Glassy Baby Will Light Up Your Life

I've seen many colored votive holders in the past, but very few have rivaled the beauty of the Glassy Baby. Perhaps it is the fact that with nearly 100 colors available, you can find exactly the shade of blue you're looking for or perhaps it is the fact that it takes four glass blowers to make just one of these glasses that consists of three layers of glass. No matter what the reason, they are sure to provide plenty of smiles whether you use them for votives, as a bud vase, or even to sip on something. Of course, something that requires such care to make isn't going to come cheap. The Glassy Baby retails for $40. That's each. HOWEVER, one of my most favorite things about this company is that they rent these beauties out for your special event at $5 apiece. If you are looking for an alternative to your typical table setting, these sure would do the trick to add that extra something. Oh, and just to make it even better-I bet you didn't think that was possible-Glassy Baby also donates a portion of their proceeds to charity. Founder Lee Rhodes developed the Glassy Baby while battling lung cancer and is using her product to give back to people in need. Be sure to check out GlassyBaby.com, and if you are in WA state or NYC, you can check out one of their stores too.

Newport Wedding: Sweet Berry Farm

Last fall a very good friend approached me about planning her wedding for her. She is the type who cares about the details but never bought a wedding magazine. She and her fiance gave me these simple guidelines: it had to be a clambake with lawn games and there must be dark and stormies and Narragansett beer. The rest was up to me which couldn't have been more fun. After taking photos at her family's summer home on Easton's Point, everyone headed over to Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown, RI for a beautiful ceremony against the backdrop of the orchards followed by lots of merriment. It is nearly impossible for me to pick my favorite photos (all taken by the amazing Maaike Bernstrom Photography) from the day so here is a series from the day that was described by guests and the couple as "epic". Throughout the week, I'll post many more pictures and discuss the details in more depth. Enjoy!

Flowers by Sarah Rodgers Florals.

Food by McGrath Clambakes.

Cake by It's My Party with fresh picked strawberries from Sweet Berry Farm.

*all photos by Maaike Bernstrom Photography*

Party with BHLDN

I have to admit that when Anthropologie launched their wedding site BHLDN a few months ago, it made me kind if sad that I'd already gotten married because there were so many things that I loved but had no use for. BUT, I can now rest assured that I too can use their amazing offerings as they've expanded their line into general party decorations and they are adorable! From pom poms and pinwheels to straws and cake boxes to garland and signage, there's a little something for everyone no matter what your budget. Party on!

Green Apple & Pink Flower Arrangements

I happened to come across the May issue of Woman's Day magazine at the hairdresser on Friday and was just so drawn to the cover. It's not a magazine I usually read, but the combination of the granny smith apples and pink ranunculus was just so charming and pretty. I also have an affinity for pink and green. And it would be super easy to do yourself. With Easter just days away, I'm thinking of giving it a shot.

Photo: Occasional World
I also love this version of it with peonies (my all time favorite flower!). Look at how grand of a statement you can make with a dozen flowers and two dozen apples. These would be a very affordable DIY wedding flower arrangement.

Photo: Red Pearl Designs
And for a simpler version, just add some tea roses.
There are few things that make me happier than a beautiful, fresh flower arrangement.

BHLDN-Weddings by Anthropologie

Yesterday, Anthropologie launched their new wedding web site, BHLDN (Beholden). While I have to say that I understand the name, I know there must have been a better choice in the bunch than to go with that abbreviation. Luckily, what really matters-the goods- are quite fabulous. The site offers wedding gowns, bridemaids dresses, shoes, lingerie, jewelry and more all with that special Anthropologie touch. And what makes it doubly as fun, is that most of it would easily translate to events other than weddings so those of us who have already walked down the aisle or never plan to can still enjoy this new venture!

I didn't want to bombard you with ALL of my favorite pieces from the collection, but here are a few. The Pleated Fantasy Gown (top) is a-maz-ing! Fun, flattering and unique. And is there anyone ready this that is dying for a pair of the Moonlit Peep Toe Heels (above)? Every woman should have a pair of these even if only just to know that you have something so fabulous in your closet.

I'm not typically a fan of the bubble dress, but I find the Twirled Sweetheart Dress to be fun and sweet.

The Deco Beaded Clutch is another must have in your closet. You don't need a lot of different bags in your life, but one like this is to give you many happy years together.

And for those who don't want to go the veil route, this Botanical Garland Headband adds a little sparkle while still being delicate and not too fussy. To check all their offerings, go to BHLDN.

Summer Wedding Inspiration Board

There are few things I love more than planning a wedding. It is so unfortunate that most of us only get to do it once in our lives. Well I know not everyone feels that way, but I sure do and loved planning my own wedding. But perhaps what's even better than planning our own big day is when someone walks into your home and says "We want to get married, and we want you to plan the whole thing."

I was so thrilled when a close friend approached me and asked that question a few months ago. First, thrilled that she was getting married to her wonderful fiance, but the offer was a very close second. While many might flinch or waiver, I just immediately started asking questions so that I could get a vision in my head as to how it would all look. This also happens to be the most awesome bride on the planet. She literally wants me to do everything. "My colors? I don't know. Ask Sarah." It's a designer's dream come true.

Now, I have the advantage of having known her my whole life and know her personality and style well. She is classic, but a whole lot of fun and I want the wedding to appear as though it could have taken place in any decade. Classic, classic, classic.

The few guidelines the bride and groom gave me were that they wanted a traditional New England Clambake for 250+ people at an outdoor venue this coming summer. They want it to be very casual, but also very nice. The bride envisions herself in an eyelet dress. And there must be croquet and bocce!

So the date is set for June 25. While these images aren't quite what we'll be doing (although the groom insists I find the above tie), I'm using them as my inspiration board. The colors are going to be light blues and white with a pop of lime, mostly in the flowers. Hydrangeas and peonies-my two favorites and hers too- will be bountiful, lanterns will fill the tent, and Adirondack chairs will be scattered across the lawn of Sweet Berry Farm, a local favorite spot with gorgeous westward views. And it will be strawberry season so picture that cake with a pile of the sweetest, juiciest strawberries you've ever seen. As more of the details unfold, I'll be sure to share them with you.

The Party Closet

Everyone should have a party closet! A few years back (well maybe close to a decade ago) the close family friends I grew up with started getting married and having kids and the moms started throwing bridal and baby showers, and before we knew it my mom had a full on huge closet dedicated to all things parties. We joke about it, but really, it's a truly fabulous thing to have. Now my mom, my aunts, my sister, our friends and so on all run to the party closet when we have an event coming up. The trick is not to have the fanciest pieces, but to have a matching set of dishes, glassware, flatware, napkins, etc. in large quantities. Plain white dishes are perfect because you can plan any event decor around them. My mom happened to get her 20+ plates at the Christmas Tree Shops, but I was thrilled to see that Pottery Barn is actually selling Caterer's Dinnerware Sets. These come in sets of 12 and ideally you'll want 24 or more, but I would suggest finding a friend that wants to do the same thing and agreeing you will share your sets for when either of you are hosting larger parties. It's best to pick someone that will always be invited to your events to avoid needing them on the same night.

Pottery Barn also sells stemware sets and flatware sets for the same purpose. While it's not always easy to find exact matches, we found that rental stores like Taylor Rental are a great source for pieces. They often have excess pieces or pieces that somehow landed in their hands after an event that don't belong to them and they'll sell them super cheap. Again, discount stores are great as are thrift stores, tag sales and anywhere else you can find bulk of like items at low prices.

While most people have a decent white tablecloth on hand, you can easily stock up on other colors or stock up on napkins, table runners in every color and more at the Table Clothes Factory. The items on this site are sooo inexpensive, it doesn't even seem possible so grab two dozen napkins in a few of your favorite colors and throw in a few table runners and toppers to go with them. They have chair covers and sashes and other party supplies too.

Before you know it, you'll be ready to host the most beautiful parties at only a moments notice and everyone will be wanting invites to dinner. So many of us are stretched so thin and the last thing we have time for is entertaining, but if you have everything at your fingertips, a huge amount of stress is taken away and we all need those nights with friends to rejuvenate ourselves. Plus, this makes the holidays a lot easier. A little effort goes a long way so go get yourself a party closet!