Calla Lily is a flower that represents magnificent beauty, purity, rebirth and marriage. The beautiful trumpet shape of this flower gives it a very elegant look that is perfect for weddings. When you plan your calla lily inspired event remember to have the following items.

Guest Book and Pen Set

This beautiful guest book and matching pen set is sure to make your guests smile as they sign their well wishes. Add your own photo to this guest book to personalize it even more.

Toasting Glasses

These beautiful toasting glasses keep all the elegance and beauty of the calla lily. These are used during your guests toasts to you and a happy future and for the united drink.

Cake and Knife Set

Cutting the cake is usually a wonderful and playful time for the bride and groom. You might find one of them smashing the cake into the others mouth or tapping them on the nose with frosting. I once even saw a couple throw a piece at each other! Before you can feed each other the cake, you need to take pictures of cutting it together. These wonderful knife and serving set give the tradition of cutting the cake an elegant look.

Calla Lily Favors

There are so many options of what to use as favors now days. When it comes to calla lilies, there is no exception. When you choose a favor, think of your guests and what you think will be used. If you have a group of people who don’t drink wine, it is probably a better idea not to give them wine bottle stoppers. Here are just a few of the calla lily favors out there. Click on each one for more information.

Weddings can be very expensive, but there are ways to cut back on the cost. Most guests will expect you to have centerpieces and to give wedding favors as a way of showing you, the soon to be newlyweds, care about them. So why not take care of both with only one bill to pay? Here are some ideas for how to incorporate favors as center pieces.

1) Floating items in water.

Not every venue will allow you to have candles, though if they do, I suggest you go with floating candles above. For my roommate’s wedding we deconstructed silk flowers, added a light, and reconstructed the flower around them then floated the flowers with beads at the bottom of each one with one of the wedding colors. I have found some soap flowers that could do the trick as well if you would prefer to not spend the 20+ minutes per flower.

These beautiful orchids can be used in 2 ways. The first is that you could just take the confetti and place it in the water and leave the orchids surrounding the bottom or you could reverse. You could also place both inside the water. HotRef has a few different varieties of the flowers and also just plain confetti.

2) Beach themed

Beach themed weddings open up a lot of options for the combining of centerpieces. First thing you can do is use sand and favor bags that look like beach bag. Fill them with some M&Ms and you have a cute center piece and favors in two easy steps.

You can also find sand in many colors to fit your theme.

You can find sea shells and small candles; place them in the sand with some driftwood (or just sticks) to give a being on the beach feel. Below are some wonderful seaside inspired tea light candles that are inexpensive. Sailboats placed strategically in blue sand will give the feeling of being on or next to the ocean! Adding a candle behind the sails that can give the feel of being at the beach and watching the stars.

Get creative, make your own or just combine items to get the centerpiece and favors that your guests can take home. You don’t need one item for every person because you will have couples, families, and people who don’t want to take anything home. This is your special day, so don’t forget to have fun!

All items listed shown above can be found at www.hotref.com, click on the images to be taken to the item pages.

It’s that time of year when summer is starting, schools are getting out, and millions of young adults are celebrating graduating from high school or college. It’s the marking of the time when they stop goofing off and start getting serious, theoretically. How do you make your new grad’s celebration special for them and guest? Try one of these ideas.

Notebooks

These little personalized notebooks allow guest to be able to take notes, jot down phone numbers, addresses, emails and more. They are small enough to be able to fit in your purse, pocket or anywhere else with a nice reminder of all the memories from the past.

Candles

Most people have candles at home to burn. So why not add your own personalized candle to their collection?

Graduation Picture Frame

This is probably my favorite idea for guests. Add your grad’s senior picture or graduation picture and let your guests have the perfect frame to go along with it. Your family, and some friends, with be able to take it home and display your achievement proudly.

Holiday Decor – Deck the Floor!

The holiday season is approaching. Have your prepared yourself and your home for celebration of a year’s hardwork and achievements? I think the following holiday favors definitely will help.

Holiday Themed Candle Favors

The room will be overflowing with holiday spirit when your guests arrive and find these holiday hotties on their tables! In three assorted styles, each Holiday Party Favors Collection candle features a durable round poly resin, snowflake-decorated base with either a snowman, candy cane or Christmas tree shape with colorfully painted details and shimmering rhinestone accents. Resting in each base is a frosted glass holder with a poured white candle inside.

Holiday Themed Bottle Stopper Favors

Give your guests a cheery reminder of your event that they’re sure to use throughout their holiday seasons for years to come. In three assorted styles, each Holiday Party Favors Collection bottle stopper features a durable poly resin top in a snowman, candy cane or Christmas tree shape, with colorfully painted details and shimmering rhinestone accents, perched on a conical silver metal stopper wrapped in a white rubber gasket for a snug fit.

Holiday Themed Place Card Holders

Your guests will surely feel the holiday cheer when they arrive at your event and find their seating assignments festively displayed in these Holiday Party Favors Collection place card holders. In three assorted styles, each Holiday Party Favors Collection place card holder features a durable poly resin round base connected by a wire to a snowman, candy cane or Christmas tree shaped topper with colorfully painted details and shimmering rhinestone accents and place card clip. The seasonal place card holders come bulk packed in individual poly bags with winter themed place cards included.

Pair Up~~~

It’s believed that we’re all incomplete until we’ve found true love. Only when paired up with the other half – your soul mate, can we truely accomplish a complete circle and be fully fulfilled. If you’re the lucky ones who’ve already got someone to hold your hand, then congratulations! If not, just keep looking~~ Meanwhile, allow me to entertain you guys with these lovely paired-up favors. ^_^

“Two Peas in a Pod” Candle in Ivy Print Gift Box

“Two Peas in a Pod” candles set off the perfect spring or summer reception, engagement party, garden party or bridal shower. Sweet little pea motif evokes the charm of a spring fling… or a perfect romantic pairing. Each pea is a separate little removable pea, nestled in a matching waxen pod. Precious illustrated peas and floral greenery wind around the included gift box.

For more choices, “Two Peas in a Pod” Ceramic Salt & Pepper Shakers and “Two Peas in a Pod” Placecard Holders are available too.

“The Perfect Pair” Cookie Cutters in Wooden Gift Box

The deliciously sweet favor – “The Perfect Pair” cookie cutters will remind your guests that you were made for each other each time they pop a tasty, pear-shaped, home-baked cookie in their mouth. Nestled closely together in a decorative wood gift box with a straw bed and a clear top, the two stainless-steel cookie cutters surround decorative pear background. Brightening the gift box is a pear-green, satin ribbon with a “For You” tag in leaf design and a sticker that declares you’re “The Perfect Pair”.

For more choices, “The Perfect Pair” Pear Timer and “The Perfect Pair” Pear Candles are also available.

Adorable Gingerbread Bride & Groom Candle Favors

It’s a storybook day so why not add some fairy tale charm to your tables with these two cute characters! Each gingerbread-inspired candle favor depicts either a blushing gingerbread bride or a gingerbread groom – delightfully decorated with icing and candy style decorations and details.

Dear Singles~~

It’s actually interesting that the date Nov. 11th (11/11) has all single digits. So, although it’s not an official holiday or anything, what’s a better day to throw in a single party? If you’ve already got someone to hold your hand, why not invite your single friends over and set them up? Or, if you’re still single and enjoying your freedom, why not use this opportunity to annouce to the whole world out there that you are “single and fabulous!”? Anyway, celebration needs no reason, right?

So, let’s see what we need to upgrade your party to the next level.

Butterfly Candle Holders

Butterfly is the symbol of beauty and fairness, also the constant pursue of love and happiness, which makes it the perfect ornament for your single party. You can also use this butterfly candle holder in so many occasions. Delicate and graceful, the butterfly epitomizes the joy that you want to share with your guests on any special occasion. And this butterfly design candleholder with its frosted glass votive holder resting in a white resin base with a decorative rhinestone-embellished butterfly is a perfect choice as your event favor.

Floating Butterfly Tea Light

One of nature’s most enchanting beings, butterflies have a gift for spreading joy every time they spread their delicate wings. When placed in water and lit, these pretty, pastel, pink tea lights look as if they’ve just breezed in and landed on a glass pond. My god, they’re so pretty! I’m definitely saving a set for myself. ^_^

“Cocktails Anyone?” Martini Glass Gel

Shaken, stirred and a fabulous little favor. This cool candle warms up any occasion – reception, rehearsal, shower, or even a special cocktail party. Clear gel burns brightly in this miniature martini glass made of real glass. One little “olive” bobs delicately in the gel, adding a realistic touch to this tiny cocktail. The only thing more impressive than the candle itself is the gorgeous little chic gift box it arrives in! A transparent window showcases the candle and the black and white olive print shimmies over every inch of the box (even inside!) There’s even a “Thank You” graphic printed right on this showcase box. A sheer black ribbon, tied in a bow with included sweet little olive tag! Cheers, darling~~

Calla Lily Toasting Glasses

A set of 2 calla lily design with crystal stones accents toasting glass set. Beautiful and elegant. Absolutely stylish.

Asian Fusion

If you’re going for a bit of oriental mystery for your wedding or other special occasion, then why not have a taste of asian fusion?

Double Happiness Keepsake Candle

The double happiness candle favor is Asian-themed wedding favor. The Chinese character “Double happiness” – especially in red – is a traditional wedding sign. It’s a classic keepsake your guests will love – an exquisitely designed block candle embellished with happiness. The sleek candle is designed in gorgeous red and black and is engraved with the Asian-inspired traditional “double happiness” symbol as a lasting reminder of love and happiness. Stunningly presented in a clear gift box with a shimmery gold ribbon and bi-lingual “Thank You” tag attached.  

“Chinese Tapestry” Votive Candle in Silken

As rich in color, mystery and tradition as the Orient itself, the “Chinese Tapestry” Votive Candle turns custom inside out with the truly dramatic beauty of this favor found in its exquisite presentation. This deep-red candle is an elaborately designed, red-and-black Chinese tapestry pouch, accented with vibrant red organza tied with a matching “double-happiness” tag and red braid ending in two large, gold-thread-trimmed tassels. Red stands for happiness in oriental culture. It’s the color for celebration. So, don’t hesitate to use it to your advantage.

Pink Fortune Cookie Bath Fizzer

Pink fortune cookie bath fizzer rose scented. Comes packaged in a clear gift box with pink satin ribbon. After your guests enjoy your fabulous event they can go home and relax with a scented bath with these great gifts they will truly enjoy.

Thanksgiving: A Time for Appreciation

As Halloween passed, Thanksgiving is only a couple of weeks away. Choose the right ornaments, and you’ll definitely make this year’s Thanksgiving even more special and extraordinary for your family and guests. So, what are our options?

First of all, sticking to tradition will never go wrong. Acorn, turkey, corn ornaments are always a safe bet.

However, if you’re looking for extra something – something more special, more unique, then my advice is that tasteful (literally~ ^_^) “harvest” themed favors and autummn themed ornaments are your best choice.

Here’re some examples.

Fall Leaf TeaLight and Place Card Holder with Autumn-themed Gift Box

The leaves are aflame with the lively colors of fall, a cozy fire warms your hands and your heart, and giddy guests depart with a dazzling memento of your autumn event. The exquisitely crafted, metal maple leaf displays every hue in Mother Nature’s autumn palette, and when lit by the tea-light, it glows with the brilliance of the season.

Grape Design Candle Favors

A time honored symbol of good luck, joy and youthfulness, grape-themed favors make a spirited addition to any occasion. Resembling a splendid bunch of freshly picked grapes, the candles come in two realistic color variations of green and purple. Sold individually packaged in a two color assortment from the exclusive Vineyard Collection, each candle is in a clear plastic box tied with a corresponding green or purple organza bow with a designer heart shaped thank you tag attached. Fruitful season, isn’t it?

Petite Merlot Wine Glass Gel Candle with Heart Charm

Wine and butter, wine and butter~~ The Petite Merlot wine gel glass candle has a harvest grape scent, features lovely translucent gel, and is adorned with a heart charm and elegant satin ribbon. Real glass candle is presented in a clear display gift box with wine and grape illustrations.

Fairytale Themed Weddings
By Ashley Rader

Most young women grow up with visions of their wedding day already conceived. We dream of that day when all eyes are on us as we walk down the aisle towards our knight in shining.. uh, tuxedo!

So when that special day arrives, you may want to live out your dream of a fairytale themed wedding; princess dress and all. Here are some fairytale wedding ideas to look over before making important planning decisions for your big day.

Cinderella

As the fairytale goes, Cinderella is oppressed by her wicked step family before blossoming into a beautiful princess. Of course, you will want to buy that perfect princess dress, complete with ruffles, lace-up back, and all of the accouterments that make it exquisite.

Cinderella would surely end off this display at her fairytale themed wedding with dazzling diamond accents as well. And we can’t forget glass slippers that will be seen as the bride is walking down the aisle.

Want to go over the top with your fairytale wedding ideas? Instead of the traditional walk-in from the back, put on a little “skit” towards the back of the church or venue involving the Cinderella theme. Have a wicked step mother and sister yelling orders at the bride, who will at first be dressed in raggedy clothes (preferably over her actual dress). Add appropriate music and sound effects over the sound system to complement the scene. Then cover the bride as she goes through her transformation and is revealed in her stunning new wedding dress.

We’re talking about a fairytale themed wedding here-bring out all the sprinkles and glitter necessary to make this an eye-catching production. This is a great idea for a bride who actually went through a struggle in life that people would recognize, and rose above it to glory.

Fairytale wedding favors that would go with this theme are sparklers and silver snowflake ornaments. You might even go so far as to purchase “magic wands” for all of your female guests, and ask them to point it towards you before you go through your “transformation” in the fairytale skit, or at some other point in your fairytale themed wedding. All of this will not come cheap, but it will definitely be memorable for guests. Think outside of the box when brainstorming fairytale wedding ideas.

Marie Antoinette Wedding Theme

Another fairytale themed wedding idea plays on the infamous Marie Antoinette and her life of excess. Again, you will need a very elaborate dress with wide panniers underneath to create the full effect, but this time it will be a little more on the gaudy side. Keep thinking excess when considering this fairytale wedding theme. A thick application of rouge is necessary for the bride and/or bridesmaids.

Marie Antoinette was known for her love of clothing, shoes, and shopping. Pick wedding favors that reflect these items. One example would be a stilletto keychain. What about giving all of your female guests a lacy garter belt as a wedding favor? Sparklers are also a nice touch to this fairytale themed wedding. Fairytale wedding ideas are plentiful. Let your imagination go wild as you piece all of the elements of your fairytale themed wedding together like an intricate puzzle.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ashley_Rader

Candle Wedding Favors – Unique and Practical Gifts

(By Ashley Rader)

Weddings and candles go hand-in-hand. The unity candle is an age-old symbol associated with weddings. Candle light creates a romantic atmosphere at a daytime or evening wedding.

Candles can really enhance the décor of your wedding because they come in so many shapes and sizes. They also make the perfect wedding favor because they can be used in so many different places. Plus, it’s a gift you can be sure most guests will enjoy.

Here is a guide to choosing candle favors for your wedding.

Use the season as inspiration. Here are some candle inspirations for winter, spring, summer and fall.

Winter Wonders

Snow in Love Tea Lights – These adorable snowmen candles can be a great gift for a chilly wedding. Warm up the reception hall with these blue and white man and woman snow people.

Snowflake Gel Candle – Need something new and blue for your winter wonderland wedding? These candles will set the scene for your guests all winter long.

Spring Fling

Daisy Candle – Nothing speaks spring like daisies. Celebrate in true daisy style with these yellow gingham ribbon and silk daily embellished favors. The soy candle comes with a cotton wick and vanilla scent.

Plumeria Candle – This blush-colored candle will be the talk of your wedding guest tables with its intoxicating floral scent.

Summer Nights

Frosted Glass Tea Light Candles – These elegant sailboat tea light holders with included candles will set the scene for a cruise or destination wedding. Great for nautical themes as well. Set sail with these great favors.

Shell and Sand Tea Light Candles – These beachy candles make great parting gifts for your barefoot guests. Set them out at your beach front reception and watch them glow as the sun sets on your beautiful night.

Autumn Ambiance

Fall in Love Tea Light Sets – These tea lights give guests a decorative item for their home that speaks fall. With an assortment of leaves, these warm colors brighten up any fall wedding.

Petit Merlot Wine Gel Candle – This gel candles delivers a rich harvest grape scent that is sure to please. Wrapped in a pretty box with wine and grape illustrations, this is the perfect favor for a fall wedding.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ashley_Rader