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

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 Sweets: Meringue with Fresh Berries and Chocolate

As many of you know, I'm a huge fan of meringue (you can find my previous meringue post here).  It is light, fluffy and just the right amount of sweet.  Topped with whipped cream and berries, it is a home run in my book and the perfect summertime treat.  I recently tried out a unique meringue recipe and loved it so much I made it twice in one week!  It oozes with chocolate, cream and fresh berries and is so  SO delicious!  This recipe is quite simple, although a bit time intensive, and is quite the show stopper.  It definitely looks more difficult to make than it actually is.  I promise you will wow your friends with this one!

This recipe is from one of my favorite cookbooks, Apples for Jam, by Tessa Kiros

Meringue:

4 egg whites

3/4 cup superfine sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts or hazelnuts

1/2 cup finely crushed unsalted crackers (I used saltines)

Topping:

1 cup chopped semisweet chocolate

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup fruit (I used a combination of hulled and quartered strawberries, blue berries, and pitted and halved cherries)

confectioners' sugar, to serve

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.  Cover the bottom of a 9 1/2 inch springform cake pan with a sheet of parchment paper before clipping the side into place.  The paper will stick out of the side, making it easier to remove the meringue later.  Grease the side of the pam (I used non-stick coconut oil spray from Trader Joes).

Whisk the egg whites in a bowl until they lose their foaminess and look like very, thick stiff shaving cream.  Whisk in the sugar bit by it until it is all incorporated, then whisk in the vanilla and the vinegar.  Gently but thoroughly fold in the nuts and crackers.  Spoon into the pan and level the surface, making a slight indent int he middle.

Bake for about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours, until the meringue is lightly golden and coming away from the side of the pan.  Turn off the oven, prop the door just slightly ajar, and leave the meringue inside until it is completely cool.  Take the meringue out of the pan and put it on a serving plate or cake stand.  Remove the paper.

Melt the semisweet chocolate in the top of a double broiler, making sure that the water doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl.  Drizzle over the meringue in a criss-cross pattern and then leave to harden completely.  

Whip the cream with the vanilla until it holds thickly on the beaters.  Dollop onto the meringue, leaving a small border to show off the chocolate.  Dot the berries on top and cover with a gentle shake of confectioners' sugar to serve.  Serves approximately 8 people.  

Give it a try, I promise you won't be disappointed!

Happy Baking,

Star 

Star's Inspirations: The Perfect Five Year Anniversary Gift

Last week my husband and I celebrated our five year wedding anniversary.  It was a wonderful day filled with love, memories, talks of the future, and gifts we will both treasure forever.  When we told people we were celebrating our five year anniversary, they congratulated us.  We appreciated the congratulations and agreed that being happily married for five years was definitely something to be proud of and celebrated!

In previous years we kept our anniversary gifts fairly simple but this year I knew I wanted to give my husband something special for this milestone.  Having just celebrated his birthday and Father's Day, I was feeling a bit stumped when it came to choosing his anniversary gift.  I wanted to get him something symbolic and sentimental - not necessarily expensive or luxurious though.  I knew there were symbolic gifts for every anniversary and thought that would be a good place to start (see infoplease.com for a complete list).  The gift for five years is "wood".  Kind of a tricky one in my opinion.  I was recently in Chicago and was fortunate enough to stumble upon Stitch - an amazing designer furnishings and accessories boutique in Bucktown.  There I found various cool "wood" options including clocks, bottle stoppers, and coasters; however, my favorites were their wooden boxes.  They come in a variety of sizes, wood types and finishes and to say they are gorgeous is an understatement!  Each box is unique, finished with a high gloss lacquer, suede lined and hand made in Italy.  They are stunning yet very masculine at the same time.  I ended up choosing a small and simple box with a dark finish.

My husband absolutely loves it!  He likes to empty his pockets as soon as he gets home from work and now he has a nice place to keep his things until morning.  I love that it is a beautiful piece of home decor that will always remind both of us of this milestone.  It was the perfect five year anniversary gift if I do say so myself!  If you are engaged and don't want to wait five years to give one of these beauties to your man, consider giving one as a wedding gift or even as a thank you gift to your groomsmen!

XOXO,

Star

Social Media and Your Wedding

Social Media is continuing to takeover the world wide web of a world we live in.  It's amazing to think where the social media world was even just a few years back and compare it to where it is today.  It often could take at least a weekend-- sometimes a few weeks or even longer, for word to travel of a couple's wedding and all of the details that went along with it.  Today, it's all accessible at your fingertips within moments and the best part is, you oftentimes get pictures too!!!    

According to Mashable, about one in ten brides update their Facebook relationship status within minutes of saying "Yes", and nearly one in three (31%) do so within hours of getting engaged.  It seems everyone is using social media to stay connected and share information about exciting life events with others.  Whether you love it or hate it, social media is here to stay and offers a unique way to connect with your guests.

Photo courtesy of Arkarthick

About 62% of brides like when their guests immediately post photos from their wedding onto various social media sites (according to Mashable).  If you do fall into this category, we suggest you create a hashtag to your event (e.g. #amenaandbrandonsayido #johnandcarrieswedding #bebowedding).  Share it with your guests and ask them to include it after any photos they post from your wedding.  This will provide you with the opportunity to view your wedding from various angles and see all of the unique and fun experiences your guests had while celebrating with you.  The best part about it is that it is free!  Check out these fun ways to share your hashtag with your guests:  

Photos courtesy of (1) CeeBeeandJ, (2) Pinterest, (3) In Bliss, (4) Style Me Pretty

If you like the idea of collecting photos from your guests but would prefer they not be shared via social media, consider using a company such as Wedding Snap or Photo Opp which provides a platform for couples to collect wedding photos and videos from their guests.  Guests can capture, store and instantly share their unique wedding photos in one central, password protected location.  This is a great option for guests that prefer not to use social media or don't understand the whole "hashtag" thing.  

Photos courtesy of Wedding Snap

Although some couples encourage their guests to immediately post photos from their wedding onto various social media sites, if you are unsure, we suggest that guests hold off until the newlyweds have had the opportunity to post their photos first.  If you are a more private couple that would prefer not to share photos from your wedding with the entire world, consider posting a simple sign like this at your wedding:

Photo courtesy of Etsy shop SerendipityDesigned

We just had to share this fun gift idea with you.  It is perfect for the social media/Facebook loving couple!

Photo courtesy of Etsy shop blushface

Oh and speaking of social media... are you following The Sterling Team?  Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!   

What do you think about social media and your wedding?  Will you or have you developed your hashtag?  If so, what is or would it be?  We want to know, share with us, by commenting below!

xoxo,
The Sterling Team

Sneak Peek: Donna + Sandy Say "I Do" Circus Style

Donna and Sandy were married at Calamigos Equestrian on a beautiful Sunday in June.  I started working with them the previous year and truly enjoyed every moment of it.  This wedding was so special to me and Sterling and we were so grateful to have the opportunity to guide Donna and Sandy through it.

Their wedding design was incredible, they wanted a fun, interactive and festive look circus style, while still clean and elegant of course.  So I came up with a concept that merged a tiny bit of both and as we continued to plan it evolved into "Vintage Love at the Circus".  Of course we had an amazing design team which included some of our favorite production partners like Shawna, Yamamoto Event Design, Prim and Pixie, Designer Specialty Linens, Stage Labs and Fantasy Frostings... A total dream team right!?!

Today I wanted to share a sneak peek of their awesome same-day edit courtesy of Ryan Geldermann.

Stay tuned for more amazing details and photos from SimplyTwo Photography!

Sterling Engagements Wishes: Happy 4th of July!

What a beautiful day it is to celebrate such a festive holiday!  Hoping you are able to get out, take the day off and enjoy some sunshine!

 

Photo courtesy of Examiner

The 4th of July is one my own all time favorite holidays for the sole purpose that I LOVE fireworks.  This year is an extra special one for me as I'm actually able to take the bulk of the afternoon and evening off.  So I'm going to share with you some holiday rules and guidelines that I made for myself for this special day.  Hoping it will encourage, inspire and excite you as much as it has me!
   
ӿ  Embrace the day: Do something a little different than what I usually do... 

ӿ  Be Kind: To yourself and others today, push yourself to somehow go the extra mile for you and for someone else in some way.  Even if you don't want to, it will come back.

ӿ  Have Fun: Be a little extra silly, laugh a lot and create memories with those around you to make this THE BEST 4TH EVER!

ӿ  Make New Friends:  Wish anyone you get the opportunity to a Happy 4th!  Whether it's a stranger on the street, a waitress at lunch or even a person you haven't met yet at the same party you are at.  Change their day, it's powerful and amazing and oh so rewarding.

ӿ  Be safe:  That's self explanatory!

Have a safe and Happy Holiday!

Gown Alert: Monique Lhuillier Sample Sale

It's that time of the year ladies! One of our favorites, Monique Lhuillier, will be having their semi-annual sample sale next Sunday, July 14^th from 10am to 4pm.  The sale will be at a pop-up shop in downtown LA.  They’ll have both Bridal and Ready to Wear dresses with markdowns anywhere from 40% - 90%.  Can you imagine the savings?!?!

This is the perfect opportunity for brides, friends and family to find not only incredible gowns but ready to wear items as well for showers, bachelorette parties and even the rehearsal!

This sale only happens twice a year so we definitely suggest avoiding that July heat and heading downtown to check it out next weekend!  Make a day of it and start with brunch or head to lunch after, enjoy some champagne or lemonade and prepare to get your shop on!

 

 

Happy Shopping!

Sneak Video Peek: Roaring Twenties Soiree!

2012 was filled with incredible opportunities for Sterling corporate event wise and we are excited to start featuring some of them on the blog!

Exactly 8 months ago today we had the privilege of producing an extraordinary Roaring Twenties event for over 2000 guests!  With Instagram's big announcement today about video being added to one of our favorite app's, I felt it was fitting to give you a quick video teaser.  Because who doesn't love a good video right!?!?

Over the next several months we will begin to start featuring more amazing photos and details from not only this highly conceptualized corporate event but several others, we were so excited to be a part of.

In the meantime, here's a preview from the incredible Threaded Films of what I would say was one of my most favorite event's to produce in our company history!  Check out their blog post as well, where you can learn a bit more about their role in this epic event!

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