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Blog entries in "Decor Inspiration"
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Day-After BBQ
By Karen Birney
Many people say that your wedding is just one day of your life (I’m looking at you, George Hook) but I tend to disagree. I think it's about 18 months of your life, give or take. By the time you factor in the excitement of the engagement (about two weeks), the stress/pleasure of planning(on average about 12 months), the anticipation of the day (the six month run-up), the day itself (+1), the high the day after (+1), the longing for the honeymoon (approx 2 months) and the inevitable downer in the months that follow (anything from 1 month to about 5 years), it’s a long time. Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to stretch out the big day itself for as long as possible, and by that I mean by having a big blowout the day after.
All items from Ikea, DublinA great idea to do this is to have a BBQ for your guests the day after the wedding. Some people choose to have a dinner the evening before, but with guests travelling, ladies wanting to do their tans (cough), or wanting to get a decent rest so they can don their dancing shoes for the big day, the day after is often a better option. So without further adieu, here we present some of our fave ideas for the day after BBQ.
Turkey Burgers with Lemon Mayo (FoodandWine.com)
- In a nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the canola oil. Add the sliced onion and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until golden and softened, about 25 minutes. Transfer the onion to a bowl. Wipe out the skillet.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the canola oil in the skillet. Add the celery, apple and scallions and cook over moderate heat until softened, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and add the chipotle; let cool. Stir in the turkey, parsley, 1 teaspoon of the lemon zest, 2 teaspoons of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Shape the mixture into four 1/2-inch-thick patties.
- In the skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of canola oil. Add the burgers and cook over moderately high heat, turning once, until no longer pink inside, 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with the remaining 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, the lemon juice and chopped thyme and season with salt and pepper. Spread the lemon mayonnaise on the top halves of the buns; set the burgers on the bottom halves and top with the caramelized onions, lettuce and tomato. Close the burgers and serve.
BBQ Thai Chicken Legs (Jamie Oliver)
1. Slash the chicken legs all over with a knife.
2. Pick the coriander leaves and put them to one side. Add the stalks to a food processor with the rest of the ingredients and whizz to make a paste.
3. Rub the paste into the slashes and all over the chicken legs.
4. Place in a snug-fitting tin to marinate and light the barbecue. Place the roasting tin on the edge of the barbie so the chicken starts to cook gently without starting to colour too much.
5. When the legs are about half cooked, take them out of the tray and place them directly on the barbecue. Grill, turning now and then, until cooked through and crispy brown on the outside. Sprinkle the coriander leaves over to serve.
Tip: Grill the chicken on the medium-hot bit of the barbie, so it has a chance to cook before it crisps up.
Potato Salad with Bacon & BBQ Sauce (FoodandWine.com)
1. In a large pot, cover the potatoes with cold salted water and bring to a boil over moderately high heat. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 35 minutes. Drain the potatoes and, when they are cool enough to handle, slice them in half.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, cook the bacon slices over moderate heat until crisp, about 6 minutes. Drain on paper towels and coarsely crumble.
3. In a large bowl, mix the mayonnaise with the barbecue sauce, mustard oil and sherry vinegar. Fold the potatoes into the dressing while they are still warm. Let the potato salad stand, stirring a few times, until the potatoes have cooled and absorbed most of the dressing, about 20 minutes.
4. Add the celery, red onion, parsley and tarragon to the potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Let stand for an additional 20 minutes, stirring a few times. Garnish with the bacon and sprouts, then serve.
Recipes from MarthaStewart.com1. Champagne Fruit Punch -Serves 6
3 tablespoons Grenadine
3 tablespoons Cointreau
2 tablespoons Brandy
1 3/4 cups Champagne
Raspberries, apples, or other seasonal fruitFill a small ice bucket halfway with ice. Pour grenadine, Cointreau, brandy, and Champagne over ice. Stir gently, and ladle punch into two wide-mouthed stemmed glasses. Garnish punch with raspberries, apples, or any other fruit in season.
2. Spearmint Julep -Serves 4
2 1/2 cups Bourbon,
1 cup packed fresh spearmint, plus 4 sprigs for garnish
2 to 3 tablespoons superfine sugar
Ice cubes, for servingCombine bourbon and mint in a large pitcher, cover, and refrigerate 12 hours or up to one day. Strain, discarding mint. Add sugar, stirring to dissolve. Divide julep mixture among four ice-filled glasses. Garnish each with a mint sprig. The strained mint-infused bourbon can be refrigerated for up to 1 week in advance.
3. Bing Cherry Mojitos -Serves 12
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups freshly squeezed lime juice (about 9 limes)
3 pounds Bing cherries
18 ounces best-quality black cherry or plain Vodka
1 bottle sparkling water (750 mL)Bring sugar and 1 1/4 cups water to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat; let cool completely. (Makes about 2 cups syrup.) Syrup can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Put lime juice into a medium nonreactive bowl. Halve and pit cherries; add to lime juice. Stir in syrup. Refrigerate for at least one hour (up to overnight). Stir cherry mixture and vodka in a large serving bowl. Fill 12 glasses with ice. Spoon 1/2 cups of cherry-vodka mixture into each glass. Top off with sparkling water. Serve immediately.
If you can find a way to get instant photos on the day of your wedding, it is well worth it. Poloroid/photobooth photos would make great decor at your BBQ the day after and are guaranteed to get your guests chatting. They are also really nice to have for yourself while waiting for the professionals to come through! All you need to display them is some twine, and some mini pegs. To let your guests know what's in the salads etc... just jot the ingredients down on a chalkboard.
Comfort and Style. Playsuit/Dresses from Asos.com. L-R; €66.66, €67.95, €32.05
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Love Vinyl?
By Karen Birney
About two weeks ago I spent an extremely lazy Saturday browsing through the vinyl market fair in the Mercantile on Dame Street. Ever since that I’ve wanted to do something for the site/magazine on music-themed weddings. Unfortunately four times a year my head falls off and is attacked by little magazine monsters so I’m unable to muster a thought for approximately 24 hours a day (don’t worry, I secretly love it). Anyway, I received a mail from a friend of mine (HOLLA ATCHA RO!) that simply read ‘Please put this in B Magazine’ and linked to some vinyl-themed wedding invitations. And here we are.The Album Cover Engagement/Invitation
I came across this engagement shoot by Toast Photography on Ruffledblog.com. It's is based on Bob Dylan's Free Wheelin' album cover and acted as the base for the couple's wedding stationery. Now I know Irish couples aren't generally the type to jump in front of a camera at any given moment ('cides maybe after a few bevs that is) but think of what a gorgeous keepsake this would be when you're both old and...wise?! And if you're super shy, just hide your face behind a prop. Badabing. See more of the stationery, by Chad Pickett, here.
Music sheet themed decor
I'm into bunting. There's something I'd never thought I'd say before but there you go. This bunting from Grace & Favour Home on Etsy would look really cute along an escort card table or on the wall behind the cakestand. Another way of creating that rustic, vintage and classic music theme when your guests enter is to use these little stave-printed pegs as escort card holders. They're magnetic so you can stick them to a wall (made of some sort of iron) or just pin some thick twine to the wall and peg them on that.
Vinyl details
The invites here are by Guestlist on Etsy and include a mixed CD inside with music chosen by the bride and groom (you'll have to check here for terms and conditions, I'm not 'up' on my music copywrite I'm afraid). Found via DesignSponge.
Other really great ideas for old vinyls is to use one as your guest book and frame it later. Just provide gold/silver pens. via TheKnot.com
Fluted vinyl bowl in top right corner by Vinyl Village via NotontheHighStreet.com
If you fancy something music related for your tables, print out the covers of your favourite albums, paste them onto coloured card and use them as table numbers. Table numbers by Kia Kreations via WeddingWindow.com
"Wish you were here" frame by Kylies Papercuts via NotontheHighStreet
Escort card table style by WeddingsOnline, image by Darren Purcell
And finally...
Check this out for amazing:
Related Content
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Fabulous Floral Centrepieces
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Wedding how to: The Dessert Buffet and Candy Table
By Karen BirneyThere's no better way to cater for the entire family's tastebuds than with a dessert table. Dessert tables aren't only scrumptious to eat, they are also fabulous to look at and are a great colour feature for your reception! Try adding an array of sweets to your table, from cupcakes, to hard boiled sweets, to macaroons to lollipops or rocks! You could also whip up some nice fruit punch and sit the colourful jugs at the side of the table.
Most of all have fun with it! Compiled by Karen Birney
There are some cute cake stands around at the moment, but if you can't spare the expence, go for a cardboard popup cake stand. These are perfect if you only plan on baking once in your married life!
There are some great additions you can make to cupcakes, like floral pinwheels or little flags, check out how B Magazine got on with their cupcake DIY projects here.
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The Summer Venue
Long days, beautiful blooms and maybe even some sun! Julie Cox, Managing Director of Dublin’s premier summer wedding venue, Beaufield Mews Restaurant, Gardens & Antiques, gives her top tips for the perfect summer wedding.
Photos by Leo Patrone Photography
“For the perfect summer wedding make the most of any outdoor areas and make sure the venue has plenty of garden furniture as well as it looking pretty. There is no point in having a wonderful garden if the guests are uncomfortable standing in their high heels!” Julie Cox, Beaufield Mews Restaurant, Gardens.
“Some nice light music in the garden on arrival can make everyone immediately relax. Offer Pink Champagne or Pink Prosecco and add some fruit to the glass like blueberries for an extra special touch,” Julie says.
“Draught mini shots of Guinness are a great touch. It is literally a shot of Guinness, but it is fun and it is a new twist on the black velvet cocktail, when served alongside a glass of Champagne. We have fabulous miniature pint glasses that we serve them in.”
Planning a summer wedding outdoors in Ireland can be risky to say the least, but when you have experienced and professional people like Julie Cox fromBeaufield Mews Restaurant, Gardens & Antiques on your side, there is no fear. You can be sure that there is a Plan A, Plan B and probably a Plan D for making sure your wedding fabulous from start to finish, come rain or shine.
Planning a fabulous summer wedding is in the details according to Managing Director of Beaufield Mews, Julie Cox. Guests will remember your event if it offers them something different, something they may not have experienced at a wedding before. A great way to put that something special into your wedding is through unique menu options, like a picnic wedding!
“We have dishes like a pig on a spit and our very popular Le Pique Nique menu option where guests are handed a wicker basket, red chequered napkins, picnic blanket and they find a space on a bale of hay to enjoy a lovely range of goodies including strawberries dipped in chocolate and homemade shortbread, a selection of Irish cheeses with homemade chutneys, mini terrines along with filo parcels of spinach and feta cheese, all whilst sipping some dressed pimms!”
Assuming summer is hot (and I know that’s a big assumption) a big meal might not be what your guests want; something light and fresh would fit the bill better. Beaufield Mews offers Mini Feast Menus, which are like the Irish version of Tapas, where you get several traditional dishes with seasonal produce in smaller portions.
“The emphasis is on fun and informality with no set table plan, no set starter and definitely no ‘meat and 2 veg’! Waiters roam the garden with trays ofcanap�s consisting of things like deep fried cigars with parma ham and smoked mozzarella, oriental chicken satay bites, mini tartlets of goat’s cheese and red onion, mini Seafood roulade justto name but a few. At Beaufield Mews we are committed to using local, in season produce wherever possible,” Julie says.
Weather can be the summer weddings best friend one second and worst enemy the next. Julie says you have to plan around the weather, don’t assume you will have horrible weather, and definitely don’t assume you will have great weather. Plan for both and then either way you will be prepared and happy. Beaufield Mews holds outdoor blessings and weddings under a light canopy so that even if it does rain, you can enjoy the great outdoors and stunning garden, without panicking.
Contact Beaufield Mews:
1-2880375
This article appeared in the Summer 2010 edition of B Magazine
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Top Wedding Trends for 2011
The wedding of 2011 should be infused with personality, beautiful details and enough style to keep the guests talking long after the wedding day. The brides getting married this year should use as much imagination as they can muster to plan an event that's full of unique touches and style. Here are some inspiring trends to watch out for!
Comfort Food
Whether it’s because of tightened purse strings, a rejection of the health craze or just something different, 2011 is about good old fashioned comfort food. And if we are all honest, biting into juicy burger is just as good as lobster voulevant ! It is no longer necessary to try and wow guests with gourmet delicacies; a simple burger will be just as acceptable. Make your comfort food extra chic with sliders, chips wrapped in mini-newspapers or a pig on a spit.
Colourful Shoes
The last thing you expect with a pristine wedding gown is a pair of orange stilettos...but it works, and it is definitely in for 2011! So add chic style to a simple or classic look by getting yourself a killer pair of bright heels.
Chinese Lanterns
These lovely lanterns instantly spruce up a bland venue and bring bucket loads of ambiance to an event. You can find different colours to add a bit of flair or plain white ones to get a stylish, clean look. Hang them from the ceiling or along the wall to add dimension to a room, or hang them over a dance floor to get a great atmosphere!
Photo by www.joeyjessicaweddings.com
Signature Cocktail
Add some glamour to a champagne or drinks reception by serving specialty cocktails. These could be named after the bride and groom, include some of your favourite flavours or reflect the season. If budget is an issue, try a large bowl of wedding punch with fresh fruit slices.
Letterpress Stationery
Letterpress wedding stationery is hugely popular in the US and is quickly becoming the next big thing for Irish weddings. It ticks all the boxes in stationery trends. The cotton paper is handfed through a vintage press onto soft pillow paper. Merging old world printing techniques with creative design, Letterpress stationery can be completely customised to compliment any wedding style.
Dessert Tables
Say hello to the trend revolutionising wedding confectionery. Instead of serving a traditional dessert, you can have a whole table full of treats, sweets and pastries on vintage plates, cake stands and serving dishes. Not only does it act as a decorative focal point for your reception, it tastes amazing as well!
Table by One Girl Cookies
Fruit Centrepieces
Fruit centrepieces are unique, stylish, and cheap. Apples, cranberries, pumpkins, oranges and blueberries will give a table a splash of colour and work particularly for autumn and Christmas weddings.
Details
Personalisation is the key to making your wedding stand out. Find ways to infuse personality and taste into your big day. Cover your bouquet stems with your grandmother’s vintage broach on the outside or get a locket and put pictures of your lovely H2B inside. The possibilities are endless!
Statement Jewellery
We all know accessories are important, but for 2010, they are a necessity! Think bold, think vintage and think shock value...and you’ll be on the right track.
Necklace by Vera Wang
Unique Venues
Ever since the Civil Registration Act in 2004, alternative venues have taken centre stage. Whether you say ‘I do’ at Dublin Zoo, Croke Park or at a stately country house, finding a unique venue is the ultimate quest for couples.
Photo from the Dublin Zoo
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DIY Festival Wedding
We found this little beauty of a wedding on Style Me Pretty yesterday and knew we had to share! We are all feeling the festival vibe here in WeddingsOnline (with our very own WOL Fest just around the corner) and this wedding is the PERFECT example of a festival theme done incredibly well!
The wedding took place in the English Countryside and was photographed by Chris Barber Media
Check Style Me Pretty for more gorgeous details!
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Autumn Colour Palette
Loving this soft and beautiful palette for all you autumn brides!
Board found on 100 Layer Cake!
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Venue Inspiration: The Brooklodge
I'll admit I am slightly obsessed with The Brooklodge...especially for someone who has never even been to Brooklodge. But everything I hear about the stunning country house hotel points to the fact that it is amazing! Making a visit is definitely on the top of my to-do list. The ivy covered building and understated scenery makes me think a romantic palette would set the tone perfectly.
Image 1: weddings.theknot.com
Image 2: Twigs and Honey, stylemepretty.com
Image 3: lovelyleafstudio.com, Style Me Pretty
Image 4: Vera Wang
Image 5: The Brooklodge and Wells Spa
Image 6: kate Fashion Boutique Dress
Image 7: kuperberg.com, Style Me Pretty
Image 8-10: Christian Oth Studio,Corbin Gurkin Photography, Jose Villa Photography via Style Me Pretty
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Venue Inspiration:The Clarence
You really can't beat the location of The Clarence. Right on the Quays, city centre with spectacular views, it really is the epitome of city centre chic.I think the perfect palette for The Clarence would take inspiration from the beautiful Dublin skyline and the stunning exterior of the hotel. Something with deep colour and stylish embellishment.
Image 1 and 2: The Clarence
Image 3 and 4: Style Me Pretty, Carla Ten Eyck and Christian Oth Studio
Image 6: Theknot.com
Dress: modcloth.com
Bracelet: katespade.com
Earrings: tacori.com
Last 2 photos: stylemepretty.com Carla Ten Eyck and Wayne Yuan Photography
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Book Centrepieces. Yes, please.
Just when you think you've seen it all you find a book centrepiece...Sometimes the creativity of others is just plain mind blowing! I came across this little gem of a wedding on Green Wedding Shoes.
Vendors:
Designer & Coordinator: Carter & Cook Event Co.
Photographer: Colleen Sherman Photography
Videographer: 4120 Weddings
Florist: The Floral Lab
Paper Stylists: Posh Paperie
Venue: Condors Nest Ranch -
St. Paddy's Day Wedding
I love this Irish inspired shoot from Style Me Pretty.
Event Design & Planning: Shannon Leahy / Photography: Larissa Cleveland / Flowers: Shannon Leahy & Anne Millett / Ceremony & Reception Location: Manka’s Boathouse / Invitations & Paper: Mira Aster / Shoes: Steve Madden / Dress: BCBG / Cake: Flours SF / Linens: La Tavola Linen / Tabletop Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Chairs: Blueprint Studios / Models: Erika Schneider and Travis Binen / Hair & Make-up: Ashley Wright
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Pink Week! Here and there.
This is a great example of the 'pink splash' or a tasteful dotting of pink with rather neautral colours. I think it makes things a bit more exciting, without going overboard. It still manages to come across warm and welcoming. I found this on the very talented photographer, Jessica Claire's blog. Flowers by Kate Holt from Flower Wild.
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I don't usually like red..
...but this is amazing.
Photography by Jen Kroll / Wedding Gown by Reem Arca from Kleinfeld’s / Hair Accessories from Kleinfelds / Letterpress Stationery by Gwyneth Paige {Couture Letterpress} / Floral Arrangements by Modern Day Floral / Hair by Studio Q / Makeup by Julie Straiting / Event Planning and Design by In Any Event by Jodi Bos / Linens by La Tavola Fine Linen Rental / Tent and Decor Rental by Special Events Rental / Calligraphy by Designs by Robyn Love
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White Christmas
I will never forget sitting in the Seattle airport last December, vowing that I never wanted to see snow again. Trying to make our way from Dublin to my Washington home was pure travel hell as the whole of northern America was under several feet of snow. We were layed over in NY, San Francisco and Seattle, where finally my dad was forced to drive over the treacherous mountain passes for 5 hours to collect us, because all flights were cancelled until after Christmas. Even though I have spent the whole of 2009 hating the white stuff, as Christmas rolls around...dare I say it...I kind of miss my white Christmas.
Images from Country Living.
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