Autumn Splendor

There are so many things I like about Thanksgiving - the long hours in the kitchen,  the gourmet feast, the sweet family chatter, and the shared opportunity to express gratitude for the good things in our lives. For me it is also the official kickoff of the fall/winter social season. 

Fall decorating offers a welcome bridge between the colours of summer and the jewel tones of the holiday season. Transforming your dining table with the colours and textures of autumn is  easy and fun - just incorporate the elements of nature: wooden branches, roses with the colour of fallen leaves, pumpkins and pine cons. 

The tradition demands that the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving feast be a perfectly roasted turkey, surrounded by carrots, baked potatoes, and homemade dinner rolls. If you are hosting the Thanksgiving dinner and you are not sure what to cook, this is the one-stop resource for you. Delish shares the best-of-the best recipes that wowed the judges in Quick & Simple's Thanksgiving recipe contests. 

Here are some fabulous  event ideas to set your Thanksgiving mood.  Happy Entertaining!

Lovely autumn-inspired tablescape via Porter House Designs
Lovely autumn-inspired tablescape via Porter House Designs


Lovely autumn-inspired tablescape via Porter House Designs
Autumn-inspired cake via The Finishing Touches





Fabulous autumn-inspired decor by Preston Bailey
Autumn-inspired floral centrepiece via The Finishing Touches
Autumn cupcakes via Savoy Truffle and Cake
Autumn cupcakes via Savoy Truffle and Cake
Desserts by Amy Atlas

Rustic Romance

There is something really romantic about rustic inspired events.
Rustic themes are all about using earthy colours and natural and organic elements like moss, grass, trees, barns, bird cages and lanterns. Using wine corks to prop up your place cards is such a clever and budget-friendly idea.  I absolutely love the simplicity and the rustic charm infused in these photos.


Image via Elizabeth Anne Designs
Image via Elizabeth Anne Designs
Lovely rustic tablescape via Wedding Bee
Rustic Dessert Table via Merci New York
Rustic Dessert Table via Merci New York
Floral by Krislyn Design
Floral by Krislyn Design




Woodland CHIC Moss Ring Bearer Pillow via etsy

Fabulous outdoor tablescape via The Sweetest Occasion
Image via The Sweetest Occasion



Cork place tags via Dex Knows Weddings
Rustic Cookie Bar via Dognbird

Rustic Cake Display via Jose Villa Photography

Lovely rustic reception via Ruffled Blog


Absolutely gorgeous ice cream buffet tables

I know..I know. This may not be the best timing for this post especially when fall is just around the corner, but who doesn't like ice cream all year round. Here are some fabulous ice cream buffet tables that I was able to find in the wonderful world of blogging. I love the idea of incorporating ice cream cones into the event decor. Amy Moss from Eat Drink Chic  shares not only the step by step process for designing your own Parlour Ice Cream Party (pictured below), but all of the gorgeous labels and signs for you to download for free, too! That's right for FREE.
Image via Eat, Drink, Chic
Image via Amy Atlas blog
Image via Amy Atlas blog
Image via Hostess Blog
Image via Hostess Blog
Image via Hostess Blog


Image via The Celebration Shoppe
Images via TomKat Studio Blog

Image via the Ruffle Blog
Image via the Ruffle Blog

Flamenco Amor - Spanish Inspired Event Decor

This blog post is for all Spanish and flamenco fans out there who love the sound of stomping feet, the smell of coffee beans, the beauty of red roses and the allure of black lace. I just love the Spanish influences in the event decor and styling featured below - the antique mercury glass pattern on the favor bags, the classic and timeless colour palette of black and white with a touch of red and the flamenco romance.

Dinner receptions can be a huge budget drainer, where "tapas" style reception could save you money on table centrepieces, chair/linen rentals, so you can concentrate your budget on other things that are more important to you, like location, photography and entertainment. And talking about entertainment, a few years back, I had the pleasure to work with one of the most talented flamenco Spanish dancers in Edmonton - Esperanza Linares. Her passionate and breath taking performances will add that special Spanish touch to any wedding or event.

Flamenco Fiesta Wedding Cake
Red Wedding Dress
Dessert table by Cake Inc. via Amy Atlas Blog
Dessert table by Cake Inc. via Amy Atlas Blog
Dessert table by Cake Inc.via Amy Atlas Blog
Dessert table via Utterly Engaged
Event Decor via Utterly Engaged
Wedding Cake via  Utterly Engaged
Floral Centerpiece via Utterly Engaged 
 Welcome table via Utterly Engaged
Candle holders via Utterly Engaged
Floral Arrangement via Utterly Engaged
Shoew via Utterly Engaged
Floral Centrepieces via the Hostess blog