Fresh Find: Vintage-Inspired Cupcake Liners

So you've decided to whip up your own cupcakes this year -- hey, we all need to do a little D.I.Y. these days. Well, no need to sacrifice style in a recession! Inexpensively sweeten-up your homemade cupcakes with decorative cupcake liners, like these precious pink and brown flower cupcake liners from Layer Cake Shop.

For just $5.25, you'll receive a pack of 50 Pink and Brown Sweet Flower Cupcake Liners. These are standard size with a 2" diameter bottom. Check out their selection of cute cupcake toppers and sprinkles, too!

A Bendel's Bridal Shower

So, you may not be splurging at Henri Bendel on an average Saturday these days (thank you Wall St), but don't fret: this famed swank shopping spot on New York's Fifth Avenue doubles as the perfect spot for a bridesmaids lunch or bridal shower.

Take your closest ladies to the counter at Memoire Liquide's Bespoke Perfumery where they can mix-and-match over 150 fragrance oils and create their own signature scent for your wedding day (can you say, bridesmaid gift?!). Maybe sample a make-up artist or two while on site. Then, head to The Chocolate Bar for downright divine snacks (they serve a full menu of sandwiches, drinks--and of course, chocolates!).

Who says you can't indulge? At least for one day, right?

The New "Polaroid" Guestbook

Urban Outfitters is a haven for quirky event ideas--and I knew I stumbled on something supercool when I found Fuji's new instax photo system that instantly prints beautiful credit card-size color photos in minutes - sharp and clear on Fuji instax film! Instead of the bulky, old- fashioned polaroid (did I hear a rumor they're discontinued anyway?), sit this baby on a table in the reception for your guests to shoot themselves and place in your guestbook like a Kolo album.

Or, buy them as bridesmaids or groomsmen gifts--and have them shoot the festivites from their P.O.V. Plus, it's cool enough to take with you on your destination wedding jaunt or honeymoon where you can create an instant photo album with pics from the adventures each day.

Lightweight and compact, the stylish instax mini 7 camera goes anywhere. Operation is easy - simply check the LED exposure indicator and press the shutter,Auto focus; auto flash; built-in lens cover; instructions included. * 5"w, 5"h, 2.5"d*, 1-year manufacturer's warranty.

$130 at Urbanoutfitters.com.

Take a Seat

Lounges at receptions have been around for a while now, so I've been a bit bored by the typical white furniture. That's why I was so excited to see that prop rental companies like Taylor Creative in New York have expanded their options. Check out their Windsor Collection (in photo): this super elegant tufted banquette is covered in a plush white synthetic suede. This seating collection is delivered in 2 parts: one piece is 8' long, the other 10' long and them mitor together in the corner. Seats 8 people.

TIP: Check with your reception site about building restrictions, extra load-in fees, insurance, and elevator policies--and don't forget to measure the dimension of elevators and hallways. If you're working with a planner, these should be on their list already so don't fret!

Solved! The Tri-Fold Invitation

With so much information to parlay to your guests today, from directions to accomodations to multiple parties, invitation designers are trying to keep up. Necessity is the mother of invention, after all: if you're planning a wedding with many weekend events, I urge you to consider picking an invite with an organizing system. There are tons with self-enclosed folders to neatly contain multiple cards and other designs placed on tri-fold cards, like these by Just Ink on Paper. Regardless, a wedding website is a must for keeping guests in the know (especially those travelling to a destination). Check out the designs at http://www.wed-o-rama.com/.

Freshly-Squeezed Wedding

This snowy day has me jonesing for a bit of delicious, sugary sunshine. My remedy? Freshly- squeezed citrus inspiration from TheKnot.com's Real Weddings Gallery. From Meyer Lemon centerpieces to pineapple cake filling to margarita & caprihiana bars, yellow is the hottest hue in weddings according to The Knot editors. Hope these inspiring images brighten your day!

(All Photos from TheKnot.com; photographers are cited in the gallery)

Dreaming of a White (Edible) Christmas

This photo from a recent Domino spread served as the inspiration for the dessert buffet at a recent Chandelier Events holiday party. The pastry mega-talents at Thomas Preti Caterers took my vision and whipped up a "Snowed In" dessert winterscape beyond my wildest White Christmas dreams! Here are some of the highlights (and a few inspirations that you can pull off in your own kitchen this weekend):

• Croquembouche Christmas Trees: Hand-made meringue and the traditional profiterole spun with caramel & sugar (see photo), this customary French Wedding Cake doubled as snowtipped trees on our display.


• Individual Fondue: Guests were served gourmet hot dark and white chocolate sauces in their own ramekins, and selected fruits, pretzels, marshmellows, pound cake, and brownies in a gift-box display (brilliant idea from the chefs at Thomas Preti that wowed guests ... and curbed double dipping).


• Chocolate Pudding Shots: Even Jello chocolate pudding can be dressed up by serving it in shot glasses! Top with fresh whip cream (cool whip will do in a hurry!) and top with a dust of cinnamon.


• White Chocolate Raspberry Trifle: Serve your own spin on this layered dessert with vanilla pudding, raspberry sauce and chocolate cookie crumble in martini glasses!

** A big dose of delicious gratitude to Jessica, Jen and the amazing crew from Thomas Preti for their fabulous, fresh ideas...and top notch service.

Check back soon. More photos to come!