Beautiful Bridesmaids Gifts

I adore just about everything from Sarah Drake, and I when I was browsing through their site this week I was thinking how most of her work would make lovely bridesmaids or hostess gifts! If the ladies in your life love a monogram as much as I do (I even want to monogram a pumpkin this year) these coffee mugs and linen napkins would be the perfect way to say "thank you." {Images from Sarah Drake, taken by Elizabeth Messina}

Cute and Colorful Clutches

I've written about these adorable clutches and coin purses from nonsuch before, but since it was over a year ago I thought it might be worth sharing again! The fabrics and details make them almost too cute to be used for coins - maybe for traveling with jewelry? I think it would be a sweet idea to give these as bridesmaids gifts, filled with a favorite lip gloss or maybe a cute pair of earrings!

DIY Project: Braided Bead Necklace

My apologies for the lack of posting yesterday - these last few weeks seem determined to kick my butt! So while I regroup and get a little rest, take a look at this adorable DIY project from ECAB {via Darling Dexter}. This bead necklace would make such a sweet gift for your bridesmaids and would certainly fit within any budget! And even if you are challenged in the craft making department, as long as you can string beads and braid you've got this one in the bag.

Sponsor Spotlight: Santa Barbara Preserves Co.

I am really excited to introduce you to our newest sponsor, who I know you will love as much as I do! Santa Barbara Preserves Co. specializes in small batch preserves, and they also offer adorable wedding favors. You can pick from a variety of jellies, jams and apple butter and customize the flavor, the size of the jars, the colors, etc. And get this - they will even work with you to create a custom flavor!

The company is run by a mother and daughter team, and they work with local ingredients and homemade flavor. I truly wish I had heard of them before my own wedding...preserves are such a great way to add a personal touch but also send your guests home with something you know they'll use!

White Owl

These lovely necklaces from White Owl were all over the blogs last year, but when Cyd wrote about them again recently it reminded me to share them with all of you. The materials are repurposed lace and fabric from flea markets, estate sales, etc. These would certainly make a statement with a bridesmaids dress (or even a wedding dress)!

Moroccan Wedding Blankets

How beautiful are these blankets? They are all handmade, with the skills to make them being passed down through generations of women. Tradition holds that the blankets have talismanic power and protect the user from the evil eye. Truly so beautiful! The ones you see here were found via moraccanmaryam (just email her to inquire) but you can also find them right here. Do any of you have wedding traditions that are passed down through your family?

Jess L.C.

I absolutely adore the jewelry from Jess L.C. Based out of Chicago, all of the designs are handmade and extremely affordable. Don't they look like they could cost hundreds of dollars? Everything is well under that price range, and when I emailed Jessica to ask if I could write about her designs, she reminded me that she offers a 25% discount for bridal parties with multiple maids. Just email her and mention the discount to receive 25% off your order (plus, free shipping on orders over $60!) She also has a really cute blog that is worth checking out - a girl after my own heart!

B.Poetic

I adore these blooms from b.poetic! Made from vintage linens, they can be pinned to your shirt, your belt, to your purse, pretty much any surface that could use a petal or two (and really, what surface can't use a flower?)

B.poetic also offer shoe clips, hair clips and corsages and the ever lovely owner of the shop has offered up a giveaway to all of you! Take a look at her blog and/or her Etsy store, and leave a comment here letting us know what design you would choose. You have until Midnight (CST) on Thursday, August 27th to enter. The winner will be announced over the weekend. Good luck!

Air Your Dirty Laundry

When I read the email from Elana at Melangerie, I knew I had to share this idea as soon as possible! They are offering this adorable "Dirty Laundry" idea in a variety of colors on their site, which is perfect for showers or casual receptions. The concept is this - the kit encourages event attendees to decoratively air out the guest(s) of honor's "dirty laundry" by jotting funny stories on note cards shaped as t-shirts, tank tops, pants, and skirts. It comes in this cute little laundry bag, full of all the supplies you need (including mini clothespins, clothesline and a label explaining everything that fits on a real detergent bottle). I love it! Check out their Etsy Store for more color options and details.

Etsy Weekend Deals

The Etsy blog (The Storque) writes about various sales and discounts across the site towards the end of each week, and this week there are a lot of great finds to take advantage of. I am loving the white flower necklace from LittleWhiteDresser, and those lotus blossoms from FancifulForm could make some interesting table decorations. Wall Stickz is offering 20% off all of their vinyl decals, including monograms (perfect for receptions). I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

Nonsuch

It's quite possible these are the cutest coin purses I've ever laid eyes on. They would make lovely bridesmaids gifts, or possibly even a little something for your flower girl (maybe filled with some of her favorite trinkets). Many more adorable styles available at nonsuch.

Convo Pebbles

This is such a cute idea and a great way to break the ice at bridal showers without playing any overly embarrassing games. You can customize the convo pebbles to your event and color scheme, and through July they ship for free.

The idea is that you scatter them on a table and guests pick them up and are supposed to and answer the questions to start conversations. Or for a shower, you can have the bride answer the questions on each of the stones. Cute, right?

Loyalty and Blood

How cute are these tote bags from Loyalty and Blood? They would be perfect to give to bridesmaids, maybe full of some other little gifts. I use our leftover Out of Town totes all the time to take my lunch to work and as an alternative to plastic bags, so one of these would definitely get some use in my house! Check out their Etsy Store to see more - which also mentions special group offers.

Seedling Kit Favors

Check out the instructions for these adorable seedling kits over at Project Wedding. I love the idea of giving something that is both "green" and will last for longer than a night. I've seen the idea for seedling packets several places but this take it to a new level!