Thursday, October 23, 2008

Don't forget, it's time to shop!

Just a reminder to stop by the Holiday Open House at Bright Event Gallery in Old Town Scottsdale this Friday and Saturday! 
In addition to my line of Holiday Greetings and Highlight Books, I will be selling these cuties.
Set of three nesting boxes, $24. In green (shown), pink or blue. I've only got a few of each, so don't delay! 
It's finally nice enough to walk the streets of Old Town without suffering from a major bout of heat stroke. Oh, and this Holiday Open House is totally going to rock the most.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Be a gracious guest

You hear an awful lot about bridezilla's these days. But for every bride behaving badly, there are a bevy of wedding guests who could also use a refresher course in minding their manners.

I have encountered all of these indiscretions at one time or another, as I'm sure many of you have as well. These blunders are inexcusable and must be stopped, so I'm doing my own little part to bring these issues to light. I give you:
The Kelly Ashworth Design 6 Ways to Not Suck as a Wedding Guest:
1. RSVP in a timely manner
There is a reason the reply card lists a request for response by a certain date. Actually, there are several reasons. The caterer needs to know how many meals to prepare, the rental company needs to know how many tables and chairs to set up, the florist needs to know how many centerpieces to create. You get the picture. Don't make the bride call to ask if you plan on attending. In other words: don't be an anchor.
2. Pay attention to your invitation
If your kids' names are not listed on the envelope, don't bring them. If your name isn't followed by "and guest", don't bring along the guy you met at the club the night before. And DO NOT hassle the bride. We all know your kids are perfection in human form and that this new guy you've been dating for 24 hours is just the bees knees, but the bride and groom might be on a limited budget, the reception location may have a smaller capacity, etc.
3. Don't fuss about the food
I always try to dissuade brides from allowing guests to choose from several meal options because it can be a nightmare to keep track of everything. A great solution is to have a combination plate (chicken and shrimp, steak and lobster, etc.). If you have been given a choice, stick with it. Please don't choose steak and then become a vegetarian the night before the wedding. It's just one meal.
4. Sit where you're told
I had a guest at my wedding sit where she wanted instead of where her escort card indicated. She insisted that she would not move, that she was to be seated with the party presently in front of her. She obviously didn't realize (or just didn't care) what a domino effect this created, and the wedding coordinator had to scramble to find seats for the uprooted guests quickly. Please respect the seat to which you've been assigned. Again, it's just one meal.
5. Don't wear jeans
It's a wedding, people! Unless the invitations requested Canadian tuxedos, please leave the jeans at home. I understand the economy is tight and you may not be able to afford a new dress, but just make an effort. You'll blend in a lot better with last years' cocktail dress than you will with anything consisting of denim.
6. Don't behave like a hooligan
So dinner is over, you've had a few cocktails and it's time to party. This is to be expected at a wedding. However, this is not an invitation to behave like a complete buffoon. 
I have witnessed so many shocking displays of jackassery at weddings. I don't know that there is really any way to mitigate these shenanigans so long as alcohol is being served. Have a great time, just don't be that guy. You know the one I'm talking about. 
Emily Post sums it up best:
"The good guest is almost invisible, enjoying him- or herself, communing with fellow guests, and, most of all, enjoying the generous hospitality of the hosts."
In other words, don't spoil the wedding, weirdo.

Friday, October 17, 2008

October Charity

Save the ta ta's. Nuff said.
Click here for more info and to donate.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Pumpkin rage and pretty lamps

I've started counting my calories again. In these tough economic times, it's cheaper to lose weight than replace all of the tight jeans I suddenly find in my closet. 

And of course it couldn't come at a more ridiculous time -- Halloween candy is everywhere, and all I want is a giant piece of pumpkin loaf and a caramel sauce latte. Liene didn't help matters with her Pumpkin Creme Pie post. My whole mouth filled with saliva and I started seeing spots. 
Bottom line...don't be an idiot like moi. Diet after the holidays like a normal person.
In the meantime, I have been finding distraction in my catalog/magazine addiction. Check out these lamps:
{ $169 for bedside and $199 for table, right here. }
I love this idea for a wedding. For a more casual affair, wouldn't they make a cool centerpiece? Fill them with personal trinkets, beads, buttons, seashells...you get the picture. I want one for every room in my house. And with all the money I'm saving by not buying new jeans...

Monday, October 13, 2008

Bright Holiday Open House

The Dow is up 500 points! Get ready to shop!
Bright Event Gallery is hosting it's first annual Holiday Open House next Friday and Saturday. Stop by and say hello! I'll have my Holiday Greetings and Highlight Books on hand, as well as a few other nifty items available for purchase.
All the info is listed below on the flyer, and if you have any questions, be sure to give the Bright Girls a buzz at 480.656.0623.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

4 Years

{ Photo by Chris Holford Wedding Photography }
Happy 4 years, babe. I love you.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Highlight Books

I'm excited to announce another new product hot off the presses!

Kelly Ashworth Design Highlight Books are now available for purchase.
Highlight Books can accommodate up to 6 photos and can be completely customized to include captions and colors. You also have a choice of 17 gorgeous cover options. When open, the books measure 3"H x 18"W (or 3x3" when closed).
Highlight Books make great gifts or stocking stuffers, and can be used to show off your favorite photos. They can be used for virtually any milestone event including:
• Weddings
• Baby Announcements
• Family Events
• Vacations
Highlight Books are $15 each. Minimum order is 3 of the same design. Interested?
Just shoot me an email (info@kellyashworthdesign.com) and we can discuss your one-of-a-kind Highlight Book.