Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Knot your average napkin!

Once your guests sit down to eat, keep impressing them with napkin folds that are knot so average! We've compiled several fabulous folds for you to test out the next time you dine.

The Pocket Fold

This is a classic look with a little flare. We love this because you can tuck-in your menus, silverware or table accessories!


Love it? Check out this tutorial from Videojug: Napkin Folding


The Classic Fold

There are several ways to give your napkin that classic, streamlined look. The best part is, most of these styles are easy to dress up, dress down or DIY!



 The Standing Fold

Guests will give these impressive napkins a standing ovation! The intricacy of these styles will give a formal appeal to any feast.


These are only a few of our favorite ways to fold napkins. Check out the Details Napkin Selection for more inspiration!




Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Backyard Campout

If mud, hiking boots and cooking over a fire aren’t your thing, bring the great outdoors to your backdoor!

Pitch a tent and build a campfire in the comfort of your backyard. Here are some cute and fun ideas to create the best campout the neighborhood will be talking about all year!




Set up a s’more station for the kids… and adults! The blog “Kitchen Concoction” has s’more recipes to die for. If you don’t want to spark up a fire, the blog has some yummy, no roast recipes as well.

Here is a fun, unique addition to your campout! Gather some jars and buy some packages of glow sticks from your local dollar store. Make sure the inside of the jars are clean and dry. Then, crack open a glow stick or two and coat the inside of the jar. Close the top and you have “firefly-like” lamps.



You can go all out and pitch some actual camping tents and spend the night under the stars or just give the kids some old quilts and have them hold a tent building completion. This will be a hit and you can even allow them all to stay the night in their new homes!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Real Wedding - Casey and Kyle - Brazos Center


Casey and Kyle Gideon's love story began at a children's after-school program where both were working while attending Texas A&M. Sharing a love for travel and adventure, it didn't take long for these two to realize it was meant to be. Incorporating Casey's love for rodeo, Kyle popped the question at a horse stable in February of 2011. A little over a year later on April 28th, 2012, the couple set off on their own adventure when they said their "I Dos" in front of 250 guests at the Brazos Center.


Even from the start, Casey knew she wanted to play an important part in the planning and decoration of the wedding. When it came to her first problem, Casey created a clever solution. She told us: "I have always wanted a fall wedding, but with big Aggie football fans in our family, that just wasn't an option. So, instead, I used fall colors for my rustic spring wedding."







The rustic theme was spread beautifully throughout the entire ceremony. The whole bridal party, including Casey and Kyle, wore cowboy boots!


One of Casey's most memorable moments happened early on in the planning, though. She told us: "Throughout the planning process, we had many memorable moments. The first came when I chose my wedding dress. It was unlike any other dress I had seen, but immediately knew it was the one for me."


Even though Casey was a no-fear, do-it-yourself bride, she took a moment to thank each of her vendors that helped make her big day possible.


Rentals – Details Party Rental

The search for the perfect rental place was a long process for me. I actually received a postcard from Details and decided to check out the website. It didn’t take me long to decide to go with Details because it was a one stop shop. Everything I needed to make my decorations perfect, Details had!


Bar Services – Specs/Luke’s Bartending   
We had also heard good things of Luke Ruffino and his bar services.  The staff did a great job and were very helpful. 

Cake
– Cakes by Blondie 
 I heard about Blondie Carroll from a friend of mine that had just recently gotten married.  She was absolutely wonderful!  The cakes that she made exceeded every expectation that I had!  Seeing my cake for the first time took my breath away!  Not only does she do a great job, but she is very affordable!
Catering – Polly’s Cocina 
 Kyle’s grandmother has been a friend of Polly for years and she recommended her to us.  The enchiladas were great and the food went a long way.
Flowers – Emily’s Floral Design   
I had been researching floral design people in the College Station area and came across Emily.  I met with Emily and fell in love with her.  She took all of my ideas and put together two great altar arrangements, my bouquet, and corsages for my attendants and Kyle.
Photography – Sandy Shannon Photography   

Sandy Shannon is actually a friend of Kyle’s mom and had taken some of their family pictures in the past. She took our engagement pictures and did such an amazing job that we couldn’t wait to see how our wedding pictures would come out.  Needless to say, our wedding pictures were absolutely perfect!  We couldn’t have asked for anything better!

Venue – Brazos Center 
We wanted to find a venue that was spacious with lots of options for seating arrangements, decorations, etc.  The Brazos Center was perfect for our wedding.  The pictures before and after came out beautiful!  Who knew it was a beautiful back drop as well.

After all the work was done, Casey shared a piece of advice for future brides:

My advice would be don’t jump on the first vendor that you find, research other options to see what all is available for you.  I have also been telling my friends that are getting married to remember that it is your day and you get to decide what it looks like.  Don’t just do what other people want you to do because it should be all about you.  It is very important to remember to not get lost in the planning that you stress yourself out.  Remember why you are doing this in the first place, you have found the love of your life and you are ready to start your lives together.  You don’t have to please everyone, and trust me you won’!  Also enjoy every second of it because it goes by very quickly!

Congratulations to Casey and Kyle!




Monday, July 2, 2012

Local Luau - Backyard Party

A trip to the tropics might not be part of your summer plans… but who says you can’t bring the tropics to your own backyard! Texas can feel pretty dull in the summer heat. Here are some fun ideas to brighten your next backyard gathering. Throw on some fresh flower leis, turn up the hula music and call it a luau!




Try some treats with a Hawaiian tang. Allrecipes.com has a delicious ham and pineapple kabob recipe!
T
hrow these on the grill and add aroma to the atmosphere. Also, try Betty Crocker’s piña colada cupcakes for a decorative dessert.  



Once the sun goes down, create a romantic mood by lighting some
floating candles! Use food coloring to dye water and put in glass cylinders for easy ambience.