Eat Drink Chic

I think I'm in love.

Read more...

Check out the beautiful wedding and engagement portfolio of Melbourne based photographer Jonathan Ong. We've just booked him for our upcoming engagement party! Found via Polka Dot Bride.

I first introduced you to my origami heart engagement party invitations in this article here. Well, after a working weekend of printing, cutting, folding, sewing, stuffing, addressing and stamping... phew... my fiancé and I have finally mailed out the little cuties!

Hand-stitching the edges of the translucent pocket was the most time-consuming part of the project. To ensure accuracy and quicken the hand-stitching process, we first measured and marked out (with needle pricks) the intended placement of the stitches.  To save time, we only did 5 stitches on each side.

The actual origami folding, thankfully, went a lot quicker than expected! However, the duration of the the final phase of the project- addressing and stuffing envelopes-  was sorely under-estimated. Having said that, we are both very proud of the effort that we put into creating unique, hand-crafted invitations for what will hopefully be a memorable event!

Special thanks to my hard-working fiancé, who whole-heartedly supported this crazy little project of mine. I am thankful that he shares in my desire to make this event as special as possible! Thanks also to our beautiful mothers for their contribution!

You can read more about these origami heart invitations here. Download the template to create a love note to someone special.

Cute wooden rainbow heart cake topper by Sarah Neuburger of The Small Object. Available at Together Forever. via freshlyblended

Such an artistic engagement shot of "Adam and Chastity" by photographer Ryan Brenizer. So perfect!

Love the simplicity and elegance in all of Elizabeth Dye's Bridal Spring 2010 collection! (My personal favourite is Giselle!) via A Cup of Jo.

An exquisite, pink rose created by Zoe Bradley and available in a gift box from her online store.

Her rose garlands, bouquets and other floral beauties would make stunning and unique eye fodder at a wedding. So beautiful!

This Marchesa dress, with its abundance of perfect, white pleats and frills, took my breath away when I spotted it on Martha Stewart Weddings. This is my personal idea of bridal gown perfection. Hands off ladies, it's so mine!  ;-)

Get all the details for how to re-create this exquisite blue and white, winter themed dessert buffet presented by The Inspired Bride and Bake it Pretty.  Check it out here! (Via Erin Vale Design)

Whether used for favours or simply as a cup that guests can use to collect their own selection of treats from your party's candy buffet, the festive colours in this cup design allow for use at any occasion- parties, weddings or even the upcoming Christmas and holiday season. "La Dolce Vita" - Italian for "The Sweet Life" is a somewhat fitting title for a cup with a solitary life purpose to contain lots of delicious candy- No? Continue for more pics, ideas and to download your free paper cup cover design!

Read more...

In the past I've received quite a few requests for home made jam labels. I finally thought it was about time I took on the challenge!

Home made jam makes a great gift with a personal touch. It also works well as a party or wedding favour, especially for an event with a bit of a 'crafty' vibe. Part of the fun of creating the presentation of your jam jar is searching for interesting fabrics and ribbon! To facilitate this, I deliberately kept the design of the labels quite simple, allowing for more freedom and variety in your decorating choices.

Read on for more pics, ideas and to download your freebies!

Read more...

Inspired by Jordan Ferney's brilliant wedding concept for an Old Fashioned Soda Bar, I set out to create these fun, retro-inspired label designs for soda bottles that hark back to the glorious era of soda fountains! These can be used for your party or wedding to create your own Soda Shop or to add a gorgeous beverage stand to your Ice-Cream Parlour theme. Guests can select from a brightly coloured array of flavoured sodas to make their own delicious Ice-Cream Sodas!

Read more...

I am lactose intolerant. This probably explains my unhealthy obsession with ice-cream. My favourite dessert is nothing fancier or more sophisticated than a simple Ice-cream Sundae. Nothing satisfies my sweet palate more than vanilla ice-cream with hot fudge sauce, whipped cream, crushed nuts, caramelised banana, wafer biscuit and the all-important cherry on top!

Despite evidence to the contrary (what is with this crazy Melbourne weather?!), warmer months are just around the corner down here in Oz and I've got ice-cream on the brain! So I came up with a design concept for an old-fashioned Ice-cream Parlour "Make your own Sundaes" buffet with all the accoutrements. Read on for more pics, ideas and freebies to help you with your own ice-cream parlour buffet for your party, kids party or even wedding.

Read more...

TOP: Love the colours in this photograph by doe-c-doe of ice-cream parlour style awnings.

BOTTOM: Gorgeous and delicate knitted white garland available from Evie S. Weddings + Events.

Over at the Wedding Styleguide blog, Emma Henderson reminisces about a gorgeous photoshoot from their first issue that also includes some very beautiful wedding freebies for download. I love their use of colours and floral patterns!

I've only just discovered Sydney graphic design studio - Follow Studio. Their custom design work is simple, elegant and beautiful! I am keenly awaiting their Paper Goods section which promises to appear on their site in September. Also, I am completely smitten with their blog! My excessive browsing of it having distracted me from work yesterday (for an upcoming DIY article). LOTS of inspiring links! If you haven't already, I urge you to go check it out!

Erin Vale has launched an Etsy store with some delicious packaging and stationary printables to help you style your weddings, parties and gifts! Go visit Vale Design Paper Goods.

Persian Cotton Candy (or Fairy Floss) also known as "Pashmak" would make an exotic gourmet favour for guests at your wedding or party. Available in various soft hues and flavours including Rose, Pistachio, and Vanilla, Pashmak resembles soft wisps of hair and looks really fab inside these transluscent paper envelopes. Read more for instructions and to download your free envelope template and assorted coloured labels.

Read more...

Reward your bridesmaids for all their hard work with this feminine and chic DIY gift idea- relaxing homemade bubble bath! Read on for some bubble bath recipe links, packaging ideas and free printable labels!

Read more...

Thinking of going vintage for your wedding outfit? Etsy has some simple and understated numbers including this cream short puff sleeve dress (top) from posiesforlulu and this simple and elegant white slip from ItsBella.