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Shades of Green Bridal Shower Ideas

March 18, 2013 · Comments { 8 }

Recently I hosted a casual bridal shower luncheon for my future sister-in-law who’s a real sweetie with the kindest heart. She loves the color green and that was enough to get my creative juices flowing! Here are a few images from the event…

The invitation sets the mood for a party. I always recommend doing it the old fashion way too… sending a printed invite in the mail. In this digital day and age, receiving an invite in the mail is just more special. The sweet invitations with the brides’s monogram framed in a leafy wreath were from Minted.

Because the event was casual, we served lunch buffet style. The table was covered in a crisp white table cloth and shades of green ribbon in varying widths ran down the middle to create the table-runner .

Fresh flowers are always a must for an bridal shower event. Providing contrast and a burst of vivid color, I selected fuchsia ranunculus for the centerpieces. The ranunuculus were paired with green hypericum berry flowers and place in a trio of grass green ceramic vases.

For more visual interest, a pair of forest green boxwood balls on top of mini silver urns were placed between the floral arrangements.

For a personal touch, the engaged couples’ initials hung in the window. I actually made these myself. I downloaded the italic monograms here, cut them out on heavy card stock and added glitter. Well, so much glitter I ran out on the third letter and my hubby was nice enough to run to Michael’s the morning of the party for more glitter. Isn’t that sweet? I have the best hubby.

I was too busy being a hostess to snap a shot of the yummy salads we shared, but did manage to capture an image of the beautiful desserts. I think having a variety of mini cakes like this is so fun! We all loved the XOXO detail on the side of the mini cheesecake pictured above.

No guest should go away without a little gift. To celebrate my sister-in-law joining the Bisbee family soon, we selected these beautifully packaged organic worker bee balms to remember the afternoon. It’s a good think my further sister-in-law like bees… it would be hard to become a Bisbee if not!

Happy day!

Cristin

* photo credit: Cristin Priest, Simplified Bee

Read full story By Cristin on March 18, 2013 in DIY, Entertaining, flowers, food, invite, monograms, Parties, Tips/Tricks, Uncategorized

Setting Goals :: 2013

January 1, 2013 · Comments { 0 }

Happy 2013! We welcome you and the opportunity for a fresh start. What better way to ring in the new year than by setting goals and resolutions. Whether it’s to lose weight, get in shape, eat healthier, get a new job, save/make more money or my favorites, get organized and give back – now’s the time!

However, statistics show that by February, you will have broken more than 90 percent of the resolutions you made. While it may not be easy or overnight, here are some helpful steps to make it easier for you to reach your goal and stick with it:

Be Specific :: Describe what you want to accomplish in detail and write it down. Many studies have proven that the simple act of writing your goals down greatly improves your chances of accomplishing them. Also, let your friends and family know your goals. They can help support you during rough times.

Be Realistic :: Set goals you are capable of achieving. Instead of setting ten new year’s resolutions, you may want to limit it to two t o three that are attainable.

Be Disciplined :: Understand that it may take energy, sacrifice and plain old hard work to obtain your goal. Breaking up a larger goal into smaller tasks can help keep you motivated and on track.

Be On Time :: Establish a timeline and set completion dates for your goals and tasks. This should also be written down and will help you to stay focused.

Be Rewarded :: Give yourself a small reward after accomplishing a goal. Celebrating your success will keep you motivated and will help you keep those new year resolutions.

*image via Style Me Pretty

Read full story By Cristin on January 1, 2013 in Entertaining, goal setting, Holiday, new years, Organization, organization tips, Parties

Kelley Moore’s San Francisco Flat

December 19, 2012 · Comments { 3 }

I’ve mentioned before that through blogging I have met the most amazing people. One such person is Kelley Moore. Kelly’s a designer, party planner and lifestyle guru. Her amazing career has had her on the go. You may have seen her on Rachel Ray, The Nate Berkus Show or even her own show, Moore to Life in Seattle! Recently she moved to San Francisco to be the Home and Lifestyle Anchor at Joyus. Do you remember when I participated in Joyus’ designer challenge? Through the experience Kelley and I became friends. I’m telling you, she is an amazing person. Love her!

I was thrilled to see Kelley’s new San Francisco flat that she designed so beautifully featured in Rue Magazine’s October issue. It’s a home that inviting and has a wonderfully curated feel. Kelley also brilliantly blends pattern, textures and bold color (even red). Here’s a peek at the stunning interior:

dining room with kelly wearstler chairs While at her housewarming party, Kelley showed me this hallway closet she is using to store her china, glassware and other tabletop decor. Loved every inch!

Kelley shared some of her dinner party and entertaining tip & tricks with Rue too. She encourages us to mix it up – which I love!

Cristin

Read full story By Cristin on December 19, 2012 in Bedroom, Closets, dining rooms, Entertaining, event planning, foyers, interior design, Interiors, joyus, Living Room, Organization, Parties, Tips/Tricks, Uncategorized

Top Ten Hostess Gift Ideas for 2012

November 12, 2012 · Comments { 4 }

One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is getting together with family and friends at dinner or cocktail parties. If you will be heading to a holiday party in the next few weeks, bringing a thoughtful hostess gift is always appreciated. A favorite bottle of wine, homemade baked goods or a lovely bouquet of flowers are tried and true hostess gifts and will certainly be well received. However, if you are running short on time or want to bring something a little different, here are my top ten hostess gift ideas for 2012 (and most are under $30):