Fabulous Local Store Finds: Chalkboard Birds on a String

World Market always has the greatest finds, and these chalkboard birds are no exception! They are only $9.99 and would be a fun and cute addition to any wedding reception. Write a message to add a personal touch!

Fabulous Local Store Finds: Sea Shell Accent Piece

HomeGoods has these great sea shell accent pieces available for only $19.99.  They are perfect for the Carolina coastal bride and could serve as a fun and different centerpiece or simply as decoration.  

Charlotte Restaurant Week!

It's that time of the year again, Charlotte Restaurant Week! Charlotte is becoming quite the epicenter for great restaurants and top chefs. My husband and I love trying new restaurants and restaurant week is the best way to check-out Charlotte's finest upscale restaurants at a fraction of the price. Kicking-off on Friday, July 20th and going through Sunday, July 29th, you can dine at over 100 restaurants and enjoy a 3 course price fix meal for $30 per person. Yum! Check-out the details for Charlotte Restaurant Week here.

Here is my list of restaurants for the week!
Luce Ristorante e Bar
Delta's
LaVecchia’s Steaks & Seafood

Where do you planning on dining for restaurant week?

Etiquette: How to be a Good Guest

Everyone has had the opportunity to be the guest at a party, but sometimes we need a little refresher about what behavior is considered good guest etiquette. I came across a couple of articles that are great reminders of how to be a polite and respectful guest at any event, whether it be a cocktail party or an overnight stay. Real Simple Magazine lays out 10 easy ways to be a good guest. Some suggestions include: make sure you RSVP as soon as you receive the invitation, if you accept an invitation be sure to attend, and offer to help the host or hostess with anything he or she may need. Rachael Ray also has some great tips for guests on her website. Show up on time, bring a gift if you are attending a formal dinner party, and most importantly show your gratitude. You just might want to be invited back!

Source: Real Simple, Rachael Ray

Fabulous Local Store Find: Ceramic Table Number

I stumbled upon these great ceramic table numbers at Michaels the other day. They would be a bold addition to any tablescape and are available in numbers 1-9 in black and white for $8.99 a piece. You could even paint them to match your event color scheme!

Wedding Style - Bridal Hair

Deciding on your hairstyle for your wedding day, in some cases, might be just as difficult as finding the perfect dress. You want something that flatters your face, is comfortable, and something that will withstand hours of moving and dancing without falling flat. First, you should consider your hair type: is it straight or curly? If it is curly, will you straighten it for the big day? If straight, will it be able to hold a curl for the duration of the ceremony and reception? Second, how long is your hair? If it is short, how will you style it? Finally, think about the type of wedding you are having. A loose and flowing style is more appropriate for a beach wedding, while updos are a better choice for a more formal event. Either way, be sure to test it out with your veil before the big day. Check out these Oscar dos for a little inspiration! How amazing do these celebs look?

Source: In Style

Etiquette: What to Wear to a Wedding

Everyone knows the one cardinal rule of wedding guest attire: don’t wear white! However, there are many other questions that come to mind when deciding on an outfit for that special day. What is appropriate? How formal is the event? I stumbled upon a great guide on TheKnot.com that gives some excellent suggestions on how to avoid a fashion faux pas. Simply by looking at the invitation you can get some clues about what kind of attire is expected. If the invitation says white tie, stick to a full-length evening gown. A cocktail dress or long gown is appropriate for black tie. Black tie optional is a little trickier, but generally a long dress, cocktail dress, or even a dressy suit is appropriate. Finally, for a casual wedding, a sundress or a skirt or pants with a cute top are good options. No matter what, avoid jeans and anything too revealing. You can always consult other guests to get a better idea of what others will be wearing. If you’re still unsure, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Source: TheKnot.com, Jaime Lee Blog, Nordstrom

Fabulous Local Store Find: Essie Nail Polish

I'm loving the shades of teal and blue nail polishes for this summer! Target has these fun Essie colors, "turquoise & caicos," "beach bum blu," and "bikini so teeny" on sale for $6.50 each. Harper's Bazaar listed, "bikini so teeny" as one of summer's most in-demand nail colors! What's your favorite nail polish color this summer?

Source: HarpersBazaar.com

Wedding Style: The Wedding Dress

A wedding is one of the most important days in a person’s life. It is one that will be memorialized in hundreds of pictures and remembered by guests for years. For these reasons, everyone wants to look their best on this special occasion, whether you are the bride, groom, maid of honor, or even a guest. Look at this amazing gown by Monique Lhuillier!

Here are a few pieces of advice when looking for “the dress.” First, be sure to keep your venue in mind. Are you getting married on the beach, in a barn, or in a church? Second, discuss your budget before you go shopping. We don’t want you falling in love with something you can’t have! Finally, be true to your personal style. What’s most important is that you are happy on your wedding day. Source: Style Me Pretty

Etiquette: How to Properly Set Your Table

The most important aspect of any party is the table setting. Whether it is a dinner with close family or a more formal event, start out by placing the plate in the center of the placemat. To the left of the plate is the dinner fork, followed by the salad fork. To the right of the plate, place the knife with sharp edge towards the plate. The soup spoon is placed next to the knife. You can make changes to this guide based on what is being served. Salad and bread plates go to the left of the forks while glassware should be placed above the knife and spoon. Should you be serving soup, place the bowl on top of the plate.

It’s all about the details! Make sure to add unique touches, like a fun napkin or a beautiful dinner plate, to personalize the evening. Bon appétit!

Source: Mark Cutler Design, Green Wedding Shoes, Style Me Pretty