LET IT SNOW! TABLESCAPE

Here in Colorado the mountains are already getting snow! I'm feeling pretty ready for it. Snow gets me in the holiday spirit and each year we always hope for a white Christmas. A white Christmas is the inspiration behind this elegant tablescape designed by Arizona's Meant2Be Events. The white, teal and silver color palette makes this decor a bit retro modern, but cool and fabulous. I love the adorable white squirrel to keep guests company. This is perfect for any seasonal occasion--even a Frozen party! Thanks to Hagerty Photography for capturing all the details.

Participating Vendors:
Equipment Rentals: Classic Party Rentals // Invitation Designer: Be In Love Designs: Wedding & Event Stationary // Floral Designer: Kate Ryan Design // Event Designer: Meant2Be Events // Event Planner: Meant2Be Events // Photographer: Hagerty Photography//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

BRONCOS EMMANUEL SANDERS' NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY

Happy New Year! I know that is greatly (and embarrassingly) overdue. Y'see, I've been doing a lot of thinking about the blog over the last month or so; thinking about how I can make it better or honestly, figuring out how to modify it to keep myself motivated. I do feel like I've come up with a few ideas. I just have to start implementing them. But, here is one party, submitted by photographer Linda Murri, that as a Colorado resident got me pretty excited! This New Year's Eve soiree was hosted by Broncos player, Emmanuel Sanders. Asked to dress in white attire, guests enjoyed dancing, champagne and even rooftop s'mores – all in an elegant, purple-lit setting. When you look through the photos, notice that there are a lot of ideas you can easily replicate at home: the lighted marquee letters, glittery table coverings and hurricane candle centerpieces. I would love to figure out a way to copy that dress of champagne flutes! Make sure to check out the list of participating vendors at the bottom.

Photographer:   Linda Murri Photography // Caterer: Yazoo BBQ Company // Cake Designer: Yours Truly Cupcake // Floral Designer: Alexan Events // DJ: Elite DJ & Production // Model: Starkey Productions // Lighting: Lighting and Design by Scott // Design and Decor: Chair Covers and Linens // Equipment Rentals: Allwell Rents Co // Equipment Rentals: Charming Chairs // Event Venue: The Lake House//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

LET THE CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES BEGIN

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We had a pretty low-key Thanksgiving - which was fine by me! However, since we didn't go anywhere we rallied a few of my daughters' friends who were actually in town for a little craft party.

We started with making and decorating cookies. They did such a great job!

I didn't let them eat their cookies until after we had lunch - reindeer roll sandwiches. :)

And then we made snow slime! If you have a slime-obsessed child, you add Instant Snow and a little warm water to your slime mix and you get this powdery looking slime that looks like snow.

We had a couple of other crafts planned, but I think after the snow slime they were done and just played some games on their own. My girls are getting older and I realize these holiday party games and crafts are on a deadline... sniff... so making the most of it while I can!

GIRLY WINTER ONE-DERLAND BIRTHDAY

Pink and silver, powdered donuts and some sparkle delivers the right amount of magic for this little girl's first birthday party. The use of crepe paper is a great way to make a backdrop that's easy and affordable. A photo banner is also another easy DIY decor item, since we all have SO many photos during our child's first year. Thanks to Maryland's Emily T. Photography for submitting the photos.

WREATH MAKING PARTY

While I was going through these photos I felt like I could actually smell the fresh scent of greenery. It immediately relaxed me! Get together with a few girlfriends to relax while putting together a plush green Christmas wreath. It'll be a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays. With Christmas just over a week away it's the perfect time so your wreath is nice and fresh. This get-together was hosted by Janelle, wedding industry florist expert, in her home studio (nice room, right?!) who taught participants how to make their own wreaths using boughs and pretty adornments. (Having them use rubber gloves is a smart tip!) Thanks to Calgary's GingerSnap Photography for taking and sharing the festive photos.

DREAMY FROZEN-INSPIRED TABLE FOR ADULTS

No doubt that the movie Frozen was thoroughly enjoyed by adults as much as kids. So it doesn't surprise me that Kirkbrides wedding planners took inspiration from the beloved fairytale for this styled shoot. Their inspiration came specifically from the Nordic culture that was worked into Frozen's setting with the teal, purple, white and blue color palette. The icy crystal branches overhead are magical. One very easy decor idea to take away from this styled shoot is the tall glass cylinders filled with colored water. I've actually used this idea for a spa party. It's budget friendly and makes a statement. The fuchsia chair bands add a nice luxurious touch and complements the hanging floral accents. Big thanks to photographer Cleveland photographer, Lauren Gabrielle, for taking and sharing the inspirational shoot with us.

Photographer:   Lauren Gabrielle Photography//Floral Designer:Blooms by Plantscaping //Design and Decor:Event Source//Event Planner: Kirkbrides//Event Planner: Kirkbrides Wedding Planning & Design//Linens and Coverings:L'Nique Specialty Linen Rental//Other:Lauren Gabrielle Photography//Specialty Foods: Lilly Handmade Chocolate//Cake Designer: Luna Bakery & Cafe//Lighting: Rock The House//Location: The Tudor Arms Hotel//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

SNOWMAN S'MORES

Just because the holidays are over doesn't mean you have to stop the cute ideas. Continue to have some fun with this snowman s'mores idea from Shabby Creek Cottage. You can also just make a snowman head and drop it on the top of your cup of hot cocoa. Find the original post here.

SNOWFLAKE PRETZEL POPS

I'm always looking for one different treat to make over the holidays with the girls. Something that's a bit different than the traditional sugar cookies. I think this might be our attempt this year! Personally I love the sweet and salt combination of a chocolate covered pretzel, and I know my girls will think this is so pretty! Thanks to I Heart Naptime for the great idea! you can find the full tutorial here.

DIY WINTER WREATH

Bummed you had to take down all the Christmas decorations? Keep your front door feeling festive with a winter wreath. I actually just found a plain white wreath at Michael's yesterday on clearance for $1.92! I can't wait to spruce it up a bit and hang it up. This is a cute door hanging idea from DIY Inspired. Use a basket to create a nice wintery adornment for your front door.  Find the full post here.