Holiday Ideas From Sweet Paul

I am so inspired by all things natural this year for Christmas, so online e-glossy Sweet Paul's winter edition was so perfect:





From natural items like wood to simple easy-to-make ideas like kraft paper wrapping and sweet recipes, it's 172 pages of pure holiday bliss. Check out the full issue here. Enjoy!

Inspired By Christmas

It's not even December yet. But it's the month I look forward to all year long. I absolutely adore Christmas, and tend to over-deck the halls each year. This season I'm inspired by all things natural- think pine cones, cotton (yes, I'm on a cotton kick as we design Carlie + Matt's wedding in a few weeks), burlap, nuts, and even wine corks...all with a touch of sparkle. We're also currently planning the office decor- we hope to have it done and revealed by Dec. 1st. In the meantime, here is my Christmas Pinterest board so far for a little inspiration on this Monday:



What are you inspired by this holiday season? Happy Monday!

Thanksgiving 2011

 
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Thanksgiving day is here and it's official for me- the holidays have begun. I've secretly been listening to Christmas music for the past 2 weeks, but now it will be on at the office, in the car, at home :) In just a few hours we'll be heading over to my parents' house for our annual game tournaments, football, and turkey (oh and champagne- told you) and I'm so excited. This year my list of what to be thankful for runneth over:

1. I'm thankful for my son. I've realized the holidays are 100% more amazing with a child. I am so excited to go through the season through his excitement.

2. The business coaches and mentors I've worked with this year. I've been blessed to see such amazing growth for Soiree this year, and I couldn't have done it without you.

3. My husband. We had a rough go of it this year with job loss and unexpected change. So many thanks for your continued companionship and encouragement- you believed in me whole heartedly to make this work for us. Love you.

4. I'm thankful for my dreams. Because really, if I hadn't allowed myself to dream, none of what has happened this year would have happened. It's true what they say- you have to believe, and you have to take inspired action.

5. Finally, I'm so thankful for my clients and the girls on my team. You all trust me to make your dreams come true, and girls- I really can't do that without you all. I hope you know how much I appreciate you!

What are you thankful for this year? Please do share- would love to hear about it!

Have a blessed day,

Brandi

Thanksgiving Day Inspiration

It's the day before Thanksgiving! The world is apparently bustling around getting ready for the big day- there is no one in our building except for little ole me right now. Tomorrow I'll be posting my annual "what I'm thankful for" list, so stay tuned. Until then, ran across this gorgeous fall inspiration shoot over at Elizabeth Anne Designs:

 

Be sure to head over to the EAD blog to see the rest... 

...And for even more T-Day and Fall inspiration to fill your plates today, here are some other finds from around the blogosphere today:



A unique fall color palette of orange, gray, and purple from The Perfect Palette.



A pretty tablescape over at Everything Fabulous..



...And another gorgeous East Coast fete over at Inspired By This.

Are you still planning your Thanksgiving table design? Hopefully you can take some of these ideas and pair them together for an easy, beautiful table. Have a great Wednesday and we'll see you tomorrow!

xx,
Brandi

Inspiring Photo No. 36

To kick off Thanksgiving Week, I thought this inspirational quote from Steve Jobs was perfect. I am truly thankful that I'm no longer in a line of work I hate, and that I get so excited to work with my clients and go to work each day. If you're not happy with something in your life- go now, go fast! Change it because you're the only one that can do it.



~Happy Monday!

Sunday Soiree | Cranberry Champagne Cocktail

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Every year on Thanksgiving (and Christmas for that matter), my family breaks out the champagne as our sipper of choice. We usually end up at my parent's house around noon, and spend the next few hours watching football, munching, and having our signature Jenga tournaments (and yes, I am the reigning champion. It's all in the tap of the finger, folks). I don't know when exactly we started the tradition of having the bubbly during the holidays, but it's been around for a while and we look forward to it every year. Here's a super simple twist on the drink, by adding cranberry to it. Enjoy and happy planning this Thanksgiving week!

Cranberry Champagne Cocktail (by Tyler Florence)

Ingredients

• 1-ounce cranberry juice (sweetened)
• 1 wedge lime
• Champagne or sparkling wine
• Cranberries (frozen)

Directions

In a chilled Champagne flute add cranberry juice and a squeeze of lime. Top off the glass with Champagne. Garnish with 3 or 4 cranberries.

xx,

Brandi

Fall Wish List | Annie

I know..this post is coming a little late. It's almost winter, you say. I know. But better late than never, right? Besides, many of Annie's wants can go for winter fashions too. Take it away, Annie..



I used to think that black and brown were not cohesive colors in an outfit. However, this year's fall fashion has changed my mind. The jeans are my all time favorites, Big Stars (available at The Buckle). The wash contains both contrasts of light and dark. The black cardigan by Allen Allen from 6pm goes great with a plain white tank underneath with the belt cinching off the waist. The boots are Steve Madden and can be found at DSW. Which brings us to the accessories, the purse is a Rebecca Minkoff available at Nordstrom. The earrings are an accent that ties the outfit together and are ethnically inspired. They are available at Francesca’s Collections, new in the Boise Towne Square Mall.

~Have a lovely Saturday and weekend!

Smitten Magazine | Vol. 3

It's here- the November/December issue of Smitten Mag is out- have you subscribed yet? You really should- this e-glossy is always chock full of wedding fancy, from real weddings to interviews to must-haves of the season. They also have a blog you should be obsessing over, too.

To subscribe to the e-mag, grab yourself a drink, get comfortable, and click here. 

Happy planning, and happy Tuesday!

Inspiring Photo No. 35

Thanksgiving is in about two weeks...can hardly believe how fast it's flying by. Speaking of flying, With the holidays comes some of the busiest travel days of the year. Will you be jetting off to some place else for the holiday season?

~Happy Monday!

Sunday Soiree | 33 Cupcake Favorites

Sunday Soiree is another new series we're starting on the Soiree Blog. Recipes, party ideas, entertaining how-to's and cocktails are all things you'll see on Sundays. Besides being a wedding planner, throwing a party is another passion of mine. I love to cook, try out different wines, and I love love love having a full house of people to entertain. My husband doesn't understand it, but I go all out with centerpieces, linen napkins, and personalized place settings- but I also know how to relax with paper napkins, old fashioned BBQ and a game of Bocce Ball. So I thought Sunday was a perfect day to indulge in all things food and parties- it's usually what I'm doing on a Sunday anyways...cooking, blogging, finding new recipes to try...and lazing around (in my pajamas) with a glass of wine. Hope you enjoy it!

First up are these incredibly ridiculous cupcakes. I don't bake- give me a box with some instructions on it and that's about as far as I'm trusted- but if you've got the baking bug, here are 33 different cupcake recipes to try. Ming Makes Cupcakes is a site that had our eyes round as saucers and drooling- from Nutella cupcakes to varieties complete with Guinness...if you've been looking for a sweet treat to wow your guests, we're betting you'll find one here. A few of our favorites we salivated over on the spot:







See all 33 recipes here. If you try any of them- tell us how it turned out in the comments!

Happy Sunday!

Sippin In The City

 


Next Thursday, November 17th, The Linen Building is hosting a food and wine pairing event- Sippin In the City. What's better when it's cold and dark way too early, than to head to one of Boise's most eclectic venues to nosh on scrumptious little bites and taste some of the best wine in the state? It's perfect for a date night and an excuse to wear your favorite heels, even in the cold. I'll be there with the hubs- I actually won the silent auction package at the BYP Event a few weeks ago (Ok I stalked the auction table so I could put the last bid in- do you blame me?). Tickets are just $25 and include your wine glass- hope to see you there! For more information click here, and come up and say hi if you are attending!

~Brandi

Winter Whites

A little winter white inspiration for you on this Thursday...



Sources: Bridal Shoes | Gold & White Invitations | White Cake | White Flower Box Favor | White Leather Clutch


~ Happy Thursday!

Wedding Wednesday | Oregon Coast Honeymoon

We know, we know..it's like 40 degrees outside, and we're all gearing up for Thanksgiving in just a few weeks. But if you're planning a wedding, you're probably also planning a honeymoon to celebrate your wedded bliss. We're starting a new monthly series on Wednesdays where we'll feature a honeymoon spot and must-have things to go with it. It might be all fashion-related, might have some accessories, or may even have some must-see places. This month's featured honeymoon is the Oregon Coast- a location that is often forgotten or overlooked. Beach? Check. Gorgeous views? Check. Quiet, not over-populated? Check Check. Whether you're planning to spend a week or just drop in on your drive down the coast, don't forget about Oregon.

If we were heading on a road trip to the coast, here are some of the items we'd be packing:



To Buy: 1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5.

Where are you thinking about spending your honeymoon? Have a location in mind you'd like us to feature? Do tell in the comments and we'll drum up our take on accessorizing your perfect honeymoon. 

How To | Glitter Eyes

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It's that season again, where cocktail parties, wintry hues and warming drinks happen almost every weekend. We're liking the trend of glitter- and done just right, you really can go from office to party without looking too overdone or out of place at either spot. I found this how-to tutorial on This Is Glamorous, complete with step by step and even a video for you visual girls out there. Maybe I'll try it this weekend and return with a recap. Let us know how it goes!

~Happy Tuesday,

Brandi

Fall Wish List | Stephanie

Stephanie is one of our interns at Soiree, and we're starting a new little series of wish lists and weekly wants from each of us. Here Steph recaps her current fall favorites and must-haves for the brisk weather to come:

Fall has always been my favorite season, I love all the colors and the festivities it brings. I'm always happy when the air gets a little chillier and I can break out cozy sweaters, jackets and scarves. Currently my fall wish list includes this leather jacket and cool chunky brown boots. Both pieces can be thrown on with a pair of skinny jeans or comfy leggins and look effortlessly stylish whether going out for dinner and drinks or just a quick pumpkin spice latte. This plaid shirt and infinity scarf look so cozy and are great layering pieces which is nice for finicky weather. Mustard yellow is one of my favorite hues and this bag would add a nice pop of color to any outfit. Rings are the only jewelry I wear on a daily basis and these stackable ones are so pretty and feminine and could add some sparkle to any dreary fall day.

Thanks Steph! Have any must-haves to share? Let us know in the comments!

To buy: 1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5.

Sneak Peek | BYP 5th Annual Celebration

Last Thursday Boise Young Professionals had their annual awards gala, and this year also celebrated their 5th anniversary. We were brought on board to design the event, working alongside Joie Events, The Boise Chamber, and other Events and Networking team members to produce BYP's biggest event of the year. With a corporate event being a tad different than a wedding, we got to play around with different event props and lighting to produce a lounge-like feel- here's a sneak peek of one of the table designs:



The girls of Ampersand Studios were the official photographers for the event, and they also brought along their signature photo booth for during the cocktail reception...you can see me, Michelle, and Danielle of Joie Events here, after a full day of set up and props not working in our favor:





Stay tuned for detail shots from the full event soon- until then, Happy Thursday!

xx,

Brandi

Portfolio: Lindsay + Dustin's Woodriver Cellars Wedding

Lindsay and Dustin's late September wedding was magical in every way- Lindsay's vision of a vintage-meets-rustic-romance was perfectly executed, and they even managed to call in a gorgeous 90 degree day on the 30th of September. Woodriver Cellars Winery was the backdrop for the day, and these sneak peek shots from Ampersand Studios made our day. Enjoy a snippet from their wedding, and we'll be back with more detail shots once we have them...















~Happy Wednesday!