Swanky Holiday Party Food!

Saturday we are hosting out "Friends (not family) Christmas Party" and this year instead of a sit-down dinner we're doing a cocktail party with lots of yummy horderves.  I'm trying to keep things somewhat simple so I can still enjoy the party and not be in the kitchen.  I've asked people to bring something to share, be it food or booze, and I'm working on a menu of items that can mostly be prepared ahead of time.  There will of course be the standard cheese platter but I'm still trying to keep the food more interesting and the presentation attractive.  Thankyou Pinterest for once again providing some inspiration on that front!

Happy Friday! + BHLDN Fall preview

This popped up an many major wedding blogs yesterday!  BHLDN had an insider launch party for the release of their Fall 2011 collection (for sale next month) and I've scoured the web to bring you the best photos from it!  Their new collection features a lot more evening gowns, party dresses and accessories, many with a 1920's Boardwalk Empire vibe.  The frequent and heavy use of feathers also solidifies the feather trend that's been much talked about but little seen until now. We still see black accents, blush and champagne are also still going strong but they've also introduced some muddy autumn tones that give a more authentic vintage feel.  All and all a beautiful collection! 

Images via 100 Layer Cake

My only criticism, that wrap is really similar to a famous Valentino design!

Above images via Brooklyn Bride

Above images via Une Vie Geniale

Above images via Tick Tock Vintage

Scenes From Last Monday: ForeverTV Party!

So last Monday we were super happy to be attending a red carpet event at the Guthrie thrown by ForeverTV for Twin Cities wedding industry professionals!   What can I say?  We had a blast!  I attended the swanky affair with my husband (& Laura Whitney Couture's web guru) Dylan and our good friend Holly.  Of course we HAD to arrive in style so we took the Comet which is always fun especially when you're fabulously dressed!  So Dylan, in his ultra cool vintage tuxedo and I, in my red bombshell dress, swung over to pick up Holly and then were off the the big event.

When we arrived we walked the red carpet and headed inside.  ForeverTV host Amanda Day was outside filming an episode, interviewing several of the guests.  Once inside, the party started without hesitation.  If you've never been, the interior of the Guthrie is seriously posh!  We're talkin' swank-tastic!  Several talented bartenders were serving up cocktails & well dressed waiters carried around trays of nibbles while a DJ pumped out surprisingly good beats.  If you were elsewhere in Minneapolis that night wondering "where da honey's at?" it was because all the beautiful people were at this event!  And it didn't take long before my guys Matt & Jacob from Traveling Photo Booth Co. found me!  (Don't tell but I cheated on them with another photo booth that night!  Shhh!)  Mid-party ForeverTV's Amanda Day and the shows producer Charles Even Eide stood up to speak and to thank everyone for attending.  They were certainly the gracious hosts whom I had a chance to meet later in the evening outside on the endless bridge.  Besides seeing old friends and meeting new ones, this was just an all around fun event to attend.  There were a lot of very cool things like live mannequins, a candy bar, beautiful table displays, Miss Minnesota was in attendance, there was dancing and of course great people watching!   All in all, a great time!

Happy Birthday to ME!

Yay!  It's my birthday!  Okay so I'm not actually doing anything spectacular today and it's a pretty normal work day meeting with a couple clients and so forth.  I'll be celebrating with my friends in my home town on Saturday!  But in the theme of birthdays, I thought I post some of my favorite DIY birthday invitations and decorations!   There are so many out there that are super clever and cute!  Enjoy!

 

DIY tissue paper fringe garlands by Oh Happy Day!

DIY bunting with baby photos by The Sweetest Occasion

Mini bunting birthday card by HowAboutOrange

Fabulous Fringe garlands via Design Sponge

Paper garland by Hank + Hunt

Amazing fringe branch mobile by Confetti Systems!

Another Via Confetti Systems!  These guys are pros.

Happy Friday + Happy New Year!!!

Woot!  It's New Years Eve!   For me, that means I get to go to a big party and dance 'til I drop!   For one of the brides I've been working with, it's her wedding day!  She's getting married at the beautiful Milwaukee depot in Minneapolis at midnight!  I've been working with her over the past couple months and did custom design bolero jackets for her and her five bridesmaids.  She's promised to send me some pictures and I can't wait to see them and post them here!  

While New Years Eve is obviously a time of celebration, it's also a time to reflect on the past year.  I have found myself thinking about what my goals were a year ago for Uptown Urban Craft, and how those have changed in the ebb and flow of 365 days.  I feel like I have a better understanding of what works and what doesn't, what I enjoy working on and what I really don't.  I've been trying to answer hypothetical questions like, "If finances didn't matter, what would I spend my time doing?" or "If I had to narrow my business to one thing, what would that be?" and "In an ideal world I would spend all my time doing _______".   In answering these questions I've made some new goals (or resolutions, har har!) for myself and for Uptown Urban Craft.  I won't say much at the moment since my brain is still tinkering though things but I can announce now that I will be phasing out the baby/toddler line of Uptown Urban Craft.  There will still be some new items added to the website and Etsy shop but only for the next 6 months or so. 

Okay, enough serious stuff!  It's almost party time, and with that in mind here are some inspiring images that represent the word "celebrate"!   Enjoy and have a very very happy new year!

...And I couldn't talk about celebrating life without including a little "Auntie Mame"! 

 

Of course if you party too hard you'll have to be carried up the stairs...

And put to bed in your best Channel.