Baptism Party and DIY Candy Favor

Before the holidays we celebrated our son’s baptism on a snowy Saturday at the same church we were married in. The whole family celebrated the occasion, which was so special for us. With little time and no sleep, I wasn’t able to go ‘all out’ with party details, but I was able to create a couple last-minute projects with some extra burlap I had lying around. Love me some burlap!

Burlap Banner
Use a pennant template to cute burlap triangle pennants
With stencils and white acrylic paint, use paintbrushes to paint a letter on each pennant.
Cut a ribbon the length of the size needed.
Use mini clothes pins to hang.

  Gold Pinecone Branches
Gather pine cones and branches.
Spray paint the pine cones gold {or color of your choice} and use a hot glue gun to glue them to the branches.
I wanted soft, neutral tones, so baby’s breath and hydrangea were the perfect wintry white combo to add to the bud vases.
Wrap the vases with a strip of burlap and voila!

I tucked  an Irish blessing into folded napkins at each place setting. It read:
Jackson,
for your baptism day
may God grant you always…
a sunbeam to warm you
a moonbeam to charm you
a sheltering angel so nothing can harm you
laugher to cheer you
faithful friends near you
and whenever you pray
heaven to hear you.

Each party guest received a baptism favor filled with candy and of course a ‘sweet thought’ to go along with it…
i’m BURSTing with happiness that you celebrated my baptism with me today.
now that i’m o’FISH’ially ‘in’ with the Lord,
here are some holy treats and tips to help you remember to keep the faith in your daily life…

daily prayer is a LIFESAVER 
read the bible NOW AND LATER
God puts everyone and everything in your life for a REISEN
God ROCKS!
love,
Jackson 

Candy Key:
BURSTing: Starburst
o’FISH’ially: Swedish Fish
LIFESAVER: Lifesavers
NOW and LATER: Now and Later
REISEN: Reisen
ROCKS: Pop Rocks

To buy the favor tag file {it’s a cuter file…Jenna re-styled my last-minute tags}, please visit our etsy store, Fleur de Lis, a paperie here.

{images via Tutto Bella}

happy new year

We’re excited to see what 2013 will bring…

salute 2013

New Year’s Eve is almost here…and it’s time to bust out the bubbly. Our personal favorite is Prosecco. This year, try to find a way to infuse ‘bubbly’ into at least one {if not all} aspects of your party. We’ve gathered a few last-minute ‘bubbly’ ideas for your celebration.

Hanging Bubbly Balls, tutorial at Martha Stewart

Sophia Champagne in a Can Favor, Style Me Pretty

Champagne Jello Shots, Perpetually Engaged

Champagne Ice Cream Bar, Damsel in Dior

Confetti Champagne Flutes, tutorial at Pizzazzerie

Grape Champagne {and year predictor} Skewer, see details at Noble Pig

Champagne Bar, Tutto Bella, shoot by Pink Champagne Events
see full shoot here

{images via A Blissful Nest, Martha Stewart, Style Me PrettyPerpetually EngagedPizzazzerie, Damsel in Dior, Noble Pig, Laura Murray Photography}

Last Minute DIY Christmas Gift Ideas

If you’re like me, you’re still not done with Christmas gifts this year and Christmas is less than 2 days away. Don’t panic and take a deep breath. You’re not too late {well, a little}…just make your way to target or walmart, craft store or your closest “carry almost everything store” and make one of these lovely, thoughtful and DIY gifts. Channel your ‘inner-Martha.’

Nail Polish ‘MistleTOES’, Supreme Courtney

Holiday Cinnamon Stick Candle, Paula Deen 

Personalized Hot Cocoa Mug, Mountainside Bride

Grinch Pills, Craft Fabulous

DIY Recipe Book, The 36th Ave

Reindeer Beer {fun party favors for your friends}, friend via Facebook

Money Tree, Then She Made

{images via Paula DeenCraft Fabulous, Mountainside Bride, Supreme Courtney, Then She Made, The 36th Ave}

Stella and Dot Sparkle from Within Bracelet

NOTE TO SELF: Never leave a draft post up on the computer screen…because my 2.5 year old daughter somehow managed to actually post an unedited and unfinished draft. My apologies for the early, not-yet-complete email you received last night of this post. Kids…gotta love ’em.

As I was saying…

Sparkle from the Light Within…and it doesn’t hurt to add a little sparkle to your wrist too. 🙂

We are big fans of Stella and Dot jewelry, and with a wide range of prices, there is something for every gal on your list. This year, we’re loving the simple, dress up or dress down, Light Bracelet FRIENDSHIP TIES, Sparkle From the Light Within. For only $19 , you can apply the one for me, one for you motto for this one.

You don’t have to attend any party, or even charge your credit card for this one, because Christine Morris, personal stylist for Stella and Dot, is offering Tutto Bella readers the Stella and Dot Light Bracelet for free. And, this giveaway will still be happening after Dec. 25…yay for more fabulous things after Christmas!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner will be contacted by email 48 hours after the giveaway ends on December 28. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send us an email!{images via Stella and Dot}