Swanky Blog

DIY Paper Pinwheels & Garlands

2010-05-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday, and we have a fab new DIY project for our Swanky Chicks! Check out these adorable paper pinwheels. They have been popping up in swanky parties all over the place. With this little tutorial we found on Style Me Pretty (one of our fav wedding blogs) you can create them for your next party!

Step #1: Supplies.

Pick your paper and buttons. *Hint*: text weight paper works best. Choosing coordinating patterns and colors for the paper is fun, and choosing different sizes and shapes in the buttons is cute, too. Choose scissors or a paper cutter, and adhesive. Cut 2 strips of paper, equal length and width, depending on the size of the pinwheel you want (thicker strips = larger pinwheel).

Steps #2 and #3: Folding + Combining.
Evenly fold (like an accordion) the 2 strips of paper. Make sure the widths match! (Note: smaller folds make tighter pinwheels. Larger folds are more loose and show more of the pattern. We like to make several of each size – makes for an adorable display). Line up one end of the folded accordion with the end of the other accordion. Fit together and adhere securely. Permanent adhesive squares work nicely, and lie flat.

Step #4: Securing.
Pull the loose ends of the accordion strip around towards each other and adhere securely. The pinwheel will look like a cardstock “circle” (similar to the coffee sleeves they give you at Starbucks). You will need to pop the pinwheel out and push it down (work with it until it looks like a pinwheel should look), holding it in place with your fingers. In the photo, the paperweight is doing the job of holding the pinwheel in place.

Step #5: Finishing Touches.
Choose your button and secure *tightly* with glue dots (you may need to use several!). Note: we recommend weighing the pinwheels down for several hours once they are fully assembled). This will help to ensure that they are secure.

Pinwheel Garland from Project Wedding

String several pinwheels together to create a pinwheel garland. Scrap book paper, old sheet music and vintage books are great resources for gorgeous paper for this project.

Desert Table Delight!

2010-05-25T13:33:00.000-07:00

Who's ready for some delicious desert inspiration? A hot new trend in entertaining is the decadent desert table. This is an area that you can have fun with and really tie your whole theme together, not to mention indulge your sweet tooth. In our blog travels we came across the sweetest blog we just had to share. Save the Date for cupcakes is a daily dose of deliciousness. A new gorgeous desert table to inspire your eyes and your taste buds everyday! Now that is how I like to start off my day, lots of eye candy! Stop by Save the Date for Cupcakes and take a peak around your eyes and your tummy will thank you.

We are loving this purple desert bar!

Baby Elephant makes a Perfect Baby Shower Theme

2010-05-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

This gorgeous baby shower inspiration was hosted by Style Me Gorgeous for her sons naming day celebration. While a naming day may not be a popular American tradition we think it is the perfect baby shower inspiration! The muted tones of blue, gray, and yellow are sweet and modern all at the same time. Check out the Style Me Gorgeous blog for more great inspiration and a shopping guide to recreate this swanky event. Before you do, feast your eyes on this beautiful party!

Sarah made the adorable elephant cookies herself with a little help from an elephant cookie cutter!

We just adore the paper lanterns. The Style Me Gorgeous blog has posted a link where you can get ones to match your party.

The cupcake toppers were purchased on etsy, but you can make your own with the Martha Stewart elephant craft punch. Thank you Style Me Gorgeous for this wonderful real party inspiration!

Vintage Typewriter = Lovely Guest Book

2010-05-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

We adore our facebook friends and fans and love meeting new people on facebook. One of our new facebook finds is Thoughtfully Simple. Filled with tons of great inspiration and unique ideas including this one. We love their idea of using typewriters as an alternative to your traditional guest book. Thoughtfully Simple says Why not set out an old vintage typewriter, a reel of paper and let your guests type you a little note? At the end of the night, roll up the paper like a scroll and secure with a ribbon!

Why not indeed! We love this unique take on the traditional guest book. Have you seen any unique guest book ideas that you just loved? Leave a comment and inspire someone else!

Couture Baby Shower

2010-05-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

We have a gorgeous real baby shower to share with you today! Fuschia and Orange created the perfect vibrant color palette to celebrate baby to be. Couture Events by Lottie shared this posh shower with us that was hosted in her honor. It looks like some of her event planner style rubbed off on her baby shower hostesses because they did a fabulous job!

We can't resist a birdie themed baby shower and this one was all owls.

The ladies incorporated the colors and theme into the event through food and paper which always make a budget friendly impact on a space. We love the adorable pinwheel cupcake toppers!

Paper pom poms and pinwheels in bright pops of color created a perfect back drop for the food and desert tables. Learn how to make your own paper pom poms in our DIY Wednesday post here.

The ladies created a sweet alternative to the traditional guest book, a thumb print tree for family and friends to place their mark. It was all in the details with this one and we just love it! You can create a fabulous party like this one with a little creativity and inspiration.
Be sure and check out Couture Events by Lottie for tons of great party inspiration, Lottie is one Swanky Chick! Dallas brides Lottie is a local wedding planner with a great eye for style!

Favor Tag & Label Giveaway Winnner!!!

2010-05-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday to all of our Swanky Chicks! We have chosen a winner for the favor tag and label giveaway, thank you to everyone who entered! Drum roll please ............. The winner is Terri for her comment on becoming a facebook fan! We are so glad to have you Terri!

If you're not Terri there will still be more chances to win. We will be hosting similar giveaways on other blogs in the coming weeks. If you aren't already become a facebook fan. We will be announcing giveaways on our fan page.

Free Personalized Favor Tags & Labels

2010-05-07T10:42:00.000-07:00

Would you like to win $40 worth of personalized favor tags or labels to use at your next party?!!! Swanky Chicks is still accepting entries for our fabulous giveaway. We have launched a brand new online preview tool and want to see what you think. You can choose your size, style, color, add personalization and see an instant preview of your favor tags or labels before you buy!!! Check out our original post here for the details and leave a comment on the original post to enter. Don't leave a comment here we are only using comments from the original post for the drawing!

Lingerie Shower - Awesome DIY Favor Idea

2010-05-06T15:18:00.000-07:00

We came across this awesome bridal shower favor idea for a lingirie shower. These favors are so creative and keep with the theme of the shower. Can we say WE LOVE!
Favor idea and images from Attention to Detail. Check out the Attention to Detail Blog for more great ideas like this one!
Favors: The favors were little Lingerie care kits that included a Lingerie wash bag and Lingerie detergent. I also included some little Lingerie care instructions.

DIY Wednesday - Cupcake Stand

2010-05-05T10:37:00.000-07:00

We just love all of the custom cupcake stands we see on some of the best desert tables, and we know you do to. We have a great tutorial for you on how to make your very own for your next event. These little cupcake stands are perfect for bridal showers, baby showers, and birthday parties.

Our tutorial comes to you today from Cake Journal via Candy and Cake! Thanks Ladies!

Satin ribbon for the cake board and the polysthyrene cake dummies
Thick paper or sugarpaste/rolled fondant icing
Glue stick and craft glue
Metal pins
A pair of scissors
A pencil
Step 1:
Start by glue the dummies together. So they can dry completely.

Step 2:
Take your chosen ribbon, and attach it on the dummies with a metal pin.
Note: you can also glue the ribbon on the dummies if you like.

Step 3:
When the dummies are dry, start by wrapping the ribbon around them so it slightly overlap all the way to the top.
Note: the metal pin on the picture, was only put in so I could take the picture.

Step 4:
Attach the ribbon with a metal pin.

Step 5:
Lay the cake boards on the chosen paper. Take your pencil and draw a line around the board on the paper. Cut out with a pair of scissors.

Step 6:
Take the glue stick and add glue thoroughly all over the board.

Step 7:
Place the paper circle on the cake board and rub it lightly.

Step 8:
Now it is time to attache the ribbon to the side of the cake board. Add a metal pin to just keep the ribbon in place.

Step 9:
If you like you can rub a bit of glue on the side so the ribbon stays in place. End by taking the metal pin and attach it to the overlaps.

Step 10:
Now your cake stand is finished.
Note: I have not assembled my cake stand with glue, but you could do that for an extra safety. If you use iced cake boards you can use royal icing to fix it if you like.

For details on where to buy materials and reader tips visit the original post at Cake Journal!

PS have you entered our giveaway yet? Check out last Fridays post to enter!

Pink, Green, & Brown Sip & See

2010-05-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

The Swanky Chicks love baby showers, and we love finding new baby shower inspiration to share with you! Pink is definitely the traditional color for a baby girl baby shower but Chris from Celebrations at Home sure know how to jazz it up! Chris created this gorgeous Sip & See for the proud new mom of a baby girl.

We just adore the pink and white frames filled with girlie sayings like "Thank heaven for little girls." Chris used a great mint green color table cloth and ribbons to break up the all pink and make it interesting.

Just so you don't forget this part is all about the baby Chris used pink plastic pacifiers as a vase filler for the floral arrangements.

Celebrations at Home created a gorgeous party filled with tons of great ideas for you to incorporate into your next baby shower.

P.S. We are running an awesome giveaway! Scroll down to Fridays Post. You could win $40 worth of custom favor labels or tags. You choose the shape, size, colors, and personalization! There are five easy ways to enter what are you waiting for!

Favor Tag & Label Giveaway!

2010-04-30T13:07:00.000-07:00

Our Swanky Giveaway is finally here! Up for grabs is $40 to use at our shop SwankyChicks.com for our new favor tags or labels! You will be able to fully personalize the tags or labels. Choose your size, style, color, shape and wording to create a custom tag. We are introducing our all new online prevew tool and want to see what you think. Our new interactive tool allows you to design and create your tags and labels and preview them instantly prior to ordering!

We want to hear what you think of it. So here's the scoop. Rush over to Swanky Chicks and take a look at the Favor Tags and Favor Labels. 1. Come back follow our blog (click the follow tab to the right) and leave a comment telling us what you think. It's that easy! Want more ways to enter?

2. Share our giveaway on your blog and leave a separate comment letting us know with your link.
3. Tweet about our giveaway and leave a separate comment letting us know with the link.
4. Post our giveaway on your facebook and leave a separate comment letting us know with a link to your page.
5. Suggest our Facebook Fan Page to your friends and become a fan yourself! Again leave a comment letting us know.
Five easy ways to enter! What are you waiting for check out our favor tags and labels!

Swanky Chicks Instant online previews are power by:

Winner will be announced May 15th so spread the word and enter today!
Psst the words in bold are links to the product so you can check them out.

Rustic DIY Centerpiece

2010-04-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

It's DIY Wednesday and we have a gorgeous rustic centerpiece project for you today! These centerpieces are perfect for creating a casual table setting with a rustic outdoorsy feel. They were originally created as a wedding centerpiece but would work wonderfully for any event.

Project and Images Via: OnceWed

What you will need:

· slice of wood ( 11′ diam x 2.5′ h)
· glass cylinder vases ( 11′h, 9′h, 6′h x 3.5′ diam) you can find these at
Jo-Ann Fabrics, Michael’s Crafts, and Hobby Lobby
· pillar candles ( 3 varying heights to fit in each vase)
· ribbon & yarn
· fabric, wood, or dried flowers
· double sided tape
· scissors

Project and Images Via: OnceWed

Instructions:

1. Cut 3 pieces of ribbon/yarn (one arms length per piece). Wrap each vase with ribbon/yarn. Attach ends of ribbon/yarn with double sided tape to surface of vase. I chose to wrap with a knobby yarn, satin ribbon, and grosgrain ribbon to create a variety of textures. I also wrapped the ribbon/yarn at different heights on each vase to create more interest.

2. Attach fabric/wood/dried flower to a piece of ribbon and tie around tallest vase.

3. Insert pillar candles into vases. arrange cluster of vases on wood slice, keeping the sides with the tape facing the center.

4. Arrange fabric/wood/dried flowers on wood slice around the vase cluster. Light the candles and enjoy your rustically elegant centerpiece!

FYI: The wooden flowers shown are no longer available for purchase. I would suggest creating fabric flowers or heading to a local craft store and picking up some dried botanicals. If you are interested in creating these centerpieces in large numbers, I would suggest ordering the vases in bulk.

P.S. We have an awesome giveaway coming up on Friday $50 worth of personalized labels or tags from SwankyChicks.com and Paperwed. We just launched a new preview tool where you can see your labels before you buy and in honor of that are giving away free tags or labels. Subscribe to our Blog via email in the top right hand corner, or become a fan on facebook so that you don't miss out on this great giveaway!

Banana Sushi??????

2010-04-26T09:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, we are serious banana sushi! The name sounds kinda gross but read the recipe and it sounds yummy. This recipe is a fun little twist on what we traditionally think of as sushi, don't worry no fish. Banana sushi can be served for breakfast, lunch or a snack and makes a great treat for kids and grown ups. The best part is it's healthy, delicious and easy! Click here for the recipe on ehow.

We found this recipe via Kinser Event Company. Their blog is full of gorgeous event inspiration, vendor reviews and this fun little recipe. Kinser Events added a honey dipping sauce on the side!

This recipe would make a great addition to a jungle themed party, or help to make the kids snack table look a little more grown up.

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Banana
Peanut Butter
Bread
Knife
Rolling Pin

Step1
Take two slices of bread (whole wheat,whole grain, white) and remove the crusts completely.
Step2
Take the two slices of bread and overlap them slightly. While overlapped, take a rolling pin and roll the bread slices flat. This will also connect the two slices of bread at the point of overlap.
Step3
Take the peanut butter and spread a layer (thickness to your liking)evenly over the flattened slices of bread. Be sure that the bread is covered completely.
Step4
Take a medium sized ripe banana and remove the peel completely. Lay the banana on the bread. Be sure the banana is placed at one end of the bread so that you can roll it up.
Step5
With your knife, slice "sushi" sized pieces(about 1 inch thick) and arrange on a plate. You are now ready to enjoy your sushi!
Tips & Warnings
- Creamy peanut butter works best
- If the banana is curved, straighten it slightly with your hands so that it rolls well in the bread.
- Use whole grain or whole wheat bread for optimum nutritional value.

Swanky Uptown Bridal Shower

2010-04-23T13:26:00.000-07:00

We just about died when we saw this gorgeous bridal shower over on the Hostess Blog! The aubergine ruffled place mats are a dream come true, and the candle sticks dripping in jewels are beautiful. This “Gossip Girl Inspired” Bridal Shower was created by event planner Carolyn Chen of The Special Day. Carolyn you are one talented lady!

Our favorite detail from this party is that true to the theme each guest chose a headband to wear, a la Blair Waldorf, that served as her favor.

Repeating elements is what really added the glam to this table setting. Choose a color, texture, or flower like these peonies and use it over and over again to up the WOW factor.

We adore this handmade sign. Head to your local scrap book store to create one of your own.
For even more details visit the Hostess Blog.

Mocktail Recipe!

2010-04-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

This yummy summer time recipe is from http://www.marthastewart.com/truvia Did you know that Truvia does not affect the glycemic index making it great for diabetics and anyone watching their weight! This would be a great signature cocktail at your next party.

Napkin Dress- DIY Wednesday

2010-04-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

Swanky Chicks we are back! We have great tutorial for you today that we found via facebook. One of our facebook fans Krystal Dawson created these adorable napkin dresses for a baby shower she recently threw. Krystal was kind enough to share a link to the tutorial that she used to create them.

This great idea comes from HowDoesShe.com a DIY dream come true! The idea is so simple and makes a great impact at a baby or bridal shower.
1. Fold each end of your napkin to the center.
2. Fold the napkin in half again until you have this....

3. Next cut a triangle out to create the waist and arms
If your napkins are too long you can then cut them shorter.

4. You will then cut another triange to create the neckline.

5.Open the napkin and you have your dress! Embelish with ribbon or trim and you are done.

Krystal inserted a spoon into each dress to create a bump! Thank you so much to Krystal Dawson and HowDoesShe.com

Your idea or project could be featured on the Swanky Blog. Submit your ideas via email info@swankychicks.com or become a Facebook Fan today and share them on Facebook.

New projects, new products

2010-04-20T15:02:00.000-07:00

We just wanted to pop in for our loyal blog followers and let you know we will be back to our regular blogging tomorrow! So many exciting new products have been coming in and we have been busy busy getting them added to the site. We are also introducing an instant preview feature for a ton of our personalized products, so you can see your labels instantly! We have a great DIY Wednesday project for you tomorrow and here is a sneak peak at our new label designs from Swanky Chicks & Paperwed.

DIY Spring Centerpiece

2010-04-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

We came across an adorable DIY project for a centerpiece over on the Hostess Blog. This project can easily be customized to coordinate with your event for a lovely centerpiece. Choose paper and ribbons to match your theme, change out the flowers, even change the birds to hearts, flowers, baby booties, a shape that coordinates for you! The project can be adapted for a baby shower, bridal shower, or birthday party with a little creativity.

YOU’LL NEED:

Small Bedding plants (English Daisies pictured here)
Shallow rectangular vase
Die-cut Chipboard Shapes (pictured here: Maya Road’s Song Bird Coasters)
Decorative Papers (pictured here: Craft Fair by American Crafts)
Lollipop sticks
Glue stick or spray craft glue , Hot Glue Gun, Scissors
Faux flower or other embellishment for the vase (optional)

Check out the Hostess Blog for the full DIY instructions.

New Twist on a Spa Party

2010-04-12T08:26:00.000-07:00

Seriously how cute is this spa party! One of our favorite bloggers Chris from Celebrations at Home posted this great new twist on the traditional spa party. The writers at Nonpariel Magazine created a gorgeous desert display for a ladies spa party. Oh wait, you mean that's not desert? Nope! It's spa products for all of the ladies set up like a desert table! Guess what else, you can get downloads for the labels and boxes. If that wasn't cool enough you can also get recipes to make your own spa products like bath salts, sugar scrub, and lip balm! We are in love with this new online magazine and the great freebies, check it out.

Polaroids, Favorite Streets, & NYC

2010-04-06T08:13:00.000-07:00

We are just loving the sophisticated Bryant Park Grill, NYC wedding of Erica & Andy. Weddings by Chris Leary Photography sent us this amazing wedding and we could not pass up the opportunity to share it with you. This one is all about the fun little details. Keep reading for the all the ways the bride incorporated a little fun into this chic event. Chris Leary did an amazing job photographing this event. Visit his site for a look at some of his other amazing work, you will not be disappointed, we weren't! You can also get a free copy of "10 Mistakes Brides Make When Planning Their Wedding Photography." NYC brides, love his work? Contact him for availability.

The table names were inspired from the couples love of NYC.
- Two of our favorite things to do together are exploring New York neighborhoods and photography (especially black and white). We are always on a 'photo journey' around NYC. So we wanted to make the table names personal by taking pictures of the signs from our favorite streets in New York. For example, Irving (where the bridal party sat) is the street we live on.

As guests arrived, they took polaroid photos, pasted them into book and then signed.

- For the polaroids - We didn't want to do the traditional sign-in Guest Book and had a friend that used the polaroid idea and fell in love with it. I mean, who actually goes back to read who attended their wedding? It was my favorite part of the day after the wedding: going through all the pictures in the books which really showed how much fun the guests had with it. Pictures ranged from traditional poses to hilarious group shots.

Bend the Light

2010-04-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

An amazing Texas photography duo Bend the Light Photography submitted this quirky and fun engagment session. Can I just say the we are in LOVE with these pictures! The ladies of Bend the Light worked with the bride and groom to plan the picnic concept, and little pre-planning goes a long way. This adorable bride had her fiance try on all of his outfits the night before to make sure they matched. If that isn't love we don't know what is! Bend the Light did a wonderful job capturing these two and the undeniable love they have for each other. Love just pours out of the photographs. Enjoy these gorgeous photos from Bend the Light and visit their blog for tons more!

Pram Theme Baby Shower

2010-04-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday Swanky Chicks! We are guest blogging again today at the awesome Creative Party Place. We featured a brand new custom baby shower design we did for a Portland mommy-to-be. The ladies were a pleasure to work with and did an amazing job bringing our details to life. Head on over and check out our guest post for the full details.

Around the Clock Bridal Shower

2010-04-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

Good Morning to all of our Swanky Chicks! We are so excited to let you in on our little secret project this week. Swanky Chicks is the guest blogger over at Creative Party Place! We are so honored and excited to be posting on this awesome party site. Head on over and check out our post about an around the clock bridal shower. Check back with us tomorow for all the details on a custom baby shower we designed. Our facebook fans have gotten a sneak peak of it but we have the full post tomorow. Don't forget to hurry over to Creative Party Place for our post, and if you are not a facebook fan already become one! You are missing out on insider info and coupons only available to our facebook fans.

DIY Wednesday - Contain Your Joy

2010-03-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

This adorable treat looks so delicious it is definitely on our grocery list for the next party. You know how we love practical double duty favors and this yummy desert does not disappoint. Guests can take home the concoction as a favor, or it can be served as desert and the cute container serves as a take home favor.
Cushion a vanilla cupcake between a layer of raspberry jam and a dollop of cream-cheese frosting in a classic canning jar. Pair it with a wooden spoon, and voila -- you've got a pudding-rich, mess-free treat that guests can easily take home. Visit Martha Stewart for the delicious cupcakes in a jar recipe.

"WILD" Baby Shower

2010-03-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

Animal themed baby showers and birthday parties are a great way to celebrate with out being too girly or too masculine. The theme is fun and vibrant and you can really go "WILD" with the decorations. We have seen some great ideas for this theme lately and want to share a few. Celebrations at Home featured a "WILD" Jungle themed baby shower this week that is just too adorable. Non alcoholic jungle juice and bloody mary's were served in mason jars, and an Amy Atlas inspired desert table all tied together the theme.

Talk a walk on the "WILD" side with this gorgeous inspiration from The Hostess Blog. Safari Luxe is a grown up take on the jungle theme, and we love it! Learn how to make amazing paper palm trees for your jungle bash on The Hostess Blog.

This birthday party from Jessica Davis photography is just too cute not to share! They had a Safari themed birthday, equipped with a jumping house, face painting, games and a petting zoo! No detail was overlooked, the kid food was renamed goldfish (piranas) raisins (dried ants). Upon walking through the door each child registered their passport and chose an animal costume to wear. I think Lincoln’s mom has a future career in party planning.

History of Favors

2010-03-26T09:02:00.000-07:00

Wedding favors have become a popular tradition at wedding receptions with almost every bride and groom placing one on each place setting for each attendee on the table.

Swanky Chicks: Baroque Frame Favor

But why are they so important and is it worth spending part of your bridal budget on these?
We look back at the history and the reasons why these could be an important part of your day.
Wedding favors date back from the 16th century where the bride and groom gave guests a keepsake as a special thank you for attending their special day.

Swanky Chicks: Love is Sweet Sugar Cookie Mix

The first wedding favors were believed to be a small trinket box made of crystal, porcelain, and/or precious stones filled with 5 sugar cubes. The sugar cubes were said to symbolize each of the five wishes commonly bestowed upon the bride and groom by their guests (health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity). By giving a favor the bride and groom were in turn wishing their guests the same.

Swanky Chicks: Cherry Blossom Candle

Although the basic premise of these still lingers today, the wedding favor market has grown rapidly. Couples have updated the tradition and now put their own personal touch on favors.
Popular alternatives to the traditional favors include silver plated bottle opener or favor bags, picture frames, candles and candle holders complete with a personalized message.

Swanky Chicks: Fleur De Lis Bottle Stopper

So don't forget to thank your guests for helping you celebrate your special day. Swanky Chicks is a great place to grab those favors and our Facebook Fans receive a special discount. Become a fan of Swanky Chicks today to get your discount code!

Cakespirations!

2010-03-25T10:43:00.000-07:00

Yum! Check out these delectable deserts. Meringue was used to create an interesting take on traditional cakes. I'm hungry for cake!

images: Martha Stewart

DIY Wednesday Dahlia Favors

2010-03-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

Dahlia favors
This unique spring favor idea is from Martha Stewart Weddings.
These gorgeous favors are a great DIY idea for a bridal shower, baby shower or garden themed event!
It may not be dahlia season just yet, but that doesn't mean you can't channel this flower's intense color and festive attitude here and now. For these eye-catching favor pouches, we used bright tissue paper to create a pattern that mimics that bold beauty, then tied on a tag bearing planting instructions, and verdant ribbon to pose as leaves. At home, guests will peel back the petals to reveal a dormant dahlia bulb brimming with potential and just waiting to take root.

You will need:
Dahlia bulbs,

Tissue paper
String or heavy thread
Ribbon
To wrap the bulb, stack two pieces of tissue paper and fold them in half side to side, then top to bottom.
Download the PDF of Martha's dahlia template, and print onto standard printer paper. Cut out template; then lay on top of folded tissue paper, aligning straight edges of template with the two folded edges of the tissue paper. Trace lightly around the template, and then cut on the line to create a tissue-paper dahlia. Open tissue paper and rotate top sheet slightly so the petal tips are staggered.

Wrap the bulb in another layer of tissue paper, and place it in the center of the tissue-paper dahlia. Wrap the tissue-paper dahlia around the bulb, drawing the sides up and to the center; secure with string (leave ends long for now).
To make the tags, download the PDFs of both the initials tag and the planting-instructions tag.
For the initials tag, type in your first initials and event date. Print onto 8 1/2-by-11-inch card stock.

For the planting-instructions tag, print onto card stock.
Using a 1 1/2-inch circle craft punch, punch out each tag. (Turn the craft punch upside down, so you can see the positioning of the design in the hole of the punch.)
Place an initials tag on top of an instructions tag, and use a small hole punch to make a hole through the top center of both tags.
Thread string through the holes and tie; trim ends.
Wrap a pretty ribbon around to cover up the string, and tie.

Spring Centerpieces

2010-03-23T09:49:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air and in honor of that we have gathered together some of our favorite spring centerpiece ideas. These centerpieces can serve as inspiration for any upcoming event. Get creative and recreate one of these for your next party!

We just love this gorgeous orange and pink table. Better Homes and Gardens used a combination of vase and flower heights to create this beautiful arrangement. The vases are filled with gel beads that hold water and make flower arranging simple. Substitute your own colors or a different combination of vases to make this look your own.

Better Homes and Gardens created this gorgeous centerpiece, that doubles as a name card holder, from sod! Combine the sod with your choice of center floral arrangement to make this your own. Or how about using a cylindrical vase and sticks you collect for a more earthy vibe.

Our next beautiful spring centerpiece idea comes from Martha Stewart. She used a child's beach bucket to create a lovely spring centerpiece. Spray paint the beach bucket in a color to coordinate with your theme and attach a table number if needed. Fill with a fresh arrangement of spring flowers and you have a quick and easy centerpiece.

Do you have a creative idea for a spring centerpiece? Comment and leave a link to your idea if you have it!

Shower Game- Great Ice Breaker

2010-03-19T09:07:00.000-07:00

We have a fun original shower game for you today from none other than the Martha! This adorable "I knew you when" shower game will get all of your guests chatting and remembering great times you had together, all while making new memories together!

I Knew You When ...

This bold time line serves as a three-dimensional reminder of when you first met your guests.
Play It
Each guest sticks a flag into the year she met the honoree.
Make It
Save our clip art on a disk. Have it printed on oversize paper and mounted to foam board at a print shop. Cut flags from origami or scrapbooking paper; punch two holes and thread a corsage pin through. Stick into a fabric-wrapped foam board on a tray. Pins, by Lomey, from michaelsfloralsupply.com.

Game Board How-To
1. Download the PDF onto a disk or thumb drive, and take it to a print or copy shop that can print on oversize paper. (You will need 17-by-46-inch paper in order to print out the full-size timeline.)
2. The timeline is designed to encompass a wide range of years; some of them won't be useful for you. Work with the copy shop to cut off the sections that contain years that aren't applicable (those before the oldest of you was born and those years that are after your event).
3. Have the copy shop mount the cropped timeline on foam board.
4. To attach it to the wall, hang it like a picture: Lay a string across the top half of the board on the back side, and tape it securely at the ends with duct tape or wide packing tape. Then work with your venue to hang a removable self-adhesive picture hook on the wall, and loop the string across it.

Flags How To
Use a paper trimmer or a craft knife and metal straightedge to cut 1/2-inch-wide strips of scrapbooking or other paper (those with a design on one side and a solid color on the other are best). Cut the strips into 3-inch lengths, and notch one end of each. Use a small Japanese hole punch to make two holes, one above the other, in the other ends; you will thread a corsage pin through those two holes. Curl the paper between your fingers to shape it into a flag, and then insert the pin.
Thanks Martha!

What is better than lemonade on a warm summer day?

2010-03-18T10:25:00.000-07:00

Personalized lemonade favors that your guests can take home and enjoy later. Nothing is sweeter than love but our personalized lemonade mix sure comes close! Treat guests to this refreshingly sweet summertime drink. It is warming up and the warm weather has us dreaming of gorgeous outdoor affairs. Our lemonade favors are the perfect compliment to an outdoor affair. Personalize them with your name, date, or any other sentiment for your guests to remember the day.

DIY Wednesday- Favor Boxes

2010-03-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

We found some adorable wedding gown favor boxes on The Hybrid Chick that we just had to share with you! This project is high on style and low on budget, just how we like a DIY project.

You will need heavy paper, white thread and needle, a printer, scissors, and lace for trim. You can view the full DIY tutorial at Hybrid Chick.

DIY Chandeliers

2010-03-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

Check out these gorgeous chandeliers that a crafty Napa Valley couple made themselves! We are drooling over this gorgeous wedding and would love to try out this project. Head over to Style Me Pretty to see all of the wedding details.

For now here is some info on this awesome project from the bride.
We had a number of DIY projects — the biggest of which was making the chandeliers for the barn. We bought wood planks from a reclaimed barn, had a woodworker saw holes into them, glued mason jars in, dropped candles into the jars and strung them up with sailor’s rope. (And I want to note that, while we executed them, the ideas for the chandeliers and table runners came from our amazing designers at Atelier Joya)."

Showered with Love!

2010-03-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

I just absolutely died when I saw this gorgeous center piece over on The Party Dress! It is not too often that you see a wonderful, whimsical take on a traditional shower theme. The beautiful umbrella centerpiece is great for a baby shower or bridal shower. Coordinate the theme around "shower" like "showered with love"

Image via The Knot

"Using a small umbrella, hang crystals from clear fishing wire from each point to look like rain drops. You could insert the embellished umbrella into just about any sort of floral centerpiece." Kelly The Party Dress
You can find gorgeous umbrellas like these at Bella Umbrella.

Baby Shower Invitation

Set the theme with "shower" invitations like these from Swanky Chicks

Baby Shower Invitation

"Shower" your guests with love and thanks with these practical baby shower favors.

The umbrella is a key chain tape measure, perfect for carrying in your purse! Don't forget as always at Swanky Chicks the more you buy the more you save. We offer quantity discounts on favors and invitations!

Floral Arranging at a Bridal Shower?

2010-03-11T09:36:00.000-08:00

That is the gem of an idea we read about over at 100 Layer Cake and The Perfect Bridesmaid. I have to say I am in love with this idea. The concept is this- so many of us love having fresh flowers in our homes but hate the cost of the delivered bouquets from the florist. The flower bundles in the grocery store are much less expensive, but mine never turn into the gorgeous arrangements the florist delivers. That is where the very talented Sarah of Blossom and Branch came up with the idea for Bodega Flowers 101. Sarah teaches you how to take those grocery store flowers from ordinary to extraordinary!

Add your best girlfriends, some good food and good wine, and this sounds like a perfect non traditional bridal shower. Blossom and Branch is in New York but don't fret there is a DIY solution for everyone else. Flower Duet has the Flower Party in a Box. Flower Party in a Box is a steal at about $26 per guest and includes all of this:

How to Create a European Wrap Bouquet DVD to watch with your guests and get to work on your own designs.

Three Flower Recipes for each design on the DVD - nine recipes in all.

Floral cutters for each guest to use and take home – these are our favorite we use for every class & workshop.

To-go Vases that are reusable and lightweight – You pick the color for your party theme.

Floral design Tip Sheets for each guest to take home.

And…one free email consultation on where to buy your flowers for your party and what to buy!

Here is a sample of one of the gorgeous arrangements you can create with flower party in a box.

Ladies I think EM needs this at her shower!

DIY Wednesday- Cake Pops

2010-03-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

We gave you a little teaser last week about or DIY Wednesday post today and it is finally here! We have been drooling over the gorgeous cupcake pops that have been decorating desert tables at some of the swankiest parties. Now you can make them yourself and show everyone what a Swanky Hostess you are!

This DIY is from Sandy a la Mode and the yummy blue and white cake pops she made for her nephews first birthday we featured last week.

Ingredients:

Red velvet cake mix
16 oz. can cream cheese frosting
Colored candy melts
Lollipop sticks

Directions:

1. Make your own red velvet cake from scratch or buy a box from store and follow directions on box. I did the latter. =)

2. Let cake cool before thoroughly mixing in a 16 oz. can of cream cheese frosting.

3. Form cake and cream cheese mixture into 1.25″-1.5″ balls and place on wax paper covered cookie sheet. You should be able to make anywhere from 40-60 balls. And wash your hands periodically as this can get real messy!

4. Put in fridge for a few hours or in freezer for 15 minutes.

5. While cake balls are chilling, melt colored candy melts in microwave. I melted mine in a bowl for 2 minutes total, at 30 second intervals and stirring in between.

6. Dip cake balls in melted candy and coat thoroughly. I used a spoon to help roll the balls around.

7. Dip end of your lollipop stick in the melted chocolate. Let it dry right side up to ensure perfect roundness. (I made holes in the bottoms of an egg carton and let the cake pops sit there until dry.)

8. You are now ready to display your cake pops in whichever fashion you choose!

Gilt Group Wedding Weekend

2010-03-09T08:57:00.000-08:00

Gilt Group and Martha Stewart Weddings have teamed up to bring you a fabulous weekend full of amazing discounts. That is after all what Gilt Group does best. Thought a couture bridal gown was out of reach? Think again. An impressive line up of designers like Carolina Herrera, Alexander McQueen Thread, Amsale, and Vera Wang Lavender and many more have all teamed up with Gilt Group and Martha Stewart Weddings for this weekend sale. Still looking for that gown that will make your fiance's jaw drop as you come down the aisle? Want bridesmaids dresses that your friends might actually wear again? Join Gilt Group starting Friday at noon ET to shop the sale.

Update from Cristina on the Gilt Group Forum:

Hi Ladies - we are thrilled that you are excited for this wedding weekend! To answer some of your questions, we have everything from shoes to traditional and non-traditional gowns, dresses for members of the bridal party, jewelry, gifts for the bride and groom and bridal party, flower girl dresses, honeymoons, tuxes and more! Many of the items in the sale will be sold with our normal return policies, however some special items, including gowns, will be final sale. We have chosen these gowns so carefully for you, I am sure you'll be happy with your purchases. And the amazing prices mean you can afford the very best tailor... and STILL save a ton of money. Just remember to size up, as you would for any dress you are having fitted to you. - Cristina from Gilt

Free Invitation Suite from Marry You Me

2010-03-08T09:37:00.000-08:00

We stumbled across a great new blogging friend and just had to share with the Swanky Chicks. Marry You Me is giving away a free printable invitation suite to commemorate their first anniversary. The invitation design is sweet and simple, and so versatile. You can download the invitation suite in four colors that could be used for showers, birthdays, anything you can come up with. Hurry on over and download yours today!

Natural Place Cards

2010-03-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

Are you loving these place cards as much as we are? They would be wonderful for any nature, garden, or bird themed party. Use jordan almonds instead of faux eggs and they make a great favor! Run over to Scissor Variations for the full DIY post!

Sophisticated Safari

2010-03-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

We are stuck on adorable baby showers this week! After my gripe about hard to find vintage inspired baby showers I have stumbled across a few great new blogs, be sure to visit them for more inspirations (links in the credits.)

Who knew safari could look this good. The muted color palate and textile inspired patters give this theme a decidedly vintage feel. We are loving this swanky party! The inspiration came from an elephant shaped Martha Stewart craft punch. The birthday boy's mom took the inspiration and ran with it. The soft cool color palate carried over into a desert table decked out in pale blue and white treats, and cupcake toppers made with the craft punch.

Talented auntie Sandy from Sandy A La Mode made the yummy blue and white cake pops from scratch. They are red velvet cake in the center, yum. Check in for DIY Wednesday next week and we will be featuring her how to and recipe so you can make your own.

credits: Twig & Thistle, Sandy A La Mode, Youkeun Photography

Vintage Owl Baby Shower

2010-03-03T07:15:00.000-08:00

We are still on the hunt for great vintage baby shower inspiration and came across this adorable cupcake display from Blue Cupcake. We loved their work so much we signed up to follow the blog and became a fan on facebook, you should too! Blue Cupcake's designs are a fun whimsical take on the modern cupcake with a splash of vintage mixed in for good measure.Take a peak at their owl themed cupcake tower, it is perfect for a vintage owl themed baby shower.

DIY Wednesday FREE Printables

2010-03-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

We have another gorgeous freebie for you this week! This one comes from Phyllis Hoffman Celebrates. These pink damask and lime green colored cupcake toppers and tent cards are to die for. I want to throw a party in these colors just so I can use theme. You can download them here.
And a coordinating baby shower game here.

The colors go perfectly with Swanky Chicks pink damask baby shower invitations and bridal shower invitations!

Vintage Baby Shower

2010-03-02T09:15:00.000-08:00

I recently had a mom-to-be come to me looking for inspiration for a vintage baby shower. She found a vintage pram at a local antique store and is decorating her nursery around it. We loved the idea of a vintage anthropologie style nursery and shower! After searching the net we found there are tons of gorgeous vintage wedding inspirations out there, but not much for a baby shower. We did stumble across this gem of a baby shower from Jesi from Jesi Haack Weddings, Carissa of JL Designs, and Melody of Sweet and Saucy Shop.

This team of uber creative ladies came up with a non traditional take on the baby shower, and we love it! Lemonade served in mason jars, wild flowers in colored glass vases that you could find in any antique or second hand shop.

An unbelievably gorgeous desert table that stands out even more with garlands of tissue paper pompoms hanging behind it. Love the pom poms? Check out our DIY Wednesday here for instructions.

Swanky Chicks own owl baby shower invitations coordinate perfectly with this theme.

Sneak Peak- New Baby Shower Invites

2010-03-01T09:55:00.000-08:00

The Swanky Chicks are working on adding our new 2010 line of baby shower invitations to the site from Take Note! Designs. Here is a little preview of the great new designs. There are literally dozens of new invitations being added! We will have them up on the site as quickly as we can work. For now here is a little teaser......

Day 3 Swoon Worthy Blogs

2010-02-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

We have another great blog for you today from a stellar event planner. St Louis based Stem Parties and the very talented Amy. Amy features not only her own beautiful events but tons of original party ideas and inspirations submitted by her readers and found across the web. Stem's slogan is fabulous parties start here, and the Stem blog is definitely the place to start for your party inspiration. If you are in the St Louis area and want some help being a swanky hostess, Amy is your go to girl! Amy will help you turn your vision into a reality and let you be the gracious hostess at your party instead of the stressed out hostess. :) The Stem Blog is your go to resource for gorgeous party inspiration.

Freebie Wednesday Continues!

2010-02-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

Swanky Chicks do you know someone who could use a free baby shower game? Tell them about us! We are still giving a free printable version of our Celebrity Baby Name game to anyone who posts our button on thier blog or becomes a fan on facebook. You can find the code for our button in our right side bar towards the top. Just send us an email info(at)swankychicks.com and let us know what color you would like pink or blue. The original blog post has all the details, and a peak at the cute game.

Day 2 of Swoon Worthy Blogs!

2010-02-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

The little gem we have for you today comes from Celebrations at Home. Chris is a Richmond VA based event planner with a serious eye for style. Her mission is to bring "big event" styling to your smaller scale celebration, with a modern and fresh approach. Chris's wonderful blog Celebrations at Home is a daily dose of gorgeous design style. Chris creates inspiration boards to inspire you to create your own "celebration at home." She also features real parties and beautiful events she finds through her work. The Swanky Chicks often find ourselves inspired by Celebrations at Home. If you have been following us for a while you may recognize her name, we have refered to her often! With her creative blog posts and quickly growing following you will definetely want to see what all the buzz is about. Don't forget to sign up for an RSS feed or follow her blog so you don't miss out on any of the great events. While you are at it if you aren't already a Swanky Chick follower or subscriber please join us! You will find buttons on our right side bar to become a follower or get our RSS feed.

Her is a peak at what Celebrations at Home has been posting about.

Swoon Worthy Blogs

2010-02-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

This week we want to share the blog love with some fabulous bloggers you just have to check out. Every day this week we will be featuring a blog that we think is totaly swoon worthy. Great content, gorgeous inspiration, they have all made this list because we follow them diligently and think you should too.

To kick start the week we have The Party Dress. If you have not seen this blog yet get ready to be inspired. Our favorite part about The Party Dress is that you can find so many types of inspiration. Holidays, crafts, decorating, table setting, parties, weddings, and showers all neatly organized into easy to navigate tabs. The Party Dress is Inspirations for the Well Heeled Hostes. Here is a sneak peak of the inspiration you can find at the Party Dress. Hurry go check it out, now!

Personalized Lollipops Back in Stock!

2010-02-19T12:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday to all my Swanky Chicks! Quite a few of you were disappointed when our lollipop favors went on backorder a couple weeks ago. We are happy to say they are back in stock!

These strawberry-flavored favors are a blissful treat for anyone who comes to shower the Mom or Bride to Be. Their great patterns and prettily tied white satin bow also spruce up any baby shower or bridal shower. Every 24 ordered arrive with a white Display Box for holding each lollipop upright in a group, ideal for keeping them neatly arrayed and showing them off along with any gifts or flowers the honoree receives.

For an extra sweet desert table get creative and work them into arrangements like this wedding favor. A glass vase was filled with jelly beans and the lollipops were arranged inside.

Do you have a great idea for these gorgeous lollipop favors? Share it with all the Swanky Chicks and leave a comment.

Free Printable Baby Shower Game

2010-02-17T13:27:00.000-08:00

We are replacing DIY Wednesday this week with Freebie Wednesday! The Swanky Chicks have been hard at work creating a great new printable baby shower game. The game is the celebrity baby name game and we have it available in pink and in blue! Here is the scoop, we are giving the printable pdf file away. You heard us 100% free. In return we would like all of the Swanky Chicks out there to help spread the love. Grab our I'm a Swanky Chick button and post it on your blog.

Then send an email to info@swankychicks.com with the URL location of our button and which color you want. That's it, it's that simple and you have a totally free fun shower game. You don't have a blog you say, or you want both colors? Become a fan of Swanky Chicks on facebook. Then send us an email letting us know you became a fan, be sure to include your color preference. We will email you the pdf file ASAP. Thanks for spreading the love!

Gorgeous Black White and Yellow

2010-02-16T19:47:00.000-08:00

A splash of bold color is the perfect way to add a little fun to your event. You can add bold color without sacrificing any bit of sophistication. Take a peak at this gorgeous black, white, and yellow party by Bliss Events. We stumbled accross this gorgeous event over at the Celebrations at Home blog. Basic white serving sets are paired with black and white candle sticks over a simple black table linen. Menu cards and flowers in a vibrant yellow add a pop of color. Found or repurposed candlesticks and chandeliers can be spray painted to coordinate with your theme. With a little work and creativity you can easily recreate this event with out breaking the bank. Head on over to Bliss Events and Celebrations at Home for tons more eye candy!

Ode to Love -Just in time for Valentines Day

2010-02-11T09:41:00.000-08:00

Swanky Chicks is a proud Kate Aspen Favor vendor. Kate Aspen is the nations leading wedding and baby shower manufacturer. Favors created by Kate Aspen are innovative, and unique, not to mention high quality. Enjoy Kate's Ode to Love. All of the favors featured in the video are available at Swanky Chicks. We offer quantity discounts on all favors and low minimums!

Easy Five Minute Flower Arrangements - DIY Wednesday

2010-02-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

Floral arrangements are an integral and often time consuming part of any event, not to mention expensive. We have gathered a few gorgeous yet simple and inexpensive flower arrangement ideas that you can use at your next event.

Elevate a handful of single variety flowers, such as these ruffly poppies, with a proper collar of hosta leaves.
-Cut the hosta stems long so you can play with the width of the collar depending on the size of the flowers.
-Arrange hostas along the rim of the arrangement.

Credits: Better Homes and Gardens

Think Inside the Vase

--Twist a small palm frond or banana leaf into a tall cylinder vase as a backdrop for a delicate white orchid branch.

--Float a single blossom at the bottom of the vase and display.

For a look from Southern Living, use glass wasp catchers -- available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors -- as innovative vases. They're inexpensive, sturdy enough for outside or in, and pretty enough to dress up any setting.
For an easy centerpiece, group a few and fill with your favorite flowers.

Hydrangeas make a gorgeous flower arrangement, and a single stem can go a long way. Here a single stem was cut to sit low in cylindrical vases. Wrap the vase in ribbon that coordinates with your theme and you are done!

Credit: Isaac Mizrahi NY

Peonies look great here cut short and placed in mint julep cups used as vases. Line the vases down the center of your table for an easy low centerpiece that doesn't keep your guests from talking across the table. Any variety of flower that coordinates with your theme would look wonderful as well. The key is to cut them short so they sit tight into a low vase and use multiple vases to create a dramatic effect.

Unique Bridal Shower Favor Idea

2010-02-09T09:38:00.000-08:00

While browsing one of our favorite wedding blogs today Style Me Pretty, I was inspired. Not just by the usual gorgeous events that are featured on the blog, but by a creative bridal shower favor idea. Details Details recently created a bridal shower for soon to be bride Grace. While the shower is soft, girly and totaly beautiful, the favors at the shower were one I just had to share with all of our Swanky Chicks! Jeannie of Details Details writes Empty cupcake boxes were placed into fabric bags that I made, placed at each seat. Then at the end, everyone could fill up their favorite flavor. We love the idea of a sweet treat that you can take home in an even more perfect package.

But the detail that made my heart pitter patter cocktail rings as favors! This is one of those moments where you go why didn't I think of that. You can grab adorable cocktail rings on the cheap around $5 at Forever 21, or if you have the budget for something a little nicer try Aldo or Nordstrom for rings over $10. Details Details had this to say about the cocktail ring presentation. Fun, bold cocktail rings were also another party favor…embedded into flower pots and green lily stands. All the girls had fun picking their ring! You could also pick up favor boxes and wrap the rings in boxes to match your decor and place them at each seat. Swanky Chicks has some great favor boxes to choose from.

Get all the bridal shower details at Style Me Pretty!

Delectable Deserts- Swoon Worthy Style

2010-02-04T09:27:00.000-08:00

Indulge in the gorgeous creations of Vanilla Bake Shop. Their modern take on the wedding cake is the perfect balance between modern and romantic. Vanilla Bake Shop has earned a reputation as the go to place for creative and delicious wedding cakes. You can enjoy the culinary delights of Vanilla Bake Shop long after your wedding too. They offer delicious deserts ranging cupcakes to macaroons, and brownies too!

Here is what owners Amy and Jeremy have to say about Vanilla Bake Shop.

We always bake with love, from scratch, with a focus on contemporary design and taste. The memories from our moms' kitchens have been recreated through Vanilla in a way that is new yet familiar. We hope you will stop by and say hi, while enjoying our Cupcakes, Cakes, and Confections.

A few of our favorite Vanilla Bake Shop creations

Artichoke Placecard Holders- DIY

2010-02-03T14:56:00.000-08:00

We have a gorgeous table scape for you today that you can recreate yourself! The DIY projects here are so simple to recreate and will give your table the wow you are looking for. Line the center of the table with simple low vases filled with paper whites, or any flower that goes with your theme.

To give inexpensive glass candlesticks the look of silvery ones, apply a few coats of spray paint. Tuck the candle sticks in between the vases through the center of the table.

If coordinating vases are not available, wrap clay pots with pieces of glossy gift wrap. Tie the paper in place with silver ribbon or cording. Coordinate your candlesticks with the color of your vases, the color will be the punch your table needs.

The place card holders on this table are actually artichokes spray painted silver! Grab an artichoke for each place setting on your table, paint it white, silver or a coordinating color. Cut the stem so they will stand up on the table and insert your place cards! It is that simple to create a modern, unique place setting.

Image Credits: www.southernliving.com

http://onceuponaplate.blogspot.com

Southern Cocktails - Blueberry Martini

2010-02-02T08:22:00.000-08:00

A few months back my mom, knowing how much I love all things party and all things southern, gifted me a copy of Southern Cocktails by Denise Gee. Ladies this is by far the most fun recipe book I have ever received. Page after page the delicious libations just keep on coming! There are also some yummy appetizer recipes thrown in for good measure. Southern Cocktails is the perfect planning resource for happy hour, a girls night, or really any event you want a signature cocktail for.
For all of our Swanky ladies out there we have the delish blueberry martini recipe to share with you!

BLUEBERRY MARTINI

Handful of fresh, washed blueberries (about 20 small)
1 1/2 ounces vodka
1/2 ounce blue curaçao liqueur
1/3 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice, or more to taste
Garnish: Several berries skewered on a cocktail pick
Muddle the blueberries in a cocktail shaker. Add the vodka, curaçao, and lemon juice. Fill the shaker with ice. Shake vigorously to help the blueberries release more color and flavor. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a chilled martini glass. Add the garnish. Yield: 1

Old Fashoined Sweet Shoppe Inspiration

2010-01-29T08:00:00.000-08:00

We have a trio of yummy sweet shoppe inspirations for you today! The old fashoined sweet shoppe theme makes an adorable baby shower, birthday party or even bridal shower. We love the idea of a pickles and ice cream baby shower theme with this first one, or a retro desert bar at your wedding.

Inspired by fortune cookies, these nondrippy cones let you send a secret message to your guests and look great while doing it. For this desert you will need sugar cones, meringue cookies and chocolate chips for the treat, and pretty paper and sprinkles for the secret message inside.

Print love fortunes on pretty paper and cut them into strips. For a baby shower print a baby themed message like "Babies are sweet as sugar", for a birthday party print the name and date of your party or a fortune to go with the theme. Tuck in the bottom of the cone, for a special treat. For an additional surprise, sprinkle a few colorful sprinkles in the cone on top of the note.

Using a pastry brush, coat the bottoms of two store-bought meringue cookies with melted chocolate chips and stick them together.

Credits: Better Homes & Gardens

Seal Your Note

Coat the top inside of the sugar cone with melted chocolate, then set the meringue cookie "scoop" on top. Let the chocolate set before giving or eating.

Sweet Somethings
An arrangement of lollipop flowers with paper petals makes an eye-catching centerpiece. For each flower, fold colored card stock in half and cut out six hearts. Punch a small hole near the tip of each. Insert a lollipop stick and arrange six hearts on the stem, fanning out the petals around the stick. You have a beautiful sweet treat for your tables!

Credits: BHG

Candy Sundaes
This easy-to-make centerpiece serves double duty with its sugary contents. This is an adorable twist on the candy bar display and gives a retro sweet shoppe feel to the desert table. Thread each end of a piece of ribbon or cord through the holes of a button; knot behind button to secure. Loosely tie ribbon around the top of a long-handled spoon so the buttons trail down each side. Set the spoon in an old fashoined sundae glass and fill with candies.

Credits: BHG

Sweet Love

2010-01-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

Love is meant to be sweet and ideally also stylish. The Sweet Love Collection from Tom Kat Studio is the perfect sweet, stylish, and modern Valentines Day collection. Sweet Love is sweet enough to decorate Valentines bags and treats for kids and modern enough for you. Tom Kat Studio has once again found a perfect balance between whimsical and modern. Package a sweet and stylish treat for your friends, neighbors, or your kids teachers. The best part, Sweet Love is a downloadable file that you can print, cut, and use immediately. No waiting for anxiously for your package to arrive on time!

These adorable printables can be used for much more than Valentines day too. We love the idea of a sweet love baby or bridal shower! Showers are all about showering the guest of honor with love. Use the Red black and white color scheme to create a fabulous shower with red or black table cloths, red candies and treats, white serving platers. The ideas are countless, have fun with it.

Add Swanky Chicks NEW Black Baroque frames for a gorgeous pop of black. Use them as place card holders or fill them with pictures of the guest of honor.

Favor your guest with even more love with our Love glass coaster gift set. The set comes with four lovely glass coasters that measure 3.5" x 3.5" each and a thank you tag.

DIY Wednesday- Eco Friendly Favors

2010-01-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

With the green movement gaining steam, why not incoporate eco friendly giving into your special day. You will be helping make our planet a better place for future generations and thanking your guests all at the same time! We love a double duty favor and these get extra points!

Go green on your wedding day. Give eco-friendly wedding favors to friends and family. Wrap tree seedlings in burlap sacks, or tie wild flower seeds in garden netting. Add a favor tag made from recycled paper and you have a favor that keeps on giving.

Southwest-Inspired Cactus Favors

Make wedding favors inspired by the American Southwest. Plant cacti or succulents in tiny pots, wrap with tissue paper, then secure tissue paper with a ribbon. To counter the rough feel of cacti, include a sweet sentiment such as "besos" (kisses) stamped onto a card stock tag.

Fill flowerpots with bulbs, then slip a package of seeds in each pot. Add a special touch to the wedding favors, create labels with a special sentiment and attach them to the pot or seed packets, add a bow made from string to top it all off.

credits: http://www.bhg.com/crafts/weddings/favors/easy-to-make-wedding-favors/?page=16

$10,000 "Wedding Proposal" Martini

2010-01-26T08:40:00.000-08:00

What does $10,000 get you at New York's famed Algonquin Hotel?
Besides what is possibly the most expensive martini ever, the hotel offers creatively impared men the chance to create the perfect proposal.

This specialty cocktail is served by a white gloved waiter in a crystal glass on a silver platter in the hotel's famous Blue Bar. The hotel arranges for clients to work one on one with a private jeweler to customize the engagement ring picking carat size, number of stones and the setting. The hotel needs at least 72 hours notice to set up this arrangement.

The rich history and elegance of this hotel are the perfect setting for the perfect proposal. The Algonquin Hotel has long been the known as New York’s center of literary and theatrical life. The hotel has hosted the likes of Sincliar Lewis, Derek Walcott, and William Faulkner, who drafted his Nobel Prize acceptance speech at The Algonquin in 1950.

credits: http://www.algonquinhotel.com/, & http://www.luxist.com/

Decorating with Lanterns

2010-01-14T08:51:00.000-08:00

I love the feel that comes with the soft glow of light from hundreds of lanterns scattered around a venue. Check out the real wedding of Mindy and Dave from Southern Weddings to see just what I am talking about. Thier quirky sense of style is spot on and the wedding reception is gorgeous!

DIY Wednesday- Bridal Party Gift

2010-01-13T09:31:00.000-08:00

DIY Wednesday is back after our holiday hiatus! We have a gem of a little project for you today. I just love the versatility of this project. You could use it for your bridal party, a birthday gift, or really any gift giving occassion. As always it is super chic, and the recipient will adore the gift presentation.

Directions:

Give your flower girl a wedding favor to cherish. Slip jeweled dress-up supplies into a circular hatbox. You can find the boxes at your local craft supply. Create a gift tag from patterned paper, then wrap ribbon through two holes and around the box to secure. Take it one step further and decorate the box with patterend paper and embellishments like rhinestones or paper flowers! Fill the box with tissue paper, raffia, tulle or any other gorgeous filler you can find and add the gift. This would be a great presentation for bridesmaids gifts.

Check out Swanky Chicks for tons of great bridal party gifts.

Personalized Insulated Lunch Totes make a great bridesmaids gifts.

Personalized stationary is a bridal party gift that every bridesmaid will use. I recieved personalized stationary as an attendant gift and LOVE it!

What girl doesn't love candles, and these are gorgeous!

A beautiful photo album filled with cherised memories of your friendship is a sentimental bridesmaids gift all of your attendants will love.

Happily Ever After Bridal Boot Camp

2010-01-12T09:28:00.000-08:00

Brides.com featured a new shape up program for brides this week, and we are loving it! Sheila Kelley of S Factor, a striptease-inspired workout studio that has a celebrity following, has created a special program for brides-to-be who are looking to trim down for their wedding day called "Happily Ever After Bridal Boot Camp." The S Factor Happily Ever After Bridal Boot Camp is a 6-week fitness package with 90-minute classes twice a week. You'll tone your arms, legs, abs, chest and butt with wickedly fun and powerfully sexy S Factor moves inspired by yoga, Pilates and pole dancing.
But that's only on the outside. On the inside, you'll learn to love your body, energize your sensual soul, and become the woman you were destined to be.
The Bridal Boot Camp package also comes with tons of extras including a private fitting at Victorias Secret and 25% off your purchase to help you get ready for your wedding night.
50% off a private S Factor Bachelorette Party for 10 women
private, complimentary S Factor Photo Session at our studio capturing the natural feminine beauty of your body in this sensual movement

A complimentary Something Blue Gift Set, and much more.
Discover your inner sexiness and invite your girlfriends to join you.
For locations and more info visit the S-Factor website.

Wedding Eye Candy- "Calvin Klein Meets South Beach"

2010-01-11T13:01:00.000-08:00

We have some gorgeous wedding eye candy for you today from JL Designs. JL Designs editor Carrissa's own gorgeous Malibu wedding. We have a sneak peak for you of what Carrissa calls "something people hadn't experienced before as a wedding setting...something laid-back, relaxed, free-flowing...but nothing overly trendy...kind of a "classic modern" look..." In her four words FRESH, CLEAN, CHIC, LUXE. Enjoy the gorgeous eye candy below and run don't walk over to JL Designs for all the details and tons more amazing pictures!

We love that the bridesmaids dresses were not matchy, matchy. Carrissa gave the girls some simple direction on color and let them choose something that fit them best. They aren't even bridesmaids dresses! Love it!

Stunning

Casual yet elegant furnishings set the mood.

Baby Shower Inspiration - Lil Pumpkin

2010-01-05T08:04:00.000-08:00

I know it's a little past Halloween but this baby shower is just too cute not to share! April from This N That Williams hosted a baby shower for her sister Jamie in October this year. What better inspiration for an October baby shower than pumpkins. April combined traditional blue and white for a baby boy with Halloween colors orange and black. The color combo is perfect and could be used for a baby shower anytime of year.

I love this creative use of the ultrasound pic!

It's a Boy handpainted on pumpkins tied with ribbons. For a sports themed shower you could paint mini basketballs!

The hostess spent alot of thier time preparing for the shower painting these adorable mini pumpkins.

Check out April's blog This N That Williams for all the details and the yummy goodies they served!

You can find Pumpkin themed baby shower invitations at Swanky Chicks!

Fat Loss Guide for Brides, New Moms, Everyday Women!

2010-01-04T12:14:00.000-08:00

As wedding season kicks in to high gear thousands of brides to be around the country will embark on crash diets to lose those pounds before thier wedding. Brides, I encourage you to pick up Oxygen magazine. Instead of looking at your pre wedding weight loss as a diet, Oxygen will give you useful tips that you can incoporate into your lifestyle. Making changes to your lifestyle instead of going on a diet will result in long lasting weightloss, and a healthy, happy you for 2010! I am so blessed to be friends with the inspiring Kimberly Dolan-Leto. Kim is the gorgeous cover model for Oxygen's Fat Loss issue in stores now! Oxygen is the go to magaine for practical, healthy advice that you can incoporate into your everyday routine.

For all of you new moms who think having a baby makes it impossible to have a slim, trim body, one look at Kim's Oxygen cover will change your mind. Kim Leto is a 41 year old mom! Yep you heard me those abs are post baby. If Kim can do it, you can do it too. She spends her days chasing after a toddler and teaching her how to make healthy eating choices. Exercise and clean eating helped Kim transform her body and she hopes to instill those values in her daughter. Pick up a copy of Oxygen's Fat Loss issue for all the details on how Kim juggles being a working mom, and making healthy lifestyle choices for her family.

NYE Wedding Reception

2009-12-31T08:54:00.000-08:00

Amazing new inspiration, a winter wonderland wedding on new years eve. The lighting in these tents truly sets the mood. Hues of silver, white, decadent chandeliers and crystal turned an ordinary backyard wedding inside these tents into a winter wonderland. Photography by Jessica Claire Photography. Jessica's work is gorgeous you must visit her blog for all of the drool worthy details.

Glam London Hotel Wedding! It's Finally Here!

2009-12-17T12:27:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week we gave you a little teaser of an amazing wedding cake from Sweet & Saucy, and we finally have the wedding ready to show you! The theme for this event was urban glam. Urban was created by using a modern industrial color palet of white and steel grey. Glamorous touches were added in aubergine and rhinestones. You can get the amazing rhinestone napkin rings for yourself from wildflower linens. The event coordinators used silk fabrics to soften the urban colors. The gorgeous ruffled pillows were purchased by JL Designs at Home Goods! The ruffles flowed right into the intricate details in the cake. This kept the wedding feeling very rich and glamorous. The combination of urban and glam created a beautiful event. Bravo to all the amazing vendors involved in this wedding.

event coordination + production: gloria mccune, grand engagements

photos: jasmine star photography

cake: melody, sweet and saucy shop

linens + napkin rings: desiree, wildflower linens

invitations, menus, placecards: allison, the innovation companies

chairs, flatware, glassware, plates, chargers: classic party rentals

hairpiece: linda ly

location: the london hotel, west hollywood

DIY Wednesday- Free Custom Printable

2009-12-16T10:36:00.000-08:00

Free printable stationary! This awesome download from Custom Printables is totally FREE! Valerie's free designs would make a great bridal shower invitation. Personalized stationary for you to use at home. Beautiful baby shower invites or anything your heart desires.

The download includes 6x9 invitation (fits 6x9 envelope) 5.5x4 RSVP card, and5.5x4 Directions card (both fit A2 envelope). ZIP file includes both PNG and PDF files. Great for printing at VistaPrint or your home printer!

Ruffled and Jeweled Wedding Cake

2009-12-15T10:29:00.000-08:00

This amazing cake is just a tiny little taste of the wedding we will be featuring this week. (Just as soon as I get a moment to finish the post) The talented Melody from Sweet and Saucy created this yummy masterpiece. Stop by the Sweet and Saucy blog for some beautiful wedding features and yummy cakes. How do you eat a cake this pretty? The details are so amazing, the brooches created from silver edible dragees, the ruffles...... ah.

Mason Jar Cookie Favor

2009-12-11T08:45:00.000-08:00

Swanky Chicks knows the importance of great favor for any party, and choosing the perfect favor can be a challenge. A favor thanks your guests for taking the time to celebrate with you, and share your joy. No Fuss Fabulous has a great DIY favor project that you can incorporate into your next event. Change out the fabric ribbon and label to coordinate with your theme and you have a favor that your guests can't wait to get home and use!

Mason Jar Cookie Favor.
You will need:
Pint sized mason jars
Fabric
Ribbon
Glue
Labels

Dry Ingredients to pack in pint mason jar:
3/4 cup and 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup Christmas M&Ms
1/4 cup packed brown sugar

Directions: Combine the flour and baking soda. Place flour and soda mixture in a clean pint sized glass jar, and pack firmly. *See NFF Tip below! Place sugar on top. Pack firmly. Layer with chocolate chips and M&Ms. Place the brown sugar on top, again packing firmly. Cover with a lid.

Attach an index card with the following directions: Empty contents of jar into a large bowl. In separate bowl combine 1/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons of butter, 1 egg and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until creamy. Add to dry mixture. Drop by tablespoonful onto an ungreased cookie sheet, and bake in a preheated 375 degrees for 6 to 10 minutes. (Cut the index card into a circle and attach to the inside of the lid or print directions on the backs of the tag.)

Tip: The best way I have found to keep the flour from getting all over your clean mason jar is to simply cut a large tip into a disposable decorating bag (a large plastic Ziploc would work as well), place the cut bag into your mason jar and use it as a funnel for your dry ingredients. This keeps the sides of your jar crystal clean and will give you the clear layered look you want.

Now to decorate your jars: Choose a fabric in colors that coordinate well with your theme. Cut the fabric into small squares and place over the tops of the jars. No Fuss Fabulous chose a Christmas theme and used great red and white stripped Martha Stewart napkins. Next choose a ribbon that also coordinates, be creative, it doesn't have to be matchy matchy. Cut a length of ribbon, wrap it around the lid of the jar and secure in place with glue. Use the same ribbon, or another widder ribbon and wrap the middle of the jar. You can now glue a card to the front of the jar. Use your monogram, event date, or sentiment like Happy Holidays on the card.

This favor can be given in so many ways. Make a few for your kids teachers, or your coworkers for the holidays. Nothing is sweeter than a baby, except maybe a sweet treat to send home with baby shower guests. I would love to be wedding guest who gets sent home with this thoughtful favor!

Special thanks to Chris from Celebrations at Home for turning us onto No Fuss Fabulous. We are loving all of the great ideas on this site. Special thanks to No Fuss Fabulous for the idea, pics, and recipe! She even has a link to download her cute labels totaly free! Go Here to download.

Swanky Chicks is participating in a Recipe swap with the DIY Show Off and Kelly's Korner. Stop by thier sites for more great holiday recipes!

Something Sweet Baby Shower Lollipop Favors

2009-12-10T10:19:00.000-08:00

New products are arriving weekly at Swanky Chicks! Our NEW baby shower favors are "Something Sweet" to favor your guests. We love edible favors, and not only are these yummy, they are gorgeous too. There are fifteen sophisticated colors to choose from to match any baby shower theme, and over a dozen design options. The possibilities are endless.

Shower your friends and family with our strawberry-flavored lollipops as they shower you with love. Whether the anticipated bundle of sweetness is boy or girl, these lollipop favors make the ideal thank you for all of your baby shower guests. Each lollipop favor is wrapped elegantly in clear cellophane with a white satin bow, and every order of 24 comes with a Display Box you can decorate and display.

Personalized labels are included and add the finishing touch for a special gift on behalf of mom and baby. Be extra creative by bundling 5 or more together with a bow (like a bouquet) in a small vase as a prize for the winners of baby shower games, or sweet decorations.

Just for the holidays we have Christmas themed lollipop favors too! Yummy personalized lollipop favors make a great stocking stuffer, favor at your holiday party or gift for friends and neighbors.

Shop for a Cause - Shop for Anissa Day- Swanky Chicks is Donating!

2009-12-10T09:19:00.000-08:00

Today December 10th until midngiht, Swanky Chicks will be donating 25% of our proceeds to the Anissa Mayhew Fund. Bloggers around the country have come together to help the Mayhew family and Shop for Anissa day was born. Finish up your Christmas shopping, or get your next party started at Swanky Chicks. You will not only being checking one more thing off your to do list but you are helping a great cause!
Anissa Mayhew, a witty mother of three, collapsed after suffering a massive stroke. Her family and friends are devastated.

One minute her husband was talking to her about which hotel they could stay in over Thanksgiving and the next moment she was unresponsive in a hospital bed. Everyone is praying for Anissa to pull through and little by little it seems they are starting to see bits of progress, but her family has a long way to go....they need help.

Rockin Onsies Auction- Blog , Bid, Hope

2009-12-09T08:51:00.000-08:00

Swanky Chicks has donated two of our Rockin Baby Onsies to the Blog, Bid, Hope auction. Blog Bid Hope is benefitting the families of two fellow bloggers that have been devestated by tragedy. Anissa Mayhew a young mother of three children suffered a debilitating stroke not once but twice within hours of each other, just a few short days before Thanksgiving. Anissa is still hospitalized, and has a long road ahead of her. Her blogging friends have come together to help her family during this trying time.

The auction is also benefitting the Liz Logelin Foundation. Matt Logelin excitedly blogged about the birth of his first child one day, and tragically lost his wife to a pulmonary embolism the next. Matt has made it is mission to help other families suffering through tragic loss with the Liz Logelin Foundation in memory of his late wife.

An amazing team of bloggers is hosting the auctions and they start today!
Our seven host sites will each be offering a different selection of items, so be sure to visit everyone: Adventures in Babywearing, Buried with Children, Mayhem & Moxie, Scary Mommy, 7 Clown Circus, The Extraordinary Ordinary, & Mama’s Losin’ It.

Bidding will begin at $10 and bids will increase at $2 increments. Scroll down to the connected posts, and if you see an item you'd like to bid on, simply leave a comment on that item's post stating your price. Shipping only in the US and Canada. Winners will be notified by Monday, December 14th and can send payment via Paypal.

Swanky Chicks donation is available for auction at Buried with Children. The bidding starts at just $10 what are you waiting for?!

DIY Wednesday- Monogrammed Holiday Ornament

2009-12-09T08:21:00.000-08:00

We have a great DIY projet for you this week. It's begining to look a lot like Christmas around here! The Holiday season is in full swing, and Swanky Chicks has a great monogrammed ornament tutorial.

Brides with a winter wedding this little project makes a lovely favor for your guests. Make the ornaments to color coordinate with your theme and monogram them with the year, the date, your monogram or your guests! Monogrammed ornaments are a great personalized gift for friends, family, and newlyweds.

To create these one of a kind ornaments you will need

Clear Ornament balls

Letter Stickers

Ribbon to match your theme

Shredded Paper for gift baskets in your colors

This project is a snap. Remove the tops of the ornaments and fill theme with your colored paper. Put the top back on and tie a matching bow with your ribbon. Lastly place your monogrammed sticker on the front. That's it your done and you have a boutique worthy ornament!

Special thanks to Kelly's Korner for this project idea. Surf on over to check out her adorable tree!

Old Hollywood Glam Inspiration

2009-12-08T09:02:00.000-08:00

This Old Hollywood Glamour board was geared to a wedding inspiration but with a little creativity it can be the jumping off point for any event. We found pieces from great vendors like the chandelier, crystal napkins rings, and rhinestone balls from Z Gallerie. The gorgeous furniture is available for rent from Signature Events. This amazing centerpiece can be recreated as a DIY project with a few branches and white spray paint. Hang crystals or tea lights from the branches to recreate the same sparkle. We are in love with the white and silver color pallet. Incorporate a few aged mirrors, and crystals to not only reflect light but up the Glam factor.

Blog, Bid, Hope Auction - Giving Back

2009-12-07T09:02:00.000-08:00

Swanky Chicks was recently asked to participate in Blog, Bid, Hope, and we eagerly accepted the opportunity to give back.
Through blogging we have learned that we can make authentic connections with people around the world.

We read about one another's greatest accomplishments, we celebrate the highest highs and we grieve the lowest lows.
This holiday season I have decided I want to help. I want to use this platform as a way to bring good to some not so good situations.
And because we read and love and learn and cry and laugh with each other, we must be here to support and help one another as well. Recently one of our own, Anissa Mayhew, a witty mother of three, collapsed after suffering a massive stroke. Her family and friends are devastated.
One minute her husband was talking to her about which hotel they could stay in over Thanksgiving and the next moment she was unresponsive in a hospital bed. Everyone is praying for Anissa to pull through and little by little it seems they are starting to see bits of progress, but her family has a long way to go....they need help.

Annisa Mayhew

Matt Logelin is no stranger to the devastating turns our lives can take. He started blogging like many of us did, as a way to update friends and family across the globe on the progress of his family...in his case, a pregnant wife, Liz.
He proudly posted the excitement of the birth of his baby girl Madeline one day and the tragic loss of his beautiful wife due to a pulmonary embolism just 27 hours later.

The Liz Logelin Foundation was established by Matt to assist families suffering similar losses. The goal is to "financially assist these families as they deal with the loss of their loved ones, and struggle to move forward."
Matt also challenges his readers...and everyone...to "skip the latte" and donate 7 dollars on the 7th of every month. It can be such a small number for us, but if EVERYONE donated $7 on the 7th, we could help SO many.

During this week of December 7, a group of bloggers will be working together, Buried with Children, Mayhem & Moxie, 7 Clown Circus, Scary Mommy, The Extraordinary Ordinary, Adventures in Babywearing & Mama’s Losin’ It to promote a three day auction called, Blog, Bid, Hope to raise money on behalf of The Liz Logelin Foundation and Anissa Mayhew.

Thanks to Laurie from Tip Junkie we were able to connect with wonderful mom-preneurs who have generously agreed to donate their goods, including blog designs, toys, art, accessories, baby gear, and SO much more.

You'll be sure to please anyone on your holiday list with any number of the packages that will be available! Not to mention ALL of the proceeds will be going to help people during extremely difficult times in their lives.
The auction will officially begin on Wednesday, December 9th. All items will listed on any one of the Blog, Bid, Hope hosting sites and will begin at $10. We're asking for bids to increase at $2 increments. If you see an item you'd like to bid on, just leave a comment on that item's post stating your price.
In addition to our own auction we want to encourage everyone to swing by Anissa Mayhew's Aiming Low site on December 10th. Her friends and fellow Aiming Low writers have organized a Shop 4 Anissa day, where they will link to specific vendors who have agreed to donate a portion of all proceeds to the Hope 4 Anissa fund specifically for that day.
See that. You can help too. We all can. Together. Like a giant kumbaya family. Bloggers helping bloggers. Let's show everyone how powerful we can be when we choose to work together toward a common goal.
If you'd like to donate directly to Anissa and her family, you can send via PayPal to: anissa.mayhew@gmail.com and to give to the Liz Logelin Foundation you can

We are so happy to be giving back during the holiday season! We have donated a choice of two rockin baby onsies to this amazing program. Stop by the participating blogs for your chance to bid on some awesome prizes and help some amazing families in the process.

How to get a great family photo for your holiday cards- Guest Blog Spot

2009-12-05T09:23:00.000-08:00

I was recently asked by the Mommies Cafe to be a guest blogger! It really made my day to find out that my post on how to get a great family photo for your holiday cards is being featured. Head on over to Mommies Cafe to read my guest blogging post and get tips on getting a great holiday photo. Don't forget to check out our line of modern christmas cards at Swankychicks.com. Our sale has been extended and we are offering 10% off your entire order with the coupon code XMAS, making the holiday cards even more affordable!

Ladies Night Out Holiday Party

2009-12-04T14:17:00.000-08:00

It's Friday and that means time for Kelly's Korner Blog Hop. This week we are sharing Christmas trees. Since mine isn't up yet I have decided to share with you some decorating ideas and a great new holiday company. Anyone living in and around the Tucson AZ area your "holiday helpers" are here! Wednesday Bella Luci hosted a ladies night out pre-holiday party. They shared great decorating tips, hosted a white elephant ornament exchange, and lots of good food and wine. The party was a way for the ladies to get together for wine and desserts before all of the holiday madness begins. If you are not a Tucson resident don't worry this post will be full of great decorating ideas for you to try yourself. If you are in Tucson check out the Bella Luci website and give them a call for an estimate. They will put up your lights and decorations, design a whole new christmas space for you, or help you host your holiday party.

Festive candles and snowflake theme place cards labeled the appetizers and desserts. Not only did they look great but you knew exactly what everyone of the yummy plates were!

Coffee was served after dinner in this beautiful silver service with gingerbread, and peppermint mix . I just love a reason to break out the good stuff.

Dinner was served on "real" plates but appetizers were buffet style on these great modern red, black and white paper plates

Even the powder room was decorated. We love the brown and copper and it matched so well with the bathroom. The tree was copper sequins and feathers!

These great little wine labels were just a festive card stock placed around each glass so you could write your name on it and find it later.

Dr Suess Baby Shower

2009-12-03T11:31:00.000-08:00

Today we have a Dr Suess baby shower to share with you from Kara's Party Ideas. We absolutlely love the idea of a Dr Suess theme. Traditional Pink and Blue showers are so pretty but sometimes you have a very untraditional mom-to-be. The Dr Suess theme lets you be whimsical and have fun. Kara has some great ideas you just might want to try your self. Here is a little teaser of the party head on over the Kara's Party Ideas for all the details including where she bought the decor and how to make the deserts!

That awesome feathery tower in the middle is a Horton Hears a Who Diaper Cake!

Green Eggs and Ham Cupcakes!

Jolly Rancher Margarita Recipe!

2009-12-02T09:34:00.000-08:00

Mmmmmmm This recipe has my mouth watering already! Elaina over at EllyB Events featured this yummy cocktail recipe. She discovered the recipe while at a BBQ at her best friends house. Swanky Chicks is so glad she shared it and we can't wait to make one tonight! This creative little drink recipe is sure to be a hit at your next party. Come up with a name for it like the Brandy's BerryRita, or something that coordinates with your party.
Here is the recipe:

20 oz prepared margarita mix

10 – 12 candy jolly ranchers

20 ice cubes

You can also make these non-alcoholic for a mom to be or anyone who doesn't drink!
Check out EllyB Events Blog for tons of great inspirations like this one.

Boojum Tree Inspiration

2009-11-30T07:00:00.000-08:00

Credits: Boojum Tree, iris creative photography (3), Events by SHow Stoppers, Dessy, Boojum Tree, :http://www.formal-invitations.com/theme-orange-invitations.html, Agnez Lopez

Harvest Color

2009-11-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Swanky Chicks is so thankful for our followers and clients, you make it all worth it. We hope everyone has an amazing thanksgiving and that you are blessed with an abundance of things to be thankful for today.
One last thanksgiving post this time highlighting the wonderful use of harvest color from Country Living. This table is so gorgeous I want to recreate it in my own home.

"Jewel tones and saturated color heighten the appearance of the Thanksgiving table and celebrate the season's bright foliage against the late-autumn sky. To get the look here, take advantage of the enhanced color attributes of inexpensive faux foliage and rich textile remnants. Present the faux berries and leaves (combined with real leaves, if you like) in a free-form display of pitchers and teapots, sugar bowls and goblets. The burnished finish of the collection will unify the look of the table, and the display lets you enjoy objects you love but don't always have the opportunity to use. Soften the effect with simple white candles; just be sure to set their flames well clear of the berries and leaves." Stop by Country Living for more details. Don't forget on Friday we will be sharing our own Thanksgiving decor.

DIY Moss Letters

2009-11-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

We have another fab project for you this week. I have been drooling over events that incoporate gorgeous giant monograms. Well we found a beautiful DIY version that you can create for your next event! Have fun with it choose different sizes and fonts, and get ready to get crafty! Head on over to Ruffled for a daily dose of design and some wonderful DIY projects! We can't say enough great things about this blog and thier wonderful sense of style!

Supplies

1 – 15 X 84″ piece of floral foam (bought at Micheal’s)
3 – packages of preserved moss (bought at Jo’Ann’s)
1 – serrated kitchen knife
pins
hot glue gun
printed out letters

1. Print out your letters on large pieces of paper. You can really do any font that is pretty easy to trace. I liked verdana because it was basic enough but had nice curves. You can do just about any size and lower-case or upper-case. Whatever you want!

2. Pin the letters to your floral foam. Leave edges around your paper letters to trim later.

3. Using straight cuts up and down, cut the foam in the shape of the letters.

4. Open the moss which comes in sheets. Start laying and gluing it around the flatter parts of the letters first (like the tail of the “B”) Save the curves for the end. You can trim the pieces smaller and glue them for the curved portions. If the seams are showing, you can clean them up with smaller loose pieces of the moss. Trim off the excess.

5 Ta-da! You have your moss letters! Hang them with your favorite ribbon like I did.

Please Email brandy@swankychicks.com If you get an error message when trying to view the Swanky Blog!

2009-11-24T10:44:00.000-08:00

Please Email brandy@swankychicks.com If you get an error message when trying to view the Swanky Blog!
We are working on fixing it and have reported the error to google. We love our followers and hope you will bare with us as we get this worked out. It has only been an issue for internet explorer users from what we understand. Thanks for your help in letting us know.

Oak Leaf Ornaments for Thanksgiving

2009-11-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday, two more days until Thanksgiving and another great project to dress up your home. This one comes from Better Homes and Gardens. Make a bunch of these simple fall ornaments and hang from string across the mantle or dangle from the dining room light fixture.

Fallen Leaves Ornament
Decorate your home with simple ornaments made from fallen leaves. Cover a clear glass ball with fresh or silk leaves using a decoupage medium, then add sparkle with small beads.

What You Need:
Glass ball ornament
Artificial fall-color oak leaves
Scissors
Thick white crafts glue; glue brush
Clear mini glass marbles
Decoupage medium: Liquid Beadz
1/4-inch-wide ocher satin ribbon

How to Make It:
Remove the metal cap and hanger from the glass ornament and temporarily set them aside.
Brush glue onto the underside of an artificial oak leaf and wrap the leaf, glue side down, around the ball. Cup the newly attached leaf in your hand for a minute as the glue begins to set. Repeat the process with another leaf, overlapping portions while allowing the clear glass to remain visible. If necessary, apply more glue under the leaf tips so they lay flat against the glass; let dry overnight.
Pour about two tablespoons of clear glass mini marbles into the ornament. Replace the cap and hanger on the top of the ball.
Brush a coat of decoupage medium over the oak leaves; let dry. Embellish the leaves with decorative accents of Liquid Beadz, concentrating on the edges of the leaves, especially around the base of the hanger; let dry.

Thread an ocher ribbon through the hanger, and tie the ends together in a knot.

Family Nostalgia - Thanksgiving Inspiration

2009-11-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

This gorgeous table is from Country Living. Before your Thanksgiving dinner collect old family photos, print them in black and white or sepia tone, and mount them to cardstock. Place them throughout your table and you will have a great way to decorate and share family memories. Your family is sure to tell stories all evening long that the photographs remind them of. This idea incorporates a bit of family nostalgia into your table setting full of style.

For place cards, use a pin to attach a weathered looking paper with everyones names handwritten. You want to achieve an aged look that compliments the colors of the golden pear and photographs.

"This time of year, the table serves as both a place to gather and a symbol of gratitude. Here, four ways to personalize yours. "Come to the table." At Thanksgiving, more than at any other day or event, these are words that convey such warmth and anticipation. A year has passed since this holiday was last celebrated, and now, the table set with a feast that befits the harvest, the time has come to gather once again. This year, prepare a memorable table using everyday materials and your favorite things. "

The rich golden tones are perfect harvest colors. Try incorporating some fallen oak leaves, wheat, and branches. The muted tones and natural feel will work great with this look.

Tree of Thanks - Thanksgiving Centerpiece

2009-11-23T08:20:00.000-08:00

In honor of Thanksgiving this week we will be bringing you a new Thanksgiving project everyday! We hope to inspire you and help you create a wonderful Thanksgiving table to share with your friends and family. Take elements from your favorite posts and incorporate them with what you already own to create a truly original tablescape. We would love to see what you come up with so don't forget to snap a few pictures to share. On Friday we will be doing a McLinky so that everyone can share thier beautiful creations!

Today's project, Tree of Thanks from Better Homes and Gardens. I love this one it truly embraces the reason for the holiday.

Turn a potted tree branch into a sharing tree. Ask family and friends to write messages of thanks to hang on the tree. Chickpeas (attached to the branches with glue) masquerade as berries, while paint and glitter add a festive touch.

What You Need:
Tree branch
Handheld hedge clippers
Butter tub
Cement
Water
Disposable container
Hot-glue gun and glue sticks
Chickpeas or dried beans
Spray primer
Orange spray paint
Clear spray sealer
Orange glitter
Scissors
Decorative container
Decorative rocks and silk leaves
Papers in green and gold
Paper trimmer
Glue
Marking pen

Shower curtain clips

How to Make It:
Trim a dry dead branch to the desired size and shape using hedge clippers. If needed, combine several small branches.
Choose a container, such as a butter tub, that can be hidden in a decorative container and filled with cement.
Following the instructions on the cement package, mix cement in a separate disposable container. Pour the cement into the butter tub.
Insert the branch base into the center of the cement-filled tub. Tap the sides of the tub until the branch sits firmly in cement. Allow cement to dry.
Use a hot-glue gun to adhere chickpeas or dried beans randomly to the branch, using as many as desired. In an outdoor area, spray the branch with primer. Spread extra chickpeas on newspaper and spray them with primer. Let the primer dry.
Spray-paint the branch and chickpeas with orange; let dry.
Spray one section at a time with clear sealer. Quickly sprinkle orange glitter onto wet sealer; let dry. Repeat this process until entire branch and chickpeas are glittered. Place the weighted tree into decorative container. Place decorative rocks around the branch base until the cement is covered. Sprinkle extra chickpeas onto the rocks.
Trim silk leaves from stems. Coil the wired ends and hang on the tree.
Trim 2-inch squares of green paper and 13D4-inch squares of gold paper. Center and glue the gold paper onto the green paper. Ask family members to use a marking pen to write meaningful messages on the squares. Use shower curtain clips to hang the messages from the branches.
Leave extra colored squares around the tree base for guests to add more messages to the tree.

Twilight Wedding Inspiration

2009-11-20T11:37:00.000-08:00

Twilight has turned me into a vampire loving, squealing teenaged girl! Yes I admit it. I pre order my tickets two weeks ago and cannot wait for the end of the day to head over to the theater. I would have gone last night but I had to be mature and realize that I had early morning meetings today.
I must tell you I was not always this obsessed. I had never heard of the books when the first movie came out and only went to see it on a whim one bored friday night after seeing a movie trailer on TV. I had no idea how passionate and incredible the books were until months after that when at the urging of a friend of mine my mom picked up Twilight and New Moon for me as a christmas gift. Even after that it took me weeks to read Twilight. And then something pulled me in part way through the book when I really started to read it, and stopped thinking about the movie. I was totally hooked and I couldn't stop reading. I read the next three books in a matter of days each, I couldn't get enough. I still have skeptical friends who refuse to get caught up in all of the teen drama. If you give it a chance Bella and Edward's love story will change your view on this series and turn you into an instant Twihard! LOL Cheesy I know. I came across a great inspiration board today in celebration of all things Twilight on this the release date for New Moon. I am thoroughly impressed and while there are alot of posts and speculation about the twilight wedding, I love this post from Green Wedding Shoes. Bravo to you!

"Ok fellow Twilight fans, today is the day - New Moon is out! Anyone planning to see it this weekend? I'm hoping to catch it on Sunday. I know the Twilight wedding isn't until book 3 book 4 - Breaking Dawn, but I thought it would be fun to do a post on some wedding inspiration from the movie. Who doesn't love a good love story! I think that is what attracts a lot of us to the Twilight stories - ok, ok, maybe Rob Pattison has something to do with us loving the movies also :) I've been in Twilight mood the past few weeks - along with a lot of us! - and I've been thinking there are some great ideas you can bring into your wedding - or I hope we will see in Bella and Edward's wedding...

The location of Forks, Washington would make for some amazing pre-wedding photos." Visit Green Wedding Shoes for all the details.

Cotton Candy Martini Recipe

2009-11-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday Swanky Chicks! Fridays just beg for you to relax and if you like partake in a little happy hour. We found a great little drink recipe perfect for entertaining compliments of Happy Hour Moms. Stop on by thier site for more great tips and ideas. Enjoy!

"Tis the season for holiday parties, great family get-togethers and work events. If you want to be the hostess with the mostess at your next soiree try a fun and festive new cocktail recipe. At HHM we like to promote moms to take a “happy hour” each day to unwind. Although we love more productive tasks, no one said a cocktail couldn’t be enjoyed from time to time. With a few easy ingredients you will wow your guests with a Cotton candy Martini."

Step 1
Start by dipping the rim of your glass in grenadine, or drizzling it over the rim. It’s ok if some gets inside the glass – it adds flavor!

Step 2
Spread the sugar out on a plate and place the glass, rim down, into it. Rotate so that the sugar sticks evenly along the rim.

Step 3
Put the glass aside until the end.

Step 4
Fill your cocktail shaker with ice and pour in your two ounces of raspberry vodka and one ounce of Chambord. Add a splash of grenadine for color.

Step 5
After shaking, add a splash of champagne to your mix.

Step 6
Strain the drink into your glass, careful to avoid the sugared rim.

Step 7

Enjoy wisely!

Thank You Card Etiquette

2009-11-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

This Swanky Chick often spends time reading wedding blogs and forums and today I came across a major thank you card no no. I admit I often hear social faux pass, and some have become common place but this one is a biggie. Imagine your have spent the time to choose a thoughtful gift for a shower. You arrive gift in hand and the hostess gives you a blank envelope and asks you to address it to yourself! This ladies and gents is a big mistake and some your guests will consider it down right rude. People have gone out of their way to spend time and money on you, while it sounds like a great way to save some time please don't do it! Take a few minutes to write out and address each card, your guests will appreciate it. In response we have compilied a list of some Thank You Card do's and dont's.

Do send out thank you notes as soon as possible.
Do include a refrence to the gift recieved and how you will use it or how much you enjoyed it.
Do make it personal, it will be appreciated more

Don't hand out thank you notes as guests leave. It will come off as insincere, clearly the note was written before you even opened the gift.

Don't ask guests to address their own thank you note.

Do use return address labels! You can save yourself time this way

Remember someone spent time choosing just the right gift for you, show your appreciation it goes a long way!

Check out Swanky Chicks selection of Personalized Thank You Cards and Address Labels.

DIY Wednesday- Envelope Liners

2009-11-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

Swanky Chicks adores beautifully lined envelopes, and I have to admit I had never thought of actually making them myself! Wedding Bee hosted this great tutorial on DIY Envelope Liners. Envelope liners add an unexpected little surprise to your invites and are another way to bring in more of your theme. So go ahead make some for your self. Wether it is for wedding invitations, baby shower invites, or just a little note to say hello, this is a great little project.

You will need:
Cardstock – to make the liner template
Liner paper
Pencil
Scissors
Ruler or Straight Edge
Envelope
Bone folder
Roll-on Adhesive

1. Make an envelope liner template for your envelope size.
They sell templates for the standard envelope sizes as well, but ever resourceful, I made mine from a piece of scrap cardstock (actually, it was the cover from a sample proposal of one of the venues we visited – sorry, Tribeca Rooftop!). It takes a bit of measurement and trial and error to get the template the right size, but once you do, it’s smooth sailing! It should look like a “house” shape.

2. Trace the template onto the back side of the paper you wish to use for your liner.
After buying and returning various packages of patterned paper, I found this super cute blue and green pattern that perfectly complemented the blue cardstock of our save-the-dates. And it was on sale – double score! One word of advice - make sure the liner paper isn’t too thick! The blue and green paper was okay, but any thicker and it would have been too bulky.

3. Carefully cut the traced shape out. I used scissors, but a paper cutter might have been easier.

4. Pre-fold the liner. Slip the liner (pattern side up) into the envelope. Putting one hand on the outside of the envelope, and using a bone folder on the inside of the envelope, fold both the liner and the envelope flap down, to set the liner fold.

5. Fold the liner flap down and apply adhesive I applied roll-on adhesive (made by Scotch, I believe), on the two edges (the “roof” of the house).

6. Press the envelope flap onto the liner flap. Voila! Lined envelopes!

Now you just have to repeat for each envelope you need to line. In my case, it was 50 envelopes. I found it easier to trace the pattern onto the liner paper 50x, cut out 50 liners, etc. – in other words, do each step 50 times then move onto the next step.
I told you that DVD would come in handy.

Have you lined your own envelopes before? How did it go? Any tips? Leave a comment!

Zebra Party!

2009-11-17T12:36:00.000-08:00

We are in love! With Design Dazzle and the gorgeous Zebra Party post today! The featured mom Nancy created this stunning party herself. She is one Swanky Mom! Check out the Design Dazzle post for all the details. Here is a little taste of this gorgeous DIY creation.

Letterpress Giveaway! from DIY Bride

2009-11-16T09:48:00.000-08:00

Hope on over the the DIY Bride and enter to win a fab at home letterpress machine. The prize is valued at $150!! I am just drooling over all the projects I could do with this beauty. And remember if you are not a DIY Diva head over to Swanky Chicks and we help turn you into a Swanky Hostess!

Double Duty Favors

2009-11-13T11:36:00.000-08:00

Eeeek!!!! I Love the Style Me Pretty blog and follow it constantly, I am always finding myself getting distracted browsing the gorgeous weddings featured. Today is no different and I am inspired to share it with all of my Swanky Chicks! Head on over the Style Me Pretty for all of the details. My fav from the wedding are these beautiful favors that do double duty as escort cards!

Gorgeous Bridals!

2009-11-12T07:54:00.000-08:00

Phoenix area brides there is a new photographer on the block and she has some serious talent! Britany from Brockman Photo shared a few gorgeous bridal portraits from her more recent weddings, and we are in love. Britany captures an etheral quality about these brides through her photography. Her skilled use of lighting has produced some truly swoon worthy portraits. Not only are this women beautiful, but Britany has used her talent to capture a depth of emotion that is evident in the photos. You can truly see the love and happiness on each of thier faces. That is a mark of true talent, to be able to capture the emotion. Believe me we have seen hundreds of bridals and Brockman Photo is among the leading Phoenix Wedding Photographers.

Brittany's passion for photography developed in the early days of her 14 year career as a professional model. During that time, she learned about photography, angles, & lighting. Now retired from modeling, she has taken a place behind the camera. Ladies if you are Phoenix Bride check out Brockman Photo!

DIY Wednesday- Thanksgiving

2009-11-11T14:39:00.000-08:00

Hi I almost forgot it was DIY Wednesday! Well thanks to Chris over at Celebrations at Home problem solved! "Paper and Cake is generously offering us a FREE Thanksgiving printable collection! Make your tabletop special with steps as easy as click, print, & cut." Thanks again Chris and Paper and Cake this is the perfect DIY Wednesday for the Swanky Chicks and just in time for the holidays.
Wow what a freebie it is, the downloadable file includes menus, place cards, invitations, wine glass tags, napkin rings, vase/candle wraps, recipe cards, food labels and so much more. You must stop by and thank Chris for this awesome lead and give Paper and Cake some love for creating this gorgeous suite for FREE!

Holiday Photo Cards are Here!!!

2009-11-11T14:21:00.000-08:00

Our 2009 Holiday Photo Cards are now available and they are gorgeous. Fast too, all the cards will ship with in three days of final proof approval! We have teamed up again this year with Take Note! Designs to offer you a modern take on the traditional holiday greeting card. We are excited about the line, and feel it is a good reflection of traditional and fashion forward color palettes, as well as calm and restful, with a mix of traditional, vintage, fun to beautiful.

Here are a few of this years favorites.

What are you waiting for hurry on over the Swanky Chicks and get your today!

For every holiday card order Take Note! Cards gives 25% of sales to breast cancer research, all holiday, all sales, just all of our way of spreading holiday cheer to those who need it most!

When should I send out Save the Dates and Invitations?

2009-11-10T18:52:00.000-08:00

If you're having a local wedding on a nonholiday weekend, it is not necessary to send out save-the-date cards. Instead, just send the invitations out about six weeks before your wedding date. For a wedding taking place on a long weekend—which is often centered around a holiday—save-the-date cards are a great idea because people tend to make special plans early for these weekends. If you are having alot of out of town guests it is also a good idea to send out save the dates so they may begin making travel plans. Drop save-the-dates in the mail about five months before your big day. Save-the-dates have become more popular with todays brides.
Invitations for a long-weekend or holiday wedding should be mailed out a little bit earlier, as well. (Aim for about two months in advance.) If you're planning a destination wedding, your save-the-date mailing should go out about 9-12 months prior to the wedding. This gives guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements and to plan to take extra time off from work if they want to stretch your wedding into a vacation of their own. The actual invitations for your far-away fling should be sent 2 ½-3 months prior to saying "I do."
You can find beautiful modern wedding invitation designs at Swanky Chicks! We also work one on one with our brides to create custom couture wedding invitations.

source: Brides.com