Archive | February, 2012

Trendspotting: Moroccan Tea Glasses

21 Feb

I have been on a mint tea kick lately.  I was given these wonderful little gold rimmed tea glasses in jewel bright colors.  I use them for super sweet, super strong, super fresh mint tea.  Drinking out of them feels exotic and glamorous and special.  They look lovely on the shelf, they look lovely in the sunlight or candle light, they look lovely on the table.  And that got me thinking…

All those elements make them perfect for a jewelry-like bit of bling to add to the tablescapes at your reception.  Simple, like shown here with a single bloom (Oh how I wish I could find the artist for this shot–anyone know?  I’d love to credit more than just Pinterest!).  Or maybe flowers in some, tea lights in others?  Maybe on a low tiered runner going down the middle of a long table ?  Maybe just used for a tasting dessert or two?  Or maybe,  just maybe, for tea? The rich colors, the bits of gold, the delicate shapes combine to make them a really beautiful grace note.   I’ve got lots more examples of designs and ideas, as well as some great resources on our Pinterest board.  Come over, brew some mint tea, and check them out!

Inspiration: Paperwhites’ Sailboat Wedding Invitation

7 Feb

There are days I dream of sailing away.  It’s usually the days when I have a million things to do and only about 5 spots on my to do list, but still… There is something calm and serene about the sea.  Uncharted depths, getting away from it all, the smell of the salty air.  Add in the symbolism of “tying the knot” and the idea of starting a journey together and you have a perfect theme for a wedding.

My biggest problem with this board was selecting just which elements I would include to go with our Sailboat Invitation.  The deep blue echoes in everything from the bridesmaid dress to the cake to the lining of the envelope.  Paired with the crisp white it looks very sharp, with a twist of preppy.  The sweet touch of rope in the boutonniere, the anchors and sailboats throughout, and our invitation all make a wedding day that’s filled with attention to detail.  I can almost hear the waves brushing against the rocks.

Check out the sources for these great ideas, plus all the ones I didn’t include!, on our Pinterest Board!

Inspiration: Silver Elegance Wedding

3 Feb

Some brides dream of candy colored weddings, some dream of small ceremonies in beautiful gardens, and some dream of an evening of elegance and drama.  This pinboard is for the last group.  It’s for anyone who has ever dreamed of a traditional evening wedding with a little bit of extra shimmer.

Imagine these elegance in a dimly lit ballroom, candlelight flickering and shimmering,  reflecting off the bits of silver in the centerpieces.  You can almost hear those adorable silver bells chiming for a kiss. There is a very classic aura to this collection.  It’s formal, but not stuffy.  Beautiful, subdued, and sophisticated–the perfect compliment to our Rachel Invitation Suite, especially with the Lustre Shimmer layering paper.  You’re guests will be wowed by your exceptional taste and style.  You’ll be blessed with a collection of timeless pictures that will always look spectacular on your wall.

For the sources for these images, check out our Pinterest Board!

Trendspotting: Maps, Globes and Atlases

2 Feb

We’ve talked a lot about sense of place–those little touches that really make you feel like you really ARE somewhere.  It could be touches of pattern that remind you of the ironwork in Charleston, or images of Sea Oats to remind you of the Outer Banks.  The icons for a place can work to achieve this feeling, but what about a picture of that place?  Ok, not like a collection of postcards (oooh, that is a good idea, though!  I’m going to start thinking about that!), but how about a map?

Maps are really lovely–soft watery blues, graphic lines, bits of pattern, names of places you adore.  They are abundant, inexpensive and easy to turn into something even more beautiful.  If you’re feeling crafty we have links to a number of tutorials, but vendors on etsy have some sweet offerings too.  Just a touch in the centerpiece, in your invitation, in the bridesmaid’s bobby pins, the groom’s cufflinks, and suddenly you have a very cohesive theme that is all about where you’re from, where you met…or all the places you hope to go together.

This pinboard is so full of ideas!  There are even more, as well as links to sources on our Pinterest Board.  For more place inspired invitation ideas, check out our Signature Collection at Paperwhites.