Seasonal Wedding Favors

After introducing wedding favors in common cases, now we want to talk about the wedding favors in special occasions. In this article, favors for spring and summer wedding are showed to you by our website. In terms of the fall and winter wedding favors, we will provide some information in the next article. Spring The sun is shining, the grass is green, and your honey is blooming along with all the flowers of the season. Thus, spring is one of the most popular times to exchange vows. In terms of a beautiful spring wedding, creating a floral paradise is topped in the list. Decorate tables with fresh blossoms and present favors in flower-topped gift boxes or send guests home with a bulb, each in a miniature flower pot. Take this favor as example, whether you are a plant lover or a garden enthusiast, this fabulous mini flower pot is the perfect wedding favor to celebrate your special day. Fill these pots with candies, almonds, and a packet of seeds or a spring bulb wrapped in cellophane and tied with pretty ribbon. Present a beautifully potted plant at each place setting for a breathtaking display. It will add color to the tables and your guests will take home a practical gift. It is ideal for spring weddings and also a popular favor or bridal showers. A variety of blessing messages are inscribed on each beautifully painted flower pot. Summer If hot weather is expected on your wedding day, don't take any chances. Make sure your guests will have something other than your wedding programs to cool them off. With the summer flowers blooming and the sun shining, it is the perfect time to tie the knot and your big event is sure to be a sensation. However, in such a hot weather, help your guests cool by providing personalized paper hand fans or monogrammed hand fans. Add a burst of color with these boldly colored paper fans. Constructed in heavy colored paper and natural bamboo ribbing, these sturdy fans will keep them cool enough to sit through the entire ceremony. Perfect for outdoor weddings and indoor ceremonies where there is no air conditioning.

5 Things to know before you go wedding dresses shopping

A smart bride knows that shopping for your wedding dress is both an art and a struggle. Finding the perfect gown requires patience and a whole lot of preparation. Check out these five tips every bride should know before she goes.

1.Determine Your Personal Style
Before you make an appointment with a dress salon, take your time and research popular gown styles so you can determine what you’re really looking for in a wedding dress. Which silhouette is right for your body type? Trumpet? Ball gown? A-line? Are you partial to a certain neckline? Sweetheart? Strapless? Halter? You don’t have to make a decision before hit the store, but be you should be familiar with what’s out there, what you want, and what you’re willing to spend.
2.Keep the Theme in Mind
Planning a formal wedding? Keeping it beach-casual? A wedding dress that's appropriate for a black-tie affair (floor-length, with intricate detailing) looks much different than a dress that's perfect for fun in the sun (shorter, with lighter fabric and minimal embellishments). Plan to limit your selections to gowns that are appropriate for your wedding theme. Consider the season as well. Lighter fabrics, like silk tulle, organza, and charmeuse, and tea-length skirts are fine for spring, but winter weddings call for heavier fabrics and longer lengths. Once you’ve narrowed down your style, scour the web and magazines for pictures of your favorite wedding gowns. Bring them along to your appointment so the sales associate has a better idea of what you’re looking for.
3.Think About Your Hair
Though we’re not recommending that you book a pricey salon appointment before your first dress fitting, it is a good idea to wear your hair in a style similar to the one you’re planning to have on your wedding day. Your hairstyle, along with your accessories, will complete your bridal look. If you try on a gown while your hair is down and love the way it looks, you might wind up unpleasantly surprised with how much the look has changed if you end up opting for an updo.
4.Go Au Naturel
The day you’re headed to the bridal salon, ditch your usual scent and makeup. As much as you may want to look (and smell) good that day, cosmetics can actually stain or damage gown samples. Messy deodorant is another gown-shopping no-no. Wear an invisible or clear type and opt for a gel instead of a powder. The same goes for your first official fitting. (The last thing you ever want to do is damage your dress before you’ve worn it, right?)
5.Go Lingerie Shopping
There is no one bra or pair of panties that will work with every gown, but if you have a pretty good idea of what you want to buy, bringing the right bra is a plus. Have your heart set on something satin? Choose a contouring bra and panty set to ensure your body has a sleek silhouette. Have a large chest? Wear a minimizer to make your bust appear smaller, or your best push-up bra to add curves. If you don't want to wear a body slimmer, consider bringing a good pair of control top pantyhose instead -- they can work miracles!

Beginning your wedding dress search

Consider these factors ahead of time to help narrow your search.
He proposed, you said yes, so now what? Shopping for a wedding dress can be a bit overwhelming, so it’s important to begin the process well before your wedding day. Most brides purchase a gown eight months in advance to allow for fittings and alterations. Before you hit the nearest bridal salon and start trying on gowns, consider some factors ahead of time that can help narrow your search.

Step 1: Figure Out Your Total Budget
One of the first things you and your fiance will want to discuss is the overall budget of your wedding day. This will be a huge determinate in how much money you’re able to spend. Not buying your dress yourself? Talk to your family about what amount they’re comfortable with before you set your heart on a dress that’s financially out of reach.

Step 2: Decide on Your Wedding Theme
Classic? Modern? Organic? Romantic? Your dress may be the star, but your wedding theme sets the stage. Sit down with your fiance and discuss a look and style that appeal to both of you. Once you’ve narrowed it down, start thinking about finding a dress that complements the environment you plan on creating. For example, if you’re into the idea of having a modern wedding, you want to focus your attention on a simple sheath rather than a Grecian gown.

Step 3: Pick a Wedding Date
Lighter fabrics, like silk tulle or organza, and tea-length skirts are fine for spring, but winter weddings call for heavy fabrics and longer lengths. Consider the season so you can limit your choices to what’s suitable.
Step 4: Do Your Research Beforehand
Wedding boutiques are busy, busy places (especially from June to August!), so it’s really important that you go with a clear sense of what you’re looking for, who designs it, and how much you’re willing to spend. Read all the big bridal magazines, tear out pictures, create a folder, and do some research online. Not every boutique carries every dress or designer, so you can save yourself a lot of time and energy by coordinating your efforts and targeting stores that have exactly what you’re looking for. Also, most salons require appointments. If you want to avoid the weekend rush or after-work crowd, consider taking a day off from work and going during the early morning.
Step 5: Selecting Your Wedding Dress Posse
It’s generally recommended not to take a large group of people with you when you go to try on dresses. Most brides tend to stick with two people -- their mom, aunt, sister, or best friend. But it’s also perfectly acceptable to bring a coworker, cousin, or even your best guy friend. It’s just a matter of whom you’re most comfortable with. Keep in mind that you don’t want someone who isn’t going to give you honest and accurate feedback on how you look. Be open and listen to their critique. It’s not uncommon for some brides to fall in love with a dress beforehand only to discover another fabulous find once they start exploring their many options.

Some Homemade Boozy Gifts

Tim and John’s Secret Santa Foraged Gifts
Tim and John create a trio of wild vodka brews, perfect as a gift at Christmas.

Fennel Vodka

• Add fennel seeds to vodka and leave to infuse for about half an hour with the bowl covered to prevent evaporation.
• Strain into bottles, with a sprig of fennel at the top before bottle is sealed.

Rosehip Vodka

• Start by making a rosehip syrup by mashing some rosehips in water and simmering for about half an hour.
• Drain the mixture into another saucepan through a muslin rag and reduce to half its volume.
• Add a couple of tablespoons of brown sugar and stir.
• Funnel the syrup into clear bottles then add vodka.

Alexander Vodka

• Alexanders are a plant found near the sea.
• Collect and roughly chop a few small bunches.
• Blitz in a food processor to emit the juices.
• Strain through a muslin rag.
• Funnel the liquid into a clear bottle and add vodka.

Willie’s Chocolate Clementine Cheesecake

Blueberries, raspberries or blackberries make an excellent alternative to the Clementine or mandarin.

Serves 8-10

Ingredients

For the base

• 200g of oatmeal biscuits
• One tablespoon ground almonds
• 75g melted butter

For the cheese mix

• 1 packet Philadelphia creamed cheese
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 125g caster sugar
• 6 egg yolks
• 1tbsp corn flour to help it set
• 3tbsp of grated cacao butter

Method

1. Preheat oven to 120 degrees.
2. Line a round cake tin with greaseproof paper.
3. In a food processor, blend the biscuits, melted butter and almonds.
4. Press the biscuit mixture into the tin and allow it so set in the fridge.
5. Place all the ingredients for the cheese mix into a food processor and whiz until all ingredients are mixed well.
6. Pour the mixture into the cake tin and allow it to set in the fridge for at least 3-4 hours.
7. Finish your cheesecake with caramelized Clementines (or fruit of choice), and some painted edible gold leaf for a truly exquisite finish.

Cook French At Home

French food has a reputation for being fancy, but any home cook can make beautiful French dishes if they simply follow a recipe, chef Serge Dansereau says.

The French Canadian, who resides in Australia and was responsible for the first 3-hat hotel restaurant - Sydney's Regent Hotel - has just released a book of classic French recipes for home cooks.

The 230 recipes in French Kitchen are what he cooks for his own family and friends.

"I have done a book on my restaurant before and I thought it would be nice to do something on what I personally cook at home," Dansereau, who is also the head chef and owner of the iconic Bathers' Pavilion Cafe and Restaurant in Balmoral, says.

"There's lots of food in there that either I grew up eating, or I have learned through the years as a chef."

While Dansereau wouldn't describe the recipes in his book as "very simple", he says they are achievable if you put aside the time.

"It's all stuff that you can do at home; it is more just taking the time to cook it, more than trying to find exotic food produce," he says.

"There's not too many ingredients (and) lots of the produce is interchangeable."

Dansereau says good food is all about balance, meaning even people with dietary restrictions can use his book.

"Don't eat dishes with cream sauce every single day; they are just the occasional dish ... (there are many) dishes in the book (that) are fresh and healthy," he says.

His book also includes a section on cooking with kids.

"My daughter doesn't want help, she wants to do it herself and I think that's good -- you have just got to let her go and whatever comes out, then that's what comes out and if they follow the recipe they can do it," he says.

The key is giving kids a simple recipe to work with and introducing them to lots of different foods at a young age, Dansereau says.

With the availability of fast food, Dansereau says it is important to cook as a family.

"It's important that you continue cooking, consciously putting time aside to produce a meal," he says.

If you don't have time to cook during the week, he suggests cooking extra dishes on the weekend to eat throughout the week.

And if friends are coming over for dinner, keep the menu simple.

"(You) only have to do one dish, you don't have to have three or four course, I don't advocate that in the book," he says.

"People can just have a main course and maybe a desert or entree ... don't try to do a set menu."

Make your cooking experience more fun

When you are the chef in your family, you take pride in the kitchen utensils and tools that make your cooking experience more fun. For some people that experience is especially fun when they use wooden cutting boards. Wooden cutting boards provide a great cutting surface and come in many different and beautiful designs and styles. From the whimsical wooden cheese board to the massive wooden cutting board that hangs over the edge of the counter, each wooden board holds its own appeal. When you have one of these special boards, however, you want to make sure that you keep it clean and in good condition. Follow the tips below to help you do just that.

First Things First

When you get a new wooden cutting board, the first thing you should do is protect its surface. That means giving it a protective coating of oil to protect it from staining and moisture damage. Unlike vegetable and olive oil, mineral oil is the best oil to use, as it will protect the cutting board without creating a soft, bacteria laden surface. Apply a small amount of mineral oil to a soft rag and rub it into the board. Wipe off any excess oil and repeat the process a couple of times. It is important to start the board off with proper protection and coatings of mineral oil will do just that.

After Use

Instead of putting your wooden cutting board in the dishwasher, the better option is to wash it in warm, soapy water as you would any other utensil or cutting surface. Be especially mindful of scrubbing off germs and bacteria leftover from cutting meat on the board. It is best to have two separate cutting boards; one for meats and one for fruits and vegetables. This helps prevent cross-contamination and helps to keep your family safer from salmonella and e.coli bacteria. Any mild dishwashing liquid is fine to use on your protected board, but be careful not to let your board soak in the water. Washing and rinsing are fine, but submerging the board for long period of time can result in the board warping or rotting.

Continued Maintenance

After each washing, check your wooden cutting board for cracks, splits, holes and other small areas where bacteria can hide. Over the life of the cutting board, the wood will eventually have marks and scrapes. While you may have a sentimental attachment to your favorite wooden cutting board, when it becomes pocked and scarred, it is best to retire it from kitchen use. If you cannot bear to throw it away, use it as decoration or for some other purpose. You do not want to chance your family's health by keeping around a board that can very easily harbor bacteria and is very difficult to clean.

A wooden cutting board is a great asset to your kitchen. With the proper care and maintenance, your wooden cutting board can last for a long time.