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Cool Idea: A Colander As a Vase

casasugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:00:44 -0700

I recently polled you on your love for Todd Oldham's ice cream cone carnation floral arrangement, and you were pretty split on it. I on the other hand was not a fan; although in general, I feel that the world-renowned designer can do no wrong. Today is no exception to that notion, though. Oldham has created another arrangement for FTD, the Todd Oldham Green Salad ($79.99), this time using a colander as a vase. I adore this innovative use of a colander, not only for its good looks but because it is something everyone can achieve. Of course, it helps to have a vibrant, kelly green colander to perk things up, but I love it regardless of color. It's also a great housewarming gift, as the colander can be used in the kitchen once the arrangement falls by the wayside. Love it?

How-To: Throw a Garden Bridal Shower

casasugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 06:15:54 -0700

My lovely sister recently threw me a garden bridal shower. She knew that I wanted a low-key, simple affair that focused on my friends, and with that in mind, she came up with the concept of a garden tea party. This casual affair was a fun, backyard gathering that my sis made elegant with her decorating choices and signature style. To see how she did it, .

How Would You . . .

casasugar — Sun, 18 May 2008 08:27:43 -0700

For the next round of this challenge, I'd like you to look at this Decorative Crystal Glass Ware ($550) from the Czech Republic. Now, imagine that you've been asked to integrate this glass ware into the decorating scheme of a good friend's bridal shower. How could you use this crystal glass ware at a shower? Yes, they'd be great as vases, but how would you make them stand out? What else could you use them for? How might you change them to really amaze the guests and bride-to-be? Tell me by commenting below!

Have You Helped Make a Ribbon Bouquet?

casasugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 11:00:27 -0700

If you've ever been to a bridal shower, you may have been responsible for helping to DIY the ribbon bouquet. At bridal showers, it's traditional to gather all of the ribbons together from the gifts and construct a bouquet, which will then be used at the wedding rehearsal. Source

Have You Helped Make a Ribbon Bouquet?

I've made too many to count!

I've helped out with a few.

I've used mine at my wedding rehearsal!

What? I didn't even know about this tradition.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

DIY: Wine Cork Placecard Holders

casasugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 05:36:07 -0700

I spotted these Wine Cork Placecard Holders ($23.95) at Bright and Bold, which are actually made of resin, and thought they'd make a fabulous and simple DIY for a bridal shower brunch (or any other event). It's kind of a sad fact that these are being mass produced, but we won't get into that. I'm sure most guests would get a kick out of them, especially my girlfriends who are staunch wine fans. If you can handle drinking a few bottles of wine to save up for this DIY, then I think you'll be in the clear, supply-wise. But, you can also have cork stoppers special ordered from an industrial retailer and personalized with "Mrs. X" or "Angie & Brad" etc.

Supplies:

1 wine cork per place setting
Razor blade or X-acto (craft) knife
Cardstock
Calligraphy pen
Optional: Hot glue gun and magnet strip

To hear the steps,

Wedding Planner: Bridal Shower Thank You Gifts

casasugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 05:30:52 -0700

If you're planning a bridal shower, you're probably scouring your local shops looking for cute, inexpensive party gifts for your guests. These Cherry Blossom Gift Tins (10 for $22.50) are a great find. I don't know a lady out there who doesn't love pretty, small tins and boxes that can be used for stashing everything from earrings to sewing pins or change. There's just so many uses for little, pretty containers. These Japanese chiyogami (old-paper) gift tins would be a gorgeous, colorful, and unique keepsake tin for your party favors. You could fill them with something small and heartfelt, such as flower seeds, decorative small soaps, or chocolates. It's definitely a unique party favor that everyone will appreciate.

The Card Shop: A Botanical Bridal Shower

casasugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:00:40 -0700

I love this set of bridal shower invitations ($14.50 for a set of 12), in part because it reminds me a little of my recent trend alert. The design is simple, classical, and absolutely beautiful. Just send in the details of your bridal shower, and within a few days you'll have your invitation sent to you. You can specify numbers of invitations, and they'll be printed on 100% recycled card stock with matching envelopes. I have a bridal shower coming up myself, and I think I may have found the perfect card . . .