~ tuesday thought: biscuits & jam butter ~

Once again...a late post!  My mom leaves tomorrow to go back to Florida, and I am hoping I can get back into my usual routine starting Thursday.  I have so missed posting and tweeting the last couple of days, and seeing all kinds of goodness...can't wait to catch up.  In the meantime though, I thought I would share with you biscuits and jam butter.

Yummy!

So here is your Tuesday Thought:  Either use the jam butter as a favor for your guests with a biscuit recipe attached, or have on each table for your guests to enjoy!  A great thing about the jam butter is that you can use any flavor of jam you want! 

I would actually use them as part of the centerpiece on long tables.  The styling in the last picture is great - a rustic wood piece, a cutting board, a vintage baking tin and some cups full of colorful flavored butter makes for quite an eyecatching display.  Plus, it's something that is different and unique...which I always love!  Just add a burlap runner, a couple of mason jars tied with twine and filled with herbs or wildflowers and some candles and you have an easy, unique tabletop decor.

Get the recipe for biscuits and jam butter right here!!!! 

~ Ciao

...photography karen mordechai via sunday suppers

~ flowers of the week: 8.30.10 ~

Happy last couple of days of August!  Wow, can you believe that September will be in here in two days?  What I want to know is where did Summer go?  Seriously, it never really felt like it came.  Even the weatherman said it's been the coolest Summer in 90 years...or something like that! 

Anyhow, did you have a nice weekend?  My Saturday was kind of busy, but I can't complain, for the first time in AGES I went to bed at midnight Friday night (the earliest in weeks it seems) and slept til noon!  I can't even tell you the last time I slept for 12 hours.  It was so need...as Friday night I didn't know what I was doing while attempt to make dinner because I was so tired!  But I did squeeze in a baby shower cocktail party Saturday afternoon, and a meet up with my cousin Greta Saturday night to see Eat Pray Love.  (Dang it, I wish I would have read the book!)  Sunday was all about domestics (as Mr. Big calls them)...laundry, yard work, prepping and repainting the shed...which for the first time ever (that I can recall) I think I might have picked the wrong paint color!  So it doesn't get crossed off the master to-do list, as we will probably have to repaint it again (dang it again).

So with all the crazy going on...I just want something simple this week.  And these simple, single stems in bud vases and beakers all in shades of green are exactly what I want...

It's the subtle statement that I love.  Just group an odd number together in varying heights for a centerpiece, or they would also look great going down the length of the table.  And the great thing about these is that any color or flower would work!

Here's to a great week!

~ Ciao

...image via decor8

~ glamming it up again ~

Last Friday I was glamming it up with a garland and pinatas...this Friday I'm glamming it up with Dior's silver strappy sandals, pink feathers...

And a Chanel bag...

Quite glamorous, don't you think? Oh and you bet I can justify that larger Chanel bag.  You see...a small clutch is perfect to carry for the big day, but you still need other items that just won't fit into a clutch...hence a larger bag is needed to hold all the extra necessary (key word here) items!!!

~ Ciao


...photography by marianne taylor for alix of the cherry blossom girl

~ homemade: photo booth ~

Happy Thursday my dears!  Today's homemade post is an easy to do custom photo booth...really it's 1-2-3 and you're done.  Don't believe me?  Have a look-see...

(1) I hung my grandma's vintage tablecloth that she always used at formal affairs from a tree (yes, there are a couple holes and a stain here and there, but it reminds me of her and I thought it added to the whole look I was going for...and really to be honest they are not in the center were the photos are being taken), (2) added my vintage coatrack and mirror; and (3) added some vintage accesories - that's it!

Some of the accessories I added I found rummaging through my Great Aunt Millie's steamer trunk!  The sailor hats, faux fur hat and faux fur wrap were perfect additions I thought.  I also added some vintage gold and crystal necklaces for a glam look, and two aprons, one that tied around the waist and an adorable one that you pull over your head!  

And we know how popular mustaches are these days...but the one question I keep asking myself is why do they all have to be black and all the same style? Is everyone's mustache black? I have blonde hair...I don't want a black mustache! So I grabbed a couple different old style mustaches (and a pair of lips) from Photoshop, printed them out on cardstock, cut them out and then traced them onto pages in a vintage book, cut them out and adhered to sticks...the overall look cohesive and something that's still the same, but different (as Mr. Big would say...Kristi style)!

Using a tablecloth is a quick and easy solution for a photo booth backdrop.  There are so many sytles and colors out there that the options are endless!  

Proof that you can do an inexpensive (I spent $0 on this one), custom photo booth that is not only just right for your theme/style, but just right for you!

~ Ciao

...photography by me

~ pump day #3: crystal embellished ~

Take a look at these...

I can't help but think how fabulous these crystal embellished Brian Atwood's balleto platform sandals would look with a white wedding dress with a black detail...whether it be a sash, ribbon, bow or flower!  And of course a little bling wouldn't hurt either!


~ Ciao

...image via net-a-porter

~ who says ~

...the path to happiness has to be difficult?

When viewed like this...makes it seem really easy doesn't it!  Just something to think about during times of unhappiness...in life and love.

~ Ciao

...image via 8 tea west

~ tuesday thought: floating signs ~

Wow where did the day go?  It's late...but better late than never, right?  I attended the Renegrade Craft Fair in San Francisco a few weeks back, and told myself that I needed to remember this...

...Paper Pastries sign floating in the air at the top of this picture.  Of course in our haste to leave, I forgot to take a picture or remember (as I didn't write it down) that I thought it would be a fun idea to use at a wedding.  Then low and behold Oh Hello Friend posted this picture and it all came rushing back...my thoughts that is!

So here is your Tuesday Thought:  Have your signs, flags or table numbers floating with balloons.  I know this wouldn't work with windy conditions...but it still is a cute idea that has been done in the past, but would be cute to revive again!  I would love to see these inside a barn or high ceiling building...a couple of balloons, or even one large round one would work...floating above the tables with the table number/destination/name attached (I'd make sure it was double sided to be easy to see)!  Cute, no?  Outside I would have a sign that says this way to the wedding attached to them.  It would also be cute to have them above the head table where the bride and groom sit with a sign that has your last name, bride and groom, mr. and mrs., hitched, just married or an initial on it!

Another option would be for escort cards.  So many ways to use them here...small balloons attached to a tiny basket with the guests names on them, or attached to some twine between two trees or stakes outside...  You know the drill...get creative and see what you come up with!

P.S. - Be sure to check out Paper Pastries shop right here...they have some fabulous things!  I love their pencil sets and I want their custom hand lettered address stamp.

~ Ciao

...image via Oh Hello Friend

~ details: hammocks ~

As Summer comes to an end and Fall slowly sneaks up on us, this is the perfect time of the year to lay in a hammock...where the days aren't too hot and the nights aren't too cold! 

And I absolutely love the simplicity of this one.  Why compete with mother nature with surroundings like that?  Seriously, the white sheets/blankets and pillows make the hammock pop against the woodland setting...grabbing your eye but not distracting from the overall view!

I have been dreaming about this spot since I saw these pictures this weekend!  That is what fabulous details...even as simple and small as two blankets and two pillows in white...can do!

My suggestion to you if you plan on hanging a hammock...make sure to really look at your surroundings where you plan to hang it.  If it's in an open area between two trees in a field without much color then go ahead and add some pretty blankets and pillows in colors or patterns to make it the focal point...but if it just so happens to be in a spot like this...let the location itself shine!

And a great hammock addition besides blankets or sheets are tablecloths!  The long rectangular ones hung at a angle like the ones above work perfectly.

~ Ciao

...images via style me pretty

~ flowers of the week: 8.23.10 ~

So did everyone have a great weekend?  Mine was quite nice.  I came in third at our monthly poker game which we hosted.  It's so much fun getting the group together once a month, and I especially love any reason to throw a party!  And after seeing lots or red cards Saturday, that treated me well I might add, I am in the mood for some color this week...

I am loving the red, orange and yellow in the bouquet and centerpieces...simple, elegant and perfect for early Fall don't you think?

It's Fall in my neck of the woods...I don't care what the weatherman says...it is!  Yes, today and tomorrrow are supposed to be hot and in the 90's, but you can feel a difference in the air.  The days have a warm (not hot) breeze that's rustling the leaves in the trees, and the nights are getting crisper.  Before I know it I'll be wearing cozy sweaters, and there will be nightly fires in the fireplace...perfect snuggling up weather!  And I think that's what I like most about Fall - it's makes you want to be cozy and snuggle...well at least for me it does!  I think the Fall bug has finally bitten me...what about you?  Are you ready for it?

~ Ciao

...images via style me pretty & photography by becky young

~ sweetly served ~

My ideal way to serve up sweets?  This...

Beautiful, breathtaking, stunning, amazing all rolled into one = perfection! 

My dears, I hope you all have a lovely weekend!  Gosh knows its been a crazy week, and I could use a little time on Sunday to relax and regroup.  See you Monday!

~ Ciao

...photography by Elizabeth Messina via her blog Kiss the Groom

~ glamming it up ~

Is so easy to do with this garlands...

And these pinatas...

The pinatas are so pretty, that I would use them just as decor at a reception!  Then on your first anniversary fill them up, invite friends over, and have some fun celebrating one year together!  Sounds like fun doesn't it? 

Or you could actually have some fun at the wedding trying to crack them open.  You could fill them with some fun or creative things...it doesn't have to be just candy.  Even though candy is good!

~ Ciao

...images via confetti system

~ homemade: drawer pulls part III ~

Okay, here is the last and final post in this little homemade drawer pull series!  I have just a couple of other options for you.  For a field or farm event, the drawer pulls are being used as place cards.  I spray painted the pulls white and then painted the centers in chalkboard paint...

The goat cards are a downloadable template from Pottery Barn.  You can find them here.  I just thought they were cute, and something different!  Plus I added a bonus for you with knobs...used as feet on the slate...

You can also use them to hold signs, flags, escort cards or whatever...just put a stick in them!

For a wine country, field, rustic event I thought these drawer pulls were quite cute just as details...nothing other than to look pretty!  Can you tell I started to run out of steam?  This is the fourth photo shoot I did...

And finally, the last option is perfect for the beach.  The drawer pulls acts as a holder here - for flowers, grass...or in this instance spanish moss, which I just love to use for beach events...

Just shake out the spanish moss so that all the loose pieces fall out, and then add a touch of hot glue to the back to hold in place.  I realized that even though I only live about an hour from the beach, I don't really have any beach type of decor...hmmmm I'll have to work on that!

Hope you enjoyed all this inspiration!  There are so many ways to use drawer pulls...maybe this will inspire you to use them in another way.  And as always they are great escort cards...but I promised I wouldn't do that again this week...but I did have to mention! 

~ Ciao

...photography by me

~ homemade: drawer pulls part II ~

Okay, I'm back with another way to use drawer pulls!  This time instead of woodland, rustic we are going minimal in bright colors!  Nothing like going from one end of the spectrum to the other, but my intention is to show you how they could work no matter what the style or theme may be!  So for round two, I used the drawer pulls to top favor bags...

For the drawer pulls I just spray painted them a bright yellow, and them punched holes into a bag, slide the backs through and secured with a screw!  Simply and easy.  You could also write names, or an initial or thank you on them if desired!  Here are a couple more pictures...

All of the paper used in this photo shoot came from two gifts bags that I bought on clearance.  I just cut them up and used them as accents.  I especially love the weaved paper under the candles...a simple, easy, low cost touch with lots of impact!  Wished I would have bought more bags...I would have loved to do a runner on the table or placemats for under the plates!

So last week I showed you how to use them as place cards, and so far this week how to use them on menu cards and attached to favors...up next are just a couple of other simple ideas on how to use them!

~ Ciao

...photography by me

~ homemade: drawer pulls part I ~

Happy Thursday my dears!  Thanks for letting me off the hook last week...and for doing so I have some great homemade drawer pull ideas for you.  Let me just say that I got a little carried away with this one.  And because I did, there will be multiple posts!

***Disclaimer...I need to explain that, for the most part, the styling in these pictures are things from around my house.  So some of the styles aren't exactly how I would do them at a REAL event, but I wanted to try and give you some ideas visually...and to be honest, pictures of drawer pulls by themselves aren't really exciting.  Oh how I would love to have lots of extra money to really do these homemade posts up for you, but since I only allow myself a small budget...this will just have to do! 

Okay, now that I have said that - let's get on with it!  First up is a woodland rustic tabletop with the drawer pulls used as menu cards...

And that white paper balled thingy is a mushroom I made.  They look ADORABLE in person...the pictures just don't do them justice!  On the pull I just used a brown Sharpie to write menu on it.  I then hole punched some paper, stuck the back ends of the pull through and attached screws to put it on a slant.  Cute, no?  Here is some more homemade goodness...

And if that's not enough for you - here's a little more...

I ADORE maidenhair ferns (they are my favorite fern)...which is the type of fern I used above.  The wood chips are the kind used for grilling (so they smelled good!), as bark and mulch were just to big in porportion, I decided to use the wood chips instead.  The mushrooms are actually just a piece of balled up packing paper with another piece of paper on top which I just twisted and scrunched to get the look.  To get the mushrooms to stand and angle I used floral wire.  I wish I could take credit for the creative thinking behind these...but I saw them in Anthropologie a week ago and fell in love!  In person, I think mine actually look cuter than the ones I saw in the store.  I'm not sure what type of paper they used, but it was very similar.  Other than that...I just added some cute details that I found around the house!  So what do you think?  Would you use these kind of pulls?  Well if not there's more ideas coming in the next post, so be sure to check back soon!

~ Ciao

...photography by me

~ pump day #2: blue suede shoes ~

Now these are my kind of blue suede shoes...

Oh Yves Saint Laurent...why do you torture me so?  And they would be perfect for your something blue too!

~ Ciao

...image via net-a-porter

~ who says ~

...you can't use tree stumps as seats?

They would be perfect for a lounge area, don't you think?  And a great little detail is to use cushions on top (like above), to make them nice and cushy for your guests.  Trust me, your guests will thank you.  Oh, and how fabulous is that chandelier with the light strings?  Gorgeous!!!

P.S. - And don't forget the blankets if there is a chance the night might get chilly!

~ Ciao

...image via everything fabulous

~ details: clothespins and slices ~

I just had a conversation with my sissy yesterday that it is the details that make the difference between good and great.  And that details don't have to be expensive or over the top...just something a little extra that shows you paid attention and you care.  Here are two perfect examples of simple homemade details that everyone can do...

The simple detail of ribbon, a clothespin and small card take this arrangement up a notch!  Don't get me wrong, the arrangement is gorgeous on it's own, but it's the detail that was added that really grab your attention.  Same goes for these drinks below...

Rows of drinks at the ready are pretty.  But rows of drinks at the ready with orange and lime slices...very pretty!  Plus, I am a L-O-V-E-R of some type of garnishment in drinks! 

I have decided that since LCW is all about the details that I would start a details series...to be posted randomly...that hopefully inspires you to add some very pretty little details to your event!!!

~ Ciao

...images via decor8 & style me pretty

~ tuesday thought: diamond lights ~

Good morning my dears.  How's your Tuesday morning going?  Lovely, I hope!  Mine...I'm running just a little late this morning, but am finally getting into the swing of things.  And I have a little treat for today's Tuesday Thought! 

We all love a little bling don't we?  And while we have been seeing chandeliers at events for some time now (which I LOVE)...I couldn't help but think how fabulously different these might look...

Light bulbs shaped like diamonds...yes, please!

I would group three of them together, hanging at different heights, for some impact!  And with a hanging kit from Ikea, Target or a similar store this would be quite easy to accomplish.  I picture them hanging from trees...but they would be gorgeous hanging over the head table, or anywhere else for that matter!  Actually, I would love 5 of them hanging over my dining room table now that I think about it...wonder if Mr. Big would go for that?  Hmmm, might have to butter him up first! 

Granted these bulbs aren't like normal priced light bulbs - each one of these diamonds will set you back about $38.00...ouch!  But the fact that they are something different, and I believe they would be stunning (I haven't actually seen them in person) would make up for it I think!  After all they are diamonds right?  And where else could you get a diamond for $38?  You can get your own right here. 

~ Ciao

...images via dress design decor

~ harry's home run ~

I think Harry Winston hit it out of the park with this ad...

Seriously, isn't just adorable?

~ Ciao


...image via bardot in blue

~ flowers of the week: 8.16.10 ~

Happy Monday LCW readers!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend!  This week is just crazy busy...Monday night is Mr. Big's daughter's singing performance, Aunt Millie comes back from vacay on Tuesday...so of course I have to catch up, my mom comes in from Florida on Wednesday, we are having a dinner party at our house Thursday night, and Saturday night we are hosting the monthly poker tournament!  Whew, I am tired just thinking about it!!!  At this rate, it will be Fall before I know it.  Heck, it is already starting to feel like Fall around here.  So I thought to help get me in the mood, I would post a Fall inspired arrangement today...hope you like it...

I am loving the pops of turquoise in those berries!  Aren't they just gorgeous?  I wonder what a bouquet made up of those would look like?  Pretty spectacular I bet!  Yet...the browns, oranges, yellows, leaves and branches takes this arrangement right into Fall.  So I have one last question for you...are you ready for it? 

~ Ciao

...image via saipua

~ lovely weekend ~

I just want to say THANK YOU to all of you who follow LCW!  Your comments, tweets and e-mails make me smile...and even blush at times!  My dears, I wish all of you a lovely weekend...

See you Monday!

~ Ciao

...photography by elizabeth messina via kiss the groom

~ with berries on top ~

I can't tell you how much I am absolutely ADORING this cake...

It's just simply perfect!  The setting, the flower colors, the fruit, the cutting board...are all just so sweet don't you think? Oh, I think the colors would be fabulous at an early Fall wedding!  And all of a sudden, in the blink of an eye...I am kind of looking forward to Fall!

~ Ciao

...image via snippet and ink

~ homemade: drawer pull details ~

I know that I said my homemade post would be up late tonight...but after a crazy busy day and a dinner guest tonight...not only am I completely exhausted, but I didn't like the way my pictures came out!  And the perfectionist (okay Mr. Big, I admitted it) in me just couldn't post pictures that weren't at least somewhat pretty!  So I am going to retake them this weekend, and post them next Thursday!  Please forgive me!!! I will however leave you with with three pictures that actually turned out - one of the before...

And two of the after...using them here as place cards...

...see the rest of the styles, ways to use them, decorating details and more next Thursday!

~ Ciao

...photography by me

~ homemade: cocktail caps ~

Keep unwanted guests from joining the cocktail hour with these simple cocktail caps...

To make simply cut a small X into the center of a baking cup and slip the straw through and voila! 

P.S. - My own homemade post probably won't be up until late tonight, but I thought you might enjoy this simple homemade project in the meantime!

~ Ciao

...image via martha stewart

~ who says ~

...you can't wear brogues on your wedding day?

I am simply over the moon about these!

Cute, no?  Would you wear?

~ Ciao

...images via j. crew