I enjoy the new breed of wedding invitations that emerged over the last decade. They are less generic. Brides and grooms now have the chance to tailor their invites to their wedding celebrations. One wedding invitation studio that I like is Chewing The Cud.

Based in San Francisco, they offered a fully custom made service and a signature line that can be personalized with illustrations, motifs, ribbons, and embellishments.

Their signature invitations are suitable for any stylish event with a chic vintage flair. I can imagine using them for a big-0 birthday or an anniversary. All their invitations are letterpress printed on 100% cotton, tree free paper with soy based inks.

Two of my favorite collections for something else than a wedding are:

+ The Good Old Days would be good for a special event designed around local food or taking place in the countryside – starts at $1875 USD
+ Flourish Fête would be perfect for a milestone anniversary – starts at $2175 for 75 invitation kits

An invitation kit is the invitation card with its envelop, the RSVP card with the response envelop plus an additional card.

MORE:
+ Chewing The Cud

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Weddings in a barn are popular. The Spring 2010 Chanel show in Paris will probably inspire many brides to be. Second to walking barefoot on a beach, I am curious to see if many brides and grooms will opt for walking the aisles barefoot in a hay path.

The gold basket could make an awesome container for the centerpiece. You could recycle the idea and make your own. I believe that the bride and groom must distribute one by one the party favors. Decorating a few baskets would add a fancy touch. It is more original than a tray.

To know more details about this fabulous presentation by Chanel, read what Garance Doré had to say about her experience at the fashion show.

October 15th, 2009 Update: you can see the construction of the barn in a video on Wallpaper. It took 6 weeks to create the concept of the barn and 38 men working full time for a week to assemble it.

+ photos: Jacky Naegelen/Reuters on Times Online, Garance Doré

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Inspired by the fabulous work of LA-based event design Flite, I examined how to best use silk lanterns in a garden party to get a stunning effect. It starts with the superb Vietnamese silk lanterns, which are a lot more sophisticated than Chinese paper lanterns.

When you are hanging lanterns, mix the shapes and alternate colors. Pumpkin, diamond, teardrop, balloon, cocoon shapes work well together. I encourage you to mix solids and patterns within a hue family. A two-color palette is more elegant. For the garden wedding in violets, you can broaden the scheme by adding a few pink lanterns. I think this installation was really successful.

Since you will need a large number of lanterns to make a statement, it is often best to rent them. Plus, they will do the installation for you, including doing the wiring if your party continues after dark. An event design studio with a remarkable portfolio is Flite located in Los Angeles, California. Looking at their portfolio is a treat.

If you wish to do it yourself, you can find sources online. Vi Gallery sells 4 shapes of Hoi An Silk Lanterns in two sizes (medium $20 USD large $30 USD) in an array of colors. For a larger selection, check Asia2you, a retailer based in Wisconsin that ships everywhere. This is where I found these beautiful parasol lanterns.

SOURCING:
+ Silk Lanterns by Flite - Photo credits for my first collage: top left photo by Cat Gwynn and Ben Hoffman, top right photo by Louis Felix, second row photos by Mark Carolin
+ Orange pattern prosperity lantern on sale at $33.95 USD
+ Solid Orange prosperity lantern on sale at $31.15 USD

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Imagine having a cake with a character that looks like the guest of honor. This is what you get when you hire Anne Heap of Pink Cake Box. She tailored her standard cake creations to fit your event.

The flower baby shower cake includes a pregnant woman modeled after the image on the baby shower’s invitation. The invitation to a first birthday also led to the color palette used for her cake. Each tier of the bachelor pirate cake has port holes with caricatures of the groomsmen looking out. Fall weddings led to leafy pumpkin decorations and a fun Halloween themed cake with bride and groom corpses as cake toppers.

Baby Shower Cakes with Personalized Moms-to-be

Who would not be happy with a pregnant topper like those? Each topper is distinct and tells a story. Details go from the color of the skin, the hair style and fashion accessories up to matching fabric samples provided by the grandmother-to-be. All the pregnant toppers from Pink Cake Box are adorable.

If you recalled, this is the cake shop that replicate the Rachel Ray’s Studio Kitchen as a cake last year.

MORE:
+ Pink Cake Box
+ Get directions to Pink Cake Box p (973) 998-4445
18 E Main St, Morristown, New Jersey, United States, 07960

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I feel that Montreal is a little bit behind in cake decorating. We probably win more points on the taste but what about the creative elements. This is why I am pleased to have found two cake decorating shops that are on the right track.

If you are looking for an outstanding cakes that could be from the Ace of Cakes crew, these two can help you.

The first cake shop, Jessica Berard Cakes specialize in wedding cakes and sculpted cakes. I like the fashionista cake.

The second cake decorator is Cake Sucre d’art. She has done many kid birthdays and baby shower parties. Her daisies and bees cake is awesome.

If you know more outstanding cake decorators in Montreal or elsewhere, feel to inform me.

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The best hostess knows that it is up to her to find ways for her guests to interact. When you host a big event, you cannot be there to introduce everyone. To avoid awkward moments or to explore new conversation topics, why not plan a conversation starter game.  With games that look as great as those ones, everyone will want to participate.

The three games I selected involved some do it yourself tasks. You probably have recognized her style. You will find the detailed set of instructions on Martha Stewart Weddings site.

I Knew you when…

During cocktail hour, each guest sticks a flag where they written their name into the year she met either the bride or groom. I imagine doing this at a milestone birthday party. Everyone later share how they met. Since you need something that you have no problem pinning the flag, ask the print shop for an oversize print to be mounted on foam board. It will be a nice souvenir for the guest(s) of honor.

Change is Good

You put vintage coins on a cute box wrapped with a ribbon. Each guest opens their box. One by one they tell the story of something good that happens to them on the year of the coins. Shown here are the chic Semikolon gift boxes. I bought the same collection to neatly store my magazines.

I Spy…

This is a game that will occupy the kids. Equipped with their own portable or digital camera, the kid who took a picture of the most challenges on the list win. This is why I think a cheap digital camera will work best for this game. It is called I spy but it could have be named I shot.

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS FOR:
+ I Knew you when – including
+ Change is Good
+ I Spy

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Everyone loves the sight of a gorgeous cakes. There are so much a part of any celebration. Thanks to #followfriday on Twitter, I discovered one more talented cake designer today. Lori Hutchinson is a Canadian who bakes from Collingwood, Ontario.

Besides her cake design, it is the styling of her cake photos that caught my attention. These were taken at a photo shoot with Erika and Ryan of Rowell Photography. Since her cake shop is called The Caketress, I feel the shots captured that essence.

Cupcake wraps add elegance. There are almost a must for a chic party. I also like when Lori puts her cupcakes inside traditional tea cups. These stitches are hand painted. She created that red and blue cake for an event organized by the Blue Mountain Foundation of the Arts.

MORE:
+ The Caketress
+ Photo credits: Rowell Photography – some shots may be from other photographers.
+ Follow me on Twitter

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It is not the first time I featured the work of Julie Desmeules of Blue Cupcake. What can I say, she never stopped to amazed me. I wish I was a guest at those parties. For grown ups, have a look at one of her Cupcake Wedding Tower and the Bon Voyage! cupcake she did for herself before going to vacation.

For Kids Birthdays

Julie excelled at sculpting animals in fondant. This Noah’s Ark Cupcake Tower was designed for the first birthday of a little boy called Noah. Two by two go the hippos, elephants, turtles, lions, and many more! For each specie, she crafted a male and female version.  This is an easy theme on which to build a birthday kid party.

A 3-year old girl has her Cinderella princess party. She requested a glittery coach on the cake. You have to be close to see the glittery powder on the coach.

Now Available Daily at Lot 44 Coffee

Since last Monday, July 20, 2009,  her daily baked classic flavor cupcakes such as red velvet, chocolate, coconut and vanilla are sold at Lot 44 Coffee in downtown Los Angeles. There will be many seasonal flavors as well. She served the very popular strawberry cupcakes at the event. I wish her all the best with this new venture.

+ Blue Cupcake

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Giving something handmade or crafted feels more special. Picnics are about taking the time to sit, eat and talk. It is about making time for yourself and your loved ones. It feels right the perfect gift for newlyweds or a bride-to-be.

SewnNatural produced the retro style picnic blankets at the top. I am partial to the red gingham quilted picnic blanket. She always used a denim back for easy maintenance.

Then, fortyducks creates an updated version of the picnic basket. Since they are made to order, you can specify which colors you want it. Her Patricia Picnic set comes with a reversible tote, a picnic blanket with water resistant backing and coordinating storage sleeve, 4 plastic plates and 4 Place setting roll ups with utensils and cloth napkins.

I love the custom couple silhouette print by Nella Designs. You select the silhouettes from the template – 6 girls, 4 guys. For a little extra, she will produce the print with your own silhouette. I think it is cute and fun.

SOURCING:
+ Picnic Blanket / Retro and Roomy in Red by SewnNatural $75 USD
+ Eco Picnic Blanket / Reclaimed Vintage Madras by SewnNatural $75 USD
+ Custom Couple Silhouette Print with date by Nelly Designs $20 USD, from your own photos $26 USD
+ The Patricia Picnic Set by fortyducks $150 USD

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I absolutely adore the five tiered tower of Paulette Macarons that holds 60 assorted macarons. In case you do not know him, Christophe Michalak is one of the most renowned pastry chefs.

Modern version

When Laduree reinvented the macaron at the start of the 20th century, they could not anticipate that their creations would be so popular today. They joined two almond macaroon shells with a delicious ganache filling. The modern macaron became a small, round cake, crisp on the outside, smooth and soft in the middle.

Since them, the macarons have been elevated to new heights thanks to many talented pastry chefs. This old recipe have been reinvented by all the pastry chefs. More recently, Ladurée started a trend by introducing a cute packaged box for its macarons. With the support of the women press, the macaron popularity swelled and it is viewed as the ultimate indulgence.

The modern pastry chefs played with flavors and the way they decorated their macarons. Part of the appeal of the macarons is also that is easy to eat. And it is absolutely delicious. In the States, Pastry Chef Christophe Michalak, in partnership with Paule and Gérard Koumetz, opened Paulette Macarons in Beverly Hills in 2007. They just opened a second store in San Francisco.

Macarons make fabulous party favors or a housewarming gift that everyone will appreciate. The mini-box of 2 macarons costs $4. The Paulette signature giftbox is $19 for 12 macarons or $36 for 24 macarons. For your next party, why not go for an elegant macaron tower?

SOURCING:
+ Paulette Macarons $1.60 each
+ Macaron Tower $106 for tower with 60 macarons
+ Christophe Michalak

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I was interviewed last Friday by a Montreal-based journalist about the art of making menu when you hosting a party at home. My best advice has always been to cook dishes that you are familiar with. This way, you will not stress out. Your meal must taste great. It is not the time to experiment. To make your dinner special, simply be original with the food presentation.

The home cooking approach is invading formal events like weddings. The New York Times published Readers’ Wedding Food to illustrate this trend. You will see that it crossed over a wide range of wedding budgets, from high to low.

Easy Inspiring Food Presentation

It is not complicated to serve french fries in paper cones. But it makes it more special. You can use parchment paper, newspapers like they do in Belgium or gingham waxed paper. Opt for professional grade grease proof waxed paper to keep your food.

I gathered from the NY Times article the best pictures that you could use for your parties this summer. My photo collage at the top would be perfect for Canada Day or the Fourth of July. As you can see this home cooking trend mixes with eating seasonal food.

+ Lobster bake on the beach in Massachusetts – photo by Paul McEvoy
+ Decorate a cheese platter or for a grand event, your cheese and charcuterie table with seasonal berries and figs
+ Be creative when preparing skewers of vegetables and fruits. An old-time favorite appetizer is a Caprese salad assembled on skewers. Drizzle some balsamic vinegar or put a small bowl of balsamic vinegar for dipping.

2009 Trends in Weddings

Going back to the article on the New York Times, it talks about the current trend in weddings, even upscale weddings, to serve home cook style meals. People do not do it for saving money. It costs the same and sometimes more to elevate comfort food. This trend started out of a desire to feel less opulent. It also conveys authenticity to their celebrations. Is it representative to what you have seen in weddings this year?

One thing I would say it that guests should dress up even for a simple country weddings. It is a special occasion for the bride and groom. Tell them you know how special this day is by NOT wearing casual clothes. It is one element of etiquette that I strongly believe in.

SOURCING:
+ Waxed Paper Red Gingham $5 USD for 50 sheets
+ Down-Home Celebrations by the New York Times

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Jenn and Mary are the two lively founders of Ice Cream Social. Their work has a vintage, crafty look. I particularly like what they did for these custom save-the-date cards. Each one suit the personality of the happy couples.

If you are getting married or host a big event, it is best to set up a Web site for the hotel, directions, and other wedding information like did they did here. This way liberate space to be more creative. Furthermore, you can update and provide more details on a Web site. You can use Wordpress as the CMS to create your Web site.

Located in Brooklyn, Ice Cream Social first love are wedding invitations. Having said that, they specialize in visual communications for all life rituals.

Event: Meet Them Today Only at 1 pm

Don’t forget to stop by the Brooklyn Wedding Chapel on Sunday, June 7th from 1 until 2 pm. Jenn and Mary will be there to chat about our design process, answer stationery questions, and best of all serve up some ice cream. Please RSVP right here.

+ Ice Cream Social

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