Cake Stand Centerpieces

I have a weakness for cake stands. I love finding vintage styles at yard sales and antique shops, as well as shiny new steals at places like Marshall's and TJMaxx. But no matter how many stands I acquire, I don't seem to get a chance to use them as much as I'd like. I don't get around to baking as much as I'd like, so instead of showcasing yummy treats on them, here are a few ideas to get those cake stands out of the cupboard and into your everyday decor. You could even use some of these inspirations for your wedding centerpieces!

Sources: 1, 2, 3

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Welcome Baskets on a Budget

Do you really need welcome baskets for out of town guests? I'm sure the thought has crossed your mind, especially if more than half of your guests will be arriving from destinations other than your wedding venue. It's definitely a luxury for guests, and will not be forgotten among the wedding bubbles and free champagne.


I think the best part about a welcome basket is the pure fact that the bride and groom had put some thought into leaving us with a little gift as we got settled into our new surroundings. To me, it really doesn't matter what you include, it's the thought that counts!


For those of you out there who just don't have the time, resources or budget for a gourmet welcome basket, think about some of these alternative fillers.


+ Swipe a handful of local maps and circle your favorite hot spots for those guests that have never been to this location.
+ Throw in a few items that guests may have forgotten at home, or ones that they just couldn't pack but would enjoy anyway: homemade linen spray for ironing that shirt before the wedding, or a nice fluffy roll of toilet paper (you know the hotel TP is cheap), or even an assortment of meds like tylenol, tums, and pepto—in the case of a hangover the day after.
+ Collect an assortment of postcards for guests to jot down a note or two in their down time.
+ Pass out a few coupons for breakfast the next morning or work with your hotel to welcome guests at a discounted rate.


Whatever you decide to do, guests will be honored that you thought of them, so don't worry about the details of gourmet goodies and high-class refreshments.


Source: Kate Parker Weddings

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How to cook everything

Ever since I met my husband, I’ve been enthralled with cooking. In college I loved experimenting with new ingredients and challenging recipes… making things for the first time was an incredible rush. I know, I know, I’m a food geek. But while enjoying cooking so much, I never really knew who the real “foodies” were.

For our wedding in July 2007, we received this book, How to Cook Everything, by Mark Bittman and Alan Witschonke. My husband was actually the one squeeled with delight at the sight of the book, he obviously knew who this Bittman character was. It didn’t take me long to realize that Mark Bittman is a food genius, and this book was a godsend. (Also available is a vegetarian version of this book)

Anything I could ever think about making was here, no phone call to mom needed! If you haven’t already checked it out, flip through a copy at your local bookstore… it will save your life, and any dinner party at that!

Image courtesy of amazon.com

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