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

The last post of my favorite sites for unique holiday gifts and accessories that are perfect for either holiday parties, winter weddings or gift giving features the always eclectic Pier 1.

Items Featured: {these items cannot be ordered online, but your local store might have them} Red Bird Salad Plate, Beaded Rim Pedestal Basket, Snowflake Pillow, Ornament Pillow, Hot Chocolate Mixes (these would be such cute little bridal shower favors or game winning prizes), Ornament Placecard Holders, Ornament Candleholder

The feature on my favorite sites for unique holiday gifts and accessories that are perfect for either holiday parties, winter weddings or gift giving continues today with Pottery Barn.

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Items Featured:
Cranberry Vase Filler
Microbeaded Pillar Candles
Birch Vase Sleeves
Flat Leaf Ornament (thought this would be a lovely favor when tied around a linen napkin with a place card attached)
Antiqued Mercury-Glass Votive Holders (set of 4)

This week's feature on my favorite sites for unique holiday gifts and accessories that are perfect for either holiday parties, winter weddings or gift giving returns today with Crate and Barrel. So many of their holiday items have been marked down making them perfect to pick up now for use immediately or saved for future use. {thru December 22nd, you can receive free shipping on select orders over $100}

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Click here for all of Crate and Barrel's Christmas decorations, food, entertaining, ornaments, gift wrap and more.

Items featured: {some of the items are currently not available for purchase online, but a store near you might have them still in stock}
Felt Gift Boxes in square or round (discounted to $3.95 each, they're so perfect for favors - place an ornament or some little treats inside and you're all set)
Red Berry Candle Ring
Flatware Mittens (set of 4)
Laurie Plate/Footed Bowl (I LOVE these! Would be so cute at a bridal shower)
Tree Placecard Holder-Ornament
Bone China Snowflake Drop Ornament

Along with my regular posts this week (except tomorrow which features a beautiful Real Wedding), I'll be showcasing some of my favorite sites for unique holiday gifts and accessories that are perfect for either holiday parties, winter weddings or gift giving.

Pick #1: Room Service Home - known for their designer inspired merchandise with a modern flair.

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Be sure to also check out their Wedding Gifts section for some beautiful items including the Silver Initial Candle and the Clever Couple Stamp.

Items featured:
Ornamental Trees (come in a set of 4)
Season's Greeting Cocktail Set
Chatsworth Hurricane Set
Crystal Dot Stemware Set