BRIDAL BOUQUET ROUNDUP

One of our favorite trends for bouquets this season is the beautiful mix of high-end blooms (peonies, hybrid roses etc) with rustic elements like sage, lamb's ear, and unusual foliage! Here are some of our top picks:

How magical does that eucalyptus look? It adds such a nice, fluttery effect.

We like how they used a base color, hot pink, and softened it with touches of creme, dusty pink, and shades of orange. Lovely!

Loving the little pop of lisanthus on the top left. It's also a great alternative to roses, and friendlier to your budget! 

Notice the dried pods and brooch - both are great ways to add subtle interest to your bouquet.

Aside from having a unique form, this bouquet is a favorite since it incorporates so many elements! Sweet peas, succulent 'blossoms', trailing vines, and more - this is definitely one for bride who likes her whimsy!

Which bouquet is your favorite? Are you incorporating any new materials and flowers into yours? Roses are always classic, but it's fun to experiment and see what you can create. 

DIY CENTERPIECES

There's no denying it - making your own centerpieces can be a little tricky, but whether you like rustic floral vibes or metallic chic, there are a million combos you can create!

A great starting point is having a ton of glass vessels on hand, such as bottles, mason jars, mercury glass jars or votives - these will add structure and a place to perch those pretty blooms. Plus, you can use them at home after your event - try doing that with 20+ large vases!

Using frame wire and antique bottles, create a whimsical 'centerpiece' using any kinds of tall stem flowers. Tulips, daisies, roses, and dahlias work well!

Vintage books, brass taper holders, and florals in jars create a romantic and storybook feel.

If you prefer sleeker stylings, mercury glass with neutral florals is always a favorite! This kind of glassware can get rather pricy, so here's a DIY guide on making your own, via Always Order Dessert. 

1. Krylon Looking Glass mirror-like spray paint (I found this at Lee's Art Shop in NYC, stores like Pearl and some hardware shops will usually carry it. It's also available online. I used 3 cans for my 200 votives.)

2. Acrylic craft paint in shades of glossy black and metallic brown. You can use any brands, but I specifically used Apple Barrel Gloss Acrylic paint in Black and DecoArt Dazzling Metallics Elegant Finish paint in Rich Espresso. One small tube of each is fine and will go a long way. (I bought these at Michael's for less than 2 dollars each. They're also available online.)

3. Sea sponges. I bought two of these. Available at craft stores and in the bath section of drug and beauty supply stores. In a pinch, you can use a small piece of loofah. Don't use a regular kitchen sponge; you want the irregular natural pattern.

4. Clear glass votives, hurricanes, clean jam jars, or other objects of any size or shape. I used about 140 plain clear glass votives, and another 60 decorative ones with ridges. Both work equally well. (I got mine at Michael's, but also check online shops for bulk discounts if you're buying a lot.) 

You'll also need:
a dropcloth (I cut a trash bag open), a small dish of water, and a well-ventilated area. (I live in an apartment and it was the middle of winter so I just opened the windows wide, turned on a fan, and took copious breaks. Not recommended unless you want a fierce headache.)

Method
Step 1. Prepare your materials: Use scissors to cut a small piece of the sea sponge. Make sure that it is small enough to hold in your fingers and dab inside the votive. Squeeze about a tablespoon each of the black and brown paints onto a plastic plate. This will be your palate. 

Step 2. Dab the sponge lightly into the black and brown paint, and then blot gently inside and around the votive. Use a light hand, and only make a few spots in each. You don't want to coat the votive with paint, you just want to make a few smudges on the inside. Repeat with each of the votives and let dry for about 15 minutes.

Step 3. Shake the Looking Glass paint well and then, holding one of the votives in one hand, spray quickly and lightly INSIDE the votive. You will be doing a second coat so don't worry if it looks thin. Set the votive aside right side up (the same way you would place it on a table if you were using it), and let it dry. Some paint will pool on the inside bottom, but that's OK. Don't move it around too much to avoid streaks. Repeat with the rest of the votives, then let them all dry about 15 minutes. Repeat with a second coat of paint, then let them all dry overnight.

Step 4. If you'd like, you can add a 3rd coat of paint for a more silvered look.

Once the votives are completely dry, they're ready to use! I used these with real candles at my wedding, scattered along the dinner tables and on many other surfaces around the room. When the candle is lit, the flame gives the glass a warm antique glow. The same antiqued mercury glass effect for a mere fraction of the price!

NOTE: This technique also works well on clear glass vases to make gorgeous and inexpensive wedding centerpieces, but if you plan to fill with water, use another vessel or liner on the inside to hold the water as the paint is not waterproof. Note that this is also not food-safe, so you'll also need a liner if you want to use for a fruit bowl or other similar purpose. Once completely dry, it IS safe to use with real candles.

SWEET SUMMER RASPBERRY POPS

A summer's day isn't complete without a nice dessert or a frozen treat - this recipe is both! These raspberry cheesecake popsicles are a perfect blend of tart, sweet, and are super easy to make! Here's what you need to get started:

INGREDIENTS:

1 (8 oz.) package light or regular cream cheese

1/4 cup light or regular sour cream

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/3 cup milk (any kind – I used skim)

1/2 teaspoon McCormick Raspberry Extract

3/4 cup fresh or frozen raspberries (or any berries)

6 standard-sized graham crackers

2 Tablespoons butter, melted

DIRECTIONS:

In a food processor, add cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, milk, and raspberry extract. Process until well combined. Add raspberries and pulse to combine.

Pour mixture into popsicle molds, leaving about 1 inch of the top empty for the crust (if you don’t have popsicle molds, use small paper cups and popsicle sticks).

In a food processor, add graham crackers and process until fine crumbs remain. While food processor is running, add melted butter in a slow stream until the mixture resembles wet sand.

Divide the crust evenly between the popsicles, pressing down gently to compact. Insert popsicle sticks. Freeze for at least 6 hours and up to 3 days.

Enjoy!

EASY ENTERTAINING: CHEESE PLATES

If you're expecting last-minute guests, nothing beats the ease and chicness of a wonderfully curated cheese plate. The right cheeses, good drinks...all you need is good company and a playlist, and you're set. We love these cheese-plating tips from Martha Stewart, and trust us, you will too.

Choose the right cheese.  Three different cheeses will provide enough variety for a cheese plate that serves six to eight people; add more choices if you'r ehosting a bigger party, and estimate about a pound of cheese (total) for every five guests. Aim for a variety of different tastes and textures. A helpful clue: Cheeses that look different usually taste different. For a good mix, try one fresh, smooth cheese such as a mild goat or mozzarella, and a buttery one with a soft, edible rind, like Brie or Camembert. Then add one or two semi-hard or hard chesses: Go for a milder one, like Gruyere or Manchego, or a dry, sharp variety, such as Pecorino Romano or Parmesan. If you like, swap one of these cheeses out for a blue cheese (creamy Roquefort or pungent Stilton both work).

Pick the vehicle.  For the most part,  we view crostini and crackers on a cheese plate as just a way to get cheese into your mouth. Set out some slices of crusty bread or baguette or, if you prefer something crisp, try water crackers, which are plain enough that they still let the cheese shine.

Make some sweet selections.  The natural sweetness in fruit complements the saltiness of cheese. Serve something fresh, like grapes or pear slices, or dried fruits, such as figs, prunes, and apricots.

Just add crunch.  A good cheese plate is about more than just taste -- texture plays an important role, too. Add nuts, crunchy apple slices, or crisp crackers for a crunchy texture that offsets rich, creamy cheeses.

Get a board.  You don't need a dedicated cheese board -- a clean wooden cutting board will work just fine. We like the rustic look of the sheesham wood board pictured above. Buy it here.

Consider timing.  Cheeses taste best at room temperature, so let them sit for an hour or so before serving (longer of large chunks or hard cheeses). That said, no one will complain if you forget and serve your wedges and wheels straight from the fridge -- it's still cheese afterall!

TOP WEDDING TRENDS: SEQUINS

Whether it's used as a detail on your dress, table linens, or scattered like pixie dust down the aisle, there's no denying how beautiful sequins can be! With the feelings of magic and glamour they lend, it's no wonder that they're one of the top wedding trends for 2013. Here are some of our favorite looks using these pretty paillettes.

Planning your big day? Don't forget to add some sparkle! Which look is your favorite? We're digging the champagne-pink look above, with those wonderful Ghost chairs - how beautiful does that look against an outdoor setting?

THE PERFECT CAPRESE!

Sigh, is there anything really better than cool, sweet, and tangy caprese salad? Especially when the temperature is rising like it has been lately, we love this simple dish as a snack, side, or light meal!

You'll need:

Mozzarella

Tomatoes

Basil

Olive oil

Salt 'n pepper

Balsamic reduction

Directions:

In a small saucepan, bring balsamic vinegar to a boil over medium-low heat. Cook for 10 to 20 minutes, or until balsamic has reduced to a thicker glaze. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl or cruet. Allow to cool.

When you're ready to serve, arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a platter. Arrange basil leaves between the slices. Drizzle olive oil over the top of the salad, getting a little bit on each slice. Do the same with the balsamic reduction, making designs if you want! Store extra balsamic reduction in fridge for a later use.

End with a sprinkling of kosher salt and black pepper. Serve as a lunch, with crusty bread. Or serve alongside a beef main course for dinner.

--

Enjoy!

ULTIMATE WINE PAIRING GUIDE

We know, by the time you've whipped up a scrumptious meal (or you know, catered one from us), the last thing you want to do is attempt to figure out what wine will pair beautifully with the aforementioned yummy meal. Don't worry, that's why we made this post - make sure you bookmark this for reference; you'll be glad you did!

THE MODERN ROMANTIC BRIDE

While there's undoubtedly a million and one themes to go with on your big day, nothing beats the classic appeal of a modern and romantic bride. When your hair, makeup, dress, and accessories are tasteful and non-fussy, you can be sure that all eyes will be on you!

Here are our favorite styles for this look:

The Hair:

Whether you'll end up with a down or up 'do, it's always a good idea to get volume by adding subtle waves to your locks. Using a clip-less iron can help you get that perfect s-wave!

The Face:

We love this look because it has a ton of versatility! From the smokey eyes to the glowing skin, this is a fool-proof makeup scheme that will definitely flatter all faces. However, if you're more into the natural look, don't worry - go with a light taupe eyeshadow instead of this darker hue, and add some definition with a flick of liner, and you're good to go!

The Dress: 

This stunning dress is by Aire Barcelona, and we fell in love with the sheer layers, lace cutout back, and delicate pearl buttons - you could dress this up with a veil, or gorgeous statement earrings, and balance it with the same classic updo. 

The Shoes:

Sigh. These beauts are from Miu Miu, and they've kind of left us speechless. But really, that's ok. They're pretty enough to do all the talking. 

And there you have it! If you need even more bridal inspiration, be sure to check us out on Pinterest!

HEIRLOOM BRIDAL

Let's talk hairpieces and bridal accessories!  If you are looking for a romantic hairpiece or veil, Melinda Rose Heirloom Bridal just launched her 2013 A Vintage Romance collection and there are so many pretty options! The collection is handmade with a focus on heirloom quality pieces made with luxury fabrics + laces. Perfect for those of you looking for an added touch of romance for your wedding day. Check out some of our favorites from her new collection…

Which pieces are your favorite? We're swooning over her beautiful veils! These are definitely the kinds of little treasures we can imagine passing down over the years.

Photos via Melinda Rose Heirloom Bridal.

INSPIRED: BOHO GLAM WEDDING

Here are some truly gorgeous photos from Clayton Austin's photo workshop! If you're a boho bride-to-be with a glam sensibility, keep these photos handy for inspiration!

Let’s talk about this dress for a second:  The gold part of the dress was a $50 find at the Neiman Marcus outlet and Clayton sourced + sewed the white material to the bottom! How amazing is that?! I’m head over heels for it. Also really loving the rich blue velvet jacket. Such a bold + fun choice for a stylish groom!

Did this shoot inspire anyone else to incorporate a little glam into their big day?

Photos via Clayton Austin - http://claytonaustinlovestories.com

5 COOL SUMMER SALADS

With the weather warming up, sometimes you just need a nice, light salad to cool you down. We love these quick recipes from Elsie over at A Beautiful Mess!

"Tomato + Basil Salad/ I made this salad on a bed of spinach and arugula. It has pesto mixed in, a splash of balsamic vinegar, fresh basil leaves, local tomatoes and chopped macadamia nuts. I love this one because I'm on a basil kick!" 

"Blue Cheese and Peas Salad/ This salad is on a bed of spinach and butter lettuce. It has blue cheese dressing, avocados, tomatoes, sesame seeds and peas."

Artichoke + Apple Salad/ This salad is served on a bed of Arugula (my fave) and it has granny smith apples (half and apple, sliced), sunflower seeds, sesame seeds blue cheese dressing and artichoke hearts. It's delicious. 

"Hearts of Palm + Pesto Salad/ This salad is simply arugula, tomatoes and hearts of palm with pesto mixed in. So yummy!"

"Curry + Fig Kale Salad/ I never thought I would grow to love raw kale, but it happened! I love raw kale most when it is marinated in a salad dressing for an hour or two. This is a good salad to make in advance and then refrigerate. My favorite salad dressing is Curry + Fig by Salad Girl. Also in this salad is a little spinach, broccoli and tomatoes."

We'll be sure to try all of Elsie's favorites! We hope you do, too - let us know which one is your favorite! 

Photos via A Beautiful Mess

INSPIRED: AMERICANA WEDDING

With the glow of fireworks still in the air, we're still feeling very much patriotic. So when we saw this stunning and iconic styled shoot by To Live, To Love, we knew we had to share! We're loving the touches of red and blue (love that red lip) as well as the play on textures. 

So beautiful!

photography + design: to live, to love // hair + make-up by: Rachel Font at Emmanuel Salon // dress: Free People