A Diamond Celebration » Winter

Ring in the New Year

admin — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:19:47 +0000

Happy New Year! Congratulations to all of you who became engaged over the Holidays. What a wonderful way to start the New Year. I would love to enjoy the wedding planning journey with you. Please call me for a complimentary consultation: 858-692-5154. I will also be exhibiting at the Bridal Bazaar, January 31 2010 at the San Diego Convention Center (booth 917) Look forward to meeting you

photo credit: www.marthastewartweddings.com

According to The Knot one of the new trends for 2010 will be themed engagement photos.

“Just like your dress and reception decor, your engagement photo shoot should be completely “you.” Follow that line of thinking and you’ll understand why couples are coming up with the most creative themed engagement photo shoots, from Mad Men and Breakfast at Tiffany’s to more obscure 1950s backyard barbecue shoots. Not into the theme idea? Tone it down with a couple props, like colorful balloons, umbrellas, or a tandem bicycle.” Have fun with this idea!! www.theknot.com

Merry Christmas

admin — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 21:42:34 +0000

To decorate, you’ll need:

Cupcakes
Sugar Cones
White Candy Melts
White Sugar crystals
Frosting
Pink Sugar crystals
Candy Canes
Fondant
Icing colors ( Wilton Dusty Rose)
Snowflake Sprinkles
Confetti Sprinkles

Cut off ends of the sugar cones, so the tree section is around 3 inches long. Use a serrated knife to carefully saw through without shattering the cone.
Dip cone sections in melted white candy coating. If you use a tall plastic cup, it will be easier to coat the entire cone.
Remove and let excess coating fall off.
Sprinkle white sugar crystals or sanding sugar over entire surface of the cone. Sprinkle over a large bowl and you can reuse the sprinkles.
Set on wax paper to dry completely. When dry, you can redip the bottoms to make sure the cone is completely coated.
Use 6 inch long candy canes and break the handles off so you are left with a straight piece that’s around 5 inches.
Cover cupcakes with tinted pink frosting.
Fill a small dish with the pink sugar crystals or sanding sugar and press cupcake tops into the dish until the entire surface is covered with sugar cyrstals.
Dip one end of the candy cane in some of the melted candy coating and insert the other end straight into the cupcake.
Place a Christmas Tree on top of the candy cane and let the candy coating dry and work like a glue.
If you want decorations, it would be a good idea to add them before you attach the tree. Just dot a small amount of coating on the surface and attach a colored sprinkle.
For presents, tint white fondant and shape the fondant into small squares by hand. Then use some of the white fondant, roll it out and use a knife to cut thin strips for ribbon. Attach the white fondant ribbon to the presents with a small dab of water. Then attach the snowflake sprinkles the same way.
Remember, use dense cupcakes instead of light and fluffy ones so the trees will not want to tip.
Or skip the candy canes, use the entire sugar cone and make big trees. Then you won’t have to worry.

photo credit and decorating tips from:www.bakerlla.com

I love this time of year and all the sweets that come with it. What a fun dessert to make for your guests to enjoy. May all of you enjoy the Christmas Season and time with family and friends. I am off to Mammoth to have fun in the snow. My Next post will be in 2010…Happy New Year!

Who Knew Pine Cones Could Be So Much Fun?

admin — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:52:38 +0000

Again it’s all in the details…see how a simple pine cone can be a surprise element and unique touch. How fun to use nature in a creative way. This would be perfect for a mountain/ ski lodge wedding. Let’s head to the snow!!!

Photo Credits:

Instyle Weddings: www.instyleweddings.com

Martha Stewart Weddings: www.marthastewartweddings.com

Tis the Season

admin — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:26:27 +0000

These favors look pretty and yummy! If you are having a winter wedding how cute for guests to take these favors home. This would be a great way to capitalize on a winter theme and give them a delicious treat. Visualize how these could add decorative touch to your tables by placing them on each guest’s napkin.

I found these delicious cookies on Martha Stewart Weddings

www.marthastewartweddings.com

Christmas Pzazz

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:02:19 +0000

I am inspired by this board. How fun to have a Christmas/winter wedding!

Red shoes, crushed peppermint candies, marshmallows, vibrant red roses and splashes of red everywhere. Innovation and out of the box thinking can bring fun to a Christmas wedding. This style board captures the magic and love of the Christmas season.

Love this style board from Style Me Pretty ,

http://circle.stylemepretty.com/members/chiwee/inspirations/list/Peppermint+and+Chocolate+4956

Holiday Cheer in New York City

admin — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 00:20:24 +0000

I just returned and have to say Manhattan is at its finest at Christmas time. It is absolutely magical. I thoroughly enjoyed viewing all the window displays, especially at Lord and Taylor’s, Bloomingdales, and Saks. The interior of Bergdorf Goodman was a breathtaking winter wonderland.

I had made an appointment at Bergdorf’s Bridal Salon. The designer gowns were exquisite and shown in an intimate setting. I also had fun checking out several hotel venues for weddings.

One of my most cherished moments was a meeting I had with Cathie Black, President of Hearst Corporation and author of Basic Black. This is an excellent book for any young woman in the business world. Cathie and my mom were close friends growing up together in Chicago. She was excited that I had launched my own company and offered sound business advice. Cathie was the person who encouraged Oprah to start a magazine and Cathie worked with her to make it happen,

I had wanted to be there for the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting ceremony which was amazing. Above is a picture of the tree at Rockefeller Center for all of you to see. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes is a must see. I also enjoyed the Broadway musical, “Billy Elliot. ” Of course, I managed some time for shopping!

Later I will share with you my exciting visit to Kleinfelds.