Guest blog: PartyPail

Whether you’re planning your baby shower on a strict budget, or simply want to check two things off your list at once, decorating with favors that guests will take home is always a good idea. You save money and clean up time, because after the party, your guests have already done their part in taking down decorations by taking them home as favors!

PartyPail encourages customers to send in photos of their parties to see how they turned out. Christina did a great job of incorporating her favors right into the party décor. Be inspired!

Tips from PartyPail:

Choose complementary colors, and keep your décor from going overboard with any individual color by throwing in some neutrals. Here you can see how Christina used Kate Aspen’s “Cute as a Button” soap favors in a polka dot box in complementary colors to the Tickled Pink theme, but kept everything from looking overly “matchy” with some neutral colored Kate Aspen “Bun in the Oven” candle favors.

If you’re adding in a bolder color, pick one accent color and stick to it. Christina’s baby shower theme uses pinks, purples, and a few neutral colors.  Then, in the center of each table, she added a pop of color with bright pink daisy-topped favor boxes which also draw the eye to the center of the table and up to the balloons, making the decorations feel more three-dimensional.

The right favor presentation can be just as impactful as a traditional centerpiece. By using three different favors, she offers color, texture, variety and symmetry.  But the best part? Her guests get to choose which favor they want to take home with them!

The days of simply setting a table by the door with stacks of boxed favors are gone! From using candle favors to add subtle lighting around the room to picture frame favors used as place card holders, get creative with favors and experiment with how they can enhance your décor.

Isn’t there something special about setting a beautiful table? Arranging fresh flowers, using beautiful linens, displaying food on ornate serving platters… A special occasion like a bridal shower really isn’t complete without a beautiful table setting.

One element that can elevate a lovely table is candlelight – whether it’s with rustic lanterns or delicate flickering votives, the glow of candlelight can make any event feel magical.

Lanterns are the perfect touch to complete a rustic table setting. Mini lanterns cast a warm glow, and they make the perfect favor for guests to take home!

Tealight holders can be sprinkled along the table for a subtle glow, or used in groupings for a big impact. These dainty accessories are the perfect accent for an elegant table display. Even an ordinary wine glass can be elevated with the addition of a tealight and vellum shade. Tuck them between low floral arrangements for height and sparkle.

Happy planning!

If you feel like being bold and want to brighten up your palette, there’s an ultra cool new green you can try – Pantone’s Ultramarine Green.  It’s a great color to accent featured pieces. A chevron pattern in green on a cake can really bring some pop to the reception. Pair it with some of Kate Aspen’s favors like the “Love Songs” Stainless-Steel Measuring Spoons or even the “Blossom” Ceramic Salt & Pepper set to bring just a hint of a minty undertone to the decor.

This amazing green is even being used in some wedding invitaions and as you can see, it really makes a statement. Accent your wardrobe by wearing it in jewelry, or even use the color as a prop in photography. Try it in your make-up or let your bridesmaids have fun with the color. Ultramarine green is the perfect blend of mint and jade and is one of the most wearable colors this season.

Image credits: wedding cake, tear drop earrings, wedding stationary,  green macarons, bridal shoot, bride and bridesmaid

Happy planning!

As the hot days of August give way to the cool nights of fall, we think that Honey Gold from the Fashion Color report for Fall 2012 would be a great color to use for all kinds of weddings, whether you want to go sophisticated and classy, or rustic and whimsical. A great favor for a sophisticated look would be the “Golden Renaissance” Glass Tealight Holders. These would pair well with a beautiful bouquet of yellow flowers and look beautiful with the rest of your table décor.

For a more rustic feel, accent your Honey Gold wedding with our lovely bee themed favors! Whether you choose the “Meant to Bee” Honey-Scented Beehive Candle or some “Meant to Bee” Personalized Clover Honey, you can guarantee that these favors will “bee” a hit with your guests! We love the rustic touch you can create using burlap, which pairs perfectly with Honey Gold!

Happy planning!