Freddy & Ma

Ok so normally our posts have nice little collages but this was a spur of the moment find that I HAD to tell you about. You can customized bags, pillows and other items for your bridal party at http://www.freddyandma.com/ . It is my new favorite for having that added touch to coordinate your day with your bridal party, but also ends up being something they may use in the future.

Paper

So you have been married for almost a year. The holidays are over but what do you get for that one year anniversary. The traditional gift is paper, but how do you translate that into something modern and not tacky? Well, if your partner a sports fanatic one great gift idea is a laminated visual from http://www.laminatedvisuals.com/ - this will allow them the best of both worlds an awesome gift but also something for the sports room.

If your partner isn't much of a sports buff you can try the website listed below for other creative gifts.

http://www.personalcreations.com/











Or if you are a crafty individual then check out this website for a more personal touch!

http://www.paperarts.com

Merry Christmas! Happy Kwanzaa! Merry Chanukah!

Whatever your flavor may be we wish you the best. We know these times don’t slow down the parties you may hold and you have lots of gifts to give so we have listed some simple ways to create an inexpensive, but festive décor. These can work from the dinner table to the most festive soiree.

Here are our top 5 festive ideas with places to buy them:
1. Festive Colorful Linens (www.amazon.com)
2. Ornaments – these can be used as a centerpiece alone or stacked neatly in a vase (Local Dollar Store)
3. Vases – these inexpensive glass vases, when adding fruit, ornaments or event candles make a very festive table setting (http://www.dollartree.com/floral-decor/vases-bowls-containers/202c203c203/index.cat)
4. Food – setting out plates of decorated cookies or fruit always helps to add a warm & inviting touch especially when arranged nicely – you can always add flecks of gold for an added warmth effect (http://www.ediblegold.com/)
5. Mirrors, gift boxes and homemade snowflakes end our list of festive but inexpensive ideas, but remember all that matters is that you have fun and enjoy your time because in the long run people are more likely to remember the fun they had rather than what things look like

Take care & have a Happy Holiday!

Love,
Tiffani & Heather

Jelly Balls aka Crystal Soil®

So reading the title you have to say "HUH? What are we talking about?" This is the new way to make your floral arrangement a little more eye grabbing. These jelly balls otherwise known as crystal soil are a polymer, you first add water (pure water is recommended) and the balls will store the water releasing it to either your cut flowers or your houseplants. It is suggested that you add water the night before your event (give at least 8-12 hours) or you can add boiling water to the crystals/balls allowing them to absorb the water faster. These balls also come in a variety of colors and can be used very decoratively and you can even safely incorporate candles into the arrangement. The Crystal Soil® brand is 100% non-toxic and biodegradable, can last up to one year and it breaks down after its useful working life to water, carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen. These can be found at local craft stores such as Joann’s. For more information or to order some for your next event here are some websites where you can find them.

http://www.crystalsoil.com/

http://www.komatsuchemical.com/

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=crystal+soil&x=0&y=0

Up-lighting

So you want to set the mood with beautiful up-lighting but you are on a tight budget. What better than to use candles. There are so many different colors, sizes and patterns you can get candles in that it will be a great “extra” for your next event. Just remember you don’t want to get candles that are too scented as this can overpower the room or even the meal. Also if your venue will not allow open flames there are many types of inexpensive battery powered lighting options now, and they even look legit. We have given you some examples of how they can make your event look amazing, as well as links to inexpensive options.

http://www.batteryoperatedcandles.net/tea-lights.html

http://www.100candles.com

http://www.candle4less.com/

http://www.quickcandles.com/Votive-Candles-s/1.htm

Dipped Delicacies!

It is time for all of those holiday parties to take place so what better than to show up with some amazing treats. How do you make your standard cookies, fruit tray and other scrumptious treats extra special? CHOCLATE!!! Why not cover your fruit, marshmallows, pretzels and everything else you can think of in chocolate! If you are too afraid of the mess you could make then just grab some store bought icing and top with fun sprinkles. Below are a few links to making some chocolate covered delicacies.

http://video.about.com/candy/Fudge-Dipped-Marshmallows.htm

http://video.about.com/candy/Caramel-Candy-Apples.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_4007_make-nutty-chocolate.html

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/pretzel-sparklers

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

So you are having people over for thanksgiving and you want to make a good impression. So here are a few simple tips to make your table look amazing.

1. Scatter a few small pumpkins or gourds on your table.
2. Take small potted mums they run only a couple of dollars and put them on your table plain or insert the pot into a pumpkin.
3. Get color coordinated linens - they can mismatch or be one consistent holiday color. The closer to thanksgiving you purchase these (especially orange ones which are utilized for Halloween) they will be less expensive.
4. Get a few warm toned candles, if you want to be practical find something you can utilize in another room once the dinner party is over - an inexpensive candle base can be found at your local hardware store where they have warm toned tiles that can range from $0.15-$5.00 a piece.
5. If you can't find a cornucopia then any basket will do, just fill with your favorite holiday décor or even some rolls.

As always nothing completes a table more than delicious food and being surrounded by family. So have a Happy Thanksgiving!
-hnt Events & Design

Zoku Quick Pop Maker

Ok so you have an event you want something totally unique, so make your own popsicles. This awesome new invention was created by a team including a local Ohioan. This takes the time out of making popsicles by making them freeze quickly and allows you to have something special for your party. You can mix and match flavors and ingredients allowing it to be fun for kids and adults. Also if you are looking for a great gift idea for your guests this is something anyone would enjoy taking home. Follow the link below to order and view a complete overview of how it works!

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/fd688/?pkey=ccooks-tools-new

Bins, Bins, Bins!

You go to work, you go out with your friends, and you spend time with your family in your extra time. You try to work out and stay healthy and then if you have any time left you think about cleaning. Ugh, cleaning because that is the last thing you want to do in your spare time. So what can you do to make it easy on yourself? Stay organized! What makes it easy to stay organized? BINS, BINS & MORE BINS! These can be of Rubbermaid nature and you can apply your own design with numerous different types of stickers and decals. There are many light wooden bins you can cover in coordinating cloth and paint colors, and even fabric, tin and woven bins. Either way you are keeping yourself organized which then allows more time for important things. You can find bins just about anywhere from Wal-Mart to your local craft store. Listed below are a few links to websites that house ideas for different finishes you can utilize when customizing your bins so they may coordinate with your needs and décor.

http://www.dezignwithaz.com/
http://www.designerstencils.com/
http://www.weegallery.com/wallgraphics.html

Are you looking for a twist on a tradition, a very memorable ceremony or reception, and do you have a fun group of friends in your wedding party? These videos may have inspiration for you. I don't think anyone will forget these memorable weddings... (They do not need much explanation). Enjoy!

Ode to the traditional processional:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0

A little surprise for the bride and groom from the wedding party:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjofUm69ocI&feature=related

The new couple surprises everyone:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFZwHXCvjBc

Make sure you have time to choreograph the dance, and everyone can participate. If you choose to do this, it may be a good idea to at least inform your videographer, or make sure a friend will video the entire performance for you. You WILL want to show this video to your children someday. :)


"Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. Love like you've never been hurt and live like it's heaven on Earth."

-Mark Twain

PICKING THE RIGHT ACCESSORY

We have all seen pictures of those brides that we have to say “SERIOUSLY!” So what accessories do you want to utilize for your day that you won't regret every time you look at your picture. Here are a few good ideas and one really bad idea. Make sure the piece is a classic, something more natural and something you feel you could incorporate in your daily attire. Try not to pick just the latest trend as these come and go, and you are more likely to regret it in the long run. If you look like Little Bo-Peep and it is not a costume party then we suggest not making a fool of yourself. Whether the accessory is permanent, like a tattoo or just a fancy umbrella to shade you from the sun; as long as you rock it with confidence you will look amazing.

Make a statement with SHOES!

Ok so you are excited for your big day, you have your gorgeous flowers, but what about when you set those down. It is up to you and your beautiful white dress. This works for many however there are those out there who feel this just isn’t enough for their big day so what do they do…..

Add a POP of color with vibrant shoes!

It can be an inexpensive route to making your wedding attire a little more festive, and tying in your favorite color or even to complete your need for something blue. Just find some colorful shoes! Your husband can even join in the fun and get some coordinating colored shoes there are many men’s brands out there that make shoes in a variety of colors. So happy shoe hunting!

The Perfect Dress

Jennifer's wedding day was fast approaching. Nothing could dampen her excitement -- not even her parents' nasty divorce. Her mother had found the PERFECT dress to wear and would be the best dressed mother-of-the-bride ever!


A week later, Jennifer was horrified to learn that her father's new young wife had bought the exact same dress! Jennifer asked her to exchange it, but she refused. "Absolutely not.? I look like a million bucks in this dress, and I'm wearing it," she replied.


Jennifer told her mother who graciously said, "Never mind sweetheart, I'll get another dress. After all, it's your special day."


A few days later, they went shopping and did find another gorgeous dress.
When they stopped for lunch, Jennifer asked her mother, "Aren't you going to return the other dress?? You really don't have another occasion where you could wear it."


Her mother just smiled and replied, "Of course I do, dear. I'm wearing it to the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding."


NOW I ASK YOU - IS THERE A WOMAN OUT THERE, ANYWHERE, WHO WOULDN'T ENJOY THIS STORY????

With our recent success of having a slide-show playing during both a reunion and wedding we thought it would be helpful to show you how to create a slide-show for your next event!

Pictures are a great way to relive the past and make your event more light hearted with some whimsical photos. So you have your pictures you have scanned them and they are now sitting on your computer so what's next?

There are different resources such as Snapfish or Shutterfly that allow you to upload your photos and then to purchase a disk which you can pick up at local stores such as Target or your local Drug or Grocery Store.

Here is another way with out having to leave your computer. Once you have the entire image in a file you can find an application on your computer called Movie Maker here is how you do it.

Go to C:\Documents and Setting\Admin\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft
and open up the application on your computer.

Or

Go to http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/moviemaker2.mspx where you can find instructions on how to download.

Once you have the program loaded & open you can then:

- Upload your photos
- Edit your movie (By adding video effects, transitions and creating title/credit slides)
- Then you can save it to your computer to replay or save it on a DVD

If you have any questions just Google, there are tons of sites providing assistance allowing you to be your own Film Maker.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Ok so we wouldn't be able to continue to host amazing events with out constant creativity and inspiration & although we want you checking out our blog I have to tell you about this blog dedicated to those Halloween/Fall Addicts (like me!!) It is called Lolli Blog & you can check it out at http://www.ilovelolliblog.com/

Happy Haunting
hnt Events & Deign

Cake toppers, like anything else for your wedding, are completely personal. Whether you choose the traditional bride and groom or a monogram letter or a motorcycle hunk and babe, the sky is the limit. With more and more wedding variety to choose from these days, the cake topper can say a lot about the couple. Even if you choose to go with cupcakes, mini toppers are available. They can cost an arm and a leg, but others can be found for very affordable prices, and even made by your cake decorator. Whether you want the cake simple or extremely extravagant you can always use flowers real, artificial or made from sugar to showcase the top of your cake. You may not want to choose a topper that is too over the top, and instead choose something that will compliment your cake rather than steal the cakes thunder. Besides the bride, the cake is the center of attention, so make it grand. Remember, this is your day – make it how you want to… let your personality as a couple shine through in these extra details.

Colorful Drinks

So you have decided what your bridesmaids will wear, you color coordinated your bouquet, the centerpieces and all of the party favors BUT WAIT!!! You’re missing one extra fun thing for your event the drinks. Everyone can go up & order something fun but why not find coordinating drinks and make that your signature drink. They can be served during cocktail hour or all night long. Check out these drinks we thought looked great & start deciding what you can serve to liven up your party. There is a website called www.drinksmixer.com you can type in a color & it will bring up all drinks coordinating with that color. Don’t forget these extra special mixes are an easy way to get everyone talking about the creativity of your event!

I'm Legal!!!! If you would like to be married in the State of Ohio I am now legalized to solemnize marriages. If you would like to be married out of the state please just let me know & I will see what it takes. Thanks!

Tiffani of hnt Events & Design
hntevents@yahoo.com

The Right Photographer

I love taking pictures of just about everything but relying on just anyone for the pictures for your special event is a big NO NO. Although your event will be filled with memories, having the pictures from it will help everyone to relive the glory days. So those little extra favors you had or that great dance or speech will be ingrained not only in your memory but in the photo album that sits on your desk taking you back to that moment. There are wide varieties of photographers and not all of them have to cost an arm and a leg. We have listed a few below we find are excellent photographers but doing a Google search in your area for photographers can also help so you can find that one that suites your needs & artistic style.

Click on the image above to read a great story about truths in a relationship.

A new trend, cupcakes vs the traditional wedding cake. This year brought to light a new idea of using cupcakes to replace the traditional tiered wedding cake. The cupcakes are a great alternative for expense conscious and DIY brides, either making the cupcakes from scratch, or dressing up grocery store cupcakes. Not only do these mini cakes cost much less than the larger tiered cousin, but it is much easier for a bride or helper to create these mini masterpieces at home. The cupcakes can be made up to three weeks before the wedding, kept in an air tight container and kept in the freezer. Take them out eight hours before the reception time, so they can thaw to serving temperature. Many bakers have caught on to this trend, and will also be able to create these for you. Keep in mind the baker may charge you for all decorations added to the cupcake. They view these cakes as very time consuming since they have to decorate each separately, vs the larger canvas of a traditional cake.

Personally, we do like the cupcakes as an alternative for many reasons: you may be able to have many more flavors of cupcakes for your guests to choose from instead of the uni-flavor wedding cake, these mini delectables can be used as favors as well, this is an easy DIY project, and the cost savings is significant (either DIY or from a bakery). A couple doesn't have to stick with just the cupcakes, and can opt to have a small cake to use to cut into for the cake cutting ceremony.
If you are worried that you will not be able to decorate the cupcakes as you would a traditional cake, don't worry. Since this trend has caught on, an explosion of decorations for these treats has emerged as well... you may purchase mini bride/groom toppers for you cupcakes, or even match the liners to your wedding, from fondant hearts to flowers, you may add as many details to the cupcakes as desired. There are also many different display options, from flat tiers to image a traditional cake, to fun stands to showcase the mini art pieces, and even standard display plates.
The type of wedding you decide to have may play a role in the decision of cake vs cupcakes. If you are going for a more sophisticated, black tie, event - the traditional cake may be the better option. If you are choosing to have a more relaxed reception, the cupcake will fit in perfectly. Although, cupcakes can be dressed up and down no matter what type of wedding you plan to have. Regardless, there is something childlike and fun about unwrapping a cupcake, and that memory will last with your guests for a long time.

Remember, this is your wedding - customize it to fit the two of you as a couple.

As we develop our services we have began our home organization sector.

So why is home organization important?

Being organized helps you to have a clear work space, allows for you to be organized, on top of your game, and decreases stress levels. All of these lead to a more peaceful life.

So here are some tips to help keep your environments organized:

1. Look at the daily paths you take. If there is a place you often tend to dump miscellaneous items put a container there as a catch all and go through it at least every other month.
2. Take 3 minutes a day to clean up and it decreases the length of strenuous cleaning you have to do when you leave it to all pile up, and who really loves strenuous cleaning?
3. By assigning tasks this eliminates a feeling of being overwhelmed so begin by making sure everyone is allocated a reasonable amount of tasks.
4. If you have kids make sure you are being a role model and spend the same amount of time cleaning, if you do this simultaneously they will feel like an equal and you will get greater results from your children.

Begin with these tips and you will begin to prioritize your tasks easily and if you are still struggling just call hnt events! (Check out our pictures for our most recent project)

Why a Candy Table Works!

Why a Candy Table Works!

How exciting is it to go to an event get a little favor to only be bummed when you realize you are going to pitch it the minute you walk out the door. So what should you do to combat your guest from doing this? Create a candy table! Just about everything & anything you can think of is an acceptable type of candy and that is why it makes setting up a candy table a fun and exciting favor. You can color coordinate with your event or just pick your favorites. You can even get sugar free candy. Guests can then select what types of candy they like and they do not have to be stuck with anything they do not like. Check out these ideas and by adding a note you put that a special touch in creating a personalized favor!

hntevents@yahoo.com

For those of you interested in having us host your next event contact us at hntevents@yahoo.com - Here is a preview of our work!

We have done it! Our site is about a month from being complete, we have a blog & we have completed our first events & have 2 more on the way! I cant wait to show everyone pictures!! Please feel free to leave inspiration & ideas we always love to see what quirky way you have made your wedding have that little extra touch!