A Snippet & Ink Christmas, #4

There is so much to do around the holidays (like finishing up my grad school applications, for one thing)! Some of the things on this list are San Francisco specific, but there are giant Christmas trees and Nutcracker performances in most places, and what better location for a cookie exchange than your own house!

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1. You could buy one of those chocolate advent calendars at the drug store, or you could make your own. Directions for this one at Paper Bella Studio's blog, or check out Martha B's post about advent calendars over at Nibs.
2. If you are in the Bay Area, you have to take a trip up to 21st St, between Church and Sanchez. Tom Taylor and Jerry Goldstein (Tom and Jerry!) put together one of my favorite Christmas displays ever. That's a real tree in their yard! (sorry for the crummy photo)
3. I love having an afternoon tea. This year, my mom, younger sister and I are going to have the Christmas tea at the Palace Hotel's Garden Court. $40 for adults, $32 for children.
4. I have a memory of going to a holiday sing-along at Davies Symphony Hall. Any of their Christmas performances would be worth going to. Also, lots of cities have sing-along Messiah, performances, so you can test your vocal abilities with the Hallelujah chorus.
5. Go see the big tree downtown! Any downtown!
6. I never get sick of The Nutcracker. Even if you're not a fan of ballet (what?!), I say the music alone is worth it.
7. Host a cookie exchange! What better way to get ready for your New Year's resolution than a cookie smorgasbord? Here are a few recipes to try (they're new to me, except for the chocolate malt sandwich cookies, which I can tell you are worth the effort):
World Peace Cookies
Chocolate Malt Sandwich Cookies
Chocolate-Coconut Bars
Pine Nut Drop Cookies
Linzer Cookies

Martha Stewart is featuring a new cookie everyday during the holidays, so that would be a good place to look for recipes, too.

For even more ideas, take a look at Jordan's list over at Oh Happy Day.

Update!

How could I have left making a gingerbread house out of the list of Christmas things to do?! Don't worry - this modern take on the classic, via LotusHaus, reminded me.

...coming up on Monday, a list of great gifts under $50.

12 Days of Christmas, #4

on the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...
Four Colly Birds

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Top row from left: Angel Sanchez dress via Brooklyn Bride, invitation by Hello! Lucky, necklace by Cara Lyndon
Row 2: orchids from The Knot, suit from Brides UK, frozen vodka from Michaele Thunen, Giambattista Valli dress via Shiny Squirrel
Row 3: Jennifer Behr feather headpiece via Junebug, image from Blackbird Vineyards, cupcake from Victoria Pearson

three French hens,
two turtledoves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

Update! Apparently there is a little confusion over what exactly the song says. I learned it as calling birds, as I think most of us did, but in doing a little research, I found out it was originally colly birds, which means blackbirds. Apparently five golden rings originally referred to ring-necked pheasants, but I stuck with the jewelry as my inspiration (as you'll see on Monday). I say, sing it however you want!

Board #86: A Maine Coast Wedding

This board is for another Emily! She is having her outdoor summer wedding on the Maine coast, with a range of blues as her color palette. While Emily wants to reflect the ocean setting, she wants to avoid a beach theme (no seashells or sand). So, here is my take on that event!

Mood: coastal romance
Palette: all shades of blue, white

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Top row from left: Maine coast, dress by Lela Rose, photo from Jason Angelini, postcard guest book via Diane & Rory's Knot Bio
Row 2: bouquet from MS, photo by Danny Weiss, boutonniere from Lisa Lefkowitz, cake from Jason Angelini
Row 3: ring pillow from Lisa Lefkowitz, stationery from Austin Press, sparklers photo from Susan Stripling
Row 4: image via {frolic}, drinks from MS, sea glass votive, lanterns from Luminous Designs

...tomorrow, a holiday to-do list!

Update! Check out how Emily translated this inspiration board into her wedding day!

Real Inspiration Boards

Thinking about making your own inspiration board? Even if you don't have a scanner and Photoshop, a bulletin board and push pins work just fine. This Flickr group, via Decor8, has some photos of tangible inspiration boards to get your creative juices flowing. What a nice way to personalize your workspace and organize your snippets.

from Flickr


Also take a look at this sweet collage at Matthew Mead Style.

A Snippet & Ink Christmas, #3

My idea of Christmas decorating is on the understated side, and if I weren't going home to San Francisco for the holidays, I'd use some of these ideas for my own place.

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1. My mother finally found a use for the giant basket I gave her for Christmas one year. She fills it with white poinsettias and keeps it on the dining room table.
2. Isn't this a lovely, simple wreath? I'd go without the ribbon. $70 at Smith & Hawken, or make your own.
3. I'm thinking of making our Christmas crackers this year, and this little clown would make an adorable ornament or gift. Directions at MS.
4. A dough bowl filled with fruit (persimmons, pomegranates, or satsumas?) or round glass ornaments is pretty on the coffee table (I still have to rotate the gourds out of mine from Thanksgiving). $30 for a new one at Victorian Trading Co.
5. I can't get enough of German glass glitter, and these stars would be perfect on the tree or around the house. $24 at Elizabeth's Embellishments.
6. Polyester bright red Santa and holly flags? No, thank you. How about this French linen one instead? $95 at Vintageweave.
7. These white knit stockings are a lot like the ones I grew up with. $28 at Garnet Hill.
8. If you don't mind spending as much on giftwrap as you did on the gift itself, this isn't a bad way to go. $20 for 3 sheets of paper, $25 for 1 yard of ribbon, $15 for 4 flower clusters at Carolyne Roehm.

...look out for a holiday to-do list on Friday!

Update!

I love this little crown via Housemartin. Don't you think it would be adorable as topper for a small tree?

Update!

I'm not especially a fan of snowglobes, but these ones by Walter Martin and Paloma Munoz are truly pieces of art.

12 Days of Christmas, #3

on the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...
Three French Hens

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Top row from left: card from Bella Muse, photo from Mel Barlow, photo from Justine Ungaro
Row 2: photo from Henry Shoots, cake from MS, stationery from Pearl Papers
Row 3: photo from Elyse Hall, flowers from Michaele Thunen, plaid oilcloth from French Rendezvous, photo from MS

two turtledoves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

Board #85: Emily's Green and Gray Wedding

Emily is having a spring wedding, with a green and gray color palette, references to modern architecture, and a vintage vibe. This board is mostly green, but I tried to incorporate some light gray. For more gray, I would use gray ink on green paper for stationery items, green ribbons on bouquets (notice the silver pots on the bottom row), and have the groom and groomsmen wear gray suits. I hope this board is helpful for you, Emily!

Mood: fresh, unique
Palette: gray, green, white

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Top row from left: Archipelago candle from Quorra, bowl via Style Me Pretty, flowers from The Knot, cake from MS
Row 2: April Reed cake from The Knot, Lela Rose dress from Brides, drinks from MS, soups from Taste Catering
Row 3: suit via The Sartorialist, Dolce Vita shoes via Style Hive, bouquet from The Knot, bouquet from MS
Row 4: boutonniere from pbase.com, flowers from MS, envelopes by Jordan Ferney, veil from MS

...more 12 Days of Christmas tomorrow!

Update! For some more gray, have a look at this pretty paper by Marimekko, via happy mundane.

A Snippet & Ink Christmas, #2

I have a really hard time going into stationery shops without spending at least, let's say, too much. Here are some of my favorite Christmas cards and do-it-yourself ideas.

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1. I know this isn't a new one, but I think this card is hilarious. $3.50 at Papyrus.
2. If you have little ones, these are sweet ways to send greetings. MS via A Little Sussy.
3. How about this sassy invite for your holiday shindig? $15 for 10 by Hello! Lucky.
4. I don't think you can go wrong with vintage holiday cards. $2.99 from The Vermont Country Store.
5. With some bright paper, this pop-up tree is a cute idea. Instructions here.
6. I love this kitschy plaid photo card by Elum Designs. $14.00 for 10 at Sugar Paper.
7. Who knew a fruit cake could look so good! $5 by Felix Doolittle.
8. This card is sold out, but it is too cute not to share. Kate Spade via Ali Loves Curtis.
9. Some subway cheer for the urban holiday. $12.95 for 12 at Kate's Paperie.
10. Simple and stylish. Perfect. $6 by Pancake & Franks.

For those of you who prefer a virtual greeting card experience (or if you just forget until the last minute), Jacquie Lawson makes the sweetest animated cards. You can preview them for free, or you can pay $10 for a year of unlimited e-cards.

What to do with the stacks of cards in your mailbox? Try some of these display ideas via Toast and Tables.

Update! More fun holiday cards at Black Eiffel (I like numbers 2, 8 and 10).
Update! I am loving these Christmas tree cards via Pink Shirts and Car Wrecks.

...coming up on Wednesday, holiday decorating ideas!

12 Days of Christmas, #2

on the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Two Turtledoves

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Top row from left: Lladro hair sticks from In Style, birdcage from My Wedding Reception Ideas, menu from MS, image via Daisy Chain
Row 2: napkin from Brides, cake from MS, Melissa Sweet dress via Price Scope, turtledove print from The Commonwealth of Virginia
Row 3: flowers from Art Fool, birds by Ann Wood, Dove ice cream bar, turtledove from Lee Richardson Zoo

and a partridge in a pear tree.

Update! Look at this sweet necklace by Smitten.

A Snippet & Ink Christmas, #1

Every year I make two Christmas playlists: one is classical and choral (Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, Vienna Boys' Choir, etc.), and the other is the best Christmas pop music I can come up with. Here's that playlist, in order (you should be able to find these on iTunes or Amazon.)

1. Santa Claus is Back in Town - Elvis Presley
2. Sleigh Ride - The Ronettes
3. Baby It's Cold Outside - Dean Martin
4. Merry Christmas Baby - Otis Redding
5. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
6. The Man With the Bag - Brian Seltzer Orchestra
7. Santa Baby - Eartha Kitt
8. Holly Jolly Christmas - Burl Ives
9. Run Rudolph Run - Chuck Berry
10. Happy Xmas (War is Over) - John Lennon
11. Skating (Charlie Brown Christmas) - Vince Guaraldi Trio
12. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Nat King Cole
13. Carol of the Meows - Guster
14. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - John Mellencamp
15. It Must've Been Ol' Santa Claus - Harry Connick, Jr.
16. Please Come Home For Christmas - Charles Brown
17. Five Pound Box of Money - Pearl Bailey
18. Feliz Navidad - Jose Feliciano
19. Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms
20. White Christmas - The Drifters
21. Winter Wonderland - Ray Charles
22. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - Darlene Love
23. All I Want 4 Christmas - Mariah Carey
24. Little St. Nick - Beach Boys
25. Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Jackson 5
26. Let it Snow! - Dean Martin
27. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Judy Garland
28. It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas - Perry Como
29. What Christmas Means to Me - Stevie Wonder

I'm sure I haven't included some of the best ones (I tried not to double up, but there are some songs that have multiple good versions), but what do you think is absolutely missing from this list? And whether it's on this list or not, what's your all-time favorite Christmas song?

...coming up on Monday, some of my favorite Christmas cards!

12 Days of Christmas, #1

I am so excited about this. It's a Snippet & Ink Christmas! Leading up to December 25th, I will be sharing some of my favorite traditions and gift ideas, as well as posting special boards (see below). I know, I know. The twelve days of Christmas really don't start until Christmas day, but for me, the start of Christmas happens the day after Thanksgiving. For some people, it's all about sales and anarchic shopping sprees. Growing up, this was usually the day my mom would take us to find a Christmas tree. These days, for me, it's the day I allow myself to start listening to Christmas music (I say allow, because sometime around Halloween is when I start wanting to put it on, but that's just ridiculous), and that is when it really starts to feel like Christmas. So, to celebrate, I am posting a special 12 Days of Christmas board.

Also, check in later to see my Christmas playlist!

on the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
A Partridge In A Pear Tree

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Top row from left: poached pears from MS, Ecklectic guest book via Etsy Wedding, Eliana Ben-Zeev dress from In Style, golden pears
Row 2: photo from Alan Maudie, cake via Faye and Greer, partridge feather from eFlyTyer
Row 3: photo from Karen Wise, Elizabeth Messina photo via The Bride's Cafe, painting from The Artchive (notice the little partridge sitting on the ledge?)

Happy Thanksgiving!

...tune in tomorrow for the first installation of Snippet & Ink's 12 Days of Christmas...

Board #84: Gobble! Gobble!

Happy Thanksgiving (almost)! Here's a happy harvest board for you to enjoy today and tomorrow - and enjoy your holiday!

Mood: warm, refined abundance
Palette: gold, brown, red, orange

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Top row from left: Sarah Arnett dress from Brides UK, flowers by Ariella Chezar, mantle decorations from Michaele Thunen, gold cupcakes from Brides
Row 2: place setting via Toast and Tables, program from The Knot, ring pillow from MS, bouquet from Karen Wise
Row 3: lanterns from Orange Girl Photographs, champagne "guest book" from Dee Merz, tent decorations from Cole Creates, dress from Stephanie James, invitation by Pearl Papers

Board #83: Can Gold and White Be Casual?

That was the question Mary Kate asked me in her request. She is having her reception at a microbrewery's tasting room (or an art gallery, but I used the brewery for this board), and she wanted ideas for how to make her white and gold color scheme more casual. Since she's using colors that definitely evoke a more formal feel, I would recommend that she use less formal materials. Serving this microbrewery's beer instead of champagne is a start. Also, use cotton and grosgrain instead of satin. Wear a short or simple dress, possibly with a birdcage veil. Serve cupcakes instead of cake. Use funky handwriting instead of embellished calligraphy. For flowers, I would go with white (callas are a good option), and I would avoid overly frilly blooms like peonies. I would also incorporate kraft paper to dress things down (how about gold ink on kraft paper envelopes?). I also love word bubbles as part of your RSVP card. I hope this is helpful, and that if you decide to go with the art gallery, you'll be able to shape this to fit that venue.

Mood: playful, dressed down elegance
Palette: white, gold, kraft-paper brown

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Top row from left: image from Satisfaction Mag, kraft box, bouquet and ring pillow both from MS
Row 2: ribbon from Ribbons Galore, cupcakes via Oh Happy Day, chalkboard sign from Dee Merz, favor boxes from MS
Row 3: mini fries from Callahan Catering, lanterns, seating cards via Flickr, dress via Shiny Squirrel
Row 4: photo from Jessica Claire, RSVP by Hello! Lucky, photo from Cappy Hotchkiss, flowers from Cole Creates

Board #82: Green and White, Revisited

Again with the green and white, I know. This time I tried to keep things pretty clean, classic, and not quite modern. I have been making quite a few boards from brides' requests lately, but this one is just for me (no, I don't mean for planning my own wedding, calm down). I love each of these images individually, and they pull together so well.

Mood: clean, classic
Palette: green, white, black accents

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Top row from left: centerpiece by Art Fool, Cake Girls cake via Wedding Bee, boutonniere from Nicole Hill, photo from Victoria Pearson, bouquet from The Knot
Row 2: photo from Alan Maudie, flats from The Knot, stationery by Amber Chic, Denise Sharp cake topper via Something Old
Row 3: orchid centerpiece via Bellissima Vita, Liz Banfield photo via Style Me Pretty, classic car via The Bride's Cafe, hair accessories from Jennifer Behr
Row 4: dress from Brides, bubble photo by Katie Lyman, bouquet from Karen Wise, Georgette dress from Banana Republic, flowers from Brides

Board #81: Anje's Modern Romance

Anje is having a laid-back, wedding with a cocktail and tapas reception. She wants a modern feel that is still romantic, mixing kumquat orange with Mediterranean blue. I hope this gives her some ideas! I might set up some tall bar tables with simple arrangements on them. I would use the Mediterranean blue on ribbon (decorations? favors?), paper (invitations?), and glass objects (vases? tableware?).

Mood: modern, romantic
Palette: poppy red, kumquat orange, Mediterranean blue

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Top row from left: photo from Mary Mix Events, orange poppy, cake via Style Me Pretty, orange flowers
Row 2: favor box from MS, dress by Lela Rose, bouquet via Brooklyn Bride, Mykonos blue door, table from MS
Row 3: invitation suite via {frolic}, calligraphy by Laura Hooper, cocktails from MS, kumquats

Board #80: Gilded Pink

Happy Friday folks!

Pale pink and gold is delicate and sweet, and it would make for a pretty bridal shower or reception. And why not wear a blush-colored dress to change things up?

Mood: delicate, sweet
Palette: pink, white, silver, gold

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Top row from left: dress from Brides, clutch via Glamour This!, bouquet from MS
Row 2: flowers from Victoria Pearson, cake via Flickr, mini angel food cakes from MS, table via Athena Says
Row 3: Blumarine dress via Oh Joy!, garden netting from Vintage Weave, flowers from Michaele Thunen, stationery from MS

Board #79: Landra's Jamaican Wedding

Chocolate and turquoise are such a pretty pair! That's Landra's color scheme for her wedding in Jamaica, with accents of silver and white. I think sand dollars are a nice element in a beach wedding, and the sand dollar cookies would make great favors. I've also seen sand dollars with guests' names written on them as seating or place cards. To incorporate more silver, Landra could wrap her bouquets in a silvery ribbon, or use silver ink on her stationery. Also, I think a white sea shell is a unique way to carry your rings down the aisle.

Mood: beach glam
Palette: turquoise, chocolate, silver, white

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Top row from left: Monique Lhuillier dress from Brides UK, ring via Something Old, bouquet from Brides, photo from White Sand Weddings, chocolates from Burning A Hole
Row 2: cake from Pink Cake Box, sand dollar cookies from Grandma Lulu's, photo from Brides, invitation via Project Wedding, silver favors from MS
Row 3: photo from Craig Paulson, crystal necklace via Exit, hair accessory from The Knot, shell boutonnieres from MS
Row 4: invitation by Ceci NY, tote bag from Invite Cottage, image via Brooklyn Bride, chandelier crystal from Chic of Shabby Creek, bouquet from MS

Board #78: Frog's Leap

That's the name of a vineyard that I remember visiting as a kid, and I had their logo in mind when I put this board together. This board is for Melanie, who wanted a sort of frog prince theme in mind. Instead of teal and red like Melanie had suggested, I went with mostly green and fuschia, with some aqua (I hope that's okay Melanie! I know you said you were open to some changes.) I would really play up a waterlily theme, and use lots of floating flowers (waterlilies specifically, if you can make that work). Good luck Melanie!

Mood: fairy tale romantic
Palette: green, fuschia, aqua

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Top row from left: envelopes via {frolic}, vases via House Martin, boutonniere via Social Design, photo via Classic Bride
Row 2: photo from Leigh Miller, cake from Brides, photo from Waterlily Pond, photo via Brooklyn Bride, bouquet from Janie Medley
Row 3: menu via Brooklyn Bride, bouquet from Fresh Studio, corsage photo by Dasha Wright, dress from Brides, flower via Social Design
Row 4: photo from Dave Robbins, flowers from Mel Barlow, flowergirl from Alan Maudie, photo from Kayak Virginia Beach

Update! Angel just left a comment pointing out her recent Wedding Bee post about a frog prince theme. Check it out for more inspiration.
Update! Take a look at the pretty gold box that Christy's ring came in - just like the gold ball in the Frog Prince!
Update! Check out this darling lotus pad ring pillow by Myra Kim - perfect!

Board #77: Sunflowers in Sevilla

Sarah is having a sunflower-themed wedding in Spain, but this board would work just about anywhere sunflowers grow. Sunflowers are so rustic, and I think it would be really nice at a vineyard or farm.

Mood: sunny, rustic
Palette: yellow, brown

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Top row from left: Studio On Fire invitation via Black Eiffel, photo via The Bride's Cafe, Lazaro dress from Brides, photo via {frolic}
Row 2: cake from MS, In Full Bloom seating cards from Here Comes the Guide, photo from John & Joseph, place setting from Rebecca Thuss
Row 3: Bear Flag Farm from Here Comes the Guide, buffet from Rebecca Thuss, bouquet from In Style, rustic centerpiece from Karen Wise

Board #76: Jasmine's Pink and Brown Wedding

Brown is a really great accent color for almost anything, and it pairs especially well with pink. Here is a board for Jasmine, keeping in mind that she is having a summer wedding in San Diego with that color scheme. In this post I included a pink envelope with brown ink, but I think that the brown envelope with pink ink I used in a previous board would work well, too. Also, you just have to take a look at this Knot Bio for some more pink and brown inspiration. Gorgeous.

Mood: romantic, sweet
Palette: pink, brown, white

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Top row from left: photo from Craig Paulson, cake from MS, wreath from Fresh Studio, photo from Eva Dahl, Badgley Mischka dress via Love Made Visible
Row 2: tie from Gentleman Joe, photo from John & Joseph, Lily Darby invitation via Style Me Pretty, Oscar de la Renta gown from Brides
Row 3: flowers from Karen Wise, Stacey Kane photo via An Excited Bride, pinwheel from Brides, calligraphy by Laura Hooper
Row 4: dessert from Brides, photo via Toast and Tables, program and bouquet both from MS

Board #75: Rustic Cranberry and Orange

This board is for Adana, who is having a rustic September wedding. Her color scheme is cranberry and tangerine, and she wants to incorporate fruit rather than floral centerpieces. Here is my take on that idea.

Mood: warm, rustic
Palette: cranberry, tangerine

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Top row from left: dress from J. Crew, box of fruit photo by Dasha Wright, image from Stephanie James, bouquet by Pico Soriano Designs
Row 2: tie from The Knot, bouquet via Oh Happy Blog, dress from Brides, boutonniere via {frolic}
Row 3: bouquet from MS, photo from Flickr, cake via Style Me Pretty, Christine Farah via An Excited Bride
Row 4: photo from Washington State Tourism Pressroom, bouquet, origami guest book from MS

Update! Take a look at this fabulous envelope and liner by Atelier Isabey via Brooklyn Bride. I think it would work perfectly for this event.

Board #74: A Day in Provence

This board is for a bride who is using the colors of Provence as her inspiration, mainly blue and yellow. I posted a board for a blue and yellow garden wedding last month, but with this one, I tried to get a Provence feel beyond just the color scheme. For this bride's picnic reception, I would definitely use classic French country linens, like the napkin I used in the board.

Mood: French country picnic
Palette: blue, yellow

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Top row from left: Bombalurina earrings via Etsy Wedding, Alberta Ferretti dress from Brides, herb favor from MS, photo by Jessica Johnston
Row 2: centerpiece from Loop Design, envelopes from MS, napkin from Pierre Deux, cake from MS
Row 3: mini croquembouche, bouquet from The Knot, photo from Michaele Thunen
Row 4: wreath from Rebecca Thuss, photo by Mel Barlow, boutonniere from PBase, lavender field

Board #73: Autumn Vineyard

Love the fall. Love vineyards. And they're oh so pretty put together...

Mood: vineyard rustic
Palette: green, deep purple, brown

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Top row from left: bouquet by Ariella Chezar, dress from Stephanie James, photo from Perspecta Photography, grape sorbet and grape pie both from MS
Row 2: boutonniere via An Excited Bride, centerpiece from Dandelion Ranch, vineyard grapes, photo by Anna Kuperberg
Row 3: table setting from MS, table number via House Martin, cake from MS, invitations by Karisa Winkel

Board #72: Romantic Red

And pink! This board is for Erin, who wanted some ideas for how to soften her red and ivory palette, and to give her wedding a romantic feeling. The addition of pink does both of those things, toning down the red, and making for a more romantic feel overall.

Mood: soft, romantic
Palette: red, pink, ivory

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Top row from left: invitation by Ceci NY, flower ring and red shawl both from MS, heart card by Bella Muse
Row 2: photo via This is Glamorous, bouquet by Camilla Flowers, peony table, menu by Tugboat Paper & Press
Row 3: flowers from MS, cake from In Style, pomegranate vases from Cohn-Stone Studios, jam favors from The Knot
Row 4: ribbons via This is Glamorous, Jenny Packham dress from Brides UK, romantic roses

Board #71: Beautiful Backyard

A beautiful backyard can do so much for a wedding. Without losing any style or elegance, it helps to keep things relaxed. And if you have talented family and friends, it's a great location for homemade touches. By now you've probably noticed that I just love green and white, but this time I tried to warm things up with some yellow, too.

Mood: classic, effortless
Palette: green, yellow, white

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Top row from left: photo from Brides, veil via Etsy Wedding, salt and pepper "vases" via Perfect Bound, photo from Rebecca Thuss
Row 2: bouquet by Fresh Studio, bouquet from MS, Carlos Miele dress from Brides UK, photo from The Knot
Row 3: photo by Anna Kuperberg, envelopes from Greer Chicago, dogwood cake from MS
Row 4: numbered glasses from MS, boutonniere from Rebecca Thuss, Jenny Ebert photo via Something Old, place setting from Cole Creates, flowers from Loop Design

Board #70: Marigold and Gray

Emily wrote me and said that she is having a classic, yet quirky, outdoor wedding. Her color scheme is marigold, gray, and cream. Here are some elements that I think fit that description nicely (I especially like the Monopoly tokens - maybe for seating cards or table names or something? - and the shoes). I also can't get over that incredible boutonniere - it just screams fun.

Mood: bright, classic yet quirky
Palette: marigold, gray, cream

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Top row from left: ring pillow from The Knot, image from Karen Wise, Luisa Beccaria dress via Perfect Bound, bouquet from MS, program via {frolic}
Row 2: pavlovas from MS, boutonniere via Style Me Pretty, tent from The Knot, J. Crew shoes via Classic Bride
Row 3: Monopoly tokens from eBay, food and table both via {frolic}, cake via Style Me Pretty
Row 4: calligraphy by Laura Hooper, yellow ribbon, hand lettering by Nate Williams, Peter Som via Oh Joy!

Update! For more on this color scheme, take a look at this lovely stationery suite at Thoughtful Day.

Board #69: Road Trip!

I imagined a little story in my head for this one: an easygoing bride and groom, a garden wedding, and a road trip honeymoon. I love the playful elements in this board, and I think that the lack of a strong palette reflects the lightheartedness of it.

Mood: playful, easygoing
Palette: pink, blue, yellow, white...

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Top row from left: dress from Brides UK, bouquet via The Bride's Cafe, photo from Orange Girl Photographs
Row 2: keys from Brides, photo from Craig Paulson, invitation by Bird and Banner, photo from Michaele Thunen
Row 3: cupcakes from Craig Paulson, photo from Brides UK, miniature hamburger via Tie the Knot, car and church, veil from In Style
Row 4: calligraphy by Laura Hooper, map stationery from MS, centerpiece from Seaport Flowers

Update!

image via {frolic}
Martha B. nailed it - a restored Airstream trailer was definitely missing from this board. Or maybe one like this.

Board #68: Hunting Party

This is the ultimate in refined picnicking. I love every element of this board: forest greens and browns, the riding boots, the champagne gown. The wood-handled Laguiole knives would make gorgeous gifts for groomsmen, and pheasant feathers would work well as additions to bouquets and accessories.

Mood: woodsy, refined
Palette: brown, hunter green

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Top row from left: flowers from Ariella Chezar, Laguiole knives and picnic basket both via Toast and Tables, bouquet from Ingela's Design
Row 2: dress via Brooklyn Bride, boutonnieres from Art Fool, cake from MS, Vera Wang dress
Row 3: boots from Lori's Shoes, hunting party, invitation by Ceci NY
Row 4: picnic table via Toast and Tables, pheasant feathers from Cixi Horng Shya, stationery from Studio Olivine, frozen vodka from Michaele Thunen

Board #67: A Little Bird Told Me...

I love this color combination, and I thought it was the perfect palette for an early spring, little-birdy-told-me themed wedding. The nests as snack bowls are wonderful, and for the gutsy bride, the blue tulle veil is such a fun detail. We usually have panettone on Christmas morning at my house, but I think it makes a good favor any time of year.

Mood: sweet, youthful
Palette: robin's egg blue, chocolate

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Top row from left: stationery from Ceci NY, blue tulle and blue dress both via Shiny Squirrel, cake from MS
Row 2: feather boutonnieres via Faye and Greer (photo by Dasha Wright), nest bowls via Social Design, Le Spose di Gio dress from Brides UK, RSVP from Bird and Banner
Row 3: chocolate eggs, iced coffee and mini panettone all from MS; ribbon wands from Brides
Row 4: nest seating cards via House Martin, nest ring pillow via Etsy Wedding, save-the-date via Toast and Tables

Board #66: Night at the Museum

Happy Sunday evening!

This board is for Becca, who is having a fall wedding at a natural history museum, dinosaur skeletons and all (how fun!). I think vintage ephemera (like an old ledger for a guest book) has some of the feel of kraft paper and bakers' twine that Becca wants, but still fits with the red color scheme and museum setting.

Mood: museum chic
Palette: red, brown, cream

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Top row from left: antique magnifying glass, cuff links, dress from Brides, envelope from Greer Chicago
Row 2: arrangement from MS, April Reed cake, tweed suit from Duchess Clothier, candles from MS, bouquet from The Knot
Row 3: stationery via Brooklyn Bride, centerpiece from Viva Terra, antique ledger
Row 4: flowers from Ingela's Design, butterflies via Oh Joy, photo from Miles Faster, photo from Waterlily Pond

Board #65: Strawberry Fields Forever

Wheatgrass is an unexpected element in this mostly-strawberry event, and I think it keeps things from being overly sweet. If you don't want to make this your reception, it would be a charming garden bridal shower or day-after brunch.

Mood: charming, quaint
Palette: red, green, white

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Top row from left: Bakery Bar cake via House Martin, Allie J tutu via Etsy Wedding, lanterns from Brides, strawberry cards by Linda & Harriett
Row 2: photo from Anna Kuperberg, seating cards from The Knot, table via {frolic}
Row 3: image from The Sartorialist, pies and dress both from Brides, wild strawberries
Row 4: wheatgrass centerpiece from Cottage Living, strawberry bouquet, menu from Good On Paper Design, berry basket favors from MS

Inspiration

I've had a few questions about how I find inspiration, so I thought I'd take a stab at answering them here.

I really believe that inspiration can be found anywhere, especially when coming up with a vision for a special event. Things that I think about when I make these boards are:

1. What season is it?
2. What is the mood of the event? Is it formal, casual, or something in between? Is it grand or intimate? Sophisticated? Playful?
3. What is the location? Inside or out-of-doors? How can I play up regional/local elements? Does the architecture/scenery inspire me?
4. What single element can tie everything together? Is it a theme? A certain flower or fruit?
5. How can I stretch this idea? What is unexpected but fits perfectly with all the other aspects?

A note about color schemes: Sometimes I do have a palette in mind, and that's what I use to come up with the other elements of a board. Other times, I have all those other things in mind, and I pull images together that fit, and a color scheme emerges. While having your colors all picked out can focus an event and help pull everything together, I think it can also be limiting and too obvious. To avoid this, I try to make room for color families - so if I'm mostly working with celery green, I won't automatically abandon celadon or pine. I'll see if I can make them work with the rest of my vision.

So, that's it. I hope this is helpful for those of you planning your own events, and either way, I love to hear your ideas and try to pull them together in a cohesive board.

PS: Yep, I just use Adobe Photoshop to put these boards together. It's a little tricky if you haven't used it before, but play around and read the tutorials and you should get the hang of it.

Board #64: Let it Snow!

We had our first flurry of snow the other night, which inspired this board. Whether in a rustic lodge or a clean white banquet hall, this snowy wedding is warm, cozy and chic.

Mood: warm, chic
Palette: warm white, chocolate

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Top row from left: image by Aaron Almendral, bouquet from Brides, Fresh Studio seating cards via Oh Happy Blog, milk and cookies via Le Tartine Gourmand
Row 2: flowers and cake both from Brides, boutonniere from Fresh Studio, monogram from MS, photo from Alan Maudie
Row 3: candy and birdhouse both from Brides, lanterns via Classic Bride, table via An Excited Bride
Row 4: snow bride, Taste desserts via Style Me Pretty, photo from The Knot

Board #63: Laura's Warm September Wedding

My dear friend Laura is getting married! This board revolves around two main points of inspiration: House Martin's beautiful bouquet and the Fort Mason Officers' Club. The pom-poms, photobooth guest book, and chocolate cake are all playful without sacrificing the smallest bit of elegance. Also, these colors are wonderful for a September wedding, without being too heavy or rustic.

Mood: warm, playfully elegant
Palette: spicy pink, coral, yellow, cream

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Top row from left: image from The Brides' Cafe, bouquet by Nancy Liu Chin, chuppah decorations from Waterlily Pond, chocolates from MS, Carolina Herrera dress from Brides
Row 2: hibiscus tea from MS, 1 Fort Mason, cake from Brides, boutonniere from Waterlily Pond
Row 3: image from The Knot, car from MS, guest book via With This Ring, invitations from MS
Row 4: bouquet from House Martin, dress from J. Crew, centerpiece via Toast and Tables, necklace from Satya Jewelry