Star's Favorite Things: Spruce Up Your Tailgate!

The time has come to bid farewell to our bikinis and flip flops and replace them with scarves and boots.  Today marks the first day of fall and with fall comes football.  I'm not so much a fan of football, but I love a good tailgate!  Especially when it is filled with gourmet food options, unique beverages and adorable decor.  Football season is already in full swing so I thought I'd share with you some of my favorite tailgate pics.  They put a fun spin on traditional tailgate fare, and will make your tailgate unique and just a little bit chic! :)

1. 1. This ice chest will keep your drinks as cold as the basic plastic ones, its just so much cuter! -  Peterboro Basket Co. 
2. 2. Package napkins and utensils in these adorable little chevron paper bags.  Brown and white would be cute (the colors of a football) or use your team's colors! - Etsy shop Cherished Blessings 
3. 3. If you are not a beer drinker, you can still sip your wine in (unbreakable) style :) -  Pinterest 
4. 4. I'f you'll be barbecuing at your tailgate, I don't think any other grill will do.  This one is both adorable and functional! -  Strauss Inovation 
5. 5. My love affair with paper straws has not ended (see previous post).  They come in every color so it is easy to match them with your team colors. - Etsy shop The Simply Chic Shop 
6. 6. No tailgate is complete without Cornhole.  It quick to set up and can easily be played with a few drinks in you :)  Love this retro design! -  Gifts.com 
7. 7. Keep those brewskies cold with these cute personalized koozies. - Etsy shop Happy Thoughts Gifts 
8. 8. I love these football cupcake toppers!  They'd also look great topping pigs in a blanket, potato skins, or any other tailgate delight.  - Etsy shop Cute and Useful

Beer is generally the drink of choice at a tailgate so you want to make sure you have plenty of it on hand.  In addition to a variety of frosty bottles, consider mixing up a signature "beer cocktail" as well. Virtue Feed & Grain in Alexandria VA serves up this delicious beer cocktail.  Its a masculine cocktail with a touch of sweetness for the lovely ladies.  With the little bit of maple syrup, it is the perfect fall beverage!

Photo courtesy of Honest Cooking

Shock Me

1/4 cup brown ale beer

2 tbsp. bourbon

1 tsp. Southern Comfort

1 tsp. pure maple syrup

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. 

Gently stir for 10 seconds.  Strain into an Old Fashioned glass.  Makes 1 cocktail.

And for the perfect dessert - Blue Moon Cupcakes.  I shared this recipe last year, but I thought I'd mention it again because it is so delicious and perfect for a tailgate!  Click here for the recipe.

Lastly, I wanted to share the little surprise I made for my hubby on the night of his favorite team's (the San Diego Chargers) first game.  Inside was a new Chargers T-shirt.  He loved the gift and appreciated that although I am not into football, I still understand how excited he is that the season has started :)  Consider wrapping up a T-shrit or jersey for that football loving honey before a big game!

Happy tailgating!!

-Star

Color Trends Part One - Inspired by Emerald

We can't believe we've made it more than half way through the year without paying tribute to the Pantone color of the year (better late than never, right?!).  This year's color is edgy, luxurious, and unexpected!  For those of you unfamiliar with Pantone, it is the world-renowned authority on color across various industries.  Every year Pantone names a color of the year.  The process of choosing a color is a lengthy one as Pantone combs industries throughout the world (entertainment, travel, art, technology, fashion, decor, beauty, etc.) searching for inspiration and influence.

Emerald is the 2013 Pantone color of the year and for good reason.  According to Pantone.com, it is "Lively.  Radiant.  Lush... A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony."  The color Emerald can be seen throughout history and it continues to sparkle and fascinate.  "Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today's complex world.  This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors." (Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute).

This stunning color was our inspiration for the tabletop we produced for the Girari Sustainable Event Furnishings' tabletop design event at the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles last spring.  The entire look was placed inside a clear bubble structure from Casa Bubble.  For more information on this event, click here.

Our tabletop was described as "Edgy Emerald" when it was published in a recent issue of South Asian Bride Magazine 

Photos courtesy of Christopher Todd Studios

We are in love with this color because it oozes elegance and glamour (how could we forget Angelina Jolie's earrings at the 2009 Oscars?!); however, it can also be very earthy and sensual.  Its gorgeous for Fall!  This bold jewel tone exudes confidence and is so fresh and a bit unexpected at a wedding, which makes it so interesting!  Below are some of our favorite ways to incorporate emerald into a special event.

A bold color like emerald can quickly become overwhelming if overused.  This table is a beautiful example of how using just a bit of emerald can make a big statement and really showcase the color.  Emerald and metallic look stunning together and are a natural combination.  We like how the emerald is sprinkled in with blush pink, gold and ivory.

Photo courtesy of Sugar Branch Events

If you are not ready to commit to such a bold color, consider adding splashes of the color here and there.

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Adding emerald through accessories is a way to incorporate the color into your big day.  These emerald shoes are adorable!

Photo courtesy of Ruffled Blog

This dainty little bracelet would add a splash of emerald to your wedding day ensemble.  It would be gorgeous for Bridesmaids as well!

Photo courtesy of Jewel Sugar

And ofcourse, the most perfect pair of emerald earrings...

Photo Courtesy of Hollywood Makeup

We've enjoyed paying tribute to the Pantone color of the year and can't wait to share some of our color predictions for 2014 in our next post, "Color Trends Part Two".  Keep an eye out for it!

Star's Favorite Things: A Garter Toss with Flair for the Sports Loving Groom!

The "Garter Toss" is a fun wedding tradition where the Bride's garter is removed by her husband and tossed into a group of single male wedding guests.  Legend says that whoever catches the garter will be the next of the group to get married.  The prospect of being the next to get married terrifies some men and they often do their best to not catch the garter or tend to accidentally drop it if they catch it!  It is all in good fun of course, but if you think you'll be dealing with a group of guys who may shy away from the garter, consider wrapping it around a football before the groom tosses it to his boys.  I don't know many men who would drop a football (not on purpose, at least).  It is also a fun keep sake for the "winner" :)  This is such a unique and fun idea, especially for sports lovers!

Photo Courtesy of Southern Weddings

Photo Courtesy of Look Book

This idea is just too fun not to share!  

XOXO,

Star

Star's Inspirations: The Perfect Valentine's Day Card

Valentine's Day is right around the corner which means I am on the hunt for the perfect card for my  dear husband.  Cards have always meant a lot to me, even back when I used to adorn them with macaroni.  I enjoy perusing the card isle of my favorite stationary shops and choosing the perfect card for the perfect person on the perfect occasion.  From time to time I even enjoy making my own cards.  

According to History.com, Valentine's Day has been celebrated for centuries in various countries throughout the world.  By the mid 18th century, friends and lovers of all social classes exchanged handwritten notes or small tokens of affection in the name of St. Valentine.  "According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated 1 billion Valentine's Day cards are sent each year... Women purchase approximately 85% of all valentines" - History.com.  Although Valentine's Day can often seem like a cheesy holiday, I must admit, I love it!  I like the idea of taking one day in the middle of cold, gloomy February to express your love for others and feel loved as well.  It's also a good excuse to get a mani-pedi, wear a sexy red dress and if your lucky, get flowers and chocolates!

In previous years, my husband and I exchanged cards for every major event: birthdays, holidays, graduations, promotions, anniversaries, etc.  My hubby always chose a nice card and wrote a thoughtful message in it and I did the same until a few years ago when he suggested that we stop giving each other cards.  He felt that since we'd been together for a number of years, that a card for every occasion was unnecessary.  At first I was disappointed and a little sad, but when I really thought about it, I understood and actually kind of agreed; however, I wasn't ready to say goodbye to exchanging cards forever!  We compromised and decided on two cards a year: One for Valentine's Day and one for our Anniversary (the occasional love note is ok too :).  I kind of enjoy this new tradition because it makes these two cards mean so much more.  Now that we have a little one, I know I may not have the time to peruse the card isle like I used to, so I am shopping online.  I've found so many I love but I've narrowed it down to the following:

I'm slightly obsessed with Paper Source products, and their cards are no exception.  Love these! 

How fun is this check box/fill in the blank card?!

Photos courtesy of Paper Source

Papyrus' cards are always stunning.  They are so detailed and intricate that the recipient of the card can't help but feel special!

Photo courtesy of Papyrus 

Etsy is a great place to find super unique cards.  A few of these are sweet and a few are silly. Love them all!

Photos courtesy of (1) Etsy Shop PABD Elegance, (2) Etsy Shop jdeluce, 

(3) Etsy Shop StrangerDays, (4) Etsy Shop PABD Elegance

Whether you are single, in a relationship, engaged, or married, I hope you'll enjoy choosing the perfect card for a special someone.

XOXO,

Star

Bold, Chic & In Love: Ring Bearer Swag

Although a flower girl is extremely adorable, there is something about a tiny little guy dressed his best that warms the heart. A ring bearer is a very important job, as not much can happen without those rings! Why not make your little guy the perfect date for your flower girl?

Here are some options to make sure the little stud has enough swag for his partner down the aisle.

All photos courtesy of Macys, J.Crew, Sophia Styles, & Pinterest.

1. Four Piece Set from Macys

2. Little Boys Grey Stripe Suit from Sophia Styles

3. Slide Stripe Zipper Tie from Macys

4. Boys Driving Cap from J.Crew

5. Boys Stripe Silk Bow Tie from J.Crew

6. Boys Silver Tie Clip from J.Crew

7. Brass Button Blazer from Macys

8. Special Occasion from Sophia Styles

My personal favorite touch is the driving cap and tie clip. Accessories like this can really make the look stylish & modern, as opposed to a more classic option like the grey stripe suit. It's almost impossible to make the wrong choice on this outfit.

Want my advice on which bow tie your ring bearer should rock? Feel free to email me at jocelyn@sterlingengagements.com.

Hope you all had a fun & safe Halloween!

xO,

Jocelyn

Star's Favorite Things: Halloween Fun!

Happy Halloween!  We celebrated Halloween this past weekend by hosting a casual get together in our home.  It featured yummy festive and fall inspired treats and lots of DIY decor.  Below are a few photos of some of the fun elements.  All photos were taken by the talented Christine Collins of Collins Clan Photography! 

I made a ghost out of cheesecloth and fabric stiffener. This was an easy craft and extremely inexpensive! Thank you Pinterest and the Everyday is a Crafting Day blog for the idea! 

A few years ago I purchased a couple cases of mason jars from my local grocery store and use them all the time!  They make great vases, candle holders and of course, beverage glasses!  I tie ribbon, tulle or raffia around the top in various colors depending on the occasion, and I end up with a decor element that appears to be tailor made for the event at hand.  As you know, I love paper straws (as you can see from my previous post) and utilized black and orange ones for the beverages which were served in mason jars tied with black tulle.  This was super quick, inexpensive and so much more fun than plastic cups! 

A friend of ours brought over the adorable carved pumpkin.  Love the simple yet creative little face on it!
 

Lots of delicious snacks and goodies were served... below are some of my favorites! I've been making the chocolate dipped apricots for a while now and they are super easy. Simply dip dried apricots in melted chocolate until they are halfway covered, lay on parchment paper and top with a whole almond before the chocolate dries. Simple and delicious and very Halloweenie!

We served carrots and ranch in little shot glasses which made for perfect little portions.

The marshmallow people were hand dipped in food coloring then in chocolate and finished off with little chocolate eyes. This was so fun, I know I'll be making them again in the future and I'll definitely share the DIY tutorial with you. Stay tuned!

Cheetos were served in little paper cones and I glued googalie eyes to them to add a little fun!

Because in my opinion, you can't have a party without cake, chocolate cupcakes were served alongside delicious caramel apples slices (which I happen to think are the perfect Halloween treat)!

This is our our little man's first Halloween and we've had so much fun introducing him to all that this holiday has to offer! We even stuck him in a pumpkin for a quick photo. He wasn't too sure what to do so he just started gnawing on the side!   

Happy Halloween from the Sterling Team!

XOXO,

Star

Star's Favorite Sweets: Peanut Butter Cup Bars

I feel as though I am letting you in on the best kept secret recipe ever, but I must admit, it is all over Pinterest (how did I ever live without Pinterest, I don't know).  And for good reason!  These Peanut Butter Cup Bars are devine and taste just like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups!  I modified the recipe a bit, using a basic ganache rather than the chocolate/peanut butter topping listed on Bakerlady.  I did this because I happened to have heavy cream in the fridge and I LOVE ganache... I figured it would make the most perfect topping for these bars.  I don't think I've ever enjoyed licking the bowl more than I did while making this recipe :)  Oh. My. Goodness.  These are amazing!

Peanut Butter Bar Ingredients:

1 c. butter melted

2 sleeves/packages graham crackers 

2 c. powdered sugar

1 c. peanut butter

Peanut Butter Bar Directions:

Place the graham crackers in a food processor and pulse until they are finely ground to the consistency of sand (you may want to start with one package, pulse them, then add the other so they all fit). 

Add the melted butter, peanut butter and powdered sugar to the food processor.

Blend together.  Scrape down the sides with a spatula if necessary (tell yourself it is necessary so you have a reason to lick it after you scrape the sides :)

Pour the peanut butter mixture into a 9 x 13 pan and flatten with an off-set spatula.  Prepare chocolate ganache topping.

Chocolate Ganache Ingredients:

1 1/2 c. chocolate chopped in to small pieces (or chocolate chips)

1 c. heavy cream

Chocolate Ganache Directions:

Place the chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl.  Bring the cream to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat, carefully watching it so that it doesn't boil over.  Immediately pour the boiling cream over the chopped chocolate.  Tap the bowl on the counter to settle the chocolate into the cream, then let it sit for 1 minute.  Using a rubber spatula, slowly stir in a circular motion.  Stir until the chocolate is melted, about 2 minutes.  Spread the ganache over the peanut butter layer.  Refrigerate for at least one hour before cutting into squares.  I think these are best served a bit cold with a glass of milk!

*Recipe adapted from Bakerlady

Chocolate and peanut butter... it doesn't get much better than that.  Run, don't walk to the store to buy the ingredients for these amazing Peanut Butter Cup Bars!

Enjoy!!

-Star

Star's Favorite Things: The Getaway Car

A "Getaway Car" is the vehicle used to transport a Bride and Groom from their wedding to their next destination, whether it be their honeymoon, their hotel, or to an after party.  A decorated Getaway Car makes for great photos and is such a sweet way to end a wedding.

I just love the idea of a Bride and Groom ending thier wedding by climbing into a beautifully decorated, luxurious car and driving off into the night excited to embark on their new life as Husband and Wife.  It stirs up feelings of excitement, romance and possiblities... I am swooning just thinking about it!  My husband and I were lucky enough to exit our wedding in a classic Rolls Royce.  The drive from our wedding venue to our hotel was filled with kisses and talks of our dreams and what our future would hold.  It was the perfect way it was to end the night!

Photo courtesy of Style Me Pretty

The decor doesn't have to be fancy... a simple "Just Married" sign may be perfect!  There are loads of them available on Etsy.  Below are a few beautifully decorated Getaway Cars.  Just a bit of inspiration for you :)

Photo 1: Courtesy of Love & Stuff  

Photo 2: Courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Photo 3: Courtesy of Pinterest

Photo 4: Courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Love this personal twist on the classic tradition of tying tin cans to the newly married couple's car.  What a fun, and super easy DIY project for Bridesmaids.

Photo courtesy of Queens Land Brides

And don't forget, what happens in the Getaway Car, stays in the Getaway Car...

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

XOXO,  Star

Star's Inspirations: Unconventional Guest Books

Weddings are often filled with traditions, many of which make the event memorable for the Bride and Groom as well as their guests.  I love tradition, especially at weddings, but I also think it can be fun to add a little twist to an old idea.  Unconventional guest books are a great way to add a bit of excitement to this wedding staple.  An unexpected guest book not only adds something creative to your big day, it leaves you and your hubby with a unique and sentimental treasure you can cherish forever.  There are many wonderful ways a Bride and Groom can ask guests to leave them a special message on their wedding day.  Below are some of my favorites...

Have a custom puzzle with a picture of you and your fiance made.  Ask each guest to choose a piece and write you a message on the back.

Photo courtesy of Etsy Shop: Memory Lane Puzzles

Ask guests to leave you a message on a Jenga block.  This would be fun to play every anniversary!

Photo courtesy of Oh! Weddings

Create a custom "Guest Lib" with things about you and your fiance and ask each guest to complete it. After the wedding, the "Guest Libs" can be complied into a funny little guest book.  Your guests will have a lot of fun with this one!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Set up a recording station for guests to leave you a video message.  You can either hire someone like The Guestbox or designate someone to do the recording for you. Or you can even set up a DIY station with directions for your guests.  After the wedding, combine all of the clips into a slide show.  You can even include music and text (if you are good at that sort of thing :)

Photo courtesy of Love & Lobster

This is one of the most unique ideas, and possibly my favorite!  Have a dictionary (maybe a beautiful vintage one) and ask quests to choose a word that best describes you as a couple, circle it and write their message.  Then ask them to tag their word so you know where to find it.  This would be an awesome coffee table book after the wedding!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Ask guests to sign a sentimental object (if it is hand made by a loved one, even better!).  It can be a bench, a large rock, a chair, a storage chest, a frame... the possibilities are endless!  After the wedding you can display the signed object in your home or garden.

Photo courtesy of Style Me Pretty

Now this may not count as an actual "unconventional guest book" since it is quite popular but I've decided to include it since it is still considered outside the norm of the basic guest book of the past.  Have a book complied of your engagement pictures made by your photographers and ask guests to leave you a message in it.  It is a nice keepsake and it gives your guests a chance to view your engagement pictures.  Today, this may now even be considered an oldie, but still a goodie and one of the most popular!

Photo courtesy of Wedding Photography Design

As you can see, there are many creative and unconventional ways to collect messages from your guests on your wedding day.  Please let us know if you've come across any other unique "guests books" at weddings you've attended by commenting below.  

Best,

Star

Star's Favorite Things: Perfect Peonies

The Peony is without a doubt my favorite flower!  With their full and fluffy rounded bloom, peonies ooze romance.  They are sweet, elegant, sophisticated, and oh so versatile.  Peonies are the perfect flower for a intimate garden wedding, yet are equally as lovely showcased at a large glitzy affair.  According to The Flower Expert, peonies symbolize "a happy life, happy marriage, good health and prosperity."  That being said, I can't think of a more perfect wedding flower!  I prefer the gorgeous simplicity of peonies bunched together; however, they also look beautiful when combined with other flowers.  

Drew Barrymore recently used a variety of colorful peonies in her bridal bouquet for her June wedding in Montecito. 

Photo courtesy of People Magazine

Here are some other bridal bouquets bursting with perfect peonies

Photo courtesy of Plants World

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Anne Designs

Photo courtesy of LI Weddings

Photo courtesy of Style Me Pretty

Photo courtesy of Wedding Bee

Photo courtesy of One Wed

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Photo courtesy of Arabia Weddings

And for the Groom...

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

I love these centerpieces showcasing gorgeous peonies too!

Photo courtesy of The Posh Event

Photo courtesy of Glendalough Manor Bride

Photo courtesy of Bridge Water Gardens

Photo courtesy of Fiance 2 Wife

I love the simplicity of a single peony adorning this wedding cake, it is just gorgeous.  I also love the ribbon background... I love ribbons in general.  Check out my previous blog post "Smitten with Ribbons" for more ribbon love!

Photo courtesy of Green Wedding Shoes  

As you can see, I'm in peony love and am thrilled they are more accessible than ever.  They seem to be everywhere from grocery stores, to farmer's markets, to road side flower stands so you can enjoy them not just at your wedding or special event but also in your kitchen window.  I love every color, but if I had to choose, I think light pink peonies would have to be my favorite!  Check out the beautiful bunch I just picked up from my local grocer.  Simply perfect!

Always,

Star