It Makes Scents..Well, Actually They Do

Alright, so you walk into an event and you can hear the music, see the merriment, taste the libations, touch the decor, but what can you smell? Usually there's not much thought put into appealing to the fifth sense-smell.

That is, until now. The newest event trend of 2010 plays off smell and using it to transform a space or customize favors to your guests' desires.

The hippest events will scent a room to smell like cherry blossoms in spring, lilacs in June or cinnamon in fall, and they'll have their guests talking (and sniffing) the whole time. Try a company like Scentevents, who uses a fan and scented crystals to achieve the perfect sensory blend.

And for those who are looking to personalize the trend, why not offer a customizable scent bar? Let your guests choose their own concoction of ingredients to make room sprays or perfumes and colognes. Now that's a favor they'll be sure to use!

Useful & Beautiful

Maybe it's the economy or maybe it's because everyone is now "going green"...whatever the reason I'm a big fan of practical and useful centerpieces that are more than just pretty to look at.

That's why I love these beautiful wreaths that slip over the top of a great bottle of wine.

Pick two for your rouge or blanco vinos or group together for a centerpiece that will have your guests talking and saying, "Salut!"

Formal E-Vites

By now we have all received our share of email invitations. Maybe it's been for your neighbor's card party or your friend's housewarming party. Evites are wonderful and I do enjoy them, but what if you want to send a more formal invitation electronically? I mean it is 2010. Do not fear my little techy social butterflies, the answer is Paperless Post ( http://www.paperlesspost.com/ ) For a small fee, you can design and send formal invitations with envelopes.

The envelope is addressed to your guest and then magically, when clicked on, it unfolds before your eyes and the cutest invitations announcing your fabulous affair come swirling out. They are fun and fabulous and a reason to throw a party (as if you needed one of those). Enjoy!

Spring Fever

It's official. I have Spring fever, and it's just the first week of January. I'm getting so excited about the Spring weddings and showers I have coming up to plan, so I just can't help myself. This tablescape from Pottery Barn made me smile and my heart beat a little faster that warm weather and margaritas might be under all that snow on the ground. I hope this photo serves as inspiration to you to make it through these freezing temps and ahead to the colors and blooms that will be Spring of 2010.

Star Power

I love the idea of decorating from the ceiling down.

Check out these paper star lanterns from asianideas.com that make a major statement without taking up any table space and without costing much money.

The same concept can be applied to any shape of lantern, including those with lights. For your next event, start with the ceiling first and you'll amaze yourself and your guests with your "star power."

Jingle Bell Rock

These centerpieces literally Rocked! A music teacher requested low height arrangements that could be placed in the center of the dinner tables she had set up to serve a holiday meal and thank you party to her favorite students and their parents.

Inspired by the music, I filled clear round vases with jingle bells and found beautiful gold ribbon with music notes to tie bows around the silk flowers. I kept all the tones in the neutral family and let the jingle bells "ring and sing."

Thankful Gifts

I am so pleased at the way these "Thank you" arrangements turned out for an upcoming Christmas party. The gentleman is thanking all of the people who have helped him throughout the year, and requested 10 table arrangements and two tower arrangements.

I wanted to ensure the table arrangements looked great from all views of the round table and I tied them together with the tower arrangements by incorporating cinnamon scented pine cones. The scent also helps to bring the silk arrangements "to life."

The plan is for 10 lucky people to take home the arrangements. I wish I could go just to keep one for my own home!

And while we're being thankful, thank you to everyone who made this year such a success. Here's to an even more prosperous 2010!