Fantasy Bridal Shower

Victoria's Secret does their holiday fantasy bra every year - well this is my holiday (or not-so-holiday) fantasy bridal shower of the year. With the engagement rate spiking around Christmas (who can blame you, glowing trees, walking in winter wonderlands...), I figured it is about time to start dreaming up the perfect bridal shower. Why not dream big - your mom or your maid of honor is footing the bill (just kidding :-).

This is straight from Resource One and the photo was so well shot that I had to piece it together in four different sections. The serpentine table is covered with pink textured table skirt and top. Stools are covered with sweeping pink fabric and custom cow print cushions. Triangle plates save space on the unique table top, each with a off-set knife and fork. The middle of the table features a low, swirling wall of two-toned pink florals and silver cabaret lamps. Floating flower orbs decorate the buffet. Circular pink area rugs dot the carpet for added whimsy.

Perfect for your fantasy bridal shower, bachlorette party - or a few years down the line - a spoiled daughter's birthday party!

My Favorite Holiday Looks

I don't think that this picture exactly does it justice, but the peacock feather is officially my favorite holiday decorating accent this year! I passed by a window near Bryant Park a month or so ago and saw a tree made out of peacock feathers. Certainly nothing unusual or unheard-of, but it spoke to me. An unusual way, but still festive, peacock feathers add a bit of glamour to your holiday table settings (wedding or non), even add them after the holidays - this bird struts its stuff all year. I tucked a single feather into each napkin at our holiday party last week. Ask your florist to include the feathers in coordinating arrangements. (If they are too tall or too dramatic for lower arrangements, incorporate them into taller ones flaking doors or on the escort table.) Even mix them up with a bunch of other non-traditional materials and have guests shower you as you leave the church or reception! The motto of the peacock feather - be glamorous, strut-your-stuff, have fun (the motives of most brides I've known...)

Also non-traditional, I love this pattern of chocolate brown, aqua blue and winter white. Silver accents create a bit of sparkle. I also love the romantic reindeer as the napkin treatment - swap for a less holiday-specific accent if necessary! Create centerpieces solely from vases full of ornaments in your color palette, float ornaments in the base of potted plants (or miniature evergreen trees), do away with florals and feature an ornament holder only, or create a vase with floral foam and ornaments.

Honor the feeling of the holidays without donning red and green! Share your winter wedding pictures, send them to momentsbymorgan@yahoo.com. Favorites will be posted as inspiration for all of us.

Design Ideas

Silver damask print helps add elegance to this holiday setting. Single bloom place cards are easy to assemble and keep floral costs down.

http://www.blumebox.com/

Add your own embellishments to your bloombox. Shown above in silver, jewels were added to blue ribbon to add a unique touch to ivory roses and hypericum berries.

A photo from one of Accent Decor's latest showroom. Use the pieces above to create many different table-scapes. Small gold and silver trees are perfect accents for the restroom at your reception. Tall bubble vases keep sightlines open at ballroom tables, while still providing plenty of room for flowers or other interesting touches. Give candles a new look by placing sparkling gold pillar candles in the smaller bubble vases on an escort table or a buffet.

Shimmering Moet

Looking for the perfect holiday gift (for that over-the-top girlfriend), looking for something truly spectacular to impress your future mother-in-law? Or do you just want something else monogrammed?

Moet & Chandon has opened a crystallization boutique in New York City (Soho) through December 30th 2007. On Fridays, Saturdays & Sunday from 11am - 8pm, you can bring any pre-purchased Moet & Chandon 750ml or 15L bottle to be personalized with Swarovski crystals.

Up to 7 characters are allowed. The service costs about $30 and takes 24 hours. Go to 455 West Broadway between Prince & Houston Streets.

Maybe it is time to think about outrageously-awesome favors or thank you gifts.....

Moet Soho for more information!

Update Your Shoes

A great idea from Charles & Marie. Check out Absolutely Audrey for a complete line of adornments for your shoes. Whether they are what is hiding under your gown, or just a pick-me-up for your favorite pumps, revamp your shoe closet!

Another sentimental idea: why not grab your mother or grandmother's earrings, clip-on earrings, or broach to adorn your wedding shoes. A great way to honor someone on your special day!

New Tabletop Look from Party Rental

Oh the amazing things that you can find at rental companies. If you live near a major city, make it a point to take a trip to various rental showrooms. Each company has its own invetory and its own style (don't forget to include some prop houses too if possible!). If you can't get to a showroom, search design portfolios on their websites (usually a mixture of designs that in-house reps create and designs put together by event planners using their products). You can create any look without having to purchase a thing!

Get the Admiral Brocade Table look above from Party Rental Ltd.. Ask for:

• Admiral Brocade tablecloth (its reversible too!)
• Elite White Square Charger, Dinner & Lunch plates
• Carnegie Hill flatware
• Riedel Red & White Wine glasses
• Blue Ring Tinted glasses
• Chocolate Church Linen Napkin
• Square Lucite Napkin Ring

Not included in this list are a variety of hurricane shades, pillar candles, and votive candle holders. Go crazy and create your own style - for your Thanksgiving table, your engagement party or your wedding!

Eco-Chic Gift

Interested in going green for your wedding? Looking for ways to negate the carbon footprint? How about just subtley suggesting to your gas-guzzling, paper-wasting relatives that they should try to have a good impact on the environment.

Try this eco starter kit including a reusable, aluminum water bottle, a resuable grocery bag (bonus - some stores will give you a discount for bringin your own bags!), an energy-efficient CF light bulb, and an organic cotton t-shirt. Package sizes vary, price range is about $40-$50. You can even have them customize the packaging! Go to GreenSender for more information.