Bicycle Built for Two

{The following post was created by Jen, one of FineStationery.com's talented graphic production specialists. Jen was formerly one of our wedding consultants and was just recently married to her own sweetheart over the summer, so she is full of wedding creativity and expertise! Enjoy!}

"Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer, do,
I'm half crazy all for the love of you.
It won't be a stylish marriage -
I can't afford a carriage,
But you'd look sweet upon the seat
Of a bicycle built for two."

- Chorus to “Daisy Bell” composed by Harry Dacre

Inspired by the old lyrics, but with certain style, Bicycle Built for Two is the perfect wedding theme for a couple full of whimsy and joy.

• A tea-length gown allows the bride to easily peddle off with her groom -- Martha Stewart Weddings

• This delightful invitation shows off your whimsical theme without sacrificing elegance -- FineStationery.com

• This bicycle-built-for-two cake topper is a must-have for a pair of cyclists -- Wedding Planning Blog

• This lemon layer cake really puts the icing on your perfect wedding day -- Epicurious

• Decorate your venue with long strands of flowing ribbon, reminiscent of bicycle streamers -- Sash and Bustle Blog

• Display a wicker bicycle basket in lieu of a traditional card box -- REI

• This custom bicycle stamp adds extra flair to your wedding invitation envelope -- Zazzle

• A vintage inspired tandem bicycle is the perfect embellishment for your reception and doubles as a unique get-away vehicle for the newlyweds -- Schwinn

Cheers!

Ring in the new year with one of these fabulous cocktail recipes from In the Spirit. Some are completed by classic champagne fizz, others are simply festive flavors, but any of these colorful concoctions are sure to help make your New Year's eve bash the toast of the town.



Clockwise from Top-Left:

• Cranberry Kiss
• Snowball
• Chocolate Mintini
• Naughty But Nice
• Daydream
• Toasted Almond
• Blackberry Fizz

Classy Cocktail Dresses

Step into the new year with style and class wearing one of these sophisticated party dresses.

J.Crew

Shoshanna at Neiman Marcus

Nicole Miller at Saks Fifth Avenue

Fly Baby

{The following post was created by Jen, one of FineStationery.com's talented graphic production specialists. Enjoy!}

Get ready for your baby boy’s landing with these adorable and uplifting airplane themed nursery items.

• Hang this airplane mobile above your baby’s crib for sweet dreams of blue skies – Pottery Barn Kids

• This birth announcement is sure to put family and friends on Cloud 9 – FineStationery.com

• Dress your little pilot in this adorable airplane onesie – Etsy shop GreenValleyKids

• This crib is perfect for an airplane themed nursey and is oh-so-cozy for your little boy – Rosenberry Rooms

• Keep little toes warm with these tiny lambskin airplane shoes – Etsy shop loveyloubaby

• Decorate the nursery with airplane and cloud wall decals – The Land of Nod

Merry Christmas!

* Trim the Tree Card by Inviting Company available from FineStationery.com.

Cookies for Santa

Merry Christmas Eve! How cute is this meringue tree? It would be the perfect platter to present to Santa upon his arrival, with plenty of cookies to feed him and his reindeer! You may even score extra presents for being so festive!

(Note: Try tinting your meringue with just a drop of green food coloring to make it look more authentic.)

Better Homes and Gardens

Spontaneous Snowflake Soiree

More than twenty inches of the whitest, fluffiest snow fell at our doorstep last weekend, transforming our region into a winter wonderland just in time for Christmas. While many parties planned for Saturday evening had to be postponed I was thinking how wonderful it would be to host a simple and spontaneous Snowflake Soiree. After being snowed in for a day or two, friends and family would simply relish at the chance to socialize, even if on a small scale.

• Bake cupcakes and decorate them with mounds of coconut to mimic snow -- Country Living

• If time allows, invite guests with a snowflake invitation. Or send a handwritten note with snowflake address labels you have on hand for winter month mailings -- FineStationery.com

• Serve light snacks on snowflake themed plates -- Target

• Put out all your snowflake decor you have stored up for the holidays. I may have to get some of these snowflake candles and garland for next year -- Balloons-Galore

• Hang doilies from fishing line in front of a window at varying lengths to mimic oversized snowflakes -- Martha Stewart

Or, if you have no doilies on hand, make this simple paper snowflake craft by following directions from Cut Out and Keep. The resulting snowflake is a lovely dangling detail to hang in your party space. (Our graphics team created these for the office and they look so fabulous!)

Last-Minute Holiday Greeting Guide

If you're like me, and have put your holiday cards off to the last minute, you may find these simple holiday greeting card tips to be helpful.

To whom should I send holiday greetings?
First, it is helpful to create a list of people – friends, family, and acquaintances – that you’d like to keep in touch with. Holiday greetings are great for keeping up with people in your social circle. But be sure to maintain your recipient list often, in order for it to remain current.

Holiday Letters
Holiday letters are a common way to inform people who may not be up to date on your family’s life. These letters are usually interesting and fun to receive. But remember to be considerate – if a couple is recently divorced, or has just lost a loved one, they may not appreciate a cheery information-packed letter stating how perfect your family’s life may seem. Also, it is best to keep business holiday greetings and personal greetings – such as family photo cards and the holiday letters, separate. Be sure you know your audience.

If the card already has my (our) name(s) printed on it, is it necessary to sign as well?
You should always sign your holiday cards, even if your names are already printed on them.

What about envelopes? Should I have them printed with address or labeled?
Any of those selections is appropriate – it’s a personal choice. You can also hand address your envelopes.

Is it necessary to write a personalized note on holiday cards?
While it is not necessary, and depending on your relationship with the recipient, a short note is always appreciated.

When should I plan to mail out my holiday cards?
Due to the heavy volume of mail placed on the US Postal Service, keep in mind that it may take longer for your cards to reach their destination. Holiday cards should be received during the holiday season – typically between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. However, with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, many families are opting to send out a New Year's greetings which grants them a longer window of opportunity. New Year's greetings should be sent no later than the middle of January.

Winter Break Blues

Once the Holidays pass, you may find that your children come down with a case of the winter break blues. Help them bust out of the boredom by helping them to publish their very own book at Tikatok.com.

This nifty Web site takes your child's original story and hand-drawn illustrations to create paper-back and hardcover books. It's a fun project that is sure to make lots of memories, and the end result is a keepsake you'll cherish for years to come.

See a Sample

Martha Stewart Invitations

Martha Stewart's distinctive style and design sensibility join Crane’s timeless craftsmanship to create a new standard for personalized invitations. The Martha Stewart Stationery Collection, now available at FineStationery.com features, 100% cotton or Green Seal certified papers and exhibits a range of designs perfect for your wedding day. From classic details such as hand engraving and hand beveling to signature sets featuring Robin’s Egg Blue with crisp white foil typography, the line offers unparalleled options and value.

Golden Glamour

Celadon Simplicity

Classic White and Navy Cutout

Home for the Holidays

I just have to share this link to some lovely holiday home decor that I just stumbled upon. Melanie from My Sweet Savannah always does such a wonderful job decorating her home, and Christmas time is no exception. If you're hosting a holiday party at home this season, you may want to use a few of her ideas as inspiration to deck the halls for the occasion!

Be sure to check out all of Melanie's holiday home photos here.

(A pink and white tree in her daughter's room.)

I'll be back with a wedding post tomorrow. Until then, happy decorating!

Grown-up Graduation Party

Many college students graduate in the winter. Celebrate the accomplishment with an elegantly, grown-up graduation party filled with sophisticated black and winter white.

• Arrange white roses for table centerpieces -- Verbena Florist

• Choose plates with a stylish and unique pattern -- FineStationery.com

• Send guests this creative graduation cap invitation, complete with silver tassel -- FineStationery.com

• Dress the graduate in a simple black dress for sophistication's sake -- Ann Taylor

• Clothe the tables in a mixture of black and white -- Caterers An Antonio

• Be sure to display the grad's diploma in a nice frame. You may want to set it near the sign-in book or by the dessert table -- Frame from Office Depot

The Season for Saying "Thank You"

Elizabeth Mayhew did a really lovely segment on the Today show a couple of years ago on the importance of writing handwritten thank you notes for gifts and hospitality you receive over the holidays. The segment and accompanying article, which gives great tips for writing a meaningful note, is available at Msnbc.com and is still highly relevant for today's times. I encourage you to check it out!

You can use personalized cards for holiday thank you notes or you can select a seasonal design for a more festive look. Here are two of my personal favorites from Cid Pear, available at FineStationery.com:

Menorah Card

Chocolate Snowflakes Card

The Paw-fect Gift

This holiday season, pamper your pup with a variety of gifts perfect for the distinguished dog.

• This top of the line dog bed doubles as a stylish ottoman -- Posh Puppy Boutique

• For a stylish keepsake, have your pet's silhouette printed on a classic canvas -- FineStationery.com

• Hang this glass bone ornament on your Christmas tree in his honor -- Nordstrom

• A new leather collar with gold detailing will certainly make him feel special -- Bass Pro Shops

• Every pampered pup needs a set of personalized stationery -- FineStationery.com

• Have one of these laminated placemats personalized with his name and use it under his doggie dish -- FineStationery.com

• Featured on ABC News Now, New York Times, Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel, these gourmet dog biscuits are sure to be a real treat -- Buttercup's Paw-tisserie

• Keep him warm this winter with a reversible vest from Ralph Lauren -- Ralph Lauren

Happy Hanukkah!

Sounds of the Season

{Today's post was created by Jen, one of our very creative and talented graphic production specialists. My little one and I will be spending the rest of the day listening to Christmas music, decorating the house and wrapping gifts. What fun things are you doing this weekend to prepare for the holidays?}

Spread holiday cheer by organizing a Christmas caroling event with family and close friends. Neighbors will delight in the sweet sounds of the season when greeting you at their door!

• Offer sweet candy canes at each neighbor’s home – Hammond’s Candies

• Tie a tiny gift tag to each candy cane to make the treat extra special – FineStationery.com

• Carry silver bells to ring along during each carol -- Pottery Barn

• Be sure to bundle up in a festive yet warm coat – Nordstrom

• A book of classic Christmas carols is a necessity for such an occasion – Barnes and Noble

• Have the gentlemen in your caroling group don a classic black top hat, a la Charles Dickens – Target

• Light the way on a cold winter’s night with a rustic lantern – Pottery Barn

Kiss Me at Midnight

Toast the new year and a new life together as a couple with a New Year's Eve wedding. New Year's Eve nuptials are sure to be both memorable and magical, especially when planned around an elegant color palette full of champagne-gold, cream and brown.

Tip: Pass out champagne to your guests as you say your vows and schedule your ceremony so that the groom kisses his bride at the stroke of midnight.

• Hand out sparklers at the exit of your reception for a bright and beautiful photo opportunity -- Rocket Fireworks

• Have plenty of champagne on hand to celebrate the new year and your new life together -- Hotel Chatter

• Have your cake decorated with gold sparkle clusters -- Brides.com

• Stay away from overly sparkly gowns and opt for something simple and elegant to really shine -- The Knot

• Invite guests with this luxurious champagne toast invitation -- FineStationery.com

• Leave a bottle of unopened champagne at the table for each couple as a wedding favor. Top each bottle with a personalized tag expressing your gratitude -- The Knot & FineStationery.com

• Hang a regal, clock tower styled timepiece at your reception to set the tone for your event -- Bed Bath Store

Gifts for Grandfathers

Need a great gift for your grandfather? These are a few of my favorite picks for this Holiday season.

• Masculine stationery in shades of gray (perfect for the business man who frequently corresponds with clients) -- FineStationery.com
  

• This artisan chess set comes with a leather carrying case and wooden game board -- Restoration Hardware

• For the sports enthusiast, try a return address stamp featuring his favorite team -- FineStationery.com

• The world traveler will love this handy, lightweight carry-on -- Restoration Hardware

• As a WWII veteran, my own grandfather would love this DVD set which features real news footage from national archives -- Gifts.com

• The golf pro won't have to worry about mixing up his clubs with these personalized links -- Red Envelope

Countdown to a Stylish New Year

There's less than a month to go before we enter 2010. Haven't settled on New Year's Eve plans yet? Host an impromptu party filled with silver, black and blush accents to countdown to the New Year in style.

• Don a dreamy dress in sparkling silver -- Mandalay at Neiman Marcus

• Provide your guests with festive silver tiaras -- Target

• Set each table in modern shades of gray and onyx -- Brides

• Intrigue guests with this fabulous countdown invitation featuring clock hands about to strike midnight -- FineStationery.com

• Provide plenty of champagne for the midnight toast, and if you're bold, set it up in a drink pyramid for easy service -- Martha Stewart

• Perfect your pout for that midnight kiss with this blush colored lipgloss with sugar scent -- Sephora.com
  

Momma Mondays: Holiday Pajamas

I love these adorable pajamas for a festive Christmas morning. Try a set for baby's first Christmas or have a set personalized with your little one's name:

Red Envelope

Personal Creations

Christmas Cookie Party

One of my favorite things to do during the Holiday season is bake (and munch on) Christmas cookies. My all-time favorite sugar cookie recipe contains cream cheese, which helps to keep the cookies moist and gives them a really unique and mouthwatering flavor.

This Holiday, invite your friends and family to join you in the kitchen to bake up a few batches of your favorite recipe. You're sure to treasure the time together and each guest can leave with a batch of cookies to share with his/her household as a party favor.

(Also, be sure to check out Wilton's Holiday Cookie Tips page. It offers great icing recipes, decorating advice and more-- a wonderful resource for baking cookies!)

• Invite guests with this adorable Holiday cookie invitation -- FineStationery.com

• Focus on one cookie recipe to keep things simple and sweet. This cream cheese sugar cookie recipe is a deliciously delightful -- AllRecipes.com

• Provide a variety of cookie cutters for your guests to use including Holiday shapes like snowflakes, snowmen and Christmas trees -- Williams Sonoma

• Set out bowls and shakers full of edible cookie embellishments and cookie stencils for guests to use for decorating -- Wilton and Fancy Flours

• A cookie press is an easy way to create cookies in unique shapes and textures -- Crate and Barrel

A Christmas Confection

I just love this gift box shaped cake for Christmas weddings and Holiday parities. What a festive treat!

Brides.com

Holiday Plaid

Perfect for parties and looking polished, the use of red plaid is a stylish way to stay festive this Holiday season.

• A tartan tie for the gentleman -- Woods of Shropshire

• This sophisticated shift has Holiday pizazz -- Dillards

• While not plaid, I couldn't leave out this lovely pair of Christian Louboutin heels as they would simply look lovely with the plaid dress -- Barneys New York

• Decorate your home with plaid printed candle holders -- Country Living

• Plaid pea coats help to present a festive Holiday appearance -- Target

• This plaid collar is perfect for the pup -- All Pet Furniture

• Hosting a Holiday party? Send guests this festive plaid invitation -- FineStationery.com

Gift Guide for Grandma

This Holiday, give your grandmother a unique gift that fits her active lifestyle. Whether she's an avid golfer, a card shark or a world traveler, these gifts are sure to come across as ultra-thoughtful.

• This set of Lilly Pulitzer playing cards raise the stakes on style and would be perfect for her weekly bridge game with the girls -- FineStationery.com

• A personalized apron is great for the cook -- Williams Sonoma

• Personalized stationery is a wonderful way for her to keep in touch with friends and family throughout the year -- FineStationery.com

• These golf club headcovers are the perfect way to stay in style on the green -- Pink Golf Tees

• This luxurious leather travel wallet is a great way to stay organized while traveling with slots for airline tickets and your passport -- Smythson