The 2010 Puget Sound Wedding Resource Guide is now available!
WASHINGTON EVENTS:
Looking for an bridal event or wedding show in Western Washington? Find it on our Washington State Bridal Calendar.
Couple Spotlight!
Follow Vinh & Jolene through all their nuptial highs & lows...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Start Planning Your Wedding Today at banquetevent.com. We have it all, from banquet sites, to caterers to photographers and more!
Banquetevent.com currently serves the following areas. Choose your area and start planning now!
IN WASHINGTON STATE:
Seattle/Eastside
Tacoma/Southsound
Northsound
San Juan Islands
Olympic Peninsula
Central Washington
Eastern Washington
MORE STATES:
Idaho
Montana
Hawaii
Alaska
INTERNATIONAL:
British Columbia
Planning a wedding in Oregon or SW Washington? Check out our sister company's website, bravoportland.com
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Valentine's Day: A Day For Lovers (Of Chocolate)
You can't help but think of pounds of chocolate when you think of Valentine's Day. And no, we are not referring to the pounds that may start to accumulate on your thighs. After all, all calories are free on holidays, right? We are referring to those neatly packaged, overly-decadent, edible works of art that give us the warm fuzzies all over. We've decided that the best cure for our cravings is to go on a Seattle chocolate tour. Here are just a few of the locations we'll be visiting...  1. Oh! Chocolate: Located in Mercer Island at 2703 76th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040 2. Frans Chocolates: Located in Downtown Seattle, U Village and Bellevue. Get more info here. 3. Theo Chocolate: Many locations throughout Washington. Click here for locations. 4. Chocolopolis: Located in Queen Anne at 1527 Queen Anne Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109 5. Seattle Chocolates: Located at several Seattle locations, click here for more info. 6. Dilettante: Click here for the various locations. 7. The Chocolate Box: Located in Downtown Seattle at 108 Pine Street, Seattle WA 98101 9. Fiore Chocolates: Buy their chocolates at various locations throughout Seattle10. The Confectional: Located in Pike Place Market at 1530 Pike Place, Seattle WA 98101 Labels: Food and Beverage, Gifts, holidays
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You Should Have Been There
We get invited to lots of open houses and events through the year and enjoy them all. But sometimes there's one so special, we just have to say, 'You should have been there!' Sixty of the Seattle area's best wedding vendors put their heads together and came up with the idea of showcasing their talents on location. Put that together with six fabulous venues in Woodinville and you have an amazing event. The group calls themselves 'Weddings in Woodinville'. Everyone met at Columbia Winery where the brides all received corsages. We registered, sampled wine and other goodies, and were given swag bags. On a schedule, we were driven in custom vans and limos to DeLille Cellars, JM Cellars, Novelty Hill - Janiuk Winery, Russell's The Loft and Willows Lodge. At each location, the vendors had pulled out all the stops and there was more fabulous food and wine, music, flowers, additional goodies and a chance to meet and talk with the vendors. Can you think of a better way to see how gorgeous a facility can be than all decked out by the actual vendors? We can't. Yes, you should have been there. But if you weren't, there's next year. Weddings in Woodinville will do it again next January 30, 2011. Since they sold out this year, plan on getting your tickets early! Then instead of saying "I should have..." you can get in on all the fun and say "I went to Weddings in Woodinville!" See a list of all the vendor partners who put on this year's Weddings in Woodinville.  1. Transportation: Butler Transportation, RareForm Limos, and Seattle LimousinePhoto: Creative Image Photography 2.
Venue: JM Cellars
Planner: MG Davis Events (Melody Davis)
Photography: April Greer Photography 3.
Venue: Columbia Winery
Planner: Poised Events (Suzanne Linich)
Photography: KCB Photography 4.
Venue: Russell's The Loft
Planner: Daphne Taylor & Kelcy Bylsma
Photography: Creative Image Photography 5.
Venue: DeLille Cellars
Planner: Event Success (Jacky Grotle)
Photography: Joann Arruda Photography 6.
Venue: Novelty Hill - Janiuk Winery
Planner: Taylor'd Events by Jennifer (Jennifer Taylor)
Photography: Azzura Photography 7.
Venue: Willows Lodge
Planner: Occasions LLC (Janel Schlitt)
Photography: LaVie Photography 8.
Photography: Creative Image Photography Labels: Food and Beverage, Local Events
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Fabulous Valentine's Gifts For Her
Monday we featured the best Valentine's Day gifts "For Him." Today we feature our top picks for gifts "For Her." So if you are a woman reading this post, it's a good idea to sneakily leave this page open on your significant other's computer. And if in the end he still doesn't pick up the clues, don't feel bad buying one of these gifts for yourself. After all, you deserve it right?  1. Love Never Fails Wall Art by Red Letter Words: $55Love Never Fails is printed on matte velvet archival fine art paper using pigment ink. It is mounted onto a 3/4 inch standout mount board with black edging. 12x12 size print is READY TO HANG or display on shelf or mantel. 2. Reasons I Love You Stones by Red Envelope: $29.95The reasons are infinite, and now nine of them are etched in stone. One side of each brushed-nickel token says "I love you..." and the other bears a compelling reason, from "because you're an inspiration" to "because I just do!" and "for always getting my jokes." Comes in a red faux-suede pouch. Stones: approx. 1 3/8"L. Exclusively from RedEnvelope.3. Perfect Endings Red Velvet Cake by Williams Sonoma: $68Red velvet cake is a signature holiday dessert throughout the South, where it has been prized by generations of bakers. Distinguished by its scarlet hue, rich cocoa flavor and velvety, melt-in-your-mouth texture, this vintage cake makes a grand finale for Valentine's Day celebrations. Our heart-shaped version of the classic cake combines two luscious layers of rich, fudgy devil's food cake with fluffy vanilla buttercream frosting. From the Perfect Endings vintage cake collection, it is made using premium ingredients, following an old family recipe. Shipped frozen. 8" diam., 2" high (serves 8-10). A Williams-Sonoma exclusive. 6. A Novel by Nicholas Sparks: Price variesStimulate her mind with a love story by one of our centuries most celebrated love enthusiasts. 5. Multi-key Necklace by Juicy Couture: $68A set of keys and a heart-shaped padlock make cute dangling charms on a delicate chain necklace. 4. The Love Fleece sherpa-trim short robe by Victoria's Secret: On sale for $39.50Sublime softness for those who love to lounge. Full-length sleeves. Ties at waist. Mid thigh length. Imported cotton/polyester. Labels: Food and Beverage, Gifts, Ideas, Local Events
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OPEN HOUSE ALERTS: Acailia Wedding & Events and Pan Pacific Hotel
Seattle Brides, check out this fantastic upcoming bridal events! What: Foodz Catering and Acalia Events, Lavish and Luxurious Open House! When: February 6th between 11 am - 2 pm Details: Please come by anytime on February 6th between 11am and 2pm! We are excited to share many delectable appetizers, a full wedding buffet and other creative examples of food and presentation. Also joining us at the Open House is a DJ from Wave Link Music, tasty bites of New Renaissance Cakes, a display of beautiful masterpieces of Scott Eklund from Red Box Photography, and BreeAnn Gale a wedding expert from Pink Blossom! Below is a link with directions as well as our address, as this event will be held at our exclusive Acalia venue in lower Queen Anne. We look forward to seeing you this Saturday! Address and Directions: http://www.acaliaevents.com/location.shtmlParking: There is street parking, as well as 3 parking lots behind Acalia RSVP: Email Melissa at melissa@foodzcatering.comComing Soon...
You are invited to attend a Bridal Open House Hosted by the Pan Pacific Hotel
February 25, 2010 - 5:30 to 8:30 pm
- Please arrive at 5:30 for the ceremony. Reception immediately following
- Swag Bag for the first 50 attendees
- Mingle with wedding experts and enjoy cocktails and appetizers
- Catch the bouquet and wine a door prize!
  Labels: Food and Beverage, Local Events
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Fabulous Valentine's Gifts for Him
Now that it's officially February it's also officially time to shop for Valentine's Day gifts for your loved one? Here are a few of our favorite gifts for the season "For Him." Do you have a favorite gift you plan on giving your loved one this season that other women should know about. Post your ideas in the comments section. Also, tell your significant other to check back here on Friday as we post the best Valentine's Day gifts "For Her."  1. Sports collection cuff links from Red Envelope: Starting at $129Salute his passion for sports with cuff links handmade from balls and pucks, same ones the pros use. The basketball, golf and football cufflinks are shaped to echo the balls from which they were made, and the hockey puck links are sleek, textured rectangles. Created from authentic game used Major League Baseballs, the baseball cufflinks feature iconic red stitches and unique scuffs and scratches earned in the journey from hand to bat to glove. All are set in sterling silver bezels with swivel backs. Gift boxed with certificate of authenticity. 3/4" diam. Specify Baseball, Basketball, Golf (7/8” diam) Football or Hockey (1” wide). 2. UGG® Australia 'Ascot' Slipper available at Nordstrom: $99Plush shearling lining wraps your foot in comfort; the molded rubber outsole provides traction on slippery floors or makes the slipper an excellent choice as a driving moccasin. 3. The Art of Shaving Gift Set available at Sephora: $100Your shaving system becomes a pleasure instead of a chore with The 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave™ - Unscented, brought to you by The Art of Shaving® experts. With unique blends of botanical ingredients and 100% pure essential oils, these shave-perfecting formulas are ideal for men with sensitive skin, ingrown hair, razor burn, or tough beards. They are hypoallergenic and free of alcohol, synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrances, and other ingredients that can be harmful when absorbed into the skin. 4. The Filet Mignon Feast from Omaha Steaks: On sale $49.99Fork tender and delicious, Omaha Steaks Filet Mignons are accompanied by our All Natural Seasoning to perfectly complement your steak. Completing your meal are Stuffed Baked Potatoes with a blending of whipped potatoes, sour cream, cheddar cheese and bacon and Roasted Vegetable Medley in a delicately seasoned butter sauce. Meal serves 4. 5. Me and You Pillowcase Set from Urban Outfitters: $28We go together. Me and You puzzle piece graphics printed on a couple of standard pillowcases, pretty conducive to cuddling and the like. Exclusive to Urban Outfitters. Imported. Machine wash. 6. Analog black watch from Fossil: $75We put the roman numeral hour markers on the top ring of this sleek, black watch. On the dial, a sweeping second hand and cutouts where the hours are. We topped it all off with a clean black leather strap. Labels: Food and Beverage, Gifts, holidays, Local Events
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Take Your Valentine on a Romantic Seattle Date
Ahhh, Valentine's Day....isn't it great knowing you have a "somebody" to spend it with? But, remember, just because you are now engaged doesn't mean the date nights have to end. So for Valentine's Day, be sure to make your plans and get ready for a day for lovers.  If you are in the Seattle area, check out these special events happening at local restaurants. Acalia (Feb 13) Special: Join us on this Beautiful Evening and Enjoy a Unique Menu Artistically Paired with Magnificent Wines! BluWater Bistro (Feb 11-Feb 14) Special: Offering a 6 oz Lobster Tail and 6 oz Filet Mignon for $26.99. Palace Ballroom (Feb 13) Special: Speak the language of amore while enjoying a sumptuous Italian dinner with your valentine. This sultry event will take place at the Palace Ballroom. 7pm cocktail hour; 8pm seated dinner service begins. This event is 21 and over. Tickets are $110 per person Ponti Seafood GrillSpecial: Featuring a special Valentine's Day Menu with 3-courses served. Six Seven Restaurant & Lounge (All weekend) Special: Take your lover to The Edge this Valentine’s Day, for our three course gourmet lover’s dinner for two on Friday and Saturday night for $90.00 per couple, or Valentine’s Day dinner on Sunday 2/14 offering six delectable courses at $75.00 per person. In addition, Sunday’s “Sweet Heart” Brunch will focus on an extravagant dessert display and will be offered at $35.00 per person. Labels: Food and Beverage, holidays, Local Events
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Weddings In Woodinville - January 31st, Get Tickets Now!
 Attention Future Brides & Grooms! Experience Woodinville's Top Wedding Venues January 31st, 2010Gather your friends and families and join us for an exciting afternoon tour of wine tasting, catered food, music and live entertainment during a special open-house of six of Woodinville's top wedding venues. Ticket holders for this event will board chauffeur-driven luxury transportation for a half-day tour that will escort your group to each venue. Weddings in Woodinville is a special event designed to give couples and their families and friends a sneak preview of each fully-decorated venue to better envision their special wedding day and meet with industry professionals that can help them put it all together. 6 Venues - 60 Vendors - 18 WinesWe will also be there passing out the 2010 Wedding Resource Guide. Come find us at Columbia Winery.
Participating Venues:
Columbia Winery
DeLille Cellars
JM Cellars
Novelty Hill Januik Winery
Russell's Barn
Willows Lodge
Labels: Food and Beverage, Local Events, Real Weddings
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A Fabulous Party: Part Deux
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Now This is How You Throw A Party...
Sometimes you just know when you are in the presence of greatness. That is exactly how we feel when we look at these amazing images from a bridal shower planned by event planner Erin Borges. This purple perfect bridal shower was held at the Lalla Grill at Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey, CA. We'll be featuring more images from this spectacular event this week.   A 5 course organic purple themed menu (listed below) was created for the 17 attending guests. NONE of the food was dyed purple. It was all created in it's organic purple state. SoupPurple Cauliflower Soup SaladSweet and Sour Purple Cabbage Salad IntermezzoPurple Sorbet EntreeBlackberry Glazed Salmon Purple Mashed Potatoes Purple Baby Carrots DessertLavender Ice Cream Blackcurrant Violet Parisian Macaroons Purple Religieuse Labels: Color, Food and Beverage, Local Events, Real Weddings
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OPEN HOUSE Alerts: Clise Mansion and Robinswood House
 Monthly Open Houses at Clise Mansion & Robinswood HouseWhen: Tuesday, December 15, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM Tuesday, January 5, 5:30 to 7:30 PM Where: Robinswood House, 2430 148th Ave SE, Bellevue Clise Mansion, 6046 W Lake Sammamish Parkway, near Redmond WA What: The venues will be open for tours and information gathering. In December both facilities are decorated for the holiday season. COMING IN FEBRUARY:Wedding Showcase at the Clise Mansion & Robinswood House15th Annual Wedding Open House Featuring Select Caterers Tour King County's historic Clise Mansion* and the City of Bellevue's Robinswood House, the city's oldest pioneer building in its original location, and savor a rich assortment of samples prepared specially for this event by our Select Caterers. You will be entertained by the music of one of the areas many talented musicians, see photographic displays, floral arrangements, and have an opportunity to gather a plethora of ideas from local vendors to help you plan your wedding. Our informed staff will be on hand to answer questions and share experiences. No reservation needed. When: Tuesday, February 6th, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM Time: Robinswood House-10:30 AM to 1:30 PM Clise Mansion-11:30 AM to 2:30 PM Where: The Clise Mansion at Marymoor Park, 6046 West Lake Sammamish Pkwy, Redmond, WA 98052 The Robinswood House [in Robinswood Park] 2430 148th Avenue SE, Bellevue, WA 98007 What: Annual Wedding Showcase featuring our select caterers. Cost: Free, no reservation necessary and parking is plentiful.  *The Clise Mansion is a two-story shingle-style structure with half-timbered Tudor Revival details. It was built in 1904 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. The Clise still retains its original character.  **The Robinswood House is an 1895 homestead of hand hewed log set in a lush garden landscape. It has furnished interiors. For more information please visit our website at www.seattlebride.com or call us at 425-865-0795. Labels: Food and Beverage, Local Events
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Fantasyland Christmas
It may only be November 6th, but it's never too early to start planning for Christmas. The best part about the holiday season is that all your childhood fantasies get to come true. You get to be a kid again, and in this stressed out, fast paced world, that is pretty darn special. To get you in the yuletide mood, check out the great holiday goodies and decor from MacKenzie-Childs. If you are a kid, or just a kid at heart, you'll love the dreamlike designs by one of the most original designers of home decor and furnishings around. Yes, her designs are quite expensive, but just a few small items around the house do the trick to get your in the spirit.  Labels: Food and Beverage, holidays, Home, Local Events
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A Great Bridal Shower Gift
 Is the bride a designer purse lover? Not to worry - this is one of those little designer bags you can all enjoy at the shower - and just eat it up! Each of the above purses are actually cakes. This is a hugely popular addition to showers and or birthdays over the past year. There are only about a handful of bakeries that can actually do a designer bag justice, so we wanted to share a few with you. Seattle has Mikes Amazing Cakes as one of their choices. Others include: PinkCakeBox, Petals & Pieces, 80 Cakes, DebbieDoesCakes, CartyCakes, CakeCentral and SweetIndulgences, Labels: Food and Beverage
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Get Inspired: Spooktacular Wedding
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October 3rd . . . Mooncake Festival
 Mooncakes - a delicate strong Asian tradition you might want to give some thought to... We found some stunning examples to help inspire you. This year, the Chinese people celebrate the Mid-Autumn festival with dances, feasting and moon gazing on October 3rd. Step into the wonders of these remarkable pastries at a local Chinese bakery. These little cakes earned their popularity during the Yuan Dynasty (1200 A.D.- 1368 A.D.) It is said that mooncakes - which the Mongols did not eat - were the perfect vehicle for hiding and passing along plans for the rebellion. Families were instructed not to eat the mooncakes until the day of the moon festival, which is when the rebellion took place. (In another version plans were passed along in mooncakes over several years of Mid-Autumn festivals, but the basic idea is the same). Roughly the size of a human palm, these mooncakes are quite filling, meant to be cut diagonally in quarters and passed around. More elaborate versions of mooncakes contain four egg yolks (representing the four phases of the moon). Besides lotus seed paste, other traditional fillings include red bean paste and black bean paste. Today, mooncakes may be filled with everything from dates, nuts, and fruit to Chinese sausages. More exotic creations include green tea mooncakes, and ping pei or snowskin mooncakes, a Southeast Asian variation made with cooked glutinous rice flour. Haagen-Daz has even gotten into the act by introducing a line of ice cream mooncakes in Asian markets. We are showing you some fabulous examples from various sources. Top left: Intercontinental - Singapore, Middle - right top: Bakerzin, Middle row: Carlton Hotel, Singapore, Large middle: Peony Jade, Singapore, Middle green apple cakes from Bossacafez, green cake: Goodwood Park Hotel, Singapore, Bottom left Royal Series from Tung Lok, Bottom center: Fairmont Singapore, bottom right: also the Fairmont - this one with hazelnut filling. Labels: Food and Beverage
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2009 Northwest Event Show - Register Now
 Not only are we involved heavily in the wedding industry, in our other lives we also publish the Puget Sound Event Resource Guide and produce the Northwest Event Show. The Northwest Event Show brings you a collection of professional event planning services and vendors displaying their best work in one day and in one place. Now in it's 15th year, the Northwest Event Show is the largest and most impressive show of its kind in the area. We invite you to come and make a day of it as you... Eat - The Northwest Event Show feeds you creatively, visually, mentally, and of course physically, bringing together the area’s top caterers, bakers, wineries, and breweries.
Play - Engage in interactive games and activities and enter to win overnight trips for two to some of the hottest nearby retreat locations.
Shop - The Northwest Event Show is the only place you can comparison shop the area’s event vendors and services. From hotels, entertainers, decorators, rental companies and restaurants to printers, convention services and speakers, the Northwest Event Show has it all! ...And the greatest part is, you can tell your boss you’re working! Show details:
Date: September 29th, 2009
Location: Washington State Convention & Trade Center
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Cost: It's 100% Free to attend, but you must pre-register at nweventshow.com!
Labels: Food and Beverage, How-Tos, Ideas, inspired, Local Events, Travel
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Summer On Sale
It may only be July, but to retailers across the country, it's "back to school time." So what does that mean for all us grown-ups....? It's time to save on some of the hottest summer items that are going on sale. And for those of you that are planning your registry, or just a summer-get-together, check out these hot summer deals we found at our favorite home stores. Below: William Sonoma Below: Sur La Table Below: Cost Plus World Market Labels: Food and Beverage, Gifts
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Custom Granola...A Tasty Wedding Favor?
 Looking for a truly unique wedding favor idea that is also healthy and nutritious? We encourage you to check out Mix My Granola where you can choose from more than 70 different ingredients to customize your individual granola mix. Mix My Granola developed the concept of custom granola mixes that are perfect as wedding favors that guests can munch on at the wedding. Their granola and the ingredients are super healthy, taste delicious and are top notch quality. The price and nutrition facts for your individual granola mix are calculated live as you add different ingredients. Mix your ultimate granola mix and give your granola it’s individual name, save it in your account profile and check out. Your custom-made granola is mixed, filled in our sleek Mix My Granola Tube and shipped to any location in the U.S. Delicious! Click here to contact Mix My Granola for special wedding favor options. Labels: Favors, Food and Beverage
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Put On A Pedestal
A popular new trend in cake display for weddings is to place your cake or cupcakes on a decorative pedestal. Pedestals are fantastic for cakes that are not extremely tall, 3 or less tiers, and for cupcakes because they can help add significance to your deliciously designed dessert. By placing your cake on a pedestal, it gives the allusion that your cake is much larger, even if you have a small wedding. Also, you can save money by ordering a more basic design for your cake, but not loose flair by having a very decorative pedestal to place it on. We recommend setting a table aside for your cake at your reception and using a pedestal in the center of the table. Then add ambiance with different height candles around the pedestal, accompanied by petals of roses or individual orchids scattered throughout the table. When shopping for a pedestal, look for one that you can reuse again and again in your own home for entertaining.  Top Left: McKee/Fire King cake plates (vintage), periodically found on eBay or Ruby LaneTop Middle: 10" Blue Footed Mirror Platter: 10" diameter, 9.25" high. Top Right: 2 Tier Cupcake HolderMiddle left: 8" Mosaic Border - 3 level - Mirror Display Tray Item Code 113307 www.jafgifts.comMiddle: From Artful Home, glass "Paris" cake plate 11" diameter 9" in height Middle Right: 22" Round cake plateau - Silver Plated round cake with design Bottom Left: A chocolate layer delight with red satin ribbons on a traditional wooden 11" raised cake stand. Cake is from Daisy Hill. Bottom Center Left: Square gold cake plateau, offering a unique bronze/gold look to the wedding. Bottom Center Right: Another antique offering from Fireking - Jadite. This particular piece is a 10" round. Martha Stewart also created a contemporary version of these extremely popular glass pieces. Bottom Right: For a smaller more intimate occasion such as a bridal show, here is a glass pedestal and cover possibly found just about anywhere you can find serving pieces. Labels: Food and Beverage, Gifts, How-Tos, Ideas
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Can You Top This?
Cake toppers have certainly come a long way. Brides today are using their cake toppers as expressions of personality. They are no longer just an afterthought, and more and more designers and wedding businesses are creatively introducing artistic elements and unique details to top off the wedding cake. We've collective a few of our favorites and displayed them below for your enjoyment. If you have another unique idea you'd like to share with brides and how you plan to top your cake, please share them with us.  Top Left Corner: Russian Faberge' egg influences in an array of colors from Cake Coquette in San Francisco Left: A variety of toppers with the added enhancement of beautiful satin ribbon. Add rhinestone initials and the result is magical. You can find a number of choices at the Favor Studio.com. Eiffel Tower Topper: A touch of French in everything wedding creates the ultimate high end look, available at Kiki's KlozetAsian Topper: Finally, a touch of culture from the Far East - again beautiful touches from mydreamwedding.ca (Canada). People Toppers: And to top it off in the most traditional of choices with a bride and groom from the collection at Wedding Collectibles. They also have the geek collection - everyone on the cell phone - just plain fun. Labels: Food and Beverage, How-Tos, Ideas
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On a Budget? Try a Candy Buffet
Just because you are on a budget, doesn't mean you have to give up on having a completely awesome theme for your wedding. For a mid-afternoon wedding consider a candy buffet. Mmmmm....candy! Set up a bar with all your favorites and choose the candy that fits your color scheme and personality. All you need are clear glass jars and a trip to your local candy stores and you'll have a plethora of choices, colors, tastes and varieties that will have your guests on a sugar rush in no time at all. If your wedding is in the fall, consider caramel covered apples, candy corn and sweets in shades of orange and yellow. If you are planning a winter wedding, pick up candy canes, cinnamon sticks, and red and white candies. If your wedding is in the spring, take advantage of the pastel candies that come out around Easter. And if you are planning a summer shindig, add a sno-cone bar with flavored ice as a special treat that is as tasty as it is thirst quenching. Above all, be creative and be sure to brush your teeth after such an indulgence. Sweet dreams.  Labels: Color, Favors, Food and Beverage, How-Tos, Ideas, Trends
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Destination: LaConner, WA
We are very blessed to live in the Northwest, where so many incredible destination spots are just a short drive away. For all you brides to be, we highly suggest making a trip to the adorable town of LaConner in Skagit Valley for the day. Grab your mom, your best friend, or your whole family and make a trip to LaConner for a full day of bridal pampering and ultra girly activities. Here are some hot spots to make sure you check out.  Hot Spot 1: Something Blue: A fine bridal boutique - 623 Morris St., Suite E-3 For all you brides to be you must check out this quaint but fabulous bridal boutique in the heart of LaConner. As the exclusive store in all of Washington to carry Amy Kushel's bridal line, Something Blue offers brides the ultimate wedding experience by tailoring to your style and also to your budget. Something Blue also carries gowns from Avioanni, Modern Trousseau and Studio 163, including bridesmaids gowns, mother of the bride attire and flower girl dresses. Also, for your information, Something Blue is currently running a sample sale. Some gowns are 15% to 60% off. Hurry up there soon for the best selection. To learn more about Something Blue, click here.  Hot Spot 2: Hellams Vineyard - 109 North 1st St. #101 When visiting LaConner be sure to stop by the Hellam's Vineyard and wine shop and pick up a bottle of a fantastic local wine. Their inventory also includes custom crafted local and international beers, and locally crafted artisan cheeses on a seasonal basis. Their philosophy is to support local wines, and as native Washingtonians, they believe in promoting the regions world-class wines, beers and cheeses. When you stop by the wine shop, they will always have a smile and something for you to taste! Hot Spot 3: Cascade Candy Company - 605 S 1st St Mmmmm....candy! What girl doesn't love a taste of chocolate here and again? Cascade Candy Company has a storefront in historic La Conner, Washington where their products are lovingly handmade and produced in small quantities to ensure the freshest product possible is going out the door. In their retail store they also offer full barista services and delicious ice treats in addition to their regular line of candies and seasonal specialties. Hot Spot 4: Calico Cupboard - 720 S. 1st Street If you like a good burger, you will love Calico Cupboard. Calico Cupboard boasts fresh bakery items all day as well as breakfast and lunch. Enjoy comforting bread pudding with a latte or cup of tea in the most inviting atmosphere in La Conner. But when it comes to a good old fashioned burger, nothing beats a Calico Cupboard specialty. Our pick, Mushroom and Swiss!   Hot Spot 5: La Conner Channel Lodge - 205 N. 1st St Looking to stay over for the weekend, check out the luxurious accommodations, Northwest styling, and views of Swinomish Channel from this truly memorable lodge. Here you can drink in the beauty of the Swinomish Channel and the wonder of Rainbow Bridge. Labels: Fashion, Food and Beverage, Local Events, Travel
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Do-It-Yourself Valentine's Day Gifts
Do you possess the baking gene? If so, you'll love the Do-It-Yourself baking kits from Sur La Table that will help you create the most fabulous Valentine's Day gifts for your sweetheart that look like they came from the most decadent bakery in town. After all, they say the quickest way to a man's heart is through his stomach, right? From the premier Parisian pâtisserie, Fauchon, founded in 1886, these molds are made of flexible, food-grade silicone that won’t absorb odors, flavors or stains. Molds easily release foods and do not develop hot spots, resulting in even baking. Freezer, microwave and oven safe to 500ºF. We just have one request. When you finish making these goodies for your love, would you mind sending some our way? Just had to ask.     Labels: Food and Beverage, Gifts, How-Tos, Ideas, Local Events
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Let Them Eat Cake!
 Believe it or not, but each of the images featured today are intricate cake creations from the Cake Opera Co. based in Canada by cake artist Alexandria Pellegrino. Have you ever seen anything more amazing? Just like her company name, Alexandria's cakes are inspired by elements of the opera and her creations reflect the nuances of the Marie Antoinette French era. Alexandria's cakes are the centerpiece of many weddings and events and each cake prices starts at $5.00 per slice. Alexandria's cakes are so magnificent we have trouble picking a favorite. Can you?      Labels: Food and Beverage
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Giving Thanks
In honor of Thanksgiving...check out our holiday inspiration board for all you that are hosting the big event. Theme: Giving Thanks, duh!Colors: Stick to pale oranges, cranberry reds and sage green Click image below to enlarge. Top Row: Oak leave cornucopia from Martha Stewart; Leave outdoor lanterns from Martha Stewart; Fall urn from Martha StewartSecond Row: Fall leave piecrust cutters from Williams-Sonoma; Decorative straw turkey from Williams-Sonoma; Textured Pillar Candles Cardamom Cedar from Restoration Hardware; Vintage Monopoly game from Restoration HardwareThird Row: Miracle on 34th Street; Fully-cooked smoked turkey from Honeybaked Ham; Homemade cranberry sauce; Sweet cinnamon pumpkin soap caddy from Bath & Body WorksBottom Row: Pumpkin home fragrance oil from Bath & Body Works; Caterer plates at Pottery Barn; Della Robbia Topiary from Ballard Designs; Nutty Pecan martini from Rachael Ray; Giving Thanks book by M.J. Ryan Create the look:The Decor: We like choosing simple decor items that can also carry you into the Christmas season. So stick with fruits and vegetables and dark greens as your design backdrop. The Food: When it comes to planning a meal for a large group, don't try to do everything yourself. Ask your guests to bring a side dish, and don't feel like you are backing out of the responsibilities by asking others to help out with the meal. Remember, it is Thanksgiving after all, so let your friends give. Of course, there is always the main staple, the infamous turkey. If you are a Tom Douglas mini-me, go ahead and try to make your own frozen/thawed turkey with all the dressings. But if you are like us, consider a catered turkey or a pre-cooked turkey from Honeybaked Ham. Add your own garnishes, and be sure to throw away any evidence of a "store bought" bird so your guests will never know. And, if nothing else, ditch the canned cranberry sauce for the real thing. It's pretty simple to make and you can gloat that you made it from scratch all night long. The Entertainment: How often do you have all your friends and family together? Not that often right, so make the most of it. Pull out some "family fun" games and stick Miracle on 34th Street in the dvd player. (Yes, we realize this is a "Christmas" movie, but the movie starts out depicting the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, so work with us here). The Mood: From the moment your guests step inside your welcoming home, make sure they are bombarded (that's right, we said bombarded) with the scent of the holidays. Our pick is the lovely scent of spiced pumpkin, which can also carry you right into the Christmas season. Create the scent with burning oil, candles and room sprays and add extra touches with scented soaps and lotions in the bathroom. The Booze: Be adventurous and try out a new fall-themed cocktail like spiked hot cider, pecan martini or pomegranate mint mojito. What other time of year can you try something so festive? Labels: Food and Beverage, Home
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Cupcaked
 Cupcakes are just as popular today as full blown - 5 tiered cakes. But there is nothing special about the little wrappers that surround the stem of the cupcake, until now. Check out these adorable cupcake wrappers for every theme and occasion available from Paper Orchid. These delicate paper cupcake holders come in several colors, shapes and themes and are available in packs of 12 for $12.  You can also give your cupcakes a lift and show off your desserts with the below fun plastic display pedestals! Each treat can be individually displayed for a special guest, or as part of a larger cupcake centerpiece. Easy to assemble - twist the top platform onto the stem base. Cupcake Pedestals perfectly display cupcakes, muffins, party favors and more - or turn the pedestal over for the perfect ice cream cone holder! Set of 4. This item excluded from wholesale pricing. Each stand is 5" tall.  Labels: Favors, Food and Beverage
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Not Serving Alcohol at Your Wedding? No problem. Try Our Favorite Mocktail Recipes
Not only is alcohol an expensive part of your wedding plans, but some people just don't want to deal with the extra precautions you have to take when serving alcoholic drinks. Plus, there are so many of the "fruity" flavored cocktails taste so sweet you can't even taste the liquor anyway. So, if you are planning an alcohol-free bridal bash, check out some of our favorite mocktail recipes. GINGER-LIME ADE Ingredients- 6 oz. Stirrings Clarified Key Lime Juice
- 1 liter lemon-lime soda
- 1 thumb peeled and sliced ginger
Preparation- Add Stirrings Clarified Key Lime Juice to a blender
- Add peeled and sliced ginger
- Mix on medium speed for 30 seconds
- Strain well into lemon lime soda
Serves 6ICED GREEN MINT TEAIngredients- 3 oz Stirrings Simple Syrup
- 1 liter fresh brewed green tea
- 3 leaves fresh mint
Preparation- Brew 2 liters green tea
- Add Stirrings Simple Syrup and a handful of clean mint leaves (no stems)
 - Chill in the fridge until cold
Serves 6THE REAL SHIRLEY TEMPLE Ingredients- 6 oz. Stirrings Ginger Ale Cocktail Soda
- 1.5 oz Stirrings Authentic Grenadine
Preparation- In a highball glass with plenty of ice combine both Stirrings Authentic Grenadine and Stirrings Ginger Ale
SPARKLING SANGRIA BLANCA Ingredients- 1.5 oz Stirrings White Sangria Cocktail Mixer
- 1.5 oz Stirrings Club Soda
- 1 slice peach
Preparation- Combine Stirrings White Sangria Cocktail Mixer with Stirrings Club Soda
- Garnish with fresh sliced peach
Recipes from thebar.comLabels: Food and Beverage, How-Tos
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