2012... Right Around the Corner

The end of the year is approaching fast... where did 2011 go!! If you are like me... you are just planning for that big night. So I have been scouring the net for some inspiration pics and here are some that I really enjoyed!! 

Loving this blue New Year's Eve theme!! Anything that sparkles is on my must have list!

This gold them is better suited for my house this season as I have most of my Christmas decorations in gold. This is a good way to cut entertaining cost down by reusing products in new ways. Did you know that you can flip over your martini glass and use it as a candle holder?!!

Don't those cookies look good!!

Sparklers for guest to lit at 12 would be a nice touch to any party!!


Also be sure to check out the Hostess with the Mostess site for free printables you can use for your party! It will save you a ton of time on not having to design your own and save you a ton of money!!

How to Thank Your Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids are those ladies selected by you who will stand beside you on one of the most important days of your life!! They will be there to straighten your gown, hold your flowers, and ensure your makeup is flawless after you finish crying tears of joy. They were host bridal showers and throw bachelorette parties!! These special women assist in any way to make your day special and as stress free as possible – because they know, it is what you would do for them!  After all the time and money these girls have spent to make your wedding memorable, it’s only natural to want to do something special for them.

There are many routes to go when deciding on what to give your bridal party. Each gift can be personalized and unique, or they can all match one another. Maybe even a little bit of both. Some brides do a little DIY project to show their gratitude, and some go all out. Either way – it’s up to you.

Here are some tips and ideas on how to gift/pamper your bridesmaids:

• Budget! Remember that you are still the one holding the wedding. Make sure your bridesmaids’ gifts don’t affect your wedding budget. It’s still your day, so don’t sacrifice one to make another one happy. There are ways for everybody to win! If you are really tight on budget, go the DIY route. Or scour the internet for deals and sales to maximize your savings!

• If you want to get your bridal party matching gifts, ensure that your Maid of Honor gets a little something extra. After all the extra work she’s put in, she deserves it. 

• If none of your bridesmaids are alike, get them something different. Let’s take it back and use Spice Girls for example! For Posh, a make-up kit from Sephora or a set of brushes from Mac would be great. For Sporty Spice, perhaps a duffel bag filled with LuluLemon bras and exercising gear? You get the idea, right? 

• Would you rather treat your girls with a night out on the town? Treating them all out to dinner can be nice (and a bit expensive), but they can’t take anything away from it, unless you count next morning’s hangover. Make sure if you do a dinner, add in a trinket as a keepsake.

• Spa days are always appreciated. Instead of having your ladies pay for their wedding primping, take care of it yourself! They have to get their nails’ done for the wedding anyway! Plan a spa day one or two days prior to the wedding. This way, all you have to do is relax. Start off with a soak in a hot tub – chat it up with your girls while warming your muscles. Next, get rid of all yours and their tension with a nice long massage. Finally, get your mani-pedis so that they will still be in perfect condition for the day ahead! You and your girls will thank your wallet. It definitely will be money well spent! 

• A Bridesmaid luncheon is a fantastic way to thank your beautiful attendants, for having your back and keeping you grounded. It can really be as simple or elaborate as you - and your budget – want it to be. Whatever you decide to do – I assure you – your bridesmaids will feel special and appreciated. As an added touch, it would be very meaningful to present each bridesmaid with an elegant gift that they can use on your wedding day. A beautifully engraved compact, a clutch, or piece of jewelry all make great gifts. 

• Honor Your Bridesmaids at the Rehearsal Dinner.  During the rehearsal dinner (or even your bridal shower), it’s a great time to introduce your bridesmaids to your family and friends, who may not know them. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to thank each one for their friendship, for supporting you during this special time, and to present a special gift of thanks.

Remember, although your wedding day is certainly about you, the groom-to-be, and the exciting new chapter in your lives – you do need to be gracious and appreciative of the work others provide to make your wedding day special, beautiful, and memorable.

Do you have something fantastic planned for your bridesmaids?

Have a BLISSFUL Day!

I'm Back

It has definitely been a few weeks since I have posted anything on here. Between dance rehearsals and Vegas... I have constantly been on the move!! And still not too much down time until after the New Year! But I have promised myself to do better about this. I have two parties coming up soon and will be posting picks from the Vegas trip soon of one of the projects I worked on for that party!!

Hope everyone has a blessed day and a new post will be up by the end of the day!!

Jevettra

Thanksgiving/Black Friday

Hoping that everyone had a GREAT Thanksgiving and a pleasant Black Friday! Hope you were able to buy everything that was on your list! Next year I am saving gas and shopping online!!

What Will Be On Your Table Next Thursday (Thanksgiving)?

With the holiday’s right around the corner… I went searching for Thanksgiving décor that I could use as inspiration in creating my own designs for Turkey Day!! Just a few tips to think about when setting your table and creating table centerpiece:

• Keep centerpieces compact, so that it does not interfere with the passing of the plates!
• This holiday expand your entertaining space and move part of the party out of the dining room.
• Rethink your surfaces. Clear a side table or desktop in another room to create a cocktail bar or dessert station. Vary the height and size of your serving pieces. Incorporate footed compotes, trifle bowls, cake stands, and stacks of dessert plates to add dimension and visual interest to your entertaining surface.
• Easy Tablescape: Gather together a variety of pewter or silver pieces. Their deep metallic tones offer rich contrast to bright plates in autumn hues. Mix candlesticks with open vessels to vary height and shape. 

Here are some photos of Thanksgiving place settings that I came across in my search. Hope you find some inspiration from these pics!

GREAT NEWS

As you know, I have a passion for weddings and parties, but those are not the only things I love. In general, I just LOVE being creative and seeing how you can turn the simplest thing into something wonderful. And this idea can be seen not only in how I design and coordinate weddings and parties, but in interior decorating as well. For anyone who has been to my house, you know that I don't mind picking up a paint brush or getting my hands dirty!


The great news I have to share is... you have to start somewhere when you are trying to build a business and I really need to make some connections and build a portfolio; therefore, I am looking for a few (maybe 3) clients in the Columbia area to work with for FREE! If you or anyone you know is having a wedding, birthday party, bridal/baby shower or needs there home decorated, I would LOVE to assist you. Email me at uniquebydesignweddings@gmail.com.


Thanks in advance for all of your support!

Thanksgiving Cocktail Recipes

November is here and so that means Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Family, friends, and food... cocktails always seem to get everyone into the holiday spirit! Why not serve up a few of these drinks for your guests.

Pumpkin Pie: features Kahlua, Malibu Rum, Milk, Cinnamon, and Pumpkin Pie Filling {recipe via cocktailtimes.com}.

Ingredients:

- 1 oz. Malibu Rum

- 3/4 oz. canned pumpkin pie filling

- 1/2 oz. Kahlua

- 2 oz. cold milk

- Garnish: sprinkle of cinnamon

   

Mix ingredients in blender with ice. Pour into graham cracker-rimmed highball glass and   garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Gingersnap cocktail: features spiced run ginger brandy, eggnog, and a gingersnap cookie {recipe via thebar.com}!

Ingredients:

- .75 oz. Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum

- .5 oz. ginger brandy

- 4 oz. eggnog

- 1 gingersnap (optional)

Add Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, ginger brandy, and eggnog in blender. Blend to desired consistency and pour into glass. Garnish with gingersnap for dunking if desired.

Pumpkin Divine martini: features Grey Goose La Poire flavored vodka, pumpkin butter, Triple Sec, clove, and nutmeg {recipe via cocktailtimes.com}

Ingredients:

- 1 part Grey Goose La Poire flavored vodka

- 1 part pumpkin butter

- 1/2 part triple sec

- 1/2 part simple syrup

- Pinch of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and ginger

- Grated nutmeg and apple chip for garnish

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice add all ingredients. Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosted and beaded with sweat. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with nutmeg and apple chip.

ENJOY!!