Green Day

I create my inspiration and creation boards as old school collages. I thumb through mags, books, newspapers, and catalouges of all kinds and cut away. I know it is old fashioned and maybe one day I'll change, but doing it this way inspires me. Plus, I also get lots of "assistance" from my 2.5 year old bonus daughter....that said, if I miss credit someone or something, please let me know. Hope you enjoy this greenspiration.
Favorite Things:
The Cake (searching desperately for bakery responsible for this delight. will keep you posted)
Wooden Rings by ANDM
Invites by Kate Spade
Dress by J.Crew
Wooden candle holders, white distressed tin, potted play by or found in Pottery Barn
Chocolates, escort cards (use recycled paper and house in organically grown grass), planted favors, boxed/Polaroid guest book, boutenaire all from Brides
Potted tree from Martha Stewart
Do Me A Favor: Love the potted plant idea as a green favor for guests. These are also inexpensive ways to give to your friends and fam as well as Mother Earth.
What You'll Need:
Small Clay Pots
Small plant
tag/label/ribbon (Stay in your palette and personalize the message)
Inspired Ideas:
Grow your own organic grass and use for all sorts of displays at your event or even in your home. Grass adds a fresh punch of color!
The wooden rings pictured in the board are beautiful and inspired me to look for more:
dragonmooncrafts
Simply Wood Rings

Hot Fetes to Host in '08

Viva Las Vegas-Recent research has shown that poker is number three on the list of most televised sports and everyone is watching. This trend is an event dream come true. There are so many ways to incorporate this phenomena into a fantastic party. Go Vegas! Throw a fete that is Sin City themed from shi-shi apps and cocktails to a showgirl...well, show! Also, host a poker night for gals, guys, pals, couples, or as a neigborhood meet and greet. For both of these types of events, there are tons of themed off the shelf products for you to incorporate, but be sure to let the creative juices flow and make it as personalized as possible. How about personalized playing cards?
Swap Anything and Everything Soiree-Going green can play out in many ways. One of those is recycling all that we can. So, gather folks and let the swapping begin. Swap clothes, shoes, accessories, home goods, recipes, wine...you name it, you can swap it.

SuperHero Shindig-SuperHeroes are hot. Have your guests dress up in their favorite SuperHero costumes. Have Super Hero movies rolling in the background and soundtracks to play. Spiderman III was all the rage in 07 but there will be new faves in 08 including The Incredible Hulk.
80's Themed Prom-Pull out the taffeta, hairspray, and carnation corsages! Get your ipod filled with 80's tunes and let the totally awesome time begin.
Political Party-Pun intended. Poke fun at politics this year. Have your guests dress as political figures past, present, and possibly future. Stage mini debates on silly topics such as boxers vs. briefs or favorite ice cream flavors. Keep it light! Enjoy the humor your guests will bring as they come up with creative ideas regarding their politician.
Gang Green-Host an organic and earth friendly fete to share ideas and products for going green.
Sweet Charity-Even though the holiday season has officially ended (sad), charity should not. Adopt a family/charity/cause anytime of the year. Use www.evite.com to invite guests and ask them to bring something for your charity whether it be cash, gift cards, or specific items needed. It will make you, your guests, and your cause joyful throughout the year. Last year I hosted a gathering of undergarments for my favorite local cause The Charlotte Rescue Mission. My girlfriends brought men and women's undies in all sizes. Thanks girls!!

What to Look For in '08!!!

Purple!-Events draped in purple are going to be a must. Remember that purple is a color associated with royalty which makes it a perfect color for special occasions...especially weddings! To keep purple hues looking fresh and classic, keep it natural. Nature provides us with many shades of purple found in flowers, stones, and even sunsets. Pairing purples with neutral shades will keep the palette natural while enhancing the visual aesthetics of your event.

Green Events!-As we continue to understand the effects of our actions upon our environment, more and more ways to minimize our carbon footprint will not only be trendy but also a moral must. Along with the increasing popularity and social obligation to host green events for your guests, the color green will continue to be an essential part of a hot palette.

Nostalgic Fetes!-Events that look back for inspiration will be all the rage. Think a 50th birthday par-tay that celebrates the birth year..1958. Poodle skirts, letter jackets, bad-boy's with leather jackets, oxfords and bobby socks for guest attire. Cheeseburgers and milkshakes for all! A juke box in the corner where guests can play their oldies all night long! An Elvis impersonator for sure!

Media Madness!-As the media continues to be one of the most influential aspects of Western culture, you will see more and more events shaped around various avenues of the media from movies to music. Let's just hope we don't have to design a Brit Bash!
Wedding Weekends!-Guests are getting in on all the fun. They are being invited to attend activities throughout the wedding weekend from a day before dinner to a day after brunch. Local attractions from museums to malls are musts on the agenda for the weekend.

Bold is Back!-Bring out the color swatches! Bold colors are hot! From yellow, tangerine and teal to flirty pinks and rosy reds. The trick is to incorporate color without overkill!
Expect the Unexpected!-Events are the time to shine. What will your guests be discussing at its finality? It is up to you and your event design team to give them something to talk about such as: professinal dancers, stand up comedians, artists, balloonists, bands, impersonators...imagine it and let's make it real!