Holiday Table Challenge Hosted by The Party Dress!

Have you heard about the Holiday Table Challenge that is being hosted by Kelly of The Party Dress?! For the next few weeks, Kelly will be showcasing gorgeous tables designed by many of your favorite bloggers. You will not want to miss this eye candy which I am sure will serve as great inspiration for you for the season and other celebrations to come! I was lucky enough to be asked to participate and I hope I am able to come through with an inspiring design!

Two beautiful tables have been shown so far. A dreamy "Coastal Christmas" table was styled by Beth Beattie of Beth Beattie Branding, PR and Events. Then, today, Chris of Celebrations of Home, was able to show off the elegant table she designed that will not only work for Christmas, but for any special occasion. Chris used black, white, silver and lots of sparkle to create a stunning table to inspire you!

A big thank you to Kelly for hosting this fun event!

{Recipes} Cranberry Poppers

Searching for alternative Christmas desserts, I came across this sweet confectionary from St. Louis Entertains. The ingredients and preparation are simple and the presentation idea is elegant.

Ingredients

* 2 cups granulated sugar

* 2 cups water

* 1 bag fresh cranberries

* 1 cup superfine or powdered sugar

Directions

Dissolve the granulated sugar in water over low heat in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer; remove from heat. (Do not boil - you do not want the cranberries to pop.) Stir in cranberries; pour mixture into a bowl which will be refrigerated for 8 hours.

Drain cranberries. Fill a container or bowl with the powdered sugar and coat the entire berry with it by rolling it around in the container. Spread out the berries on wax paper and wait for them to dry (about 1-2 hours). Keep in a cool, dry place for up to a week before serving.

Busy, Busy, Busy

{Candid Chic Photography}

I am so excited that the holiday season is here! My calendar is full, but I wouldn't want it any other way. I love being able to celebrate this special time of year with family and friends!

I do feel a little overwhelmed though with not only the hustle and bustle of Christmastime, but I am also in the process of planning Conrad's second birthday party which will take place in a few weeks AND Nick's birthday party in January. I guess I need to accept the fact that this time of year will forever be insanely busy! A November anniversary, Thanksgiving, two birthday parties, Christmas, shopping, house guests, parties, school functions, New Year's...you name it!

I miss blogging on a daily basis! I truly am so sad that my time is limited for the next few weeks. I promise to post ideas and parties during this Christmas season, but I just wanted to explain my absence and lack of posting. I look forward to sharing Conrad's party details right after Christmas!

A heartfelt thank you to EVERYONE who checks in with me daily and for all of your uplifting comments. Reading your sweet words truly make my day and encourage me to continue blogging.

Coming up right after this post...an unusual Christmas dessert!

xoxo,

Christi

{Real Parties} An Anthropologie Inspired Bridal Shower

Whenever my friend, Cindy Gatewood, hosts a shower, I know it is going to be amazing. I am IN LOVE with this Anthropologie-inspired bridal shower Cindy hosted (along with several other very talented ladies) for bride-to-be, Jill.

The party was captured by the talented Angela Francis of Bella-Smile Photography.

The setting was perfect. The luncheon was held at BRIO Tuscan Grille in the new City Centre here in Houston. The gathering took place on the outdoor patio which lent for a neutral and organic space.

What I love about this party are all of the handmade details. The hostesses styled the tables themselves along with all of the centerpieces. Don't you love the baby's breath arrangements?! The ladies purchased fabrics and went to work creating table runners, napkin rings, favor ties and even the apron on the mannequin. Yes! The apron was made by one of the hostesses which I could not believe!

The favor table was precious and perfectly styled!

My good friend, Hayley Hardcastle, designed all of the gorgeous paper products including the favor table sign.

Another amazing handmade detail besides the napkin rings seen above are the vases. All of the vases were spray painted and a few were stenciled with a beautiful floral pattern!

The table with aprons tied to the chairs was the reserved table for Jill and her family. The lucky ladies got to take home the Anthropologie aprons as a gift!

The specialty drink of the day was a "Jill-Ini"...a nod to the bride's name which is Jill. CUTE!

Cindy and her talented friends handcrafted a gorgeous shower for Jill that I am sure she will always remember! Congratulations to Jill on her upcoming wedding THIS weekend!

Vendor Sources:

Paper goods - Hayley Hardcastle of HH Design House

Photography: Angela Francis of Bella Smile Photography

Location: BRIO Tuscan Grille

Glitter and Snow Table Design by Bird's Party

Let's kick of the Christmas season with a ultra chic and stylish table designed by Bird's Party (Bird Crafts)! If you are looking for a glam party idea, this is it! The colors and designs are perfect for a grown-up soiree full of glitz and glam. It's also a perfect design for New Year's Eve!

The black and white party collection includes invitations, party labels, stylish drink tags for champagne flutes, favor tags, thank you labels, candy jar labels, place cards and even CUSTOMIZABLE templates!!

The collection is currently half price ($7) until Friday, November 26th! Visit Bird's Party to learn more details about this gorgeous party design...