Inspiration - Halloween 2014

It's time to start decorating for our annual Halloween party. It's become an exciting tradition for our friends and I look forward to it every year. I love the decorations we have but like to change things up and give guests some surprises. This year we are also celebrating the birthday of one of our guests, which means that we have to pull out all the stops, of course. As you can see, I go for spooky over cute. What's Halloween without creepiness? Here are a few new sources of inspiration.

The designers and creators at Martha Stewart are genius. The ideas they come up with are incredible and memorable.

 

My friend the DC Goodwill Fashionista is featuring last year's party and decorations, many purchased from Goodwill, on her blog today. Head on over and show her some love!


photo credits: marthastewart.com, abcdesign.com, houzz.com, epicurious.com, cocktails at marthastewart.com

Inspiration - Halloween Decorating and Party Ideas

For years now, {msL} and I have thought about hosting a Halloween party. It never seemed to work out, due to schedules or other obligations. This year we have worked things out early and we'll be hosting a small evening. I've already started thinking about my costume but I want to have some great decorations. A spooky, Gothic, Victorian vibe will be the aesthetic.

 

While shopping at Target the other day, I found bleeding skull candles. They will be the perfect compliment to candelabras and candle holders. I'm planning to repaint some of the candle holders I've used in my holiday decor from years past. I have black glitter skulls that I used in decor last year and cake stands from our wedding that can be used for decor and to display food. I love the idea of using cleavers and large knives to accent and cut food. I could create some vintage looking labels for bottles. I'll also be checking local thrift stores for bird cages.

I think with some planning, I will be able to reuse or upcycle many items for the decor. I'll use candles and simple items like apples for impact.

Do you decorate for Halloween?

Wedding Photo Preview

I've missed you guys! On Saturday night {msL} and I got married.  It was an amazing night and I'm still in awe of the incredible people in our lives.  We couldn't have had this wedding without them. They gave of themselves, their time, talents and were so generous. THANK YOU ALL! They truly made the evening special.  As I walked down the aisle, I couldn't look any of them in the eye because I knew I'd start crying and wouldn't stop.  Most of my favorite people in the world were there to support us and show us their love.  I was humbled.  What a wonderful day!  We had an amazing pro photographer, Erika Horn of Cozmik Photography.  I will share some of her photos later.  But here are a few taken by our friends and family using the free app, Wedding Party. We are off on a short honeymoon. Follow me on twitter and instagram for updates.

Mercury Glass DIY Here

DIY Wedding Weekend

This weekend we did tons of DIY projects for our wedding. We had lots of help from family but there is still a ton to do. I don't want to give everything away, so these are just teaser photos. I promise to post photos of all of the decorations, after the wedding. 

300 Peacock Feathers and We Need More

A Close Up of our Ceremony Decorations

Faux Mercury Glass Table Décor, Glasses from Goodwill



Rock n' Roll Button Favors

We survived the weekend and my family still loves me.  We have another DIY weekend planned soon. Another small victory is that my soon to be sister-in-law loves her Bridesmaid dress. Small victories! 

Mumbles on a Monday

I got up this morning and was in a huge rush. I had a client meeting and had to leave on time.  Then of course, because we live in DC and this is a way of life, traffic was not on my side.  I had to rush to get to my meeting and luckily I was on time. The rushing didn't start my day off well and I felt off kilter the rest of the day.  I'm sure that it doesn't help that my evil ADD is rearing it's head.  I need to narrow down my thoughts and ideas regarding wedding planning. We've found a venue and a photographer. Now I have to deal with sorting through the nightmare of catering.  I thought I'd share some of the things that are inspiring our rock n' roll style influenced wedding. Lots of these ideas are on Pinterest. I have even more and you can check them out on my boards.

Black chandeliers over the dance floor.  DIY, mercury glass, candle holders for the tables. Blue lighting and possibly black table coverings.  Peacock feathers and colors for decor and other items. A wedding dessert and candy bar displayed on mismatched, thrift store, cake stands and platters. Vinyl records as a backdrop for the photo booth. DIY table number, candle holders. Black beaded lace on the bodice of my dress. Glitter on the bottom of my shoes instead of all over glitter or crystals. Fancy shoes are mandatory! Save the Date announcements using custom concert tickets and a vintage rock poster/flyer.

We are going for a classy rock n' roll vibe for the evening.  I picture candles, mood lighting, and a lounge like club vibe. Since I can't find any photos of exactly what I have in mind, I've started making sketches to focus my thoughts.  I pulled out my sketch pad and my art pencils.

Thanks for indulging me, my friends.  If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.  I really appreciate all of the well wishes and support you are showing to me. The fabric suggestions you sent earlier were great! Keep them coming.

Have a great Monday (what's left of it).