DIY Sprayed Bottles for Thrifty, Modern Wedding Centerpieces

{Create This}Very Martha Recycled Bottle Centerpieces

Happy Tueday, Lovelies! A little something different for you than I had originally planned but I am too excited not to share this awesome DIY idea I found at The Colorful Living Project. These spray painted bottles let the thrifty, eco-conscious bride have her reuse and recycle AND modern, chic wedding at the same time! They're cute, clean, and best of all, for a few of dollars, you can have totally handmade, very Martha centerpieces for your wedding reception or bridal shower.

Instructions and Pictures by Anna Naphtali.

These recycled bottles have been re-styled to be used as centerpieces, vases or gifts. Anna used IZZE bottles, but there are many bottles options that will work just as well.

1. Remove labels from bottles. ( You can soak them in hot water and dish soap for extra help)

2. Dry and clean

3. Pick your spray paint choices: Seen above is Satin Ivory. Spray!

4. Spray paint box carrier too!

Some spray painting tips... Cover area with newspaper or drop cloth first. Wear a mask or be careful not to inhale fumes. Don't spray into the wind!!! Wait for your first layer to dry and stick the bottle on your finger to get a good coat around the bottom sides.

(Me) And now to add color and variety! Same process, different paint and bottles. I like the varying heights for centerpieces to help create visual interest and dimension.

(Anna) I usually like matte finish, but the glossy texture on some of these gives them a nice new sheen. And baby jars make the cutest little mini vases or containers! Another idea for a centerpiece would be to take tons of different sized items and paint them one color and or have a line of vases down a table... you get the idea.

I do have to note, these are not "safe" to use for any type of liquid consumption. They just look cool and won't damage flowers or decorative pieces.

(Me) So there you have it, Lovelies! Cute idea right? Especially on a budget! You could do this for wedding centerpieces, parties, showers. Start saving your wine bottles, vases,  peanut butter jars! Check out this post using recycled glass jars for wedding decor. Thanks for Anna Napthali for the idea and photos.

What DIY projects will you be doing for your wedding? Big, small, we want to know! Check out all out DIY Wanna Do List on Pinterest. What else should we add?

 Make the world colorful,

{Real Couple} Angel & Patrick - Love Bird Theme + Pretty Pink & Green

An Anthropologie Inspired Wedding

Sometimes you run across weddings with every detail you love...those sweet things of life that make you tilt your head and sigh. This is one of those times. Sigh...Tilt.  I ran across this part of Angel and Patrick's celebration, captured by Rachel Olsen Photography and wanted to share with the Love Bird Theme in action. And what's not to love about pink parasols, little bird decorations, and peonies?



I am swooning over the bright color palette, green and light pink, the Anthropologie on a budget feel, and the natural branches used as centerpieces. Sweet touches like the pin on Angel's peony bouquet (my FAVE), pictures of the couple, and favorite quotes on the wall all help create an intimate, personal celebration.

Bird decor is slated to be the next IT thing for weddings next year - especially bird nests. LOVE!

The couple chose Couple Crossword Puzzles and "I'm with the Groom or the Bride" buttons as a fun way for guests to get in the spirit- just too cute!

Adorable shabby chic, vintage, rustic wedding ideas all rolled into one with side tables, place card bird cage and suitcase guest book.

The Denver Art Museum was the perfect backdrop with all its architectural details, and projecting their favorite love quotes on the wall was a perfect way to complete the entire intimate affair. 
Thank you to photographers Rachel Olsen and Julie Afflerbaugh for allowing me to share this wonderful, inspiration filled wedding.

What intimate, personal details are you adding to your wedding? We'd love to post your ideas in our Facebook and Twitter conversations! 

Make it a Happy Day!

P.S. Check back HERE tomorrow for a lovely Green & Pink Palette Board inspired by this wedding.

Friday Giveaway: Win $100 Gift Card for Beau-coup.com

Party Favors, Wedding Decor, and More

Are you putting the final touches on your wedding and in need of favors, decor pieces, or maybe gifts? Have I got some Giveaway Awesomeness for you! Beau-coup is offering three lucky fans a $100 Shopping Spree on their site! I love Beau-coup; it's THE online go-to for party favors and supplies, ideas and budget decor options for all of life's special occasions. 

Beau-coup was one of my favorite places to shop for my budget wedding. I dig their wide selection of Wedding Favors but also their super crafty DIY Birthday Party Ideas gallery and Baby Shower Favors and Gifts. Their website is easy to use and chock full of one-of-a-kind favors from bridal to baby as well as but party supplies for holiday parties, religious celebrations and all of the milestones we love to share with friends and family!

The Real Deal:
I KNOW you love planning stylish celebrations and fun parties, that's just the way this dLA crew rolls! Well, Beau.coup wants your opinion on the BEST party idea! Pop over to Beau-coup, check out the goods, then head over their Facebook page to cast your Vote for your favorite party theme and you're entered to win!  Hey, it's worth $100 and takes 5 minutes! Hey, we all could use a little extra green in our wedding budget, this is just plain smart!  

Remember, you must vote, i.e. click the VOTE button on their FB site, in order to qualify, and be sure to SHARE with friends! There's lots of reasons to throw a fun and stylish party and Beau-coup has you covered.  AND, de Lovely Affair always keeps you up to date with all the fresh and fabulous ideas from Beau-coup, so stop here for the 411 before you buy. 

Giveaway Terms and Conditions: 

* Open WORLDWIDE
* Prize value does NOT include taxes, shipping or special fees
* The Gift Card is valid for 6 months after issue
* Voting is open until August 6th. Winner will be selected at random and announced on Facebook. We'll let you know here too!

Huge thanks to our sponsors at Beau-coup for the fabulous giveaway, and best of luck!
All photos courtesy of Beau-coup.com.

Happy Planning,

P.S - dLA is an affiliate of Beau-coup. This post is also a personal endorsement of their products and website.

Love Birds Decor: Wedding Trend Predictions for 2013 by Art Deco Gal

We're Birds of a Feather, You and I.

Hello, love birds! Your heart all aflutter with wedding planning for next year? Looking for the hottest wedding trends to make your shindig the party of the year? Look no further, Art Deco Gal has the trend forecast for you right here on de Lovely Affair. So far, I've covered stylish wedding dresses, the popular rainbow color palette and this week, I'm all about Birds- the go-to wedding theme and decor piece for 2013.

Photo via Bower Power Blog

Birds are going to be everywhere; big ones, little ones, gracing invitations, hanging from ceilings, topping cakes; couples are branding their wedding from beginning to end with these feathered friends. Whimsical, romantic, and charming, a perfect compliment to outdoor, woodsy, garden and DIY weddings. “Everybody’s heard, bird, bird,bird…bird is the word”; you heard it here first.

Here are some of my favorite unique bird decor ideas for your wedding. There are so many variations of this theme, so, pardon the pun, let your imagination take flight!

Bird’s Nests 

We have great DIY project ideas for these two bird themed wedding decor pieces coming up soon.

Photo by Rachel Olsen Photography

Bird Cake Toppers

Photo via Wedding Paper Divas

Bird Houses as Favors, Card Boxes, and Decor

Photo by Kate Hamilton

Photo by Kate Brissenden

Photo via Butter Bean Vintage on Etsy

Birds on a Wire

Photo via Pottery Barn

Photo via Ela and Poppies Photography

Paper Bird Garland

Photo via Emmaline Bride

We found a super cute DIY project for this over at Once Wed! Stay tuned for all the deets.

Photo via Once Wed

And last but not least, the ever popular Bird Cage, perfect for cards, as a centerpiece, dessert display, place card holder, suspended decor, candles, flowers, food....the list goes on!!

Photo via Pocketful of Dreams

Here's a super cute Love Bird Board we found over at Things Festive that just about sums it up!

Photo via Things Festive

And there you have it - my Wedding Decor Trend Prediction for 2013. In my personal opinion, the Love Bird Wedding theme is one of the cutest I've seen by far. It can be incorporated into any style wedding - vintage (swoon), rustic, outdoors, whimsical, garden, it works everywhere! Just remember to take the theme from beginning - save the dates, all the way through to the end of your big day - thank you cards for a cohesive and branded wedding look.

What other bird ideas do you think will be a big hit in 2013? We'd love for you to join in the conversation over on Twitter and Facebook. Won't you stop by and say hi?

Have a delightful day!
Clare - Art Deco Gal

P.S. Remember to check out my other 2013 Wedding Trend Predictions - Wedding Dress Styles and Rainbow Color Palette. And next week, I'll have a go at Wedding Flowers!

{Global Inspiration} 10 Signature Drinks to Add Culture to Your Wedding

Global Wedding Cocktails - Part 2 
As we learned in Part 1 of this globally inspired drink fest, signature drinks are a great way to enhance your guest's experience. They are fun to create and serve, show a little of your personality as a couple and help infuse some culture into your festivities! Plus with our easy DIY recipes, you can save a bit of money on the bar tab. Here are the rest of our ten delish Globally Inspired Signature Drinks.

Photo Sources 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

6. Singapore Sling - The Singapore Sling is a smooth, slow, sweet cocktail, developed in Singapore at Raffles' Long Bar in the early 1900's. It’s said the cocktail was intended for women; hence the pinky color but as noted in the era's Gentleman’s Companion, the Singapore Sling was a “delicious, slow-acting, insidious thing, and certainly not only for the fairer sex." The  original recipe has since been lost so today's cocktail contains gin, lemon juice, cherry brandy and soda water. This drink should takes its rightful place at an Art Deco or Roaring 20's wedding celebration! Here is one Singapore Sling version.

7. Mojito - Cuba is the birthplace of the Mojito, although the exact origin of this classic cocktail is the subject of debate. Some historians believe African slaves working the 19th century Cuban sugar cane fields were instrumental in the cocktail's creation. Cuba's answer to the mint julep, the Mojito is perfect for a hot summertime wedding. Traditionally made of five ingredients: white rum, sugar (traditionally sugar cane juice), lime, sparkling water and mint, its combination of sweetness, refreshing citrus and mint flavors are intended to complement the potent kick of the rum. Try this mojito recipe.

8. Limonchello- This thick lemon liqueur is mainly produced in Southern Italy, although homemade is a nice touch for your guests. True Limoncello is made in Sorrento, from lemons whose trees overlook the Mediterranean. It is traditionally served chilled as an after dinner palette cleanser. One of my girlfriends used Limoncello instead of champagne for their wedding toast as a way to pay homage to her new husband's heritage. It was good...too good. Why not blend a batch of Limonchello as edible wedding favors for your guests? Here is an interesting article and and easy recipe.

9. Mimosa - An oldie but goodie, this cocktail-like drink composed of equal parts champagne (or other sparkling wine) and thoroughly chilled orange juice, is traditionally served in a tall champagne flute with a morning brunch, or to guests at late morning weddings. The origins of the mimosa are somewhat murky. Allegedly, the drink was invented at the Paris Ritz in 1925, although it bears a striking similarity to another cocktail, the Buck's Fizz, which was introduced in England in 1921, and named after the club in which is was first served. The name from the flowers of the mimosa plant, which are yellow and appear slightly frothy from a distance.

10. Rum Punch - Depending on whom you believe,Planter's Punch or Rum Punch was either created by the wife of a Jamaican plantation owner, or at the Planter Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri. Regardless, this fruity punch has become a popular beverage to serve to guests throughout the Caribbean. Recipes vary widely, but they all contain rum, lime juice and a sweetener or other fruit juices. Now found on most major Caribbean islands, this punch is refreshing and fruity without being too heavy on the alcohol. Easy to make, easy to drink, DIY it up for your own version! Here is quick simple recipe.

Which of these would you have as your wedding signature drink? If you've tried any of them, which is your favorite? Follow this conversation on Facebook; hit the LIKE button on our page if you haven't yet!

Happy Planning,

{Global Inspiration} 10 Signature Drinks to Add Culture to Your Wedding

Global Wedding Cocktails - Part 1

These days, signature wedding drinks are an important part of the guest experience - they can help set the tone, show some personality, and also add a little culture. Offering culture infused signature cocktails invites guests to take part in customs of the bride and groom and help honor their heritage. Easy DIY drink recipes won't break the bank, which means you get Practical and Cultural - our fave!

From Latin America to Europe across the pond, here are 10 of our favorite Globally Inspired Signature Drinks plus recipes, in two parts. Bottoms up!

Photo Sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

1. Caipirinha - The national drink of Brazil, caipirinha is a delicious, refreshing, and easy to prepare, a perfect signature drink for a hot summertime wedding! Made with limes, Cachaca (cane liquor) or rum, superfine sugar and crushed ice, this glass of goodness brings a light, festive feel to any reception. Now add some samba and carnaval dancers and you have a party! Here is a great step by step recipe.

2. Sangria - Sangria is the classic Spanish/Latin American accompaniment to summertime meals and another excellent choice for a hot summertime wedding. My husband actually made Sangria for our wedding - on that warm day, the sweet wine, fresh fruit and cold ice were a refreshing and delicious way to cool off. Sangria style is up to your taste, with lots of options for fruit, wine and special additions.  Just sort of throw it all together, pour over ice and enjoy. Here's a sangria recipe to get you started but creating your own recipe makes this your very own wedding drink.

3. Irish Coffee - Originating in Ireland in the 1940’s, Irish coffee is an excellent choice for late night receptions or wedding taking place in colder months. I love the idea of guests cuddling up to a warm cup of deliciousness - hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, stirred, and topped with thick cream. Get them pepped up for the dance floor with a Coffee Bar where they can sample Irish Coffee, a Hot Toddy and other gourmet java! Here are four yummy Irish Coffee recipes to try!

4. Red Lotus - Your wedding taking on an Asian flavor? How about the lychee flavored Red Lotus as your signature drink? Unique and memorable, the play between its lighter cranberry and heavier lychee flavors is both intensely sweet and delicately refreshing.  A great guest conversation piece, the lychee is native to low elevations of the provinces of Kwangtung and Fukien in southern China. Here is a quick easy Red Lotus recipe and info on Lycee.

5. The Painkiller - If you like exotic drinks with little umbrellas, this delicious British Virgin Island staple is for you. Concocted on the tiny Caribbean island of Jost Van Dyke, this signature drink is pure tropical - fruity tang with a creamy finish, a smooth, satisfying treat for a beach or destination wedding! It is an easy DIY recipe, finished off with a layer of nutmeg, a Painkiller must. And despite its name, there is no medication associated with this libation!

Which signature drink would you choose from our list for your wedding? Can't decide? No worries, we've got five more delicious ideas coming your way today!


Happy Concocting,

Photo of the Day: Rainy Day Wedding Shoes

I think the ol' saying goes "When the Universe gives you rain, stomp in rain puddles." Well that's what this bride thought anyway during her rainy early June wedding! Just go with the flow.  Photographer Kari Harer captured the perfect moment: the wedding party in Wellies, a conversation piece for the rest of this couple's life! I love the purple rain boots with the bride's lace wedding dress.

There is definitely something about Bridesmaids in rainboots that just gets the ol' tear factory going. I think it might have to do with their obviously love for their bridal bestie aka they wore galoshes with their fabulous dresses when they should have been wearing Jimmy Choo's. 

What do you think about today's photo of day? What would you do if it rained on your special day? Leave a comment below so we can share it on Twitter! Let's get this conversation started!

{Real Wedding} Kerri & Dennis: Rockin' Wedding Reception

A Modern Love Story - Part 2

A wedding wouldn't be complete without a festive reception and some dance floor grooves! Kerri and Dennis ducked the stress of wedding planning and headed out on a Norwegian cruise liner to say their I Do's. A fab reception was the order of the day for our dynamic duo a month or so after in order to celebrate with family and friends. Kerri, lucky girl, got to wear her ever fashionable short wedding dress and incredible shoes from her official wedding day. Sigh. I like shoes. 

How ADORABLE is this couple? Thank you again to Cook Productions out of Andover, MA, for allowing us to share these Fab-You-Lass official reception photos! 

At the Beverly Depot, Beverly, MA.

She is super FIERCE and he knows it!

At Endicott College where Kerri studied.

Congratulations Kerri and Dennis and thank you for sharing your love story and wedding celebration with us! You two are truly one fun, fabulous couple and we could all learn a lesson from you - at the end of the day, remember that your wedding is all about you! In addition, a wedding cruise/post reception both make smart money sense, which is always a good thing in our book.

Thank you again to Cook Productions allowing us to share these reception photos and to Norwegian Cruise for the wedding photos.

Which reception picture is your favorite? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below or hop over to Facebook or Twitter and LIKE/Follow de Lovely Affair!

Happy Monday to you,