I came across these little cuties on Inspired Bride, and they make such darling little favors for a fall or winter wedding! If you are in search of a recipe for the cocoa, just click here to get Inspired Bride’s own version of the treat… your guests are sure to thank you and use these adorable gifts when the mood for a hot drink (or the need for a chocolate fix) arises.

What You’ll Need:
Plastic Vials with Metal Caps (our are from SKS Bottle – the 40ml size)
Paper Wrap, Measuring 2″ x 6″ (our design is available here in PDF form)
Ribbon, in Two Different Widths (ours are 2″ and ½”)
Scissors
Hot Glue Gun and Glue
Double Stick Tape
Optional Favor Tag (ours is available here in PDF form) and Hole Punch

STEP ONE: Fill three plastic vials with cocoa mix (same flavor, or different varieties). Stack them horizontally in a pyramid formation and hold the ends tight to keep them together.

STEP TWO: Attach a strip of double stick tape to one end of the paper wrap, and attach it to the top of the vial at the top of the pyramid. Wrap the paper strip around the pyramid of vials until both ends meet and overlap. Attach a strip of double stick tape to the back of the end that is not attached to the vials. Press that end onto the area where the wrap overlaps to secure.

STEP THREE: Cut a length of your thicker ribbon that is approximately 6″ long. Attach the end of the ribbon to the paper wrap with a small dot of hot glue near the paper wrap’s seam. Wrap the ribbon around the pyramid and secure the other end with another small dot of glue.

STEP FOUR: Face the side of the pyramid with the wrap and ribbon seam down. This will now be your bottom side. Cut a length of your thinner ribbon to about 8″ long. Fold it in half to find the center and put a dot of hot glue on it. Quickly attach the ribbon to one of the sides of the pyramid that is not the bottom seam side. All of the ribbon but the center point should be free to move around.

STEP FIVE: This step is optional – only worry about this if you plan on adding a note tag. Cut out the tag out and use a hole punch to create a space to feed one side of the thinner ribbon through.

STEP SIX: Finish your favor off by tying ribbon into a bow.

Again, visit Inspired Bride if you get the chance! The posting and photos come from them, and there are more goodies on their site if you click here and check them out.

I have had the privilege of not only getting to know those in the wedding community here in Central Virginia, but through our local RMA and social media networking groups, I have had the fun of getting to know fellow business owners. Heather Bonawitz of Becoming Designs is such a sweetie, and she even staged one of my Hill City Bride booths last fall (click here to see the facebook album).

She is what is called an “Interior Redesigner”, which is someone who can take what you already own and make your home look amazing. I love that … recycling in your own home! With many couples being getting married after they have already established many of their furnishings, Heather can help to blend your two styles into one, and here are a few of her tips on how to do this on your own.

Interior Re-design

Using what you already own to set up a new home!

The wedding planner has been paid, the presents have all been opened (a few of them returned), and the once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon is only a photographed memory. You have returned back to work, rested and relaxed after months of wedding planning, only to find that your now “home” does not feel like a refuge at all. In fact, there is nothing about it that reflects you or your beloved spouse.

The very fact is that it feels more like you are back in a college dorm trying to blend somebody else’s style and stuff into the space, yet it stands in vast contrast from your personal preference. You are the type of gal that likes silk drapes, dozens of floral chintz pillows, and beautiful antiques that can become family heirlooms. Contrast that with him. He has a La-Z-Boy recliner, a super modern sofa, and sports memorabilia to decorate for his soon-to-be prized “man cave”.

Does any of this sound familiar? Are you concentrating heavily on planning a wedding right now and yet somewhere in the back of your mind you are wondering how your two very different styles can or ever will mesh together to create a home that you both love and enjoy, yet one that reflects each of your personalities, tastes and interests?

Our homes incorporate many components that affect our mood, our lifestyle, and even the way that we interact with those around us. Interior Re-design is the artful arrangement of existing furniture, artwork, and accessories that results in a Fresh New Look using what you already have.

As newlyweds trying to establish your home, start by finding what elements that you both have in common. Perhaps you have a color that you are both drawn to. Consider using that as the basis to start from and paint that hue on your walls. Now what about furniture? Blending antiques with more contemporary elements is a very chic look in the design industry right now, so how about designing a room that is “transitional” in style, incorporating both traditional & modern elements?

How can you accessorize with contrasting interests? Well, perhaps you both have a favorite travel destination. Why not blend your interests by showcasing these passions into the artwork you display throughout your home? Just like in a marriage, there will be moments of compromise with our decorating selections, not every component will be a perfect fit, but the beauty of re-designing a space is that sometimes an eclectic array of things can all be used together with just a little creativity, proper space planning, and artful accessorizing.

Every home has a story to tell! A story is comprised not only by the people involved, but also by the surroundings those people find themselves in. The end result of a well-designed room should always reflect you, your family, and the interests and needs of each one living there. Use this suggestion of finding common elements rather than things that you differ on, as a guide to determine what you want to display as important in your lives together. In so doing, your home will become a beautiful blend of styles that showcase what is truly valued and honored in your lives as a couple!

Heather J. Bonawitz is an Interior Re-designer & Home Stager that takes what you already own & re-purposes it! She is the owner of Becoming Designs, an Interior Design consulting company in Lynchburg, Virginia specializing in Interior Re-design, Home Staging & Professional Organizing. For more inspiring design ideas, visit www.becomingdesigns.com, call 434-352-1334 or email: becomingdesigns@mail.com. Thank you again, Heather!!

If you know anything about me personally, you know that I absolutely adore the HCB vendors … they are so fun and creative, and that has hands down been my favorite part of doing the blog. Truly! Brad and his wife Lyndsey are just super sweet (and make for some gorgeous photos!!), and I am so excited to feature their wedding trailer on the blog today. In case you missed the posting in January on their wedding photos, feel free to click here to see the captured moments from their day.

Brad himself is a cinematographer (and Lyndsey a nurse!), and his company, Shaking Hands Productions, produced his wedding trailer. I am so excited to have Brad and Lyndsey on the blog today, and I wish them the best in their future together!!

Our Trailer :: Brad + Lyndsey :: from Shaking Hands Productions on Vimeo.

Cinematography: Shaking Hands Productions

Flowers: Petal Flower Company

Photography: Adam Barnes Fine Art Photography

Venue: Riverview Manor

Once again, I am pleased to have the team of RS Exclusive lending their expertise in all things wedding to our HCB readers! Be sure to check out their website to see examples of their work by clicking here.

For many of us, the mention of the word “centerpiece,” usually draws our mind to some sort of arrangement composed of – or centered on – flowers. And with the vast variety of shapes, colors, and sizes available to compliment any number of wedding themes or styles, it is no wonder flowers are often in the spotlight.

However, while fresh flowers most certainly are beautiful, they can also get expensive. For the bride (or hostess) on a tight budget – or simply one who wishes to expand her creativity beyond the norm – with a little inspiration, there is really no limit to what you can create.

Rather than seeing your centerpieces as another item to simply check-off on your “wedding-to-do-list,” use them to show off your individual personality and flair. Those tables are your artistic canvas in a sense, have fun with them.

Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Want to go natural? Fruit and vegetables can make a beautiful centerpiece. With their bright, natural colors, they can add zest and life to a table. Whether arranged in a vase or spread out in a long, rustic basket, their natural beauty will shine.

(photo: http://youaremyfave.com/gallery/backyard-harvest/)

Bring the outdoors in with the use of branches. For a more modern look, go with a sleek, naked branch, or follow the style of the recently-wed Duchess of Cambridge, and incorporate full, tree leaves to add rich depth and dimension to your tables.

(photo: http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/non-floral-centerpieces#slide_7)

Set a romantic mood using all candles. Choose all one style (taper or pillar) for a sleek and elegant look, or mix and match styles and candleholders for a more eclectic, relaxed feel. This type of candlelit centerpiece is especially beautiful for a late afternoon or evening wedding.

(photo:http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/decorating/tips-techniques/magic-candlelight-00000000016059/page2.html by Annie Schlechter)

Another option for adding candlelight to your table is through the use of a beautiful array of lanterns. Again, mix and match for a more eclectic, rustic feel, or use similarly colored lanterns for a more upscale look. Enjoy reading? Incorporating your favorite books (choose volumes with antique or colorful covers) into the mix can add a distinguished, and vintage, feel to your tables.

(photo: http://iloveswmag.com/)

Want to incorporate fresh flowers into your centerpiece without having them as a dominant feature? Consider topping off a variety of vases with water, and either floating or sinking a single flower into the center for a simple, yet elegant, look.

Getting married at the beach? Nothing says summer loving like a little fun in the sand.

(photo: http://www.engagementweddingring.net/wedding-centerpieces/)

Depending upon your theme, potted plants  – like the uniquely-shaped cactus – are another great alternative to a floral centerpiece, while also being eco-friendly. Following your event, these plants can be sent home with family members and guests as special favors to enjoy long into the future.

Who says dessert has to come last? Add some whimsy to your table and surprise your guests with a colorful – and delicious – candy or dessert centerpiece. Choose goodies that coordinate with your color scheme, and then go to town!

(photo: http://budgetdreamweddings.com/2761/candy-buffet-centerpeices/ by Megan Robbins Photography)

Want a little chic without going over-the-top? An airy chandelier made from doilies can be a beautiful addition to both an afternoon and evening affair.

(photo: http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/non-floral-centerpieces#slide_3)

These are just a small sampling of non-floral centerpieces that can be done. Whether or not you choose to incorporate floral elements, use your imagination and have fun with it. Remember to utilize your wedding planner! Using their vast experience, they can help you fine-tune your ideas to develop a design that will not only fit your budget, but that will be memorable and special to both yourself and your guests.

I enjoy perusing the web for fun ideas, and when I came across this one I was wowed by how unique, individualized and creative it was. It does not seem difficult, either, which is my kind of DIY project! Many thanks to Ann Martin of All Things Paper for letting HCB borrow her posting, and I hope that it inspires you to do something unique!

Noooo, relax… I’m not talking about the ‘ouch’ kind of paper cut. Instead, I’d like to show you a gift my son’s girlfriend surprised him with for Christmas. She created this pair of paper cuttings of their thumbprints!

Cooperation in obtaining a thumbprint was the first essential step. Such a trusting guy, haha…. Bill had no idea what she was going to do with it.

Jess was new to paper cutting, but had done stenciling and rubber stamp making before, which basically use the same skills – a steady hand and patience.  She found she really enjoyed it and plans to do more. I really like the way she positioned each print over a photograph, as the colors add such a nice amount of interest.

Jessica then placed the pair in matching frames from a thrift store that she had painted in stylish matte grey. See the how-to at her website.

I’m thinking a personalized paper cutting would make a really nice gift!

Many thanks go out to Ann for bringing this project to light! If you would like to see her original posting, just click here. Also be sure to check out her quilled marriage certificates … what a lasting memory! Also, be sure to enter our May giveaway by clicking here.