I am an entertainer, so I purchased 50 of these cocktail plates {Crate and Barrel} several years a go. They were cheap and came in bulk, but C&B has free shipping and I was able to use the coupon when ordering. Also, search for shipping and coupon codes prior to submitting your online order. You will almost always find a discount.

Hit up your local bakery for small delicate treats, like macaroons and jellied treats in bold hues {Pix Patisserie}.

Skip the tablecloth and runner and dig around your linen closet for contrasting place mats and sprinkle dried flower stems for pops of color {World Market}

Beaker vases {CB2} from a previous party were used again to display the purple fleurs. Rearrange them for a different look.

 Shop ahead. If you know you will be hosting a BBQ next summer, be sure to stalk the end of season clearance sales. They will be  discounted up to 75% at most retail outlets and will save you a pretty penny as you decorate for your next gathering. Cheers!

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Location: Miami, Florida (backyard)
Colors: Goldenrod, Cobalt and Ivory
Theme: Spanish Rustic with touches of vintage
Budget: $2000

Two tiered cake bedecked with navy ribbon held down the candy bar. Apothecary jars filled with ivory sweets gave guests a boost of sugar for the dancing to come. {Sweet Cakes}. Sweeping goldenrod linens dolled up the sweet station {Hitched event Rentals}.

Focus on what is important to you and your partner. Surround yourselves with the ones you love and the day couldn’t be more happier.

Smooch! A silk strapless silhouette from {David’s Bridal} stretched the dollar to areas of greater importance.

DIY Details

Fino Wino: Customize your wine bottles with wine labels (a la Wedding Chicks).

Rock, Paper, Scissors: Patches of moss and rocks flanked the guest book and escort card station. Warm amber tea lights flickered throughout the night.

Paper Products: Off white paper pom poms and lanterns were strung on the trees surrounding

Top Cake: A quick ship (4 days!) for customized {Naked Peggies} adorned the top of the wedded confection.

Bucket of Brews: Rustic copper tin of beverages chilling before the ceremony.

Posh pintuck linens in cobalt blue from {Hitched event Rentals} dazzle the dining area. Chivari chairs were in the budget due to the small guest list. In addition, chivaris in black tends to be the most affordable color.

Clean Cloak: Minimal ivory fabric draping around the tent created a more intimate and finished space. It also hides the hideous metal pipes.

Bright Light: A rustic chandelier added a classy addition to the outdoor space. Bringing elements from the indoors to the outside space helps elevates the space by adding warmth.

Duel Dresses: A quick change from the structured silky strapless dress into a flowy one-shouldered goddess gown will helped the bride get ready for a easy, breezy celebration mode. Angie was able to find a bargain at Macy’s. What  a great shopper!

Remember to savor the moments with your love. The day will melt away as quickly as it came, so taking a few alone will help keep you two conscious of the moment so it doesn’t disappear.

Thank you A + B for sharing your day with us. It was intimate and personable and truly an event! Share your event with Prost (email: prosttothehost@gmail.com).

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Dried Goods: In one of my posts, “DIY Projects :: Seasonal Centerpieces“, I featured non-floral centerpieces from Nettleton Hollow. This is a seasonal project that will highlight your Thanksgiving table and help celebrate a bountiful celebration.

In A Nutshell: Faux acorns make an easy and affordable way to dress up your dinner’s surroundings. Fill apothecary jars with seasonal fillers with nuts, cranberries, dried leaves and branches for a striking arrangement. (Pottery Barn; $14)

Perfect Pear: Use seasonal fruit to help guide your guests to their seat. Make sure to wash the pears, in case your guests munch on the place card.

Spilled Beans: An easy DIY project that will have your guests asking you to share your secret. Incorporate the colors of fall when you pair pumpkins with lentils and other dried beans. Candles will also warm the gathering space, so be sure to keep plenty around.

Glorious Gourds: As farmers markets close up shop, be sure to grab some lovely squashes. Place in a neutral bowl to allow the colors of the bounty to pop. Martha also suggests adding kumquats for a splash of citrus color.

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ps. Happy Veteran’s Day! I hope you have the day off!!

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When you think of the word budget, what do you think of? Cheap? Plastic? Generic? For example, when I see carnations, I gag. Well, not really, but I do think of cheap. But there are ways to rework the overused carnations and other elements such as tissue paper and doilies into easy and impressive accents. What do carnations, tissue papers and doilies have in common? They are all cheap, overworked and unappreciated. There are ways to trim the budget by using these overused and stale decoration ideas in a new and chic manner.

Carnation Overkill

Carnations are grown all over the world, including counties such as “The Iraq”, Kenya, India, Turkey and  China. Being available year round and coming in a variety of shades (about 10,000 different varieties) makes this a commonly filler flower in bouquets. If it is kept properly hydrated, it will remain fresh and fragrant for about three weeks. The key to carnations: use in bulk.

Whimsical Centerpieces: Carnations are bunched together in a vase wrapped in aspidistra leaves. Silver wire is tied to give it a modern feel.

Bed of Roses Carnations: Carnations are always better in masses. This is a great way to display your escort cards, a aisle runner or a centerpiece. Floral foam are found in a variety of shapes and sizes. This project can be made weeks in advance, just remember to follow the last step.

• Fill a sink or large bowl with cool water, and mix with floral food, following label instructions. Submerge the foam water for 1 hour, then place on a tray.
• Cut flower stems about 1 inch from the head. Starting from the middle of the foam, insert the cut stems into the form, clustering the blooms close together.
• To use this arrangement as a centerpiece, set it on a tray or plate. Every 4 days, place your arrangement in a sink and water it from above; let it drain. Your arrangement should last for up to 2 weeks in a cool, humid location.

Kiss me Carnation: Pomander or “kissing ball” are an easy way to add elevation and excitement to a table urchase floral foam balls in the size of your choice (available at any floral supply store or online), flowers (sturdy flowers so they don’t get crushed) and wire.

• To prepare the ball for hanging, wrap wire around the diameter of the ball, then wrap it again but in the opposite direction to divide the ball into quarters. Twist the ends of the wire into a small loop (you’ll slip the ribbon through this loop later to hang the ball).
  
• Soak the foam in water.
• Trim the stems of the flowers at an angle, leaving an inch or so beneath the head. Insert flowers. If the stems of your chosen flowers are strong enough, you can insert them into the ball as is. Insert the flowers in a straight line, creating a ring around the ball. Then cover each half of the ball with flowers, overlapping the petals slightly and making sure to fill in all the gaps.
• Slip ribbon through the loop you created at the top of the ball.

Tissue Paper Tension

The gift bag stuffed with tissue paper is ever present at every birthday, wedding or any event that has presents. Tissue paper is the go-to when you are in a rush or don’t want to wrap a present. The key to tissue paper: using non-standard colors and creating texture.

Cute as a Button: With a little creativity, wrapping up favors can look cute and fresh. Pair tissue paper with parchment paper and tie ribbon. This person used personalized buttons to top each gift, a gift within a gift. Cute! Tissue paper comes in a variety of colors, patterns and textures. Find one that fits your budget and needs. Don’t forget to price compare! (Indigo Bunting)

Ring around the Paper: Similar to the bed of carnations or kissing ball, tightly packing tissue paper creates a huge impact when bunched in masses. Elizabeth’s simple directions will show you the steps in creating this gorgeous wreath you can use year round. (Elizabeth Anne Designs)

Gorgeous Garland: Need something to drape down the aisle or hang from the trees? Try this simple project that is easy to create but has a huge wow factor without being pretentious. Who would have thought they are made out of coffee filters and tissue paper. Both items are recyclable and are whisper thin, allowing light trickle through. Perfect for an outdoor garden party or indoor shower. (Pam Garrison)

• Gather tissue paper, coffee filters, fabric and other paper materials and cut into similar sizes.
  
• Tie a knot about 6 inches from the one end of the string.
  
• Punch a hole in the middle of the circles or use a needle to feed the string through the whole. For each section, be sure to tie off with a knot so the paper packets are held in the same area.
  
• Repeat

Dated Doilies

Doilies are reminiscent of a age gone by. Dust would collect as they were used to protect the furniture. If you reuse your grandmother’s doilies for these projects, she might get offended. The key to doilies: using them in alternative methods will break the stuffy/dusty doily stereotype.

High Flyin’ Flags: To incorporate a non-grandmaesque doily decoration, just colored doilies to create a stringed garland. This project is super easy and will bring you back to your drink in no time. Fold doilies of various sizes and colors in half. Use twine, ribbon or string and glue the doilies. Hang and drink. (Martha Stewart)

Illuminate Me: Using luminaries automatically adds romance and creates an intimate space. The candlelight really adds depth to the party. Follow these simple instructions to add doilies to the paper lanterns to create a display worth gushing about. (Martha Stewart)

Paper Runner: This project calls for cloth doilies, but paper doilies are fine as well. The openwork and spaces of the doilies allow the table cloth underneath to shine through. Adding different textures (unlike the picture) will help mix it up. Use metal chargers or burlap runners to help contrast with the traditionally feminine doilies. (Martha Stewart).

What do you think? Do you still hate carnations? Or will you give them a chance?

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1) Let it Rock: Smooth river rocks placed in a galvanized tub layered with wheat grass, moss or sod, can create a summery and eco-friendly feel to any setting. This is perfect for an outdoor summer party. Recruit friends and family with nice handwriting and use a metallic permanent marker. Sharpie has several color options that won’t smear. (Project Wedding)

2) Au Natural: Using dried mini wreaths will help tie in the season for a fall or winter event. If you are having an event near the holidays, using mini ornaments is also another way to incorporate the season. Be sure to stalk all the stores after the holidays/start of a new season to score seasonal items for 75% off or more. (Faye and Greer)

3) Spin me Right Round: This is an easy DIY project and anyone can do it. The pinwheel name cards are prefect for the young at heart. If you use double sided design scrapbook paper, you will have a much better result, as the paper is folded and you see both designs. (Faye and Greer)

4) Star Bright: Using a cookie cutter, cardboard star stencil or die-cuts, you can make sure all your stars look the same. Punch a hole at the top and add some ribbon for easy hanging. Use small leafy trees for displaying your cards. Once the vent is over, plant the trees in your yard for a year round reminder of the day. (Laura Hooper Calligraphy)

5) Under my Umbrella: No longer just used for tropical drinks, this little umbrellas will bring the tropics to you. Buy a box of paper drink umbrellas from Ebay, Oriental Trading Co etc or make you own. Use a flag to write the guest’s name and fold over a bit of the edge to glue.

6) Tree Hugger: By using what is available at your venue, you can save money by not buying more decor to display your cards. In addition, by incorporating the landscape you are not introducing contrasting decor items that may not fit with the natural surrounding (ie fake plastic trees in a lush outdoor forest location). (Project Wedding)

7) Sweet Treat: Ferrero Rocher is a roasted hazelnut enrobed in a creamy chocolate filling, then a crispy wafer and milk chocolate and hazelnut pieces cover the decadent morsel. Each is individually wrapped in gold foil and paper cup, so it will reduce the risk of bacteria adhering to the chocolate when you assemble and transport to the reception site. Print customized flags or cupcake picks and use toothpicks for your guests’ names. It will also add as a favor. Yum! (Teness Herman)

O Tannenbaum: Using dried branches placed in a coordinating pot with color coordinated ribbon is a great way to create dimension and height to a room. Hang your name cards on a piece of thin ribbon to finish the look. To keep the branch from falling, use sand or rocks for weight at the bottom of the pot, then use a block of florist foam or pour concrete to anchor the branch. Cover the foam with reindeer moss or wheat grass to finish the look. (Anne K posted in Project Wedding)

9) Apple of My Eye: The bright green Granny Smith apples with a paper leaf are a snappy way to use fresh fruit as part of the décor. If you have apples leftover from the party, you can donate them or send them with your family. An rustic apple tart is a simple and easy way to use up lots of apples. (Anne Winchenbaugh Photography)

What do you think? Have you used a creative idea in the past? Please share your thoughs by commenting below.

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1. Oh Blimey, Limey!: These simple card stock invitations with a stripe envelopes liner will let your guests know the party is casual but full of character.
2. When life hands you lemons: Duh. You make lemonade. The term cocktail hour can mean lots of $$$. To avoid the guests from loading up on expensive liquor, first offer your guests a refreshing drink during cocktail hour, then open up the bar.
3. Just add water: For a dramatic décor option, 1) use tall glass hurricanes, 2) fill the water at several different levels, and then 3) toss lemons in.
4. Citrus Surprise: I found this image a few weeks ago and have based this entire mood board on it. The citrus stamp is a clean way to decorate a cake.
5. Lightweight lemon: This airy dress made of lightweight chiffon will have your bridesmaids float down the isle. This inset empire waist will flatter all body types.
6. Bolts of lighting: Well, bolts of tulle are almost like lightning. Lay the folded tulle in the center of the table on a crisp white table cloth. This will avoid having to rent renting expensive table runners. This is a chic and updated use for tulle. No tulle bows here!
7. Don’t tiptoe through the tulips: These intensely yellow tulips paired with classy callas make a fine pair for the bride’s bouquet. Callas are typically more expensive than tulips, so just a few will enough drama without breaking the bank.
8. Rain or Shine: These fun parasols are a stunning prop for your pictures. They also provide protection for whatever weather comes happens on your day. You can find them at your local craft store or at lunabazaar.com.
9. Candy is Dandy: Wrap up these juicy lemon slices for a sweet treat for your guests. Find at your local candy store or online.
10. A very pretty box with a bow: But there is something inside! Use these plastic favor boxes wrapped up with thick yellow grosgrain ribbon and place at each setting. This will help complete your table look.
11. Table turner: To carry the lemon theme through out the wedding, use lemons as name card holder. Use a ball point pin (pins with a little ball at the end) to hold the name card in place.
12. Wine and Dine: If you do not have table service for your wedding and don’t want to use the unsightly pitchers for your guests. Use recycled wine bottles to hold your drinks. By requesting the empties from at local wine bar you can cut costs. However, drinking wine for the sake of a wedding might be a good idea…
13. Looking an alternative to the standard boutonnière? An ornamental kale leaf makes a perfect background to the striking golden curly willow and yellow craspedia. It is finished with a crisp cotton ribbon. Dried craspedia may be easier to find, plus you can use the excess for more decoration.

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