. 

{photo found here}

Say Cheese! Paper Props

Photo Booths are the new thing to have at your wedding, and I have to tell you- I love them! They are so much fun- especially when you have fun props like this. Those lips are my favorite!

But who said their just for weddings? Looking for a way to make Christmas a bit more memorable? Set up a back drop, hook your camera up to a tripod and snap away!

A California Christmas

I came across these fabulous photos yesterday while reading  my morning Google Reader. Don't these photos just make you green with envy that everyone can't be invited to a gorgeous party like that? Sigh. Hopefully one day! =)

The Host and Producer of the Event was Leila Khalil of Be Inspired PR, and contributors were among the best- JL Designs, Canvas and Canopy, Wiley Valentine, and many more. Tremendous job by all, this night looked perfectly detailed and wonderful (and those drinks don't look to bad either!)

{photos by Hostess with the Mostess}

Holiday Entertaining: Spiced Cranberry Sangria

So I stumbled upon SheKnows Food & Recipes today and I have to tell you- I was so delighted! It has an online magazine that you could flip through that is dedicated to Holiday Party Planning and I just love it! The recipes look so. stinkin'. good, the decor is adorable, and the presentation is right up my alley. You need to check it out!

Holiday Entertaining: Budget Friendly Decor

How adorable is this!? Cute for show, and your guests can take them as they please! It's a cute little favor and simply perfect holiday decor wrapped up all into 1!

{photo via Celebrations}

Holiday Entertaining: Edible Gifts

I (clearly) love to host parties. Being able to have those who I love the most over for yummy food, delicious cocktails and just a grand old time gives me the best feeling. Making those who I care about happy is what keeps me going every day.

What comes to mind (other than food to serve, drinks to make, desserts to bake, music to play... you get the picture) is what I can give them to take home. It is no secret that newly married Jenny Steffens Hobick is someone that I constantly look at for inspiration. She puts together some really creative, yet simple ideas for classy and fun entertaining. I love the idea's she has here for Chocolate Pecan Biscotti and a Soup Supper to give to guests!

It's Party Season!

Ah. Holiday Parties. There isn't a thing that I dislike about them. One of the things I enjoy the most is actually receiving the invite! I tell all who will listen, that one of the most important pieces to throwing a good party, is the invite. That is the first glimpse into the event! Get everyone excited with a fabulous invite. Which invite below looks like it would have the best party? I know mine! =)

{via Parcel Post}

{via Wedding Paper Divas}

{via minted}

Venue of the Week: 620 Loft and Garden, NYC

From the second I laid eyes on this venue, I was in love. 620 Loft and Garden is located at Top of the Rock in Rockefeller Center. The view is amazing and it is the perfect place for an intimate reception or party venue. It can host 120 for a seated meal 365 days a year.

During the holiday season, it overlooks the Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink and the world famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. If this doesn't scream perfect setting for a holiday celebration- I don't know what does!

 

{photos via Top of the Rock}



Martha Stewart Bridal Market Party 2010, Part 2

While I was at the Martha Stewart Bridal Market Party, I could have sworn that I heard someone say over all the music that they were giving tours of the Martha Stewart offices. I am immediately on the hunt to find out where that line starts! There has always been a part of me that has wanted to work in an office environment like that. So I jumped at the chance to take a glimpse at what it was like!



The offices were covered in inspiration boards of past and future magazines. I was like a kid in a candy shop.

Amazing. Every last little thing had a label and a place. The organization was incredible. This is how a prop room should look!

Yes, that is someones office. How could you not love going to work everyday with an office like that!

Last but not least the Christmas Tree. I know that Halloween is next week and all, but after seeing all the Christmas love in the air, I am officially. Excited.

Martha Stewart Bridal Market Party 2010, Part 1

I cannot even begin to explain what a wonderful time I had at the Martha Stewart Bridal Market Party last night! From the second I walked in the door I knew that this was going to be an experience.  As soon as you stepped off the elevator, Elan Artists was playing and they completely set the mood for the entire evening. Then as I rounded the corner, I spotted Sylvia Weinstock. I have always read so much about her and recently caught her on an episode of Bravo's Just Desserts. I wanted to run right up to her (along with Martha herself, Darcy Miller, Lara Casey, Randy Fenoli, Mark Ingram.. you get the picture!)  and introduce myself. But I tried to contain myself. =)

Elan Artists

Then you walked into a sparkly heaven. There was glitter everywhere! The chandelier was amazing. The dim room light reflected off it perfectly.

My first table stop was over to Tribeca Treats and Bella Cupcake Couture. Their desserts were to die for! I was able to meet Rachel Schifter, the author of Sweet Chic and owner of Tribeca Treats. She was so sweet! I can't wait to buy the book!

Then there were pipecleaner rings. I had seen these on the blogs of those who attended Martha Stewart's 15th Anniversary Party and was so excited that she was there again! How cleaver are these rings!?

Waiters walked around with scrumptious drinks and bite size h'ordeuvres that were to die for. The presentation was truly amazing!

Ah. Lavender Sachets by The Wedding Library. This table smelled phenomenal. There is something about lavender that just puts my heart at ease!

Smilebooth was there!! Lindsey (my date for the evening!) and I were so excited. It was also nice because Ashley, my June bride and her fiance Keith are itching to have them at their wedding! It was nice to have a test run. Also because I feel like I am the only person who has never been to an event where they have been! Got Cake?

This yummy dessert table by Sandals had all my favorites. And I am just a sucker for a white candy table.

Then there was the calligraphy of Neither Snow. Mara was so kind and her work is stunning. Lindsey and I had to make multiple trips to her table because she was always so crowded!

There were so many great things that I just could not capture with my camera quick enough. Part 2 will take you through the tour of Martha's office's that we were given right before we left. Stay tuned!