The Final Touch

Quick Tip: How To Adress A Single Person Invitation

When inviting a single guest, always adress it this way: " Mr. John White and Guest " . Let your single guest the choice to decide wether he ( or she ) will be bringing a date. 

Real Party: Noah's Baptism

When my friend called me asking for my help for her son's baptism, I was thrilled. She had decided to have it at MB mange. boire restaurant in little Italy, a place I particularly enjoy. Not only because Matteo the owner is a family friend, but also because the chef Tommy ( which happens to be a good friend of mine and my husband ), is awesome!

I knew the food would be great, and it was. 

For the decor, we started with invitations. Since it was a baptism, Noah's mother wanted to keep it serene, without it beeing too classic. The chocolate brown and mint green duo not only brought that feeling to life, but also reminded me of my beloved after eights :)

I designed a simple monogram with Noah's initials, and this graphic element was used on the invitations, menu, cake, and cookies that were given out to guests as a favor.

Eva did a great job on the flowers, it was original and fit perfectly the sleek look of the restaurant, as well as our colour scheme. The guests were wowed. She used some inexpensive stainless steel plaster containers from the hardware store. The shape was perfect, the look impeccable, and very affordable.

The cake and cookies were created by Montreal Confections. I love this girl, she absolutely masters her art. I packaged the cookies to match the whole look and feel of the party with tranparent cellophane bags to reveal the design of the cookie, and a fairly wide gros grain chocolate brown ribbon to make a cute bow.

It was a fun project. I enjoyed it. Congratulations Noah!

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.