Inspired Wrapping

With Christmas only 49 days away (so excited!), I've been thinking of unique gift wrapping ideas. I love beautifully wrapped packages, and often think that the invention of the gift bag is one of the worst ideas yet. Yes, I know, they are perfect for those oddly shapped gifts, or presents that do not come with a box, but it saddens me to think that people just don't take the time to "wrap" their presents nowadays.

Anyways, here are some pictures of beautiful gifts that I hope will inspire each of you to get creative this coming holiday season.





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Creative Wedding Ideas

If you're looking for ways to be creative at your wedding, shower, birthday party etc. there's a few really unique products we've seen floating around that you might love.

Skip the traditional guest book for this Custom Puzzle Guest Book by Bella Puzzles Too. This puzzle is made of wood and can be customized. Visit Bella Puzzles Too for more information on how to place a custom order.

Are you having a beer themed party or hosting your wedding/shower at a distillery? Here's a different type of favour to give out to your guests: personalized beer: Girl In Gear Studio offers personalized waterproof beer labels. Visit Girl In Gear Studio for more information, pricing and design options.

Preserve your wedding vows in the most unexpected way with this Personalized Wedding Vow Wall Art Plaque by Nice Day 4 A White Wedding. This amazing canvas really needs no introduction, we think it's one of the most romantic ideas ever! Visit Nice Day 4 A White Wedding for more information.

How are you bringing some creativity to your special event?

Q & A: Keeping The Kids Happy

Q: We're having a huge wedding and there will be lot's of kids attending the reception. I'd really like to keep them occupied so their parents can enjoy the party, do you have any suggestions?

A: Whether you're hosting a big wedding or a backyard BBQ, you can make the children in attendance feel special by providing them with quiet activities and toys to play with during the party to keep them busy and happy. If you don't want toys scattered around your venue, designate a Kid Zone spot with a table and chairs set up where they can colour and play to their hearts content.



{Photo Source: Intimate Weddings}



Wedding Gift Dilema: Asking for Money

These days, it's pretty customary for couples to want money in lieu of a wedding gift. Whether it be for their bridal shower or actual wedding, we're always being asked if there's a polite way to share these desires with their guests.

While we wouldn't recommend adding this type of request on a wedding invitation (after all, you don't want to imply that guests HAVE to give you something) we do think there are other creative, more subtle ways to get the message out. We find using your wedding party and close family members as to help spread the message works best. In our experience, many times guests will ask if the couple is registered anywhere or if there is anything specific they'd like. This is the perfect opportunity for your close knit group to share that you'd really like money in lieu of a gift.

Having said that, sometimes it's still a good idea to register or have a few stores in mind that you wouldn't mind receiving gift cards from. Some guests still may not want to just give money as a gift, and would appreciate knowing which stores you frequent so they could at least give a gift card.

*Photo Source

 

Vendor Spotlight: Shannon Barcic Designs

Shannon Barcic of Shannon Barcic Designs opened the doors to her business almost one year ago in Guelph, Ontario. Offering stunning, handstamped sterling silver pendants, Barcic's jewellery is not only hand made, their designs are completely customizable to what her clients want.

Clients can choose the style of pendant they like best and have it stamped with information such as children's names, birthdates, special events, the list goes on! Want to add some bling to your custom pendant? Barcic also offers Swarovski Crystals to those looking to add a splash of color to their piece.

When asked what customers should know about her shop, Barcic says "due to the nature of personalized work we cannot offer exchanges or refunds. However, if a mistake is made on a piece, I will be more than happy to replace the item at no extra cost." How's that for customer satisfaction?

"Any one of my sterling pendants can be used for unique bridal gifts," Barcic says. "My personal favourites are the rectangle bars and open circle pendants. Anything from the date of the event to the name of the Maid of Honour/Bridesmaid can be stamped and would make a great personal and unique keepsake. I also design key chains as well for groomsmen."

Barcic's designs can be found on her blog Little Bits of Me, at her Etsy Shop or at various boutiques in Guelph and Toronto. Check out Pretty Chic Boutique (Guelph) or Periwinkle (Bloor West Village) should you wish to see some designs in person.

Vendor Spotlight: By Design Gifts

Established in 2007 as an online boutique, By Design Gifts was created out of the need for unique, trendy yet practical baby gifts and accessories. In 2009, Owner Tina Labonte-Gordon made the big leap and opened a storefront in Burlington, Ontario, adding a variety of gifts for all occasions.

"From birth onward to every celebration, milestone and remembrance, we pride ourselves in customizing the gift for your occasion, to make it special and personal. If you don't see it on our site, just ask and we will do all we can to create that something special," Tina says on her company website.

Not only can you find one-of-a-kind diaper cakes, baby accessories and other special occasion gifts, By Design Gifts also offers shipping on each item. Customers can also have their creation gift wrapped with a special, personalized message attached to each bundle. More information on shipping, pick-up and worldwide delivery can be found here.

 
To learn how to place an order (phone, e-mail or via online) click here.
 
*Diaper Cake photo courtesy of By Design Gifts. Click here for product details.

Our favourite By Design Gifts finds:

• Baby Shower Favors
• Organic Baby Gift Baskets
• Wedding Gifts, Shower and Wedding Favors
• Chic Bridesmaid Gifts

Wordless Wednesday: Teacup Candles

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

Holiday Deal of the Week

We thought we'd bring some holiday savings to our readers this week with some holiday/Christmas shopping sales! Whether you're looking for home decor ideas, the perfect platter to showcase your home made cookies on or simply a hostess gift for the many parties you'll attend this season, we hope these websites help you find some gift giving inspiration!

Here's a few links we thought you might want to peruse before hitting the shopping trails.
*Click on the hyperlinks below to access the flyers and catalogues.

Pier 1 Imports - Christmas Catalogue

Home Sense - Holiday Countdown Gift Ideas

Bowring - 'Tis the Season Online Catalogue

Michaels - Weekly Store Flyer

Martha Stewart - Shop Martha: Holiday Glitter

Barns & Noble - Holiday Gift Guide

Ok, so you've got some great gift ideas - or maybe you've picked up some home decor products to spruce up your house for your holiday get together. Now you have to actually cook....to entertain! Sounds daunting we know! Before you dial the caterer, check out some of these cook books we picked out. They may inspire you to create a scrumptious feast of your own.


Williams-Sonoma Holiday Entertaining: Inspired recipes & ideas for celebrating the season

Nigella Christmas: Food, Family, Friends, Festivities

Classic Crafts And Recipes For The Holidays by Martha Stewart

And for those hosting a super chic cocktail party, don't worry, we haven't forgotten about you. Check out these finds especially for you!

Hors D'Oeuvre At Home With The Culinary Institute Of America

Williams-Sonoma Mastering: Hors d'oeuvres

Party Appetizers: Small Bites, Big Flavors

DIY Wedding Favor Ideas

Wedding favors can be a great way to show your guests how much you appreciate them. When a bride is having a hard time deciding on what to give to her guests, we usually suggest something that is personable. Sometimes the best gifts are ones that really reflect the bride and groom's personalities.

Another thing we love are Do It Yourself (DIY) favors. Just like DIY Invitations, making your own favors are a great way to save some money. Here are some neat examples of some DIY ideas:

• Make your own truffles and display them in DIY candy boxes. We love the ones at Bellaterra. Click here for their amazing collection of personalized favor boxes. If you're looking for your own DIY Kit, they have those too! Click here to see.
  
• Make your own wine and dress it up with cute, personalized labels. Having a winter wedding? Why don't you give your guests mini bottles of ice wine? You can also personalize the labels with your names and wedding date.
  
• Everyone loves a little sweet treat, try making your own mini cupcakes with your initials. Stumped on wrapping ideas? Try wrapping them in cellophane and tie with a bow that matches your colour theme. Want to tie a personalized gift tag to the parcel? We love these tags from StickerMeChic.

Wordless Wednesday: Tea Time Centre Piece Delight

Photo Courtesy of: Lestout.com

Wordless Wednesday: Simply Delightful Sugar Cookies

Photo Courtesy of: www.flourgirls.com

Deal of the Week: Wine on a Budget

Looking for tasty wine choices for your next party? Or, perhaps you're looking for a new wine to give away as a hostess gift? We know, it's hard to choose wine (it's so personal) and it's especially hard if you're on a budget.

The Nest has just released a great new article on the top 15 wines under $15. They rounded up a group of wine tasters to drink 6,000 glasses of wine to prove that some of the best are under $15!

Intrigued? Click here to read more.