Sweet Dimple - Bespoke Artwork

For those of you that read reguarly you know how much I love print and pattern and love finding new designs that work perfectly for styling a wedding or party or for adorning on your walls at home.  So this afternoon I am thrilled to share with you the work of Sweet Dimple.

Cars

Each contemporary, bespoke piece of art work is lovingly created whilst upcycling retro buttons, vintage lace, stamps and many more bits and pieces.

Girls Hearts

Each design is handmade here in the UK and framed in a white box frame, making it the perfect gift for a christening, wedding or new baby.

Wedding Lace

With Father's day fast approaching Sweet Dimple offer some fantastic artwork to spoil Dad this year.  But be quick as orders take two weeks!

Ties

Sweet Dimple designs are fabulous and would be a very welcomed gift that can be treasured forever.

And my favourite? Well it has to be this....

Apples

Well it is green & I love the use of patterned paper alongside old stamps and maps!

***SPECIAL OFFER***

Sweet Dimples are offering a £10 discount on all orders on their website, before 30th June, if you mention Inspired Celebration blog.

To place an order for beautiful Sweet Dimples artwork visit their website

www.sweetdimple.co.uk

(NB - This is a sponsored post)

Venue - Blythswood Square

Today I am thrilled to pass the pen (or keyboard) to another member of the writing team to share a beautiful Scottish venue with you.  Alison of Plans and Presents is sharing one of her favourite places this month, Blythswood Square. 

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I am very excited to share one of my favourite Glasgow wedding venues, the stunning Blythswood Square, with a history dating back 190 years.  In 1821, work began on the creation of a a square with four identical classical terraces, facing a garden.  The original building work was completed in 1823.

The B Listed building that corners West George and West Regent Street became the Clubhouse for The Royal Scottish Automobile Club [ RSAC] from 1910.  Having been sold in 2002 it was then aquisitioned by The Townhouse Collection in 2006.  It opened once more in November 2009, as a 5 Star hotel, and Blythswood Square is the glittering jewel in the City of Glasgow's crown.

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From the moment you walk in the front door, the charcoal grey and red colour sheme, screams opulence, and luxury, and the absoloutely stunning chandelier in the Reception is awe inspiring. It boasts 100 stunning guest rooms, restaurants, bars, private event area's, and just recently opened, an amazing Spa.

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Bedrooms range from Wee Classic's to the outstanding Penthouse suite, but each room is beautifully decorated.  Headboards decked in Harris Tweed, heavenly sunken baths, luxurious toiletries and bathrobes, and lots and lots of space.

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The Rally Bar, named by the RSAC, was one of the eight starting points for the 1955 Monte Carlo Rally and has been restored to its former glory, and is a quirky feature of the Events area, suitable for Champagne receptions.

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The former ballroom with it's magestic proportions is now the Restaurant, and Cocktail Bar and seats 100.

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The Salon is the perfect space to enjoy lazy afternoons with the delightfully comfy chairs, and outstanding views of the City's greenery.

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For a wedding, the Monte Carlo Suite is a wonderful venue for your big day. With its natural wooden floors, rich wood paneling and luxurious fabrics throughout, this is the perfect setting for your religious wedding ceremony.  Guests chairs can be positioned to create an aisle to walk up to meet the groom, ensuring the perfect entrance. Blythswood Square can cater for weddings for up to 70 guests for a Wedding breakfast and a further 30 guests for an evening reception. Wedding celebrations can be started with a champagne reception in either The Salon, a stunning space overlooking the gardens in Blythswood Square (subject to the hotel’s availability) or The Rally Bar, an original feature of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club, which has been restored using wood panelled walls and the original fireplace.  Afterwards, the newlyweds and guests proceed to The Monte Carlo Suite where a delicious wedding feast will be served. Bespoke menus can be created to ensure all expectations are met.  This suite can be sectioned off for a more intimate affair.

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The motor inspired murals and red detailing hail back to bygone days which I love, and I was personally blown away by the every grand inch of the hotel.I have seen many lovely hotels, but Blythswood Square is simply in a league of it's own.

To find out more about this amazing venue:

Website: http://www.townhousecompany.com/blythswoodsquare

Email: events@blythswoodsquare.com

Phone: 0141 248 8888


For further information on having a Wedding in Glasgow at Blythswood Square, contact the Events Team on:

E: events@blythswoodsquare.com

Colour Inspiration - Red & Aqua

I love a splash of colour.  By combining two key colours you can create the perfect combination that makes a statement worhty of any celebration.  Being bold with colour is not necessarily scary but stick to two colours then if required add a neutral tone.  There are some great colour clashes being chosen this summer and today I have put together an inspiration board boldly combining red and aqua.

{Spotty Dress} {Bridesmaid Shoes}

{Flower Hairclip} {Spotty Shoes}

{Hairclips} {Red Shoes}

{Necklace} {Red Dress}

{Invitation} {Buttonhole}

{PomPoms} {Lobster Print}

{Cake} {Keepsake Print}

{Bunting} {Paper Flowers}

The Loveliest Links

Another week has passed and it has been a busy week here on Inspired Celebration, sharing ideas for Christenings and Hen Parties and gorgeous gift ideas for new mums aswell.  With only three weeks until Father's Day be sure to order any bespoke or personalised gifts in the next couple of days to ensure you receive the gift in time. Stuck for ideas then take a look at the personalised gift guide I put together earlier this week, especially for Father's Day and don't worry we will be sharing more ideas over the coming weeks. 

As it's Sunday it's time to share some of my favourite links from the week with you. 

The regular readers amongst you will know how much I love printables for invitations and decorations and we all love free printables! So I am sure you will all love these fab printables from Like A Cup of Tea.

Wedding blogs have been awash with pretty pink inspriation boards this week.

Wedding Chicks - Pink Sweet Treats

Love My Dress - Darling Blush Pink

And I love this bright rainbow party over on The Tom Kat Studio blog.

I hope you have all had a fabulous weekend and please remember to share any celebrations with us here at Inspired Celebrations!

Children At Weddings

Yesterday I posed the question of children being invited to weddings on Twitter after reading a post on Celebrations At Home about this very topic. Many people welcomed children at weddings, whilst there were stories of vicars suggesting the couples own child should not attend the ceremony and that guests were asked not to bring their children.  As a mother I think children should not be hidden away and allowed to attend important parties and events such as weddings. 

image source ~ Celebrations At Home

When inviting children to weddings it is important that you consider certain things in your planning.  Even the most well behaved children will not want to sit through long wedding speeches so perhaps you could arrange for them to play outside in the venues garden, supervised by organised, hired childcare or arrange for a face painter or juggler or other entertainer to keep them busy while the best man cracks a few jokes!  Another option is to hire a childrens party organiser to ensure the children are looked after and entertained for the wedding breakfast and possibly in to the evening aswell. Les Enfants creche service offers a fantastic solution by providing various options to keep chidlren entertained and full supervised at your wedding.

Face painting by Snapdragon Face Painting

Another consideration when inviting chidlren to your wedding is that their tastes can be quite simple, although my own children are encouraged to try many different foods.  When planning your menus for the big day it is worth planning a seperate menu for the children, which could be sausages and mash or a selection of tea party food followed by fairy cakes, jelly and ice cream.  Chidlren eat less than adults and by choosing a seperate menu you can reduce your costs significantly. 

Cupcake fondue sounds like such fun!

image source ~ Pinterest

One idea I loved from Cute As A Button is that her nine year old daughter will be hosting the childrens table and will be choosing the menu too.  As long as you plan properly for children they will make great guests!

Gift Guide : Treats for a New Mum

Having a new baby is exciting and exhausting with the gifts often being for the new bundle of joy.  This is a time when it's also important to spoil the new mummy, who will be feeling elated that baby is here safely and quite possibly overwhelmed and exhausted too.  Having had five babies I know how lovely a box of biscuits and a bouquet of flowers can be but today I have found some alternatives to spoil the new mummy.

Gifts to Pamper

{Bloom & Blossom}{Maid In Ireland}

{One Stop Pampershop}{Blended Therapies}

Beautiful Mummy Necklaces

{Posh Totty Design Boutique}{Poppy Sparkles}

{Poppy Sparkles}{Chambers & Beau}

Some yummy treats

{Mrs Campbells Cupcakes}{Chocolate Blush}

{Original Hatbox Cake Co.}{Biscuiteers}

Finally I love this idea from The Cake Nest, a special slice of cake delivered to the new mummy once a week or once a month.  For more details visit their website.

Christening inspiration

Todays post is written by Isa Maria.

New beginnings are so special. What better way to introduce a new baby to family and friends than with a beautiful Christening? Whether you call it a Christening, baptism or naming day, it is a great way to celebrate the new life.

The colour scheme for a Christening celebration should be kept fresh and clean. Beauty is in the details so lots of flowers, candles and garlands will make it striking and memorable.

Invitations: Pink Polar  

Treats blog

 Flowers & Cake: Hello Naomi

Candles: Coasting Along Paper Flower Garland: Lavender Room Heart garland: The Other Duckling

The Showcase - Claire's Handmade Cakes

Today I would like to welcome Claire of Claires Handmade Cakes to The Showcase. Based in South West London, Claire creates delicious cakes and desserts from organic and fairtrade ingredients.

Claire always loved baking but it wasn't until she started making birthday cakes for her neice and nephew that she realised this was a hobby she wanted to pursue as a business.  Enrolling on several sugarcrafting courses and joining her local branch of the British Sugarcraft Guild, Claire launched Claires Handmade Cakes in the autumn of 2009.

Claires Handmade Cakes aim to create a unique, tailor-made cake for your celebration.  Whether you need a tiered cake for a wedding, a delicious cake to celerbate a birthday or want something special for dessert for a party Claire is able to help.

Website - www.claireshandmadecakes.co.uk

Email - claire@claireshandmadecakes.co.uk

Twitter - http://twitter.com/claires_cakes

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/ClairesHandmadeCakes

To book your space in The Showcase please email me inspiredcelebrations@gmail.com

Hen Party Spa Days & Breaks

Today I have called in another expert to suggest some spa days and breaks for a hen party.  Joyce Connor of Brides & Beauty is an amazing lady who I am honoured to have met through Twitter and am thrilled that she has agreed to do todays post.  So I will now handover to Joyce.

A spa should be all about fun and relaxation at the same time. Imagine a group of girls together chilling out and getting pampered for the day. Most spas will offer some kind of package. There are several different types you can opt for.

image source Thermae Bath Spa

All spas should offer beauty treatments and a relaxation area so that you can take a break. Sauna’s and steam rooms are great for detoxing. These along with Jacuzzis and Hydrotherapy pools should be avoided if you’re less than 12 weeks pregnant. If you’re booking treatments try to book them so that no-one in the group is left alone waiting.




Day Spa

This is when you visit the spa for the day. Some will offer a package that includes robes and slippers and towels. Some packages will also include lunch. If you’re lucky enough you might find a spa that has everything included so you can just turn up for the day.

My faves


Thermae Bath Spa in Bath

Nirvana Spa in Berkshire
The Sanctuary Spa in London
Penny Hill Park in Surrey




Spa and Stay

Like a day spa but you also get accommodation. Most spas have twin rooms available so friends can share a room. These spas offer the same as the day spas but usually have a hotel too. Packages should include the same as the day spa but with dinner bed and breakfast included.

image source Bannatyne Spa

My faves


Whittlebury Hall in Northampton
Penny Hill Park in Surrey
Champneys (various locations)

The Bannatyne Spa (various locations)


My all time favourite spa is The Spa at Gleneagles

Joyce Connor

Brides and Beauty

Follow Joyce on Twitter

Hen Party Inspiration

I thought today I would put together a little inspiration board for a hen party, but there will not be a L PLate in sight! So here are some pretty and fun finds to make your day fabulous.

First you will need invitations and decorations!

{Coloured Paperchains} {Word Paperchains}

{Coaster Invitations} {Shoe Invitations} {Red Invitations}

{Bunting} {Balloons}

Then you'll need some favours and keepsakes.

{Chocolate Shoe} {Chocolate Accessories}

{Memory Book} {Cookies}

{Badges} {Shoe Placenames} {Charms}

Then chill the champagne & mix the cocktails.

{images sourced from Pinterest}

ENJOY!

Venue - The Old Garden Studio

I believe choosing a venue for a wedding or other occassion is probably one of the most important choices you will have to make in your planning.  A venue can dictate your whole theme or certainly play a very big part in your style choices.  I wanted to be able to share venue ideas with you from a more personal perspective, hence I contacted some fabulous wedding planners to help out. 

This weeks venue post is from Candice of Cerendipity Events and she has chosen a venue perfect for our New Beginnings theme. 

Totally befitting of a ‘new beginnings’ theme is the gorgeous vintage-styled Old Garden Studio owned and run by a lovely lady called Lindsay Butcher. Based in the outskirts of Northampton this little gem caters for all sorts of intimate functions from Hen Do’s to tea parties and not complete without all the trimmings: an old style tea served on proper vintage china!

The beautifully decorated private tea room and garden seats up to ten and is exclusively yours while you visit. You can even hire out the venue for your own party.

From £12 per head this gorgeous little tea room is yours for 3 hours to enjoy at your leisure and caters for:

• Hen Parties

• Pamper Parties

• Mum and Toddler groups

• Birthday or any intimate celebrations

• Baby Showers

• Team building ... and more

Lindsay makes and serves tea and dainty finger-sandwiches complete with delicious cakes, scones and other yummies bought in from a gorgeous little bakery nearby.

I had the pleasure of meeting Lindsay and her beautiful baby Rose a few weeks ago and was completely taken in by her hospitality and the beautiful charm of The Old garden Studio. I can’t wait to have my next tea-party there!

If a pamper party is more your style then this is definitely the place for you! Lindsay has teamed up with a local Holistic Beauty Therapist to offer 30min treatments from £45 for up to 6 people. And combined with a gorgeous tea ... what more could you ask for?

Have a look at Lindsay’s beautiful website for more information: www.theoldgardenstudio.co.uk


The Old Garden Studio


The Knoll


Grendon


Northampton


Northants


+44 7968222532


lindsay@theoldgardenstudio.co.uk

Wreaths - An Interesting Addition to Wedding Decoration

I am the first to admit that my knowledge of floristry goes as far as I know what I like and what looks pretty, fabulous or quirky so I have called in the experts.  Claire of Lily & May has come to my rescue this month with a gorgeous post about the use of wreaths as wedding decoration and I am sure you will agree Claire's heart shaped wreaths are beautiful.  I shall now hand over to Claire.

Hanging wreaths are a great way to decorate a home or venue for any occasion. I particularly love using heart wreaths for weddings and they are becoming increasingly popular. They make a stunning focal point and can be hung pretty much anywhere. Larger hearts can be hung on church doors or from a balcony to accessorise an area that can otherwise look quite plain. Smaller hearts can be hung on the back of chairs; an interesting choice for this can be a wicker heart with a selection of flowers attached.

image source ~ Lily & May

Wreaths can be created in different ways to reflect your style, using lots of light foliage can be a great way to achieve a vintage country garden look or lots of tightly packed flowers for a more contemporary feel. Using ribbon in the same colour scheme to hang the wreath really finishes the look.

image source ~ Lily & May

Most flowers can be used for the floral wreaths although soft and hollow stems flowers can be a more tricky but most good florists can work around this but be prepared to pay extra for the time involved.  I like to recommend that they are then given to a special friend or relative at the end of the day as they can last quite a while if floral foam is used.

image source ~ Pinterest

Circle wreaths are also just as effective for weddings and can also be used for other events such christenings or maybe a special birthday.

Personalised Father's Day Gifts

Father's Day is still a little while away but I wanted to put together a special gift guide today for personalised gifts.  When you order a personalised gift from a designer maker or independant business you need to plan in advance as lead times are often 2-3 weeks, if not longer.  So to avoid being disappointed make sure you order personalised gifts this week.  Here are a selection of the gorgeous gifts available for Father's Day this year.

Gorgeous gifts from Chambers & Beau

'Daddy's Stash' Dish    ~   Bracelet  ~  Cufflinks

Union Jack Heart ~ Dad Loves Typographic Print ~ Dad's Den Sign

Gorgeous leather goods that can all be personalised.

wallet  ~  travel photo frame  ~  mobile phone case

Remember to order very soon for Father's Day



Truly Vintage Wedding Fair

I know Sundays are usually my day for sharing links to other fabulous inspiration in the blogosphere but today I wanted to share with you a vintage event in my home county of Suffolk.  With the vintage trend still very much leading the design of many parts of our lives we are seeing this year more and more weddings fairs dedicated to this particular style.  Truly Vintage is I am fairly sure the first vintage wedding fair in Suffolk and Glemham Hall is the perfect setting for such a stylish event.  With a number of businesses exhibiting on the day I am sure there will be something for everybodies take on the vintage theme.  This is the perfect opportunity to see Glemham Hall in all its splendour.  I will be visiting Truly Vintage and hope to write a post in the next few weeks about the venue. Be sure to say hello if you see me wandering around!

So if you are free on Sunday 5 June and live near enough to visit I am sure you will have a fabulous day. 

Champagne Cocktails

Following on from the Hen Party theme I thought today I would find some ideas for champagne cocktails.

How about a champagne cocktail bar?

Champagne is my favourite tipple and these flavour ideas sound delicious.

Top three images ~ A Subtle Revelry

Lavender champagne sounds divine.

recipe from Martha Stewart

Delicious Pear & Cranberry Bellini's

from Martha Stewart

Enjoy and of course drink responsibly!