Wedding & Event Planning & Design ~ Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Sandusky, Toledo, Columbus

Last chance for Christmas Cupcakes!

amy@amynixon.com (Amy Nixon) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:17:00 +0000

I am officially all baked out for his holiday season. I've baked more cookies, breads, tarts, pies and cakes than I ever have before, and I'd be happy to not bake/eat another one until next year. However....I still like looking at pictures of these adorable holiday cupcakes...and they still look yummy!

Cupcakes Take The Cake

Cupcakes Take The Cake

Pepper Design Blog

Cupcakes Take The Cake

2009 Celebrity Weddings

amy@amynixon.com (Amy Nixon) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 22:19:00 +0000

Obviously, I love weddings; but I especially love celeb weddings. Their over the top flare is always eye-catching and inspiring. Here are a few photos from this year's celeb weddings!

Danica McKeller & Mike Verta
March 22
Winnie from The Wonder Years weds a composer.

Kendra Wilkinson & Hank Baskett
June 27th
Playboy model and Indianapolis Colts football player.

Milla Jovovich & Paul W.S. Anderson
August 22
Actress weds director in Beverly Hills.

Justin Guarini & Reina Capodici
September 26
American Idol star weds his biggest fan in Pennsylvania.

Khloe Kardashian & Lamar Odom
September
Reality TV star weds Los Angeles Lakers star.

Ivanka Trump & Jared Kushner
October 24th
The Donald's daughter weds New York Observer publisher in New Jersey.

Nathan Followill & Jessie Baylin
November
Kings of Leon member weds singer in Tennessee.

Other celeb weddings in 2009:

January 10 - Fergie & Josh Duhamel in Malibu.
February 14 - Salma Hyek & François-Henri Pinault in Paris.
February 26th - Gisele Bündchen & Tom Brady in Santa Monica.
March 10th - Mandy Moore & Ryan Adams in Georgia.
March 19th - David Letterman & Regina Lasko in Choteau, Mont.
March 21st - Bruce Willis & Emma Heming in Turks & Caicos.
March 21st - Natasha Betingfield & Matthew Robinson in Malibu.
May 2nd - Maggie Gyllenhaal & Peter Sarsgaard in Italy.
June - Eddie Van Halen & Janie Liszewski
July 11 - Channing Tatum & Jenna Dewan in Malibu.
August 1 - Mark Walhberg & Rhea Durham in Beverly Hills.
September - Claire Danes & Hugh Dancy in France.

Day 7 :: Paper Luminaries

amy@amynixon.com (Amy Nixon) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 01:49:00 +0000

Print, cut, tape/glue. That's it!! Just print your pattern, cut it out, roll it into a circle and seal it on the inside with tape or glue. Place it over a votive or tealight candle inside and there you have it...a beautiful and inexpensive luminary!

I put these on the shelves in my office. I'm going to make a few more in different patterns for my other shelving areas, because they look amazing! Then, I'm going to make some for the fireplace mantle!

Day 8 :: Homemade Hot Chocolate Gifts

amy@amynixon.com (Amy Nixon) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:06:00 +0000

This year I'm giving out a few goodie baskets to friends and family, including some homemade cookies, bars and breads along with my Russian Friendship Tea that I posted about on Day 12. I wanted to add another easy warm beverage, so I made cinnamon hot chocolate mix and creatively packaged it for the baskets!

Ingredients:

* 2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
* 1/2 cup powdered nondairy creamer
* 1/8 teaspoon salt
* 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the mix to a mug of hot water and stir! You can also add 2-3 tablespoons of mix to a mug of coffee for Cinnamon Mocha!

I measured 9 tablespoons of mix into the jar (to give about 3-4 servings). I filled the remainder of the jar with a plastic sandwich baggie of marshmallows and closed the lid. Then I decorated the jar with an individual tablespoon for measuring, a mini whisk for stirring, a candy cane and a cinnamon stick to add more flavor, and a gift tag with mixing instructions.

Day 9 :: Candy Cane Centerpiece

amy@amynixon.com (Amy Nixon) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:04:00 +0000

This has been my easiest DIY project so far on my 12 day journey! I wanted a centerpiece for my Christmas Eve dessert table, so I used my leftover candy canes and a clear vase to create a nice base for my flower arrangement. I just hung the candy canes around the top of the vase to cover the glass. How easy is that!?

Then to finish it off, I took some red silk roses that I have and cut some evergreens from my backyard to make a small round floral arrangement. I used a strofoam base to stick my flowers & evergreens into, and then I just set the arrangement on top of the vase.

Strofoam can be bought at your local craft store for just a few dollars. Or, you can always just arrange them in the vase without the styrofoam (after all, you won't see the stems because of the candy canes).

Day 10 :: Peppermint Candy Cone

amy@amynixon.com (Amy Nixon) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:52:00 +0000

This was another fun, easy and pretty project! You can make these candy cones out of just about ANY kind of candy you want. I used cinnamon peppermints to coordinate with my other dessert buffet decor.

I used white store bought frosting to attach my peppermints to the cone. Starting at the bottom, I worked my way around the circle and continued upwards. The styrofoam cone you can buy at your local craft store for a couple dollars, and the cone is displayed on a white pillar candle holder I bought at Marshall's for $6. Pillar candle holders seem to be the perfect size for these cones! And here's a photo of the finished product!

Venue Spotlight :: Milan Villa

amy@amynixon.com (Amy Nixon) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:17:00 +0000

Milan Villa is a jewel hidden in Monroeville, OH (near Sandusky). Opened as a bed & breakfast, their charming property is becoming more and more sought after for wedding ceremonies and receptions. With inside room for dining for 40, and outside room for a large tented reception, they offer choices for any sized guest list.

The Milan Villa sits amidst twenty-seven rolling acres of woods, stream and waterfall in the Firelands region of Ohio. Peacefully secluded, we share our property with numerous species of wildlife, including fox, deer, hawks, coyotes, eagles, heron, and a wide range of songbirds.

You will enjoy hiking along our nature paths, through the vineyard, by the one-acre pond and beach, and beside our extensive, ever-expanding perennial gardens. Enjoy morning coffee or afternoon tea at any number of secluded spots: by the waterfall, along the river, near the dam, on the beach or under the shade of a majestic weeping willow tree.

I've done a few events at Milan Villa, and it is an amazing place for any type of get-together. Kelly Jo Kucirek, the property manager, is always fabulous to work with and makes you feel right at home there. Contact them to schedule a tour of the Villa and see for yourself! (440) 320-2000

Milan Villa's Website

You can also see more photos from events at Milan Villa at these websites:
Studio 60 Portraits
Amy Nixon Events

Milan Villa
3099 State Route 113 W.
Norwalk, Ohio 44857
Kelly Jo Kucirek
(440) 320-2000

Day 11 :: DIY Holiday Banner

amy@amynixon.com (Amy Nixon) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:05:00 +0000

For Christmas Eve this year, we're having a candy buffet set up in the kitchen for the kids (and the adults) to enjoy.

Since I'm a big fan of Amy Atlas and I check her blog regularly, I stumbled upon this cute banner in one of her photos and was inspired to DIY one for my own holiday gathering!

Her photo that inspired my banner:

My Banner:

Making the banner was really simple. I literally used Microsoft Word on my laptop to create and print my letters, one large letter per page. Then I just took regular scissors and cut out the letters in triangles. To finish, I hot glued each triangle in order on a long thin white ribbon.

After that comes the fun part...embellishing! I wanted to glitz my banner up a bit for the holidays. I hot glued gold berries to the bottom of each triangle and hot glued a strip of red ribbon to the top of each triangle. Then I outlined each letter in gold glitter paint to add a little sparkle. Once everything dried, I cut it into 2 separate banners ("Happy" and "Holidays") and hung them at different levels on the wall. The best part was...I already had all the materials to make this right here at home...I didn't have to go shopping for supplies!

Black & White Christmas Tree

amy@amynixon.com (Amy Nixon) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:43:00 +0000

Chic and elegant, classic and contemporary... This tree totally caught my attention! Love it! Visit Timeless Paper for all the details!

Day 12 :: Russian Friendship Tea

amy@amynixon.com (Amy Nixon) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:00:00 +0000

For my first DIY project, I decided to start small with an easy recipe and gift packaging idea I found on Bake It Pretty. This Russian Friendship Tea (according to my husband) tastes like Christmas in a mug! Warm, sweet, tangy and spicy....we both loved the recipe, and the jars look so sweet and are simple to make!

2-1/2 cups Instant Orange Drink Mix (like Tang)
1-1/2 cups Instant Lemonade Mix (like Country Time)
1-1/2 cups Instant Unsweetened Tea
1/2 cup Sugar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

First of all, you need to mix your tea ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together all ingredients until thoroughly combined. (This made almost exactly 40 servings for me, or 80 tablespoons). Stir 2 tablespoons of the mix into a mug of hot water and enjoy!

For easy and beautiful holiday packaging, spoon the mixture into small bell jars. I got my jars right at the grocery store when I bought the ingredients. When it's full replace the lid, cover the top of the jar with leftover wrapping paper or holiday fabric, and tie a bow round the lid to hold it in place. Trim the edges of the paper or fabric to fit, and voile! Your tea has holiday packaging!

I also printed the gift tag template and tied them on with curling ribbon, along with a cinnamon stick.
Red & Green Template
Pink Template
Blue Template

Thanks to Bake It Pretty for the great template and idea!

12 Days of Christmas :: 12 Daily DIY Projects

amy@amynixon.com (Amy Nixon) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:59:00 +0000

Today marks only 12 days left until Christmas! During this time, I've decided to do 1 DIY project every day until Christmas, and celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas in my own way! I'll make a daily post about my project, where I found it, instructions, templates, and photos....everything you need to do it yourself!

** If you do one of these DIY projects yourself, feel free to send us a photo so we can see how yours turns out!

Free Wedding Websites

amy@amynixon.com (Amy Nixon) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:41:00 +0000

Creating your own wedding website is a great idea to share the details of your event with friends and family, whether local or far away. There are so many designs offered, both contemporary and traditional, that you're sure to find the color and style that perfectly fit your wedding. Best of all, these websites offer wedding websites for FREE! there are tons of sites out there that offer free websites, but these are my personal favorites:

Project Wedding has many contemporary designs in all colors to choose from and offers your guests a lot of information.

Features:
* Wedding Events
* Wedding Map
* Our Story
* Wedding Photos
* Engagement Photos
* Wedding Party
* Accommodations
* Transportation
* Directions
* Local Attractions
* Registry
* Guestbook
* Contact Us

eWedding.com is another great place for free wedding websites. These websites have a LOT of sections, but you can disable any section you don't need to use. They also offer the additional option of purchasing your own domain name and purchasing your entire website on CD as a keepsake after the wedding, including the comments and entries from your guests.

Features:
* Homepage
* From Us
* Stories
* Polls
* Quizzes
* Events
* Wedding Party
* Registry
* Wish List
* Photo Albums
* Out of Towners
* RSVP
* Audio & Video
* Mailing List
* Downloads
* Directions
* Family & Friends
* Honeymoon
* Newlyweds
* Thank You
* Our Vendors
* Planning
* Guest Book
* Contact Us
* Password protection
* Background music
* Visitor counter
* Wedding countdown
* Flash intro

Momentville not only offers the free wedding website, but you can also order invitations that match your website design! They also offer purchasable add-ons and premium upgrades.

Features:
* Save The Date
* RSVP
* Photo Albums
* Slideshows & Videos
* Guest Book
* Guest Uploads
* Blog
* Feeds & Subscriptions
* Email Notifications

Wedding Wire also offers matching invitations, and their designs includes special themes like Parisian and Destination! You can also integrate third party web tools and widgets!

Features:
* Accommodations
* Bride & Groom
* Calendar of Events
* Ceremony
* Contact Us
* Directions
* FAQ
* Family & Friends
* Gifts
* Honeymoon
* Local Activities
* Our Story
* Reception
* Registry
* Wedding Party
* Welcome
* What to Bring

Inspiration Board :: Holiday Red

amy@amynixon.com (Amy Nixon) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 23:04:00 +0000

Top Row: Candy Cane Display - Better Homes & Gardens, Wedding Party - Project Wedding, Red High Heels - The Perfect Palette, Christmas Card - Tiny Prints
Middle Row: Christmas Tree Place Card - Martha Stewart, Red Bridesmaids Dresses - David's Bridal, Red & Green Cake - The Knot
Bottom Row: Holiday Table Setting - Veranda.com, Christmas Cupcake - Pink Cake Box, Holiday Centerpiece - Style Me Pretty, Berry Trimmed Candles - Better Homes & Gardens

Free Giveaways in 2010!

amy@amynixon.com (Amy Nixon) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:24:00 +0000

Starting in January 2010, we will be having a Monthly Free Giveaway here on our blog! Each month we will give away different products from a variety of categories; favors, photos, stationery, accessories, linens, decor or other products for your wedding or event. Contests will be open to all blog readers; brides, wedding professionals and all other readers. Be sure to watch and enter!

Designer Spotlight: :: Pnina Tornai

amy@amynixon.com (Amy Nixon) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:40:00 +0000

We're excited to announce the new "Spotlight" feature on our blog! We'll be putting the "Spotlight" on venues, vendors, designers, and other wedding professionals (local, national and international) to share their products, photos, videos, interviews and other interesting and helpful information. If you have a person or product you'd like to see in the "Spotlight", just email us at amy at amy nixon dot com.

To kick off our new "Spotlight" feature on the blog, we're looking at the 2010 collection from one of my favorite designers, Pnina Tornai.

Pnina Tornai is one of the leading designers in New York for bridal and evening gowns. For the last decade Pnina Tornai has developed a genuine and unique method of corsets that have the look of the original ancient corsets and the look of what women dream of wearing now days. Pnina Tornai inserts in each of her bridal wear and evening gowns one of those special corsets that gives the body a perfect form.

Her dresses are hand made, sewn in accordance with the principal of Haute Couture. The materials that are being used for designing the dresses are imported from Europe. Her line varies from classic and unique cuts to sophisticated hand embroidered gowns. Genuine Swarovski crystals are being used for decorating the creations. Pnina Tornai believes in creating her dresses through personal contact with her costumers which inspires and helps her understand the need and purpose desired.

Pnina has been sketching since she was a little girl and feels that design is "what she was born to do." She currently resides in Tel Aviv with her son and her husband, David. Pnina and her husband own and operate two freestanding boutiques in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Pnina travels from Israel to New York to continue to work on her collections and meet with brides at Kleinfeld.

Pnina Tornai Links:
Pnina Tornai's Website
Video of the 2009 New York runway show
Video of Pnina Tornai's 2009 Bridal Collection on Say Yes to the Dress on TLC
Pnina Tornai gowns at Kleinfeld Manhattan

Elf Yourself!

amy@amynixon.com (Amy Nixon) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:30:00 +0000

Happy Holidays from the 2009 staff at Amy Nixon Events!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Bride's Magazine :: Top 10 Bridal Blogs

amy@amynixon.com (Amy Nixon) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:25:00 +0000

According to the January 2010 issue of Brides Magazine, the following are the Top 10 Bridal Blogs. I follow all of them, and they really do provide great advice and inspiration. If you're not already a regular reader, take a few moments to browse through these blogs and soak up all they have to offer!

1. 100 Layer Cake - This site's coolest feature is it's "Inspiration Binder" color boards, each of which pairs fantasy images from magazines with five complementary color swatches so you see how the combo works together.

2. Always A Blogsmaid - Don't be fooled by its maid-centric title: Always a Blogsmaid is most definitely for and about the bride. The "What They Did Right" stories highlight standout ideas from real weddings, while the Q&A's offer practical tips on topics like finding a budget-friendly photographer and dealing with mosquitoes at an outdoor party.

3. Bridal Buzz - By browsing the daily posts, you'll find an abundance of unusual details and projects, from DIY wine cork place card holders to poster-sized comic book invitations.

4. Classic Bride - Focused on vintage style with a modern twist, this blog is determined to bring retro back. Two sweet suggestions: using antique seltzer bottles for vases and holding an engagement photo shoot in an old-time ice cream parlor.

5. Earth Friendly Weddings - Earth Friendly Weddings doesn't just make it easy to be green; it makes it look glamorous, too. Consider this your one-click spot for recommendations on planet-friendly wedding coordinators, organic wines and spirits, sustainable centerpieces, and everything else under the eco sun.

6. IDIY - Paper flower cones? Matchbook favors? Stitched invitations? If you can imagine it, iDiY will tell you how to make it - free templates and downloads included.

7. Once Wed - Among other eye candy, you'll find a gazillion photo galleries searchable by color, subject and theme. Looking for images of rustic yellow reception decor or mod purple bouquets? This is the place.

8. Snippet & Ink - This site specializes in fab photos of real weddings,along with behind-the-scenes stories and precisely named inspiration boards - like "Pink and Fig", which not only offers appropriate color choices (black fig, blush pink, plum red) but also describes the mood ("sophisticated drama").

9. WeddingBee - One of the biggest nuptial blogs on the block, Weddingbee invites engaged women to document the good, the bad, and the funny about the whole wedding planning process. And with more than nine million viewers every month, it includes almost as many helpful nuggets in the user comments as in the official posts.

10. Wedded Bits - Brides.com's blog offers tons of info contributed by our own editors, as well as coverage of bridal fashion shows, cool product launches, giveaways, wedding deals, and lots more.

-Jackie Lebowitz, Brides Magazine

Cake Tasting @ White Flower Cake Shoppe

amy@amynixon.com (Amy Nixon) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:17:00 +0000

When: Sunday, December 20 from 12pm-4pm
Where: White Flower Cake Shoppe in Beachwood

On Sunday, December 20th from 12pm-4pm, White Flower Cake Shoppe in Beachwood is offering samples of their most popular flavors. Reservations are required and the fee is only $5 for six samples! Great opportunity to taste cakes and meet the designers! They also offer gift certificates, which makes a great stocking stuf...fer for the bride-to-be! For all the information visit their website!

Celeb Wedding :: Nathan Followill & Jessie Baylin

amy@amynixon.com (Amy Nixon) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:33:00 +0000

Kings of Leon is one of my favorites, so I had to share one of the wedding photos! Kings of Leon drummer Nathan Followill and singer Jessie Baylin were married in an outdoor ceremony last weekend. His Kings of Leon bandmates were there to support him, while Jessie’s famous friend from high school, Scarlett Johansson, came to watch her walk down the aisle with her sweetheart.

Diamond Shopping Tips

amy@amynixon.com (Amy Nixon) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:32:00 +0000

More shopping tips, this time for the gentlemen (and the ladies who have a say in selecting their ring, since that's more common these days!). Christmas is fast approaching, and that's a very popular time to get engaged! Choosing a diamond and setting can be overwhelming if you don't know what you're looking for. Remember these tips from the experts when you begin your quest for the perfect diamond!

Tips from BlueNile.com:

Blue Nile has an entire section on their website dedicated to education on what to look for when choosing a diamond. The four C's are discussed in detail here, along with shape and certification. Click the link above to visit their site.

Tips from TheManRegistry.com:

It’s very important to have some sort of insurance for the ring up front, but once the wedding day is over, consider looking at other options such as adding it to your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. You may find that going that route can be a better deal. Just remember to keep the appraisal in a safe place so you don’t have to get the ring it appraised again if you switch insurance companies. You’ve spent a lot of time finding her the perfect ring, take 10 minutes and make sure you have a good insurance policy for it in case something happens. This is an incredibly busy time in your life. Do yourself a favor and go with an insurance company that the jewelry vendor recommends. The store may even be able to set it all up right then and there. This way, it’s done and taken care of and you won’t need to worry about it again for at least a year.

Ask for an Appraisal and Certificate. Your diamond should be issued an appraisal of its value. You should also ask your jeweler if the diamond has been treated with any fillers or other laboratory enhancements. If it hasn’t, he should issue you a certificate of authenticity. This paperwork is essential if you choose to have your ring insured.

You also need to inquire about the warranty of your diamond. Some jewelers will continue to warranty the ring if you visit regularly for them to clean and check the setting of the ring. These basic maintenance tasks guarantee that your ring will remain as brilliant on your fiftieth anniversary as it was on your wedding day.

Tips from The Knot:

Throw out that old two-months salary myth; You should buy the best ring you can without going into major debt. If she’s a size queen and your budget isn’t super-sized, go for a ring with a slightly larger table, or surface, area. You won’t get as much sparkle, but a one-carat ring will look much larger if the stone isn’t as deep. Don’t want to sacrifice the look of your stone? Buying just shy of the next carat (1.8 instead of 2) can equal a savings of nearly 20 percent. And when it comes to clarity, buying shy gives you the most wiggle room without affecting sparkle (often defects are not visible to the naked eye).

Buy Loose Stones; Unless you’re buying an estate ring, chances are, you’ll be looking at loose stones as opposed to stones in a setting. (The ones you see in the jeweler’s case are often just samples to give you an idea of the finished product.) The stone accounts for the vast majority of a ring’s cost, so wouldn’t you want to get the most gorgeous one imaginable (or at least in your budget)? Be sure to inspect the stone with a loupe (a handheld magnifier that most jewelers have). A good jeweler (more on that later) will be able to guide you and tell you what to look for.

Consider the Metal; When it comes to the band, you've got a variety of metals to choose from. One popular choice is platinum -- it's extremely durable and especially pure, making it a great hypoallergenic choice for brides and grooms with sensitive skin. There's also gold, which comes in a variety colors, including white, yellow, rose, and even green. Beyond platinum and gold, you might also consider palladium (which has a grayer hue than platinum) or even a recycled metal band, which might include a mixture of platinum and gold. Think of it as a "something old" and "something new" all rolled into one.

Tips for Wedding Dress Shopping

amy@amynixon.com (Amy Nixon) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 20:58:00 +0000

On the biggest shopping day of the year (Black Friday!) I thought it would be appropriate to share some shopping tips! One of the biggest and most important purchases you'll make for your wedding is your wedding dress...."THE" dress. There's a lot of factors to take in and consider when shopping for your dress, so here are some tips from the pros!

J'Aton Couture

Tips from TheKnot:

Research which salons are most appropriate for your budget.
While the average salon carries lines in the under-$1,000 category, there are others in which the dresses start at $3,000. Save yourself -- and the salons -- time by asking before you make an appointment.

Have a general idea of the formality of your wedding before you shop.
Write down six adjectives that best describe how you want to look and feel on your wedding day. Some examples: princess, sexy, sophisticated, over-the-top, classic, boho. This will help your bridal salon attendant pull the most appropriate dresses for you to try on.

When you finally step into that fitting room, keep an open mind.
If the salesperson brings you something she says you must try, try it -- even if you detest the way it looks on the hanger. And while certain styles work best on certain body types, it helps to try on all different kinds of dresses, and then decide what shape and style suits you best.

Kenneth Pool

Tips from FrugalBride.com:

Before shopping in person, look at all the designer websites & bridal magazines. They have excellent photographs of all their current styles. Consider what style gown you would like for your wedding day.....A-line? Princess Tulle cut? Sheath? Do you desire sleeves, strapless, spaghetti straps?

Reem Acra

Tips from Stardust Celebrations Bridal Salon:

Click to see a video of their Top 5 Dress Shopping Tips.

Pnina Tornai

The photos in this post are from TLC's Say Yes to the Dress. If you haven't watched the show, put it on your to-do list! The bridal consultants at Kleinfeld's really give some great advice on buying bridal gowns.

Platinum for Priscilla of Boston

Thanksgiving @ The Nixon's

amy@amynixon.com (Amy Nixon) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:44:00 +0000

My husband's birthday fell on Thanksgiving this year, so I combined the two...and it turned out wonderful! I started cooking early in the morning, pies first then on to the dinner.

While the turkey was cooking, we had mimosas (my favorite) and Great Lakes Christmas Ale (his favorite). I also surprised him with a pumpkin pie (another of his favorites) with birthday candles.

Then sometime between the football and Christmas movies, we had our Thanksgiving dinner and desserts.

Adorable Holiday Cupcakes!

amy@amynixon.com (Amy Nixon) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:21:00 +0000

I stumbled upon a blog today where I saw the most adorable cupcakes ever! It was the holiday cupcakes that first caught my eye, but as I browsed through the blog I saw so many other creative and amazing designs. I'm in cupcake-love now! ♥

Cupcakes Take The Cake

BONUS! Twilight cupcakes. ♥

DIY Napkin Projects

amy@amynixon.com (Amy Nixon) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:41:00 +0000

Here are a few DIY napkin projects to embellish your dinner party table! These aren't limited to dinner parties though...use them for other parties and events where you want to add a little "wow" to the table. The first project from PurlBee.com gives detailed instructions on how to create (sew) your own napkins. If sewing isn't up your alley, try the Preston Bailey DIY project to spruce up plain napkins of any kind.

Molly's Handmade Napkins - PurlBee.com

Preston Bailey's Napkin Decor

Creative Fall Tablescapes

amy@amynixon.com (Amy Nixon) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:35:00 +0000

Tonight I was thinking about making our Thanksgiving dinner in a few days. I can't believe it's that time already! For me, it's more than just making the dinner....it's all about the presentation. So, as always, I turned to my favorite blogs for some inspiration! Check out these gorgeous fall tablescapes from some of my favorite bloggers!

Amy Atlas Events

All Things Lovely

100 Layer Cake