If you are looking for a super creative and colorful wedding cake for holiday weddings, this Peppermint Candy Cane and White Chocolate Swirl Cake from Raspberri Cupcakes would definitely be the winner. And, if you're curious about the "swirl" part, it's actually marbled inside for an unexpected surprise. I'm now off for a few days to kick-off the holiday week with my mom today to celebrate her birthday and then finish getting everything ready for Thursday {and our Holiday pretties for church on Wednesday}. Wishing all of my readers a wonderful holiday with family and friends. See you back here very soon . . .

{PS: if you are looking for a little more "peppermint" inspiration, my
red and white holiday wedding inspiration board can be found here}

View fullsize

I can't believe it - but It's officially time to kick off the holiday season {although holiday music has been playing in our house for a while now}. I'll be taking today off to start the holiday decorating of our house. We're planning to put our tree up while the little one naps so it doesn't turn into an all day project. We'll see if our plan actually works. To help get your holiday season started, I wanted to share with you an inspiration board from the archives. This was probably one of my favorites - I just love the frosted look with the red and white and touches of soft winter green.
original post with images credits can be found here

View fullsize

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Color Palette: red and white

I want to wish all of my readers a very happy holiday season. I'll be taking a break from blogging to spend time with family and friends, but, I do have some fun posts lined up for Mon (12/29), Tues (12/30) and Weds (12/31). I will be featuring my favorite Real Weddings from my Photography Blogs list. And, of course you can always browse thru my past inspiration boards, Real Weddings and all my previous posts until I officially return to blogging. I'll be back on Monday January 5th with all the latest 2009 wedding trends to reveal along with Real Weddings, my inspiration boards and of course, tons of other wedding tips, hot products and more. And, be sure to visit Best Wedding Sites for all your wedding and honeymoon planning needs.

Now, for today's inspiration board which features the ever popular holiday peppermint stripes. To help break up the monotony of the stripes, I've introduced round elements. While I could see this theme being used for a wedding - I just love the idea that is presented with the invitation sample I've shown {which can easily be customized with the text of your choosing}. The idea presented on this invitation is to ask your friends and family over for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres to help celebrate the first Christmas in your new home as husband and wife. Below the inspiration board, I've also included a dress, a pair of shoes, and some fun candy cane drinks that I think would be perfect for the party.

Image Credit and Resources:
from BHG.com: Christmas Tree with Stars, Candy Cane Centerpiece with Roses, Ornaments on Candlesticks, Mini Snowball Cakes {with recipe}, Candy Canes in silver container, Red Ornament Arrangement with beaded garland
from Country Living: Spritz Cookies {with recipe}, Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Sticks {with recipe},
from Stonewall Kitchen: Candy Cane Dinner Napkins
from Jennifer Rydin Designs on etsy: Peppermint Earrings
from Invitation Box: Elegant Brocade Rouge and Ebony Invitation

Image Credit and Resources:
JS Boutique Embellished Matte Jersey Halter Dress
Stuart Weitzman 'Delovely' Sandal
Peppermint Stick Hot Chocolate
Cupid's Creamy Peppermint Punch