~ favors: the perfect match ~

I don't know about you, but I think these could quite possibly be the cutest matches I have ever seen...

And who couldn't use a box of matches...even though these just might be too cute to use.  I love the birdie above, however, I think these are my favorite...

And the goodness doesn't stop there...check out the entire selection (a 100 or so) of matches featuring archival images of insects, sea creatures, botanticals and more right here. 

~ Ciao

...images via napa valley celebrations and areo home

~ homemade: centerpieces ~

So I think I am really into this new series (see my post below)!  I don't know how much easier homemade centerpieces can get than this...

Not only is this easy, but you're recycling...and every little bit helps!  What I really love about these centerpieces is that there are so many pretty options in cans these days.  I know we see a lot of tea tins and vintage tins...not so much of everyday cans though.  I'm sure you can find one or a whole variety that would be fitting for your outdoor or indoor affair!  I keep thinking of the oatmeal tins that I love...how perfect would they be for a breakfast reception? 

And remember, flowers look fabulous in them...but so do veggies which would be cute for a garden reception...or to serve appetizers in.  Oh, now I'm thinking...empty olive oil cans filled with breadsticks...love it! 

Happy Thursday my dears...it's almost my birthday...woohoo!!!!

~ Ciao

...image via sweet paul

~ homemade: wedding cake ~

So I have decided to start a new series on LCW called "Homemade"...really a diy series but I like homemade better!  As the title states, every ~ homemade ~ post will have some diy homemade goodness in it.  The series will be a little bit of everything...from cakes to decor...just to keep you on your toes and coming back for more!

To kickoff of this new series, I thought I would entice you with something sweet...so first up (yep you guessed it) is a homemade wedding cake... 

...created by the amazingly talented Chelsea Fuss of {frolic}, for Project Wedding.  I think this darling cake is the perfect treat for a casual wedding.

And I love how the rosemary, lady's mantle and feverfew make it so summery.  But you could always change the flower to one more fitting for the season...which would make this cake ideal any time of the year! 

 Simply sweet wouldn't you agree?  You can get the recipe and how to right here!

~ Ciao


...images via frolic

~ the cocktail hour: lavender lemonade ~

Here's a great non-alcoholic option for the cocktail hour...

Refreshing and pretty - I'm all in!  And you know me and details...love the glasses it's served in, the lavender sprigs in each glass, the white tray that it's served on and the single sprig on the tray...all simple little details that are quite stunning!  Add for those of you that like a little more kick in your cocktail you can always add a splash of vodka!  You can get the recipe here.  Cheers!

~ Ciao

...image via sunday suppers

~ who says ~

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

I am just adoring these, and I think they would be perfect for your wedding day...sophisticated and stylish yet playful and flirty...a great mix don't you think?

~ Ciao

...image via nonpareil

~ beautiful blog award ~

The amazing and sweet Sofia of Brancoprata passed the BEAUTIFUL BLOG AWARD to me, and I am simply over the moon!  With the award I have to share some things...

I am so very honored, and in such amazing company!  A big hug and air kisses to Sofia...I can't thank you enough!  Now it's my turn to pass the award on to 5 fellow bloggers, and they are:

~ forget.me.knot.weddings ~ erin ever after ~ unruly things ~

~ the inspired bride ~ bridalhood ~

~ Ciao

~ toasty ~

I am adoring this basket of blankets...

Just love this idea for a Fall wedding.  It's such a simple touch that I'm sure your guests will appreciate once the sun goes down!

~ Ciao


...image via toast

~ tuesday thought: simple syrup ~

How pretty are these bottles...

The bottles of syrup (yes, that's what they are filled with...I don't know what kind or if they are simple syrups though), variety of colors, and simple label are so pretty when grouped together don't you think?

And of course it got me thinking...as usual...syrup and simple...hmmmm!  So here is your Tuesday Thought:   Why not make simple syrup as favors for your guests?  With so many couples choosing one cocktail (or even creating one) for their wedding day...why not choose one that involves simple syrup?  Simple syrup is just sugar and water...here is a recipe from Martha Stewart...but there are tons out there to choose from with some lasting up to a month or more. 

I found a list of 209 cocktails that are made with simple syrup and the recipes for them right here.  There are even some non-alcoholic ones on that list too.  And I am sure there are lots of others that you can find on the www.

Once made simple syrup looks almost clear with just a hint of color...I'm sure you have mixed water and sugar together...well that's the color.  You can also make infused simple syrup with flavors such as lemon, lime, blood orange, strawberry, blueberry, peach, mint, thyme, cinnamon, etc... and some of these would add some color!  Here is a short article with lots of suggestions and how to's...and other ways to use simple syrups like on top of pancakes and waffles or ice cream...yum!

For the favors, however, I would pour the syrups into pretty bottles, add a sprig of mint, lavender or whatever is fitting, and attach a recipe card and a note saying something like...thanks for celebrating in our union/love...here's to you celebrating yours or find the time in the next week to celebrate yours...you get the idea!  Simple right?  Of course you could wrap the bottles in fabric or place into bags...or use a wide ribbon around the middle and adhere the recipe on a card to it...and on and on...just some thoughts for you!

Cheers!

~ Ciao


...photography annika vannerus

~ on the table: apple wine ~

I keep coming back to this picture, as I think it would make a simple centerpiece idea for a casual orchard or wine country wedding, indoors or out...

I'm seeing long tables with white tablecloths and wooden crates (like the one above) in the center holding a couple bottles of wine, some cute glasses, apples and/or grapes, branches and/or vines and a table number.  To top it all off I would add dishcloth napkins at each place setting for a casual, homey feel that would also add some additional color if wanted!  Can you see it?

But I do have to say that any fruit, nuts, cheese, shells, etc... and flowers, grasses or moss would work too depending on your location!  And really this idea can be used at just about every location I can think of.  Such a cute, simple idea that I love!

~ Ciao

...image via gardenrooms

~ flowers of the week: 7.12.10 ~

Good Monday morning my dears!  Hope everyone had a lovely weekend.  Mine was very nice...with lots of work around the house, a couple of projects completed, our monthly poker game on Saturday night and a nice nap on Sunday.  Just adore when I can fit a nap in!  But enough about me -and on to the flowers of the week.  Soft, light and pretty is what I am in the mood for...or maybe I should just say romantic...

And this bouquet is doing it for me this morning.  You see, I adore maidenhair ferns...seriously adore them...and this bouquet has them!  (In case you aren't familiar...they are the two fronds on the bottom right and top right.)  Such a lovely addition don't you think?

~ Ciao

...image via style me pretty

~ the cocktail hour: aqua frescas ~

It's Friday my dears...and even though it was a short week...it really seemed long!  So after a long week for me I am in need of a little refreshment.  And I think these aqua frescas (non-alcoholic) are calling my name (I'd like mine spiked with a little vodka please)...

The perfect summer cocktail for everyone at a casual reception don't you think?  And with flavors such as pineapple ginger, cucumber lemongrass and strawberry thyme who could resist!  Get the recipes here. 

Happy refreshing weekend my dears!  See you on Monday.

~ Ciao

...image via matt bites

~ favors: rose plants ~

Wouldn't it be great to give your guests little rose plants as favors?

Oh, I think it would be a lovely idea.  Just add a little note that says...watch our love grow!  I know...I'm being corny again. 

And I know this is an oldie...but I would update it by wrapping in paper or fabric, tying with a piece of ribbon, fabric, or twine and adding a stamp, tag or pinwheel to the front!

~ Ciao

...photography francesca yorke

~ dress inspired decor ~

With this dress...

I can't help but want to decorate with these diy silk yo-yos...

So perfect together don't you think?

~ Ciao

...image 1. via jcrew & images 2-5 via style me pretty

~ booktastic ~

Oh I do have to tell you that I am SO over the moon about these...

Total fabulousness don't you think?

And the flowers and bird are killing me.  Seriously...L-O-V-E these amazing creations!  I want one, or two, or three too please.

Note to Self:  Try making these this weekend!

~ Ciao


...photography sudio emp

~ donuts: the new cupcake ~

Oh yes, I am in agreement with Anne over at The City Sage...donuts are definitely the new cupcake!  And why not, just look at these...

Yummy, no?

~ Ciao

...image via twig and thistle

~ on the table: camera + cactus ~

= one a.maz.ing centerpiece idea!

Just add a map and some euro's and you have a very creative centerpiece.  Seriously, how fun is this?  I can totally see a whole table done with touches of map, cactus and euro's.  And the great thing here - if you don't love cactus just use a plant or flower that you love.  Oh, I love, love, love it!

~ Ciao

...image via living etc.

~ an inviting idea ~

A simple invitation in a custom cloth holder/pouch...

...swoon!  A pretty detail that is sure to get noticed.  And it is the extra little something that I look for and love!

~ Ciao

...image via black eiffel & invitation by simplesong

~ who says ~

...you can't hang tomatoes as decor at your wedding?

My Italian side is screaming - yes, yes, yes!

P.S. - From what I can make of the french (I think it's french) above...I do believe these are fake tomatoes (fausses tomates).  However, I still love the idea and the way it looks...and think it would look fabulous as decor in a rustic barn (on a vineyard)!

~ Ciao


...image via gardenrooms

~ tuesday thought: flower letters ~

I am adoring these letters made out of daffodils...

And while these are just letters of the alphabet....they could be used in so many ways with a variety of flowers!


So here's you Tuesday Thought:  How cute would it be to use them as your table numbers/letters?  You could use a flower, stem, pod, bud, grass, etc... and adhere to picture frames, mason jars, vases, boxes, cardstock, fabric, burlap, wood or even stone. 

Or you could use them to make a sign...spell out your last name, use for bride and groom chairbacks, your initials, the date.  Or how about using them at the start of the aisle you are walking down, or where you say you vows.  Also, it would be cute just to have one large monogram letter of your last name!  They can be used on just about anything, anywhere and in any size. 

 ~ Ciao


...image via share some candy

~ flowers of the week: 7.6.10 ~

I can't tell you how much I am dying over the details on this bouquet...

How fabulous are those little flowers trailing down?  I just L-O-V-E them! 

~ Ciao


...image via flower wild