Parasol Perfection

I really love the idea of incorporating interesting and festive "props" into an event. Parasols are stunning, often vintage-inspired, and even practical on a hot and sunny day.

That said, what makes these images so awesome is the totally unconventional use of the parasols hanging from the ceiling. What a whimsical delight! These definitely work well with high ceilings, but they would add a colorful pop to even the smallest soiree. Plus, I adore the idea of playing on the wedding "shower" with real umbrellas!

{via Lite Dallas, New & Blue, It's a Jamie Thing, Real Simple & Wedding Blogdig}

xoxo,

Niki

All That Glitters

Let's start off the week by wishing my amazing friends Leah and Jared the biggest congratulations on their engagement this past weekend! Cole and I actually helped with the planning of their incredible night and have been dying for the big day to arrive. Wishing them tons of joy, love and happiness during the planning process!

Since lots of my friends have been taking the plunge and getting engaged in these past few weeks, I thought it would only be appropriate to do a blog on some of my favorite sparkly ideas!

The holidays tend to bring out the glitter and I definitely can't complain. I love all things sparkly!

Martha seems to be all about the glitter this season. A few of my favorite craft ideas are these glittered candles, glittered candlesticks, and glittered photo (you submit your photo online and Martha will break it down for you--almost like glitter by number!).

You might not think that glitter and food mix, but in this case, a stunning glittery white wedding cake via Style Me Pretty is absolute perfection. This is actually Abby's, (SMP's founder) wedding cake from her own wedding in Boston.

There are so many awesome glittery items available as holiday gifts. These two things are definitely on my wish list. Love this butterfly, crystal ring via Anthropologie, as well as this rose gold glittered clutch from J Crew.

I think I've mentioned Louboutin's about 1,000,000 times on the blog, but honestly, I just can't get enough. These are at the very top of my sparkle list! And candy pink! These are delicious! (Did I mention Leah's proposal included Louboutin's?!?!)

Every fabulous sparkly blog posts need to end with some sparkly bling. Check out these bands via Martha, and rings via Tiffany & Harry Winston.

Happy Glittery Monday and congrats Jared & Leah!

xoxo,

Niki

Wrapped!

There are so many brilliant ideas in gift wrap, I couldn't just give it one day on the blog.

I found this awesome article in Real Simple on 21 easy holiday gift wrap ideas so incredibly inspiring! There are so many fun and random tsotchke's that you can use to dress up your presents. I am partial to Home Goods and the dollar bins at target, but this article has totally made me realize that fabric stores aren't just for creating clothing.

Buttons, feathers, O rings and even an applique flower are all elegant, simple and inexpensive ways to dress up a gift. These are all from M&J trimming which has a fabulous website (I should know I've been exploring it for the last week!). I even like the idea of wrapping in lace instead of ribbon.

Seashells are so appropriate (and free) here on the beaches of Florida. And bow tie pasta? Genius!

Martha Martha---I an dying to copy this idea of using real peanuts instead of styrofoam as stuffing.

This little invention is pretty terrific! Gift wrapping with cellophone and tissue all tied together with an embellished pony tail holder.

I've been really into glitter and sparkles lately. I would just love to give a gift in these shiny stacked Paper-source boxes.

xoxo,

Niki

Wrap It Up!

Let's start out this week with a giant CONGRATULATIONS to my best friend Lizzie on her engagement last week to Michael! It seems like love is most definitely in the air. All of the best wishes to them for a future of happiness!

One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is gifts. No, not really receiving them, I actually love to give them. I also love to package them beautifully. There are so many great and inexpensive ways to dress up your gifts this season. Here are a few of my favorites.

Decorative tape is such an easy and painless way to add pizazz and style to gift wrap. Both TapeSwell and Happy Tape offer an array of patterns and solids in masking and packing tapes. They're wonderful for taping up a white or kraft cardboard box (hello UPS!) or even just a gift wrapped in a solid color.

If you're looking for a more eco-friendly way to wrap gifts, opt for fabric gift wrap. Chewing the Cud offers multiple prints of cotton fabric and will show you how to wrap it up to resemble paper. Or wrap your gift in a beautiful scarf or fabric swatch. Reduce, reuse & recycle.

You all know my slight obsession with kraft & paper bags, so check out this idea via Martha. She says to sew the buttons on but I think hot glue would work just as well.

I always like to add some extra "umph" to my gifts by finishing them with a mini gift on the outside. Last year I found these awesome butterfly "ornaments" at Pottery Barn, and used them to embellish each and every gift. These feather butterflies can be found at most craft stores. I wound them around the outside of the wrapped gift and often intertwined them with the ribbon.

This year I am planning to use cookie cutters in a creative shapes (like this adorable dog bone) or this awesome peace sign & cupcake!

Happy wrapping!

xoxo,

Niki

Twilight Blog: New Moon!

Those of you who know me know that I have a slight obsession with the Twilight saga by Stephenie Meyers. Finally at midnight tonight New Moon is premiering!

In honor of my Edward Cullen fixation, here are some of my favorite Twilight ideas...

Bottled blood? Check out this beverage and so many fabulous suggestions for hosting a Twilight party via Hostess Blog.

It's been a year and I'm still gushing over this Twilight inspired post over at Wiley Valentine's Blog. Tres vampire chic!

I'd love to be invited to this dreamy and seductive Twilight wedding featured on wedding chicks blog.

New Moon leaves Bella with a big decision. Who would you choose: Team Edward or Team Jacob? I'd choose team cupcake with these awesome treats from Sweet Avenue Bakeshop.

Ok, I lied. Definitely Team Edward.

Happy Twilight Weekend!

xoxo,

Niki

Turkey Day for Tail-Waggers

Thanksgiving symbolizes so many things. To me, it's especially important to take the time to really give thanks to everyone that I love. Of course, I'm extremely thankful for my favorite fido, Ray.

Thanksgiving isn't just for people--it's also for pets! Whether you're hosting the meal, or going as a guest, don't forget about the dogs (and other furry friends).

Just because they're pooches doesn't mean they can't share in the Thanksgiving feast. Try a Pumpkin Cream Tort "Pup Pie" or these freeze dried sweet potatoes from Doggy-Gifts.com.

Why not give your pup something fun and plush to play with! Try this pilgrim or turkey that makes real gobbling sounds.

And with Thanksgiving comes the cold winter. Keep your bow-wow warm with this utility jacket or posh cashmere sweater set!

And after (s)he's full and exhausted (tryptophan anyone?) let your hound hit the sack on this chic dog bed in fall colors from Jonathan Adler.

Happy Turkey Day to the Tail-Waggers!

xoxo,

Niki (and Ray)