See-Though Sangria

sangeria

The Hostess with the Mostess had this recipe on her site and I thought it would be the perfect cocktail for a summer wedding or even a bridal luncheon.  I know it is going to be almost 100 degrees today so I may need one of these by the end of the day!

Servings:

8 to 10

Ingredients:

·                 1 Bottle Dry white wine

·                 ½ cup orange liqueur

·                 ¼ cup Sugar

·                 1 unpeeled lime, thinly sliced (remove the seeds)

·                 1 unpeeled lemon, thinly sliced (remove the seeds)

·                 1 unpeeled small orange, thinly sliced (remove the seeds)

·                 1½ cups sliced fresh strawberries

·                 1½ cups halved green grapes

·                 2 cups chilled sparkling water or club soda, or more to taste

·                 Garnish: whole strawberries with hulls

Directions:

Combine the wine, liqueur sugar and fruit in a large pitcher and refrigerate overnight. Pour into cocktail glasses filled with ice and top off with club soda. For the garnish, slice the strawberries partway, form the bottom up, and place one on the rim of each cocktail glass or wine goblet.

Wax Seals

wax seals

When planning a wedding everyone knows that the details are so important. It is that close attention to detail that will amaze and impress all of your guests. With that in mind, check out this idea. Instead of sealing your invitations just as is, use a wax seal. This will give them an ultra elegant and impressive feel. Plus it is really unique. How many invitations have you received sealed in wax? Probably not that many, if any at all, that’s what makes this such a great idea. Check it Out!

Groom’s Cake

grooms cake

A groom’s cake has its roots in the South, and although it used to be viewed as an added and unnecessary expense, this once-neglected cake has been making a huge comeback. Intended to be a gift from the bride to the groom, the groom’s cake is usually dark (often chocolate or liquor-soaked) and designed with a nod towards what’s traditionally considered “masculine” (i.e., no rosettes in sight). Although you do not need a groom’s cake, you just may want one. The groom’s cake can serve many purposes, from dessert at the rehearsal dinner, to an alternative choice to the bride’s cake at the wedding. It’s customary for the groom’s cake to be displayed next to the bride’s cake, and later cut and put into boxes for guests to take home. And believe it or not, legend has it that single women are supposed to sleep with a slice under their pillow the same night they receive it — and if they do, they will dream of their future husband. Boxed slices of groom’s cake can also serve as your wedding favors. If you go this route, take advantage of the opportunity to get creative with the packaging — an additional way to reflect your bridal style. A current creative trend in groom’s cakes is to have the cake reflect the groom’s interests and hobbies. For instance, a recent groom’s cake we loved was in the shape of a skyscraper – the perfect choice for the groom, who was in New York real estate.  Other options are a cake in the shape of a set of golf clubs or a football confection with the mascot of his favorite team. Whatever you decide, gifting your new hubby with his own cake is something you should do because you want to — not because you feel obligated.

Yarn Favors !?!

yarn favors

Who could have thought that yarn on a box could make such a pretty favor? Martha Stewart that’s who! Leave it to Martha to come up with a cute inexpensive and easy favor idea. Favor boxes can look playful or sophisticated with yarn. Many of these ideas use the same technique: Attach end of yarn to bottom of box with a clear round mailing seal; wind yarn around box several times, cut off, and affix other end to bottom with a second seal. Precut all of your yarn before wrapping. From top left: A pink box is wrapped with a band cut from mesh paper; wind yarn in one direction, then the other, weaving it through. A paper band covers a pink box; it’s tied with a fuzzy orange mohair bow. Wavy white yarn binds a green-lidded box; slip extra yarn behind strands at each side, and tie in a bow. From center left: For the double bow on this box, tie a regular bow, making loops twice your desired length; next make a bow with the right loop (pull loop open, flatten it, cross one end over the other and pull through); repeat with left loop. Tape scalloped card to box, wind yarn between scallops, knot at middle with a short piece, print names on sticker paper, and cut out with craft punch. This long box is covered in tweed-print paper and nubby yarn.

From bottom left: Wind variegated yarn around a box in an asymmetrical design; slip tag under strands. Knot yarns around a matchbox- style box; splay ends for fringe. A band of houndstooth card stock and an off-center bow wrap a box. Source

Monogrammed Cookies

monogrammed cookies

Edible favors are always a hit. They can also be very personal and beautiful. One idea for an edible favor is this heart shaped cookie. Iced with the bride’s and groom’s initials, these colorful confections appeal to the eye, appetite, and spirit. Based on the concept of friendship necklaces, two heart halves are cut from one cookie cutter. To master the piped-on initials, first trace computer fonts on printed paper and practice before lettering the cookies. Source

Rose Petal Votives

rose petal votives

Rose Petal Votives mixed with an area beautiful pillar candles make a stunning centerpiece. Be sure to vary the pillars to give the ultimate effect of beauty. The rose petal votives by themselves also make a unique and pretty favor that adds to the atmosphere of your wedding. These votives are a do-it-yourself item that is fairly simple to make and add a lot to the overall ambiance of the wedding. To get the instructions for this project visit Better Homes and Gardens!

Groomsmen Gift Ideas

groomsmen gifts

Groomsmen—in my opinion—are the hardest people to buy for. Traditionally groomsmen gift ideas often consist of items like flasks, cuff links and pocket watches. But finding something that your guys like can be very challenging. A New trend is to get each guy a different gift. This makes things more personal and you can pick something especially for them. Adding personalization to any item is a great way to get them something personal. So to help you on this daunting task here are a few gift ideas and some various links to the items to cut some time.

The Golf Lover

  • Stainless steel golf tees
  • Gift certificate for eighteen holes at the nearest course.

 Barware and Cigar Lover

Useful Items

Sports and Music Lovers

Unique Items

  • Purchasing magazine subscriptions. Cater to each man’s interests and subscribe to a publication that they would appreciate. Fishing, golf, hunting or men’s health magazines are all great choices.
  • If reading doesn’t appeal to one of your groomsmen a subscription to his favorite sport channel, like hockey or baseball would be a great way to personalize your gift.
  • Personalized Car Mats – Front Wheel Drive Design
  • Personalized Poker Set
  • Personalized Groosman T-Shirts