Not your mom's balloon canopy

This canopy is just gorgeous!! It is beautiful and whimsical. Here in the Bay Area there is always a chance of wind. Tied down with clear wire might do the trick.

Cakes, Cakes and More Cakes

I love all of the simple elegance of this cake!

A Beautiful Outdoor Wedding Cake

And My Favorite Cake!

A Christmas Wedding

I love Christmas! It is by far my favorite time of the year, not because of presents either (although they don't hurt). I love Christmas for its warmth and ability to bring families together. This is the time of year when loved ones are introduced into the family, and are brought in with open arms.

So, what time would be more beautiful for a white wedding!

I found lots of White and Red Themes for Christmas Weddings but you could also have a beautiful white and gold, white and silver, or white and green themes.

A Catholic Wedding

A traditional Catholic Wedding has many parts to it. To keep you under - whelmed here is a list of the order in which you will typically see a Catholic Wedding.

• The Processional -
  First the groom and the best man enter from the side of the church. Then the bridesmaids and groomsmen escort one another up the aisle, followed by the maid of honor, who enters alone. And last but certainly not least, the bride and her father (or another male family member) make their grand entrance.
  

• Hymn -
  The priest invites the wedding guests to join in an opening hymn (or song).
  

• Greeting or Opening Prayer -
  After the hymn, the priest begins the mass with a greeting to the guests or an opening prayer.
  

• Old Testament Reading -
  Here's your opportunity to include those people you couldn't squeeze into your bridal party—ask a friend or family member to read a passage from the Old Testament. Often, couples choose a reading from the book of Genesis, which contains the story of the creation of Adam and Eve.
  

• Psalm -
  You can either have the church soloist or the entire congregation sings the Psalm. Some choices include "Taste and See the Goodness of the Lord," "Sing a New Song," and "On Eagle's Wings."
  

• New Testament Reading -
  Here's another chance to include a loved one. Choose a friend or family member to read a passage of your choosing from the New Testament.

• Gospel -
  The priest will read a passage from one of the first four books of the New Testament, written by the apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

• Homil -
  After the Gospel, the priest will expound or reflect upon what he has just read.
  Vows and Ring Ceremony You have at least three choices. You can memorize and recite the vows to one another, read the vows from the book, or have the priest read them and respond with "I do." Some priests might allow you to write your own vows or add a couple lines to the traditional ones. After you exchange vows, you'll exchange rings and the priest will bless them as symbols of your love and fidelity.
  

• The Kiss -
  You can probably figure this one out on your own. Instead of "You may now kiss the bride," you might ask the priest to say, "You may now exchange a kiss."
  

• Nuptial Blessing -
  The priest blesses your new union with a prayer.
  

• Sign of Peace -
  The guests and wedding party exchange a sign of peace, by shaking hands and saying, "Peace be with you."
  

• Communion -
  The priest offers communion to the members of the church. Generally, at the rehearsal he'll ask which members of the wedding party plan to take communion. Then at the ceremony, your non-Catholic attendants can walk through the line and give him an inconspicuous nod.
  

• Lord's Prayer -
  The entire congregation says the Lord's Prayer in unison.
  

• Blessing and Dismissal of Congregation -
  One more blessing, and then the priest will dismiss the congregation by saying, "This mass has ended. You may now go in peace."
  

• Recessional -
  Make your recession in the reverse order of the processional.

credit to http://www.brides.com/planning/ceremonies_traditions/feature/article/113946/

How To Be A Gracious Dinner Party Guest

Etiquette When You Are Invited to A Dinner Party.

1. Always respond to an invitation within a week of receiving it.

You will probably recieve your invite 2 & 1/2 weeks before the party. RSVP-ing as soon as possible gives the host time to plan the menu and favors.



2. Follow the dress code.

Please follow it accordingly and do not be difficult. There is a reason why the host has requested this. If you do not feel comfortable with the dress code don't be a pain, grasiously decline the invitation. I am sure you will be missed.



3.Be on time.

Fashionably late is typically the statis quo and lets face it no one wants to be the first one at the party. What is "Fashionably late"? A half hour window is usually given for dinner/cocktail parties. Be warned though that this does not stand true for weddings, business functions and church services.



4. Always check with the host before bringing a guest of your own.

If you wish to bring a guest as your partner, good dinner table etiquette demands that you should always check with the host first.



5. Dont forget a gift for the host/hostess.

Don't forget the host/hostess! Small things such as: flowers, wine, a candle, champagne, a dessert item, chocolate.



Never come to a dinner party empty handed!!

10 Steps to Dinner Etiquette (When You Are The Host)

This is the time when casual is the norm, but lets bring back some of the elegance and charm in our dinner parties!

Dinner Etiquette When You Are The Hostess

1. Send your invitations out at least 3 weeks before your dinner date.

This gives guests enough time to RSVP and make changes to their schedule if necessary, plan for babysitters. (a good invitee will respond within 1 week)

2. Prepare in advance.

You want to enjoy your party and be with your guests, that's why you throw a dinner party! If there are things you can prepare ahead of time, do so!

3. Think about your guests and what foods they will enjoy.

Be sure to have one meat and one vegetarian dish available to your guests.

4. Your friends are coming to create memories with you.

Make sure you make your guests feel comfortable. Clean your house please. Clear any clutter and put away any personal items that your guests do not need to see.

5. Set the Scene

Décor sets the mood and gives ambiance, so keep it simple but lovely.

6. Make sure to introduce your guest to one another and speak with everyone at the party.

The one thing everyone has in common is you, so make sure to make everyone (included invited guests of guests) feel comfortable.

7. Create place cards.

Not only do people like to see their name in print, but it makes the evening even more special! You can also choosing who sits next to whom, encouraging new friendships, and helping each guest feel like they are equally apart of the group.

8. Create an ice breaker.

This can be a game or a simple mingle. Make sure that everyone has a chance to meet every one!

9. Appetizers anyone?

Simple appetizers and drinks gets everyone relaxed and in a social mood.

10. Don't forget Desert!

Desert is where people relax and talk over coffee or tea and can really get to know each other.

* Let people leave with a simple/small gift as they depart. Remember to keep your theme in mind.

Giving Thanks!

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
~John Fitzgerald Kennedy