Tipsy Thursday - Yummy Signature Drink

I often do a pre-ceremony cocktail hour. Especially nice during the winter months when you are waiting for those late arrivals. During the pre-ceremony cocktail time we serve a signature drink. Many of you prefer a non-alcoholic choice that still sets the mood. Give this one a try.

The Apple Cinnamon

2 oz cranberry juice
4 oz chilled apple cider

Directions

Fill a wine goblet with ice. Add 2 oz. cranberry juice and 4 oz. chilled apple cider. Stir to mix. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Photo of the Week-Winter Wedding Centerpiece Ideas

Ok...if you haven't figured it out.....I LOVE Christmas! If I was to marry my hubby again I think I would get married during the holidays so I could have a winter wedding.....ok who are we kidding, I think I'd have to have 5 weddings to cover all the wedding designs I love!

BUT....today for Photo of the Week I just couldn't keep it at one! So here's several winter centerpiece ideas for you!

For this winter inspired wedding, the bride chose a white and silver color palette. The vases were filled with snow and tall silver branches, decorated with tons of crystals and silver ornaments (that later became favors). On this table we used ice blocks with tealights in the top, surrounded by mounds of fake snow and flowers. (Note, the mounds of snow were handy to cover the tray that collected water as the ice melted).

This was a simple centerpiece I did for a trade show....great vase (I call it the IKEA vase), again filled with fake snow, calla lilies and surrounded by silver candelabras and beautiful cut crystal.

This is one of my favorite tables...I loved putting together the all white details. White orchid spray, pearl and crystal linen with faux fur edging, again cut crystal for that elegant icicle feel. Even the chair caps and napkin rings were fur!

I love the all white look! What's your favorite?

Tipsy Thursday- Frostini...another great signature drink!

Yes...we are forgoing our usual wedding etiquette tips for great holiday signature drinks.

My hubby is a Starbucks addict...so this one is for you babe!

Give the Frostini a try!

FROSTINI

Ingredients

1 part Starbucks™ Coffee Liqueur

1 part Starbucks™ Cream Liqueur

Splash of DeKuyper® Peppermint Schnapps

Directions

Shake ingredients over ice. Serve in a martini glass.

Photo of the Week- Wintry Bridesmaid Flowers

I love winter weddings, there are so many places to find inspiration! Are you looking for something different for the bridesmaids to carry down the aisle? For this holiday wedding we chose a white fur muff (faux of course ladies!) with a sprig of holly attached.



There are so many wonderful ways to create a magical wintry feel for your ceremony. I love the idea of the bridal party walking down an aisle lined with sparkling snow drifts, candles, and tall white trees creating a magical pathway. The ladies can carry a huge bouquet of white hydrangea with a silver ribbon and bells at the ends or a candlelight ceremony with the bridesmaids carrying a candle circled with white flowers. Hmmmm......this totally has me in the mood for snow!

Tipsy Thursday- Holiday Signature Drinks

Ok, something about this time of year...all the parties....friends gathering...a few drinks here and there...it always gets me thinking about great signature drinks for a winter wedding!

Give this one a whirl! (Thanks to http://www.thedenverchannel.com/)

Vanilla Peppermint Martini

Serves two

Ingredients

2 ounces vodka

2 ounces half and half or cream

1 heaping tablespoon hot cocoa mix

1/4 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Pure Peppermint Extract

1/2 teaspoon pure chocolate extract

1/2 teaspoon pure Tahitian vanilla extract (Madagascar or Mexican if preferred)

Ice Chocolate syrup

Mini candy cane

Directions

Add all ingredients except the syrup and candy cane in a shaker and shake vigorously. Pour into chilled martini glasses. Garnish with a swirl of chocolate syrup and candy cane.

Photo of the Week- Christmas Wedding Flower Girl

To get in the spirit of the season, here's one of my fave photos from a winter, Scandinavian, Christmas themed wedding! The flower girl was adorable, and she loved her evergreen halo & Lucia crown. It was perfect for the candlelight ceremony.

What You Missed at Fall 2010 Bridal Fashion Week

The bridal designers sent their latest looks for Fall 2010 down the runway in October.
Here are some of the bridal trends they have in store for us!

-The ballgown is back! Tight torsos and full skirts....love it! (This one by Carolina Herrera)

- Pockets! Now you can keep that tissue handy!
-There are crisp fabrics, lots of texture, laces, beads, sequins....

(The first is by Amsale and the second by Monique Lhuillier)

-Short hems- picture that perfect after party dress!

-How about a little black detailing? Love these sophisticated touches! (By Vera Wang)

-Fabric Rosettes (by Amsale) -Off the shoulder (also by Amsale) -Layers of tulle (more from Vera Wang)

Ah ladies...so many dresses....how can you pick just one?