Inspired By Plaid and Houndstooth - Our Favorite Prints for Fall!

The air is crisp, boots have been dusted off and the smell of pumpkin spice is everywhere.  Its fall and we are thoroughly enjoying all this season has to offer.  We are busy working on a fall inspired event and enjoying mixing warm colors, textures and patterns.  We've decided to incorporate plaid into this project and it has made us realize how much we are loving plaid at the moment!  We can't say too much yet, but we thought we'd share the inspiration board with you.  The concept is "Rich Fall Meets Warm Boho".  Our vision is rustic, elegant, bohemian, warm, cozy and indulgent.  This unexpected color palette (mustard... where have you been all our lives?!?) is stunning and so very "fall"!

We love plaid because it comes in so many colors and sizes and if done right can be oh so chic!  Another one of our favorite fall patterns is houndstooth.  Although it is classic and has been around for quite some time, it seems to be making a big comeback this fall.  It is everywhere - and for good reason!  It is simple yet bold, classic yet modern and equally appropriate on both men and women.  These two prints are the perfect addition to your holiday entertaining designs.  You can incorporate them in a big way or subtly - whatever suits your fancy.  Below are a few of our favorite ways to use plaid and houndstooth in both decor and at events.

We love these place settings.  The top setting's houndstooth napkin is the perfect touch and looks fantastic agains the tribal linen.  The lower setting's plaid placemat is holiday festive but in an understated elegant way.  We love it!

Photos courtesy of Glitter (houndstooth and tribal print) Everything Fabulous (plaid)

Plaid bridesmaid dresses are not common, but we think they are super cool.  We especially love the large plaid because it is so unexpected.  Consider wearing something like this to a holiday party this season.

Photos courtesy of Bride Power (single model) and Elizabeth Anne Designs (bride with bridesmaids)

We love the simplicity of the blue plaid napkin tied with an orange bow on the place setting.  Blue gingham is featured in the photo on the right.  Gingham is plaids adorable cousin.  Although typically more appropriate during spring and summer months.  We do however, feel the blue gingham paired with the orange cocktail makes for a very "fall" appropriate combination.

Photos courtesy of Ruffled (place setting) and (drink)

Oh houndstooth.  Isn't it lovely?!  The bow tie shown below is perfection and the favor bags couldn't be cuter.

Photos courtesy of Wedding Chicks (bow tie) and Ruffled (escort cards)

These invitations are so striking and unexpected.  Whether used for a wedding, holiday party or any other celebration, we'd love to get something like this in the mail!

Photo courtesy of Hey Wedding Lady (houndstooth) and Rustic Wedding Chic (plaid)

Lastly, we wanted to share with you a few chic ways to incorporate plaid and houndstooth in your own home holiday decor.  These would make great gifts as well!

Photos courtesy of William Sonoma (plaid plates) and Joss & Main (houndstooth pillows)

xoxo,

The Sterling Team

DIY With Star: Easy Peasy Envelope Liners

Lined envelopes make a statement.  This simple detail makes a big impact on the recipient of your invitation, letter or card and gets them excited about whats inside.  Many high end invitations come with lined envelopes or offer them at an additional cost; however, if yours don't come with them, consider doing them yourself.  They are super simple to make and can be customized to any occasion.  They are great for invitations and cards of all kinds - weddings, showers, birthdays, thank yous and love notes :)  You can even spruce up store bought cards by adding liners yourself.

In addition to the envelopes, all you need is pretty paper (thinner is better, card stock isn't a great option for this project), a pencil, scissors and glue.  If you've ever perused the scrapbook isle at your local craft store you know there are tons of specialty paper options out there.  Paper Source also has stunning printed papers!  Wrapping paper is another great option and is actually what I used for the DIY photos below.  

DIY Instructions

1.Open your envelope and place it on your paper.  Using a pencil trace the envelope onto the paper (its fine to start about three inches from the bottom of the envelope).  Cut the traced portion out.

  

2. Slip it into the envelope and place it just below the adhesive strips.  

3. Carefully fold the envelope flap over and gently press on the crease.  This will crease the           insert.  

4. Glue the edges of the top part of the creased insert (do not glue the portion below the crease).  Make sure the glue is permanent (I used Zig 2 way glue).  Close the envelope and press down firmly. 

1. I recently purchased this adorable black and gold wrapping paper and thought it would be perfect to line an envelope with.  This paper is playful yet chic and would be perfect for a birthday party invitation!

2. I used a book page for this one and love how it turned out (for more inspiration see my previous post on using book pages in your wedding decor).  Sheet music or maps would work well too.  How cute would it be to line a destination wedding invitation with a map of the wedding location?! 

3. I love the way this silver glitter paper looks with the gray envelope.  It would be perfect for a holiday card or New Years Eve party invitation.

4. I used understated shimmer velum paper for this one.  It is elegant and would like nice lining a wedding invitation.

I used a neutral palette with black and metallic accents for my envelopes but consider using a bright envelope with a contrasting pattern.  Line your envelopes with a coordinating solid color or simple pattern for a more understated look.  For wedding invitations, consider using a variety of patterns in the same hue for the various envelopes (invitation, response card, etc.).  The possibilities are endless! 

Below are a few cute liner ideas that are totally doable!  Can you see what a difference they make on the overall presentation of the invitation?!  

Photo courtesy of Etsy shop Puddleduck Paper Co.

Photos courtesy of Etsy shop lanyapstudios

Happy crafting!

-Star

Color Trends Part Two - Our Predictions for 2014

We hope you enjoyed our tribute to 2013's Pantone color of the year.  We have truly been inspired by emerald and look forward to seeing it used throughout the remainder of the year.  With 2014 right around the corner, we'd like to turn our attention to next year's newly predicted color trends.  No one can know what the future will bring, but we've taken a stab at what we expect to see in the color world for the coming year.

As far as weddings go, pastels are here to stay; however, we expect to see more brights and metallics continue to be added to the mix in 2014.  Over the past few years, many of our couples have decided to incorporate bold colors (both solids and patterns) into their wedding decor and we expect to see that increase over the next few years.  Jewel tones have been very popular over the past few years and we expect this trend to continue.  In 2014, we believe couples will continue to think outside the box and use vivid hues mixed in with the more traditional pastel wedding colors.

Pantone hasn't named the 2014 color of the year, but they have given us a few ideas. According to their Fashion Report from the recent NY Fall Fashion Week, ten colors have been identified as most prevalent in designers' current collections.  They are a mix of neutrals, pastels and exotic brights.

If you go to their website, you can vote for your favorite!

Neutrals are timeless and will always be appropriate at weddings; however, we are constantly finding ways to reinvent the neutral palette by adding bold or even subtle contrasts to it.  This year we did so with mint and various hues of blue, with blush and mixed metallics, and with cream with pops of fushia and fun prints.  We expect this to continue in 2014.  A few of the Sterling Engagements Team Members decided to make a few predictions of what they expect to see in 2014.  Here they are!

Predictions From our Team...

Alexandra Rembac, Principal & Creative Director: "I'm thinking Cayenne.  It's bold, exciting, completely interchangeable with a broad variety of other color hues and I can already see myself pairing it with certain weddings we are designing for 2014!"

Ana Vargas, Office & Production Manager: "I'm absolutely in love with Dazzling Blue.  Although I agree that Pastels are here to stay in the wedding world, I also see couples adding splashes of bright colors to make their color schemes pop.  This Dazzling Blue can complement all pastels, both in wedding decor and in our closets and I can already see it used along with softer choices."

Star Hansen, Director of Wedding Planning & Sr. Associate Planner: I believe Violet Tulip is going to be the color we see most of in 2014.  It is such a stunning shade of purple... bolder than lavender, but not over the top.  I see our couples pairing it with various shades of purple and combining it with traditional wedding neutrals.

What color do you think we will see the most of in 2014?

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

DIY With Star: Creating a Kiss Board

I wanted to share with you a fun little DIY project you could incorporate into the next bachelorette party, bridal shower, baby shower or birthday party you throw.  Create a kiss board for the lovely woman you are celebrating!

A few months ago I threw a baby shower for one of my best friends who was pregnant with a baby girl whose name would be Isla.  In addition to the games I'd planned, I wanted to do something interactive with the guests so I decided to create a "Kisses for Isla" station.  I included various shades of pink lipstick and cotton swabs for applying it, a small mirror, small pieces of paper for each kiss, a pen for labeling the kisses, tissues and instructions.  The shower guests had a great time!  They compared their kisses, took pictures of each other wearing fuchsia lipstick and said to each other jokingly "wow, that is really your color!".  After the shower I collected all of the kisses and framed them for my friend.  She loves this keepsake and has it hanging in her daughter's room.  How sweet that Isla has "kisses" from the most special women in her life all in one place!

This was a perfect project for a baby shower, but would also be great for a bachelorette party or bridal shower (it could say "Kisses for the Happy Couple").  How cool would it be to have a kiss board with all of your Bridesmaid's kisses?!

I loved the project so much I decided to incorporate it into my birthday celebration.  I recently turned the big 3-0 and thought it was the perfect milestone to capture "kisses" from my best girl friends.  These are the girls who have been my friends through thick and thin and I love that I now have their kisses all in one place.  Everyone's kisses are so unique and individual which is what make this project so cool!  I will forever treasure it along with the memories of the fun night we had when we made it.

I hope I've convinced you to make a "kiss board" for an upcoming event with the girls!  A few things to remember: make sure to have plenty of extra papers for the kisses because I can guarantee you that your guests will want a "do over" to get the perfect kiss :)  You could also skip the little pieces of paper all together and just have guests place their kisses directly on a larger piece of paper.  That would look cool too!

XOXO,
Star

Star's Favorite Sweets: Smore Pops

Summer is right around the corner which has me craving smores!  The combination of gooey marshmallows, creamy chocolate and crunchy graham crackers is just perfect and the ultimate American classic!  I happen to think everything is better on a stick so I thought I'd give smore pops a try.  I must admit they were quite delicious, super simple to make and really pretty!  These smore pops are less messy than camp fire smores and can me made ahead of time which makes them the perfect party treat.

To make these pops, I simply stuck lollypop sticks into marshmallows, dipped them in melted chocolate and rolled the bottoms in crushed graham crackers.  Thats it!  These would be perfect to serve at a Memorial Day BBQ, bridal shower or birthday party.  You could even wrap them up in little cellophane bags, the the with a pretty ribbon and use them as favors.

To make the little flags, I wrapped a bit of washi decorative tape around the tip of the lollypop sticks before I inserted them into the marshmallows.  Washi tape comes in every color an pattern you could imagine so its really easy to customize this treat to your event.  I happen to love the blue and white, especially for this time of year.  Enjoy!!

XOXO,
Star

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: Personalize your Big Day with Photos!

We have seen photos used a myriad of ways as a decor element at weddings and events.  No matter how they are used, photos add a nice personal touch and a bit of uniqueness to your Big Day.  Whether you exhibit a bunch of photos or just a few favorites, your guests will enjoy the opportunity to view them at your wedding.  If you've had engagement photos taken, consider using them as wedding decor - it is a great way to show them off to your friends and family!  Another idea is to display childhood photos of you and your fiance or maybe use a variety of photos taken at various times throughout your relationship.  Some couples choose to display their parent's wedding pictures or photos of loved ones who have passed.  Whatever you decide will be perfect!  Display your photos in elaborate crystal frames for a formal look or string them along a clothes line for a casual garden wedding.  Below are just a few of our favorite ways to display personal photos at weddings.

Amanda and Hal, one of our September 2012 wedding couples, displayed their parent's, grandparent's and great grandparent's wedding photos on a table at the entrance of their venue.  A little sign naming the couple and their wedding date was placed next to each frame.  This was such a sweet touch and we loved how they included a photo from Hal's propsal to Amanda in the center.  For more on Amanda and Hal's big day, see this previous post.

  

 

 Photos courtesy of Callaway Gable Photography

Another one of our couples displayed various family photos to create an ancestry table.  Guests enjoyed  perusing these photos during the reception.

Photo courtesy of Callaway Gable Photography

Jessica and David, one of our October 2012 couples, used framed photos from their engagement shoot as table numbers.  This was a clever way exhibit their favorite engagement shoot photos!  For more on Jessica and David's wedding, see this previous post.

Photo courtesy of Docuvitae Photography

One of our October 2011 couples also used photos as table numbers.  For more on Stephanie and Darren's stunning wedding see this previous post.

Photo courtesy of Ryan Phillips Photography

We love how this couple displayed a variety of photos at their bar.  They included baby pictures of the bride and groom as well as a few quirky and sweet photos of the couple together.

Photo courtesy of Found Vintage Renals

Stringing photos around a tree (or fence, or wall, for that matter) is such a simple way to utilize your personal photos. 

What a great photo op!  Love this!

Photos courtesy of Simply Chic Events

We love the look of black and white photos strung across a mirror.  So simple yet elegant!

Photo courtesy of Ashley Bee 

xoxo,

Star

Star's Favorite Things: Photo Booth Fun!

Photo booths have become quite popular at weddings, and for good reason!  Whether portable, digital, or no walls studio style, photo booths add fun and excitement to your big day.  Guests welcome the opportunity to interact and be silly so consider providing props such as boas, hats, wigs and mustaches (most photo booth companies include these props in their packages).  Guests love being able to take their photos home which makes them double as a favor!  Request multiple copies of each photo then ask guests to place a copy of each picture in a scrap book with a note.  Or, ask them to hang their photos on a wall or along a clothesline for decoration during your reception.  Many photo booth companies will also provide you with a CD of all of the photos taken at your event which is a great way for you to have a picture of each of the guests present at your wedding.

Photo courtesy of Scott Langley Photographer 

If you decide on a studio style photo booth and your budget allows for it, consider having a custom backdrop created. This adds a personal touch to the photos and allows your wedding concept to shine.

Here at Sterling Engagements, we happen to be big fans of studio style photo booths because they allow for uniqueness and creativity; however, we also love the nostalgic aspect of portable photo booths.  We've worked with some amazing photo booth and custom backdrop design vendors! 

We love this custom backdrop which has been designed to look like a giant chalk board.

Photo courtesy of My Modern Met

We love how these couples utlized picture frames.  So fun!



Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Photo courtesy of Angel In The North

Photo Courtesy of Belle The Magazine

This custom background of red poppies is stunning and so elegant.



Photo courtesy of The Wedding Planners

If you are a DIY bride, you may want to create your own background.  We love the texture and romace of these DIY backgrounds.

Photo courtesy of Ruche

Photo courtesy of Ruche

This photo illustarates how the photos can be used as decor throughout the reception. Doesn't it look fantastic?!

Photo courtesy of The Wedding Galleria

Check out one of our Bride's photo booths in action.  We absolutely LOVED her custom background which was created by Shawna Yamamoto Event Design!

Photo courtesy of Callaway Gable

As I mentioned, props are a great way to add fun and humor to the photos.  You can go big with hats, glasses and boas, or you can go a bit simpler and go with the mustaches, lips and glasses shown below.

Photo courtesy of EPLove Photography

We came across these photos and had to share them with you because they are so unique and fun!  This Bride and Groom had life size cut outs of themselves in their wedding attire made and had them avaialble for guests to take photos with.  It gave every guest the opportunity to take a photo with the Bride and Groom.  Such a silly and creative idea and they look pretty life like in my opinion!  The photo on the left is of the Bride and Groom with their cut outs.

XOXO,

Star

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