Burlap and Lace

Vintage inspired weddings, 

are a beautiful mix of country casual and classic elegance; rustic chic draped in burlap and lace. 

Celebrate with an announcement banner

Add a Natural Wreath

Personalized fabric banners

Weddings By Lilly has put this collage of photos together that really have the right feel.

I can't wait to see what you do with your burlap and lace, do share!

Start A Valentine Tradition

As a kid Valentines Day was a favorite holiday of mine. We always handmade all our Valentines for our family, neighbors and friends. That was probably because they didn't sale Valentines in bulk like they do now, if they did sale them I didn't know about it. It was such fun to pull out all the paper doilies, red and pink construction paper, glue, scissors and get to work. But Even better than making the Valentine's was the delivery!!! On Valentine's Evening we would bundle up and head out with our with our homemade Valentine's in hand, at each door we would leave that special Valentine on the door step, knock and RUN! It was so fun to hide and watch our friends look around for us. 

I still make homemade Valentine's for my family

Movie Coupon Card

You and your kids can have fun making this Love note in just a few simple steps:

This is what you will need: Fun double sided paper,  a paper doily, felt,  paper punch, embroidery floss, a button, scissors and a glue stick 

Cut a 4" strip of paper , fold in paper strip  in half, paper punch one side

 Fold paper doily in  half and glue paper doily to the  paper

Cut a heart from the felt

Glue felt heart and button to the card

 Draw a heart and write I LOVE YOU on the inside flap. Now for the fun part, you can teach your child the skill of hand stitching. If you need a little help check HERE or fun ideas for teaching kids to sew at Sew Mama Sew.

Don't forget to spend time together making and baking the heart shaped sugar cookies!

An other way to get your kids involved in the fun of Valentining came from Over The Big Moon and The Anderson Crew

Individual mailboxes for your family to leave each other little messages all year. These Valentine's mailboxes are from Target's dollar bin.  Mount them to painted thrift store candlesticks or a matching wooden board is up to you.  I love the idea of putting a little note or treat in the mailbox each day leading up to Valentine's Day--it could even be the start of a brand new tradition!


What kind of holiday traditions are you establishing with your family through out the year? Top This Wedding would love to have you share.

Re-Book

Bart’s Books,
 at the corner of Matilija and Canada streets in Ojai, CA, is the home to the largest independently owned and operated outdoor bookstore in the U.S.A.

 I love old books and am always looking for creative ways to repurpose or reuse them. I often choose books for levels and vintage décor at client events, but was delighted to read this recent article on creating 3-D art with unwanted books.

Book Flowers would look very festive hung at your next party

Old Music Books

Although hanging books from ribbon at different levels and then tucking the pages for this delightful bubble effect isn't new, I still love to see people turn a boring space into something delightful.


Find inexpensive books from your local library or thrift store to create your own magic. Feel free to share your ingenuity with us at Top This Wedding – our clients and fans always provide the best inspiration.

The Great Gatsby Party

Guest blogger today is  Katie of Every Day Katie
I so enjoyed her fun birthday party, I think we should all follow her example and throw ourselves the party of our dreams.

"Can't repeat the past?... Why of course you can!"
- F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

Did I mention I threw myself a 30th birthday bash? 

It started with an invitation inviting all to celebrate the last weekend in my 'Roaring 20's.'

I have to say I was a little disappointed in the turn out.  I blame myself.  I should have known that most of my friends wouldn't buy in to a costume party.  But it's not like I would have kicked them out for showing up sans costume.  

Plus, it was a holiday weekend.

All the more reason to thank my friends who did come to humor me...with or without costume.  Thanks friends.  It was a great night!

The Hosts

(I should really include these two as hosts, too.  It was at their house.  They braved the sweltering heat to help set up. And Autumn was full of great ideas.  Thanks you two.)

The Friends

The Family

The Food

The Girls

 The Men

(I love the progression of these pictures)

The Details

The Dancing

The Kids

The Croquet

The Movie

(Singing in the Rain with popcorn and sparklers)

 

I've been wanting an excuse to throw a 20's party for years.  

This was the perfect night for it (aside from the crazy humidity that day.)

Thanks again to my friends who made the night for me.

7 Winter Wedding Trends

Top this wedding was featured in  sheknows.com 

WINTER WEDDINGS NEED NOT BE BORING

Winter can be one of the most romantic times to wed, but if brides rely on overdone designs, their special day could feel frigid and dull. Debbie Whipple, Top This Wedding boutique owner and event planner, recommends tossing boring, impersonal traditions for seven creative wedding trends that wow this winter.

Glitter and gold Gold is back this season and helping winter brides glow. Top picks include glistening makeup, shimmery bridal party fabrics or timeless golden decor. From vintage brooch bouquets to show-stopping wedding cakes, gold dazzles guests of all ages.

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Lacy delight Lace is all the rage this winter and can add sass or class to your winter wonderland. Whether you choose abirdcage veil with a wisp of vintage lace, add lace as an accent for your bridal party or let a flirtatious piece peek out from beneath your gown, this is a fashion trend you’ll love to embrace.

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Natural nuptials Do you and your groom like things simple? Incorporatenatural elements like tree branches, pine cones or berries into your theme. Add decor drama by mixing rough bark with refined candles and crystal.

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Breakfast of champions A surprise winner this season… breakfast for dinner. Perfect for ultra-vintage or minimalistic modern affairs, breakfast success is in the staging. Work with your caterer to select memorable containers and levels, adorable individual half-pint milk cartons and plenty of mouth-watering toppings to tempt guests. Whether an old-fashioned cereal bar or crêpe and waffle station, guests won’t leave hungry.

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Retro revival Hot throughout the fall, '80s green, purple, pink and tealare still popular this winter. Love it but want to simmer it down? Remember less is more with retro. Think shoes, sashes or one memorable decor item. It’s your day and should reflect your personality, but tasteful decisions now prevent cringing over wedding photos later.

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A time to remember When loved ones pass on, look for ways to celebrate their life and memory throughout the celebrations. Whipple was honored to create a touching brooch bouquet that incorporated a photo, heirloom watch and cherished jewelry of a bride’s beloved mother.

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A classic twist Traditional winter favorites, like black and white, are back this season with a twist. The change-up? Deck out your room and bridal party in vibrant colors and then useblack and white as your accents. Purple frames add punch to traditional black and white photos, while modern white china pops on teal tablecloths. Love being the center of attention – your white bridal gown will practically dance against other vivid colors in the room.

For more tips on stylishly surviving the most important day of your life, visit Top This Wedding.

More wedding trends

Reduce Reuse Repurpose Recycle

What can we repurpose today? Try this project:

You will need: Interesting Shaped Glass Dishes
Get them on half-price day at Goodwill

Glass Candle Sticks

My favorite glue E-6000

Plenty of dry time

A Party

There you have it! An Adorable Display Piece!

What is your repurposed project?