{guest post} summertime chill from valley & co.

We're Aleah + Nick of Valley & Co. and we're so excited to be back guest blogging for our dear pal Chris while she enjoys some relaxation!

Summertime means so much to us. It brings back fond memories, sets the stage for new ones, and is a time where we can all really soak up so much goodness. Summery weddings and events are a joy to plan because we get to incorporate so much freshness and an abundance of lighthearted ideas, especially when pertaining to the menu and keeping guests cool. Here are some of our favorite ideas for creating a summertime chill during the Dog Days of Summer:

Frozen grapes are not only incredibly delicious and refreshing, but they're also so simple to make! We like to skewer them on festive toothpicks and stick them in the freezer for about an hour when we entertain at home. Welcome guests to your celebration with tray passed frozen grape skewers {both red and green} and set the tone for a breezy, comfy summertime bash. You could also welcome guests to their dining table with family-style bowls brimming with frozen grape tastiness.

Photo courtesy of Erin Unanue

Gazpacho shooters can be dressed up and made in a variety of ways. Serve up a fresh heirloom tomato gazpacho as an hors d' oeuvre for a late summer wedding or showcase watermelon or other fresh melon gazpacho for a sweet shot. No matter what type of chilled summer soup you serve, keep it simple and easy for your guests to enjoy in just a few sips. 

Photo by Frank Ross Photographic for Valley & Co.  

Palate cleansers are always a delightful gourmet touch at events. Present individual lemon sorbet in low ball glasses garnished with basil leaves in between courses to cool your guests down and refresh their palette. Watch their joy when they get to indulge in dessert before dinner!

Photo by Frank Ross Photographic for Valley & Co. 

These chilled ideas are effortless, yet are sure to impress your guests and taste scrumptious. How will you help cool your guests down at your summertime soirée?

Thank you so much for inviting us to Postcards and Pretties, Chris! We appreciate it!

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{guest post} botanical invitation inspiration from ruby & willow

Howdy, I'm Kate from Ruby & Willow and Magnolia Rouge. I'm delighted to be here on one of my favourite blogs posting for my friend Chris while she's off having a super time in Portugal!! Since invites are my 'day job', I thought I'd show you how they can work in with other elements of your wedding design, and as botanicals are always a popular option for wedding stationery, I've paired up some of my designs with beautiful bouquets. I hope these inspire you to think about making a connection between your stationery and floral you choose for the day.

 {Bouquet; Poppies & Posies, Photo; Missy Photography}

 {Photo; Jen Huang via Decor8}

 {Photo; Martha Stewart}

{Photo; via Design Sponge}

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{guest post} diy dessert table backdrop from lauren elise crafted

Hello Postcards & Pretties readers!  I am so excited to be guest posting here on P&P.  My name is Lauren from Lauren Elise Crafted and today I will show you how to make a whimsical dessert table backdrop.  Your yummy desserts should be the main focus at your reception so this backdrop was designed to be minimal and subtle but still unique.  The wood branch and muslin fabric add a rustic touch and because it is neutral, it pairs well with most color combinations.  The materials are simple and inexpensive and the entire backdrop can be completed in just a couple of hours.  I just love how the fabric hangs from the string.  To me it creates a dreamy atmosphere for your desserts!             

Materials ::

◦ wood branch

◦ white thread

◦ muslin fabric

◦ lace

◦ scissors

◦ 2” circle template

◦ tea or coffee to stain the muslin (if so desired)

◦ needle

◦ scotch tape

Directions ::

◦ Find a wood branch that the fabric can hang from {image A}.  Use thread to hang the branch.  The backdrop is light so there shouldn’t be a problem supporting it.

◦ Use a 2” circle template to cut fabric circles out of muslin and lace {image B}.  I cut about 110 circles for my example.  Use whatever fabric and colors that coordinate with your wedding or party.  Muslin is an inexpensive fabric option and you can dye it various colors or stain it with tea or coffee.  To stain it, put instant coffee or tea bags into hot water.  Let the fabric sit in the water for 30 minutes to an hour {image C}.  Vary the amount of tea and coffee to get a deeper stain.  Test a sample beforehand.

◦ Tie the thread onto the branch in a double knot {image D}.  The thread should hang down and reach the floor.  Cut the thread at the floor and then thread the end through the needle. 

◦ Thread the needle through the fabric circles {image F}.  After each circle, tie the thread in a knot so that the circle will stay in place.  I varied the spacing of the circles so that the backdrop would look less uniform and more organic.  When you finish the first row, put a piece of tape at the end to secure it {image G}.  When you finish with the first row {image H}, begin the next row and follow the previous steps again. 

◦ Thread the rest of the circles, varying their spacing if so desired {image I}.  When finished {image J}, hang the backdrop behind a dessert table for a simple decoration.

Thank you so much for having me here today Chris!  I hope you all enjoy this DIY and that it inspires you to make something special for your wedding.

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{guest post} simple & elegant inspiration from forget me knot weddings

Hi there folks! Megan here of forget me knot weddings.  I am thrilled to be guest blogging today for Chris as P&P is such a creative blog full of inspiration!  Inspired by all the amazing inspiration boards P&P features I figured I would create one to share with you all.  I wanted to create an over all simple, elegant and minimal mood board.  As an event designer and planner we are always looking for creative, inventive ideas.  Whether that is a non traditional cake, like this dreamy flower cake or cotton balls strung on garland, we are always on the look out.  Remember when creating your next event remember inspiration is every where you look.

Images via {tablescape, invite, bride, drinks, garland, wooden box, books, cake, mason jar lighting}

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{guest post} scalloped table numbers from twig & lily

Hi friends! I hope you're enjoying the weekend. On Tuesday, I had a slight technical difficulty with the links and photos for Twig & Lily's guest post and decided to repost Christina's lovely table number DIY in case you missed it.  Make sure to check out her amazing shop, blog and follow her on Facebook & Twitter too!


Hello Postcards & Pretty-ers! I am so happy to be here today while Chris is on vacay. I’m Christina of Twig & Lily and I’m thrilled to be guest posting. Specifically because I love this blog and its blogger. This beautiful blog is a source of inspiration for so many and I'm happy to a part of it for the day.

Today I’m excited to share a free ‘table number’ DIY printable for all you lovely readers.

I’m always drawn to the mix of simple feminine elegance with a touch of rustic vintage charm and that’s what these table numbers are all about. They are adorned with a feminine hand drawn scalloped border and when printed on kraft paper evoke a vintage charm.

All you need:

Printer
Card stock of choice
Scissors
That’s it!

Here are some ideas of how to display them…

Click each link to download

Table Numbers 1 & 2
Table Number 3 & 4
Table Numbers 5 & 6
Table Numbers 7 & 8
Table Number 9 & 10
Table Numbers 11 & 12
Table Numbers 13 & 14
Table Number 15 & 16
Table Numbers 17 & 18
Table Numbers 19 & 20DIY Instructions: 

Print and cut along the edges of the scalloped border leaving about 1/8 inch space between the scallop border and edge of the table number. Once cut mount the scalloped numbers on whatever surfaces you wish to display them on and enjoy!

Thanks so much for having me today Chris! I hope you all have a beautiful day full of love and happiness. Come visit me at Twig & Lily!

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{guest post} the bee's knees cocktail from la petite coquin

I'm delighted to be guest posting at Postcards & Pretties today; there are few blogs more divine, but I know you all agree! Today, I thought I'd share one of passions: a perfectly crafted cocktail! From time to time I worry that I'm the drunk wedding blogger, and my hearty affection for libations concerns my readers-after all, I post a different cocktail every Friday, and after almost a year there are no signs of slowing! The truth is that despite our impressive stockpile of bottles, they rarely get opened unless we're throwing a cocktail party. This drink, the Bee's Knees, is perfect for a summer celebration-three ingredients are simple enough for anyone to mix together, and if you run out of gin, you can use nearly any kind of spirit in its place! 

The Bee's Knees

2 oz of gin
1 oz of honey syrup
1 oz of freshly squeezed lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for 5-10 seconds, then strain into a cocktail glass or serve with ice in a highball.

Notes: Honey syrup is easy to whip up in advance: just add equal parts honey to hot water and stir until combined. Cool before you start shaking.

Since the spirit really shines in such a simple cocktail, now's the time to try an herbaceous gin: Hendrick's and Bluecoat are some of my favorites. As delicious as gin is delicious in this drink, try rum or tequila if you'd prefer something else. Better yet, make three, each with a different kind of liquor! Cheers, everyone!

Photo by Not Without Salt. 

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{guest post} digital pattern from hank + hunt

 Hi Lovelies! It’s Jenny from Hank + Hunt and I am super excited to share a little secret with you.  I was so happy when Chris asked me to do a guest post that I seriously did a little dance. I love Postcards and Pretties so much, it’s one of my FAVORITE daily reads.  

I love to share.  I always find cool little things that I think would just be perfect for this or that...and I HAVE to tell someone.  Today, I’m going to let you in on something wonderful...digital scrapbook paper.  Now, before you start thinking “I’m not a scrapbooker, what does this have to do with my wedding?” and start walking away...let me explain.  Digital scrapbook paper (and their designers) can be your best friend.  It’s basically a file for  12 x 12 paper in a pattern.  So, it’s perfect for you if you don’t do DIYs, but you want to try little things here and there to customize your wedding. Paper napkin rings, bunting, cupcake flags, escort cards...anything you cut out of paper for your party or wedding.  Now, personally, unless a certain pattern catches my eye, the basic scrapbook paper aisle doesn’t appeal to me.  I love simple patterns, like stripes or a good balanced chevron.  That aisle at the craft store...not so much.  I can never find what I need or what color, besides solids, that would match my color palette.   

I started creating my own patterns for my parties.  I use the program Adobe Illustrator, which is pretty spendy for just your average girl who wants to throw a party, and takes a bit of time depending on how complicated your pattern is.  I took a class from Alma Loveland at Nicole’s Classes to learn how to make patterns, and while it was enlightening and life changing for me...I know not everyone wants to make their own.  That is perfectly ok. These next shops I rounded up on Etsy, do it all for you.  They are clean, modern and have beautiful palettes.  I even want some because really, they have some gorgeous patterns and it’s all ready to go. 

Honestly, how cool are these? These talented designers have done all the work for you.

So, now you ask what do I do with it?  At about $3-$5 per pack of designs, you will get a PDF download.  Take this little download and get your pretty little butt to Kinko’s and have them print it on 12x12 paper.  Cut your paper craft out and enjoy.  You  just customized your party with paper your guests are NOT going to see on their next trip to the craft store and they will think you are a DIY genius...which is what we all want right?

Thank you for having me, Chris! xo, Jenny

SOURCES:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/freshmemoriesstudio

http://www.etsy.com/shop/mooandpuppy

http://www.etsy.com/shop/summitavenue

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCheekyDarling

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{guest post} something blue from emmaline bride

Hi Postcards & Pretties readers! If you’re searching for the perfect “something blue” for the wedding

day, look no further! I’m Emma from Emmaline Bride and today I’m bringing you a round-up of

favorite “Something Blue” finds – all handmade, of course! Your something blue can be anything from

an embroidered tag on your wedding gown to a lacy garter with a tiny blue ribbon - as long as there’s a

tiny peek of color. Take a peek at this selection and be sure to comment below with your favorite!

One – Brooch bouquet by The Ritzy Rose  

Two – Corsage by Cultivar  

Three – Blue shoe clips by Eclu

Four – Necklace by Momma Goddess Treasures  

Five – Something Blue rose ring by BBC Bridal  

Six – Garter + Tossing Garter set by Atelier Rousseau

Seven – Bridal Cuff bracelet by Lon Koosh  

Eight – I Do shoe stickers by For Wedding Sake 

Nine – Hair pins by KimArt  

Ten – Blue earrings by TenThings  

Happy Planning!

xo,

Emma

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{guest post} salt water taffy inspiration from the loveliest day

Why, hello there! I'm Melissa from The Loveliest Day, and I'm absolutely thrilled to be guest posting here on Postcards + Pretties! With Summer in full swing, I have memories of sunny beach days and warm weather treats swirling through my mind. One of my favorite childhood summer memories is visiting the beach boardwalk in Santa Cruz, and stopping in the candy store with my Mom to buy a handful of delicious pastel saltwater taffy. That memory served as the inspiration for this sweet little board I put together for you! 

Top to bottom, L-R: Ban.do  | A Field Journal  | Vessels and Wares  | Martha Stewart  | Photo by Ashley Rose, Bouquet by JL Designs | Confetti System via Decor 8  | 100 Layer Cake | Photo by Jubilee Photography via Southern Weddings

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{guest post} ribbon wand send off from sparkle & hay

Happy Summer P&P readers!  Erin of Sparkle & Hay here, absolutely positively happy-as-can-be to guest post while our friend Chris takes a much deserved vacation! I'll be honest, the idea of creating an inspiration board to share with you fleetingly (.02 seconds of a crazy thought) crossed my mind... but luckily I came to my senses, realizing that there is no way one of my little boards would could pass muster on Chris's lovely blog (as she is the inspiration board Queen) so I took a cue from the recent 4th of July holiday instead. Thinking of the fourth immediately makes me think of fireworks, which translated into wedding speak, makes me think of a sparkler send off!  Since they are not easily obtainable (or legal) in all states, I thought I'd share an alternative idea with you that everyone can pull off; a ribbon wand send-off!

via

A fun & playful fanfare ribbon wands are also so pretty as a decor vignette in creating your wedding ambiance.

 via & via

Perhaps best of all, these are a simple project you can DIY to specially match your wedding colors (I don't know about you but I'm picturing a shimmery ribbon to catch the light just-so).

DIY Tutorial Via

Or for those of you who prefer to have someone else do the DIY for you check out Etsy!

Whichever way you go, ribbon wands are a lighthearted way to add a memorable send-off to your celebration.

via

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