A Legal Affair

I just love the way these tablescapes and centerpieces turned out for law school graduation party.
The client wanted something that looked modern, masculine and professional and requested I keep with the university's colors-red and blue for DePaul- in creating the six tables.
I used Damask ivory and red table runners with cobalt blue vases and added tall flowers and a big stem to finish off the display. The centerpieces were easily transportable after the party and best of all, the client can easily use them again.
The look was the perfect addition to the "old world" feel of the restaurant and even managed to wow the graduate. Now that's an A+ in my book.

Tent Inspiration

It's outdoor wedding season- and in Chicago, that means any large party will be using a tent for those "just in case" moments.
I love tens for special occasions because they truly are blank canvases for which you can set any mood. We often get requests to drape tents-some from top to bottom with material, as as you can imagine, it gets pretty pricey.
That's why I love the look of this modern draping-minimal but impactful and much easier on the budget than full draping. So pick a color and make a statement your guests will revel in, and use the money you saved to provide a top-shelf bar. Enjoy!

Family Tradition

I just finished sewing a ring bearer's pillow for a wedding where the groom is following a long-standing family tradition-getting married on the day of his high school jersey number (the Jell-o centerpieces in my earlier post were for the same couple).
His mom and dad were married on June 24th because of his dad's baseball jersey number, and so now he and his bride were married on May 8th because of his football jersey number.
In keeping with their black tie nuptials with a twist theme-I sewed up this pillow for the ring bearer to carry. I hope it brings them as many years of wedded bliss as his parents. Congratulations!

Runway Bride

I absolutely adore this custom hand-painted runner that is being created for a wedding I am decorating in June. The artist is painting the bride and groom's initials, surrounded by their wedding flowers, on the aisle runner. We're going to use it in the church, then transport it to the reception for their grand entrance. Then, once all the festivities are over, the happy couple can cut it and have it framed as a custom piece of art to hang in their home and keep for years to come. This beautiful design is compliments of Stephanie at Starry Night Design Studio.

Touchdown Tabletoppers

These centerpieces are sure to score a touchdown at your next football themed party or tailgate. I created these for a first birthday party. They were equal parts salty and sweet and all parts useful, serving as a snack tray and dessert plate plus they are tons of fun.
A football field tray started the arrangement. Then I added a cylinder vase, filled it with popcorn, and topped it off with an inflatable football that could be easily removed and reinserted to get to the goodness inside.
To make the centerpieces emulate the Superbowl trophy, I added some cardstock at the bottom that paid homage to the birthday boy as the "#1 MVP." For an added touch, I included some "football" strawberries like players on the field.
Now that's a sweet play!

Kick-off Favors

Two parties this past weekend had football themes. One was a bridal shower and the other was a first birthday party. To please both clients and make favors everyone would enjoy, I made these adorable and delicious chocolate dipped strawberries with white chocolate "laces" to emulate miniature footballs. They were a complete hit..I mean kick..at both parties and would be a wonderful addition to any tailgate as well. Enjoy!

J-ello Goodness

Tasked with creating centerpieces for a casual bridal shower that tied in the bride's modern flair with the groom's former football number (and their wedding date)58, I found inspiration in the baking aisle of the grocery store! Check out these Jello centerpieces. I used two square vases and birthday candles (wicks and stems cut off)to add the "58" inspiration. The tops of the vases were scattered with orange daisies to play off the colors of the restaurant. These wowed the guests and they even looked good enough to eat!