Personalized Picture Stamps in Canada and the United States

Finished up your invite or add a special touch to a thank you card with your own customized stamps. They are also appropriate to mark a special occasion, a kid birthday or something special happening in your life.

Where to buy?

The personalization process is the same whether you live in the USA or Canada. The difference is where you buy them. In Canada, you must use Picture Postage, a service from Canada Post in partnership with Canadian Bank Note.

In the United States, several companies own a vendor license from United States Postal Service to print customized postage. You can buy the stamps in the denomination that you need: postcard, envelop size and weight. Unfortunately, Canada Post offers only the customized stamp for the most current postage (standard letter under 30 grams).

How it works?

They all provide online a tool to design your postage using the same 3 steps. You first submit your own digital image. Then, you adjust your image into the stamp frame. Finally, you send your order.

In the United States, I like PictureItPostage by Endicia. There 2 main advantages are:

• bigger stamp – your picture is 1 1/2" x 1 3/16". Stamp is 2 1/2" x 1 9/16"
• background colors – which I like a lot.

Zazzle is another company that I discovered through Perfect Bound, a cute blog by a girl who day dreams about living abroad, dark chocolate and being a magazine editor. Today, she paired wedding invitations with customized stamps. Check her post; she did an excellent pairing job.

The special features at Zazzle are:

• you can write a small message text on top of your picture
• three sizes of stamp
• you can select pictures from the community gallery.

Canadian Way

The Canadian stamps look better in my opinion because they do not have a bar code. They look like regular stamp. But honestly, they are all pretty cool and can be as stylish as you design them. In Canada, you can buy a sheet of 40 stamps or a Keepsake Sheet of 20 stamps with a large image printed to keep as a souvenir.

Plan ahead and leave you plenty of time for delivery. These custom gifts make great gifts to new parents, grand parents or new homeowners.

>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: PictureItPostage - price: $18.95 USD for 20 large stamps
Buy online: Zazzle Custom Stamps – price: $16.95 USD for 20 medium stamps
Buy online: The Knot Wedding Postage Collection [Zazzle]
Buy online: Picture Postage – price: $24.95 for 20 stamps + a large keepsake image
Via: squared away [Perfect Bound]

Categories: EVERYDAY  PAPER goods  GIFT ideas  HOLIDAY  BIG events 

posted @ Thursday, May 15, 2008 11:16 PM | Feedback (0)

A Few Tips on Planning a Funeral Event

My story about Hank and Cheek gave me an idea. While I was working as an event designer, I designed funerals for sophisticated clients.

I wish to share some insights in making the funeral events more unique and memorable. We may not like to talk about it but the family is often at lost when it comes to organizing a funeral.

Contrary to the wedding industry, the funeral events typically lack style. The funeral industry has evolved but it is still not stylish and the choices are very limited. That is why families hired me.

I was responsible to design the funeral theme, source more sophisticated supplies and decorate the room. I was also supervising the event to make every details where handle property. You could say that I did the job of a wedding planner but for a funeral. Unlike a wedding, everything must be done in a matter of a few days. So it is best to learn the basics before you need to.

Celebrating Life Not Death

The best funerals are the ones that celebrate the life of the deceased. A funeral is a time to say adieu but also to remember someone.

Since it is a time of sorrow, why not distribute custom handkerchiefs at a funeral? I would not go with the person picture; I think it would feel weird. It would be proper to use a cheerful illustration as long as it speaks about the deceased. I did it before. Even conservative people commented the family by how great the thank you card and the festivities were. Look at your pictures for a source of inspiration.

Personalize the Ceremony and Celebrations

From my experiences, the immediate family gets more comfort when we remembered what the departed did in his/her life. Forgo the cliché mountain, lake and sky pictures. Print instead something that symbolizes a passion, a life philosophy or a point of character. This also goes for the memorial bookmarks. Be creative, you want people to share a nice memory about the deceased.

Custom handkerchiefs would make a tasteful and useful thank you gift at a wake. You can still send a memorial Thank you card with a personal note later on. I do not know if Hank and Cheef can deliver in short notice for the wake. This is the main issue when you plan for a funeral.

Delay the Event

Having a beautiful, personalized funeral takes times. I encourage if the body is not exposed to delay by a few days to one week the funeral. Opt for less busy time. Monday is ideal. You get a more dedicated service from the funeral home and people from out of town can still attend. If the late was still working, more coworkers will show up. A ceremony Saturday afternoon at 2 pm is the worst; everything is rushed.

Categories: OFF topics  BIG events 

posted @ Thursday, May 08, 2008 7:51 PM | Feedback (1)

The Art of Formal Table Setting

Toast and Tables talked about the art of table setting yesterday. Sarah Dennis made the point that formal entertaining is a disappearing act. Sadly, I must agree with her.

I feel there are times that call for strict etiquette and beautiful table manners. It is one way to clearly state that an event is out of ordinary. All this made me realized that I was overdue for a post on table etiquette. I will review a few rules in well mannered eating customs.

Napkins and Flatware

The napkin at a formal dinner sits at the center of the plate. The fold must be simple. The place card is put on top of the napkin. Place cards are a must at a formal dinner party.

Silverware is used for formal dinner. Stainless steel cutlery is reserved for less formal events. Some people prefer eating the fish course with fish utensils made of stainless steel to avoid the metal reaction with lemon.

Soup and Fish Utensils

In a formal dinner, there can be from 6 to 12 courses. The rule is that you cannot put more than 3 utensils on each side. The idea is to leave comfortable space between each place setting.

The solution is to bring the extra utensils during the meal. Based on the menu, the soup spoon and the fish utensils are often brought to the table before serving. If you bring utensils at the table, the servers will put them in a tray for carrying.

British versus French Formal Table Setting

The formal table chart is set according to the British rule. One huge difference between the two cultures is that no butter knife and bread plate appears on the French table. In fact, the sales director at Arthur Quentin explained to me the other day that old French dinnerware ceramists adjusted their production for the North American market. Now they make the bread plate and butter dish.

Butter is never served at a formal dinner. Bread is optional and it only serves with certain dishes. In fact, bread cannot be served before the meal has begun. You put the bread on the tablecloth in France.

Dessert Cutlery

The dessert utensils are allowed on the table at the top of the plate. It is a common method but it is not the most elegant one. If the dessert utensils are already on the table, the server must then move the fork on the left and the spoon on the right of the place setting before serving the cheese or dessert course.

In the ultimate formal table setting, dessert utensils are brought at the table just before serving the cheese or dessert course. It feels so much more sophisticated. Visually, it also makes a better tabletop from the start.

Before serving cheese or dessert, the table should be cleared of everything except the centerpieces. The serving staff will clean the tablecloth with a crumb collector and carry the crumbs with a small plate. You probably have seen this practice in high end restaurants. Cheese and dessert silverware is then placed on the table.

Casual Luxury Table Accessory

Knife rests are a stylish table accessory if you plan to reuse the knives for more than one course. Do not put the knife on the knife rest when you are setting the table. The guests will deposit the knife on the knife rest between the courses to avoid spoiling the tablecloth. The knife rests signal to your guests that they should keep their knife. Knife rests are used exclusively in casual dinner.

There is no need for knife rests at a formal dinner. The utensils intended for the course are always removed at the end of each course at a formal dinner.

Stylish Tableware Accessories

If you are looking for items to set a formal table for yourself or as a wedding gift, check out these luxurious items.

1. Butter Dish by Ercuis at Bloomingdales – price: $87 USD
2. Fish fork and knife from Isatis Flatware Collection by Guy Degrenne – designed by Agnes Descamps
3. Silverplated Galet Knife Rests by Christofle at artedona – price: $210.60 for a set of 4
4. Vertigo Individual Butter Dish by Christofle designed by Andree Putman at Bloomingdales – price: $215 USD
5. Vertigo Knife Rests by Christofle designed by Andree Putman, set of 4 available at Bloomingdales
6. Crumb Collector Ramasse-miettes inox de poche at MeilleurDuChef.com – price: 4.60 €
7. Alessi Ala Crumb Collector by Achille Castiglioni at All Modern – price: $30 USD

Have a look at the top picture that Sarah published on Toast and Tables. It is fine example of a formal place setting. It showcased China by Lenox, Stemware by Waterford/Wedgwood, Flatware by Vera Wang and a Tablecloth by Sferra.

>>> Sourcing:
Via: Disappearing Act: In this casual world, is formal passé? [Toast and Tables]

Categories: GIFT ideas  BIG events  TABLEWARE 

posted @ Tuesday, April 29, 2008 2:05 PM | Feedback (1)

Pinnacle of Tent Event Design by Gloss Creative

Event design is a huge market. Big brands have the monetary wealth to indulge in fabulous event decor. They make us dream and inspire us.

Let's me introduce you to the lavish creations from a prolific Australian three-dimensional design studio Gloss Creative.

Founded by Amanda Henderson in 2001, Gloss Creative merges the world of Visual Merchandising and design. They call their style Grand Simplicity. Gloss Creative works in four areas: marquees, runaways, set design and floral styling.

In case you do not know, marquee is the British term for a large tent set up for an outdoor party, reception, or exhibition. What I am showing you here are tents designed for the haute society horse races in Australia. I am talking about the Melbourne Cup Spring Racing Carnival events.

Three Party Themes

I could resist when I saw the Audrey Hepburn's Breakfast in Tiffany theme done for the Longines watches. It finished the circle that I started Monday with my beauty secrets.

Created in 2007, Fashion Topia featured shades of greens. The poufs with their velvet fabric were the stars. This marquee feels less luxurious but the layout works well for a cocktail event. People can move the seating at will to suit the social exchanges.

The Picnic Luxe Tent is adorable. I enjoy how they display the food. You could recycle this concept for a party this summer. The picnic theme can be interpreted in so many ways from a casual family style to a stylish Victorian era backdrop.

Wonderful Finger Food

I feel bad that I did not buy the February/March 2008 issue of Belle. I read this Australian magazine occasionally. The great article was published on Moët & Chandon's Le Chapiteau Merveilleux. That tent design raised the bar.

The woman Chef Shannon Bennett of the French restaurant Vue du Monde prepared the lunch platter. Guests were served vintage Moët & Chandon champagne with mini Wagyu steak sandwich, chickpea fries with dijonnaise, rabbit pithivier and the classic Peach Melba served with a modern twist on an Asian spoon. It sounds delicious.

>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: Gloss Creative
Photo credits: Bella article pictures taken by Mark Roper – Copyright pictures
Via: bye bye boring white . walls with dimension [ready 2 spark] + Gloss Creative [design to inspire]

Categories: PARTY ideas  DISHING tips  BIG events 

posted @ Saturday, April 26, 2008 2:33 AM | Feedback (1)

Tastemakers Green Room: The Celebrity Gift Lounge at the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival

The latest episode of HGTV's Designer Guys was just in time to close my Earth Day coverage. The Designer Guys were called to give shape to the Tastemakers Celebrity Gift Lounge at Toronto International Film Festival 2007. Reusable, reclaimed and recycled act as the foundation.

My favorite ecological foundation, the World Wildlife Fund-Canada was official charitable partner. They raise funds and provides information for their Save Our Climate campaign.

Located in a 1250 square foot banquet room at InterContinental Toronto Yorkville hotel, the room had a temporary facelift to fit the event.  The facelift required the use of temporary solutions that would not damage the original surfaces.

Whenever you host a large event, a total superficial facelift is something you can envision doing if you have a huge budget. This way the banquet room does not dictate a look of your event. Naturally, you need to rent your space from a flexible space provider. The banquet room has to be booked for a longer period. For example, the chandeliers and the drapes were removed from the room for the green event. The hotel needs time before and after to execute it. You can imagine that the supplementary costs can add on pretty fast.

Changing the Face of a Banquet Room

The traditional pattern rug on the room really clashed with the green design. Therefore, a cork floor was installed on top of the rug. Since the floor is installed with a clapping system without glue or nails, you can remove the floor as easily as you put it. It also improves the sound quality of the room as the cork sub-surface absorbs more sound. If you plan a large event or need to set up a trade show, a cork floor like this is a wonderful solution.

A living wall was installed by Elevated Landscape Technologies. I like the idea. But the plants used could have been cuter; it was too much wild flower for me. The most daring and successful element from my viewpoint is the giant art installations made of insulated concrete forms from Greenblock. The insulated concrete forms cover entirely the perimeter walls. It completely redefined the space. Again, this is an idea to borrow of you want to design a booth for a trade show.

As the founder of the Tastemakers Celebrity Gift Lounge, Debra Goldblatt talked about the need to educate and create even more awareness within the movie community:

There has never been a better trend than everybody attempting to go GREEN. We not only wanted to continue providing visiting talent a great Canadian lounge to visit, but during a week of frivolity and fun, use this opportunity to support a charity and continue educating others!

The three Designer Guys, Allen Chan, Anwar Mukhayesh and Matt Davis met the expectations of Debra Goldblatt, the president of Rock It Promotions. I invite you to read the article on BizBash Toronto to learn more about the eco-friendly products that were used in the Tastemakers Green Room.

More Green Living Ideas

To do your part for the environment on a daily basis, check out my latest posts on green living:

• Eco-Chic Party Essentials
• Eco-friendly 3D wall flats
• 12 Tips for an Eco-Chic Dinner Party on Earth Day
• My Top 4 Reusable Ultra Compact Shopping Bags
• Umbra embarks on the eco-friendly wagon
• Reusable Coffee Sleeves to Save the Earth
• Stylish eco-friendly chandeliers from Propellor Design

Sourcing:
Learn more: Tastemakers Celebrity Gift Lounge Goes Green on BizBash Toronto

Categories: PARTY ideas  TRENDS  BIG events 

posted @ Monday, April 21, 2008 5:51 PM | Feedback (0)

Karim Rashid Lights Up Veuve Clicquot Champagne with Globalight

For a second year in a row, Veuve Clicquot asked Karim Rashid to design a limited edition product for the brand. Only 500 Globalights have been produced for a worldwide distribution. This is something for the rich and famous.

Remembering the Loveseat

The first time, Karim Rashid updated the 18th-century French armchair with a modern pink loveseat for Veuve Clicquot. Karim opposed two flower petal shaped seats. When you examine them after the fact, they could have been inspired by eggs too. At the center, a classic Clicquot yellow ice bucket ensures that sip your glass of champagne at the right temperature.

What is Globalight?

This time, Karim Rashid engineered a new champagne holder. The asymmetrical ovaloid illuminates the bottle. In fact, you do not know which one is more precious. The object is sensual, pink and divine. I love it! Karim explained his creative process:

“When Veuve Clicquot asked me to design a new project for their champagne, to continue the sensual integration of the immaterial and the material as I had done with the Loveseat, I immediately drew an elliptical scribble around the VC rose bottle as if to denote the intent - this is what I must do - and thought how could I bring light and champagne together? - and suddenly realized my scribble was the idea in itself - ‘surround the bottle with illumination’ - embrace the bottle with a dynamic energetic magnetism - encapsulate the bottle with warmth, so I literally made an elliptical object and designed Globalight - like a purse, or a handbag, the ovaloid vignettes the champagne - lights it, glorifies it, and embraces the fabulous pleasurable experience of drinking my favorite champagne. Salut”

A Splurge

At a suggested retail price $4500 a piece this ultimate luxury comes with innovative technology. For example, the light can be on for 2 hours without heating your precious drink. Unless my husband wins the lottery, this will not be my birthday present.

If you wish to experience Globalight in the United Stated, you will need to shop at W Hotels The Store and eCliquot.

Sourcing:
Via: Veuve Clicquot Globalight - 04.15.08 on Notcot

Categories: GIFT ideas  BIG events 

posted @ Tuesday, April 15, 2008 4:54 PM | Feedback (0)

Chewing the Cud Weddings Tells Your Tale with Your Wedding Invites

Each couple has a story. I happened to meet a TV actress not too long ago. I am telling her how I could relate to her storyline because my husband and I got together a little bit the same way of her character.

I am telling you that because people do not always know or remember how you became a couple. If you have an interesting story, one of most memorable things you can do for your wedding celebrations is to splurge on personalized designed invites, place cards and paper goods.

I have to warn you: Be ready to be swept off your feet with the bespoke portfolio of Chewing the Cud Weddings. Their attention to details is totally divine. But craftsmanship and exclusivity have its price tag.

Chewing the Cud was founded by Viola, a graphic designer from San Francisco. To know the extent of her talents, look at what she did for her own wedding.

Get Inspired by To Kill a Mockingbird

Viola loves books. Her husband Phillip loves movies. "To Kill a Mockingbird" was their favorite story of all time and became the inspiration for the wedding. Viola designed their save the date cards, invitations, event details and a press kit.

Some of the wonderful details included:

• Guests are invited to write wishes for the couple on the bird cut-outs.
• Instead of seating cards, guests are invited to discover their names on colorful journals that nestled in the milk crates.
• Viola printed their vows, their favorite poems and she hand-drew playful illustrations throughout the custom table runner. This is really an idea to borrow for a birthday party or an anniversary celebration.
• Treasure boxes sat on the dinner tables. They revealed childhood photos of the couple and guests which turned out to be a successful conversation opener. Trivia questions also appeared on the menu. When you host an event with guests who do not necessary know each other, make sure to plan a conversation starter activity.

A Signature Collection

The official launch of Chewing the Cud Weddings is recent; it happened on April 8th, 2008. Besides the unique and true to your wedding vision of Bespoke, Chewing the Cud Weddings proposed a signature line featuring 14 refreshing styles. Every signature style is inspired by a concept/theme that can be further personalized by choosing from our assortment of motifs, illustrations, ribbons and embellishments.

Chewing the Cud Weddings has partnered with Flybird Press. Your invites will be printed on the finest 100% cotton, tree free papers with soy based inks. Flybird Press prints with a vintage flywheel letterpress.

Understanding The Price

The attention to details and excellent craftsmanship that go in the making of these wedding invitations explain the higher price bracket. Having work on designing custom cards myself, it is time consuming. And a lot of work went prior in designing the signature line. When you factor everything in, her invites are reasonably priced.

I envy Viola since I thought about launching a similar business two years ago. I wish Viola all the best with Chewing the Cud Weddings. She developed a great concept. She brings something new to the table. I hope the market will respond well.

If you are interested by her services, you will find on the Chewing the Cud Weddings Web site how the process works with both options: the bespoke invitations and the signature line.

Sourcing:
Learn more: Chewing the Cud Weddings – starts at $1875 for 75 invites with RSVP, $2100 for 150 invites
Her blog: chewing the cud weddings has launched!
Via: Wedding Invitations by Chewing the Cud by Style Me Pretty

Categories: PAPER goods  BIG events 

posted @ Monday, April 14, 2008 6:37 PM | Feedback (2)

Fresh Ideas for Wedding Cake Toppers

When selecting a cake topper it is important that the bride and groom select one that represents well their couple. I am showing three that thinks outside the box.

Anime and Video Game Figurines

A cake topper is basically a cake doll. There is no reason why you should restrict your choose to a character wearing a wedding dress. With the profusion of adorable and well executed figurines from anime, video games and TV series, the universe of potential cake toppers is expanding fast.

Russ and Lisa selected Toshiro Hitsugaya and Momo Hinamori from the anime series Bleach as their wedding cake topper. The figurines carry a mystical, refined mood. I love it! Thanks to ToastyKen for posting his pictures of Russ and Lisa’s wedding on Flickr.

Objects as Cake Toppers

It does not have to be people. Objects can sit on top of a wedding cake. Meg and Bob did that. Their cake maker sculpted out of fondant a woman evening shoe for her next to a golf shoe for him. Check it out Meg & Bob Reception photographed by Hankins on Flickr.

Toppers for Couples with Flair

The dancing bride and groom look so happy and fun. The hip bride & groom metal cake topper is all about attitudes. Very movie stars or diva like! These two models will look great on modern style cakes and art deco cakes.

Two Things to Remember Before Selecting a Wedding Cake Topper

The cake topper must fit your personalities. Since the cake topper must look harmonious on your cake, make sure to talk to your cake designer before making your final choice. Bring a picture of the cake toppers that you like when you are meeting your cake maker. This way, you avoid any miscommunications.

Sourcing:
Buy online: Metal Wedding Cake Toppers at Beaucoup Wedding Favours – price: $69.99 USD

RELATED POSTS:
+ Your avatars as wedding cake toppers
+ Unique cake toppers by Chapeau de Gateau
+ Whimsical wedding cake toppers by Weddingstar

Categories: PARTY supplies  BIG events  CAKES 

posted @ Saturday, April 05, 2008 4:28 PM | Feedback (2)

Dotted Theme for a Girl Graduation Party

A mother wrote to me because she is looking for fun unique ideas for the graduation party of her daughters in May. They want polka dots for a theme with lots of bright spring colors!

I expanded on the polka dots theme for a trendier look. I went instead with fresh, bold patterns where dots are omnipresent. The final look is amusing and young.

Sharing Memories

The mother told me that the girls do not want the boring photo albums. A graduation party is a time to remember where you have been. So I will show you other ways to share memories. 

For starter, I suggest distributing around the room notebooks with colored pens for people to write their taught. The unlined notebooks work the best for a party since people can draw or write their messages. Small notebooks are more practical because they are easier to carry around. Select a model that does not require a writing surface. As the girls will get older, they will be happy to have memorabilia of their graduation.

I chose recycled paper notebooks from a small Canadian design studio. The products of ecojot are widely available through retailers across Canada, the United States and in a few international stores. The illustrations I selected clearly convey spring and happiness.

Taking about memories, why not take the time to reflect of the past years without disrupting the path of the party. For that goes with a continuous playing slideshow on the TV during the party or install a screen with a projector. Let me explain the beauty of it.

I suggest a continuous play because your guests look at it when it pleases them. A set projection time always breaks the flow of a party. Trust me, it is a lot of more fun and it generates more interactions between the guests that way.

How to Make a Slideshow

Create a slideshow with the pictures that best illustrates their time at the school. It is more interesting to develop a story based on theme / interest instead of making a time based story. Include pictures from their friends.

Unless you make a DVD copy for their friends, do not bother about the music since it would interfere with the great music playing at the party. Create a slideshow that lasts 5 to 10 minutes. Typically, I leave 15 to 20 seconds between photos. Keep the transitions simple and use the same transition (two to the max).

My Design

Graduations, even from high schools, are a bridge between childhood and adulthood. The items I selected reflected that fact. I really like the Fun Dots Pink and Green Invitation.

The funky GroBal Pot designed by Karim Rashid keeps your house plants lush, green, and looking sharp. I suggest you make long rows. You can mix the small (baby) and the regular sizes. I like to thank Nicole Lecht of freshly Blended that introduced these modern iconic egg-like pots to me.

The fantasia disposable tableware set looks stunning. This modern kaleidoscope of color was designed by for Jackie Shapiro for French Bull. I would suggest using certain pieces but not all of them at once. You can go for a fuchsia tablecloth. You can make you own placemat with fuchsia paper sheets.

You can insert Teeny Dot buckets from The MacBeth Collection. Their pattern collections are very impressive. What is great with The MacBeth Collection is that you can add your girls’ initials and customize the patterns.

The buckets are great for the bar station. Get several sizes to serve large quantity of citrus fruits and smaller one for the cherries, olives, etc. Since these buckets are not designed for food consumption, insert either a glass jar or a parchment paper to serve any sliced fruits and vegetables. You can use the buckets to distribute candies or the party favors.

Sourcing:
Buy online: Fun Dots Pink and Green Invitation at The Stationery Studio – price: $90 USD for 25 flat 6" x 9" invitations
Buy online: Karim Rashid: GroBal at Velocity Art & Design – price: $24 USD
Buy online: Karim Rashid: GroBal Baby – price: $15 USD
Learn more: 3 x4" notebooks by ecojot – see their retailer listing
Buy online: French Bull Fantasia paper dessert plates at Plum Party – price: $4.75 USD for 8
Buy online: Buckets at The MacBeth Collection - starting at $25 for the bitsy, $35 for the midi
Via: freshly Blended

Categories: PAPER goods  PARTY ideas  BIG events 

posted @ Friday, April 04, 2008 2:59 PM | Feedback (4)

I Dream of Cake for my 500th post

When I realized yesterday night that this would be the 500th post of At Home with Kim Vallée, I started a search for the perfect cake to represent what my brand stands for: stylish, unique, modern, lively and entertaining. I found my match at I Dream of Cake in San Francisco.

Cake Gallery

When you walk into this appointment-only shop you are surrounded by the cream of the cream in cake decorations.

People did not nickname I Dream of Cake the Cake Gallery for nothing. The retail space is designed as a gallery. Naturally, every cake is made to order. With an art degree, the cake designer Shinmin Li refers to her cake creations as commissioning a piece of edible art. When I look at her cake creations, I must agree with Shinmin.

It took me a while to create my board due to abundance of fabulous cake designs on her Web site. Her Wedding cakes are incredible and so the rest of I Dream of Cake creations. People commission cakes for all occasions from kid birthday cakes to sweet 16, bar mitzvahs, christenings up to anniversaries.

Design Philosophy

If you wish to know more about the creative process of Shinmin Li, I encourage you to watch a series of short videos on Chow. You will see how Shinmin Li is passionate about her work. As a segment of the regular series called Obsessives on Chow, the videos concentrate on the heights to which a wedding cake baker will go.

I encourage you to check out her Haute Couture cake gallery, the Fine Art section and the Luxuries. A pure pleasure for the eyes! Strangely, it seems that the corporate world is not as adventurous in their design. That is where her cake creations are less impressive. But it is due to the theme not the execution.

How much a cake costs?

Wedding cakes range from $10-$25 per serving. Smaller wedding cakes start at $600. Custom cakes start at $400. Since these cakes are labor intensive, plan well ahead.

Be prepared before you go to the first appointment. Any cake maker needs to know as much as possible about the event and your taste. Try at least to imagine the mood and feel of the event or what party style you are aiming for. You need to have a accurate estimate of the number of portions. The more a cake maker knows, the easier it is to satisfy your request.

I Dream of Cake does not only strive for the best in style, they care a lot about the taste. Shinmin Li believes that eating the cake is 50% of the pleasures. It breaks her heart when people do not eat the cake because they are afraid of cutting it. If you order an elaborate and expensive cake like those, you probably hire a high end catering team. These professionals should know how to properly cut the cakes even if it is an unusual cake shape.

Sourcing:
Watch: Let’s Get Married, Let’s Have Cake by Meredith Arthur, Eric Slatkin, and Blake Smith on Chow
Learn more: I Dream of Cake

RELATED POSTS:
+ Exquisite Sugar Cake Decorations
+ Two talented Canadian Cake Makers
+ Delightful artistic cakes

Categories: KIDS party  BIG events  CAKES 

posted @ Wednesday, April 02, 2008 12:39 PM | Feedback (3)

Design tips for receptions on Project Wedding

Like many wedding blogs these days, Project Wedding was born out of the needs of a couple to find the right vendors for their big day. The site connects brides across the United States and helps them share ideas, advice and vendor recommendations.

The photo gallery is huge. You can find inspirations for your dress, reception, ceremony, flowers, cakes, invitations, amongst other things. I selected key photographs that showcase what I considered to be excellent entertaining habits.

Greeting Guests

These festive lanterns on bamboo sticks are great to illuminate an outdoor party at night. Put three rows at the entrance pathway to greet your guests in style. Select harmonizing colors with your party décor, ideally on a brighter or a warmer tone. I avoid pastels because the color is lost at night when lighted.

Centerpieces

Following my post of how to select a centerpiece, I am showing you two successful tabletops. The centerpieces would not interfere with conversations, the tables are not overcrowded, the design is kept simple yet the tables look out of the ordinary. The long rectangular tables feel homier than the round tables. Before personal taste, the table shape is determined by the size of the room and how many people will sit down at your dinner party.

Candy Buffet

Sweets and candies are always appreciated. Here the Rocher Chocolate party favors are personalized with the guest names. Use these candy buffets as your muses for your Oscar night party on February 24th, 2008. They form an excellent guide on how to create a beautiful candy station.

Sourcing:
Learn more: Reception photo gallery at Project Wedding – See them for the photo credits

Categories: EVERYDAY  TABLESCAPE  DISHING tips  BIG events 

posted @ Wednesday, February 20, 2008 1:49 PM | Feedback (0)

Amarildine: Parisian Style Wedding Gowns

I love fashion and nice clothes. So I could not stop admiring these divine wedding dresses.

I wore a stylish ivory princess dress when I got married but if I was getting married this year, the hand-painted creations of Amarildine from Paris would be on the top of my list.

These front windows are artfully styled with crafted jewelries and accessories. To give you an idea, the hair and the bouquets were nicely done with white shredded paper.

If these gowns are not your style, Kleinfeld Bridal carries the largest selection of wedding dresses. And they carry their own exclusive collections created by designers around the world: London, Paris, Italy and Israel.

About Kleinfeld Bridal

Founded 60 years ago, Kleinfeld Bridal is an institution in Manhattan; they started in Brooklyn. Nearly 200 dedicated professionals, including on-site stylists and bridal consultants, and custom fitters, sewers, beaders, embroiderers and pressers can assist you. With the right fit, you will be the stunning bride walking down the aisle.

Wedding gowns from the Amarildine collection cost between $3000 and $5000 USD. The unusual brides should check out Ian Stuart. This London designer creates unique, stylish yet almost whimsical wedding gowns. If you are invited to a black tie party, evening gowns are available at Kleinfeld.

Sourcing:
Learn more: Kleinfeld Bridal

Categories: PARTY ideas  BIG events 

posted @ Monday, February 18, 2008 10:58 AM | Feedback (1)

Unique cake toppers by Chapeau de Gateau

After a career as a jewelry, fashion and accessories designer, Alison Dawson found a new vocation when she founded Chapeau de Gateau (cake hat in French).

As you can see, Alison Dawson produces stylish cake toppers. Every detail is taking care including delivering your one-of-a-kind cake topper in a keepsake box.

Ideal for wedding and any special occasions, each Chapeau de Gateau topper is handmade with the finest quality Mokuba ribbons. These ribbons are imported from Japan.

Cake toppers can be chosen from the Chapeau de Gateau line. For the ultimate in event design harmonization, opt for a custom designed topper.

The talented cake maker / decorator, Papillon Cakes, that I introduced two days ago, works with Chapeau de Gateau.

Sourcing:
Learn more: Chapeau de Gateau

RELATED POSTS:
+ Your avatars as wedding cake toppers
+ Fresh Ideas for Wedding Cake Toppers
+ Whimsical wedding cake toppers by Weddingstar

Categories: PARTY supplies  BIG events  CAKES 

posted @ Tuesday, February 12, 2008 1:21 AM | Feedback (1)

Celebrating the talents of two Canadian Cake Makers

Like everything else, the cake industry has evolved a lot over the years. The popularity of the TV series Ace of Cakes gives more ideas to people.

If you want a one-of-a-kind marvelous cake, first of all know that it is pricey because it requires a lot of time and know-how to decorate these remarkable cakes.

These cakes are popular at weddings, since people often allocate a huge budget for their wedding cake. If you plan an extraordinary party for a milestone birthday, a 25th wedding anniversary, a baptism or a shower, you cannot pretend to host the ultimate stylish event without a fabulous cake.

How does it work?

The process starts with a consultation and cake tasting, often complimentary. Be prepared before you set up a meeting. It is best to sit down with the cake maker after you booked your venue. Figure out the style of your event first as the cake must harmonize with the rest of your theme and decorative elements. You need to have a pretty good idea of how many guests will assist or be invited.

You must decide if your cake will be served as your primary dessert or later in the evening because it influences the portion size. How many portions you need directly influences the design options for the cake.

My board put the spotlight on two creative teams from Canada with their own personality. 

Luscious Creations

The first column shows two cakes made by a young team, Luscious Creations from Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. Since late 2006, Luscious Creations takes custom orders for any kind of baked goods, taking all dietary restrictions into account, be it, dairy-free, wheat-free or even vegan baking.

I really like the cupcake tower cakes. It is whimsical yet refined. The design of this cake works well in several surroundings from the wooden lodge on the lake up to a casual luxury location.

Kid Birthday Parties

Luscious Creations proposes something fun for kid birthday parties. Parents do not have to stress out in long preparations. Luscious Creations will supply 2 cupcakes for each child to decorate, a yummy healthy lunch, and a special present for your future cake artist. I think it is a cool activity to entertain the kids.

Papillon Cakes

Located in Toronto, Papillon Cakes strives for elegance and for the appeal to your senses. It was difficult selecting which cakes I would featured since they are all fabulous. I first introduced Papillon Cakes last July in a story about coordinating the design your invites and your cake.

Before being formally trained as a Pastry chef, Diana Stepanovic used to work in dentistry. As you can see on the 4 pictures on the right, she traded on the levels of details for other very successfully.

To savor their beautiful creations, know that Papillon Cakes produces wedding cakes that range from $500 to $6000 CAD. For the wows that you will get, it is definitely worth every penny.

Sourcing:
Learn more: Gallery of Luscious Creations
Learn more: Papillon Cakes

RELATED POSTS:
+ Matching wedding cake and invite design
+ I Dream of Cake
+ Cake decorating classes at Bonnie Gordon Cakes

Categories: KIDS party  BIG events  CAKES 

posted @ Sunday, February 10, 2008 12:19 PM | Feedback (3)

Your avatars as wedding cake toppers

I am not a huge fan of wedding cake toppers but these ones got my attention. As a leisure gamer, I found those cake toppers pretty amazing.

Targeting the fans of Nintendo Wii this Valentine, Paul Pape Designs got an overwhelming demand. Their production does not start there. Paul Pape Designs also produces clay imitations of your game avatar characters.

For a wedding, the mid and deluxe options are worthwhile. For $200, the deluxe version delivers a custom job including the reproduction of your wedding dress and the groom's tuxedo. You can decide on your own pose and even, add a scenery.

Not just for getting hitched!

If it is your birthday, have them create a clay imitative sculpture for your event.

Paul Pape Designs is also renowned for its true-to-scale, laser die-cut paper furniture called Pop-Out Furniture.

Sourcing:
Buy online: Mid-grade Cake Topper by Paul Pape Designs - price: $150
Via: Chocolate Mii for you and Wii on Popgadget

RELATED POSTS:
+ Fresh Ideas for Wedding Cake Toppers
+ Unique cake toppers by Chapeau de Gateau
+ Whimsical wedding cake toppers by Weddingstar

Categories: PARTY supplies  BIG events  CAKES 

posted @ Friday, January 25, 2008 12:56 AM | Feedback (7)

Weddings a la Provencale

I am glad that Jenn, a reader and a blogger with an eye for fabulous home decors, introduced me to this inspiring article on Your Wedding Day Magazine (winter 2005). If you ever visit Provence, you know why people fall in love with this part of the World.

Doing a wedding à la Provencale have a lot of charms. Floral designer Camilla Svensson Burns said that

…eclectic collections of silverware, plates and napkins are used to convey a diversity of beauty; a creative palette where variety simply adds more elegance.

I am versed in French style. Moreover as a reader of Coté Sud and other magazines from France for over two decades now, I have seen tons of French tablescape executions. I have to agree with her but this statement requires some clarifications.

The French way of eclectic dinnerware

First of all, mix and match for the French is not shabby chic. It is bohemian either because there is structure in their eclectic look. Let me explain.

Here, we buy a dinnerware set. The French tend to assemble their dinnerware set by selecting the plates, the bowls and the cups separately. People may have inherited beautiful dishes that they wish to use with other pieces.

The long tradition of dinnerware maker in France simplifies this process. These artisans rely on a few shapes. This mean you can easily mix scalloped rim dinner plates from a brand with salad plates from another product line. Many dishes are available in several colors. For a sophisticated look, two colors are plenty. Generally using more than 2 colors will look childish.

For the service pieces, they do not have to match as long as the pieces share the same material. Look at the pewter serving ware; their cohesion is evident. Ornate pieces sit well next to a simple pitcher.

French always host sit down dinner even for the most casual events. When you dress the table, it is important that all the place settings are identical. That is why I said this is not shabby chic or bohemian.

Key element of French cuisine

The article proposed menus for a French Country wedding and a French formal wedding. Fresh herbs are at the center of French cuisine. Provence is the place for herbs. It is a fast and tasty way to season a dish. If you want to experience the difference, grow your own chives. Make a salad and cut what you need moments before eating it. Divine.

Sourcing:
Learn more: Weddings a la Provencale on Your Wedding Day
Learn more: Web site of Camilla Flowers
Via: Suggestion of Jenn of An Eye for An I:nterior – an inspirational blog on interior design

Categories: TABLESCAPE  PARTY ideas  BIG events 

posted @ Tuesday, November 27, 2007 11:09 AM | Feedback (3)

What can you learn from the best party decorations by Todd.event design.creative services?

A few days ago, Lara of ready2spark featured beautiful floral arrangements designed by an amazing Dallas event studio. Curious, I went to browse their gallery. I found a few inspiration materials for your next parties.

From these pictures, it is clear that Todd.event design.creative services caters within the high end party business. But with some skills and imagination, anyone should be able to recycle these ideas on a smaller scale and budget. In any case, these pictures are a pleasure for the eyes.

I arranged the pictures around three themes. Keep in mind that these pictures come from several parties.

1 | Masquerade

If you planning a Halloween party but do not wish to fall within the usual theme, why not host a masquerade party? Guests should wear chic epoch clothes if you throw a Masquerade ball. I would have loved to be there.

Planning a simple costume for the staff is an important detail whenever you host a costumed party. The normal staff attire could break the party mood.

The rule of thumb is that if the guests are costumed; keep the staff costume a lot simpler so there is no mistaken identity. For this Marie-Antoinette masquerade, all the personnel simply wears a silky mask.

If you guests wear formal clothes or chic city clothing for a party that is quite festive (imagine a Cirque du Soleil event), then you can get wild with the staff's clothes. Their clothes then become an element of the party décor.

Plexiglas items are in demand with the hip event design crowd because they are versatile. Here, a Plexiglas box is filled up with hay cuts. This design makes fun bar tables. The rest of your setting will determine if the overall look is more or less Western. If you install the hay table in a hip interior place rather than on the desk of a brick house, add some color LED lights, the result would be totally different.

Candies are stylishly presented in apothecary vases, urns and woven baskets. Keep this look in mind not only at Halloween but also for a movie night party.

2 | Naturally green

The cheese station is simply stunning. Resting directly on a huge butcher block table, the cheese and bread does not need platters. Layering tons of grapes on top of a large rattan basket (half to three quarter of the basket is probably just filler) with a mystical greenery centerpiece in the background adds textures and contrast.

You can transform a slim cutting board into a serving tray by adding some decorative elements. And honesty, no guest will refrain to say Wow! at the sight of this immense iron chandelier creation. 

3 | Pink parties

In this month of the Fight against Breast Cancer, it is appropriate to show you more ideas for partying in pink. The ultimate indulgence is drinking Pink Champagne. Here you see two ways to set up a drink station.

The petal curtain is the idea to steal. You can fashion this easy DIY project with your girl friends for a baby shower or a bridal shower. Beads are easy to find at any price range. To lower the cost, you can use cheap beads to make the strands and spurge on the flowers.

Investing in fashionable fabrics makes a difference. Here, the tacky purses are elevated by sitting on these exquisite gold and purple baroque stools. The lesson here is that there is always a way to get around a less desirable element.

Sourcing:
Learn more: Web site of Todd.event design.creative services
Via: Juicy Florals by ready2spark

Categories: PARTY ideas  HOLIDAY  DISHING tips  BIG events 

posted @ Tuesday, October 23, 2007 12:31 PM | Feedback (1)

3 blogs and a mood board – 2007.09.29, part 2

Maybe being interviewed by a journalist about party ideas for the upcoming Holidays put me into the Lucite and glass mode, but these pictures inspired me. Plexiglas and glass containers are hot to serve food in the catering industry.

My mood board reads like a chronicle: the wedding party, the after party treats and the new house kitchen. Exceptionally, it showcased 4 bloggers instead of 3.

1 | Hostess for the Mostess for Inspiration Tuesday: Think Bold

A favorite of Hostess by the Mostess, Simple Stunning Weddings is a gorgeous book from wedding planner Karen Bussen. These monochromatic photos and modern minimalist Lucite servers & glass arrangements create an impressive drink display. This

I dug a source for Lucite buffet risers. They do not look as sharp as those. I suspect the drink displays used in the book were custom made. If you know where we can buy something similar, do not be shy to share the information.

2 | Style Me Pretty for Inspired Weddings

A bird cage on a cake. What a remarkable idea, especially when it well executed like here. This wedding cake was created by Lark Cake Shop but it would be at its place at a milestone birthday party or a formal dinner party. It is simply magnificent! Being inspired by this cake, Style Me Pretty crafted a wedding mood board.

3 | black . white . bliss for Happy Pills

A new blog for me, black . white . bliss presented Happy Pills, a hip candy store located in Barcelona. This small retailer invented a unique concept. Instead of bringing home the candies you buy in a bag, you can opt for a bento-style pill box, prescription bottles and pill carry-on plastic containers. A unique idea for a wedding party favors and the color complements our wedding cake.

4 | Apartment Therapy for Slinksn. (slingks)

The latest Slinksn by Apartment Therapy featured the jewel-toned glass cabinets from Ernestomeda. This kitchen is called Barrique and it has the most incredible wine bottle holder you ever seen.

Sourcing:
Buy online: Simple Stunning Weddings at Amazon.com
Buy online: Acrylic risers for buffet table
Learn more: Web site of Lark Cake Shop
Learn more: Web site of Ernestomeda

Categories: HOME decor  GIFT ideas  BIG events  CAKES 

posted @ Monday, October 01, 2007 11:30 AM | Feedback (0)

The Secret of Fabulous Special Occasion Cakes in 4 books

We all dream to be able to decorate cakes with like the pro instead of making all-buttercream cakes. If you are not a beginner cake decorator, you may be ready to learn the art of fondant and royal icing.

Before you invest in cake decorating classes, flip the pages of books to see if this is for you. I compiled a list of 4 excellent books.

They all received great reviews on Amazon.com by people that effectively tried to make the cakes. And they passed my tests for the aesthetic and the usefulness of their instructions.

Spectacular Cakes: Special Occasion Cakes for any Celebration by Mich Turner

Mich Turner's credentials include wedding cakes for Madonna, Pierce Brosnan, Paul McCartney, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. In November 2005, her first book Spectacular Cakes was published. She wrote a second book which will hit the store on November 6, 2007.

Her book, Spectacular Cakes goes over cake decoration styles and techniques from the traditional to the cutting edge. Mich Turner's book supplies cake recipes plus a portfolio of incredible cake designs with step-by-step that you can copy or adapt to suit any formal or informal event.

Cakes to Dream On: A Master Class in Decorating by Colette Peters

The second book of Colette Peters targets serious home bakers and chefs. But this book cannot be a source of inspirations for all of us. I saw some easy to understand graphics via the See Inside feature of Amazon. The instructions and techniques seem easy to grasp. The difficulty, I thing, comes from the execution.

Cakes to Dream On unveils how to construct a multi-tiered cake, from determining serving sizes and choosing appropriate cake pans to making fillings, and ultimately stacking layers so they don't tumble off the table. Cakes to Dream On is the most dated one of the four, having been released in November 2004.

Pretty Party Cakes: Sweet and Stylish Cakes and Cookies for All Occasions by Peggy Porschen

Like Mich Tuner, London-based Peggy Porschen is a cake decorator who catered to celebrities. In Pretty Party Cakes, Peggy shares the tricks behind her showstopper cookies, cupcakes, and cakes. They are supposed to be as easy to create as they are spectacular.

Some reviewers on Amazon.com said that this book is more accessible than Cakes to Dream On by Collette Peters while other complained about the lack of instructions for multi-tiered cakes. Since these are affordable, I suggest you get both books. Pretty Party Cakes was first published in April 2006.

The Confetti Cakes Cookbook: Spectacular Cookies, Cakes, and Cupcakes from New York City's Famed Bakery by Elisa Strauss and Christie Matheson

If you were a fan of Sex and the City, you might recall the extravagantly beautiful, three-tiered Chocolate Embroidery Wedding Cake done by the Confetti Cakes. Their cookbook contains projects for every skill level.

Featured projects run from the relatively easy Pool Ball Cupcakes, Dice Mini Cakes and Snowflake Cookies to more advanced items like Teacup Mini Cakes that look like detailed porcelain. This is the most recent book of the four; it was published in May 2007.

These four books will help you create show stopper cakes if you have some cake decoration skills and patience. In the worst case scenario, they make delightful coffee table books.

If you have a friend who enjoys baking and cake decorating, why not bring one of these books as a hostess gift? That is an excellent trick to be invited again since your friend will want to show off her creations.

Sourcing:
Buy online: SPECTACULAR CAKES: Special Occasion Cakes for any Celebration– price: $23.10 USD
Buy online: Cakes to Dream On: A Master Class in Decorating– price: $26.40 USD
Buy online: Pretty Party Cakes: Sweet and Stylish Cakes and Cookies for All Occasions– price: $18.90 USD
Buy online: The Confetti Cakes Cookbook: Spectacular Cookies, Cakes, and Cupcakes from New York City's Famed Bakery– price: $19.79 USD

Categories: GIFT ideas  BIG events  CAKES 

posted @ Wednesday, September 12, 2007 10:44 PM | Feedback (2)

Style Me Pretty's Board Contest: Having a Casual but Ultra Chic, Budget Friendly Birthday Party with Blythe

This post touches on the story of a beautiful love affair. It has joy and happiness written all over it.

I was thrilled to get my hands on a chic outdoor party theme for grownups. The fact that is easy to reproduce in a classical style garden makes the board even better. And there was orange, my favorite color; I could not resist.

The Casual but Ultra Chic, Budget Friendly Affair inspiration board created by Blythe displays many design elements I enjoyed.

The appetizers on stick garden are something to keep in mind. The L-shaped booth with the vibrant fabric shaded roof feel so festive that not much decorative elements are necessary.

About my alterations

Last week, I came across some wedding pictures taken by photographer Michèle M. Waite for Molly and Brandon’s wedding in Bellingham. The plating of the food served at the rehearsal dinner is a feast for the eyes. I had to show these pictures to you. Blythe’s inspiration board was the perfect occasion.

They served on the park homemade fingerling potato chips with rosemary lemonade. It is fascinating what a bunch of white paper bags and a nice woven basket can do. An old piece of wood and a burlap sheet fashion a beautiful backdrop for the canapés.

Molly is the editor of Orangette, a very popular food blog. In fact the story of Molly and Brandon is quite unique and charming. They met because a friend of Brandon started visiting Molly’s blog when she was looking for a Lemon Cake recipe. If you are curious about how their love story started, watch this Power of Food video on Food Network.

Come back tomorrow morning for the last board. Update September 5, 2007: After  a further review, the third board I selected did not bring something new to the discussions compared with this one. So this post concludes this series.

Sourcing:
Learn more: So we feasted published on Orangette blog
Watch a video: Power of Food Lemon Cake on Food Network
Via: molly + brandon published on Michele M. Waite blog – rights reserved by the photograph
Via: Inspiration Board Contest II, Day 5 published on Style Me Pretty

Categories: PARTY ideas  DISHING tips  BIG events 

posted @ Tuesday, September 04, 2007 2:33 PM | Feedback (0)

Style Me Pretty's Board Contest: Having a Pure, Sweet Sophistication Birthday Party by EZ

I told you last week that I updated three inspiration boards that compete in the Wedding Board Contest organized by the blog Style Me Pretty. It is my way to feature the ideas of her readers.

Why not recycled these wedding boards for a milestone birthday party? I highlighted the couple of changes I made from the original board with a pink square.

The first board is the Pure, Sweet Sophistication wedding board created by EZ. Bluish-greys with chocolate brown are one of my favorite color palettes.

Sept. 5, 2007 Update:
I digged a little bit further and I found out that EZ is the girl behind the blog Creature Comforts.

About my alterations

I reused the Sweet Song Birds from Wendy Kromer Confections because they fit so well with the table top design.

The Crest Linen Napkins and Table Runner by Modern Basics nicely complement this scheme. Design Public sells them. The napkins exhibit a generous 20 by 20 inches format. That is the dimensions you should be looking for to create a sophisticated, classy look. I would place the table runner above the shown tablecloth. The off-white runner will add the subtle backdrop to anchor the centerpieces.

Stay tuned for the two other boards.

Sourcing:
Buy online: Sweet Song Birds available at Wendy Kromer Confections – price: $100 USD for a set of 4
Buy online: Modern Basics Crest Linen Napkin available at Design Public – price: $100 USD
Buy online: Modern Basics Crest Table Runner available at Design Public – price: $99 USD
Board Author: Creature Comforts
Via: Inspiration Board Contest II, Day 5 published on Style Me Pretty

Categories: KITCHEN tools  PARTY ideas  BIG events 

posted @ Tuesday, September 04, 2007 1:17 PM | Feedback (0)

Exquisite Sugar Cake Decorations as seen on Martha Stewart magazines

If you are a fan of Martha Stewart, you are probably familiar with the cake creations of Wendy Kromer. Reproducing her look at home is possible if you buy online her fabulous decorative kits.

I guess that anyone who masters more than