Showing posts with label Gifts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gifts. Show all posts

Sunday, 22 July 2012

Rediscover the Pear

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Rediscover the Pear

When autumn leaves start to fall, nature is at its most glorious. The jewel-like colours of deciduous trees, the crunch of dried leaves underfoot, crisp autumn air and comfortable temperature make outdoors a great place to be.
It’s the last chance for a harvest style celebration before winter, create a rustic mood around the Beurre Bosc pear, the most fleshy, delicate and voluptuous fruit of all.

"Be sure to make the most of fall"

its pleasures are far too short.




Poached pears make a divinely sweet favour for guests and can be home preserved months ahead.
Collect wide mouthed glass jars, cover the lids in chocolate brown paper, secure with cream silk ribbon and finish with a leaf shaped thank you card.



Earthy neutral colours and varying textures create a real picture. Brown pears and honeycomb patterned beeswax candles line up on the cream silk covered raiser box.
The dressy silk contrasts with the brown paper tablecloth. The menus and place cards are cut into pear and leaf silhouettes.



A rich chocolate cake in four square tiers is finished with cascading chocolate leaves, cream satin ribbon and topped with a posy of cream magnolias. A trio of pear and chocolate themed desserts are tempting on the dessert buffet.







The pear and leaf motifs are carried through the stationery suite on the digitally printed invitation and response card. Recycled kraft paper compliments the golden hue of the stationery and is used for the pear silhouette menu and matching envelopes.



Pears are a member of the rose family



A trio of kraft board boxes has been used to wrap a wedding gift, held together with cream satin ribbon.
Magnolia blooms and foliage make a unique bouquet for classic autumnal beauty.

Sunday, 8 July 2012

A Bastille Day Party

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A Bastille Day Party

Jetting to Paris for the honeymoon?
Get in the mood early, enjoy French bliss at the wedding shower.
Pop real champagne, forget calories and think melt in the mouth pastries and the creamiest brie.



Get the Look
Going French at a bridal shower is the next best thing to getting on the Air France jet.
Luckily talented French style pastry chefs have opened pâtiss'eries far and wide so it’s one stop shopping for the most delightful nibbles.



Made in France
Search for inexpensive gifts that were Made in France, they are easy to find in cookware specialists, cosmetics stores and wine shops.



Faire un tabac
(be successful, go over well, be a hit)
Although those girls in Ab Fab knew a thing or two about delicious Bollinger, you don’t have to turn into Patsy to get into the mood; just a flute of pricey real French bubbles is worth every penny.
For the Parisian mood, invest in French music, the superstars like Edith Piaf, Charles Aznevour and Vanessa Paradis will set the scene. Run a Jacques Tati classic film on your plasma with the sound turned down as wallpaper.



Enjoy the Day - Eat Lean Tomorrow
Fromage is French for cheese and the French have cheese all sorted. A collection of delightful creaminess will be a treat to turn into a memory.



We have reduced the price of our archived 2007 magazines. You can download 2007 Issue 1 to Issue 4 (instant access) for $1.95 each or purchase the printed magazines Issue 1 and 4 only (2 and 3 are sold out) for $4.95 each plus postage (Australia Only). Click here for more information.



HOW TO BUILD A FRENCH CHEESEBOARD




•Go to a specialised cheese shop or deli, always buy from a round, not pre cut.

•Allow about 60g of cheese per guest.

•Offer contrasting tastes and textures, soft cheese, hard cheese and blue vein.

•Take the cheese out of the fridge a couple of hours before serving so that it’s at room temperature.

•Put a knife out for each cheese so the flavours don’t mix.

•Add nuts or fruit (fresh or dried) to complement the cheeses.

•Serve with a variety of breads and crackers.




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Wednesday, 11 January 2012

The Tradition of a Trousseau


The tradition of a trousseau is age-old, when a woman began sewing clothes at an early age in anticipation of her marriage. 
The word ‘trousseau’ comes from the French word ‘trousse’ meaning ‘little bundle’. 

While the concept of a trousseau is no longer practical, the idea of shopping for your wedding night and honeymoon is still enduring and relevant. The implication is timeless! New clothes for a new life!

Depending on where your honeymoon is, you might be packing bikinis for the beach or evening dresses for a European escape. Combine fabrics – cashmere, cotton, silk and lace – to create versatility.

Neutral-toned
Pashmina Shawl

For any trousseau and any destination, a few pieces are essential; a lightweight cotton robe, a cashmere twin set, a little black dress with high-heels and a neutral-toned pashmina shawl and black leggings for comfort ease and practicality.


A trousseau encompasses the going away outfit, honeymoon attire and those special pieces of lingerie you may have purchased for your wedding. 


Although it’s unseen by most, your lingerie is actually a very significant part of your trousseau, and should be carefully chosen.
Lingere Shower Invitation
www.polkadotdesign.com

You may like to hold a “Lingerie Party” or “Lingerie Shower” with your friends in the lead up to your wedding. Many Lingerie companies will come to you with a full range and create an evening of entertainment for you and your friends. This can be a fun way to browse lingerie and ensure correct sizing. In most cases the Lingerie company will give the host free goods in return for holding the party!

Have your lingerie fitted
by an expert


Working with experienced Lingerie fitters (plus your friend’s input) can ensure that you find the right lingerie for you. Lingerie can flatter your figure or give you a cleavage that suits your wedding gown, smooth your stomach, back or hips.



It is important to take into account if the lingerie can be seen through your wedding gown as some fabrics can be clingy so something plain but made of silky fabric is a good choice. You should take colour into consideration as well. Neutral colours like apricot or flesh coloured lingerie are less obtrusive under a white wedding gown.


Choose the right bra for your gown!


Depending on the bodice of your wedding gown your choice of bra will be important as you do not want to be adjusting straps all day. Strapped or strapless it is a good idea to wear the bra for a day prior to your wedding to make sure you are comfortable. Taking it to all your fittings can also ensure you have the right lingerie for the day. Most Lingerie fitters are experienced with advising you on the right style for your dress.
 

Another part of your trousseau is the Going Away Outfit. Choose an outfit that looks glamorous and can be worn again, plus matches jewellery and accessories that you may already have. You won’t be able to wear your wedding dress again but your Going Away Outfit can be a reminder of the special day for months or years to come. 

Pre Fall 2012 Collection
www.oscardelarenta.com

Purchasing your Going Away Outfit is a great opportunity to buy something from a designer range such as Oscar De La Renta. Check out all the great outfits from him in his Pre Fall 2012 Collection below:



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Thursday, 14 July 2011

Artistic Flair

Watching a friend getting married is always a very exciting and emotional time. If you're after a gift that is different to any other, something completely unique and personal and something the'll cherish forever it's worth considering an illustration. Specialising in personalized illustrations, Shereen Kahn, will take a photograph and turn it into a piece of art that will be treasured forever. Having studied fashion and currently working in the film industry in the costume department, Shereen draws using pencil, Gauche watercolour, black ink, pastel and charcoal on surfaces of canvas paper, watercolour paper, fabrics or anything that takes your fancy. All Shereen will need from you is a few relevant photographs of the subject, what medium you want the illustration done in, and whether you'd like a side, back or front view. The cost of the illustration can be anywhere from $150 to $350 depending on dress, size and style of drawing so if you'd like to find out more please visit Shereen Khan's Facebook page by clicking HERE.







Posted by Emilie Harrison
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Thursday, 26 May 2011

Last Chance to Win!

If you're keen to get your hands on a set of six hand-blown Dibbern Amber glass tumblers, valued at $135, you still have a chance, thanks to Beclau Homewares. Simply register to receive their newsletter by the 31st May and go into the draw to win! The winner will be announced on the Beclau Homewares facebook and twitter pages so keep your eyes peeled. Good luck! Visit www.beclauhomewares.com.au to register.





Posted by Emilie Harrison
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Sunday, 22 May 2011

Take Me Away

If you're lucky enough to be heading off on your honeymoon (or just a well deserved holiday) luggage tags with all your details are a must. I came across these gorgeous personalised tags on Etsy at the shop HarLex. Handcrafted from cow hide and hand-stitched they would make perfect gifts. Vist Etsy at www.etsy.com or to head straight to HarLex's store clink HERE.


Double sided, hand-stitched personalised luggage tag in nude leather $34.90USD


Set of two personalisd luggage tags in tan leather $52USD


Handmade personalised ring bearer made of leather and both dried and faux flowers in nude leather $63USD

Posted by Emilie Harrison
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Wednesday, 18 May 2011

Bride Barbie

Ok... I. AM. VERY. EXCITED! I grew up with four sisters and we LOVED Barbie. We would spend hours upon hours playing with them, dressing them up, brushing their hair, changing their accessories. It was really a bottomless pit of fun. Still to this day I love Barbie as the thought of her always conjurs up very fond memories of growing up. So, the reason for this post... in conjunction with Barbie Vera Wang, the queen of the wedding gown, has released The Traditionalist Vera Wang Bride Barbie Doll collectors edition. The Dovina gown, as worn by Barbie, features a draped neckline with a shoulder ribbon bow and watercolour gathered skirt with tulle overlay. This is the third and final Barbie Collector doll for Wang so it's sure to be a keen item for collectors. It's available for $159.95USD + P&H. Visit www.barbiecollector.com for details.



Posted by Emilie Harrison
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Monday, 16 May 2011

*Beclau Homewares Competition*

If you're keen to win a set six fabulous hand-blown Dibbern Amber glass tumblers valued at $135, thanks to our friends at Beclau Homewares, simply register to receive their newsletter by the 31st May and go into the draw to win! The winner will be announced on the Beclau Homewares facebook and twitter pages so keep your eyes peeled. Good luck! Visit www.beclauhomewares.com.au to register.





Posted by Emilie Harrison
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Wednesday, 4 May 2011

A, B, C...

A friend of mine pointed out these super cute scrabble pillows and immediately wanted to share. Aren't they the best?! Available from Etsy store Shopdirtsa they are a steal at USD$10 incl. inserts.



Posted by Emilie Harrison
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Wednesday, 20 April 2011

The Gift Table

A big welcome to the new gift registry service on the block, The Gift Table. With an extensive list of brands on offer from Wedgewood, Alessi, Delonghi, Orson & Blake and many many more you will be spoilt for choice when choosing the bits and pieces to include on your registry list. Beside a gift registry service The Gift Table also offer a giving tree service and donation service, making it easier for friends and family to donate to a charity of your choice should that be your wish on your special day. For more infomation on The Gift Table visit www.thegifttable.com.au.


Harlequin polka dot teapot by Wedgewood $129


Espresso fully automatic coffe machine by Delonghi $999


Antwerp dining table by Orson & Blake $1,449.80

Posted by Emilie Harrison
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