This project is so clever…. and absolutely adorable! You and your fiancé can individually (or together) chose a favorite book and go to town.  If you don’t prefer the ‘favorite book’ idea you can use journals or mini photo albums! And, as with most DIY projects, you have full creative rein over what color and pattern you would like to use.  This is an excellent way to tie together your color palette  or add pops of color to your reception.  Do you want the bridal party to have a bigger size than the guests? What about a different color or a different book for the ladies than for the gentlemen?  You could give the individual families their own separate patterns….  You could even apply this same project to other parties or showers.  The possibilities are endless!    But perhaps what’s most fabulous about this project is that  it doubles as both a favor and a seating card!

Thanks to Twig & Thistle there is a Bookmark Template.  Full instructions here.

(s’more favors, invitation, programs, wafer cake, favors, sake box set, Tiffany Box candle favor, pom poms)

(Cupcakes, Hamburger & Fries Box, Cake, Poppies Table, Napkins, Boutonniere, Umbrellas)

This time of year is the time where family and friends migrate home and reunite with loved ones they don’t often get a chance to see.  If a family member or a friend of yours in pregnant this could be the only opportunity to throw a baby shower with everyone near. Penguins are not only gender-neutral but they fit well with the winter/cold weather ambiance of much of the country most recently. Plus, you can use your leftover orange and black materials left over from the Snowman Treats!

It’s the week of Christmas! All that’s left are the finishing touches. Here are some ideas for some last minute gift ideas, packaging & wrapping ideas, how to prepare a traditional holiday feast!

(above images via Martha Stewart)

To-Dos This Week

1. Buy nonperishables for the holiday meal early in the week.

2. Buy and wrap last-minute gifts.

3. Make centerpieces and arrangements.

4. Buy perishables such as greens, fresh bread, and seafood on Christmas Eve morning.

5. Leave cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve.

6. Stuff stockings.

For the full PDF list, see here.

It’s never too late to plan a party!  If you’re really wanting to get everyone together and love Christmas carols this party is perfect.  And– SUPER EASY!

Here is a perfect invitation for the occasion.

Keep the decorations light.  Subtle pops of light blue are perfect with ivory and tans.  With a relaxed atmosphere guests will feel more comfortable belting out the tunes.

But, just in case some of your guests are a little shy to share their vocal talent with the whole room, offering a cocktail might ease the stage fright.

There’s usually some part of a song that you might not be completely sure of the words.  This Christmas Caroling Songbook will help guide you. You can print off sheets for your guests.

As favors, hand out these adorable little boxes.  Just print out sheet music on some light blue paper and wrap!  You could even fill the boxes with a sweet holiday wish or a piece of fudge!

If you’re the more crafty type, or you have a little more time, try decoupaging the sheet music to an ornament.  This ornament is simple and classy and will remind your guests of your caroling party every Christmas.

(Seasonal Fruit Favor, Mini Pie Favor, Cinnamon-Orange Molasses Cookies, Mini Candied Apples, Carmel Coffee Warmers, Fall Wedding Boutonnieres, Share Your Signature Cocktail, Marzipan Acorn Dessert Garnish,Wooden Seating Cards, Panetonne Wedding Favor, Cocktail Nuts in a Single Serving via Martha Stewart.)

If you’re planning on having a dinner party between now and Friday, check to see if you have anyone Jewish on your list!  Hanukkah is probably the 2nd most recognized holiday around this time of year, but it’s not given nearly as much attention as it deserves. Oftentimes Jews are overlooked.  There are many ways to incorporate The Festival of Lights into your dinner or holiday party.

Dedicate the centerpiece to an 8-candle arrangement to signify the Menorah.

Use Hanukkah-themed place cards.

Give a Jewish specialty as a party favor.

These fabulous boxes are perfect for wedding favors or shower gifts– AND you can do them yourself. These  DIY boxes are designed by Twig & Thistle and featured on Style Me Pretty.  Download them here!

Lime Green Favor Boxes