Halloween Party Planning

This past weekend, the family and I went out to a local farm for our annual hay ride and pumpkin patch adventure. This annual tradition is something I look forward to and really helps me to get into the Halloween spirit. As I explained in my last post, I tend to decorate for Halloween in a more sophisticated and rustic-chic manner, so I just had to pass along this inspiring vignette by Live Laugh Rowe.

Source: Live Laugh Rowe

Everything above is either vintage or DIY - I love how she incorporated different textures into the vignette. This would look fabulous on a front porch or in a front hallway, especially if you are throwing a Halloween party.

Looking for additional ideas? Check out another one of our posts featuring classic black & white Halloween décor.



Source: Urban Comfort


Last, but not least, we've put together a "cheat sheet" for those of you planning a Halloween party. Check out our five basic steps for party planning success.

For more inspiration, check out our "Holidays" board on Pinterest.

DIY Halloween Decor

Don't you just love Fall? As soon as September hits I'm dreaming about the colourful leaves, chunky sweaters, apple picking, Thanksgiving, and of course Halloween. Generally when you think of Halloween, images of scary creatures and gory stories come to mind. But just because Halloween lends itself to all things spooky and gruesome doesn't mean your décor has to follow suit. Here are some chic DIY Halloween décor ideas that you can do on your own or with your family.

Trick or Treat Wooden Blocks

Source: I Dig Pinterest



Pumpkin Table Topper

Source: Better Homes & Gardens

Happy Halloween Banner

Source: Sweet Something Designs

 Book Page Pumpkin

Source: Creations by Kara

No-Sew Halloween Cushions

Source: 24 Cottonwood Lane

Halloween Felt Wreath

Source: All Things Simple

Stacked Pumpkin Totem

Source: HGTV

 

Don't forget to check out another great resource of Halloween DIY decorations right here on the Simply Sophisticated Blog.

• Free & Easy Halloween DIY Decorations

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Happy Holidays

I just wanted to send out warm wishes for an amazing holiday season to our blog family. Christmas is my absolute favourite time of the year; I love the decorations, the food, the music, and especially spending time with friends and family.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays,

and have a wonderful New Year!

Source: The Fancy Shack

'Tis the Season to be Jolly!

Here are some drool-worthy Christmas party decor ideas that I just had to share with you all. One of the reasons why I love this time of year so much is the ways in which people come together, celebrate, and spread happiness and joy. You can't help but feel the love as friends and family gather over the holiday season. I hope you enjoy this collection of festive entertaining ideas as much as I enjoyed putting them together.

Source: Celebrations at Home

Source: Half Baked - The Cake Blog

Source: Midwest Living

Source: HousetoHome

 Source: Pinterest

Source: Most Lovely Things

Source: Steve Giralt Photograher

Source:  The Inspired Room



Wedding Colours 101 for 2013

Selecting your wedding colours can be a daunting task. Will they accurately reflect your style and personality as a couple? What about your choice in location and the season that your wedding is taking place in?  Well you can stop worrying - we are here to help!

For those brides-to-be out there already planning their 2013 wedding (and for those hoping to find a small ring box under the Christmas tree this holiday season), we have rounded up the hottest trends in wedding colours for 2013.

Aquamarine
Reminiscent of the ocean, this relaxing shade is perfect for an easy-going couple throwing a serene celebration.

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Lemon Zest

Let the sunshine in with this cheerful shade. An excellent choice for a Spring or Summer wedding. 

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Violet

Easily combined with other colours, this light shade of purple will set the mood for an elegant and romantic wedding day.



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Cerise

Outgoing? Fun-loving? Well if these adjectives describe your couple style then why not think of incorporating this shade of feel-good pink.

Source

Butterscotch

This decandent hue will help any couple pull off a polished and glamourous event.

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Tangerine

Pantone Colour of the Year 2012. This funky shade will continue to inspire brides into 2013. Perfect for the energetic couple looking to make their celebration stand-out.

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Pistachio Green

Look to this cool shade of green to inject a calming effect onto any wedding day.

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Free & Easy Halloween DIY Decorations

The countdown has begun...only 2 more sleeps until the big haunt is here! That means there is still plenty of time to carve that pumpkin, finish those costumes, and decorate for Halloween. Still searching for ideas? The Party Dress blog never disappoints when I'm looking for inspiration and with instructions as easy as, "download, print, cut and glue" well what decorations could be easier than that?

Download these DIY Decoration Templates:
1) Party Signs and Cupcake Toppers
2) Paper Chain and "Trick or Treat" Banner (extra stickers here)
3) Treat Bag Tags


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Materials Needed:

• 2.5 inch round stickers in orange
• 8.5×11 cover weight paper in black and orange
• Twine
• Glitter/Gold wrapping paper
• Glassine Bags
• Paper Sticks

Happy Crafting!

Black and White Halloween Decor Inspiration

On this rainy, gloomy day I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to begin showcasing some Halloween decorating ideas. Tired of the tired, old tacky run-of-the-mill designs? I couldn't resist sharing these classic and sophisticated decor ideas, using black and white as the central colour palatte.



Source: Candice Stringham Photography



Source: The Happy Heathen



Source: Craftberry Bush



Source: Urban Comfort

More spooktacular ideas to come...

(Sorry I just couldn't resist!)

Real Wedding: Muskoka Dreams

Our first real wedding feature is courtesy of Cynthia Martyn Events. Simply put, this wedding takes my breath away - the location, colour palette, floral design, and decor work effortlessly together to make this bride's dream wedding come true.

The wedding was held at The Lake Joseph Club in the Muskoka region, just north of Toronto. For the ceremony, large floral balls were anchored off the dock in lieu of traditional aisle decor.

The floral arrangements, including the bouquets, were done in shades of mocha, cream, blush, and gold. A perfect representation of the overall colour scheme, including the beautiful bridesmaid dresses in blush.

The centerpieces on both the head table and guests' tables were created in crystal vases atop of mirrors to add dimension to the table landscape.

 



  

  

The wedding cake was simple, yet elegantly designed with sugar flowers and a touch of bling.

A Parisian lounge bordered the dance floor to allow guests to rest and mingle.

For further details, including additional pictures, please visit Cynthia Martyn Events.



Happy Canada Day!

We wanted to send out a little patriotic love to our fellow Canadians who will be celebrating Canada Day this upcoming weekend.

Photo Source: savymom.ca

Check out these inspirational photos below to help make your celebration POP!

Free Printables at Botanical Paperworks



Photo Source: savymom.ca



Canada Day Sandwich from Canadian Family

Free Printables at Catch My Party

 

DIY Canada Flag: aka Design