Color Coordinated Fourth of July Cocktails

Happy Fourth of July!!! To celebrate, check out these red, white and blue cocktails to add the holiday jazz to your weekend celebrations...

BLUE: Fourth of July Cocktail - very creative title - courtesy of Guy Fieri from the Food Network

WHITE: Tommy Bahama’s Coconut Cloud Martini courtesy of the Intoxicologist

RED: Raspberry Caipirinha courtesy of Whisk Blog

Have a safe and happy holiday!!!

L | D Finds : High Heel Service

Nothing makes my day more than finding something I've never seen before. Okay, so maybe this statement is not entirely true, but for the sake of this post just extend your suspension of disbelief.

Getting back on track, I found something awesome today: high heel cake server and high heel cheese slicer. LOVE THEM! How perfect would either be at a bridal shower, baby shower or bachelorette party? Priced at $15 each, they are not braking the bank!

DIY: Scratch Off Ticket

The name says it all. And Art Mind -who also has a shop on Etsy- teaches you just how to make a scratch off lottery ticket. There are about one million and one uses for this: baby shower, dinner party, wedding, birthday party, cards, promotional tool. This is just the coolest tutorial I have seen in a while and you can change it up to suit your event. Enjoy!

DIY: Pendant Lamp

I was reading a posting from The Estate of Things on making a pendant lamp. Immediately, I thought this would be a perfect piece to decorate an event. The original idea comes from Crafty Nest. She used a large bouncy ball, clear drying craft glue, hemp string and a light fixture. The size of the ball and the type of string and light fixture used can be tailored to fit the decor of the specific event. Previously, I wrote a post on this same type of project, however. It appears that Ready Made has since taken that project down, so enjoy!

L | D Finds: Laura Hooper's Emotional Maps

What an incredible idea! Laura Hooper has created emotional maps, which maps details of a couple's journey to each other and then together to their wedding day.

The example above is about a bride and groom who were both born on the East Coast, shared their first date in Massachusettes in 2004, and also shared their second "first date" in 2006! You can see the dates and trips that are important to them, such as their summer trip to Maine, date to the Science Museum, and winter trip to New York City.

The emotional maps are a great way to let your friends and family know what events have shaped your relationship with your soon-to-be bride or groom - and they make a great keepsake for you to cherish forever!

Inspirational Chandeliers

I am not sure what is going on but I am on a lighting kick today. In the past, I've written about how amazing Twitter is. Recently, I've chatted with Chandeliera who owns a website that showcases a stunning range of chandeliers to exquisitely illuminate and luxuriously decorate your home. Or in my case, events! Chandeliera has handpicked a gorgeous selection of chandeliers available online from quality retail outlets. They also have an inspiration gallery if you need some ideas. It's a great source of different chandeliers and interior creations. So check them out!

DIY : Vodka Ice Block

Martha never fails.  Today, I came across her instructions to create frozen vodka blocks.  A bottle of icy vodka makes a dramatic bar decoration when it's encased in a frozen layer of colorful flowers and fruit.  This is a very easy package that will bring a lot of punch to an afternoon cocktail party.

Directions

• Place a full bottle into a fully opened cardboard half-gallon milk carton. 
  
• Insert flowers or thinly sliced fruit around the bottle, filling one third of the carton, (Martha used nasturtiums, lemons, and limes).
  
• Pour water into the container, just covering the fruit and flowers. 
  
• Place the carton upright in the freezer. 
  
• When the liquid is completely frozen, add another layer of fruit and very cold water, and freeze. 
  
• Repeat, filling and freezing a third of the carton at a time, which prevents all the fruit and flowers from floating to the top until the water reaches the bottle's neck. 
  
• Remove from the freezer when it's time to serve the vodka.
  
• Cut away the milk carton with a utility knife, wrap a dinner napkin around the bottle's base, and serve the vodka with slices of lemon zest tied in knots.

Live Event Painting

The name says it all. An artist is commissioned to attend your special event and literally capture the moment: live. This is an ultra chic way to incorporate a glamorous element into your event. Plus, walk away with a one of a kind, piece of artwork to forever remember your special event.

Check out Event Paintings By Agnes, Karen Wall Garrison, or Timree Gold.

Photo courtesy of Timree

DIY Photo Sharing Kiosk

How many pictures will be taken by the guests at your next event or your wedding wedding? Probably hundreds to thousands. Wouldn't you like to have them? Of course you would. Well, good luck getting them! Okay, okay, okay- maybe your family and friends represent the one percent who will actually send all the shots they snapped at your event BUT most likely they will forget. Not maliciously of course; I'm no stranger to forgetting to send pictures. 

What to do - what to do - what to do? You could rent a Kedai for $499. A very nifty device, which also comes with a high definition monitor for immediate viewing pleasure. All you do it order the machine, Kedai sends it. Simple; a little pricey but simple.

Or, how about making your own photo sharing kiosk? Sounds more difficult than it is. All you need are three things: a laptop, a card reader and a family or friend appointed computer guard. Yup, that's it. Make sure to inform your guests about the download station, or else you wont get any pictures. If you have a DJ, they will be able to make announcements throughout the night. If not, set the station up by the exit and ask the computer guard to remind the departing guests. Then enjoy ALL your event pictures...for F-R-E-E!

DIY: Programs That Double As A CD

Style Me Pretty posted an incredibly chic idea for a wedding ceremony program that doubles as a favor. The idea was created by Bliss Weddings Market and the instructions are detailed below. Hate ending a sentence with a preposition but you learn the rules to break them!

Materials
Paperboard CD case (from www.BlissWeddingsMarket.com)
Two 1/8″ wide circle eyelets in the color white (from www.BlissWeddingsMarket.com)
Eyelet Setter (from www.BlissWeddingsMarket.com)
Rubber stamp (from www.SimonStamp.com) of your desired image (from
www.BlissWeddingsMarket.com)
One 28″ long ribbon not wider than 3/8″ or 5/8″ (from Michael’s)
Clear embossing ink (from Michael’s)
Embossing Powder in the color of you choice (from Michael’s)
Embossing Heat Gun (from Michael’s)
Pair of scissors or an X-acto ® knife (from Michael’s)
Scrap paper (from Michael’s)
Paper cutter (from Michaels)
Ruler (from Michaels)
Pencil (from Michaels)
Pinking Shears (from Michaels)
Mailing labels (for your CD playlist) (from local Office Supply store)
8-1/2” x 11” decorative paper for the ceremony program (from Michaels)
8-1/2” x 11” vellum paper for the program cover (from Michaels)
8-1/2” x 11” decorative paper for your handmade thank-you note (from Michaels)

Instructions
1. Place the CD case on top of the scrap paper.
2. Using the clear embossing ink, rubber stamp the image onto the front of the CD case.
3. Generously sprinkle the colored embossing powder over the stamped image.
4. Slide the loose powder onto the scrap paper below.
5. Hover the embossing heat gun over the image as the powder melts producing a metallic, raised image.
6. Put CD case aside to let it cool.


7. Print your CD playlist onto mailing labels.
8. Cut them out using pinking shears to create an interesting edge.
9. Affix the playlist to the inner left side of the CD case.
10. Using your favorite word processing software, design your ceremony program and print it onto your decorative paper.
11. Place the vellum paper behind the ceremony program. Using the paper cutter, slice the papers together to measure approximately 5” wide x 10” long.
12. Place the papers in the interior center of the CD case.
13. Using your pencil, make a mark on the ceremony program 3/4” down from the top of the CD case’s spine and 3/4” up from the bottom of the spine.


14. Using the the tip of scissors (or an X-acto ® knife), carefully poke a small hole where you made your marks. (A hole puncher will not do – the size of its hole is wider than the spine of this CD case.)
15. Insert the eyelets into the top and bottom holes. Make sure the back of the eyelet is facing you.
16. Place the eyelet setter over the top eyelet. Using a blunt object, hammer the setter to flatten the backside of the eyelet. Repeat with the bottom eyelet.
The back of the eyelets should look like a “flower” and will permanently adhere the papers to the interior of the case.
17. To complete the case’s binding, thread your decorative ribbon through the eyelets and make a bow-tie on the side of the case.
18. Insert your personalized audio CD in the interior left pocket of the CD case.
19. Compose a thank-you note to your guests and insert into the inner right pocket of the CD case.

L | D Finds: Groom Socks

I am on a roll with Etsy today. I started out surfing Laura Hooper's shop when I stumbled upon Erin Borges's shop. There are a bunch of cute items. It was her In Case you Get Cold Feet socks for the groom that jumped out at me. I think these might be a must for your future husband! She will even custom coordinate your sock and thread color to match your wedding colors. They are a little pricey at $30 but absolutely adorable none-the-less.

L | D Finds: Paloma's Nest

Like I said before, Etsy is my own, little twenty-four hour pass to feeling like I'm back home in the city again! This evening I found Paloma's Nest, the maker of the ring bearer dish, featured in Brides Magazine! What an adorable and original spin on the classic ring bearer pillow...a ring bearer bowl!!!

This little white ceramic ring bowl is hand crafted and stamped with the words to have and to hold. Awwww, so sweet. It gets even better, because near the top of the rim are two little holes to lace the cotton cord through and hold your rings for your wedding ceremony. This cord can be easily switched out by you for a ribbon that matches your wedding style...or to a blue cord for your something blue. But that's not all, the tiny bowl can also be hung by the cord on a wall in a special spot: next to your wedding photo, in a shadow box frame, or on your holiday tree. The cost: $26!!! What a find.

DIY: Japanese Kusadama Balls

It's all in the details. This is one of the most important, if not the most important, thing to remember when planning any event. It is those same details that can add up, and fast too. Japanese kusadama balls are an affordable way to decorate a wedding ceremony, baby shower, birthday party event a cocktail party without breaking the bank. The Japanese kusudama is a paper ball made out of multiple identical origami shapes glued together. They were traditionally used as a ball for incense or potpourri but now we see them more for decoration or as a gift. There are many different patterns to make a kusudama ball. Folding Trees has a great tutorial kusudama balls. Click here for part one on how to learn to make the traditional Japanese shape and here for part two.

DIY: Photo Frame Card Box

I am always praising The Knot so why would today be any different! The same Knottie that posted on how to create your own monogram aisle runner, also posted on how to create your own photo frame card box. Again, if you've got the extra cash to spend on purchasing one, woo-hoo. But this is such a simple project and would be a lot of fun for the bride and groom to do together. If you are going to use this for a birthday party, it would be a great project for father / daughter or mother / son. For those of you who are not partial to DIY projects, check the wedding boards to pick up a used one. However, if you'd rather spend a fraction of the cost, and think you can handle a little work then read on...

ITEMS YOU'LL NEED:
4 Photo Frames
Suggestion: 8"x 10" or 11"x 13", whichever you prefer but keep in mind that the 8x10 is already quite a large box
Drill
Screw Driver
16 L Brackets
Screws
Suggestion: In terms of width, use the size recommended by the L brackets. Also, be mindful of the length because you don't want them to go through the front of the frames.
Lazy Susan, optional
Suggestion: check out Walmart
Foam Board
Suggestion: check out Michaels
Batting material for the "cushion" on the top of the box
Fabric, one yard will be ample
Suggestion: try Joann Fabrics and select fabric that follows the color theme of your event
Suggestion: one yard is ample
Exacto Knife
Scissors
Stapler
Duct Tape

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Start by putting the frames together. Measure down on the frame where you want to drill the pilot holes for the screws so that the L brackets will be even to connect the frames together. Mark the spot with a pencil.

2. Drill the pilot holes into the frames. Use a drill bit size recommended on the box of screws purchased. Make sure you do not drill straight through the frame by marking the frame and only drilled up to the tape line.

3. Once all of the pilot holes are in place, start screwing the brackets onto the frames. At this point, it should look pretty "complete"--the photos and glass will be in, and your box will be solid.NOTE: Clean the inside of the glass, insert your photos before screwing them together. Do not put the frames together empty because there may not be enough overlapping to squeeze the glass and backing back into the frame. IE, you might have to take the frames apart to actually put the photos in.

4. Next, start on the top. Measure the space in the top of your frames, and measured the foam board to correspond with that. You may have to shave a little extra off of the foam board in order to make a little room for the fabric you will use to upholstered it with later.

5. Remember to cut a hole in the middle of the foam board for the cards. Make it fairly big, but not big enough for hands to fit inside.

6. Place the piece of foam board that was just cut down on the table and lay the batting material over it. Cut around the edges, and give yourself enough extra material all the way around to be able to fold it under the bottom of the box top.

7. Start to fold and staple! Stretch the fabric around the box top and staple it to the back side. You're basically upholstering the box top. You also have to cut a slit in the middle of the material for the slit in the middle of the foam board. Just pull the edges of the fabric through and staple to the inside of the opening.

This is what it looks like when it's done.

8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 with your matching fabric.

9. Cut out a piece of foam board, there is no need to cover it in fabric. This will fit inside the frames for the bottom of the box.

10. Now, attach the top. There are a few different ways. Some people Velcro the top and bottom directly to the top of the frames, or you can attach additional L brackets to the bottom and top sides of the frames to hold the bottom and top in place. See the photos below.

View of the inside of the box from the top. The bottom is already in place, but you can see the additional L brackets put in place to hold the top of the box in place. This way it will not fall down inside of the box.

This is a photo of the box turned upside down. Here you can see the L brackets attached to keep the bottom in place.

11. Secure the foam board for the bottom to the bottom of the box. Use duct tape and taped over the L brackets. It's important not to completely ruin the frames if you want to take the box apart and use the frames after the even so don't tape anything directly to the box.

12. Attach the lazy Susan to the bottom of the box. This is another area where you may need to improvise. There could be a dip in the lazy Susan and the middle of it might not touch the box and will make it difficult to attach. Cut a few square pieces of the foam core and tape them to the lazy Susan to build up the middle. Then roll little pieces of duct tape and stuck them to the foam board and tape it to the bottom of the box. Use a lot of duct tape to ensure its sturdiness. NOTE: if you don't want your box to spin, you don't need a lazy Susan.

This is the taped-up lazy Susan right before it was turned over and attached to the bottom of the box.

13. Turn your box back over, place the top on, and it's finished!

The finished product.

This is a view of the finished top of the box.

Another angle of the finished box.
Thank you Road To the Aisle for such detailed and helpful posts!!! Here is a second posting from another DIY Bride.

The Knot: Monogram Aisle Runner

Whenever I speak with a new couple about their wedding, whether or not they decide to hire me, I encourage them to check out The Knot. Hands down, it is one of the best resources for couples planning their wedding.

Often, I search through the Knottie profiles just to see what some of the extremely creative, and more often than not, thrifty bride-to-bes' are up to. This morning I came across a great DIY find, a monogram aisle runner. Hey, if you've got the extra $100-$200 to spend on an aisle runner for the church, woo-hoo. Check out Signature Wedding Aisle Runners. They come recommended and their products look good. However, if you'd rather spend a fraction of the cost, and think you can handle a little work then click here.

Top Aisle Runner courtesy of Signature Wedding Aisle Runners

DIY Aisle Runner Photographs courtesy of Road To The Aisle

L | D Finds: Pink Design

There are a lot of fabulous wedding/event related companies today, and I came across a really cool one today. Pink Designs creates special events graphic designs: wedding monograms, save the dates, programs, labels, invitations, seating charts, postage stamps, table numbers, chair cards, business logos. Even baby shower invitations and baby monograms! And all of their stuff is amazing! Pink Design's stock monograms see for $6 for one (1) monogram, $15 for three (3) monograms or $20 for five (5) monograms. If you buy 5 monograms you will receive 1 free! If you are looking for a monogram that is all your own, you can get a custom monogram design for $20. Here are some of my favorites from their website...they also have a blog Pink Design Events.

A Sparkler Send-Off

Sparklers are not just for the Fourth of July! They make a wonderful accessory for any event, especially weddings. Picture each of your guests holding a sparkler and forming a sparkling tunnel just for you to pass through as you exit your reception. The perfect photo-op!

Not getting married? Don't be sad...of course there is still a use for these bright, shining fire sticks at your event. They can be used as party favors; place card holders; they can be used on cakes instead of candles; or, they can be stuck directly into the ground and lit to create a sparkling light-show effect at a reception.

Sparklers Online offers 10, 20 or 36 inch sparklers and have a 100% satisfaction guarantee! That means if for ANY reason you are dissatisfied with the sparklers you can simply return them for a full refund, plus they offer free shipping! Very nice.

One box of 36 inch sparklers will run you $60 and it has 48 pieces; one box of 20 inch sparklers will cost $35 and it has 48 pieces; and, one box of 10 inch sparklers will cost $45 for 288 pieces. Keep in mind, the shorter the sparkler, the less amount of sparkly-time.

Cocktail Party Planning Guide

Unless you are preparing dinner for four, it can be difficult to determine how much food will be enough for an event. There truly are many, many factors that come into play in order to answer this question: what time is the event; how long will the event last; what type of food will you be serving; how rich is the food you plan to serve; how many men, women and children have been invited; will you serve appetizers and dinner.

Deciding how much food to serve at any event actually involves more art than a science. One of my favorite websites, Epicurious, offers readers a great cocktail party guide to help answer all sorts of cocktail party planning question like: planning the menu; serving the food; planning the cocktails; how to set up the bar; food & drink quantity charts; guest list and invitations; setting the scene; rentals & staffing; and timeline & prep tips. So just how much food is enough...

Food
If you're throwing a cocktail party outside of typical meal hours, five or six types of hors d'oeuvres will be sufficient. Plan on each guests eating one or two of each kind. If your cocktail party takes place during meal hours, your guests will be hungry and there should be enough food to constitute a meal. Prepare eight to ten types of hors d'oeuvres and plan on each guest eating two to three of each. Also, younger men tend to eat more than women and seniors, so if you have lots of ties on your guest list, add a few extra hors d'oeuvres to your menu.

Drinks
Before you stock your bar, you need to know how much alcohol and mixers to purchase. Check out the guidelines helpful for any bar setup. Here are helpful tips to keep in mind:

• It's always good to throw in extra in case the party lasts longer than you planned, there are additional unexpected guests, or one drink is more popular than others.

• Each guest will drink an average of two drinks the first hour and one drink each hour thereafter.

• A one-liter bottle of alcohol yields approximately 22 mixed drinks, so if you know how many guests are attending and what kind of bar you're going to have, you can easily figure out how much alcohol to purchase.

• To accommodate any non-cocktail drinkers, estimate one bottle of wine per eight guests, remembering that white wine tends to be more popular than red.

• One 750-ml bottle of Champagne fills six regular Champagne glasses. The amounts listed in the chart below account for how much Champagne guests will drink from the bar. If you plan to have a Champagne toast, you will need to purchase additional bottles—you only need to pour about a third of a glass for a toast, so plan on one bottle of bubbly for every ten guests.

• Garnishes are relatively cheap, so it's always smart to buy extras. Plan on a 1/2 lemon and 1/2 lime and two each of olives, cherries, and onions per guest. This means that if you have 24 guests, you'll need at least 12 lemons and 12 limes plus 48 each of olives, cherries, and onions.

• Plan on one and a half pounds of ice per person. This will provide enough ice for drinks as well as any ice baths for wine or beer.

Photo Courtesy of Alien Dream

DIY: Table Numbers

Martha Stewart ROCKS! Brides should always visit Martha Stewart Weddings for inspiration. I found an article on printing your own table numbers along with templates that can be downloaded for F-R-E-E! What would life be like without Martha?

Print the table numbers you need onto heavy card stock.

You have a choice of two border styles -- one with a regular looping scallop, and one with more freeform loops. For each design, they have also included one template with no number, in case you need to add your own number or other text.

If you want the table numbers to be visible from two directions, print two per table. Use a long-bladed scissors to cut smoothly just inside the outer oval line. To display, slip table numbers into a place-card holder or easel.

New Twist On Champagne Toast

Champagne toasts are very common at most weddings these days. It is the time when friends and family get a chance to give their regards and best wishes to the newly married couple. It also is a great opportunity for a couple to personalize the moment by adding their own twist to the toast. Freshen up the champagne toast with a signature drink. Try the French 75. It's a sweet difference!

French 75
Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 oz Gin

- 2 oz Lemon Juice

- Champagne

- 2 tsp Superfine Sugar

- Garnish: Cherry

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice except champagne. Strain into a champagne flute (or collins glass). Top with champagne. Garnish with cherry.