Christmas in July...

I think I might have mentioned before I have a small tendency to go a little OTT when I am excited. So last night I locked in the guests for my Christmas in July dinner party that I have wanted to do for ages now but keep remembering in August.

So last night I turned to my brother and said oh wow I have so many idea's and he goes 'that is what I am afraid of!'. :)

So even though it is 4 weeks off I am going to start planning and buying now. This a) will spread the expense over a couple of pays and b) mean I wont be rushed off my feet on the day since this time it wont be slow cooked which means prep in the morning and give me all day to run around!

So the theme is Candy Cane (as I love red and white as a table setting). First Stop is Martha- for some inspiration and idea's.

Loving the idea of a stripped tablecloth or runner- going to go to Spotlight and see what I can find in a similar fabric!



I love the thick candles above for the table and am thinking I will go find ribbon in spotlight to tie around. Then thinking for my coffee table for nibbles one of these wreaths with a thick candle in the center... what do you think?



Ok for my place holders I am thinking these little guys... I am hoping to have them sit on top of their little take home presents... I figure they can all be in different poses if I get good enough at making them! i.e: Fishing, on one knee proposing style, one reading etc...



Keeping in the theme of candy cane- For their gifts I will make this easy candy cane fudge recipe. This can be sitting at the head of each setting with the little guy on top and a cute handmade lable with their name to act as the place setting.



And key to any Christmas Table is definitely the crackers- one year Mum made these amazing ones with great riddles from the net and personalised gifts- I got a pearl necklace, my brother aftershave etc... (Now you can see where my idea of entertaining comes from). So I am thinking I will do the same in simple white with red ribbon and find riddles and have them printed out nicely with everyone's name to personalise each one and make some funky hats to go in each cracker.



Over the table I am thinking I will hang snowflakes in red and white. I made these last year for work decorations and ended up showing nearly everyone in the office how to make them...they are really easy and look amazing.



So this is my plan for this weekend- I am going to hit spotlight and see what I can find! Then at night over the next couple of weeks I can start putting together the decorations and getting everything ready for the big day! xox

Sex in the City Style...

With the release of the new S.I.T.C I have just found a great Etsy store that sells fantastic ballet tulle skirts just like S.J.P.

I am loving Ouma! I also love their photography... the locations are great and the mood and lighting are fantastic!

The classic Sex in the City Dress... LOVE IT!



The Queens Croquet Ground. This would be a cute Alice in Wonderland themed bridesmaid dress.



Striped Carnival Part Dress. How cute is the ticket booth? Fantastic pink and oranges and the type-face on the signage is really sweet and all add that vintage Carnival feel.



Striped French Pierrot. That ticket booth is amazing for a location shot, the colours are awesome!



Romance & Ruffles- loving the rusted car in this shot and the perspective!



Quite the Menace. How good does that crumbling wall and fire crusted doorway frame the shot? I really love the atmosphere and lighting by this photographer. Wish I knew who took the shots!



I did check and they do deliver worldwide so go to Ouma for more information!

i heart third drawer down...

When I think of Third Drawer Down I think quirky, unique, stylish & statement. They are a Fitzroy Victoria based design company that creates home wares and pieces for Museum Art Souvenirs. It seems a weird gig to get into, but the pieces they create are art in themselves.



The shop itself doubles as the artists studio and a museum- in fact the only trading museum in Australia. They in their own words describe their wares as 'eccentric and witty taste of products by artists/designers and niche brands include crayon rocks, chocolate pie charts, giant corn cob stools, children’s art supplies, limited edition textiles, bed linens and publications that question the mainstream conditions under which art and culture are bought and sold.'

These are my favourite thing in the store, they are pillow cases by Miranda July. One states 'Here you will dream of people you admire exposing your fraudulence.' & 'Here you will dream of endless kisses.'



They also have some amazing tea towels you could frame as art. Here are a couple of my favourites.

'Can we dance?' by Camilla Engman.



Enriqueta and Fosca Tea Towel



There are some great things for kids. I love these rock crayons.



This ruler would be awesome to measure your kids heights against. I could see this being a cool feature in a kid's rompus room.



For more of their amazingly quirky designs for house, home and friends go to: Third Drawer Down.

Table success...

How cute are these low budget table centerpiece's made with flowers from Martha Stewart? So many people dismiss flowers that are cheap (as in $5 to $10 a bunch), but look at how sweet they look, plus they are generally available all year round. I love the idea that you can make a bunch of flowers spread further by using bud vases and by using all different types you create a striking table. Though true to my heart my favourite has to be the one with recycled tins...







These images have cheered me up and given me a little summer to this awful cold weather. Hope it does the same for you! xox

A perfectly twee picnic...

Today's blog combines a few of my loves; handmade, twee & food. I stumbled over this company a while ago and just love it. They are a husband and wife team who have formed 'The Sydney Picnic Co' operating out of Woollahra.

I love the personal attention to detail, the use of their passion; hers in styling and his for good food and produce. Every menu looks delectable and if your looking for a unique way to celebrate your next event or just because you feel like it, please check out their website...

http://sydneypicnic.com.au/





Can you imagine getting to open each of these little brown packages? So cute and delectable! And love the little menu's you get.



Great idea to take to the outdoor cinema's and make it an event or theatre in the park.



YUMMY!!!

Images care of http://sydneypicnic.com.au/