Have It Sweet!

Have you ever gotten to that point where your google reader is so backed up that you find yourself just avoiding it all together? Over the holidays I spent little to no time on my computer, as the real world took ahold of me. I hate to admit it, but I actually pushed that Mark all as read button once or twice. I know! I’m sorry, but I just couldn’t bare to look at those skyrocketing numbers any longer!

Well the good news is, I’ve finally caught back up with some of my favorite daily reads, and have come across some wonderful ideas in the process. Check out this post on Have It Sweet via The Inspired Bride last week.

Not only would these gourmet sweets make a yummy favor, they’re beautiful enough to display for the world! Don’t even think about tucking these little morsels into a paper box, they definitely need to be in a clear cello bag at the very least! Or display a variety of them in vintage candy dishes for a gourmet candy buffet.

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Bakerella does it again

From time to time I like to browse creative blogs like Bakerella — you know the one. I'll sit there and dream about the hobbies I might have, if I had enough time for hobbies to begin with. I've always loved baking, and severly salivate every time I see new projects from Bakerella, but this latest project triggered some wedding favor ideas!

Bakerella spruced up a recipe for Cowboy Cookies, coincidentally turning them into Cowgirl Cookies with some pink m&m's. She then made some cookie mixes from that same recipe, creating a gorgeous little take-away gift for all to enjoy! I loved this idea so much that I decided to share it with you all —as a favor idea. Just think, m&m's come in every color under the sun, so these would be an easy and fun project to customize with your wedding colors!

Add a little tag or sticker with your names and some light directions and you're golden! I bet you could even cut the recipe in half for a mini-batch in some smaller (easier to lug around) jars.

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Regional Relics Post 5: Maple Syrup

The tradition of making maple syrup has been going on for centuries, initially used by Native Americans before European settlers discovered it. Even today, some of the traditional methods of transforming the sugar sap into syrup remain the same, which is why Michigan made maple syrup is our 5^th and last Regional Relic item.

You can find jugs of this sweet stuff in almost every general store you visit in Michigan, but you can also visit places like Currey Farms for bulk inquiries.

Select a few jars of maple cream to add to your wedding cake, or for a sampling of wedding cupcakes. You could also whip up a clever morning after breakfast basket with a spread of syrup choices, fresh fruit, juices, and pancake, muffin or scone mixes. We like Bob’s Red Mill brand the best (even though they’re based out of Oregon).

You can find out more information at the Michigan maple syrup association, here.

Photo sources: cupcakes, waffles, breakfast dry mixes, syrup bottles.

 

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Regional Relics Post 4: Cherry Republic

Cherry Republic is one of my favorite spots to score genuine cherry products from Michigan. They sell everything from Candy and Wine to Bath products — all cherry inspired!

If you had thoughts of a candy buffet at your reception, consider adding a few of their post popular cherry candies to the mix. You can place a special hang tag around the candy canister, with some information on the local favorites. The cherry soda pop is one of my favorite items out there, and would definitely be a hit with little ones at the wedding.

Cherry Republic also offers customizable items for use at weddings and special events. Check out the weddings link on their homepage for more information!

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Regional Relics Post 1: American Spoon Foods

During our up north honeymoon getaway, we wandered into American Spoon Foods for a tasty take-home treat and were blown away by the gigantic selection of goodies! Amidst the towering shelves of shiny glass jars (filled with things like strawberry butter, lemon curd and Maple BBQ grilling sauce) was a tasting cart… so we sampled away until we found enough sauces and jams to fill a case.

Above you'll find a few of our personal favorites, in no particular order. These jars would be perfect tokens of a trip to Michigan, which is why they’re the first of many items on our Regional Relics list! Stick a few into your welcome baskets for out of town guests, or even request that your cake be filled with the maple cream!

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Regional Relics mini-series

Throughout your wedding planning process, you’ve probably spent hours researching where to find that perfect favor, accessory or embellishment, in order to get the best of the best. throughout your wedding scavenger hunt, have you considered choosing items that can be found in your home state?

Don’t miss our new mini-series, Regional Relics, beginning Monday, June 8th! These next 5 posts will be focused on rounding up goodies from around our home state of Michigan, and incorporating them into your wedding plans.

Note: While this post is centered around products found in the state of Michigan, comparable products can be found in your home state. We highly encourage readers to do a little digging to find out what’s unique to their location!

Postcard image: Michigan Historical Museum, logo: RSVP Invitation Studios

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Add a little lemon

These little lemon souffles are sure to be a showstopper in any summer inspired wedding. Brightly colored, tasty and unique, they’ll ad that pop of color to your table décor in an instant. Think about other alternatives to this, like maybe a little lemon appetizer that could be waiting at each place setting for your guests. You could also use other festive fruits like limes or tangerines, anything reminiscent of summer!

Learn how to make this delicious dessert at the Martha Stewart site.

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Mini Pies

Miniature food items always win me over, be it mini wedding cakes, mini pies, whatever!

I like the idea of having a mini wedding cake for every guest, but that will, no doubt, cost an arm an a leg. Just think about all the decorating involved!

Mini pies are a delicious alternative, that you could even make ahead of time, freeze, and bake for the big day! They're cute, can be very decorative, and everyone loves pie!

Check out this unique tutorial for making jar pies (pies made in mini jars), from the Not Martha blog. Perfect for an outdoor, casual reception!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

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Passionate Dream

I think I’ve said it before, but I’ll go ahead and say it again, signature cocktails are one of my favorite ways to personalize a reception! With cool colors and funky names, you can’t go wrong!

Here is a recipe for Passionate Dream, straight out of Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee. This one kicks up that traditional margarita recipe by using pomegranate and cherry juice. Combine the innovative recipe, with its pretty presentation and you’re sure to please your guests!

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Food Stylist: Paul Lowe

Food stylists have always intrigued me, especially since I’ve hosted a dinner party or two. I mean presentation is everything! I’m really inspired by the blog of food stylist Paul Lowe. The images on his blog and site are marvelous! I also love the fact that he includes a few recipes with some of his posts (Recipe Monday). Way to share the love Paul!

Check out Paul's blog for many other design, craft & food inspirations!

Beautifully styled dishes will, no doubt, make your guests feel special and important. It's a detail that is rarely overlooked! Take note if you want your caterer to present a tasty and pretty dish to your guests at rehearsal or your reception!

Skagen salad, Brie cheese, Prune & Yoghurt cocktail, Spring rolls. 

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Midnight snacks

Snacks are important to late night party-goers, because you have to have something in your belly if you plan on dancing all night (can you say after party)! A new trend of offering a “midnight” snack has hit the wedding world, and I can’t complain. I’ve been to a few weddings that served coffee and Krispy Kremes, soda and white castle burgers, or cookies and milk to their guests before the night ended… Our own wedding offered a buffet of warm soft pretzels and cheese along with some non-alcoholic beverages to wake people up!

I love this idea, because who doesn’t get the munchies after an evening of cocktails and dancing. It’s a nice little treat that can make us feel like kids again!

Anyone have any clever ideas for a midnight snack?

Photo Credit.

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Good eats

I love wedding food (well food in general). It’s almost always prepared and arranged in a unique fashion, not to mention how yummy it tastes!

I came up with two reasons why I love wedding food so much:

1. I didn’t have to cook it

2. I probably couldn’t cook it if I tried. 

Appetizers are usually a good hint at what the main course is going to be, which is why I love these mouth-watering starters featured on Brides.com.

Clockwise from top left:

Chips ahoy

Artful hors d'oeuvres

Beachy bites

Bundles of joy

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Caramel apple favors

I just ran across this handy tutorial for caramel apple favors that double as place card holders! This tutorial comes from the blog of The Wedding Bistro at Bellenza, and is probably the most specific tutorial I have ever seen, it's great! I'm a huge fan of caramel apples, especially straight from the orchard or cider mill. It's another clever idea for fall weddings, and something that I've never seen before.

Depending on how many guests you have, this could be a great DIY project for you and your closest friends! If you are having a large wedding, buying pre-made caramel apples in bulk would be another option, and then cover them in fabric yourself!

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Citrus centerpieces

I always keep an eye out for fun and interesting centerpieces, which always tend to pop up in odd places. This centerpiece was pulled from the Rachel Ray magazine I get, and it just strikes me as a perfect wedding detail. The gel is actually jello! The directions are at her site, here. It's too cool and useful for a non-wedding party too!

If you wanted to put an individual twist on this idea, you could always pour the jello in individual champagne glasses with edible flowers, and create an artsy dessert for guests!

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