The Final Touch

Office Party

I was in a different kind of mood today. A friend of mine owns a software development company, and is about to launch a new web application. He called me for ideas on how to finalise some details for his launch party. I laughed when he said: " Lorena, please don't kill the budget! "

I took a trip down to Staples, with one goal in mind, finding all the supplies I need from there.

Sometimes inspiration comes on its own, and sometimes, you just look for it. Today, I waited for the inspiration to come to me, while walking down the aisles of the store.

I am pretty happy with the outcome:

1. I bought a business card box to display and organise the escort cards. It's an easy practical and original way for the guests to find their seats.
2. I covered some slide boxes with black paper, wrapped some twine around it, made a loose bow and attached those shipping tags. The words " Thank You!" I just wrote by hand.  
3. Another idea for the escord cards was a plain foam core board ( they come in all shades of colour, with "@" push pins. And I printed the names and table number on plain card stock.
4. The invitation has a modern, clean look to it. Adding a touch of red with the envelope brings some colour ( you can use your corporate colour envelopes )  

Mission accomplished. I came out of Staples, with a light bill, and a light heart. 

This look will work well for trendy agencies, hi tech companies, any business that is not taking itself too seriously. It is all about fun!

Edith Piaf Dinner Party

I am very emotional while writing this post. Edith Piaf played such a big role in my life. Whenever I am running low on creativity, I play her music, and the sound of her voice full of truth and strengh inspires me. So the least I could do is pay her tribute. 

I designed these invitation postcards thinking of how great it would be to spend a whole evening in her company listening to La vie en rose, Milord, or l'Hymne a l'amour.

Now that I had the postcards, I felt like organising that party. I saw myself finding my computer searching and browsing, and here is the result. A french dinner inspiration board to share with all of you. I will be having this dinner party in three weeks with some of my close friends that are in love with Edith Piaf too.

Her favorite meal was " Coq au vin " , and I am anxious as to how it will turn out. I've never made it before. But it just sounds delicious. Good wine, aromatic cheeses from Hamel la Fromagerie,  fresh figs,  and the best baguette from Mamie Clafoutis will be on the menu.

For the table setting I got inspired from the picture of Bistro Les Petits Carreaux. Forest green, ivory, and butter yellow. 

When saying Paris, you cannot forget those delicious macarons, that literally first crunch and then melt in your mouth. An explosion of taste, that invade your whole being! So I decided to package some pistachio macarons with some almond macarons in small green boxes and tie a buttery yellow ribbon around to give my guests as a thank you favor. 

I will be playing " La Vie en Rose" movie. If you haven't seen it (or if you don't now Edith Piaf ) I highly recommend you rent it. It is a jewel.

I am really looking forward to it. A whole evening with Edith Piaf! What else to ask for?

If you live in Montreal, they play her music at Pois Penché, a fairly new french bistro downtown. If you're craving Paris, go for a lunch there. It will do you good :)

Polka Dot Theme Party

Let's be realistic. This is no theme attractive to men ( I do love polka dotted ties though! ). But if you're thinking bridal shower, baby shower or even your little girl's birthday party then think polka dots. Polka dots are fun. Seeing them always makes me smile, maybe because it reminds me of that song. I am sure all of you have heard at least once. Doesn't make you happy just listening to it? So if happiness, joy and smiles is what you're looking for at your next event, then think of giving the polka dot theme a try.

You can try different color combinations for a different feel. Yellow and white is very refreshing, and black and white a bit more edgy.

These invitations and favor boxes I created for a client's bridal shower. And from what I heard, happiness was in the air.

Marshmallows - Puffy Little Forgotten Treasures

These are not the marshmallows you used to have when you were a kid. These are the gourmet version. If you're running out of ideas on how to treat your guests at your next event or party, try to consider those little bites of heaven. And when I say heaven, I mean it! When biting into them, you feel you're biting into clouds. They're fluffy, soft, and they melt in your mouth. You can find them in so many flavors: cardamom, flower salt caramel, lavender, whisky, and even wasabi! You name it.

Different shapes are also available, the heart one is a cute one for a Valentine party favor, and the suckers perfect for a baby shower, or birthday. My personal favorites are the square ones, I just love the texture on the sides.
 

Marshmallows are colourful, and when packaged in clear bags, with a nice personallized tag or label, colourful matching ribbons, make an original, fun, and beautiful favor.

Adding them to your sweet table or candy bar will make your guests talk. They enhance the overall look of a table, add colour, and some lightness into your decor. Why take ourselves so seriously? Let's eat some marshmallows, and treat the kid inside each and every one of us :)

Here are some stores that make great marshmallows:

• Whimsy and Spice
• Suzie's Confections  
• Laura's Candy    

And if you are in the mood of making your own, here is Martha's recipe. You can then get in touch with me to package them for you. I will match your theme and colours, and of course use food safe packaging.

Cookie Bouquet - Delicious!

  

Over the holidays I met Marlyn. Marlyn is a cookie designer, that's how I like to call her. She creates those little pieces of art, which are a pleasure to the eyes and palate.  I have seen and tasted lots of cookies in my life ( oh yes I did! ), but none as perfect. 

My favorite are these daisy cookies on a stick.  

These can create original centerpieces, which can double as favors instead of having the usual flower centerpiece. They are perfect for a baby shower, a bridal shower, or a birthday party.  I also think they would look stunning at a wedding's sweet table.

Marlyn Birmingham, you're great!  

If you're interested in getting those cookies for a special event, just email me

They can be personalized with ribbons, tags and embellishments to match your event's theme and colours.

Check out more of Marlyn's cookies here or here.

Lollipops Favors. For the Kids at Heart.

     

While browsing the web for some inspiration, I stumbled upon the cutest little favor idea.

Why not Lollipops? Unexpensive, Sweet, and when so beautifully wrapped, they become a talking piece. 

The stickers can be customised with a monogram, date, logo, or a simple message.

I love them.

These genious Lollipop wrappers are created by Meg from Olio Designs. She does not have a website yet but if you are ever interested in getting some for your bridal or baby showers or any other event, send me a message and I will put you in touch with her.

Unique Cookie Packaging

Present your favorite large size cookie in a CD envelope.  You can find the CD envelopes at your local office supply store along with the adhesive paper.  Create beautiful labels and personalize them for your special event.  They are great for a bridal or baby shower,  birthday or casual wedding.

The cookie can cause the envelope to become greasy, so place them in a cellophane bag before inserting them in the CD envelope.

Modern Take-Out Boxes With Colorful Brads

 

I absolutely adore these modern take-out boxes.  They come flat and need to be assembled.  Instead of gluing or placing simple brads, I chose these colorful flowers.  They would be perfect for a baby or bridal shower.  I like the idea of having the brads in the same color, but in a different pattern.

The boxes are available in different colors.  Check out my website for more info. http://lorenarossi.com