Meet Me Under The Mistletoe: Rehearsal Dinner

"Meet Me Under The Mistletoe" is the perfect theme for a rehearsal dinner being held in the month of December. The bride and groom can smooch below the iconic mistletoe as they celebrate their upcoming nuptials in holiday style.

This mistletoe themed invitation could not be more perfect for such an event -- Invitation by Mindy Weiss for Inviting Company, available at FineStationery.com

As the bride, stand out in a beautiful bright red dress -- ModCloth

In lieu of the traditional shades of green that come with the holiday season, opt for an olive or mint green color palette. Table settings are the perfect way to add color to your event -- The Knot

The party would not be complete without beautiful balls of mistletoe. Hang several within the party space, over tables or doorways -- Martha Stewart

Serve red Mistletoe Martinis with cocktail napkins that are printed with the phrase "Meet Me Under The Mistletoe" -- Cocktail napkins by Chloe B., available at FineStationery.com

Radiant Rhinestone Pumpkins

Put the carving tools down, and reach for the hot glue gun and a bag of rhinestones! As an alternative to carving your pumpkins with scary faces this season, consider embellishing pumpkins of all sizes with sparkling rhinestones. For extra flair, add a coat of black or white paint to your pumpkin before bedazzling. Place a silver-painted spider on the side of your pumpkin for a finishing touch that is oh-so-creepy, yet totally chic.

Rhinestone Pumpkins via Good Housekeeping

Rhinestone Spider Web Pumpkins via Better Homes & Gardens

Ghoul's Night Out

This Halloween, host a Ghoul's Night Out for your closest girl pals. Glam up your party space with lots of hot pink, black, silver, glitter and spooky details. It's a fun twist on the standard black and orange Halloween bash, and your friends will love getting dressed up for a ghoulish good time!

Set the table with skulls painted pink, silver and black with fake lady-like eyelashes and lots of shimmer -- Hostess with the Mostess

This black and silver skeleton invitation sets the scene for your spooky soiree -- Invitation by Checkerboard, available at FineStationery.com

Adorn wine and martini glasses with plastic skull rings and rhinestones, and be sure to add other rhinestone embellishments to napkins and other serving pieces -- Hostess with the Mostess

Creepy silver spiders add an eerie element to your decor -- Hostess with the Mostess

Serve treats like madeleines with skull-shaped marshmallows and cocktails like the Black Lagoon -- Martha Stewart

Personalized party napkins add a pop of pink color to the party -- Napkins by Caspari, available at FineStationery.com

Mock-tails for the Mama-To-Be

Spotted over at Real Simple magazine's blog, simply stated., is a mixology book called Preggatinis. This book is full of yummy preggo-friendly mock-tail (cocktails without the alcohol!) recipes. The fruity concoctions look and taste just like the real thing - but are good for mama and baby. If you are hosting a baby shower, consider making it a "mock-tail" party with drinks from Preggatinis! This would also make a fun gift for an expecting gal pal.

Fall Food Fridays: Drinks

For the next few Fridays here at The Finer Things, I'll be presenting you with fantastic fall foods to please your palette. Today's focus will be on delicious drinks to sip on cool fall days.

Warm Vanilla Cider:  Cider is a staple for autumn, and is available almost everywhere -- from grocery stores to orchards and cider mills. Next time you pick up a gallon of fresh apple cider, consider concocting this recipe for Warm Vanilla Cider.

Pina Ghoulada:  A feature on fall drinks would not be complete without a nod to Halloween. Prepare a batch of Pina Ghouladas for party-goers at your monster mash this year.

Pumpkin Pie Shake:  Kids and adults alike will savor this Pumpkin Pie Shake topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice.

Ski Lodge Winter Wedding

A cozy mountainside ski lodge would make a gorgeous winter wedding venue. Fluffy white snow, crisp air, rustic details and a warming fireside set the perfect scene for a bride and groom who long to be married during the winter months. 

If the newlyweds are skiers, show off their love for the sport with a themed cake topper -- The Knot


A smooth white cake accented with real or sugar pinecones is the perfect choice. Ask your baker to dust confectioner's sugar over the cake for a snowy look -- Ruffled


A pair of antique wooden skis make for a fun guest "book". Set out a few paint pens for guests to sign their well wishes on the skis. Later, the newlyweds can display the skis in their home -- The Knot


Gingerbread cookies shaped as snowflakes are a delicious favor for wedding guests. Place them in small tins at a table near the exit, along with small take-away cups of hot cocoa -- Martha Stewart


Long thin branches painted white look beautiful as decor -- The Knot


For a creative place card arrangement, cut small slits in a birch branch and place the cards in, standing them up straight -- Martha Stewart


Ask your florist to wrap vases with birch bark before filling them with arrangements -- Style Me Pretty


An invitation with pinecone motifs is a great choice for a winter wedding -- Invitation by Inviting Company, available at FineStationery.com


Opt for a bouquet of pinecones dusted with faux snow as an alternative to flowers -- Ruffled


Small votive candles can be dressed up with sweater cozies. Either have someone you know knit tiny cozies for the votives, or cut apart old sweaters into strips, and sew them together to create the cozy -- Style Me Pretty 

Fall Favors for Weddings

There are many options when it comes to favors for fall weddings. Here are some ideas for adding fall flair to your wedding with small gifts for guests:

Fall brings with it many seasonal treats, like crisp apples, warm caramel, sweet spices, delectable pies and pumpkins, among others. Edible favors are always gladly accepted, so consider individual caramel apples, small jars of pumpkin butter, mini pies, or tiny bags of cinnamon sugar donuts.

Caramel Apples via 2 Excited Nests, Pumpkin Butter photo via Etsy seller misspicklespress, Donut bags via Martha Stewart, Pies via Martha Stewart

As fall is filled with chilly breezes, opt for favors that give off a feeling of warmth. A basket of pretty pashmina shawls is the perfect choice – simply purchase pashminas in colors that compliment your wedding style, roll them up and tie with a string or ribbon and place them in a basket for guests to take throughout the night. For another idea, place small beeswax candles out on a favor table for guests to take home with them. The candles featured below contain a surprise – rolled into the lining of the candle is a personal note from the bride and groom.

Pashminas via Heidi Ryder Photography, Candles via Martha Stewart

A Candy Corn Halloween Party

Hosting a Halloween party this season? Instead of the typical haunted happening, opt for a cheerful candy corn theme. Start with a candy corn inspired invitation, and add lots of candy coated decor. The bright oranges and yellows will fill your home with warmth, and create a fun party atmosphere for all ages.

Decorate with homemade candy corn inspired topiaries and assorted jars filled with the seasonal sweet -- Better Homes & Gardens

If your party is for adults, this Trick-or-Tini is sure to please -- yumsugar

Set up a candy display with lots of orange, yellow, black and white candies. Use mini pumpkins to decorate the table, and set out a basket of DIY candy corn paper cones for guests to fill with sweets -- Candy display by scissors.paper.cake, DIY candy corn paper cones by Skip to my Lou

Hang a festive candy corn decoration on your door to greet guests as they arrive -- Sew Totally Smitten

Place small round vases of orange roses around the party space. Liven up white vessels with black and orange ribbon -- Better Homes & Gardens

Serve candy corn inspired gelatin treats for dessert -- Martha Stewart

Place a large bucket or barrel of pumpkins with ribbon embellishments on your front step, or inside your home to add to the fun and decor -- Hostess with the Mostess

Hang tri-color tissue paper poms above the candy display or dining room table. Use yellow, orange and white tissue to mimic a candy corn -- Intimate Weddings

Reusable Halloween Totes

This Halloween, send your little trick-or-treater out with a reusable candy tote. Not only can they be used year after year as a Halloween tradition, they are much more stylish and spooky than a grocery bag or old pillow case!

Personalized felt bags by Pottery Barn Kids

Polka-dotted cloth bag by Etsy seller baffinbags

Personalized felt bags by Etsy seller drfeltgood

Perfect Pumpkin Centerpiece

This autumn, try decorating a pretty white pumpkin with fall foliage for a centerpiece or mantle decoration that doesn't scream Halloween.

Leafy Centerpiece via Midwest Living

Real Wedding

{The Finer Things loves weddings! We especially love sharing ideas on how to make your special day one of a kind. To build inspiration and show off some gorgeous wedding ideas, we'd love to share your wedding with all of our readers. Submit a few photos from your wedding to The Finer Things Real Wedding feature. Say "I Do!" and then see more information here!}

I’d like to kick off our Real Wedding feature with this September wedding. The wedding took place in a small seaside resort town, Cape May, New Jersey, on a gorgeous sunny day. I’m partial to this wedding because… it’s my own! This Sunday, my hubby and I will celebrate our first anniversary. Our wedding was perfect, with lots of DIY projects, which you will see in our photos (captured by the talented Misty Dawn Photography.) Our color scheme was green, gold and brown, and we used tiny white shells as accents. The reception took place at The Hotel Alcott, which is named after one of its famous former guests – Louisa May Alcott, author of Little Women.

Calling All Brides!

The Finer Things would love to feature your wedding – complete with all of the DIY projects and lovely details! We love weddings, and sharing ideas on how to make them one of a kind is oh so fun! We would be so honored to share your special day with the rest of our readers. Say “I Do” and send us a few photos that capture your big day. With your photos, be sure to include your photographer’s name, your wedding date, wedding location and first names. Emails can be sent to jennifer.turner@finestationery.com. Then, stay tuned -- your wedding could be featured on The Finer Things Real Weddings!

Image via Green Wedding Shoes

Fall Fashion's Best Colors

Just a few days shy of the official start of fall, it's time to start thinking about adding a few key pieces to your cooler weather wardrobe. An article by Refinery29.com reveals the upcoming fall season's hot color trends in fashion -- Camel, Rich Purple, Modern Metallic, Mixed Olive, Pale Blue and Bright Red. If you're looking for a little shopping inspiration, here are some picks by The Finer Things for this season:

Camel

Conservatively Chic: Vest by ModCloth

Style Splurge: Coat by Gucci via Saks Fifth Avenue

Rich Purple

Conservatively Chic: Cardigan by Anthropologie

Style Splurge: Coat by Luca Luca

Modern Metallic

Conservatively Chic: Flats by Steve Madden via Zappos

Style Splurge: Bag by Marc Jacobs via Neiman Marcus

Mixed Olive

Conservatively Chic: Dress by Forever 21

Style Splurge: Coat by Burberry Prorsum via Nordstrom

Pale Blue

Conservatively Chic: Cardigan by ModCloth

Style Splurge: Necklace by J.Crew

Bright Red

Conservatively Chic: Necklace by Anthropologie

Style Splurge: Heels by kate spade

Rustic Lodge Wedding Details

There's something so warm and charming about a rustic wedding. If you're planning a late autumn or early winter wedding, opt for rustic and lodge inspired styles -- your ceremony and reception are sure to feel cozy and look beautiful!

For dessert, serve warm sugared donuts along with steaming mugs of cocoa, coffee and cider -- Brides

Skip the flowers, as they can give off a spring or summer vibe. Instead, decorate tables with real or faux antlers and votive candles -- The I.Design Box

Display place cards with mini pine cones -- The Knot

Have your baker create a few smaller cakes or pies in different flavors, and place them on tree stumps in various sizes and heights -- Green Wedding Shoes

An evergreen colored invitation with a suede cord is perfectly suited for a rustic lodge wedding -- Invitation by William Arthur, available at FineStationery.com

Tea light candles nestled inside tree branch candle holders make perfect favors for guests -- La Belle Bride

For late autumn or winter wedding style, a simple bridal gown with three-quarter length sleeves looks stunning -- J.Crew

Letting Siblings Say It

A great way to include your first born child in the excitement of your newest addition is to let he or she announce the arrival of their sibling to family and friends. Choose a birth announcement that has a brother or sister theme, and let the big sis or big bro share their newest friend with the world. They are sure to feel included and special!

Announcement by Stacy Claire Boyd

Announcement by Noteworthy Collection

Announcement by Bonnie Marcus

Announcement by Noteworthy Collection

Announcement by Noteworthy Collection

Boy and girl announcements available at FineStationery.com

Confection Connection

Jennie, FineStationery.com's Senior Merchandising Specialist, is an excellent baker. She even baked the wedding cupcakes for this FineStationery.com couple this past spring! In browsing beautiful cake designs, she started to see connections between the sugared confections and the stylish stationery she is surrounded by every day. She pointed this out to me, and we thought... what a great idea for a wedding, bridal shower, birthday party or baby shower -- style the dessert after the stationery! Here are a few creative confectionery connections Jennie made:

Cake via Martha Stewart - Invitation by Boatman Geller, available at FineStationery.com

Cake via Martha Stewart - Invitation by Vera Wang, available at FineStationery.com

Cake via Martha Stewart - Stationery by Vera Wang, available at FineStationery.com

A Wedding in Black Lace

In the 1954 movie Sabrina, Audrey Hepburn's character wore a stunning Givenchy wedding gown with black lace details. As demonstrated by Hepburn, black lace can be so elegant when used in all the right ways. Black accents on a wedding gown can be a bold statement, and very fashion-forward. Vera Wang incorporated beautiful black ribbons and sashes in her Fall 2010 Bridal Collection. As the bride, if you're traditional, and set on an all-white gown, consider adding touches of black lace to your wedding details. With touches of black lace, your event is sure to be glamorous and chic.

Dress bridesmaids in black lace cocktail dresses for a bold contrast to your stunning white gown -- The Knot

A simple white wedding cake turns glamorous when black lace details are added -- Real Simple

For your signature cocktail, choose a classic gin or vodka martini with a black olive garnish -- Martha Stewart

Fit wine glasses with black lace wraps to really make the tables at your reception pop with elegance. Just be sure to fit them loosely, so guests can remove them when it's time to sip their drink -- Style Me Pretty

As the bride, carry a gorgeous clutch covered in black lace -- Etsy seller ikestaedt

Next to the wedding cake, have a candy display with white and black candies, like chocolate balls dusted with powdered sugar, black licorice, and mints -- Amy Atlas

Small bags embellished with black lace prints make stunning favors -- Brides

Hang ornate black chandeliers at different heights above the dance floor for a dramatic look -- The Knot

Your wedding invitation should be accented with lovely lace details, like this invitation from Vera Wang -- FineStationery.com

After the ceremony, dress up your pretty lace-accented gown with a chic black sash -- Vera Wang gown via Martha Stewart

To those of you celebrating Rosh Hashanah...

Sweet Apple Card by Checkerboard, available at FineStationery.com

Game Day Tailgate

College football season brings with it the opportunity to host a tailgate to kick off the excitement for your favorite team. Load up the car, invite your friends, and dress up in a warm sweater for a day of no-fumble tasty tailgating treats, football and fun.

This football-shaped chip bowl with game-day phrases is perfect for serving snacks while you fire up the grill -- Hostess Jo

Keep beer and soda cool in a personalized party tub, like this one from Fontaine Maury. Add your team's name, your monogram, or a simple phrase like, "Go Team!" -- FineStationery.com

A warm fleece blanket can keep you toasty right from the chilly morning tailgate to the cold stadium seats -- Lands End

Invite your college buddies or fellow alumni for a game-day tailgate with this festive invitation -- Invitation by Inviting Company, available at FineStationery.com

Be sure to serve food that is easy to handle. Easy gourmet burgers can be grilled while fans munch on hoagie dip and warm up with mini biscuit bowls filled with chili -- Manchego-Stuffed Pork Burger, Hoagie Dip and Chili in Biscuit Bowls via Food Network

Tailgating is the perfect reason to sport your favorite stylish sweater with a pair of jeans and warm boots -- Anthropologie

Provide disposable napkins, plates and cups for easy clean-up when it's time for kickoff -- Plaid napkins by Inviting Company, available at FineStationery.com

A small portable grill is a tailgating must-have. Choose one in a fun color to add to the excitement -- Crate&Barrel

Apple Recipes for Autumn

Any day now, my hubby will start bringing home huge bags of apples from a local orchard as he does every autumn. With the abundance of apples, I'm always looking for new recipes to include them. Here are three ways to use crisp autumn apples that I'd like to try out this season:

Apple Pie Spiced Cider

(Although this calls for apple cider, a sweet sliced apple with caramel dipping sauce would make a great snack with this drink!)

Apple Turnovers

Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Caramelized Apples

What great apple recipes are you planning to use this fall?