03/15/2017

Bittersweet Coffee Mocktail

We find ourselves in the odd predicament of a winter snow and ice storm in mid-March, something that doesn’t happen too often in DC. So I’m in the mood for a dark and stormy mocktail to complement our weather: A Bittersweet Coffee Mocktail. â€“Andrew

Bittersweet Coffee Mocktail

2 oz Cold-Brewed Coffee
3/4 oz Grapefruit-Vanilla Shrub
3/4 oz Rosemary Syrup

To make the rosemary syrup: combine a cup of sugar, a cup of water, and a sprig of rosemary in a saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently until the sugar has melted, then remove from heat and allow the rosemary to infuse for 1o-20 minutes. Strain out the rosemary, bottle the syrup, and refrigerate.

Combine the coffee, grapefruit-vanilla shrub, and rosemary syrup in a mixing glass and stir with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a candied cherry and grapefruit peel.

Coffee is an incredibly versatile ingredient for mocktails, providing complex, bitter, and astringent notes that evoke bold spirits without the booze. Here, it serves as the backbone for a rich, bittersweet mocktail with an acidic edge.

But we didn’t want to just offer a glass of coffee. We also used a newly-released shrub from Element Shrub, one of our local DC-area makers. This shrub combines grapefruit and vanilla with apple cider vinegar; the bitterness of the grapefruit and the smoothness of the vanilla together evoke, surprisingly, chocolate â€“ which adds another rich, dark layer to this drink.

So, sweet chocolatey coffee â€“ sounds delicious, but that’s not a mocktail. We needed another ingredient to elevate our drink, to give it that botanical edge that so many great cocktails have. Rosemary syrup is a versatile ingredient for both mocktails and cocktails, so don’t feel bad about making a full bottle of the stuff â€“ you’ll use it faster than you think. It’s savory and herbaceous, a flavor profile reminiscent of herbaceous spirits like gin and dry vermouth.

As always, the goal with a mocktail isn’t to make a facsimile of a cocktail â€“ it’s to make a drink that’s every bit as grown up and sophisticated as a cocktail, but without the booze. It doesn’t have to be complicated â€“ just three ingredients are enough here.

Just remember, it is full of caffeine. Don’t drink too many of these late at night.

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Glassware by Liquorary

Photo Credits: Nole Garey for Oh So Beautiful Paper

03/14/2017

Whimsical Poppy and Eucalyptus Watercolor Wedding Invitations

It’s SNOWING here in DC, so I’m trying to distract myself from this situation with these whimsical poppy and eucalyptus watercolor wedding invitations from Kim of Bright Room Studio! We’ve had the pleasure of featuring many of Kim’s beautiful hand lettered and watercolor wedding invitations over the years, and I’m beyond thrilled that she recently released a new wedding invitation collection that makes it easier for brides and grooms to get Kim’s signature style without the pricetag and timeline of a custom invitation suite. Kim is here today to share one of her favorite designs from the new collection! We’re loving Kim’s cheerful script lettering paired with the gorgeous watercolor floral and eucalyptus elements!

From Kim: I’m so excited to share one of my favorite suites from my new Bright Room Studio Wedding Collection! I call this suite the Poppy design. This design was actually the last one I created. The other suites in the collection are all pretty simple and very typography based and I felt like I needed a little more watercolor and a little more floral in my life, so I started painting!

The florals are inspired by some of my favorite wedding bouquets, with big bold flowers, lots of texture and unusual elements like kumquats and berries. I love the cheery color palette because I think it works for any season; the greens and pinks are perfect for spring and summer, the orange tones lean a bit more toward fall and the touches of eucalyptus can even bring this suite into winter time.

I used the florals throughout the suite, but I think my favorite spot is on the Save the Date. I love how the wreath compliments the rest of the suite without being too “matchy matchy.” I think this might be my favorite piece in the whole collection!

I love when invitation suites come together in a way that is coordinated and cohesive but not matching, so I gave the particulars card a watercolor wash background for a little pop and to ground the whole group. I also just kept a small eucalyptus leave on the mini details card to break up the florals a bit. Everything goes together but no two pieces are the same.

I also love how the watercolor prints look on the lovely textured cotton paper. It almost looks like it was painted directly onto the card instead of digitally printed. All that texture really brings the florals to life.

The entire suite can be customized too! For brides who love the florals, you can select your hand-lettered script style, font, color, envelope colors, and which pieces you need to bring together your perfect suite. Each suite has the option of an invitation, RSVP, particulars card, weekend events card, mini card (that can be used for a website, reception details or any other little bit of info), save the date and return address stamp. I simply love how versatile a pre-designed collection can be for brides!

Thanks Kim!

Design: Bright Room Studio

Printing: Mercurio Brothers Printing

Bright Room Studio is a member of the Designer Rolodex â€“ you can see more of Kimâ€™s beautiful work right here or visit the real inviÂtaÂtions gallery for more wedding invitation ideas!

Photo Credits:Kim Roth

03/14/2017

Stationery A-Z: Belated Birthday Cards

We get it: you’re busy. And by the time Facebook reminds you that it’s someone’s birthday, you may feel it’s too late to send a birthday card (it’s not! A sincere message is always appreciated). However, it’s never too late to send a belated birthday card! Literally, there is no statute of limitations of how late is ‘too late’ so take advantage of a clever pun or beautiful illustration to simultaneously apologize and celebrate. From cute animals to cheeky messaging, there’s something to express thoughtful birthday wishes (while making up for the fact that you’re just a smidge late). Enjoy! â€“Shauna

From top right:

1. While we wish we all had the memory of elephants, the talented team over at Egg Press knows better.

2. Paula and Waffle remind us that if we are going to show up late, best to show up bearing gifts.

3. This sparkling, yet speed challenged snail is too cute for anyone to stay annoyed long. From the masters of sparkling die cuts, The Social Type.

4. You were warned! Puns abound is this category; this Banquet Workshop design is no exception.

5. Another day, another pun. Also, party beavers! This two color letterpress greeting comes cutesy of Smudge Ink.

6. We love Ashkahn for his radical honesty and irreverent humor. Also, hot pink envelopes.

7. Distracted by the internet is pretty much my life (and yours, I’m guessing) so why not tell it like it is with this Emily McDowell design.

8. Another winner from Egg Press – they were all so good, we decided to share them both.

9. Loving this perfectly illustrated representation of belated birthday from Hannah Berman for Paperless Post.

10. Once you’ve equated anything with the line at the DMV, it would be impossible for anyone to hold a grudge for long (from One Canoe Two).

11. This sloth from Rifle Paper Co. asks for forgiveness in the cutest way possible.

03/13/2017

French Chateau Inspired Calligraphy Wedding Invitations

You guys, I just CANNOT EVEN with these gorgeous calligraphed wedding invitations. Brandi of Brandi Smyth Photography teamed up with Shannon Inman of Paperglaze Calligraphy to create these absolutely stunning French Chateau inspired calligraphy wedding invitations for a wedding in southern Louisiana. Every single detail is just so beautiful, from the custom envelope liner to the beautiful deckle edge paper. And that gold wax seal! So much yes.

From Brandi: Pulling off a french chateau inspired wedding is not an easy task when you are in southern Louisiana. But boy do these invitations set the tone! Shannon with Paperglaze Calligraphy did an amazing job. She crafted a beautiful invitation suite for the couple, even going the extra mile and customizing the envelope liner with a french love poem. The wedding colors were very subdued and light, with mixes of ivory, soft blues and gold undertones. Shannon went with a navy blue ink to complement those colors and it turned out to be a beautiful choice! To top off the invitations they were sealed with a gold wax stamp and beautifully curated vintage stamps to perfectly complement the design.

Throughout the wedding there was a French “locks of love” theme. As guests arrived, instead of signing a traditional guest book, they signed small cards attached to locks and keys and placed them on a beautiful iron gate upon entering the ceremony site. From the French inspired food and beverage selections, to the floral arrangements and vows, it was a night to remember and you definitely did not feel like you were in Louisiana. Instead you escaped for a special celebration. The venue had beautiful tall cypress trees, gravel roads, ornate fountains, lush gardens, and the land around the venue appeared to having rolling hills, even a pond with ducks and geese. It was truly an enchanting evening. Shannon hand calligraphed invitation suite tied in beautifully with the aesthetic of the day and the theme was continued throughout each and every detail.

Thanks Brandi and Shannon!

Check out the Designer Rolodex for more talÂented wedÂding inviÂtaÂtion designÂers and the real inviÂtaÂtions gallery for more wedding invitation ideas!

Calligraphy: Paperglaze Calligraphy

Wax Seal: Nostalgic Impressions

Vintage Stamps: Verde Studio

Ribbon: FrouFrou Chic

Photo Credits: Brandi Smyth Photography

03/10/2017

Happy Weekend!

Happy Friday everyone! As I write this, snow and sleet are falling outside my office window after three straight days of 60-70 degree temperatures. What is UP with this crazy weather?? I’m just hoping the next few days of winter weather don’t hurt the cherry blossoms! I’ve spent the better part of the last few weeks working on something new and exciting that I can’t wait to share with all of you here! Soon, I hope! But in the meantime…