IDoSugar -- Meant to be.

Cool Idea: A Colander As a Vase

casasugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:00:44 -0700

I recently polled you on your love for Todd Oldham's ice cream cone carnation floral arrangement, and you were pretty split on it. I on the other hand was not a fan; although in general, I feel that the world-renowned designer can do no wrong. Today is no exception to that notion, though. Oldham has created another arrangement for FTD, the Todd Oldham Green Salad ($79.99), this time using a colander as a vase. I adore this innovative use of a colander, not only for its good looks but because it is something everyone can achieve. Of course, it helps to have a vibrant, kelly green colander to perk things up, but I love it regardless of color. It's also a great housewarming gift, as the colander can be used in the kitchen once the arrangement falls by the wayside. Love it?

Happy Hour: X-Rated Fusion Liqueur

partysugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:00:54 -0700

While I normally prefer a classic cocktail or a glass of good whiskey, I've been known to enjoy a girly drink (or two) in my lifetime. Recently I've become obsessed with this brilliantly pink liqueur, X-Rated ($27).

At first, the cheesy name and vibrant color made me nervous. I was afraid it was going to be overly sweet — more like cough syrup than a luscious liqueur. However, the rosy liquid is absolutely delicious! A fusion of French vodka and organic blood orange, mango, and passion fruit juices, the liqueur tastes fresh not artificial. It's sweet, but not overly so. I served a chilled shot to girlfriends before a night on the town, but it would also be a flavorful addition to specialty cocktails.

If you're hosting a bachelorette party or bridal shower, consider serving X-Rated. Your girlfriends will love the taste and the experience of sampling a new liqueur. A bottle also makes a lovely birthday gift for a fashionable 21-year-old.

Have you tried X-Rated? What did you think?

How-To: Throw a Garden Bridal Shower

casasugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 06:15:54 -0700

My lovely sister recently threw me a garden bridal shower. She knew that I wanted a low-key, simple affair that focused on my friends, and with that in mind, she came up with the concept of a garden tea party. This casual affair was a fun, backyard gathering that my sis made elegant with her decorating choices and signature style. To see how she did it, .

Yummy Links: From Salmonella to Homemade Ricotta

partysugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:00:33 -0700

The raw tomato Salmonella outbreak has spread to 16 states. — FitSugar
A lovely alternative to classic pasta salad: Thai shiitake mushroom salad. — 28 Cooks
Isn't this gorgeous dress cake perfect for a bridal shower? — Frosted Garden
When baking, don't add too much flour while kneading. — The Kitchn
The best of ballpark food. — The New York Times
Due to the recession, Safeway's baker's dozen will only include 12 items. — Slashfood
Boxed wine isn't that bad. Here are six to try.—Mainstreet
Learn how to make homemade ricotta.—The Wednesday Chef

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How Would You . . .

casasugar — Sun, 18 May 2008 08:27:43 -0700

For the next round of this challenge, I'd like you to look at this Decorative Crystal Glass Ware ($550) from the Czech Republic. Now, imagine that you've been asked to integrate this glass ware into the decorating scheme of a good friend's bridal shower. How could you use this crystal glass ware at a shower? Yes, they'd be great as vases, but how would you make them stand out? What else could you use them for? How might you change them to really amaze the guests and bride-to-be? Tell me by commenting below!

Wedding Parties Week in Review

DearSugar — Sat, 17 May 2008 09:21:30 -0700

Just in case you missed any of the wedding party week coverage here on Dear, you can check out my recap below!

Coed parties are the new trend, but are they a good idea or a bad idea?
Learn all the proper etiquette when it comes to throwing a bachelorette party or bridal shower.
What do you think? How many pre-wedding parties are too many?
Managing family issues during your wedding can be a real struggle, so check out my advice for dealing with a demanding sister-in-law, estranged relatives, and a familial rift.
Would you want to know what goes on at your man's bachelor party?
Make sure to check out the newest installment in Dear's wedding timeline series for your wedding planning needs.
Bachelorette parties can range from totally wild to spa-day relaxing. What kind do you want?
When it comes to party entertainment, are bridal shower games and penis paraphernalia dos or don'ts?

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.

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Have You Helped Make a Ribbon Bouquet?

casasugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 11:00:27 -0700

If you've ever been to a bridal shower, you may have been responsible for helping to DIY the ribbon bouquet. At bridal showers, it's traditional to gather all of the ribbons together from the gifts and construct a bouquet, which will then be used at the wedding rehearsal. Source

Have You Helped Make a Ribbon Bouquet?

I've made too many to count!

I've helped out with a few.

I've used mine at my wedding rehearsal!

What? I didn't even know about this tradition.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Come Party With Me: Bridal Shower — The Look

partysugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 09:15:16 -0700

Keep the look to your bridal shower chic and elegant with springtime colors and white accents. Instead of covering the table with a cloth, place a pretty runner down the middle. Set clear vases filled with bunches of tulips on top of the runner.

Arrange large platters with assorted crostini around the runner. Stack different colored appetizer plates in unique shapes at one end of the table. Neatly place folded cotton napkins near the appetizer plates. Serve the mini lemon meringue pies on a tiered cake stand. Alternate layers of the pie with chocolate truffles.

Set the fruit spritzer buffet on a banquet in another area of the room. Line glasses in a row next to an ice bowl, the fruit purees, and mixers. Near the door organize a bunch of pretty nail polish in varying colors. Invite guests to take one as a favor when they leave.

For more wedding planning mania, check out IDoSugar.

DIY: Wine Cork Placecard Holders

casasugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 05:36:07 -0700

I spotted these Wine Cork Placecard Holders ($23.95) at Bright and Bold, which are actually made of resin, and thought they'd make a fabulous and simple DIY for a bridal shower brunch (or any other event). It's kind of a sad fact that these are being mass produced, but we won't get into that. I'm sure most guests would get a kick out of them, especially my girlfriends who are staunch wine fans. If you can handle drinking a few bottles of wine to save up for this DIY, then I think you'll be in the clear, supply-wise. But, you can also have cork stoppers special ordered from an industrial retailer and personalized with "Mrs. X" or "Angie & Brad" etc.

Supplies:

1 wine cork per place setting
Razor blade or X-acto (craft) knife
Cardstock
Calligraphy pen
Optional: Hot glue gun and magnet strip

To hear the steps,

Come Party With Me: Bridal Shower — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:30:36 -0700

Since most bridal showers are afternoon affairs, a heavy cocktail menu is not necessary. At Elena's bridal shower we'll set up a fruit spritzer buffet. Guests can have their choice of fruit purees and either mix them with sparkling water, club soda, or sparkling wine. A do-it-yourself bar is essential to this type of party where some will want to drink and others will not. Arrange ice, glasses, fruit purees, and mixers neatly on a side table.

For more wedding coverage go to IDoSugar. To take a look at the fruit spritzer recipe,