Go Ahead.

Ask us {just about} anything. I don't normally aspire to be a follower, but what can I say, Formspring is getting a lot of attention lately, and I think it's a pretty neat idea.

After recent launches of their own formspring accounts, Think Splendid is off and running and the Southern Weddings Mag gals will soon be answering questions left and right. I've even asked a few questions my self. Basically, it's proven to be a really good medium to stay in touch, get to know someone better, and find some answers to burning questions.

So I broke down and created the Soiree Formspring Account. So go ahead, ask anything- business, personal, wedding or party related, and you can ask the questions anonymously too. I will answer them as time allows, and some may be answered via posts on this blog.

Happy chatting!

Brandi

From Inspiration To Wedding

I'm loving a new series that's happening over at Classic Bride. Each Friday in February she has invited Jacqueline from Merci New York to take a real room and turn it into an inspiration board.

The posts so far are pure eye candy, and we love that here so I had to share.

The Room Inspiration {Rachel Aswel}



....And the board designed by Jacqueline:



The Room Inspiration {Kelly Wearstler}



....And the board design:



Head over to Classic Bride for the entire series, more inspiration, and for Jacqueline's last guest post next Friday.

~Happy Planning!

{All photos via Classic Bride & Merci New York}

Flaunt Your Rock Giveaway!

Valentine's day is the quintessential day of L-O-V-E. So in honor of the holiday dedicated to roses, all things fluffy, and, who are we kidding, the B-L-I-N-G, Lucid Design and Photography has fashioned an exquisite contest just for all you newly engaged.



Jayme of Lucid Design has partnered up with some nationally recognized and award-winning photographers ranging from Boston to Seattle to offer prizes to a few lucky brides.



So flaunt your rock to win- the local winner will receive a full engagement session and a $100 print credit, PLUS, be entered to win a grand prize valued at $450+. Prize winnings include custom invites from Paper & Ink Studio, a custom clutch from Clutch That, and more.

All entries must be in by midnight on March 5th, 2010, and winners will be announced on March 15th 2010. For full contest details and entry rules visit Lucid Design & Photography's blog.

Good luck, and happy flaunting!

Candle Light

Candles are the easiest way to get that romantic, ambient look- you know, the one where the room seems to glow magically, it looks instantly warm even on a winter's night, yet still playful and full of life in the middle of summer. Here are some tips to keep in mind, for whatever types of candles you're using, and for whichever type of occasion.




1. If you're using real tea light candles, freeze them first. Freezing them will actually extend their burn time by as much as several hours.

2. Choose unscented candles. As much as you love your Gardenia scented Yankees, prominent aromas will actually mix (and not in a good way) with aromas from food. It can actually affect the taste of the food to the guest!



3. Cut the wicks to about a 1/4 inch from the wax. Not only does this extend the burn time, but will also reduce the possibility of unruly flames.

4. Decide when to use real or battery-operated. Your venue may dictate this for you, or the battery operated variety just may be safer in some situations. If you're having an outdoor wedding in the summer, some areas will have burn-bans during certain months. Just be sure to do your homework! Another situation that's best for battery-operated candles? Down the aisle.
Preston Bailey shares one of his experiences with live candles lining an aisle here.

Finally, get creative- no one says you have to stay with the same votive candle holders:

-Consider using large cylinder vases with small candles at the bottom to add an unexpected decor element.

-Wrap vases or votives in tissue paper to add a pop of color, while still letting the light come through.

-Make your own hanging votives- anything from used mason jars to bubble bowl vases with a small neck will do. Click here for a DIY tutorial on the hanging votives below, featured on Style Me Pretty.



~Happy Planning!

Brandi

{Sources}
Photos # 1 & 2 via Jamali Gardens
Photo #3 via Style Me Pretty

Inspired By: Patterns

I seem to be inspired by graphic patterns lately- I love mixing and matching them with solids, stripes, and colors. They give guests something to look at- something interesting. When you mix other coordinating table top items, the look becomes seamless and eclectic even if nothing is technically "matching".



Graphic patterns are also lovely when you have either very few colors (like one or two as in the photo above) or when you're going with a monochromatic theme. It adds a little bit more interest than if you had stayed with just solids.





How about you? What things are you loving right now?

{Sources}

#1 & 2: Via Design Public
#3: via Dwell Studio

Etsy | Vintage + Letterpress Equals Lovely

I have a fetish with anything tag or letterpress related: the result is normally lovely, textured, and will always add that special detailed touch to whatever type of project you're working on.
These vintage tag and ribbon sets from D.Sharp's Etsy shop are an easy alternative to ribbons and bows. I thought they would be beautiful around a vase too if you're looking for ways to add detail to your centerpiece; and since they're reusable, too, you can use them to dress up your gifts after the wedding too.







D.Sharp's shop also features other vintage beauties, from letterpress cards to these cute vintage stamp garlands.



Are you adding any vintage touches to your wedding?

Easy Valentine's Dessert Topper

If you're anything like me, you might say baking is for the birds. I could cook all day long; it actually relaxes me quite a bit. But baking? I just wasn't made for it. So when I discovered this lovely idea that was not only easy to do, but required ingredients and tools I already owned and looked fabulous to boot, I was ecstatic.





The sweet idea is from Karen Bussen's Simple Stunning Parties, and you can find the easy-to-accomplish recipe how-to on the lovely Hostess Blog here.

Happy Valentines Day!

{All photos by William Geddes, via the Hostess Blog}

We're Feeling A Little Turquoise...

Pantone's color of 2010 is officially turquoise, Pantone color # 15-5519 to be exact. We love the bright, vibrant color, and hope to see lots of it this summer. It goes with so many different color palettes too- pair it with red for a quirky, fun wedding, or with black for an elegant vintage feel. Go with gold for that opulent feeling, or with jewel tones for a rich colorful effect.

To help you in your color planning, Pantone has also teamed up with The Dessy Group this year to present the Dessy Group Color Guide. Now you can hand pick your colors of fabrics, mix and match, and then make sure all your other print materials match effortlessly. Not to mention, when you go to your printer or graphic designer with an exact Pantone color number, they will A) do a double take and B) kiss you.

The guide is only $35 and is available to order on the Dessy Group website.

~Happy planning!

The Stylish Box Lunch

Sometimes a full lunch buffet isn't needed- maybe you're planning a brunch-style reception or even just thinking about a cute shower (bridal or baby) idea. In the right setting, with the right ideas put into place, a box-style lunch can still be stylish, and oftentimes this catering style can save you some money too.

The main trick to really upping the style factor is to pay attention to the detailing of it all. Just because it's a box lunch doesn't mean you have to provide peanut butter and jelly sandwiches along with a bag of chips. Instead, think swanky finger foods that your guests will enjoy discovering.





The first step is choosing your box. Get creative- look at different materials, colors and shapes- even bags. A regular white food box can take on a whole new persona when you add ribbon and trimming to the box.



The next step is to choose what you'll include in the box. If you're using a caterer, meet with them to discuss options that are still finger friendly but lean to the upscale side of things. Cucumber sandwiches, cheese twists, and mini quiches are good options to try. Finish the creation off by including a single Sofia Coppola Champagne Mini. Yummy.

If you're thinking about doing box lunches just for the kiddos, include kid-friendly fare and drink options. We loved this idea with a box of activities and a do it yourself pizza. And the Sparkling Pomegranate? So sweet.



Are you considering a box lunch option at your event?

{Sources}
#1: Gable boxes via Paper Mart
#2: Thai Cafe To Go via Lotus Haus blog
#3: Real wedding featured on Bliss Wedding Market
#4: Kiddie tablescape via Hazelnut Photography

Key To My Heart | Valentine's Day Desserts

Amy Atlas is none other than a genius in planning her upscale dessert displays. No detail is ever missed- from perfect wrappers and tags all the way to her custom backdrops.

We were thrilled to see her newest design, a pink and grey palette just in time for Valentine's Day.





Her "Key To My Heart" dessert bar idea was created for a segment on Better TV, and included gorgeous yummies like macaroons, cupcakes, cake, lots of pink candy, and even strawberry milk for a touch of nostalgia.

Wanting to make something like this for your party? Head over to Amy Atlas' blog for lots of tips and inspiration for all sorts of occasions.

{All photos via Amy Atlas}

Heather Bailey Designs | Creative Fabric

We are elbow deep in designing a wedding right now, with the end result featuring lots of paper, fabric, and mod designs. In my quest for the perfect pattern, I came across Heather Bailey online and instantly smitten.







The colors are bright and cheery and each has a touch of retro flair. The company even has sewing patterns for those of you handy with more than a needle and thread, and paper craft products. The site is lovely!

{All photos via Heather Bailey Designs}

Good Enough To Eat {Off Of}

Though my style tends to lean more toward the clean-lined and simplistic, I do have a fetish for the quirky things in life every now and then. I love a white platter and a simple square dish, but I also love a fun dessert or appetizer plate to throw a little fun into the mix.







Use your white plates or platters as a base, and pick different colored plates for a coordinated look.

Some other ideas for bringing in an extra pop of color to your party or a coordinating pattern to larger parties, such as weddings:

* Look at specialty rental stores for unique or eclectic items you can use for the day. One such place is Totally Tabletops in Seattle.

* Look for fabrics in the colors or patterns you like. It's fairly simple to make even napkins to go on your plates- cut your fabric in equal lengths and finish off with a ribbon trim. Fold simply on the plate and voila- instant personality.

What other ideas have you seen or plan to use in your entertaining endeavors?

{Sources}

#1: Between Us Women plates by Lisa Bengtsson
#2: Sliced Persimmon dinnerware by Anthropologie
#3: Square plates by Crate and Barrell