Design Board: Bicycle Built for Two

I was inspired by this letterpress invitation with a bicycle built for two. Something fun and outdoorsy for this holiday weekend.

Gifts: Monogram Your BBQ!

I've been thinking about these monogrammed steak brands for years. I saw them in a Williams-Sonoma catalog. Mostly because I think it would be really cool to have guests show up to grill some steaks in the backyard, and then you serve them meat branded with your new monogram. Odd, but very cool.

So I think this is a great gift for your groom, groomsmen, father of the bride, or any grilling aficionado. (Heck, if any of you are shopping for my birthday - get me one - oh, and a grill to go in my NYC apartment...) Single, double and triple letter monograms are available for about $39.95.

Other monogram options perfect for your summer outings are this carving board and personalized beer mugs:

Holiday Weekend Fun!

Portable Folding Grill Table from Simplyrustic for $110.00

Monday officially starts the grilling season. And what does any groom love better than grills, some juicy steaks and ice cold beer. (Vegetarians: bocca burgers do apply!) Here are some fun (and useful) bbq products on Etsy - LOVE THEM - to kick off your holiday!

Wild Western vintage cowboy labels on a variety of sauces. Great for bbq wedding or rehearsal dinner favors! From Handykane.

Gourmet bbq rub spice kit. Another great favor - and you don't have to have bbq at the wedding to appreciate it! Only $16.00 from Purpose Design.

This necklace is absoltely hilarious. If you buy this, please send me a picture and I will post it. I think it is adorable and scary all at the same time :-) PinkHelloKitty

Reward your groom's inner griller. This apron with a t-bone pocket is great to store your grill tongs in between flips! Find it in the Snappyshop.

A caddy of bbq rubs perfect for favors. Pictured is zesty pork rub and smokin creole rub. Find this and more from Basil and Things.

Enjoy your holiday weekend! Having a Memorial Day Weekend wedding? Share your pictures!

Inspirations from the International Contemporary Furniture Fair

Originally reported in BizBash Toronto, the International Contemporary Furniture Fair had some very interesting designs that can add flair to any event.

Sywawa Frou Frou parasol. I think this is totally outrageous as home decor, but a great inspiration for what you can do with chainetter fringe. Weddings can be a place to experiment and an outdoor ceremony or reception would be enhanced by tightly packed fringe swaying in the breeze. Translation to wedding decor: fringe hanging off of a chuppah or altar arch, a ceiling treatment in a loft, skirting for your tables or bars, and so much more!

Hiyoshia lamps. What I really love about these is that they are the next generation of the standard rice paper lantern. They are a Japanese parasol and inventive lantern combined. You can enhance the standard paper lantern to use at your wedding. Combine it with patterned paper, paint your lanterns, put colored bulbs instead of standard. Use your imagination!

Dose of Inspiration: Bright & Juicy Summer Wedding Florals

I love the juicy orange tones with bright green leaves. This modern, square arrangement uses a variety of different flowers (roses, tulips, dahlias, & dendrobium orchids) in sections to create a varied and modern look. Adding a candle to the middle gives the entire centerpiece extra glow.

The orange tone continues with bright cantelope-colored pomanders hanging from an altar or arbor. These pomanders are most inexpensively created with carnations (one of the best uses for the "cheaper" flower). A variety of orchids are brought together in this cone arrangement; some strung to hang down to the table level and create more visual interest.

I absolutely love this arrangement because it can be classic and modern at the same time. The purple color of the tulips pop above the wrapped green leaves. The footed glass container allows for just the gathered tulip heads to pop out. Perfect for so many occasions (brunch, bridal shower, casual wedding)!

Using provided linens from your venue or caterer, you can save a lot of money. Spruce up the provided colors with ribbon accents down the center of the table, chargers, custom napkins (not as expensive as you think) and lots of candlelight.

Photos courtesy of Brides and Hostess With the Mostess

Lacey Chic Design Board

A black and white theme based on this Carolina Herrera lace halter dress with simple black ribbon accent and interesting stripe pattern on the skirt. This dress inspired a look that was part classic, part modern with touches of bright color.

Featured Design Board of the Day: submit your boards at momentsbymorgan@yahoo.com!