Cookie Swap 2.0

Not surprisingly, people take their cookies seriously. In the midst of planning our cookie extravaganza, I was delighted with the cookie feedback I received via email, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Deliciousness via social networking? Who knew?

So here's a quick roundup of recipes. My oven is about to get a work out.

Christmas Wreaths: I know the green food coloring can be a bit off-putting, but once you get past that, (or just go au naturale and forgo the food coloring altogether) these treats are deee-lish. Recipe here. Photo provided by a trusty college pal who is THE authority on all things Christmas.

(Top) Oatmeal Cream Cheese Butterscotch Bars & (Bottom) Sunny's Crunchy Peanut Butter S'more Bites: submitted by the one and only Heather Crabtree of Outstanding Occasions fame. I have not tried either recipe. Yet. But I know Heather and according to her Twitter page, she has cooked an entire Thanksgiving dinner by herself, which I consider a serious feat. So I will henceforth trust any recommendation she may have when it comes to cooking. Oh, and she's also a doll.

Recipes here and here.

Magic Toffee Bars: My mom has a habit of digging up the most addictive sweet treat recipes during the holiday season. She calls these Magic Toffee Bars. I call them Crack on a Saltine. Plan on making several batches. You'll thank me later. Recipe here.

I am throwing these last two selections in because A) I have made them myself, 2) they are relatively simple recipes and C) they taste good no matter how bad they look.

Raspberry Pinwheels: I found this recipe last year and the cookies looked so pretty and relatively easy to make. A fair warning - unless you bake on a regular basis, your cookies probably won't look this pretty. But pop one in your mouth and SWEET MOTHER OF GOD ARE THEY DELICIOUS! I considered burning this recipe out of fear I would bake them every week and end up on one of those horrible TLC exposes. Half Ton Designer. So use this recipe with some discretion. Find it here.

Best Ever Butter Cookies: This is my best kept baking secret, are you ready? The best Christmas cookie recipe is not passed down from generation to generation, it's found on the back of a Land-O-Lakes butter container. My mother-in-law introduced me to this wizardry when my husband and I first started dating and I have made these babies every year since. I add a little extra orange juice to the dough. Splash some into the frosting recipe, too. This is where I'll start tomorrow - simple, basic and so insanely delicious. I can barely contain my excitement! Find it here.

Peace, Love & Cookies, peeps! Merry Christmas!

I Heart Cookies

If you follow me on Twitter, you may have noticed this little gem last week:

I'm making good on my tweet. I won't bake cookies until December 24th. Maybe even the 25th. In the meantime, I've been perusing my favorite magazines and websites for ideas and recipes for my cookie extravaganza. I'll post the top contenders this week.

But my inquiring mind wants to know – what is your favorite cookie recipe? Leave me a comment or shoot me an email – info@kellyashworthdesign.com – and I'll post your deliciousness for all the blogosphere to see. We'll call it "Cookie Swap 2.0". Yum.

{ image from Sweet and Saucy Shop. Did you gasp at this gorgeousness like I did? }

Pretty Floral Gifts

Have you heard of Olive and Cocoa? I received their catalog the other day, and now want everything they sell. This is what I want the most:

Snow arrangement, $108 right here.

In addition to some lovely floral prettiness, they also offer an amazing array of gift ideas. I'm somewhat averse to the idea of sending food (it seems a bit overdone, no?) but their packaging is so pretty and if you're a business owner you can have it customized with your logo. Swoon.

PS - Olive and Cocoa has not paid me for this post. They just put out a lovely catalog and I felt the need to share.

Holiday Design Promotion Reminder

Just a quick reminder that my Holiday Design Promotion will expire this Friday, December 11. Book me for any design service and you will receive 25 Free Holiday Greetings cards from my new line! It's not too late! Email info@kellyashworthdesign.com to get the ball rolling.

Slipper Love

Hope everyone had a delicious Thanksgiving! I am in the thick of Holiday Card Season and loving every minute of it. But if I ever get around to designing my own cards remains to be seen. C'est la Vie.

When I picked up the mail on Monday, I found a new LL Bean Catalog and nearly tossed it. But then these cuties caught my eye and I just had to share. Say hello to the newest additions to my Christmas list. Santa, are you listening? I'm a 10.5.

Hearthside Beaded Moccasin, $39.95 and Hearthside Slipper, $34.95 right here.

Sequin Love

There is no better time than the Holidays to break out the sequins, am I right? Check out these fabulous sequined finds; perfect for weddings, parties and other holiday revelry:

Scarf, $12.95 at H&M, Dress, $225 at Bluefly, Ornament, $5.95 at Crate and Barrel, Cardigan, $68 at Urban Outfitters, Shoes, $395 at Kate Spade, Clutch, $49.50 at JCrew

I saw the Scarf pictured above at our brand new H&M about a week ago. I gazed at it lovingly. The price tag was even lovelier. But I had no idea how to wear it. Any ideas?

Design Promotion for the Holidays!

I wanted the last promotion of 2009 to be big and exciting. I thought about hiring a guy in a cape to shout excitedly, Billy Mays style. But I've heard that can put people off.

So here's what I'm going to do:

From now until Friday, December 11th when you book me for any design service, you will receive 25 Free Holiday Greeting Cards from my new line. Select any design and we can customize with your own photo and message. Use them for business colleagues, friends, family, or whomever you choose. Isn't this exciting?

Free Holiday Greetings are available with the purchase of Logo Development, Postcards, Brochures, Flyers or Ad Design. Offer is good for 25 of the same design. Offer expires December 11, 2009. You must mention this offer to receive 25 free Holiday Greetings.

You can take a look at some of my most recent design work here, and you can contact me via email at: info@kellyashworthdesign.com.

Happy Holidays!

Kelly Ashworth Design Holiday Greetings are Back!

I figure since the red cups are out at Starbucks and Target is already decorated top to bottom in holiday decor, there is no better time to announce the arrival of my 2009 Holiday Greeting Cards!

I'm showing three designs below and you can also view the entire line in my Etsy shop. (And while you're there, maybe you need a baby announcement, invitation kit or Highlight book?)

Each Holiday Greeting design can be customized with your photo and color palate. I can also customize the greeting verbiage to fit your specific needs. You'll have your choice of three paper styles -- metallic shimmer, textured linen or smooth cover-- and each includes matching white envelopes with your return address pre-printed. How convenient!

For those of you who have a very specific idea in mind or just like the idea of sending out a custom piece, just shoot me an email! info@kellyashworthdesign.com.

To view the entire collection, click here. Special thanks for Jennifer Bowen for sharing some of her amazing photography! If you are looking for an amazingly talented photographer, Jen is your girl. Visit her new blog to view all of the gorgeousness. Happy Holidays!

Pretty Things for Parties

I've been hard at work on a few pet projects, but wanted to share a few fab finds from the new Boden catalog that graced my mailbox today.

I love this time of year because we get to see lots of sparkly, pretty dresses and such for the holidays. And Boden does it well in unexpected ways with loads of color and shine. LOVE me some sequined flats. Just because heels make me wobble around like a baby giraffe does not mean I don't enjoy fun shoes.

Show-Stopping Shift - $198, Ravishing Ruffle Jacket - $168, Cluster Ring - $34, Party Flats - $128. All available here.

Tree Trimming in October

OK, I'll admit I get just as annoyed as the next person when I see holiday displays before it's even officially fall. This is especially true in the desert where the thermometer is still registering triple digits and the rest of the country is already enjoying the comforting embrace of their Snuggie.

But when my new Ballard Designs catalog arrived and it contained these beauties, it was hard to contain my joy. I'm already having visions of a Black & White Christmas. Take a look:

Alphabet Ornaments - Set of 26, $69 right here.

Oh, and did you know that you can trim your tree with capiz button garland? No? Neither did I. But now that you know, don't you kind of want to? Like a lot?

Capiz Button Garland - Set of 3, $29 right here.

What fun ideas are you hoping to incorporate into your holiday decor?

Your Favorite Chair in Lucite

I found this in the new issue of House Beautiful and had to share. (Are you reading HB? It's divine.)

Take a look at this fresh new version of the classic chivari chair:

It's Lucite, people. I love the idea of incorporating this into a traditional wedding with modern elements. So often I run into couples with varying styles. The Bride will pick feminine floral prints and the Groom will love modern, geometric patterns. What a great way to marry (literally and figuratively) these two styles!

These chairs can be found at Ruby Beets, 2 for $450.

While I was checking out their site, I happened upon this little cutie (also made of Lucite). I will need this for my office immediately:

What fun ways will you incorporate varying styles into your wedding or event? Please share, inquiring minds want to know!

My Sweden Adventure: Part 2 - Svensk Tenn

My apologies for the so-so photos taken with my phone, but check out these marvelous vignettes. I shot these at Svensk Tenn, the coolest, most difficult to pronounce design shop in Stockholm.

If you're a fan of Josef Frank, this is a must see. You'll find his designs on fabrics, lampshades, dinnerware and wallpaper. All equally fantastic. But a fair warning: bring your kroners. All of them. Nothing in Stockholm is cheap and this place was certainly no exception.

Because I hadn't checked any luggage, I was only able to bring a few small pieces home with me, and they will serve as gifts. Which is all the better, because holy cow is that exchange rate brutal!

Check out the website for all of the loveliness. And enjoy my attempt at pretending I wasn't actually an obnoxious tourist taking photos of everything in sight below:

Love this pillow arrangement!

My favorite. Love the sofa. Love the chandelier. And those green drapes? Yum.

Thank you, Svensk Tenn for convincing my husband that wallpaper might actually be awesome in our bedroom. But just on one wall. That's the deal.

My Sweden Adventure: Part 1 - H&M Paradise Discovered

This year for my birthday, my husband surprised me with a trip to Sweden. This trip was a trifecta of aweseomeness: The Detroit Red Wings were playing their season opener in Stockholm, which was the main reason for the trip. But I have always ALWAYS wanted to travel to Sweden because it's the land of my great-grandparents AND amazing design. So amazing surprise indeed, no?

We arrived in Stockholm at around 7:30am, jet lagged and delirious. The receptionist at the hotel was kind enough to let us check in early, so we took a delicious 4-hour nap, showered, dressed and hit the town for a little exploration.

In addition to checking out the beautiful architecture in the Old Town, my husband was also kind enough to indulge me in a little retail therapy. I knew we'd find some amazing shops in Stockholm, but I had no idea just how many there would be. The Swedes love to shop. (What can I say? It's in my genes. Now I have a perfectly valid excuse.) I was particularly excited to see an H&M on just about every corner. Which makes sense, because H&M was born in Sweden over 60 years ago. Most of the shops had multiple levels, and at one store in particular, I noticed a level devoted to home accessories. And that's when I knew I was in trouble.

Fun display with clock pillows.

Pillows and blankets and linens and textiles galore. At H&M prices. Here are a few of my faves:

Of course, none of this loveliness is available stateside. But you can join my drool fest right here. Perhaps if we ask nicely, we can convince them that we need these goodies, too? Anyone on board to sign my petition?

Logo Design for Green Orchid Events

Another logo project to share!

Juliet Douglas, owner and lead planner of Green Orchid Events, contacted me recently to create a new logo to go along with her new website and other rebranding efforts.

In addition to having Juliet fill out a lengthy questionnaire, we also had a great chat about what she envisioned for her new look. She previously made use of a cartoon figure throughout her website, and wasn't sure if she wanted to retire it entirely. In the course of the design process, we tinkered with color, typography and various design elements. Here are a few designs that I presented:

And here is the winning design!

After a few tries, it became apparent that we needed to in some way incorporate Juliet herself into the design, thus replacing the cartoon figure of yore. So I had Juliet send some photos of herself, traced her silhouette, and voila! She now has a fresh, modern look that still incorporates her fun and sassy personality. What's great about this logo is that she can use it interchangeably. If she just wants to use the silhouette (perhaps as an avatar for social networking sites) or just the typography -- she can.

Thank you, Juliet, for such a fun project! If you're looking for a fabulous event planner in Las Vegas, be sure to give this lady a call.

And obviously, if you're looking for logo help -- info@kellyashworthdesign.com.

Fall Linens

Fall is in the air! At last!

In Arizona, this means open windows, eating outdoors and the end of living in a giant hair dryer. It's my favorite time of year.

But then again, it always has been my favorite time of year. As a kid, fall was ironing colorful leaves between sheets of wax paper, field trips to the cider mill, picking out pumpkins at the corner market. Fall is my wedding day.

My mailbox has been full of fun catalogs lately, many featuring some fabulous fall items that tempt me to empty my wallet. But do I really need a giant soup tureen in the shape of a pumpkin? Probably not. These cuties sure caught my eye, though. Take a look:

Pretty, modern and supremely autumnal. And much more affordable than the pumpkin tureen.

Foglia Print Dishtowel, $3.95 each right here.

What are some of your favorite fall finds? And does anyone know where I can find a cider mill in Arizona?

Should I Plaster My Walls With Birch Trees?

I happened upon this on the Urban Outfitters site the other day. At first I had a somewhat visceral reaction -- to be specific, "ick". It reminded me of a 70's era motel I stayed at in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Wood paneling, dark, smelled of stale ashtrays and Glade Plug-in's. An entire wall had been covered in a photo realist "Michigan Woods" motif that included a large buck with enormous antlers glaring at me. It was a great trip, though. I swear.

But the more I looked at this, I decided in the right setting it could be pretty cool. Perhaps in a library or study. Or maybe if you're having a kitschy event, you make this a portrait backdrop for your guests.

Then I remembered how much I loved shooting birch trees in my high school photography class. They were such an easy subject -- they stood still, provided an amazing amount of contrast and made for some easy abstract art.

After about five minutes of this, I had gone from "ick" to "yes, I think I need this immediately." Which I realize may expose my own neuroses, but the point of all this is to really consider the things you surround yourself with. Whether you're decorating your home or styling an event, it's important to pay attention to things that you have a reaction to - whether good or bad. You may find that what first seems "icky" will transform your space into something more fabulous than you ever imagined!

Do you have similar "ick" stories? Have you ever plastered your walls with arboreal splendor? Am I crazy?

Birch Tree Wall Mural, $140 right here.

Fun with Baby Shower Invites

One of my all-time favorite clients contacted me recently to create some baby shower invitations for a dear friend of hers. She wanted cute, sophisticated and quick. Not necessarily in that order.

The baby's last name will be "King" and he has been dubbed "BB King" by his parents-to-be, so I thought it would be fun to incorporate the cuteness on the front of the invites. We went with an accordion fold invitation that easily fits all of the pertinent information. It's also great for a little extra drama.

Take a look!

Are you having a baby or throwing a shower? I provide custom design services for the mommy-t0-be and all of you lovely shower hostesses. Contact me (info@kellyashworthdesign.com) to discuss your project.

Inspiration at Your Feet

J Crew has put out so much wonderfulness as of late, don't you think? I'm especially smitten with their peep toe pumps -- which would provide brilliant design inspiration for your next event. Or just dress up your LBD in a major way. Take a look:

Molly satin platform peep toes, $250 here.

Molly printed platform peep toes, $250 here.

Molly printed platform peep toes, $250 here.

Modern Republic Jewelry

My friend recently started designing jewelry and now has her very own Etsy shop that I think you need to check out. Immediately. Like right now.

You'll find pretty, modern pieces that are totally versatile and the prices will seriously blow you away. And better yet, she takes custom orders! Brides, did you hear that? Look at the gorgeousness you could bestow upon your fair bridesmaids without breaking the bank!

Czech Glass Beaded Earrings on Gold Filled Ear Wires, $10.00 right here.

Ice Blue Trio Sterling Silver Necklace, $10.00 right here and Ice Blue Dangle Earrings, $8.00 right here.

Chalkboard Table Numbers

Holy chalkboard, Batman! Quick, someone buy these and use as table numbers at your wedding. Your guests will take one look and declare that yours is the best wedding ever in the history of the world. For real.

Desktop Chalkboard, $14.95 right here.

3 Free Color Apps for iPhone

I got my iPhone in April and in addition to helping me streamline my business, social networking and restaurant tipping needs, I have also discovered lots of fun apps with designers and design lovers in mind. Today I'm sharing three apps devoted to color, all free and all fabulous. Observe:

1. Think Ink: Color Unleashed by Neenah Paper, Inc.

This app allows you to create custom palettes and order coordinating paper samples from Neenah Paper. Palettes can be created from your favorite photos, personality attributes (what color is sarcasm?), Neenah Paper colors or RBG color values.

2. Colorstrology by Michele Bernhardt, sponsored by Pantone, Inc.

If you love horoscopes, astrology or just pretty colors, this is the app for you. Look up you birth date and discover the color that reflects your personality and nature. In case you're wondering, my "color" is Oasis Green. Which naturally means that I'm detail oriented, profound and kind.

3. ColorSnap by Sherwin Williams

This app is pure marketing genius. Take a photo of something pretty and this app will offer you the closest Sherwin Williams paint color and a coordinating palette. I tested it with a photo I took of the Phoenix night sky, and I was able to specify specific colors from the sky that I liked best. Aside from providing obvious interior design inspiration, it's also a great tool for brides and planners who are looking to create a gorgeous color palette for their event.

There are loads of color apps out there, these three just happen to be free and easy to use. What are some of your favorite iPhone apps?

Graphic Design Services Promotion

My February Graphic Design Services promotion was so popular, I've decided to run it again for the month of August! This is exciting, people!

Starting today and for the whole month of August, I'll be offering 1,000 free business cards to anyone who places an order for my Design Services. Yep, that's right. You order postcards, you get 1,000 business cards. Same goes for brochures, flyers, web design services and print ad design. Snazzy, full color, glossy business cards. Free.

Here's the fine print in regular 12 point type:

Free Business Card offer includes 1,000 4-Color Glossy Business Cards with the purchase of Logo Development, Postcards, Brochures, Flyers, Web Design or Ad Design. Offer is good for 1,000 of the same design (order cannot be combined with another design). Offer expires August 31, 2009. You must mention this offer to receive 1,000 free Business Cards.

And here's a quick rundown of my prices (design only, does not include printing):

Postcards (Double-sided) – starting at $250

Catalogs / Brochures – starting at $350

Flyers – starting at $250

Web Design – starting at $750

Ad Design (Full Page) – starting at $400

Ad Design (Half Page) – starting at $300

Ad Design (Quarter Page) – starting at $250

You can see some of my most recent design work, right here.

And you can reach me, by calling 928.252.2590 or emailing info@kellyashworthdesign.com.

Designer Mugs for Designers

Do I need to spend $125 on coffee mugs? Nay.

Can you see why I'd want to? Yes? Good.

Highlight Books for Everyone!

I wanted to share some recent personal projects that incorporate my fabtabulous Highlight Books. I first introduced this concept last fall and I'm so excited with the response. If you have an idea for your very own Highlight Book, you can shop my Etsy site or send me an email at info@kellyashworthdesign.com to get the ball rolling.

Take a look at my two pet projects:

You met niece #1 right here. She's growing like a weed. I put together this Highlight Book for my sister-in-law to remind her that just two short months ago, her baby girl was teeny tiny.

I made this book for my husband to commemorate our recent trip to Italy. He keeps it at his desk at work and probably dreams about amazing scenery, great wine and incredible food. At least, that's what I do when I look at it.

You can have your very own Highlight Book for $15. Minimum order of 3 books. The process is simple: you send me your favorite high resolution photos and I do the rest.

In addition to the obvious uses (weddings, babies, travels, anniversaries, etc.) Highlight Books can also be used for fun invitations, favors and other event accessories. In the most recent issue of Bride & Bloom Magazine, my Highlight Books were featured as wedding invitations. The possibilities are endless!

The Non-Designer's Guide to Designing the Perfect Event, Pt.4

As I mentioned in Part 3 of this week's guide, great design can be found at the grocery store if you look hard enough. And where there is great design, there is inspiration to be had to create the perfect event.

Case in point:

I have been obsessing for awhile over Pellegrino. Simply put, it's water in a fancy bottle. But look at that gorgeous green glass! And the pretty blue shades with a small pop of tomato red. Ka-pow! This color palate lends itself to so many looks and all I had to do was stop at Safeway (or insert your local grocery store here).

Think about the last time a package or pattern or photo caught your eye. What about it made you stop for a better look? Was it the color? The texture? The feeling it evoked? The lesson here is this: inspiration is everywhere. Sometimes right under your nose. Literally. Pay attention to these visual cues. They may just solve all of your design dilemmas so you can live happily ever after.

The Non-Designer's Guide to Designing the Perfect Event, Pt.3

I touched on the subject of budget briefly in yesterday's post, and today I want to bring it front and center. Clearly, budget will play a role in any event design. And clearly, many brides and hostesses have had to cut back given the current economic roller coaster we all seem to be riding.

If you can't afford to hire an event designer, or rent fancy schmancy linens - take heart. Nowadays there are so many resources out there for guys and gals just like you. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Costco -- although I avoid this behemoth of bulk goods come the weekend, if you plan a trip during a weeknight, you're more likely to avoid the crowds. Costco has an amazing selection of fresh flowers, and they take special orders. In addition to floral, check back often for their ever changing selection of table accessories. A friend of mine had her heart set on silver chargers, but couldn't afford to pay what her reception venue was charging. At that same time, Costco just so happened to be offering the very same silver chargers. She found another girlfriend who was also getting married who also wanted silver chargers and they went in on them together. Great idea for brides who have friends getting married -- if your styles are similar in any way, consider going in on some of those little accessories to save big.

2. Craft Stores -- do not overlook your local craft store, or even the big box chains such as JoAnn's or Michael's. Many of these places offer coupons when you sign up for their mailing list or e-newsletter. Think of all the supplies you can get, many times at a 40% savings or more. Ribbon, craft punches, fabrics, and gift bags to name a few.

3. Home Goods -- ahhhh, Home Goods. Have you been? If not, you must. Aisle after aisle of every accessory for the home you can imagine. This might not be the place to go if you're planning a large wedding, but for smaller events this is one of my favorite places. You'll find picture frames for your table numbers, glass jars for your candy bar and other odds and ends at crazy reasonable prices. Virtually every display table I have ever worked on included a trip to Home Goods.

4. IKEA -- you had to know it was coming, right? You know all the obvious reasons to go -- candlesticks, vases, blah, blah, blah. I also love IKEA because they now carry a great selection of fabrics. If you're crafty, consider hitting up IKEA's textile department for DIY table runners.

These are obviously just a few ideas and anecdotes to help prepare a stylish soiree. Great design can be found at the grocery store if you look hard enough. So get out there and look! And tell me where you went--I'm always on the lookout for a great source of inspiration.

The Non-Designer's Guide to Designing the Perfect Event, Pt.2

In Part Two of the Non-Designer's Guide to Designing the Perfect Event, I want to focus on your individual taste. I touched on this in Part One with regards to choosing the best venue for your vision. But let's dig a little deeper, shall we?

Aside from some of the obvious questions you'll need to ask yourself (How big is your event? What kind of budget are you working with? How much time do you have to plan?) you should also consider the following:

Aside from bridal magazines, you can find a wealth of inspiration by delving into the pages of your favorite catalogs. Seek out patterns, color combinations, place settings and floral arrangements. Interior Design and Decor magazines are also very helpful.

To create the perfect color palate, consider taking a field trip to your local home improvement store. Paint swatches galore, my dears. Some of the home decorating shops have even gotten into the fray -- Pottery Barn now offers seasonal paint selections that complement their furnishings and decor items. Click here to view their current color selections or request a fan deck.

If you are planning a wedding and have already selected a dress, steal this trick: gaze at your dress for as long as you want and jot down as many adjectives that describe your fetching frock. Now take a look at what you've written. Voila! Inspiration in list form. Take this list with you to your vendor appointments and you'll effectively communicate your vision. Easy, right?

Some other things you might consider when designing the perfect event are the little things that make up your everyday style. What influences you? Do you travel? Dine at fancy restaurants? Love to explore the outdoors? All of these things can assist you in defining your ideal event style. Look inward at the things you love and you'll be more likely to create an event that truly represents your individuality and creativity. And have fun!

The Non-Designer's Guide to Designing the Perfect Event, Pt.1

I've worked with enough brides to know that one of the most common, yet frustrating challenges in planning a wedding is coming up with a beautiful, cohesive design. And I'm here to tell you that you don't have to be a designer to create a gorgeous wedding or special event!

This week I'll be sharing some common pitfalls, tips and tricks to help you determine what will work best for you event. Today I want to talk about space. Specifically the space you have chosen to host your event.

"Consider Your Space"

Repeat this like a mantra. I'm serious. If you are getting married at a gorgeous, historical country club, please don't try to recreate an industrial/modern loft reception. Instead, consider your space. Consider the architectural details. Consider the carpet. Consider the chandeliers. Consider it all. Work with what you have and enhance it. Just don't try and turn it into something it's not.

For example:

You are having a wedding at the aforementioned gorgeous, historical country club. Perhaps it has a beautiful ornate chandelier, traditional floral carpets and velvet draperies. You can easily enhance the space with some yummy linens (shimmery satin, damask prints or nubby silk would be pretty), lots of candlelight (antique candelabras?) and some fantastic floral to finish the look.

And if you haven't booked a space, consider your personal style before signing the dotted line.

If you have your heart set on a bold/modern look, do some research and find a venue that would cater to this look.

More examples:

Resorts/Ballrooms are great for big and fancy. Each place will have it's own distinct style, though - so be sure to look around to determine if it's right for you.

Beaches are great for low key and casual events. They are also very versatile. You can do modern beach just as easily as you can do vintage beach.

Country Clubs tend to be beautiful and traditional. Not always the best choice for the "modern" bride. But they do serve as a terrific backdrop for the classic beauty.

Garden Weddings are great for earthy and traditional brides alike. Like a beach wedding, they can be more relaxed and casual. On the other hand, gardens can serve as a great canvas for extravagance.

Offbeat venues such as museums, parks or other cultural attractions allow for more free flowing design. Just about anything goes (within reason -- always make sure to check with the venue before taking it upon yourself to "decorate".)

Of course everything that I mention above is just my opinion. If you want to do a retro 50's themed wedding in the ballroom of a fancy resort, there's nothing stopping you. I just personally find that you suffer far fewer event-related headaches by tuning into your surroundings to make it work. (Thank you, Tim Gunn.)

What are you doing to "consider your space"? I'd love to hear all about it. Even if you are a major rule breaker. Go ahead and share with the class.

House Numbers for Tables

Table numbers at weddings are an often overlooked accessory, but if you really give it some thought you can come up with some fabulous options. Incorporating a house number into your table decor is one such option.

If you're on a tight budget, consider visiting your local hardware store. Craft stores are also a good resource for wood numbers that can be finished any way you like.

Numbers can rest against a centerpiece, framed or even placed on chargers or napkins for a bold graphic pop.

Take a look at a few house numbers I spotted on the web:

Classic, elegant, traditional. And they come in six different finishes. Standard House Numbers, $8.50-$10 each, right here.

Neutra House Numbers in Aluminum. Mid Century Modern at its best. $48 each, right here.

Clean and classic. Signo House Numbers, $18 each right here.

Obviously there are tons of different options for stylish table numbers, this is just one suggestion that I've personally been dying to try. What fun ideas have you seen? If you're a bride, how will you designate table numbers to you guests?