Graduation Class of 2011

{Cornelius Potts & Uncle Monty}

It is several years, well fifteen this summer, since I called my friend on her mobile as she checked our degree classifications on the board at our university. I would have been there myself but was working closer to home so couldn't return to my university city and did not want to wait for the results to appear by post.  Yesterday morning my husband woke early to log on to his universities website to check his final results, his degree classification. 

{Cocoapod}

After many hours pouring over text books, working late to complete essays, attending lectures and putting together entertaining presentations, my husband can now put B.A.(Hons.) after his name.  I am incredibly proud of him as I know how tough it was, quitting his job, heading to university in his early forties, studying whilst being a fantastic dad to our five children.  Whilst I headed off to uni straight from school, aged 18, with no other responsibility than myself, he has juggled studying full time and family life to now proudly say 'I am a graduate'.

{Tait Gallery}

Now the next chapter begins but first it's time for a party!

{The Tomkat Studio}

So are any of you graduating this summer? Congratulations and enjoy the celebrations!

Decorate It Yourself - Chair Decorations

Image Source {painted chairs} {rose aisle} {sunflower} {sashes}

Whilst many people still opt for hiring chair sashes I love the fact that more and more people are looking at more individual ways to decorate chairbacks.  Perhaps you want something quite simple and I love the idea of using a very wide satin ribbon or fabric sash to tie to the top of a ladder back chair, with large loops hanging down the back of the chair.  However flowers are proving popular to deocrate chairs and you could opt for a single bloom, sunflowers look fabulous on their own tied with raffia to the back of a chair.  Yet you could make small posies to tie to the chair with lace or ribbon.  A more eclectic option is to have a collection of different chair styles in different colours, which wouldn't need decorating as they would be statement enough on their own. 

Inspiration - Lemon & Lime

It has been a scorcher of a day and makes me want to drink ice cold lemonade with slice of lime.  This of course sparked an idea of what a cool colour combo this would be for a party or even a wedding.  So off I popped to find some ideas using yellow and lime and here are some to help get you planning a theme with this colour combo.

{Lemon & Lime Vases} {Poster} {Biscuits}

{Green Bridesmaids} {Cake} {Yellow Bridesmaids}

{Macaroons} {Invitations} {Table Setting}

Heavenly Hydrangeas

Whilst I love flowers I am happy to admit that my floral knowledge is limited so I called in the experts.  Today I am thrilled to welcome Steph from Fairynuff Flowers to share her thoughts on the incredibly popular hydrangeas.  So without further ado I shall leave you in Steph's very capable hands.

image source ~ Fairynuff Flowers

As a wedding florist, I am often asked what my favourite flowers are, and Hydrangeas would be right up there (right along side Peonies of course)! They are oh so versatile, and the colours are just staggering. From the deepest purples and reds, to the brightest pinks and greens, to the pastel pretties and romantic antiquey hues. They are available from Spring until Autumn, and have a fab vase life too.

image source ~ Fairynuff Flowers

Hydrangeas can fit any theme you are looking for for your special day - choose a mass of pure white petals in mirrored cube vases for a clean and contemporary look, or mix a pink/green bloom such as "Magical Opal Classic" with "Amnesia" Roses, Stocks and some herbs in a pretty enamel jug for a perfect vintage wedding.

image source ~ Fairynuff Flowers

Per stem, they are quite an expensive flower, but with such large blooms, they do go a long way! They fill urns and large vases perfectly, look staggering in bouquets and short arrangements, but can also be picked apart and used in hair and in bottles and small vintage containers on the tables. Hydrangea also looks stunning filling the gaps of tiered cakes.

image source ~ Fairynuff Flowers

We also use lots of potted Hydrangea plants around wedding venues to make them extra extra pretty. They look beautiful in zinc pots lining stairways or along the aisle, or you can use mini plants to decorate tables outside…or even the tables at your wedding breakfast.

image source ~ Pinterest

We recently provided flowers for a wedding where the bride and groom chose to have a mass of plants (including Hydrangeas) and herbs in different pots on each table, and I must say, it is one of my favourite weddings this year. Apparently, there was quite a rush at the end of the night as the guests picked out their favourites!

image source ~ Tiny White Daisies

The wonderful thing about using plants at your wedding is that they look and keep perfectly and at the end of the day, can be taken home, or given as gifts to special guests, to be planted in the garden as an everlasting memory of your wedding day. See they really are perfect!

 

Giveaway Winner

Thank you to everybody who entered the Poppy Sparkles Giveaway here on Inspired Celebration.  I have counted the entries and put these into the random number generator and the winner is number 8, which is Daisyangel. Congratulations, you have won this gorgeous set of bridal jewellery from Poppy Sparkles.

Don't forget Poppy Sparkles have some great offers to Inspired Celebration readers -

If you mention Inspired Celebration when commissioning a Bespoke necklace or bracelet, you will be entitled to complimentary pair of earrings to the value of £20 until the end of July 2011. For purchases of standard designs from Poppy Sparkles, use code INSPIRED to receive 10% off your purchase until 31st July 2011.

So be sure to visit www.poppysparkles.co.uk

 

Wedding List - Not On The High Street

One of the fun parts of planning  a wedding is choosing all the gifts you would like to receive.  Just as styling your wedding has become a much more personal choice and allows you to hunt down fabulous props and decorations, your gift list is no longer restricted to the high street department stores.  Not On The High Street have a fantastic wedding list service that allows you to select items from various designer makers and small boutiques based in the UK.  By using this wedding gift list service you will find some amazing products that fit your personal style but also support small creative businesses aswell. 

Creating you guest list is easy and can be done in a matter of minutes on the Not On The High Street website  or you can request an information pack and wedding style book at the click of a mouse. With gifts to suit all pockets I am sure your guests will be delighted to buy such beautiful finds that you can treasure forever.

Some ideas to get you started!

{Potting Shed Designs} {More Than Words} {GiddyKipper}

Now I only wish I was getting married again, to the same man of course, as there are so many beautiful things I would be adding to my giftlist.

DIY Decorations - Paper Rose Wreath

A couple of months ago I discovered a blog that made me go wow! Jones Design Company is an amazing blog full of ideas and inspiration for beautiful things aswell as selling their own fabulously designed prints and products.  I have subscribed to receive updates by email and love the fact that most days I get a little piece of loveliness land in my inbox.  I have also purchased the Emily font, which is available in their shop, well you can never have too many fonts!

Earlier last month Emily had a flower week, full of fabulous projects and designs and today I am going to send you across to Jones Design Company for a fantastic tutorial to make rolled paper flowers that can easily be turned into a wreath or a bouquet.

Rolled Paper Flower Tutorial

Venue - Shakka Zulu

Today I am thrilled that Candice, of Cerendipity Events,  has chosen to share a fabulous venue in thh heart of our capital city that leaves you feeling that you have visited her native South Africa.  I shall now hand over to Candice so that she can tell you more about Shakka Zulu.

You don’t need to be a South African to visit this most staggering and unique venue. And you definitely don’t need to know who Shaka Zulu is either. From the moment you walk in, till the time you leave, you will be blown away by the wow factor. Perfect for a Father’s ‘Braai’ Day (BBQ) that I am lucky to experience this Sunday, and definitely worthy of a stag-do that’s world class! I am so excited ... I just can’t wait!

Shaka Zulu opened in August 2010 and boasts a magnificent statue right outside its front doors ... not to mention the intricate and handmade decal and accessories covering the space inside. You have to visit it to believe it all!

No matter what kind of evening you are after, you will definitely leave there wanting more. From authentic South African food to their nightly entertainment programme which includes live drumming, marimba, African Jazz and live Dj’s to their entertainers dressed head to toe like wild animals found on the plains of Africa much like the costumes from the musical ‘The Lion King’.

About a month ago I attended a corporate event held at Shaka Zulu and I was completely overwhelmed with it all ... From the attention to detail and the courtesy of the staff. The photo’s I landed up with on my phone DON’T do it justice at all! I even got to experience the live drums. Dotted all around the venue are proper African drums all handmade and in all sorts of sizes. The drummers then teach you how to play with almost every person in their drumming a tune by the end of it. (I say almost because depending how many people are in there at any one time, there just may not be enough drums to go around.)

From private dining, to large groups, Shaka Zulu caters for it all. And as one of their managers said: “Talk to us about any kind of event in quiet times like Feb, absolutely. But if you are looking for something in-season then you will pay a lot more.”

http://www.shakka-zulu.com/

020 3 376 9911

reservations@shaka-zulu.com

Stables Market, Camden, NW1 8AB

Inspiration - Daisies

If somebody asked me to choose my all time favourite flower, I think I would have to say daisies.  I know they are fairly plain but in their white and yellow simplicity they are so pretty and brighten any room or occasion.  Today I have put together an inspriation board that works equally well for a wedding or party. Whislt you enjoy all these pretty images I'm off to make daisy chains!

{Cookies} {Snacks} {Hair Decoration}

{Wedding Cake} {Door Wreath} {Cupcakes}

{Headband} {Centrepiece} {Crochet Daisies}

Superhero Party Inspiration

Following on from Viv's superhero gift ideas I thought I would share this superhero party inspiration with you that I stumbled across yesterday.  Fun Favors by Dulce had this fantastic Batman inspiration board on her blog earlier this week and it seemed perfect to share today.

For the whole inspiration board visit

Fun Favors by Dulce

Pow! Zap! Gift Ideas for your Little Superhero



Bespoke Superhero Art Print by Pearl and Earl

 As my little boy nears 3, we're beginning to see a geater desire for imaginative play - currently his favourite is to ask " Mummy, you feel poorly? You unwell , mummy. I make you better". But, one of my favourites is superheroes. I'm not sure what my superpower would be, but I'd say "Pow!", "Zap!" and other cool superhero action words.



"Zap" Baby Shoes by Cream Bun Bakery

 For the littlest superhero, aren't these handmade felt baby shoes just the cutest? There's a whole host of gorgeous felt shoe designs in the Cream Bun Bakery shop, so do check it out.


Glory Mask by iwishiwasa



Super hero Dressing up Cape by Red Berry Apple

I love the riot of primary colours used in these superhero dressing up items and they're sure to inspire hours of fun and imaginative play as your little ones explore their super alter ego.



Splat! T Shirt by Lemon Tree Trading

 For superhero inspired clothing that's more suited to everyday, this t shirt, available with a variety of cartoon exclamations on is just perfect.

Todays post is written by Viv of Poppy Sparkles.

Real party: Aqua and Lime

This morning you are in for a treat as Isa Maria shares her sons third birthday party with us.  The details are fabulous.

Today I'm excited to share my son Joseph's birthday party! He will be three tomorrow and at the weekend we had a small family get together with little handmade touches.

The original inspiration was the film Up which was the theme Joseph requested. He loves the film which is a great story of hope and friendship so I wanted to honour his wishes for an Up theme without having to buy lots of film merchandise.

If you have seen the film you'll know there is a house that gets lifted up in the air by a huge bunch of balloons. My Mum's friend made a house shaped cake with the two main characters from the film out of icing. It turns out she had never seen the film so she only put a couple of balloons instead of the hundreds that were meant to lift the house but Joseph didn't seem to notice.

The rest of the theme was based on balloons with a lime and aqua colour scheme. I used crepe streamers all over the place and attempted a tissue paper pom! I bought some patterned digital paper from Sweet Papers on Etsy and was able to use my circle cutter to make lots of circles out of card. Joseph helped cut them out and passed them to me to thread for garlands which we hung from the balloons. He also helped with gluing them together with a wooden cocktail stick in the middle for cupcake toppers.

 

We had cupcakes in polka dot cases echoing the balloon/circle theme. I also made round sugar cookies which I baked with oven proof lollypop sticks to look like balloons on string. I covered these with Royal icing in pale blue and green and dipped some in round sprinkles.  

 

Favours were mini glassine bags full of jelly babies. Each bag was topped with a patterned circle and stuck on with green gingham Japanese deco tape. We also gave out the balloon cookies wrapped in a food safe bag secured with deco tape and mini bottles of bubbles which also tied in with the balloon theme! I removed the labels and added some more deco tape for decoration.  

I was so easy to add some handmade touches to the day and it didn't take long to put together. Most of the items like the glassine bags, deco tape, circle cutter I had already but you can find similar on Etsy or most craft shops. The digital papers are so versatile.You print them out yourself on either paper or card and can print them as many times as you need. I had plans for paper chains and pinwheels but just didn't have time. The possibilities though are endless!

Supplier Spotlight - Florrie B

Today I would like to welcome Florrie B to The Showcase.  From their studio in Bath they create beautiful products for your home.

The Thomas Chair

Florrie B is very much a family business with much of the wood being sourced from family members and the product range is designed and created as a family business.

Cupcake Noticeboard

But it was Kate who started Florrie B in 2009, naming the business after her daughter, Florence.  Kate continues to handpaint and finish all the products that are sold at various shops throughout the south west of England. 

Teapot Noticeboard

To view more of Florri B's products or to find out more about the company please visit their website

http://www.florrieb.co.uk/

To book your spot in The Showcase please email me

inspiredcelebrations@gmail.com

DIY Decorations - Pinata

More and more of us are seeking out DIY ideas to add that special touch to a party and thankfully there are some fantastic ideas on some of my favourite blogs. Today I am going to send you across to The Sweetest Occasion for a great tutorial to make a pinata for a birthday party.

For the full tutorial to create your own number pinata visit

The Sweetest Occasion

Glemham Hall, Suffolk

Earlier this month I was lucky enough to visit Glemham Hall for the Truly Vintage Wedding Fair.  This was the first vintage wedding fair that Suffolk had hosted and Glemham Hall was the perfect venue for such an occasion.  Set in three hundred acres of glorious Suffolk countryside this impressive Elizabethan Mansion House is the perfect venue for a wedding, christening or celebratory tea party. There are also plenty of beautiful photo opportunities in the grounds of the house, whether you want the magic of the twinkling fairy lights in the yew tunnel or prefer to get that perfect vintage photograpgh in the rose and herbaceous garden.

Glemham Hall offers you exclusive use of the Grand Hall for your civil ceremony, complete with a grand piano for a pianist to play as you walk up the aisle, in front of up to 100 guests.  After your ceremony you and your guests will be able to enjoy afternoon tea or canapes before heading outside to the marquee for your wedding breakfast.

On a beautiful summer afternoon your guests can sip champagne or enjoy a refreshing glass of Pimms on the lawn whislt you are busy with photographs.  The marquee is situated in the gardens and can be decorated to suit your theme and seats up to 200 guests.

The marquee on the day of Truly Vintage Wedding Fair

Having visited Glemham Hall in all its glory I have to admit it is a beautiful venue for a celebration and on a perfect Summers day I would like nothing more than to sit with a picnic and enjoy the peaceful location.

For further details visit Glemham Hall's website

www.glemhamhall.co.uk 

or contact their wedding co-ordinator, Donna Stockley by email

weddings@glemhamhall.co.uk

Colour Inspiration - Pink & Orange

Whilst my colour inspiration boards are aimed at weddings they work so well for other celebrations too.  Todays colour clash would make for a vibrant tropical theme, whether you are having a wedding party back home after marrying abroad or as a theme for a summer charity ball. 

{Ribbon Streamers} {Bellini's} {Invitation} {Beetle}

{Flowers} {Garter} {Flowergirl Dress} {Bridesmaids}

{Invitation} {Cake} {Shoes} {Flowers & Cake}

{Decorations & Cake} {Mugs} {Drinks Bottles} {Table Setting}

Little Nibbles - Shaped Sandwiches

Over the next few weeks I will look at ideas for little nibbles, which may include ideas for a childrens party, a buffet for adults or mini desserts.  With a collection of cookie cutters I reguarly use these to cut sandwiches for my youngest daughter.  This idea works equally well for a party or picnic. Perhaps you could have star shaped sasndwiches for a space themed party or flowers or butterflies for flower fairy theme.  So dig out those cookie cutters and get creative for your childs next birthday party.

{Cars} {Cookie Cutters} {Moons}

{Dinosaurs} {Sandwich bar} {Star}

{Fish} {Teapots} {Animals}

Poppy Sparkles - Bespoke Jewellery + a Gorgeous Giveaway

Today I am excited for regular contributor, Viv of Poppy Sparkles, to share her thoughts on comissioning bespoke jewellery and she also has a fabulous giveaway for Inspired Celebration readers.

Better known for charm style necklaces and Mummy necklaces, celebrating a mum's children with Swarovski brithstone crystals, Poppy Sparkles also offers stunning hand-crafted jewellery, wire-wrapped by hand with sterling silver. Collections with special occasions in mind are beginning to appear on the Poppy Sparkles website, including the new Elegance collection which can be created in any of the multitude of Swarovski crystal colours. Today I'd like to share the bespoke design service offered by Poppy Sparkles.

The beauty of handmade and buying from an independant designer maker is that much of the time any special requests can be accomodated. Jewellery is often given as a gift to bridesmaids, both to wear on the day and as a special keepsake. Personalising your bridesmaids' jewellery is such a lovely way to show your thought, care and appreciation. Adding a simple intial charm or a birthstone crystal to a pearl bracelet, as shown above, makes a classic pearl bracelet even more special. Keeping personalisation subtle in this way also helps ensure that whilst your bridesmaids may have unique personalisation, their jewellery will still match and compliment the overall colour or theme of your wedding.

Rose Quartz Spice Necklace and Turquoise Dreams Earrings by Poppy Sparkles

Swarovski crystal, semi-precious gemstones and other beads come in a vast array of gorgeous colours. It is impossible to showcase all the different combinations. Commissioning a bespoke piece of jewellery is an opportunity to select a custom combination, ideal for those with more unusual wedding colour schemes or want to incorporate more than one or two colours in their jewellery. One of the aspects of jewellery design I love the most is discovering new combinations of colours and materials. I love how particular combinations can ooze a particular mood and how colours change depending on the other shades used with them.

After the wedding dress, bridal jewellery is high on the priority list for brides and rightly so, as well chosen accessories can take the perfect dress to a whole new level. For those wishing to stand out and have something that is quite simply perfectly made for them and their dress, bespoke bridal jewellery is the way to go. The experience of having wedding jewellery handcrafted especially for you is enough to make you feel like a princess, with jewellery designed to perfectly compliment you and your dress you are sure to look the part too.

Commissioning a bespoke piece of jewellery is more accessible than you may think.  At Poppy Sparkles I offer two services - Custom and Bespoke. If you have seen a design that you like, but would like to customise in some way, perhaps choosing alternative colours or substituting part of the design, then my Custom Design service is for you - just contact me with the design and your custom request.

For those who'd like the full works, I offer a Bespoke Design service and will work with you to create a special piece or a complimentary set of jewellery that is perfect for you.

If you mention Inspired Celebration when commissioning a Bespoke necklace or bracelet, you will be entitled to complimentary pair of earrings to the value of £20 until the end of July 2011. For purchases of standard designs from Poppy Sparkles, use code INSPIRED to receive 10% off your purchase until 31st July 2011.

One lucky Inspired Celebration reader will become the owner of some Poppy Sparkles jewellery, handcrafted from Freshwater pearls, Rock Crystal and Swarovski crystal and wire-wrapped by hand using sterling silver wire (with the exception of the hairpins) with a retail value of over £100.

For a chance to win this beautiful set of Bridal Jewellery, comprising of a Y shaped Bridal necklace, matching earrings and a trio of gorgeous bridal Hairpins, you can do a number of things from the list below. For each action to be entered, please leave a SEPERATE comment on this post for EACH action you take, along with a means to contact you.

• Like Poppy Sparkles and Inspired Celebration on Facebook and leave a comment on the Inspired Celebration wall, tagging @poppysparkles and mentioning this Bridal Jewellery giveaway.
• Follow @PoppySparkles_ on Twitter
• Follow @inspircelebrate on Twitter
• Tweet "I've entered to win the Gorgeous Bridal Jewellery Giveway from @poppysparkles_ on @inspircelebrate blog"
• Blog about this giveway with a link back to this post.

Giveaway ends at midnight (GMT) on Friday 24 June 2011

Good luck!