New "Pretty Domestic" Logo and blog design!

For the past two months I have been working on the "Pretty Domestic" blog and logo design. I am absolutely thrilled with how it turned out! Carolyn Valentin of Life In Graz was the stunning designer who designed the logo and the blog design. She incorporated all of my ideas and came up with this gorgeous logo and design. I could not be happier.

You will notice the adorable silhouettes {house, girl, mixer, wedding cake etc...} on the top of the page. If you click on them they will link you to the different corresponding pages. For example, if you are interested in getting a  custom Inspiration Board click on the wedding cake logo. Also, many of you have been requesting more recipes. I have added a recipe link in which I will be adding some more of my fav recipes for you to enjoy and try at home.

The Pretty Domestic website is currently being worked on. There you will be able to find my different packages that I offer as well as pictures from weddings and events I have coordinated, styled and consulted on. I will definitely let you know when it is up and running! Enjoy and hope you like my new logo and blog design.

"Keep Calm and Hunt on" Bunny Party

I was excited to create a dessert table for a corporate "Spring" egg hunt party. The theme was "Keep Calm and Hunt on." Pattern and colors were inspired by Jonathon Adler. I incorporated a pink and white stripe fabric backdrop as well as a framed custom poster to tie everything together. The frame was picked up at a local thrift store that I sprayed a high glossy white. If you would like me to create a themed table for your next event please contact me! These are great for childrens Birthday Parties or showers. prettydomestic@gmail.com

 Fondant cake topper with pink and green fondant carrots.

Custom Sugar cookies

Homemade vanilla cupcakes topped with mod bunny fondant toppers.

Red Velvet Bunny Cake Pops



Vintage milkglass pedestal 

Beverage center with "Guess How many Peeps" contest.



Caged Peeps



Breakfast for Hungry Bunnies. Chinese takeout containers with teal and white twine.

Paper straws with custom straw flags "Spring Fever"

Water for thirsty Bunnies

Juice for Thirsty Bunnies

Please contact me prettydomestic@gmail.com if you would like help with your next event!

{Eric Shemtov Photography}

Party Planning Tips

{Amy Atlas Design}

Planning the perfect event doesn't have to be stressful. You can have as much fun as your guests! Follow these steps and enjoy the process.

PLANNING STEPS

Before the party

Initial Idea: 

Determine a date, time, location and guest list. This will be crucial for organizing your event including invites and securing a location.

Create A Timeline:

It's important to set firm deadlines for planning your event such as reserving a space, ordering food, buying decorations, and mailing invitations.

Create a Budget:
Include all expenses: deposits, entertainment, decorations, rentals, food and beverage, invitations, postage, and  photography.

Create a Theme:
This helps you determine the types of music, food, games, activities and beverages you will have.

Decorations:
Decorations should reflect your theme and can be tied in with your invitations, flowers, linens, paper goods, favors and entertainment. Themes are great for children's birthday parties, not necessarily for weddings. However, it is important to have an overall "feel" at a wedding or function without making it too kitschy.

Day of your event 
Your event itinerary plays an important role in smooth entertaining. {Set up should be done the day before if possible}.

TIME:  ACTIVITY:

______ Guests Arrive - Cocktails/hors d'oeuvres

______ Guest of Honor Arrives

______ Food is served

______ Entertainment

______ Dessert is served

RSVP ETIQUETTE

RSVP
The term RSVP stands for répondez s'il vous plaît and means "Please reply."

When do I Reply?
As soon as possible, ideally within two days of receiving an invitation. If it is a formal response card don't forget a simple "congratulations" or "how can I help" note written on the front  of the card.

Why Reply?
Hosts need an exact headcount so they can make sure they have enough food, drink and space for you.

DRESS CODES

Not sure what to wear to an event or what to specify on your invitation? These guidelines, listed in order of formality, will help you determine the dress code. And remember, it’s never inappropriate to ask the host or other guests what’s acceptable.

White tie/ultra-formal:

Men: Tailcoat and white vest, shirt and bow tie. Women: Long gown.

Black tie/formal:

Men: Tuxedos. Women: Dress (knee-length or long).

Semi-formal/informal:

Men: Dark suit, tie. Women: Knee-length dress.

Cocktail:

Men: Dark suit. Women: Knee-length dress or skirt.

Dressy casual:

Men: Sports jacket or collared shirt, pants. Women: Skirt or dressy pants.

Business casual:

Men: Collared shirt, khakis. Women: Dressy pants or skirt.

Casual:

Anything goes! Please remember though this is still an event someone has invited you to. Be appropriate.

More Rules to Dress By

• If an invitation indicates that a certain dress style is “optional” or “preferred,” you can dress slightly less formal.
• Informal means semi-formal, not casual.
• Hosts-  If you include a creative dress code, like beach formal or urban casual, be sure you give examples of what is, and is not, okay.

Why I love Vera Bradley

Yesterday I went into the Vera Bradley store at the Galleria in Glendale. I had been there before and was struck by the shear amount of detail the designer put into the interiors of the store. Blue and white buffalo check, toile wallpaper, toile tufted club chairs, painted French commodes, vintage brown leather ottomans...I was home.

I asked the woman helping me who the interior designer was for the store and she said it was Barbara Bradley Baekgaard . Barbara is the co-founder of Vera Bradley. She told me that before founding Vera Bradley she was an interior designer. It all made sense! I rushed home to try and find some of her work. I hit the jackpot! Barbara has an Inn in Florida called "Inn by the Sea, Vera Bradley." Here are a few pics.

 

The "Inn by the Sea, Vera Bradley"



The Lobby

 



Bedroom 1 {every guest gets a VB product waiting for them!!}

  



My Favorite!



Cute Bathroom

I think I could live here. To "support" the Vera Bradley empire I "contributed" my funds. I couldn't resist this weekend duffel bag. It is soo big and can fit everything you need for those little getaways with your sweetie. I got the "make me blush" pattern which is just too cute.


When I walked out of the store the sales person rushed out and told me she had one more thing for me. A water bottle with their newest pattern....What a great VB experience!

What is your favorite pattern?

xoxo Justine

Planning the Perfect Dinner Party

{I am domestic and Proud!}

Is it me or have people in their 20’s and 30’s stopped entertaining in their homes? I am hoping to put an end to that nonsense and to start getting people excited to entertain in their homes again. Whatever happened to laying down a crisp white tablecloth, taking out your best china, and displaying a beautiful floral arrangement?

For me, entertaining guests was something my parents did on a regular basis. I grew up polishing my mom’s silver and laying the table with her finest flatware and crystal. Now that I have my own home with my husband, entertaining guests has naturally become a very big part of what my husband and I do on a regular basis.

Let me be the one to inspire YOU to take some time and plan the perfect dinner party. Its not as hard as it may look or sound. It takes a little bit of thought and some planning.  I promise ill make it simple for you.

Setting the Table  {You can modify this to suit your dinners needs}

Linens

Personally I think white is beautiful and classic. Its also the easiest to keep clean {Bleach ladies!}

Burlap is also a beautiful choice. A burlap table runner is rustic and elegant. Place this on top of a white tablecloth and your in business! You can purchase burlap tablecloths and runners at shawnees shop.

Floral Arrangements

Go to your local grocery store, flower shop, farmers market, or your backyard! Arrange in one large vase at the center of the table  (remove when dinner is served for easy conversation) or  group small vases together to create a long row of flowers.

{Ribbon!!} 

Candles

If you are going to go with low floral centerpieces give your table dimension by adding a candelabra. Not only will it look beautiful it will create a very romantic feel. I can gurantee you will find one at your local thrift store, eastate sale or flea market for much less!

Whats for Dinner?  {My go-to menu}

Before Dinner Drinks and Apps

Tip *Always welcome your guest with a beverage. Whether it’s a glass of wine, a signature cocktail or sparkling water. This will make your guests feel more comfortable.

Pre-dinner Conversation Food {Finger “snackey” foods placed strategically in the “conversation” areas of the house are a must.}

Dinner Time!

Curried Butternut squash soup  {recipe}

Spinach and baby mixed green Salad 

1. Mixed Baby Greens

2. Spinach

3. Candied walnuts

4. Dried Cranberries

5. Green apples thinly sliced

6. Light vinagerette

Ina Gartens perfect roast chicken with roasted veggies {recipe}

Rice Pilaf {recipe}

Beattys Chocolate Cake {recipe}

*Platter and Serveware Tips

White platters are my personal favorite for presenting your food.

Stainless Steel serveware by Carrol Boyes. Carrol is a South African artist who has turned her talent into an empire. I have about 30 pieces from her collection. They are stunning, truly art. My sister just bought me these mermaid salad servers. Arent they great!!

Have Fun and Good Luck!