Today’s HWTM post over at Real Simple… a Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Centerpiece idea so that you have more time to spend in that kitchen! *wink*

P.S. Need to make a bunch of them? Check out these glass 3-Tier Servers from IKEA for $14.99 each!

We did a local news segment yesterday on pink party ideas for National Breast Cancer Awareness month and one of the ideas I shared was the Pink Ribbon Trio centerpiece posted earlier this month.

I wanted to try something a little different with it this time and was excited about the results, so we took a few pictures last night to share with you…

Instead of pink hydrangea and pink roses, a little tropical flair was incorporated with pink protea and papyrus leaves, which is the cool almost palm-tree-looking greenery pictured here. It’s really inexpensive too – I paid $3.50 for a bunch of 5, and they’re huge! Check out the cool view from the top:

Amazing that they come like this naturally – it almost looks like something that was created by a floral artist…

Fluffy white chynna mums and pink roses were also used… I wanted to keep a few roses in the arrangements to help coordinate this centerpiece with the Pink Ribbon Tree centerpiece, which was also featured yesterday as part of the Pink Dessert Buffet. (I tried a few new things there too – more on that later!)

Overall, this is just a little demonstration of how versatile this centerpiece is and I want to encourage you to get creative with it and make it your own – both from the pattern of the scrapbook papers to the types of flowers used.

If you’re throwing a pink party to show your support for a loved one battling breast cancer or to celebrating with them after they’ve beaten it, it’s a great idea to try to incorporate their favorite types/style of flowers (if they come in shades of pink or white) and really personalize it especially for them.

For complete step-by-step details on this centerpiece idea, visit the earlier Pink Ribbon Trio Centerpiece post.

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As someone whose personal taste leans much more contemporary than country, finding great autumn/harvest-themed decorating ideas with a modern vibe can seem like a difficult task sometimes… which is why I’m feeling especially grateful for all these gorgeous ideas from BHG and Sunset.

These looks are still warm & inviting, but they also have a fresh, chic feel that the modernists can appreciate too! I’m really feeling this Yellow & Gold color palette for a contemporary twist on the Thanksgiving table this year…

And this primarily Red and Orange palette is lovely too…

Pictured at top: various favorites from the Pretty Pumpkins for Fall slideshow on BHG.com. How darling are the pumpkin place cards?! You can easily recreate that look at home using short pieces of extra-wide fabric ribbon (or card stock) and bamboo skewers for the “flag”.

What are some of YOUR favorite contemporary fall decorating ideas?

In continuation of the Pink Party series, here’s another centerpiece idea that’s both simple & chic. Swap out your favorite flowers and paper patterns to customize this idea for your own party!

Here are all the DIY details… *****

PINK RIBBON TRIO Centerpiece

You’ll Need:
Glass cylinder vases in 3 different heights
Decorative pink papers in 4-5 different patterns
Rhinestone word stickers (optional)
¼” pink fabric ribbon
Pink Flowers (enough for all 3 vases)
Tape & Double-stick tape
Scissors or Paper Cutter

Directions:
Trim 3 different patterns of paper to a height that matches each of the 3 vases, then wrap each vase completely. Use tape to secure the first edge, then double-stick tape to secure the outer edge of the wrap to create a clean seam.

Next, trim a different, contrasting strip of paper to place on top of the first layer of each vase. The top layer should be anywhere between ¼ – ½ the height of the first layer. Line the edge created between the 2 layers of paper with the light pink ribbon.

Next, add the flowers. We used a small potted pink hydrangea plant for the tall vase and tight bunches of bright pink roses for the shorter vases.

Finally, add the rhinestone word stickers (optional), as well as a small pink ribbon symbol to the top of the tallest vase.

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Shopping Resources:
Rhinestone word stickers – in-store at Michaels
Pink Ribbon – in-store at Michaels
Pink Scrapbook Papers – Anna Griffin Peyton Collection

Florist websites are such a great place to look for centerpiece inspiration – especially when they’re as creative and visionary as Floral Art! This Los Angeles-based company has an impressive events & weddings portfolio, but my favorite part of their website is The Flower Bar….

On The Flower Bar, you can search the most artistic & gorgeous flower arrangements by style, type of flowers, or color. Planning a sunny yellow wedding? Want to see some cool ideas for getting creative with hydrangea? Browse away! Here’s a screenshot:

I love Floral Art’s use of creative containers too – like these oversize brandy glass and zen bowl arrangements… lovely ideas for low table centerpieces.

The vision glass arrangements are very cool too… interesting florals are displayed almost like works of art:

A few more personal favorites pictured below (clockwise from top left): Wave Glass Arrangement, Lemon Kiss (featuring a vintage wallpaper-wrapped vase), Simply White, and Bed of Bamboo.

Feel inspired yet? I sure do! …especially by the gorgeous Autumn Trough Arrangement (3rd arrangement, top pic, above). How pretty would something like that be on a modern Thanksgiving table?! Hmmm….

P.S. All of The Flower Bar arrangements are also available for purchase & delivery to the LA area.

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is right around the corner, we’ve got some new “Pink Party” ideas coming your way!

Maybe you know someone that’s walking in the 3-day & wants to celebrate afterwards, are planning some sort of fundraiser yourself, or want to host a little get together for a very deserving someone. Whatever the reason – this is obviously an important topic that affects the lives of so many people in one way or another, all throughout the year.

So, first up is this Pink Ribbon Tree Centerpiece. This was a really fun piece to put together, and you can definitely tailor this project to other occasions as well! (i.e. silver & white for a Winter Wonderland party, orange and black for Halloween, and so on…)

Read on for all the DIY details…

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You’ll Need:
Cube vase (approx 6-7″ wide)
Decorative pink papers in 2 different patterns
Pink Roses (approx 14 – 18)
Floral Foam Wet (2 bricks)
1-2 Manzanita branches (we used one 18″ and one 24″)
Pink spray paint
light pink ribbon (we used 1/8” &  1/4”)
Adhesive-backed pink rhinestones
Rhinestone word sticker (your choice)

Directions:
1. Spray-paint the Manzanita branch(es) pink and let dry thoroughly.

2. Soak the floral foam bricks, then trim them to a size that will fit securely within the vases. Add extra pieces to the vase if necessary to create a tight fit. (There should be a little extra space between the top of the vase and where the foam starts.)

3. Trim decorative paper to the same height as the cube vase, then cover the vase completely, securing with tape or another invisible adhesive. If you’re using 12″ scrapbook sheets, you may need to use 2 strips of paper. Cut a contrasting strip of paper for the top of the vase (approx 1.5” wide), and set it aside for later.

4. Insert the pink Manzanita branch(es) into the foam, making sure they are secure and can easily stand up on their own.

5. Trim rose stems to just a few inches long, and remove all leaves & visible greenery. Insert the roses into the foam, starting along the outer edge of the vase and working your way towards the center. Use remaining roses to fill in any gaps. Make sure that all of the floral foam is covered by roses.

6. Add the 1.5” strip of decorative paper to the top of the vase, positioned so that it covers the top edge of the vase and the bottom of the roses.

7. Tie short pink ribbons all over the branches. Decorate the ends of the skinnier 1/8” ribbons with rhinestones by adhering 2 same-sized rhinestones back-to-back on each ribbon end.

8. Finally, add rhinestone word sticker to the front of the arrangement. You can also use chipboard letters or feature a picture of the guest of honor in place of the rhinestones… personalize it however you wish!

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There were 2 main types of centerpieces at last month’s French Circus Baby Shower – “feather trees” and an “eclectic groupings”, and today I’m going to cover the DIY details for the feather trees. These are actually one of my favorite types of centerpieces to make – and they’re surprisingly quick & easy! I used a smaller version of these at the Hip Hostess New York event last year, but since this party was outdoors in a bigger space, we opted for a larger feather plumes & taller vases this time so that they’d still make a strong visual impact within the setting.

In the centerpieces pictured here, we used 19-23″ ostrich plumes and 28″ eiffel tower vases, then embellished the centerpieces with ribbon and cool acrylic strands pulled from a “Hoops Beaded Curtain“, which was also used to decorate the cabana area. (only $19.99 per curtain – and one goes a long way!)

To help combat the surprisingly strong wind factor in the backyard setting, we used “earthquake gum” to secure each feather tree to a decorative “base” made from an acrylic silver charger plate with translucent aqua vase gems hot-glued all the way around the edge. The vase gems matched the party’s color palette and added a substantial amount of weight to the plate.

Here are all the DIY details for the feather trees:

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You’ll Need:
19″-23″ Ostrich Plumes (approx 20 – 25 per tree *see note)
Straight Stem Bouquet Holder
Eiffel Tower Vase – (24″ or 28″ height)
glue dots, earthquake gum, or similar other type of adhesive

Optional Embellishments:
Ribbon
Hoops Beaded Curtain (or similar)

DIRECTIONS:
1. Insert the feather quills into the foam bouquet holder to create a “palm tree like” look, starting at the bottom of the holder and working your way up to the top.  (You may need to trim some of the quills if they seem to be a little long and start to run into each other when inserted.) The best thing about this centerpiece is that it’s so easy to adjust. If it looks too full/empty in one particular area, just keep moving things around until you’re happy with the look. When you’re done, give the holder a little shake to make sure all of the feathers are secure and to help fluff them up.

2. Decorate the vase with ribbon (optional).  Wrapping ribbon in a diagonal direction from the bottom to the top of the vase gives it a fun “candy stripe” look that’s perfect for circus themes (or holiday!).

3. Insert the stem of the bouquet holder into the Eiffel Tower Vase so that the feathers sit on top to form the “tree”. Use glue dots, earthquake gum, or another gummy adhesive to help secure the bouquet holder to the vase. This is especially important on this size of a centerpiece, because the top can get pretty heavy due to the large size of the feathers.  If your party is outside, I definitely recommend using a strong adhesive to help combat any wind that might pick up!

4. Embellishments (optional): Pull a piece of the Hoops Beaded Curtain or a similar decorative element to hang from the feathers. The Hoops strands are so light , they can easily hang from one of the individual feathers, so we were able to hang them a few inches away from the vase so that they were more visible. (If you’re using a heavier element like a crystal ornament, you may need to hang it directly from the top edge of the vase.)

*Note: It’s MUCH more cost effective to purchase the large ostrich plumes by the pound. You’ll get approx 110 pieces for $190, which is enough feather for 5 centerpieces, as opposed to paying $80-$94 for 20-25 individual feathers for just one centerpiece. These centerpieces aren’t exactly inexpensive, but when you compare them to the cost of a traditional flower arrangement or large-scale event or wedding centerpiece, they still come in well under the standard price, especially when done in bulk! PLUS, you can re-use the feathers over & over… or lend to friends, etc. =)

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Some of the feather trees at the party were grouped with additional decor – such as small framed signs & the candlestick arrangement pictured above.  (The white candleholder is from Z Gallerie, and it’s topped with a funky melamine zebra salad plate from Social Couture and a fish-shaped Mini GurglePot from Delight.com.)

DIY details on centerpiece #2 coming soon!

Last week was a bit of a light posting week because I was pretty much consumed with last minute details for the Swiffer SocialLuxe Lounge - the “pampering party” kick-off for BlogHer ‘09 that I co-hosted with 5 other bloggers in Chicago last Thursday…which ended up attracting over 500 guests!

My main responsibility for the event was the party decor & room set-up. The set up became just a tad stressful when we decided to move to a larger room – with a completely different layout of course – the day before the party :0 We had to rent lounge furniture and a zillion power strips & extension cords to accommodate all the vendor & beauty station needs, but in the end the new space worked out great – blessing in disguise!

For the floral centerpieces, I wanted to do something with a “spa” feel that was impactful, yet simple to put together, since I had to do all of the arranging at the venue itself. (Here’s the inspiration board that I worked from, as seen in an earlier post.) There were 2 different styles of arrangements, and 2-3 color variations within each style.

ProFlowers shipped in tons of gorgeous mokara & dendrobium orchids, white hydrangea stems, and ti leaves. I purchased the sandblasted manzanita branches, curly willow, tall pilsner vases, ceramic vases, and dahlias at a local Chicago floral supply. (I’ll do a step by step breakdown of both of the centerpieces in another post – they’re honestly super easy!) Crystal ornaments and rhinestone word stickers (purchased at Michaels) were used to embellish each arrangement and add a bit of glam.

Framed signs with phrases like “Hello, Gorgeous!”, “Say Cheers to Cocktail Hour”, and “Yes, I do deserve to be pampered… obviously!”, sat on tables throughout the party.

I used the same stock image of the girl in curlers on the custom Jones Soda bottles that we made for the event (pictured in the top image). I liked her goofy attitude. =)

More info to come soon… in the meantime you can see more pics on the SocialLuxe Lounge Photostream over on flickr, which were uploaded LIVE from the party courtesy of Eye-Fi! (Most of the decor shots are on the last pages, since they were mainly taken before the party started.)

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P.S. After the past few large-scale events that I’ve done this summer – I have even more respect than ever for wedding & event planners – so a quick shout-out to all of you!

It’s amazing how much problem solving has to be done on the fly when it comes to events… between the wind blowing our centerpieces over at Tisha’s shower last weekend to the last-minute room change, step & repeat banner/stands not arriving in time (Hello, Kinkos at midnight!), and several other “road blocks” with this one – I’m really getting some use out of the thinking cap at these parties. So MAJOR props to those of you that do this stuff all the time!

Everyday with Rachael Ray just launched a brand new website – click here to check it out!

While browsing this morning, I spotted a few fabulous centerpiece ideas that look especially perfect for occasions like bridal showers & grown-up birthday parties. Here goes:

1. Bag It - made from cut-up plastic grocery & shopping bags; 2. Spool Days (LOVE this one!); 3. Tiny Baubles – designed by Project Runway finalist Daniel Vosovic; 4. In Living Color - design guru Christiane Lemieux, who also happens to be the founder of the fabulous DwellStudio.

The first time I stumbled upon the Mints Design website, it was love at first sight! If you’re looking for floral design inspiration that’s seriously beyond the basics and elevated to what really feels like an “artistry” level – get ready!  There’s so much visual eye candy over at Mints – from their stunning events & weddings portfolio to their gorgeous retail arrangements to the Mints Blog. Swoon…

Images from just one of their portfolio events are featured here to give you an example of their style. This “Citrus Meringue Cupcakes” wedding felt especially appropriate today with summer approaching and the weather warming up outside!

Check out the Mints event gallery to view lots more gorgeous and inspiring image like this in a variety of themes and color palettes!