Category Archives: DIY

DIY: Will You Be My Bridesmaid?

If you’re a bride-to-be, you’ll appreciate today’s guest post from my sister, MEC.  You might be thinking about how to ask your BFFs to be your bridesmaids and/or maid of honor to be in your wedding.

Well, I was completely in love with what my sister did while I was home for her engagement party. I just had to have her share it with you!

I surprised her on dressing shopping day with an early morning “bride to be” latte & bubbly along the way. AND she completely surprised ME with her creative way of asking me to “officially” be her MOH!

The steps for this adorable idea and accordion-like collage are below by MEC!

1. Make your signs. Be creative.

(I made “BE” “MY” “BRIDES” “MAID” “?” & “BE” “MY” “MAID” “OF” “HONOR” for BAC)

2. Take your PHOTOS! Have fun with it too!

3. Fold construction paper in half, cut down the fold and fold the cut pieces in half again. This is what you use for the booklet so create as many as you need.

4. Tape one side to the back of another and alternate. This creates a zig zag shape that’s like an accordion so it will open up!

5. Tape your photos on to the sides you want to show and voila!

It’s safe to say I’m the most honored person in the world to stand by this girl’s side on her big day next year!

MEC also had adorable gift baskets made for us all full of presents and these Kate Spade “love” rings with sweet notes inside.

 Like MEC’s posts? There’s more fun DIY ones to come!

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Summer Engagement Party

A few months ago, I shared the news that my sister Megan Elizabeth (or MEC) was engaged and I put together a little “how-to” on her engagement gift basket.

Well, today I am sharing her & her fiance’s gorgeous summer engagement party in hopes that you will be inspired too when planning and hosting!

I have written before about my aunt (to whom H&T is dedicated to) and well,  I cannot take any credit for this event as my cousin (her son) and his wife hosted the party. It was held in Tampa and was truly a beautiful rooftop affair. I think my aunt and my uncle would be so happy with how it all turned out (now can you see how it runs in the family?).

The lovely hosts worked with a variety of vendors that are credited below and kept the colors simple with shades of mint and gold. On another note, I’m pretty sure MEC will be the most stunning bride this world has seen! Don’t you think?

If you can believe it, she is actually missing TWO more bridesmaids in this photo to complete her party – there’s 10 of us total including my youngest sister.

MEC & her fiance during the sweet hostess toast that celebrated two angels above.

My outfit details are also below because I’m pretty sure I have worn this dress 20+ times this summer!

{Dress: Paper Crown (ON SALE) // Heels: C.Wonder // Earrings: Sweet & Spark}

{Photography: Daria Kopylova Photography // Florals: The Potting Shed //  Event Coordination: K4 Event Production // Invitations & Swag: Nico & Lala // Venue: Fly Bar – Tampa // Candy Bar: Chic Sweets // Cookie Favors: South Tampa Sugar Mama

Also, some more exciting news is that MEC has agreed to “guest post” on a few DIY items that she has put together (with NO help from me!) when asking friends to be bridesmaids plus a few DIY bachelorette weekend items and tips! (MEC is also a MOH herself right now so lots of planning between the two of us.)

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Bud Bar & Beyond: Hosting in a Crunch

I’m often asked how time consuming it is to plan events and host dinner parties and also how to plan for them last minute or when you don’t have the extra time to dedicate. Well, I will be honest, it is quite time consuming but it is also something I enjoy and make time for (obviously).

However, I realize this is not the case for everyone so in today’s post, I wanted to give some tips on pulling together a last minute party at your home and easy DIY ways to pull it off!

This past weekend I hosted a Sweet & Spark trunk party.  It was a lot of fun and everyone went home with some spark, for sure.  However, I had been traveling for most of the week prior and wanted to keep the theme simple with just “sweets” and “sparklings”. (PS- this is also a theme that’s perfect for bridal showers, bachelorette weekends or even, girly birthdays.)

Alas, here are some tips that I used to making this a fun and no-fuss affair!

Tip #1: Try something semi-homemade.

In the words of Sandra Lee, you can truly put this to the test when time is of the essence. I made batches of mini funfetti cupcakes (yes, I used a mix) but I added white frosting, pink sugar crystals from Dean & Deluca and gold baking cups. They were easy to make the day before and frost that morning!

Tip #2:  Pick up fresh florals.

If you follow me on instagram, you already know that I am firm believer in that a home can never be “too full” of fresh blooms. I make it a habit to pick up fresh flowers whenever and wherever I see them (often times, TOO much of a habit, but that’s another story..). An easy way to decorate and brighten up any space is by adding flower arrangements and you certainly don’t always need a florist to do so. Pick up whatever is in season (hello peonies from WholeFoods!), cut and arrange in colorful vases or jars. (Brush up on your design skills here.)

Tip #3: Make a Bud Bar.

Hence, the title of this post! This tip is also floral-related but I felt it needed a bullet point of its own. For those of you that are not floral arrangement savvy – this has quickly become my new obsession that I have dubbed, the “bud bar”. ANYONE can make one. Seriously, you cut the flowers super short, place in a smaller jars, line up and voila! (You could easily do this “on the road” too for parties you might be hosting at a restaurant, hotel or with tabelscapes) This is also a great way to make use of those flowers you accidentally cut too short or that break while in route home. I placed one of these on my fireplace mantel for the party (below the darling Sweet & Spark blogger lookbook). Currently, I have a “leftover” bud bar full of pink peonies in both my bedroom and bathroom.

Tip #4: Purchase bottled “sparklings”.

To take care of the “sparkling” side of this theme – I purchased sparkling bottled waters, prosecco and sparkling pink lemonade. All of these could be bought ahead of time or the day of and kept cool in the fridge (or on ice). No special craft cocktails needed – which also cuts down on time!

Tip #5: Light candles.

Last but certainly not least, another way to decorate and liven up a room is through scented candles. You probably already have a few at home and you can light these before your guests arrive. I would recommenced about 20-30 minutes prior so that the house smells delightful!

 Below are some more photos of the spark from the party!

Happy Hosting!

patio party + summer cocktail recipes

This past weekend was quite possibly the most beautiful few days we’ve had all “Spring” here in DC. I hosted a patio party out back complete with summer cocktail tastings.

With Memorial Day weekend just a few days away, I thought it could not be a better time to try out some new recipes for this upcoming summer.

 I set up my outdoor patio table with a variety of cocktail glasses, mini San Pellegrinos, colorful paper straws and cocktail napkins, and yes – my new favorite tablecloth from Cynthia Rowley.

{Tablecloth // Blue Mason Jar // Paper Straws // Serving Tray (similar here) // Ice Bucket (similar here) // Cocktail Glasses // Patio Furniture}

To host a patio party – you also need 3 more things; fresh flowers (tis the season for peonies!), cooperating weather and a handful of recipes (bright colors are also strongly encouraged).

Fruit Infused Water

Ingredients: 

  • sparkling or regular water
  • fresh mint leaves
  • sliced cucumbers
  • strawberries
  • limes

Tips: I made these the night prior in large mason jars that I kept cold in the fridge. They are quite refreshing and help you and your guests stay hydrated for an afternoon of cocktail tasting. Serve with a colorful straw and refill as needed.

Watermelon-Orange Margaritas

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of fresh cubed watermelon
  • 1.5 ounces of your tequila of choice (I chose Patron)
  • freshly squeezed lime juice (1.5 limes)
  • splash of San Pellegrino Orange soda (to taste)
  • splash of lemon-lime soda water (to taste)
  • spoonful of sugar
  • rainbow colored sugar (for the rim a la Dean & Deluca)
  • sliced limes (for garnish)

Tips: If you’re hosting a party with a variety of drinks, buy airplane bottles of your favorite liquors. They are perfect for tastings and help you measure out cocktails appropriately. Also, you can splurge a little more by doing so (a la Patron) and not buy an entire bottle.

Cucumber Melon Mint Sangria

Ingredients (pitcher-sized):

  • 1 bottle of sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio
  • 1.5 large cucumbers (sliced)
  • 12 mint leaves
  • sliced limes
  • 2 cups of cubed honey melon
  • 1 cup of lemon-lime soda water
  • 4 spoonfuls of sugar (or more, to taste)

Tips: Make ahead of time and store in the fridge to let the wine soak up the fruits and veggies. Sangria is all about taste so use the recipe above and mix to your liking. Also, this is not your traditional sangria – it’s quite refreshing and even those that do not normally enjoy white wine loved this one! You can also make this sans alcohol and use soda or sparkling water instead.

Adult Lemonade

Ingredients:

  • freshly squeeze lemons (1.5 or so for each)
  • 2 spoonfuls of sugar
  • 1.5 ounces of vodka
  • splash of lemon San Pellegrino soda
  • sliced lemons (to garnish)

Tips: This is a twist on homemade lemonade and also is “to taste”. It’s up to you how many Mary Poppins you add (i.e. spoonfuls of sugar). Also, be sure to chill your vodka ahead of time.

 Now I know that the official day of summer is not until June – but who’s waiting until then to celebrate? Summer begins this weekend if you ask me!

So go out and host & toast!

Cheers!

how to: make-your-own-mojito-kit

I was so flattered when the ladies of Commerce Street Events told me that I inspired their Spring party favor at the Sips & Dinner dinner party. You probably know by now that I love myself a good favor and this one is proof that you can still enjoy them at 21+!

Alas, we’re sharing this DIY Make-Your-Own-Mojito-Kit that you and your guests can enjoy – think about how perfect these would be at a bachelorette weekend or bridal shower too!

(Printable also included below.)

What You Need:

  • Cute Packaging + Buckets (a la Target for these blush buckets)
  • Stemless Wine Glasses (a la Target or Go Vino)
  • Drink Stirrers (DIY used for this or pick up some paper straws)
  • Mini Glass Containers (for Blueberries and Mint – The Container Store has similar ones)
  • Mini Bottles of Light Rum
  • Fresh Mint
  • Blueberries
  • Limes
  • Sugar
  • Ribbon
  • Cardstock

Directions:

  • Add stemless wine glasses, limes, and mini bottles to your packaging or mini buckets.
  • Throw in a drink stirrer (made using ribbon and craft sticks) or paper straws.
  • Add a tablespoon of sugar to the paper packaging and seal with washi tape.
  • Add the blueberries and mint to the mini glass containers.
  • Print off the recipe from the attached printable and attach with ribbon. Enjoy!

MojitoPrintable

 

Stay tuned next week for my patio party + favorite memorial day weekend drink recipes!

{Photos by: Rachel Moore Photography}