Eco Invites: Smock Paper

If you are going the hard copy route when it comes to invitations and feel guilty about all the trees that will have to suffer in the process to make your event and invitations look beautiful, here is a company based out of Syracuse, New York that will put some of your guilt at bay.  Smock Paper is the print shop in the US to print on luxury bamboo paper which they developed in-house in conjunction with a European paper mill. 

In addition to using bamboo paper, Smock Paper is also a member of 1% For the Planet, a non profit organization that allows companies to donate 1% of sales to a network of 1699 environmental organizations to give back and keep the earth in business.

If my first two points don’t win you over, then take a look at some of the impressively detailed and stylish letterpress greeting cards and invitations they develop on their eco-friendly lined envelopes. (more pics to come soon)  You can check out more from Smock paper on Etsy.com

Smock happy birthday C418T (photo courtesy of Etsy.com)

Smock Happy Birthday C404T1 (image courtesy of Etsy.com)

Smock Congratulations C445T1 (image courtesy of Etsy.com)

If you are reading the post and are living in Toronto you can purchase Smock Paper wedding invitations at RSVP Studio 533 Eglinton Ave West, Toronto 416-785-1761

Modern Bistro Event

Here is an idea for an at home dining event: Modern bistro dinner party.

I was reading Trendir, a website that supplies an endless amount of interior design/furniture pics/info/trends.  The picture that inspired my post was the one written on Modern Table Decor featuring a sharp, sleek table. 

The moment I saw the picture, I thought to myself how fantastic it would be to add some oversized wine glasses (the ones in the pic are too small!!), maybe a yummy pasta dish or a mix of hors d’oeuvres that could be lined up along the table and shared with friends. 

Modern bistro party

A couple other items I found on the Trendir site that would nicely complement a modern bistro event night are these colourful tea cups/saucers by French design company, Sentou.  Imagine serving hot chocolate, espresso or tea shots out of these (See below)?

Sentou "Ti-cup" As seen on Trendir.com

Then I saw this interesting, fashion forward pattern on a plate set that I thought would pop against the silver table and red chairs called The Cellar “Indigo Collection”

The Cellar "Indigo Bloom" Dinnerware (seen on Trendir.com)

I think a minimalist modern bistro backdrop lends itself to some pattern on the dishes.  For the purist, there is always white geometric shaped dinnerware.

Candy Aesthetics

Incorporating candy into an event or centering an entire event around the colourful sugar treat can significantly boost room aesthetics and event vibe.  Not only does candy add allure and an interactive component to a party, it also brings depth to a table by using a variety of shapes, sizes, colours and canisters. 

For those of you who are tempted to try creating a masterpiece of your own at your next event but are not sure where to start, here are a couple photos and resources to put candy table design into perspective.

In terms of equipment you can be as creative or conservative as you would like.  You are the artist and the table, your canvas.  There are many great stores to find candy containers from antique stores, to IKEA, garage sales to the dollar store-  depending on your theme and desired look you can go as cheap or extravagant with your candy storage containers as your budget permits.  Next, something to scoop the candy.  Plastic shovels, bulk barn shovels, tongs… again lots of choices and don’t be afraid to decorate the handle or choose monochromatic pieces to add to the look of your table.

Lastly, the take-away boxes- cellophane, chinese takeout boxes, paper bags, cups, shot glasses, ramakens are just some of the ideas I have used and seen people use in the past.   Store bags in a cute container and think about how to add some fun and tempt guests to treat themselves.

For some information on how to gauge candy quantity, Simply Stated posted the following information here.  Likewise, Hostess with the Mostess blog did a piece on candy birthday tables for kids.  There is no reason why you can’t update some of the pieces to tailor it for more grown up appeal.

And now on to the visuals….

Candy Buffet (from Simply Stated)

Candy Table (from Hostess with the Mostess)

Candy Table (from Favors a la carte)

monochromatic candy examples (from the paper pony)

Amy Atlas Yellow Candy Table (from Design Editor)

Colour inspiration: look to paper

I found a cool paper company based in the US called Paper Mojo.  While it has your standard supply of paper for all your printing/invitation needs, what I enjoyed most about the site is its inspiration gallery.  In this section you can find great ideas for colour pallets and mixing different textures.

Think of all the fun you can have with invitation or event design with this inventory of paper.

Here are some samples:

modern chinios print from Paper Mojo

blossoms lokta print from Paper Mojo

Snow & Graham Designer print from Paper Mojo

Taking it outside

Depending on where in the world you live, you may be blessed by year round sun.  If that is the case, here are a couple of ideas for outdoor entertaining:

The first idea is adaptable for kids or grownups, using a wheelbarrow, filling it with ice and your favourite bottled/canned drink.  This picture uses bottled smoothies from one of my favourite UK companies called Innocent Little Drinks. The company had an organic start and developed its wide spread appeal due to its welcoming/friendly brand image (you can see their commercials on YouTube if you type in Innocent Drinks).

smoothies in wheelbarow (from Living etc.)

Outdoor entertaining with great candles (from Living etc.)

Romantic lighting with votives on steps (Living Etc.)

Beautiful Event Design (BED): Spotlight Tara Guerard

I am starting a new blog segment called beautiful event design (BED) featuring breathtaking photographs from stylish events/weddings/parties from around the world.

First up: Event Planner and Principal at Soiree, Tara Guerard.

Food and Wine magazine interviewed Tara a couple years ago where she divulges some of her secrets on how to inject style and meaning into event design.  To read about her experience, inspiration and how she glamorizes her soirees click here.

Blog, Style Me Pretty also has a one-on-one post with Tara here.

For a sneak peek at events, I have included some pictures:

Tara Guerard Sample- From Style Me Pretty

Tara Guerard Candy Bar from Southern Weddings Book (from Instyleweddings.com)

Tara Guerard Signature Cookies (from Instyle Weddings.com )

Tara Guerard Greek Sweets from the dessert bar (from instyle weddings.com)

Tara Guerard's book Southern Weddings (picture from Instyle Weddings.com)