Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

How to Create Wedding Invitations Online


Things You'll Need

* Wedding details: who, what, when, where and why
* Electronic version of photo of the couple
* Access to self-publishing site

No matter what your wedding theme is, the primary focus of the wedding and the invitation is the couple themselves. You can create professional looking wedding invitations online with a photo of the couple as the main focal point of the invitation. Using a self-publishing site and your favorite photo can be a fun and cost effective way to create your wedding invitations online.

Step 1. Choose a self-publishing site. There are numerous Websites (i.e., Picaboo, Kodak, Snapfish) that allow you to upload your photos and turn them into invitations. Before you start working on your invitation online, log into or create an account so you can save your work online while you finish the creation.

Step 2. Pick the invitation style. The online publishing sites allow you to customize the look of your invitation by choosing a flat or foldover card style. You can then upload the photo you want to use on the front of the invitation, choose the border or design style to match your wedding.

Step 3. Choose photo paper. Pick the type of paper you want your wedding invitations to be printed. Since you’re using a photo, you have the choice of glossy or matte style photo paper.

Step 4. Add text. Add text to the front of the invitation as the layout permits. This can include your name and the wedding date.

Step 5. Design the back or inside. Move to the back of a flat invitation or the inside right panel of a foldover card by “flipping” or scrolling. Upload photos and add the wedding verse, including personal information (who, what, when, where and why) as allowed by the invitation design layout you’ve chosen.

Step 6. Choose quantity. Choose how many photo wedding invitations you need to print and submit your order online.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

How to Make a Cupcake Stand Display

Throwing a party or celebration may come down to the presentation. If you're serving cupcakes instead of a cake, you can create your own cupcake display. Not only will it present your cupcakes in style, but your guests may think you hired a professional to set it up.

Check out the step-by-step instructions now

How to Write Wedding Wishes


Wedding cards are the perfect place to communicate your personal congratulations and words of best wishes to a newly married or soon-to-be married couple. Sometimes, though, the right sentiments can seem difficult to convey. If you find yourself stumped for what to write, here are a few steps to help get you started.

Read the full story

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Techniques for Party Napkin Favors

For any party with food or drink, napkins are a necessity. Some party hosts opt for disposable napkins while others utilize cloth ones. While it may seem as if a napkin is simply a napkin, there are some ways you can turn this useful item into a party favor for your guests.

Coordinate with Theme

Disposable and cloth napkins come in a wide variety of colors, patterns and styles. Visit your local party store or speak with a linen rental company to find out about the patterns and colors they carry. For example, a jungle theme party may have leopard or zebra print napkins. Guests may want to take home an unused sample for their scrapbooks or memory books as a party favor.

You can draw inspiration from perusing party sites online. Parents.com covered a story on Napkins with a Twist on how you can dress up your table and your napkins with daisies, butterflies and starfish to name a few. View some photos for inspirational design ideas.

Personalize

Disposable napkins can be imprinted with the names of the hosts or the reason for the party, along with the date. These make great party favors for those who collect memorabilia of special occasions such as weddings, Sweet 16s and anniversaries. You can order custom imprinted napkins at local stationary and party stores or on a variety of online party stores such as www.foryourparty.com or www.napkinspersonalized.com.

Another way to turn your useful napkins into party favors is to buy linen napkins embroidered with the reason for your party and the date, initials or your guests' names. If you have your guests' names embroidered on the napkins, you triple their use: a napkin, a party favor and a place card. If emroidery is your hobby, you can make the napkins yourself (see http://www.embroideryarts.com/project/napkins1.html for a sample). Specialty gifts stores typically offer personalized linen napkins or you can order online from sites such as http://www.classictablelinen.com/custom_embroidery or http://www.pomegranateinc.com/embroidery.html.
.Napkin Holders

Whether you use cloth napkins or paper napkins, napkin holders are fun and festive party favors. Napkin holders also serve a dual duty if you decorate them to match your party theme and give them as gifts your guests can take home with them. Coordinating napkin holders with your theme is easy to do with a full range of napkin rings available in department stores and online. For example, a tropical wedding event may have palm tree napkin rings to coordinate with small palm tree centerpieces and Key West green bridesmaid dresses.

You can also make your own napkin rings to ensure the design fits your theme. You can even turn it into a small napkin ring craft party with family, friends or your bridal party. For ideas and templates on how to make your own napkin rings, visit http://familycrafts.about.com/od/birthdaypartyprintables/a/printbirthnprin.htm.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Decorate Bridal Gift Boxes

Here is a suggestion on how you can personalize and decorate gift boxes for your bridal party gifts.

Check it out now

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

How to Make a Wedding Trellis


Nothing is more romantic than a floral festooned bridal trellis. For brides on a budget, building your own wedding trellis will add to the memorable occasion. With a little planning ahead, you can wrap your trellis in fragrant flowers and create a timeless altar backdrop for exchanging vows.

Supplies

1 4’x8’ Sheet of lattice
2 4” x 4” x 8’ Posts
1 8’ 2 x 4
Nails
Hammer
Saw
Measuring tape
Paint or Stain
Spray paint (optional)

Step 1.

Cut the 2 x 4 into four 2’ pieces. Make a triangle at the base of each of the posts by nailing one of the 2’ sections to the bottom edge of the post. Making a 45 degree angle, nail the other 2’ piece to the post. You should now be able to stand your post upright. Repeat the same process for the second post.

Step 2.

Space the two upright posts 4’ apart. Nail the lattice to the posts making sure that they are level and even on both sides.

Step 3.

Carefully apply stain or paint with a paintbrush. If using white paint, be sure to carefully brush all of the open areas of the lattice. Another option is to use a brush to paint the posts and spray paint for the lattice work.

Step 4.

Move the bridal trellis into the appropriate place. You will need to allow enough time for your plant material to mature.

Step 5.

Once the bridal trellis is in place, surround the base with assorted plant material to cover the stands at the back. Either plant the chosen material or use potted plants for a more portable setting. Timing is essential; so, planning ahead for this feature will insure that your bridal trellis is covered in floral material. Allow enough time for the plant material to begin attaching to the trellis. Hint: Several varieties of climbing roses can fill a trellis in a growing season. Check with your local nursery for the best options.

Options:

Another option is artificial plant material. This allows for portability in case weather changes your outdoor wedding plans. By choosing artificial plants and flowers you can also wait until closer to the wedding to build and decorate your bridal trellis.