urban chic.

We are looking forward to a birthday soiree this Saturday for a friend. At the bottom of the uber-hip invite for a night that promises to be fantastic, the dress is described as 'urban chic'. Love that descriptor. But now, I feel the pressure to pick that perfect outfit.

When it comes to weddings, that pressure can be tenfold as brides try to find that one look, that one style, that one gown. Maybe a bit indulgent- but why not get more than one? This concept is not new. In traditional Indian and Japanese weddings, it is customary change to into more than one dress on the wedding day. Love it when old world tradition backs up an indulgence.

It may seem extreme to change completely so more and more we see brides simply add a new design element to their gown. We filmed a beautiful Newport wedding this summer where a very elegant, strapless silhouette gown took Michelle down the aisle but a rouched one shoulder strap from Vera Wang brought her onto the dance floor. Beautiful! Here is Michelle in her gown walking down the aisle with her dad:

And later with her husband while peeking in on the wedding party introductions and dance moves. Love the Michelle Obama-esque inspired one-shoulder strap

Or what about these darling dresses?
I could picture these at a New York City loft reception.

Elegant. Hip and yep. Urban Chic.

{erica}

wild wedding venue.

What else is there to do on a sunny and downright balmy late November afternoon then visit the zoo? Come noon on Sunday we were on our way to the Roger Williams Zoo with two first graders in tow. For me it had been years (decades?) but what a treat. While not the Providence Zoo is not really the ultimate in animal accommodations-it was well laid out and the wild animals seem generally content, clean and comfortable... a big plus as I am torn how I feel about the zoo concept, at times.

It never ceases to amaze me the enthusiasm you can tap into when you build a day around six year old girls. Lucy C. (ours) and Lucy T (her BFF- who, by the way, refer to each other by first name and first initial of their last name in case there is any confusion) were off and running.

The monkeys made us giggle with their teenage boy kinetic energy and clowning antics while the mama and baby giraffe were pure feminine elegance with their long eyelashes, gentle affection and graceful necks. It is easy to understand after a day at the zoo how Pixar gets such great inspiration for their animal animation.

I've always thought it would be fun to host a big event at an established Metropolitan Zoo and the creative inspiration you could have with invitations. Alas, on the new (to me) favorite blog, Erin Ever After today- she was all over it. Not for everybody, but how cool is it to have creatures big and small, nearby and in the far corners of the zoo settling into their evening rituals with their families- somehow a part of your wedding day?

{erica}

holiday season begins.

The first day of December has arrived and while the snow in New England has not, the seasonal rituals are in full swing. The hectic holiday pace has a way of creeping in but the simple joys of unpacking the sometimes decades-old ornaments, the smell of fresh evergreen and the first lighting of the newly decorated tree are peaceful holiday moments we all live for.

As you begin designing the season- these images might be timely inspiration and creative solutions to holiday decor limitations we face like when...

... lighting every exterior border of your home is just not that appealing for the light installer or the neighbors. 'Joy' template and instructions found on Martha Stewart

...you have small spaces or want something more whimsical or modern in some of your living areas. Image via Coastal Living Magazine
...you want to avoid the inevitable leftover-white-light-trail hanging below the greens. Make Douglas fir sprigs into a snowflake shape and leave the lights for the main act...the tree and garlands. Sunset Magazine tutorial

...there is no fireplace with which you can hang your stocking with glee. An antique cherry picker ladder idea via Coastal Living

For the last remaining weeks of 2009- we will be sharing some of our favorite new wedding highlights of the year and some fantastic collaborations/ projects we are working on.

Happy December!

pale and interesting.

I am definitely not a tschotkes girl ( chach'keys: had to google the spelling myself because it looks so wrong). I think of tschotkes as little things that are supposed to be sweet but just collect dust. They always seem to have the best intentions but are rarely staged and styled well. This site out of England, Pale and Interesting I first found on Decor 8 may change my mind. It has a fresh, lively and relevant approach to decor with the 'little things'.

The husband and wife team has a philosophy that seems the perfect approach to incorporating different generations and both bride and groom into wedding decor. It is all about mixing it up, teaming old with new, contrasting rough with smooth and pairing femininity with utility. Tschotke inspiration.

{erica}

gratitude.

For Thanksgiving yesterday, I was reminded of what made our wedding so beautiful to us. In any celebration, it seems to be all the ways that the family and friends, in small and big ways, pitch in to make the gathering memorable.

In a hectic and overcrowded kitchen (and an empty living room- why is that always the way?) it was hard to stop and reflect yesterday.

But today,while the bigger topics make me deeply thankful (health, family, old friendships, rewarding work, love) sometimes it is the small ones that really resonate.

Conversations of the heart with my husband over glass(es) of wine while chopping/ dicing/bagging the veggies on Wednesday night

Artfully designed place settings and thoughtfully decorated chalk board menu by Lucy- our artist in residence.

The hours Jeannie logged in at the sink hand washing every platter and mixing bowl while keeping countless dishwasher cycles clean

Lisa's humor, skilled cooking hand and a beautiful sense of timing that helped me serve up the twelve sides together AND piping hot

Kit packing up her kitchen to help me outfit my own with every conceivable need. I hadn't anticipated ever needing 20 serving spoons at once. That and the gift of a cribbage board- a Cyr family staple

Ray's sentimental gifts of photos for everyone from Thanksgiving circa 1976 reminding us all how family grows, diminishes and is ever changing. Our time with family is precious and fleeting.

Dickie carefully tending to two 21 lb deep fried birds and a bbq spiral cut ham outside with Mike

Helen for going clamming the day before to stock up on the most delicious addition to our appetizer menu. How did we ever do Thanksgiving without steamers?

Alex & Alba (the boyfriend and girlfriend of cousins Lauren + Jed) who laughed, jumped in and drove several hours to spend their family day with ours- making them, well... family.

My brother-in-law, John- saying simply, thanks. Thanks for making my brother so happy.

We hope you all had a wonderful day of Thanks!

{erica}

what's for dinner?

So many elaborate and simple ways to present menus for any special event or wedding. From individually printed at each place setting (this one from 100 Layer Cake says simply 'open me') to the vintage frames and scrolly fonts (from Sunday Suppers). I am a big fan of simple chalkboards propped up at a buffet table. Good thing, because I think I am running out of time for Thursday to take on another creative whim. Some times you just have to let it go and focus on making sure the green beans aren't khaki.
{erica}

sweet +succulent

Thanksgiving has me a bit obsessed these days. Farm table arrived this week. Check. Menu planned. Check. Shopping list made and wine purchased. Check. I guess that leaves centerpieces. On Thanksgiving, I know everyone is way more interested in the tenderness of the turkey and the football score but I can't seem to get the runner decor out of my head. It brings me to my latest fixation. Succulents. They are all over the outdoor, arid and sunny California wedding scene and I can't get enough. Especially with a name like succulent.

I definitely have a thing for low centerpieces and collections and this find, courtesy of old sweet song blog is a new etsy favorite. Greenware design is a collaboration between two longtime friends. One a potter. One a planter. For less than $50 they might have the sweet and ready made solution for my farm table Thanksgiving vision afterall!