Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Really Organic Arrangements

I know i've mentioned this before, but I just love the way fruits and vegetables can make such a fresh visual impact. Here are a few examples:
Love this picture of London Restaurant, La Petite Maison. I got the photo from Gwenyth Paltrow's blog, GOOP. There's nothing simpler and cleaner than stacking up fruits and vegetables in big vases.
Forget the grocery bought veggie & dip platters. You can easily arrange veggies in a "bouquet" like manner in a basket just by bunching veggies together. The dip is nicely presented in a scooped out red pepper. Photo from LA based caterer, Joan's on Third.
I like the idea of bringing the arrangement outside the bowl. Check out how Joan's on Third catering used the blood orange peels sto create a flower.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Homemade Gift Ideas

I've always loved the idea of giving homemade gifts and cards for Christmas, because I think that thoughtfulness should always be the biggest part of the gift. I've found these great homemade gift ideas from Martha Stewart and picked some of my favourites. Not only do they make great Christmas gifts, they're great party favours.
How much do you adore these Candle tea cups?! This would be a great favour idea for a tea-themed bridal shower. Homemade scented salt scrubs



A box of cookies wrapped in kraft boxes, decorated with Christmas cards.


Personalize gift cards by putting them in these cute card holders.

I love this spiced coffee idea- take whole beans and mix them with cinnamon and nutmeg spices, or vanilla bean seeds.

You can also make small bundles of mulling spices. Be sure to include a recipe and use natural cheesecloth and non-dyed twine (unlike the picture shown). Jams, preserves, marinated olives and nut topics (shown) also look completely elegant, especially when you dress up the jar with fabric and/or spoons.
A totally cute yet simple bonbonniere- paper cones filled with goodies such as caramels. The trick to making homemade items pro-using nice script fonts like "edwardian script" and my favourite "Windsong".