HAPPY NEW YEAR

Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!


See you in 2010!

HOLIDAY FETE AT PRIVATE ESTATE

Last week I had the extraordinary pleasure of planning a holiday dinner party at a private Santa Barbara estate. It was right up my alley; very organic and simple. Lots of personal touches with a DIY flair that made it feel very homey and intimate. So fun!

Planning and Coordination by Donna Romani Events. Photos by Donna Romani. Menus and Invitations by Bella Copia Calligraphy.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Bianca and I would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. Lots of love and happiness!

Bianca Romani

Employee of the Year 2009, Donna Romani Events

See you next Monday. xo!

JINGLE BELL ROCK

Yesterday I shared an inspiration board all about a homespun Christmas affair. Today's is not.

This board is all about over-the-top glitz and edgy glamour. The only thing soft about this party is the lighting. But the mood is festive and it would be an unforgettable open house for the week between Christmas and New Year's.

HOMEY FOR THE HOLIDAYS

I can hardly believe that Christmas is just days away! There's no time of year that I like more. The presents are nice, but it's the cooking and the baking, the traditions and the merriment, the cheesy music and the cocktails (oh, the cocktails!) ... and the family and friends. This year, my father-in-law is visiting from Italy and we'll have a house full of friends over for dinner that are away from their families. Truly blessed. I cannot wait!

Today's inspiration board is my kind of Christmas. Full of DIY touches that remind me of days making reindeer ornaments out of clothes pins with my mom. It's cozy and inviting. And if you try real hard, you can smell cookies baking in the oven and cider in the kettle.

Tomorrow I'll share another inspiration board that would be fabulous for a glitzed up holiday open house. What's your holiday style?

PAPER WREATH

I found this over on Project Wedding and fell in love with the idea. It's a holiday wreath made of old photos; so sweet! But I also love it for how all the other ways it can be incorporated into design ... Right now, I'm using it for my holiday cards that I've received in the mail. It looks stunning in the dining room! It would also be a fabulous way to utilize old family photos at your fall/winter wedding. Happy designs!

THOSE GORGEOUS CENTERPIECES

You agonize over the colors, the flowers and the exact look and feel you want to create for your reception. And it all turns out spectacular; the flowers are jaw-dropping gorgeous. So after all that time and money, what do you plan to do with the flowers after the wedding is over? Have you thought about it? You should.

Kirsten Ellis, Beaux Arts Photographie

Do you plan to take the centerpieces home? Are you going to give them away during the reception? Will you offer guests to take them home with them? Perhaps you'll give them as gifts to VIPs like your parents or someone that went out of their way to help with something. Or, maybe you don't care ... once the party is done, it's done.

Photo by Donna Romani

Whatever your plans, be aware that you've purchased your flowers, but not necessarily the vases holding them. Some florists may build a portion of the cost of the vases into the fee for each piece to cover their expenses for lost property. Some florists charge a rental fee for each vase on top of the flowers. And some florists won't charge you anything for the vases, but do expect to get them back. Each florist has their own practice.

Josh Newton Photography

Unless you've discussed it in advance, chances are you are renting your vases or being loaned them at no cost. This means that at the end of the night, your florist will return and take the vases back. And unless you've brought a basket, bucket or other vases with you, the flowers are going back with the florist, too.

Photography by Jeff Newsom

If you would like to keep your flowers, or have the option to give them away, most florists will allow you to provide your own vases. They usually require them to be delivered to their studio about a week in advance of the wedding. Depending on the vision you've discussed with your florist, you can usually find vases dirt cheap at Michael's or online at Save-on-Crafts.

Miki & Sonja Photography

By talking to the florists up front, you'll not only be able to better evaluate each cost estimate when choosing your florist, but you'll also know what to expect when it's all over.

Photography by Jose Villa

What do you plan to do with your flowers?

TOMMIE & CHARLIE III

Last, but certainly not least, today is Tommie and Charlie's super fun reception held at the Santa Barbara Yacht Club. Thank you once again to Jeff Newsom for the stunning photos. I hope you've enjoyed!


Roll credits!

Donna Romani Events, Wedding Coordination
Jeff Newsom Photography
Rich Tobin, Officiant
Private Estate, Ceremony
Santa Barbara Yacht Club, Reception
Geoff McFarland, Bride & Groom Vintage Car
Santa Barbara Trolley Company
Renae's Bouquet, Flowers
Jason Campbell & The Drive, Band
Montecito Confections, Cake
EventRents, Ceremony Chairs

TOMMIE & CHARLIE II

Yesterday I told you that you'd be blown away by Jeff Newsom's photos of Tommie and Charlie's wedding. I dare you to stay in your chair while checking these out; I completely fell out of mine! Love you, Jeff! ;-D
And finally, don't miss the reception photos tomorrow!